AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 25, 2016
1933 Act No. 333-74295
1940 Act No. 811-09253
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. [ ]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 448 [X]
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. [ ]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 449 [X]
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
525 Market Street
San Francisco, California 94105
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(800) 222-8222
(Registrant's Telephone Number)
C. David Messman
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC
525 Market Street, 12th Floor
San Francisco, California 94105
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
With a copy to:
Marco E. Adelfio, Esq.
Goodwin Procter LLP
901 New York Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001
It is propsed that this filing will become effective: (check appropriate box) |
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immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) |
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on March 1, 2016 pursuant to paragraph (b) |
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60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) |
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on [ ] pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) |
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75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) |
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on [ ] pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485 |
If appropriate, check the following box: |
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this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment |
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Explanatory Note: This Post-Effective Amendment No. 448 to the Registration Statement of Wells Fargo Funds Trust (the "Trust") is being filed primarily to add the audited financial statements and certain related financial information for the fiscal period ended October 31, 2015, for the Wells Fargo International Equity Funds, and to make certain other non-material changes to the Registration Statement.
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
PART A
WELLS FARGO INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS
PROSPECTUSES
Prospectus
March 1, 2016
International Equity Funds
Wells Fargo Fund
Class A
Class B
Class C
Wells Fargo Asia Pacific Fund
WFAAX
-
WFCAX
Wells Fargo Diversified International Fund
SILAX
SILBX
WFECX
Wells Fargo Emerging Markets Equity Fund
EMGAX
EMGBX
EMGCX
Wells Fargo Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
EQIAX
-
EQICX
Wells Fargo Global Opportunities Fund
EKGAX
EKGBX
EKGCX
Wells Fargo International Equity Fund
WFEAX
WFEBX
WFEFX
Wells Fargo Intrinsic World Equity Fund
EWEAX
-
EWECX
As with all mutual funds, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a crime.
Fund shares are NOT deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., its affiliates or any other depository institution. Fund shares are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency and may lose value.
SUPPLEMENT TO
PROSPECTUSES AND STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OF
WELLS FARGO SMALL TO MID CAP STOCK FUNDS
Wells Fargo Intrinsic Small Cap Value Fund
Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund
(each a “Fund”, together the “Funds”)
At a meeting held on February 17-18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of the Funds approved a change to the sub-adviser for each of the Funds to Wells Capital Management Incorporated (“Wells Capital Management”) in connection with the merger of Metropolitan
West Capital Management, LLC (“MetWest”), each Fund’s current sub-adviser, into Wells Capital Management (the “Merger”). The Merger is expected to take place on or about July 1, 2016 (the “Effective Date”). With
the completion of the Merger, MetWest personnel will become exclusively personnel of Wells Capital Management. The Merger will not result in any change to the services provided to the Funds or to their strategies or fees and expenses.
In addition, as of the Effective Date, the Prospectuses for each Fund are amended to include the following portfolio manager descriptions under Wells Capital Management in the section entitled “The Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers” in the
Funds’ Prospectuses:
WELLS FARGO LARGE CAP STOCK FUNDS
WELLS FARGO INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS
Wells Fargo Intrinsic World Equity Fund
On the Effective Date, all references in each Fund’s Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information to MetWest as a sub-adviser are hereby replaced with Wells Capital Management.
February 19, 2016
LCR026/P101SP
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Asia Pacific Fund Summary
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the aggregate in specified classes of certain Wells Fargo Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in "Share Classes Features" and "Reductions and Waivers of Sales Charges" on pages 47 and 48 of the Prospectus and "Additional Purchase and Redemption Information" on page 56 of the Statement of Additional Information.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
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Class A |
Class C |
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
5.75% |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None 1 |
1.00% |
1. |
Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge but generally will be subject to a deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed within 18 months from the date of purchase. |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
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Class A |
Class C |
Management Fees |
1.00% |
1.00% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
0.75% |
Other Expenses |
0.67% |
0.67% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.01% |
0.01% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.68% |
2.43% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.07)% |
(0.07)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.61% |
2.36% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 1.60% for Class A and 2.35% for Class C. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
Assuming Redemption at End of Period |
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Assuming No Redemption |
After: |
Class A |
Class C |
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Class C |
1 Year |
$729 |
$339 |
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$239 |
3 Years |
$1,068 |
$751 |
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$751 |
5 Years |
$1,429 |
$1,289 |
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$1,289 |
10 Years |
$2,442 |
$2,761 |
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$2,761 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 113% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in Asia Pacific Basin equity securities.
We invest principally in equity securities of companies in the Asia Pacific Basin. We define Asia Pacific Basin securities as securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office in the Asia Pacific Basin; (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is in the Asia Pacific Basin; or (3) issued by companies, regardless of where their securities are traded, that derive at least 50% of their revenue or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in the Asia Pacific Basin or that have at least 50% of their assets in the Asia Pacific Basin. The Asia Pacific Basin includes, among other countries, Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, some of which may be considered emerging market countries. We may use participation notes, which are a type of derivative.
We look for companies with the potential for above-average sales and earnings growth, overall financial strength, competitive advantages, and capable management. We may sell a holding when it no longer has these traits. Our investment strategy includes both a top-down strategy, which takes account of overall economic and market trends in each country, and a bottom-up strategy, in which we use fundamental research for security selection. In order to take advantage of the wide range of possible opportunities in a variety of markets at different stages of economic development, we construct the portfolio by seeking both growth and value opportunities in stocks of any market capitalization.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Geographic Emphasis Risk. A Fund that invests a significant portion of its assets in one country or geographic region will be more vulnerable than a fund that invests its assets more broadly to the economic, financial, political or other developments affecting that country or region. Such developments may have a significant impact on the Fund's investment performance causing such performance to be more volatile than the investment performance of a more geographically diversified fund.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Participation Notes Risk . The performance results of participation notes, which are a type of derivative, will not replicate exactly the performance of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate due to various factors, including transaction and other expenses. The transaction price of participation notes may not equal the underlying value of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets whose performance they seek to replicate.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Class A as of 12/31 each year
(returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did)
Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2009
+25.66%
Lowest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2008
-27.80%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts. After-tax returns are shown only for the Class A shares. After-tax returns for the Class C shares will vary.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Minimum Investments |
To Buy or Sell Shares |
Minimum Initial Investment
|
Mail:
Wells Fargo Funds
|
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Diversified International Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the aggregate in specified classes of certain Wells Fargo Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in "Share Classes Features" and "Reductions and Waivers of Sales Charges" on pages 47 and 48 of the Prospectus and "Additional Purchase and Redemption Information" on page 56 of the Statement of Additional Information.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|||
|
Class A |
Class B |
Class C |
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of
|
5.75% |
None |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None 1 |
5.00% |
1.00% |
1. |
Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge but generally will be subject to a deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed within 18 months from the date of purchase. |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at the amounts shown above. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 31% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers, and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in the equity securities of foreign issuers through the use of three different styles of international equity management: an international growth style, subadvised by Artisan Partners Limited Partnership; an international value style, sub-advised by LSV Asset Management; and an international blend style, sub-advised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated. We invest primarily in developed countries, but may invest in emerging market countries and may invest in equity securities of any market capitalization. Furthermore, we may use futures, options or participation notes to manage risk or to enhance return. We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership (Artisan Partners)
Artisan Partners employs a fundamental stock selection process to identify long-term growth opportunities to build a portfolio
of non-U.S. growth companies of any market capitalization. Artisan Partners seeks to invest in companies within its preferred
themes with sustainable growth characteristics at attractive valuations that do not fully reflect their long-term potential.
Artisan Partners may sell a stock when Artisan Partners thinks the stock is approaching full valuation, the company exhibits
deteriorating fundamentals, changing circumstances affect the original reasons for its purchase, or more attractive opportunities
are identified.
LSV Asset Management (LSV)
LSV invests in equity securities of foreign issuers which it believes are undervalued in the marketplace at the time of purchase
and show recent positive signals, such as an appreciation in prices and increase in earnings. LSV believes that these securities
have the potential to produce future returns if their future growth exceeds the market's low expectations. LSV uses a quantitative
investment model to make investment decisions for the Fund. The investment model ranks securities based on fundamental measures
of value (such as the dividend yield) and indicators of near-term recovery (such as recent price appreciation). A stock is
typically sold if the model indicates a decline in its ranking or if a stock's relative portfolio weight has appreciated significantly
(relative to the Fund's benchmark).
Wells Capital Management Incorporated (Wells Capital Management)
Wells Capital Management invests in equity securities of foreign issuers by using bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth
fundamental research as the cornerstone of its investment process. During each stage of the process, Wells Capital Management
also considers the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth
prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. The investment process seeks
both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes have
strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments,
Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic
value. Wells Capital Management may purchase securities across any market capitalization. Wells Capital Management may sell
a stock if it achieves its investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly,
if it changes its view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Multi-Manager Management Risk. A Fund with multiple sub-advisers is subject to the risk that the investment decisions made by a sub-adviser may conflict with those of another sub-adviser.
Options Risk. A Fund that purchases options, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of a loss of premiums without offsetting gains. A Fund that writes options receives a premium that may be small relative to the loss realized in the event of adverse changes in the value of the underlying instruments.
Participation Notes Risk . The performance results of participation notes, which are a type of derivative, will not replicate exactly the performance of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate due to various factors, including transaction and other expenses. The transaction price of participation notes may not equal the underlying value of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets whose performance they seek to replicate.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Class A as of 12/31 each year
(returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did)
Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2009
+22.32%
Lowest Quarter: 4th Quarter 2008
-20.89%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts. After-tax returns are shown only for the Class A shares. After-tax returns for the Class B and Class C shares will vary.
Manager |
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since |
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC |
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership |
Mark L. Yockey, CFA , Portfolio Manager/2004 |
|
LSV Asset Management |
Josef Lakonishok
, Portfolio Manager/2004
|
|
Wells Capital Management Incorporated |
Dale Winner, CFA , Portfolio Manager/2012 |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Minimum Investments
|
To Buy or Sell Shares |
Minimum Initial Investment
Minimum Additional Investment
|
Mail:
Wells Fargo Funds
|
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Emerging Markets Equity Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the aggregate in specified classes of certain Wells Fargo Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in "Share Classes Features" and "Reductions and Waivers of Sales Charges" on pages 47 and 48 of the Prospectus and "Additional Purchase and Redemption Information" on page 56 of the Statement of Additional Information.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|||
|
Class A |
Class B |
Class C |
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of
|
5.75% |
None |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None 1 |
5.00% |
1.00% |
1. |
Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge but generally will be subject to a deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed within 18 months from the date of purchase. |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at the amounts shown above. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 8% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in equity or other listed securities of emerging market companies. We consider emerging market companies to include companies that are traded in, have their primary operations in, are domiciled in or derive a majority of their revenue from emerging market countries as defined by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. We may use futures to manage risk or to enhance return. The Fund may have exposure to stocks across any capitalizations and styles and will be diversified across countries and sectors.
Utilizing a bottom-up stock selection process, we seek to invest in quality companies at prices below their intrinsic value. From the available stock universe we focus only on those quality companies that are able to sustain high profitability over a long period of time for reasons we can understand. Such companies not only create value for investors from profitable investment of retained earnings and dividend payout, but also preserve value and protect investors from the risk of permanent capital loss. Among the characteristics we seek in high-quality companies are strong competitive position, demonstrable financial strength and profitability, quality management dedicated to public shareholders' interest, and favorable growth prospect supported by major long-term trends. We place an equal emphasis on understanding each company's intrinsic value and will only invest when a company's stock trades at a meaningful discount to this value. We do not attempt to anticipate or react to short term market fluctuations, but instead seek to take advantage of periodic market inefficiencies to buy the high quality companies at prices below our assessment of their intrinsic value. We have a disciplined approach to the monitoring and sale of holdings and our decisions to trim or sell out of positions may be triggered when a stock price exceeds its intrinsic value or when there is a material deterioration in the fundamentals of the company.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Class A as of 12/31 each year
(returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did)
Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2009
+31.82%
Lowest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2008
-24.77%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts. After-tax returns are shown only for the Class A shares. After-tax returns for the Class B and Class C shares will vary.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Minimum Investments
|
To Buy or Sell Shares |
Minimum Initial Investment
Minimum Additional Investment
|
Mail:
Wells Fargo Funds
|
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund Summary
The Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation and current income.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the aggregate in specified classes of certain Wells Fargo Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in "Share Classes Features" and "Reductions and Waivers of Sales Charges" on pages 47 and 48 of the Prospectus and "Additional Purchase and Redemption Information" on page 56 of the Statement of Additional Information.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Class A |
Class C |
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
5.75% |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None 1 |
1.00% |
1. |
Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge but generally will be subject to a deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed within 18 months from the date of purchase. |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
||
|
Class A |
Class C |
Management Fees |
1.15% |
1.15% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
0.75% |
Other Expenses |
0.71% |
0.71% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.02% |
0.02% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.88% |
2.63% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.21)% |
(0.21)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.67% |
2.42% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 1.65% for Class A and 2.40% for Class C. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
Assuming Redemption at End of Period |
|
|
Assuming No Redemption |
After: |
Class A |
Class C |
|
Class C |
1 Year |
$735 |
$345 |
|
$245 |
3 Years |
$1,113 |
$798 |
|
$798 |
5 Years |
$1,514 |
$1,376 |
|
$1,376 |
10 Years |
$2,633 |
$2,948 |
|
$2,948 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 84% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of companies in emerging market countries; and
across any market capitalization.
We consider emerging market countries to be, among others, countries included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
We look for companies with a sustainable high dividend yield backed by strong company financials and fundamentals, including
above-average sales and earnings growth, overall financial strength, competitive advantages, and capable management. We may
sell a holding when it no longer has some or all of these traits. Our investment strategy includes both a top-down strategy,
which takes account of overall economic and market trends in each country, and a bottom-up strategy, in which we use fundamental
research for security selection. In order to take advantage of the wide range of possible opportunities in a variety of markets
at different stages of economic development, we construct the portfolio with the potential for maximum portfolio dividend
yield while maintaining a controlled level of risk.
We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Class A as of 12/31 each year
(returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did)
Highest Quarter:
2nd Quarter 2014
+7.28%
Lowest Quarter:
3rd Quarter 2015
-14.76%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts. After-tax returns are shown only for the Class A shares. After-tax returns for the Class C shares will vary.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Minimum Investments |
To Buy or Sell Shares |
Minimum Initial Investment
|
Mail:
Wells Fargo Funds
|
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Global Opportunities Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the aggregate in specified classes of certain Wells Fargo Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in "Share Classes Features" and "Reductions and Waivers of Sales Charges" on pages 47 and 48 of the Prospectus and "Additional Purchase and Redemption Information" on page 56 of the Statement of Additional Information.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|||
|
Class A |
Class B |
Class C |
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of
|
5.75% |
None |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None 1 |
5.00% |
1.00% |
1. |
Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge but generally will be subject to a deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed within 18 months from the date of purchase. |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at the amounts shown above. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 42% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's total assets in equity securities of small- to medium-sized companies;
in the securities of companies located in no fewer than three countries, which may include the U.S., and we may invest more than 25% of the Fund's total assets in any one country; and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in equity securities of small- to medium- sized companies, which we define as companies with market capitalizations within the range of the S&P Global MidSmall Cap Index at the time of purchase. The market capitalization range of the S&P Global MidSmall Cap Index was approximately $16 million to $33.5 billion, as of January 31, 2015, and is expected to change frequently. We consider foreign securities to be securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. Furthermore, we may use futures, options or forward foreign currency contracts to manage risk or to enhance return.
In selecting equity investments for the Fund, the portfolio managers attempt to identify companies that are well managed, positioned to achieve above average increases in revenue and/or free cash flow and otherwise have strong prospects for continued growth and/or that are undervalued companies relative to an assessment of their intrinsic value. We utilize international and U.S. specialist investment teams, each of which seeks small- to medium-sized companies with improving outlooks at reasonable valuations. We believe the global small capitalization and mid capitalization markets are inefficient and that stocks are often inappropriately valued. Our process utilizes both fundamentally based, bottom-up techniques with top-down, industry and sector analysis to identify global opportunities. We conduct ongoing review, research, and analysis of our portfolio holdings. We may sell a stock if it achieves our investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly, if we change our view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio. We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Geographic Emphasis Risk. A Fund that invests a significant portion of its assets in one country or geographic region will be more vulnerable than a fund that invests its assets more broadly to the economic, financial, political or other developments affecting that country or region. Such developments may have a significant impact on the Fund's investment performance causing such performance to be more volatile than the investment performance of a more geographically diversified fund.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Options Risk. A Fund that purchases options, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of a loss of premiums without offsetting gains. A Fund that writes options receives a premium that may be small relative to the loss realized in the event of adverse changes in the value of the underlying instruments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Class A as of 12/31 each year
(returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did)
Highest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2009
+21.51%
Lowest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2011
-24.54%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts. After-tax returns are shown only for the Class A shares. After-tax returns for the Class B and Class C shares will vary.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Minimum Investments
|
To Buy or Sell Shares |
Minimum Initial Investment
Minimum Additional Investment
|
Mail:
Wells Fargo Funds
|
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
International Equity Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the aggregate in specified classes of certain Wells Fargo Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in "Share Classes Features" and "Reductions and Waivers of Sales Charges" on pages 47 and 48 of the Prospectus and "Additional Purchase and Redemption Information" on page 56 of the Statement of Additional Information.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|||
|
Class A |
Class B |
Class C |
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of
|
5.75% |
None |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None 1 |
5.00% |
1.00% |
1. |
Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge but generally will be subject to a deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed within 18 months from the date of purchase. |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 1.14% for Class A, 1.89% for Class B and 1.89% for Class C. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 27% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers;
up to 30% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities; and
in securities of at least three different countries including the U.S.
The types of securities in which we normally invest include common stock, preferred stock, rights, warrants and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). We consider equity securities of foreign issuers (or foreign securities) to be equity securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. We may use futures or forward foreign currency contracts to manage risk or to enhance return.
We use bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth fundamental research as the cornerstone of our investment process. During each stage of the process, we also consider the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. Sector and country weights result from rather than determine our stock-selection decisions. Our investment process seeks both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, we target companies that we believe have strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments, we target companies that we believe are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic value. Additionally, we seek to identify catalysts that will unlock value, which will then be recognized by the market. We may purchase securities across any market capitalization.
We conduct ongoing review, research, and analysis of our portfolio holdings. We may sell a stock if it achieves our investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly, if we change our view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Class A as of 12/31 each year
(returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did)
Highest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2009
+18.28%
Lowest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2011
-21.95%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts. After-tax returns are shown only for the Class A shares. After-tax returns for the Class B and Class C shares will vary.
Manager |
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since |
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC |
Wells Capital Management Incorporated |
Dale Winner, CFA , Portfolio Manager/2012 |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Minimum Investments
|
To Buy or Sell Shares |
Minimum Initial Investment
Minimum Additional Investment
|
Mail:
Wells Fargo Funds
|
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Intrinsic World Equity Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the aggregate in specified classes of certain Wells Fargo Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in "Share Classes Features" and "Reductions and Waivers of Sales Charges" on pages 47 and 48 of the Prospectus and "Additional Purchase and Redemption Information" on page 56 of the Statement of Additional Information.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Class A |
Class C |
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
5.75% |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None 1 |
1.00% |
1. |
Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge but generally will be subject to a deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed within 18 months from the date of purchase. |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
||
|
Class A |
Class C |
Management Fees |
0.85% |
0.85% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
0.75% |
Other Expenses |
0.60% |
0.60% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.00% |
0.00% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.45% |
2.20% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.10)% |
(0.10)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.35% |
2.10% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at the amounts shown above. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
Assuming Redemption at End of Period |
|
|
Assuming No Redemption |
After: |
Class A |
Class C |
|
Class C |
1 Year |
$705 |
$313 |
|
$213 |
3 Years |
$998 |
$679 |
|
$679 |
5 Years |
$1,313 |
$1,171 |
|
$1,171 |
10 Years |
$2,202 |
$2,526 |
|
$2,526 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 32% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of companies located in no fewer than three countries, which may include the U.S., and we may invest more than 25% of the Fund's total assets in any one country;
between 30% and 70% of the Fund's total assets in equity securities of U.S. companies; and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest primarily in developed countries, but may invest up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities. We invest principally in equity securities of approximately 40 to 60 companies located worldwide, diversifying fund holdings across sectors, industries and countries. We consider foreign securities to be securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. The Fund may invest in companies located in countries with developed or emerging markets and in stocks of any market capitalization.
We utilize a long-term focus that is intended to take advantage of investment opportunities presented by what we believe are short-term price anomalies in high-quality stocks. We seek to identify companies with established operating histories, financial strength and management expertise, among other factors. We seek stocks that are trading at a discount to what we believe are their intrinsic values. Fundamental research is performed to identify securities for the portfolio with one or more catalysts present that we believe will unlock the intrinsic value of the securities over the next three to five years. These catalysts may include productive use of strong free cash flow, productivity gains, positive change in management or control, innovative or competitively superior products, increasing shareholder focus, or resolution of ancillary problems or misperceptions. We may sell a holding if the value potential is realized, if warning signs emerge of beginning fundamental deterioration or if the valuation is no longer compelling relative to other investment opportunities. We may invest in any sector or country, and at times we may emphasize one or more particular sectors or countries.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Focused Portfolio Risk. Changes in the value of a small number of issuers are likely to have a larger impact on a Fund's net asset value than if the Fund held a greater number of issuers.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Geographic Emphasis Risk. A Fund that invests a significant portion of its assets in one country or geographic region will be more vulnerable than a fund that invests its assets more broadly to the economic, financial, political or other developments affecting that country or region. Such developments may have a significant impact on the Fund's investment performance causing such performance to be more volatile than the investment performance of a more geographically diversified fund.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Class A as of 12/31 each year
(returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did)
Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2009
+25.16%
Lowest Quarter: 4th Quarter 2008
-18.80%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts. After-tax returns are shown only for the Class A shares. After-tax returns for the Class C shares will vary.
1. |
On or about July 1, 2016, following the merger of Metropolitan West Capital Management, LLC into Wells Capital Management Incorporated, the sub-adviser for the Fund will become Wells Capital Management Incorporated. The portfolio managers of the Fund will not change as a result of this merger. |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Minimum Investments |
To Buy or Sell Shares |
Minimum Initial Investment
|
Mail:
Wells Fargo Funds
|
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Key Fund Information
This Prospectus contains information about one or more Funds within the Wells Fargo Funds family and is designed to provide you with important information to help you with your investment decisions. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.
In this Prospectus, "we" generally refers to Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC ("Funds Management"), the relevant sub-adviser(s), if applicable, or the portfolio manager(s). "We" may also refer to a Fund's other service providers. "You" refers to the shareholder or potential investor.
Investment Objective and Principal Investment Strategies
The investment objective of each Fund in this Prospectus is non-fundamental; that is, it can be changed by a vote of the Board of Trustees ("Board") alone. The objective and strategies description for each Fund tells you:
what the Fund is trying to achieve;
how we intend to invest your money; and
what makes the Fund different from the other Funds offered in this Prospectus.
This section also provides a summary of each Fund's principal investment policies and practices. Unless otherwise indicated, these investment policies and practices apply on an ongoing basis. Percentages of "the Fund's net assets" are measured as percentages of net assets plus borrowings for investment purposes. The investment policy of the Asia Pacific Fund, Diversified International Fund (formerly named International Equity Fund), Emerging Markets Equity Fund, Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, International Equity Fund and Intrinsic World Equity Fund concerning "80% of the Fund's net assets" may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval, but shareholders would be given at least 60 days' notice.
This section lists the principal investment risks for each Fund. A complete description of these and other risks is found in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section. It is possible to lose money by investing in a Fund.
Asia Pacific Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in Asia Pacific Basin equity securities.
We invest principally in equity securities of companies in the Asia Pacific Basin. We define Asia Pacific Basin securities as securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office in the Asia Pacific Basin; (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is in the Asia Pacific Basin; or (3) issued by companies, regardless of where their securities are traded, that derive at least 50% of their revenue or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in the Asia Pacific Basin or that have at least 50% of their assets in the Asia Pacific Basin. The Asia Pacific Basin includes, among other countries, Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, some of which may be considered emerging market countries. We may use participation notes, which are a type of derivative.
We look for companies with the potential for above-average sales and earnings growth, overall financial strength, competitive advantages, and capable management. We may sell a holding when it no longer has these traits. Our investment strategy includes both a top-down strategy, which takes account of overall economic and market trends in each country, and a bottom-up strategy, in which we use fundamental research for security selection. In order to take advantage of the wide range of possible opportunities in a variety of markets at different stages of economic development, we construct the portfolio by seeking both growth and value opportunities in stocks of any market capitalization.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Diversified International Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers, and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in the equity securities of foreign issuers through the use of three different styles of international equity management: an international growth style, subadvised by Artisan Partners Limited Partnership; an international value style, sub-advised by LSV Asset Management; and an international blend style, sub-advised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated. We invest primarily in developed countries, but may invest in emerging market countries and may invest in equity securities of any market capitalization. Furthermore, we may use futures, options or participation notes to manage risk or to enhance return. We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership (Artisan Partners)
Artisan Partners employs a fundamental stock selection process to identify long-term growth opportunities to build a portfolio
of non-U.S. growth companies of any market capitalization. Artisan Partners seeks to invest in companies within its preferred
themes with sustainable growth characteristics at attractive valuations that do not fully reflect their long-term potential.
Artisan Partners may sell a stock when Artisan Partners thinks the stock is approaching full valuation, the company exhibits
deteriorating fundamentals, changing circumstances affect the original reasons for its purchase, or more attractive opportunities
are identified.
LSV Asset Management (LSV)
LSV invests in equity securities of foreign issuers which it believes are undervalued in the marketplace at the time of purchase
and show recent positive signals, such as an appreciation in prices and increase in earnings. LSV believes that these securities
have the potential to produce future returns if their future growth exceeds the market's low expectations. LSV uses a quantitative
investment model to make investment decisions for the Fund. The investment model ranks securities based on fundamental measures
of value (such as the dividend yield) and indicators of near-term recovery (such as recent price appreciation). A stock is
typically sold if the model indicates a decline in its ranking or if a stock's relative portfolio weight has appreciated significantly
(relative to the Fund's benchmark).
Wells Capital Management Incorporated (Wells Capital Management)
Wells Capital Management invests in equity securities of foreign issuers by using bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth
fundamental research as the cornerstone of its investment process. During each stage of the process, Wells Capital Management
also considers the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth
prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. The investment process seeks
both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes have
strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments,
Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic
value. Wells Capital Management may purchase securities across any market capitalization. Wells Capital Management may sell
a stock if it achieves its investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly,
if it changes its view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Derivatives Risk
Emerging Markets Risk
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Futures Contracts Risk
Investment Style Risk
|
Management Risk
Market Risk
Multi-Manager Management Risk
Options Risk
Participation Notes Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in equity or other listed securities of emerging market companies. We consider emerging market companies to include companies that are traded in, have their primary operations in, are domiciled in or derive a majority of their revenue from emerging market countries as defined by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. We may use futures to manage risk or to enhance return. The Fund may have exposure to stocks across any capitalizations and styles and will be diversified across countries and sectors.
Utilizing a bottom-up stock selection process, we seek to invest in quality companies at prices below their intrinsic value. From the available stock universe we focus only on those quality companies that are able to sustain high profitability over a long period of time for reasons we can understand. Such companies not only create value for investors from profitable investment of retained earnings and dividend payout, but also preserve value and protect investors from the risk of permanent capital loss. Among the characteristics we seek in high-quality companies are strong competitive position, demonstrable financial strength and profitability, quality management dedicated to public shareholders' interest, and favorable growth prospect supported by major long-term trends. We place an equal emphasis on understanding each company's intrinsic value and will only invest when a company's stock trades at a meaningful discount to this value. We do not attempt to anticipate or react to short term market fluctuations, but instead seek to take advantage of periodic market inefficiencies to buy the high quality companies at prices below our assessment of their intrinsic value. We have a disciplined approach to the monitoring and sale of holdings and our decisions to trim or sell out of positions may be triggered when a stock price exceeds its intrinsic value or when there is a material deterioration in the fundamentals of the company.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Derivatives Risk
Emerging Markets Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Futures Contracts Risk
|
Investment Style Risk
Management Risk
Market Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
The Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation and current income.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of companies in emerging market countries; and
across any market capitalization.
We consider emerging market countries to be, among others, countries included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
We look for companies with a sustainable high dividend yield backed by strong company financials and fundamentals, including
above-average sales and earnings growth, overall financial strength, competitive advantages, and capable management. We may
sell a holding when it no longer has some or all of these traits. Our investment strategy includes both a top-down strategy,
which takes account of overall economic and market trends in each country, and a bottom-up strategy, in which we use fundamental
research for security selection. In order to take advantage of the wide range of possible opportunities in a variety of markets
at different stages of economic development, we construct the portfolio with the potential for maximum portfolio dividend
yield while maintaining a controlled level of risk.
We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Derivatives Risk
Emerging Markets Risk
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
|
Investment Style Risk
Management Risk
Market Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Global Opportunities Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's total assets in equity securities of small- to medium-sized companies;
in the securities of companies located in no fewer than three countries, which may include the U.S., and we may invest more than 25% of the Fund's total assets in any one country; and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in equity securities of small- to medium- sized companies, which we define as companies with market capitalizations within the range of the S&P Global MidSmall Cap Index at the time of purchase. The market capitalization range of the S&P Global MidSmall Cap Index was approximately $16 million to $33.5 billion, as of January 31, 2015, and is expected to change frequently. We consider foreign securities to be securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. Furthermore, we may use futures, options or forward foreign currency contracts to manage risk or to enhance return.
In selecting equity investments for the Fund, the portfolio managers attempt to identify companies that are well managed, positioned to achieve above average increases in revenue and/or free cash flow and otherwise have strong prospects for continued growth and/or that are undervalued companies relative to an assessment of their intrinsic value. We utilize international and U.S. specialist investment teams, each of which seeks small- to medium-sized companies with improving outlooks at reasonable valuations. We believe the global small capitalization and mid capitalization markets are inefficient and that stocks are often inappropriately valued. Our process utilizes both fundamentally based, bottom-up techniques with top-down, industry and sector analysis to identify global opportunities. We conduct ongoing review, research, and analysis of our portfolio holdings. We may sell a stock if it achieves our investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly, if we change our view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio. We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Derivatives Risk
Emerging Markets Risk
Foreign Currency Transactions Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Futures Contracts Risk
Geographic Emphasis Risk
|
Investment Style Risk
Management Risk
Market Risk
Options Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
International Equity Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers;
up to 30% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities; and
in securities of at least three different countries including the U.S.
The types of securities in which we normally invest include common stock, preferred stock, rights, warrants and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). We consider equity securities of foreign issuers (or foreign securities) to be equity securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. We may use futures or forward foreign currency contracts to manage risk or to enhance return.
We use bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth fundamental research as the cornerstone of our investment process. During each stage of the process, we also consider the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. Sector and country weights result from rather than determine our stock-selection decisions. Our investment process seeks both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, we target companies that we believe have strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments, we target companies that we believe are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic value. Additionally, we seek to identify catalysts that will unlock value, which will then be recognized by the market. We may purchase securities across any market capitalization.
We conduct ongoing review, research, and analysis of our portfolio holdings. We may sell a stock if it achieves our investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly, if we change our view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of companies located in no fewer than three countries, which may include the U.S., and we may invest more than 25% of the Fund's total assets in any one country;
between 30% and 70% of the Fund's total assets in equity securities of U.S. companies; and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest primarily in developed countries, but may invest up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities. We invest principally in equity securities of approximately 40 to 60 companies located worldwide, diversifying fund holdings across sectors, industries and countries. We consider foreign securities to be securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. The Fund may invest in companies located in countries with developed or emerging markets and in stocks of any market capitalization.
We utilize a long-term focus that is intended to take advantage of investment opportunities presented by what we believe are short-term price anomalies in high-quality stocks. We seek to identify companies with established operating histories, financial strength and management expertise, among other factors. We seek stocks that are trading at a discount to what we believe are their intrinsic values. Fundamental research is performed to identify securities for the portfolio with one or more catalysts present that we believe will unlock the intrinsic value of the securities over the next three to five years. These catalysts may include productive use of strong free cash flow, productivity gains, positive change in management or control, innovative or competitively superior products, increasing shareholder focus, or resolution of ancillary problems or misperceptions. We may sell a holding if the value potential is realized, if warning signs emerge of beginning fundamental deterioration or if the valuation is no longer compelling relative to other investment opportunities. We may invest in any sector or country, and at times we may emphasize one or more particular sectors or countries.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Emerging Markets Risk
Focused Portfolio Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Geographic Emphasis Risk
|
Investment Style Risk
Management Risk
Market Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Description of Principal Investment Risks
Understanding the risks involved in mutual fund investing will help you make an informed decision that takes into account your risk tolerance and preferences. The risks that are most likely to have a material effect on a particular Fund as a whole are called "principal risks." The principal risks for each Fund have been previously identified and are described below. Additional information about the principal risks is included in the Statement of Additional Information.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the derivatives' underlying assets, indexes or rates and the derivatives themselves, which may be magnified by certain features of the derivatives. These risks are heightened when derivatives are used to enhance a Fund's return or as a substitute for a position or security, rather than solely to hedge (or mitigate) the risk of a position or security held by the Fund. The success of a derivative strategy will be affected by the portfolio manager's ability to assess and predict market or economic developments and their impact on the derivatives' underlying assets, indexes or rates and the derivatives themselves. Certain derivative instruments may become illiquid and, as a result, may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so. Certain derivatives create leverage, which can magnify the impact of a decline in the value of their underlying assets, indexes or rates and increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value. Certain derivatives (e.g., over-the-counter swaps) are also subject to the risk that the counterparty to the derivative contract will be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, which may cause a Fund to lose money, suffer delays or incur costs arising from holding or selling an underlying asset. Changes in laws or regulations may make the use of derivatives more costly, may limit the availability of derivatives, or may otherwise adversely affect the use, value or performance of derivatives.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. For example, emerging market countries are typically more dependent on exports and are therefore more vulnerable to recessions in other countries. Emerging markets tend to have less developed legal and financial systems and a smaller market capitalization than markets in developed countries. Some emerging markets are subject to greater political instability. Additionally, emerging markets may have more volatile currencies and be more sensitive than developed markets to a variety of economic factors, including inflation. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Focused Portfolio Risk. Changes in the value of a small number of issuers are likely to have a larger impact on a Fund's net asset value than if the Fund held a greater number of issuers.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk. A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes. The Fund's gains from positions in foreign currency contracts may accelerate and/or lead to recharacterization of the Fund's income or gains and its distributions to shareholders. The Fund's losses from such positions may also lead to recharacterization of the Fund's income and its distributions to shareholders and may cause a return of capital to Fund shareholders.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign companies may be subject to significantly higher levels of taxation than U.S. companies, including potentially confiscatory levels of taxation, thereby reducing the earnings potential of such foreign companies. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Such changes may reduce the U.S. dollar value of the investments. Foreign investments may be subject to additional risks such as potentially higher withholding and other taxes, and may also be subject to greater trade settlement, custodial, and other operational risks than domestic investments. Certain foreign markets may also be characterized by less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Geographic Emphasis Risk. A Fund that invests a significant portion of its assets in one country or geographic region will be more vulnerable than a fund that invests its assets more broadly to the economic, financial, political or other developments affecting that country or region. Such developments may have a significant impact on the Fund's investment performance causing such performance to be more volatile than the investment performance of a more geographically diversified fund.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions. As a result, a Fund's performance may at times be worse than the performance of other mutual funds that invest more broadly or in securities of a different investment style.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Multi-Manager Management Risk. A Fund with multiple sub-advisers is subject to the risk that the investment decisions made by a sub-adviser may conflict with those of another sub-adviser. For example, at any particular time a sub-adviser may purchase a security being sold by another sub-adviser, resulting in transaction costs with potentially no change to the Fund's overall portfolio.
Options Risk. A Fund that purchases options, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that gains, if any, realized on the position, will be less than the amount paid as premiums to the writer of the option. A Fund that writes options receives a premium that may be small relative to the loss realized in the event of adverse changes in the value of the underlying instruments. A Fund that writes covered call options gives up the opportunity to profit from any price increase in the underlying security above the option exercise price while the option is in effect. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in values of options and their underlying securities and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain options.
Participation Notes Risk. The performance results of participation notes, which are a type of derivative, will not replicate exactly the performance of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate due to various factors, including transaction and other expenses. The transaction price of participation notes may not equal the underlying value of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets whose performance they seek to replicate. Moreover, a Fund has no rights under a participation note against the issuer of the underlying security.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies. Smaller companies may have no or relatively short operating histories, limited financial resources or may be newly public companies. Some of these companies have aggressive capital structures, including high debt levels, or are involved in rapidly growing or changing industries and/or new technologies.
Portfolio Holdings Information
A description of the Wells Fargo Funds' policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of the Wells Fargo Funds' portfolio holdings is available in the Funds' Statement of Additional Information. In addition, Funds Management will, from time to time, include portfolio holdings information in periodic commentaries for certain Funds. The substance of the information contained in such commentaries will also be posted to the Funds' website at wellsfargofunds.com.
A Fund's NAV is the value of a single share. The NAV is calculated as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open, although a Fund may deviate from this calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances. The NAV is calculated separately for each class of shares of a multiple-class Fund. The most recent NAV for each class of a Fund is available at wellsfargofunds.com. To calculate the NAV of a Fund's shares, the Fund's assets are valued and totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the balance, called net assets, is divided by the number of shares outstanding. The price at which a purchase or redemption request is processed is based on the next NAV calculated after the request is received in good order. Generally, NAV is not calculated, and purchase and redemption requests are not processed, on days that the NYSE is closed for trading; however under unusual or unexpected circumstances a Fund may elect to remain open even on days that the NYSE is closed or closes early. To the extent that a Fund's assets are traded in various markets on days when the Fund is closed, the value of the Fund's assets may be affected on days when you are unable to buy or sell Fund shares. Conversely, trading in some of a Fund's assets may not occur on days when the Fund is open.
With respect to any portion of a Fund's assets that may be invested in other mutual funds, the value of the Fund's shares is based on the NAV of the shares of the other mutual funds in which the Fund invests. The valuation methods used by mutual funds in pricing their shares, including the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing, are included in the Prospectuses of such funds. To the extent a Fund invests a portion of its assets in non-registered investment vehicles, the Fund's interests in the non-registered vehicles are fair valued at NAV.
With respect to a Fund's assets invested directly in securities, the Fund's investments are generally valued at current market prices. Equity securities, options and futures are generally valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last reported sales price on the primary exchange or market on which they are listed (closing price). Equity securities that are not traded primarily on an exchange are generally valued at the quoted bid price obtained from a broker-dealer.
Debt securities are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing service or, if a reliable price is not available, the quoted bid price from an independent broker-dealer.
We are required to depart from these general valuation methods and use fair value pricing methods to determine the values of certain investments if we believe that the closing price or the quoted bid price of a security, including a security that trades primarily on a foreign exchange, does not accurately reflect its current market value at the time as of which a Fund calculates its NAV. The closing price or the quoted bid price of a security may not reflect its current market value if, among other things, a significant event occurs after the closing price or quoted bid price but before the time as of which a Fund calculates its NAV that materially affects the value of the security. We use various criteria, including a systemic evaluation of U.S. market moves after the close of foreign markets, in deciding whether a foreign security's market price is still reliable and, if not, what fair market value to assign to the security. In addition, we use fair value pricing to determine the value of investments in securities and other assets, including illiquid securities, for which current market quotations or evaluated prices from a pricing service or broker-dealer are not readily available.
The fair value of a Fund's securities and other assets is determined in good faith pursuant to policies and procedures adopted by the Fund's Board of Trustees. In light of the judgment involved in making fair value decisions, there can be no assurance that a fair value assigned to a particular security is accurate or that it reflects the price that the Fund could obtain for such security if it were to sell the security at the time as of which fair value pricing is determined. Such fair value pricing may result in NAVs that are higher or lower than NAVs based on the closing price or quoted bid price. See the Statement of Additional Information for additional details regarding the determination of NAVs.
The Manager
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC ("Funds Management"), headquartered at 525 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, provides advisory and Fund-level administrative services to the Funds pursuant to an investment management agreement (the "Management Agreement"). Funds Management is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, a publicly traded diversified financial services company that provides banking, insurance, investment, mortgage and consumer financial services. Funds Management is a registered investment adviser that provides investment management services for registered mutual funds, closed-end funds and other funds and accounts.
Funds Management is responsible for implementing the investment objectives and strategies of the Funds. To assist Funds Management in performing these responsibilities, Funds Management has contracted with one or more subadvisers to provide day-to-day portfolio management services to the Funds. Funds Management employs a team of investment professionals who identify and recommend the initial hiring of each Fund's sub-adviser(s) and supervise and monitor the activities of the sub-adviser(s) on an ongoing basis. Funds Management retains overall responsibility for the investment activities of the Funds.
Funds Management's investment professionals review and analyze each Fund's performance, including relative to peer funds, and monitor each Fund's compliance with its investment objective and strategies. Funds Management is responsible for reporting to the Board on investment performance and other matters affecting the Funds. When appropriate, Funds Management recommends to the Board enhancements to Fund features, including changes to Fund investment objectives, strategies and policies. Funds Management also communicates with shareholders and intermediaries about Fund performance and features.
Funds Management is also responsible for providing Fund-level administrative services, which include, among others, providing such services in connection with the Funds' operations; developing and implementing procedures for monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements and compliance with the Funds' investment objectives, policies and restrictions; and providing any other Fund-level administrative services reasonably necessary for the operation of the Funds other than those services that are provided by the Funds' transfer and dividend disbursing agent, custodian, and fund accountant.
For providing these investment management services, Funds Management is entitled to receive the fees disclosed in the row captioned "Management Fees" in each Fund's table of Annual Fund Operating Expenses. Funds Management compensates each sub-adviser from the fees Funds Management receives for its services pursuant to the Management Agreement. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the Management Agreement and sub-advisory agreements is included in the Funds' Annual Report for the period ended October 31st.
Prior to July 1, 2015, Funds Management provided advisory services to the Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement ("Advisory Agreement"). The Management Agreement, which became effective July 1, 2015, combines the terms of the Advisory Agreement with the terms of the Funds' prior Amended and Restated Administration Agreement applicable to Fund-level administrative services. For a Fund's most recent fiscal year end, the advisory fee paid to Funds Management pursuant to the Advisory Agreement (prior to July 1, 2015) together with the management fee paid to Funds Management pursuant to the Management Agreement (beginning on July 1, 2015), each net of any applicable waivers and reimbursements, was as follows:
Management Fees Paid |
|
|
As a % of average daily net assets |
Asia Pacific Fund |
0.87% |
Diversified International Fund |
0.44% |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
1.03% |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund |
0.88% |
Global Opportunities Fund |
0.93% |
International Equity Fund |
0.52% |
Intrinsic World Equity Fund |
0.76% |
The Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers
The following sub-advisers and portfolio managers provide day-to-day portfolio management services to the Funds. These services include making purchases and sales of securities and other investment assets for the Funds, selecting broker-dealers, negotiating brokerage commission rates and maintaining portfolio transaction records. The sub-advisers are compensated for their services by Funds Management from the fees Funds Management receives for its services as investment manager to the Funds. The Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities in the Funds.
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership ("Artisan Partners"), a registered investment adviser located at 875 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800, Milwaukee, WI 53202, serves as the sub-adviser and provides portfolio management services to one or more Funds. Artisan Partners provides investment management services to pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, endowments, foundations, charitable organizations, governmental entities, and investment companies and similar pooled investment vehicles.
Mark L. Yockey, CFA
|
Mr. Yockey joined Artisan Partners in 1995, where he currently serves as a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager for Artisan Partners' non-U.S. growth, non-U.S. small-cap growth, global small-cap growth and global equity investment strategies. |
LSV Asset Management ("LSV"), is a registered investment adviser located at 155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4600, Chicago, IL 60606. LSV provides investment management services to other mutual funds, corporate clients, endowments and foundations in addition to multi-employer and public investment plans.
Metropolitan West Capital Management, LLC ("MWCM"), is a registered investment adviser located at 610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1000, Newport Beach, CA 92660. MWCM, an affiliate of Wells Capital Management Incorporated and indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, provides investment management services to pension plans, endowments, mutual funds, and individual investors.
Jean-Baptiste Nadal, CFA
|
Mr. Nadal joined MWCM in 2011, where he is a Managing Director and serves as Lead Portfolio Manager. Prior to joining MWCM, Mr. Nadal was a Managing Member at Nadal Capital Management, LLC. |
Jeffrey Peck
|
Mr. Peck joined MWCM in 2004, where he currently serves as a Managing Director and Lead Portfolio Manager. |
Wells Capital Management Incorporated ("Wells Capital Management"), is a registered investment adviser located at 525 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Wells Capital Management, an affiliate of Funds Management and indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, is a multi-boutique asset management firm committed to delivering superior investment services to institutional clients, including mutual funds.
Multi-Manager Arrangement
The Funds and Funds Management have obtained an exemptive order from the SEC that permits Funds Management, subject to Board approval, to select certain sub-advisers and enter into or amend sub-advisory agreements with them, without obtaining shareholder approval. The SEC order extends to sub-advisers that are not otherwise affiliated with Funds Management or the Funds, as well as sub-advisers that are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Funds Management or of a company that wholly owns Funds Management ("Multi-Manager Sub-Advisers").
Pursuant to the order, Funds Management, with Board approval, may hire or replace Multi-Manager Sub-Advisers for each Fund that is eligible to rely on the order. Funds Management, subject to Board oversight, has the responsibility to oversee Multi-Manager Sub-Advisers and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. If a new sub-adviser is hired for a Fund pursuant to the order, the Fund is required to notify shareholders within 90 days. The Funds that are eligible to rely on the order are not required to disclose the individual fees that Funds Management pays to a Multi-Manager Sub-Adviser.
Share Class Eligibility
Please see the section entitled "Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares" in the Fund Summary for a schedule of minimum investment
amounts. Purchases made through a customer account at an intermediary may be subject to different minimum investment amounts.
Please contact your financial professional for additional information.
We allow reduced minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts if you sign up for an automatic investment plan. For additional
information regarding available automatic plans, please see the section entitled "Account Policies" below.
Your Fund may offer other classes of shares in addition to those offered through this Prospectus. You may be eligible to
invest in one or more of these other classes of shares. Each share class bears varying expenses and may differ in other features.
Consult your financial professional for more information regarding a Fund's available share classes.
The information in this Prospectus is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any non-U.S. jurisdiction
or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to any law or regulation, or which would subject Fund shares to
any registration requirement within such jurisdiction or country.
The table below summarizes the key features of the share classes offered through this Prospectus. You should review the "Reductions and Waivers of Sales Charges" section of the Prospectus before choosing which share class to buy. You also should review your Fund's table of Annual Fund Operating Expenses, as other fees and expenses may vary by class.
|
Class A |
Class B 1 |
Class C |
Front-End Sales Charge |
5.75% |
None |
None |
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) |
None (except that if you redeem Class A shares purchased at or above the $1,000,000 breakpoint level within eighteen months from the date of purchase, you will pay a CDSC of 1.00%) |
5% and declines until it reaches 0% at the beginning of the 7th year |
1.00% if shares are sold within one year from the date of purchase. |
Ongoing Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
None |
0.75% |
0.75% |
Shareholder Servicing Fee |
0.25% |
0.25% |
0.25% |
Purchase Maximum |
None |
Not to equal or exceed $100,000 |
Not to equal or exceed $1,000,000 |
Annual Expenses |
Lower ongoing expenses than Classes B and C |
Higher ongoing expenses than Class A because of 12b-1 fees |
Higher ongoing expenses than Class A because of 12b-1 fees |
Conversion Feature |
None |
Converts to Class A shares after a certain number of years depending on the Fund, so annual expenses decrease |
None |
1. |
Class B shares are closed to new investors and additional investments from existing shareholders, except in connection with the reinvestment of any distributions, a permitted exchange and the closing of a reorganization. Class B share attributes, including associated CDSC schedules, conversion features, any applicable CDSC waivers, and distribution plan and shareholder servicing plan fees, continue in effect. |
Information regarding sales charges, breakpoint levels, reductions and waivers is also available free of charge on our website at wellsfargofunds.com. You may wish to discuss your choice of share class with your financial professional.
Class A Shares Sales Charges
If you choose to buy Class A shares, you will pay the public offering price (POP) which is the net asset value (NAV) plus the applicable sales charge. Since sales charges are reduced for Class A share purchases above certain dollar amounts, known as "breakpoint levels," the POP is lower for these purchases. The dollar amount of the sales charge is the difference between the POP of the shares purchased (based on the applicable sales charge in the table below) and the NAV of those shares. As described below, existing holdings may count towards meeting the breakpoint level applicable to an additional purchase. Because of rounding in the calculation of the POP, the actual sales charge you pay may be more or less than that calculated using the percentages shown below.
1. |
If you redeem Class A shares purchased at or above the $1,000,000 breakpoint level within eighteen months from the date of purchase, you will pay a CDSC of 1.00% of the NAV of the shares on the date of original purchase. Certain exceptions apply (see "CDSC Waivers"). |
2. |
The commission paid to an Intermediary on purchases above the $1,000,000 breakpoint level includes an advance of the first year's shareholder servicing fee. |
Class B Shares Sales Charges
Class B shares are closed to new investors and to additional investments from existing shareholders, except that existing shareholders of Class B shares may reinvest any distributions into Class B shares and exchange their Class B shares for Class B shares of other Wells Fargo Funds (as permitted by our exchange policy) and may receive Class B shares of a Fund in a reorganization. Class B share attributes, including associated CDSC schedules, conversion features, any applicable CDSC waivers, and distribution plan and shareholder servicing plan fees, continue in effect. To determine whether a CDSC applies to a redemption, the Fund will first redeem shares acquired by reinvestment of any distributions and then will redeem shares in the order in which they were purchased (such that shares held the longest are redeemed first). You will not be assessed a CDSC on Class B shares you redeem that were purchased with reinvested distributions. Class B share exchanges will not trigger a CDSC and the new shares received in the exchange will continue to age according to the original shares' CDSC schedule and will be charged the CDSC applicable to the original shares upon redemption.
Class C Shares Sales Charges
If you choose Class C shares, you buy them at NAV and the Fund's distributor pays sales commissions of up to 1.00% of the purchase price to the intermediary. These commissions include an advance of the first year's distribution and shareholder servicing fee. If you redeem your shares within one year from the date of purchase, you will pay a CDSC of 1.00%. The CDSC percentage you pay is applied to the NAV of the shares on the date of original purchase. To determine whether the CDSC applies to a redemption, the Fund will first redeem shares acquired by reinvestment of any distributions and then will redeem shares in the order in which they were purchased (such that shares held the longest are redeemed first). You will not be assessed a CDSC on Class C shares you redeem that were purchased with reinvested distributions. Class C share exchanges will not trigger a CDSC and the new shares received in the exchange will continue to age according to the original shares' CDSC schedule and will be charged the CDSC applicable to the original shares upon redemption.
Reductions and Waivers of Sales Charges
You should consider whether you are eligible for any of the reductions or waivers of sales charges discussed below when you
are deciding which share class to buy. If you believe you are eligible for such a reduction or waiver, it is up to you to
ask your financial professional or the Fund's transfer agent for the reduction or waiver and to provide appropriate proof
of eligibility, such as account statements or other records. Consult the section entitled "Additional Purchase and Redemption
Information" in the Statement of Additional Information for further details regarding reductions and waivers of sales charges,
which we may change from time to time.
We reserve the right to enter into agreements that reduce or waive sales charges for other groups or classes of shareholders
in addition to those outlined below. If you own Fund shares as part of another account such as an IRA or a sweep account,
you should review the terms applicable to that account, which may supersede the terms described here. Contact your financial
professional for more information.
Front-End Sales Charge Reductions
You may be eligible for a reduction in the front-end sales charge applicable to purchases of Class A shares under the following circumstances:
You pay a lower sales charge if you are investing an amount over a breakpoint level. See "Class A Shares Sales Charges" above.
By signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) prior to purchase, you pay a lower sales charge now in exchange for promising to invest an amount over a specified breakpoint level within the next 13 months in one or more Wells Fargo Funds. Purchases made prior to signing the LOI as well as reinvested dividends and capital gains do not count as purchases made during this period. We will hold in escrow shares equal to approximately 5% of the amount you say you intend to buy. If you do not invest the amount specified in the LOI before the expiration date, we will redeem enough escrowed shares to pay the difference between the reduced sales charge you paid and the sales charge you should have paid. Otherwise, we will release the escrowed shares to you when you have invested the agreed upon amount.
Rights of Accumulation (ROA) allow you to aggregate Class A, Class B, Class C and WealthBuilder Portfolio shares of any Wells Fargo Fund already owned (excluding Wells Fargo money market fund shares, unless you notify us that you previously paid a sales charge on those assets) in order to reach breakpoint levels and to qualify for sales charge reductions on subsequent purchases of Class A or WealthBuilder Portfolio shares. The purchase amount used in determining the sales charge on your purchase will be calculated by multiplying the maximum POP by the number of Class A, Class B, Class C and WealthBuilder Portfolio shares of any Wells Fargo Fund already owned and adding the dollar amount of your current purchase. The following table provides information about the types of accounts that can and cannot be aggregated to qualify for sales charge reductions:
Can this type of account be aggregated? |
Yes |
No |
Individual accounts |
X |
|
Joint accounts |
X |
|
UGMA/UTMA accounts |
X |
|
Trust accounts over which the shareholder has individual or shared authority |
X |
|
Solely owned business accounts |
X |
|
Traditional and Roth IRAs |
X |
|
SEP IRAs |
X |
|
SIMPLE IRAs |
X |
|
Group Retirement Plans |
|
X |
529 Plan accounts 1 |
|
X |
1. |
These accounts may be aggregated at the plan level for purposes of establishing eligibility for sales charge reductions. When plan assets a Fund's Class A, Class B, Class C and WealthBuilder Portfolio shares (excluding Wells Fargo money market fund shares) reach a breakpoint level, all plan participants benefit from the reduced sales charge. Participant accounts will not be aggregated with personal accounts. |
Based on the above chart, if you believe that you own shares in one or more accounts that can be aggregated with your current purchase to reach a sales charge breakpoint level, you must, at the time of your purchase specifically identify those shares to your financial professional or the Fund's transfer agent. Only balances currently held entirely either in accounts with the Funds or, if held in an account through an intermediary, at the same firm through which you are making your current purchase, will be eligible to be aggregated with your current purchase for determining your Class A sales charge. For an account to qualify for a sales charge reduction, it must be registered in the name of, or held for, the shareholder, his or her spouse or domestic partner, as recognized by applicable state law, or his or her children under the age of 21. Class A shares purchased at NAV will not be aggregated with other shares for purposes of receiving a sales charge reduction.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers
If you fall into any of the following categories, you can buy Class A shares without a front-end sales charge:
You pay no sales charges on Fund shares you buy with reinvested distributions.
You pay no sales charges on Fund shares you purchase with the proceeds of a redemption of either Class A or Class B shares of the same Fund within 90 days of the date of redemption. The purchase must be made back into the same account or, if the purchase is being made with the proceeds of a redemption of Class B shares, the purchase must be made into an identically registered Class A share account of the same Fund. Subject to the Fund's policy regarding frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares, you may not be able to exercise this provision for the first 30 days after your redemption. You may also purchase WealthBuilder Portfolio shares with no sales charge with the proceeds of a redemption of your Class A, Class B or Class C shares within 90 days of the date of redemption, provided that the purchase is made into an identically registered WealthBuilder Portfolio account. Systematic transactions through the automatic investment plan, the automatic exchange plan and the systematic withdrawal plan are excluded from these provisions.
Current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of:
Wells Fargo Funds (including any predecessor funds);
Wells Fargo & Company and its affiliates; and
family members (spouse, domestic partner, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren and siblings (including step and
in-law)) of any of the foregoing.
Current employees of:
the Fund's transfer agent;
broker-dealers who act as selling agents;
family members (spouse, domestic partner, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren and siblings (including step and
in-law)) of any of the foregoing; and
a Fund's sub-adviser(s), but only for the Fund(s) for which such sub-adviser provides investment advisory services.
Qualified registered investment advisers who buy through an intermediary who has entered into an agreement with the Fund's distributor that allows for load-waived Class A purchases.
Insurance company separate accounts.
Funds of Funds, subject to review and approval by Funds Management.
Group employer-sponsored retirement and deferred compensation plans and group employer-sponsored employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans. Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEPs, SARSEPs, SIMPLE IRAs, Keogh plans, individual 401(k) plans, individual 403(b) plans as well as shares held in commission-based broker-dealer accounts do not qualify under this waiver.
Investors who purchase shares that are to be included in certain "wrap accounts," including such specified investors who trade through an omnibus account maintained with a Fund by an intermediary.
Investors who purchase shares through a self-directed brokerage account program offered by an intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Fund's distributor. Intermediaries offering such programs may or may not charge transaction fees.
Investors opening IRA accounts with assets directly transferred from a qualified retirement plan using Wells Fargo Institutional Retirement Trust or another Wells Fargo affiliate for recordkeeping services. For such IRAs to qualify, a Wells Fargo-affiliated entity must hold the account directly on the books of the Fund's transfer agent, and the services of another intermediary may not be utilized with respect to the IRA.
CDSC Waivers
You will not be assessed a CDSC on Fund shares you redeem that were purchased with reinvested distributions.
We waive the CDSC for all redemptions made because of scheduled (Internal Revenue Code Section 72(t)(2) withdrawal schedule) or mandatory distributions (withdrawals generally made after age 70½ according to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines) from traditional IRAs and certain other retirement plans. (See your retirement plan information for details or contact your retirement plan administrator.)
We waive the CDSC for redemptions made in the event of the last surviving shareholder's death or for a disability suffered after purchasing shares. ("Disabled" is defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 72(m)(7).)
We waive the CDSC for redemptions made at the direction of Funds Management in order to, for example, complete a merger or effect a Fund liquidation.
We waive the CDSC for Class C shares redeemed by employer-sponsored retirement plans where the dealer of record waived its commission at the time of purchase.
Compensation to Financial Professionals and Intermediaries
Distribution Plan
Each Fund has adopted a distribution plan (12b-1 Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), for the classes indicated below. The 12b-1 Plan authorizes the Fund to make payments for services and activities that are primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares and to reimburse expenses incurred in connection with such services and activities. The 12b-1 Plan provides that, to the extent any shareholder servicing payments are deemed to be payments for the financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares, such payments are deemed to have been approved under the 12b-1 Plan. The fees paid under the 12b-1 Plan are as follows:
Fund |
Class B |
Class C |
Asia Pacific Fund |
N/A |
0.75% |
Diversified International Fund |
0.75% |
0.75% |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
0.75% |
0.75% |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund |
N/A |
0.75% |
Global Opportunities Fund |
0.75% |
0.75% |
International Equity Fund |
0.75% |
0.75% |
Intrinsic World Equity Fund |
N/A |
0.75% |
These fees are paid out of the relevant Class's assets on an ongoing basis. Over time, these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than other types of sales charges.
Shareholder Servicing Plan
Each Fund has adopted a shareholder servicing plan (Servicing Plan). The Servicing Plan authorizes the Fund to enter into agreements with the Fund's distributor, manager, or any of their affiliates to provide or engage other entities to provide certain shareholder services, including establishing and maintaining shareholder accounts, processing and verifying purchase, redemption and exchange transactions, and providing such other shareholder liaison or related services as may reasonably be requested. The fees paid under the Servicing Plan are as follows:
Fund |
Class A |
Class B |
Class C |
Asia Pacific Fund |
0.25% |
N/A |
0.25% |
Diversified International Fund |
0.25% |
0.25% |
0.25% |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
0.25% |
0.25% |
0.25% |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund |
0.25% |
N/A |
0.25% |
Global Opportunities Fund |
0.25% |
0.25% |
0.25% |
International Equity Fund |
0.25% |
0.25% |
0.25% |
Intrinsic World Equity Fund |
0.25% |
N/A |
0.25% |
Additional Payments to Financial Professionals and Intermediaries.
In addition to dealer reallowances and payments made by each Fund for distribution and shareholder servicing, the Fund's
manager, the distributor or their affiliates make additional payments ("Additional Payments") to certain financial professionals
and intermediaries for selling shares and providing shareholder services, which include broker-dealers and 401(k) service
providers and recordkeepers. These Additional Payments, which may be significant, are paid by the Fund's manager, the distributor
or their affiliates, out of their revenues, which generally come directly or indirectly from Fund fees.
In return for these Additional Payments, each Fund's manager and distributor expect the Fund to receive certain marketing
or servicing considerations that are not generally available to mutual funds whose sponsors do not make such payments. Such
considerations are expected to include, without limitation, placement of the Fund on a list of mutual funds offered as investment
options to the intermediary's clients (sometimes referred to as "Shelf Space"); access to the intermediary's financial professionals;
and/or ability to assist in training and educating the intermediary's financial professionals.
The Additional Payments may create potential conflicts of interest between an investor and a financial professional or intermediary
who is recommending or making available a particular mutual fund over other mutual funds. Before investing, you should consult
with your financial professional and review carefully any disclosure by the intermediary as to what compensation the intermediary
receives from mutual fund sponsors, as well as how your financial professional is compensated.
The Additional Payments are typically paid in fixed dollar amounts, based on the number of customer accounts maintained by
an intermediary, or based on a percentage of sales and/or assets under management, or a combination of the above. The Additional
Payments are either up-front or ongoing or both and differ among intermediaries. Additional Payments to an intermediary that
is compensated based on its customers' assets typically range between 0.05% and 0.30% in a given year of assets invested in
a Fund by the intermediary's customers. Additional Payments to an intermediary that is compensated based on a percentage of
sales typically range between 0.10% and 0.15% of the gross sales of a Fund attributable to the financial intermediary.
More information on the FINRA member firms that have received the Additional Payments described in this section is available
in the Statement of Additional Information, which is on file with the SEC and is also available on the Wells Fargo Funds
website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
For more information regarding buying and selling Fund shares, please visit wellsfargofunds.com. You may buy (purchase) and sell (redeem) Fund shares as follows:
Requests in "Good Order". All purchase and redemption requests must be received in "good order." This means that a request generally must include:
The Fund name(s), 1 share class(es) and account number(s);
The amount (in dollars or shares) and type (purchase or redemption) of the request;
If by mail, the signature of each registered owner as it appears in the account application;
For purchase requests, payment of the full amount of the purchase request (see "Payment" below);
For redemption requests, a Medallion Guarantee if required (see "Medallion Guarantee" below); and
Any supporting legal documentation that may be required.
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When all or a portion of a payment is received for investment without a clear Fund designation ("Undesignated Payment"), we may direct the undesignated portion or the entire amount, as applicable, into the Wells Fargo Money Market Fund. Such Undesignated Payment will remain invested in shares of the Wells Fargo Money Market Fund until you later direct us to redeem or exchange these shares at the next NAV calculated after we receive your request in good order. |
Purchase and redemption requests in good order will be processed at the next NAV calculated after the Fund's transfer agent or an authorized intermediary 1 receives your request. If your request is not received in good order, additional documentation may be required to process your transaction. We reserve the right to waive any of the above requirements.
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The Fund's shares may be purchased through an intermediary that has entered into a dealer agreement with the Fund's distributor. The Fund has approved the acceptance of a purchase or redemption request effective as of the time of its receipt by such an authorized intermediary or its designee as long as the request is received by one of those entities prior to the Fund's closing time. We reserve the right to adjust the closing time in certain circumstances. |
Medallion Guarantee. A Medallion Guarantee is only required for a mailed redemption request under the following circumstances: (1) if the address on your account was changed within the last 15 days; (2) if the amount of the redemption request exceeds $100,000 and is to be paid to a bank account that is not currently on file with Wells Fargo Funds or if all of the owners of your Wells Fargo Fund account are not included in the registration of the bank account provided; or (3) if the redemption request proceeds are to be paid to a third party. You can get a Medallion Guarantee at a financial institution such as a bank or brokerage house. We do not accept notarized signatures.
Payment. Payment for Fund shares may be made as follows:
By Wire |
Purchases into a new or existing account may be funded by using the following wire instructions:
|
By Check |
Make checks payable to Wells Fargo Funds. |
By Exchange |
Identify an identically registered Wells Fargo Fund account from which you wish to exchange (see "Exchanging Fund Shares" below for restrictions on exchanges). |
By Electronic Funds Transfer ("EFT") |
Additional purchases for existing accounts may be funded by EFT using your linked bank account. |
All payments must be in U.S. dollars, and all checks and EFTs must be drawn on U.S. banks. You will be charged a $25.00 fee
for every check or EFT that is returned to us as unpaid.
Form of Redemption Proceeds.
You may request that your redemption proceeds be sent to you by check, by EFT into a linked bank account, or by wire to a
linked bank account. Please call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222 regarding the requirements for linking bank accounts
or for wiring funds. Although, under normal circumstances, we satisfy redemption requests by making cash payments, we reserve
the right to determine in our sole discretion whether to satisfy redemption requests by making payments in securities. In
such cases, we may satisfy all or part of a redemption request by making payment in securities equal in value to the amount
of the redemption payable to you as permitted under the 1940 Act, and the rules thereunder, in which case the redeeming shareholder
should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of any securities received.
Timing of Redemption Proceeds.
We normally will send out checks within one business day after we accept your request to redeem. We reserve the right to
delay payment for up to seven days. If you wish to redeem shares purchased by check, by EFT or through the Automatic Investment
Plan within seven days of purchase, you may be asked to resubmit your redemption request if your payment has not yet cleared.
Payment of redemption proceeds may be delayed for longer than seven days under extraordinary circumstances or as permitted
by the SEC in order to protect remaining shareholders. Such extraordinary circumstances are discussed further in the Statement
of Additional Information.
Retirement Plans and Other Products.
If you purchased shares through a packaged investment product or retirement plan, read the directions for redeeming shares
provided by the product or plan. There may be special requirements that supersede or are in addition to the requirements in
this Prospectus.
Exchanging Fund Shares
Exchanges between two funds involve two transactions: (1) the redemption of shares of one fund; and (2) the purchase of shares of another. In general, the same rules and procedures described under "Buying and Selling Fund Shares" apply to exchanges. There are, however, additional policies and considerations you should keep in mind while making or considering an exchange:
In general, exchanges may be made between like share classes of any fund in the Wells Fargo Funds complex offered to the general public for investment (i.e., a fund not closed to new accounts), with the following exceptions: (1) Class A shares of non-money market funds may also be exchanged for Service Class shares of any money market fund; (2) Service Class shares may be exchanged for Class A shares of any non-money market fund; and (3) WealthBuilder Portfolio shares may be exchanged for shares of any other WealthBuilder Portfolio or for the Wells Fargo Money Market Fund Class A shares.
If you make an exchange between Class A shares of a money market fund and Class A shares of a non-money market fund, you will buy the shares at the POP of the new fund unless you are otherwise eligible to buy shares at NAV.
Same-fund exchanges between share classes are permitted subject to the following conditions: (1) the shareholder must meet the eligibility guidelines of the class being purchased in the exchange; (2) exchanges out of Class A and Class C shares would not be allowed if shares are subject to a CDSC; and (3) for non-money market funds, in order to exchange into Class A shares, the shareholder must be able to qualify to purchase Class A shares at NAV based on current Prospectus guidelines.
An exchange request will be processed on the same business day, provided that both funds are open at the time the request is received. If one or both funds are closed, the exchange will be processed on the following business day.
You should carefully read the Prospectus for the Fund into which you wish to exchange.
Every exchange involves redeeming fund shares, which may produce a capital gain or loss for tax purposes.
If you are making an initial investment into a fund through an exchange, you must exchange at least the minimum initial investment amount for the new fund, unless your balance has fallen below that amount due to investment performance.
If you are making an additional investment into a fund that you already own through an exchange, you must exchange at least the minimum subsequent investment amount for the fund you are exchanging into.
Class B and Class C share exchanges will not trigger a CDSC. The new shares received in the exchange will continue to age according to the original shares' CDSC schedule and will be charged the CDSC applicable to the original shares upon redemption.
Generally, we will notify you at least 60 days in advance of any changes in the above exchange policies.
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares
Wells Fargo Funds reserves the right to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Purchases or exchanges that a Fund determines could harm the Fund may be rejected.
Excessive trading by Fund shareholders can negatively impact a Fund and its long-term shareholders in several ways, including disrupting Fund investment strategies, increasing transaction costs, decreasing tax efficiency, and diluting the value of shares held by long-term shareholders. Excessive trading in Fund shares can negatively impact a Fund's long-term performance by requiring it to maintain more assets in cash or to liquidate portfolio holdings at a disadvantageous time. Certain Funds may be more susceptible than others to these negative effects. For example, Funds that have a greater percentage of their investments in non-U.S. securities may be more susceptible than other Funds to arbitrage opportunities resulting from pricing variations due to time zone differences across international financial markets. Similarly, Funds that have a greater percentage of their investments in small company securities may be more susceptible than other Funds to arbitrage opportunities due to the less liquid nature of small company securities. Both types of Funds also may incur higher transaction costs in liquidating portfolio holdings to meet excessive redemption levels. Fair value pricing may reduce these arbitrage opportunities, thereby reducing some of the negative effects of excessive trading.
Wells Fargo Funds, other than the Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Conservative Income Fund, Ultra Short-Term Income Fund and Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund ("Ultra-Short Funds") and the money market funds, (the "Covered Funds"). The Covered Funds are not designed to serve as vehicles for frequent trading. The Covered Funds actively discourage and take steps to prevent the portfolio disruption and negative effects on long-term shareholders that can result from excessive trading activity by Covered Fund shareholders. The Board has approved the Covered Funds' policies and procedures, which provide, among other things, that Funds Management may deem trading activity to be excessive if it determines that such trading activity would likely be disruptive to a Covered Fund by increasing expenses or lowering returns. In this regard, the Covered Funds take steps to avoid accommodating frequent purchases and redemptions of shares by Covered Fund shareholders. Funds Management monitors available shareholder trading information across all Covered Funds on a daily basis. If a shareholder redeems $5,000 or more (including redemptions that are part of an exchange transaction) from a Covered Fund, that shareholder is "blocked" from purchasing shares of that Covered Fund (including purchases that are part of an exchange transaction) for 30 calendar days after the redemption. This policy does not apply to:
Money market funds;
Ultra-Short Funds;
Dividend reinvestments;
Systematic investments or exchanges where the financial intermediary maintaining the shareholder account identifies the transaction as a systematic redemption or purchase at the time of the transaction;
Rebalancing transactions within certain asset allocation or "wrap" programs where the financial intermediary maintaining a shareholder account is able to identify the transaction as part of an asset allocation program approved by Funds Management;
Transactions initiated by a "fund of funds" or Section 529 Plan into an underlying fund investment;
Permitted exchanges between share classes of the same Fund;
Certain transactions involving participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans, including: participant withdrawals due to mandatory distributions, rollovers and hardships, withdrawals of shares acquired by participants through payroll deductions, and shares acquired or sold by a participant in connection with plan loans; and
Purchases below $5,000 (including purchases that are part of an exchange transaction).
The money market funds and the Ultra-Short Funds. Because the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds are often used for short-term investments, they are designed to accommodate more frequent purchases and redemptions than the Covered Funds. As a result, the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds do not anticipate that frequent purchases and redemptions, under normal circumstances, will have significant adverse consequences to the money market funds or Ultra-Short Funds or their shareholders. Although the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds do not prohibit frequent trading, Funds Management will seek to prevent an investor from utilizing the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds to facilitate frequent purchases and redemptions of shares in the Covered Funds in contravention of the policies and procedures adopted by the Covered Funds.
All Wells Fargo Funds . In addition, Funds Management reserves the right to accept purchases, redemptions and exchanges made in excess of applicable trading restrictions in designated accounts held by Funds Management or its affiliate that are used at all times exclusively for addressing operational matters related to shareholder accounts, such as testing of account functions, and are maintained at low balances that do not exceed specified dollar amount limitations.
In the event that an asset allocation or "wrap" program is unable to implement the policy outlined above, Funds Management may grant a program-level exception to this policy. A financial intermediary relying on the exception is required to provide Funds Management with specific information regarding its program and ongoing information about its program upon request.
A financial intermediary through whom you may purchase shares of the Fund may independently attempt to identify excessive trading and take steps to deter such activity. As a result, a financial intermediary may on its own limit or permit trading activity of its customers who invest in Fund shares using standards different from the standards used by Funds Management and discussed in this Prospectus. Funds Management may permit a financial intermediary to enforce its own internal policies and procedures concerning frequent trading rather than the policies set forth above in instances where Funds Management reasonably believes that the intermediary's policies and procedures effectively discourage disruptive trading activity. If you purchase Fund shares through a financial intermediary, you should contact the intermediary for more information about whether and how restrictions or limitations on trading activity will be applied to your account.
Account Policies
Automatic Plans. These plans help you conveniently purchase and/or redeem shares each month. Once you select a plan, tell us the day of the month you would like the transaction to occur. If you do not specify a date, we will process the transaction on or about the 25th day of the month. It generally takes about ten business days to establish a plan once we have received your instructions and it generally takes about five business days to change or cancel participation in a plan. We may automatically cancel your plan if the linked bank account you specified is closed, or for other reasons. Call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222 for more information.
Automatic Investment Plan — With this plan, you can regularly purchase shares of a Wells Fargo Fund with money automatically transferred from a linked bank account.
Automatic Exchange Plan — With this plan, you can regularly exchange shares of a Wells Fargo Fund you own for shares of another Wells Fargo Fund. See the section "Exchanging Fund Shares" of this Prospectus for the policies that apply to exchanges. In addition, each transaction in an Automatic Exchange Plan must be for a minimum of $100. This feature may not be available for certain types of accounts.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan — With this plan, you can regularly redeem shares and receive the proceeds by check or by transfer
to a linked bank account. To participate in this plan, you:
must have a Fund account valued at $10,000 or more;
must request a minimum redemption of $100;
must have your distributions reinvested; and
may not simultaneously participate in the Automatic Investment Plan, except for investments in a Money Market Fund or an Ultra
Short-Term Bond Fund (Ultra Short-Term Income Fund or Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund).
Payroll Direct Deposit Plan — With this plan, you may regularly transfer all or a portion of your paycheck, social security check, military allotment, or annuity payment for investment into the Fund of your choice.
Householding.
To help keep Fund expenses low, a single copy of a Prospectus or shareholder report may be sent to shareholders of the same
household. If your household currently receives a single copy of a Prospectus or shareholder report and you would prefer to
receive multiple copies, please call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222 or contact your financial professional.
Retirement Accounts.
We offer a variety of retirement account types for individuals and small businesses. There may be special distribution requirements
for a retirement account, such as required distributions or mandatory Federal income tax withholdings. For more information
about the retirement accounts listed below, including any distribution requirements, call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222.
For retirement accounts held directly with a Fund, certain fees may apply, including an annual account maintenance fee.
The retirement accounts available for individuals and small businesses are:
Individual Retirement Accounts, including Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs
Small business retirement accounts, including Simple IRAs and SEP IRAs.
Small Account Redemptions.
We reserve the right to redeem accounts that have values that fall below a Fund's minimum initial investment amount due to
shareholder redemptions (as opposed to market movement). Before doing so, we will give you approximately 60 days to bring
your account value above the Fund's minimum initial investment amount. Please call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222 or
contact your financial professional for further details.
Transaction Authorizations.
We may accept telephone, electronic, and clearing agency transaction instructions from anyone who represents that he or she
is a shareholder and provides reasonable confirmation of his or her identity. Neither we nor Wells Fargo Funds will be liable
for any losses incurred if we follow such instructions we reasonably believe to be genuine. For transactions through the automated
phone system and our website, we will assign personal identification numbers (PINs) and/or passwords to help protect your
account information. To safeguard your account, please keep your PINs and passwords confidential. Contact us immediately if
you believe there is a discrepancy on your confirmation statement or if you believe someone has obtained unauthorized access
to your account, PIN or password.
Identity Verification.
We are required by law to obtain from you certain personal information that will be used to verify your identity. If you
do not provide the information, we will not be able to open your account. In the rare event that we are unable to verify your
identity as required by law, we reserve the right to redeem your account at the current NAV of the Fund's shares. You will
be responsible for any losses, taxes, expenses, fees, or other results of such a redemption.
Right to Freeze Accounts, Suspend Account Services or Reject or Terminate an Investment.
We reserve the right, to the extent permitted by law and/or regulations, to freeze any account or suspend account services
when we have received reasonable notice (written or otherwise) of a dispute between registered or beneficial account owners
or when we believe a fraudulent transaction may occur or has occurred. Additionally, we reserve the right to reject any purchase
or exchange request and to terminate a shareholder's investment, including closing the shareholder's account.
Distributions
The Funds, except the Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, generally make distributions of any net investment income and any realized net capital gains at least annually. The Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund generally distributes net investment income monthly. The amount distributed in a month may either be less than the amount earned in that month or more than the amount earned in that month if it includes amounts earned in a previous month but retained for later distribution. The Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund generally distributes net capital gains, if any, at least annually. Please note, distributions have the effect of reducing the NAV per share by the amount distributed.
We offer the following distribution options. To change your current option for payment of distributions, please call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222.
Automatic Reinvestment Option—Allows you to use distributions to buy new shares of the same class of the Fund that generated the distributions. The new shares are purchased at NAV generally on the day the distribution is paid. This option is automatically assigned to your account unless you specify another option.
Check Payment Option—Allows you to receive distributions via checks mailed to your address of record or to another name and address which you have specified in written instructions. A Medallion Guarantee may also be required. If checks remain uncashed for six months or are undeliverable by the Post Office, we will reinvest the distributions at the earliest date possible, and future distributions will be automatically reinvested.
Bank Account Payment Option—Allows you to receive distributions directly in a checking or savings account through EFT. The bank account must be linked to your Wells Fargo Fund account. Any distribution returned to us due to an invalid banking instruction will be sent to your address of record by check at the earliest date possible, and future distributions will be automatically reinvested.
Directed Distribution Purchase Option—Allows you to buy shares of a different Wells Fargo Fund of the same share class. The new shares are purchased at NAV generally on the day the distribution is paid. In order to use this option, you need to identify the Fund and account the distributions are coming from, and the Fund and account to which the distributions are being directed. You must meet any required minimum investment amounts in both Funds prior to using this option.
You are eligible to earn distributions beginning on the business day after the Fund's transfer agent or an authorized intermediary receives your purchase request in good order.
Taxes
The following discussion regarding federal income taxes is based on laws that were in effect as of the date of this Prospectus and summarizes only some of the important federal income tax considerations affecting a Fund and you as a shareholder. It does not apply to foreign or tax-exempt shareholders or those holding Fund shares through a tax-advantaged account, such as a 401(k) Plan or IRA. This discussion is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation. Please see the Statement of Additional Information for additional federal income tax information.
We will pass on to a Fund's shareholders substantially all of the Fund's net investment income and realized net capital gains, if any. Distributions from a Fund's ordinary income and net short-term capital gain, if any, generally will be taxable to you as ordinary income. Distributions from a Fund's net long-term capital gain, if any, generally will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain.
Corporate shareholders may be able to deduct a portion of their distributions when determining their taxable income.
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extended certain tax rates except those that applied to individual taxpayers with taxable incomes above $400,000 ($450,000 for married taxpayers, $425,000 for heads of households). Taxpayers that are not in the new highest tax bracket continue to be subject to a maximum 15% rate of tax on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends. For taxpayers in the new highest tax bracket, the maximum tax rate on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends will be 20%. Beginning in 2013, U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly), a new 3.8% Medicare contribution tax will apply on "net investment income," including interest, dividends, and capital gains.
Distributions from a Fund normally will be taxable to you when paid, whether you take distributions in cash or automatically reinvest them in additional Fund shares. Following the end of each year, we will notify you of the federal income tax status of your distributions for the year.
If you buy shares of a Fund shortly before it makes a taxable distribution, your distribution will, in effect, be a taxable return of part of your investment. Similarly, if you buy shares of a Fund when it holds appreciated securities, you will receive a taxable return of part of your investment if and when the Fund sells the appreciated securities and distributes the gain. The Fund has built up, or has the potential to build up, high levels of unrealized appreciation.
Your redemptions (including redemptions in-kind) and exchanges of Fund shares ordinarily will result in a taxable capital gain or loss, depending on the amount you receive for your shares (or are deemed to receive in the case of exchanges) and the amount you paid (or are deemed to have paid) for them. Such capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your redeemed or exchanged Fund shares for more than one year at the time of redemption or exchange. In certain circumstances, losses realized on the redemption or exchange of Fund shares may be disallowed.
In certain circumstances, Fund shareholders may be subject to backup withholding taxes.
Additional Performance Information
This section contains additional information regarding the performance of the Funds. The sub-section below titled "Index Descriptions" defines the market indices that are referenced in the Fund Summaries. The sub-section below titled "Share Class Performance" provides history for specified share classes of certain Funds.
Index Descriptions. The "Average Annual Total Returns" table in each Fund's Fund Summary compares the Fund's returns with those of one or more indices. Below are descriptions of each such index. You cannot invest directly in an index.
MSCI AC Asia Pacific Index (Net) 1 |
The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country (AC) Asia Pacific Index (Net) is a total return, capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of stock markets in 15 Pacific region countries, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. |
MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net) 1 |
The 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 and emerging markets excluding the United States. |
MSCI EAFE Index (Net) 1 |
The MSCI Europe, Australasia and Far East (EAFE) Index (Net) is an unmanaged group of securities widely regarded by investors to be representations of the stock markets of Europe, Australasia and the Far East. 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. |
MSCI World Index (Net) 1 |
The MSCI World Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets. As of May 27, 2010 the MSCI World Index consisted of the following 24 developed market country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net) 1 |
The MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index designed to measure the equity market performance in the global emerging markets. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is currently comprised of 23 emerging market country indices. |
S&P Developed SmallCap Index |
The S&P Developed SmallCap Index is a float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index designed to measure the equity market performance of small capitalization companies located in developed markets. The S&P Developed SmallCap index is comprised of companies within the bottom 15% of the cumulative market capitalization in developed markets. The S&P Developed SmallCap index covers all publicly listed equities with float-adjusted market values of US $100 million or more and annual dollar value traded of at least US $50 million in all included countries. |
1. |
Source: MSCI. The MSCI information may only be used for your internal use, may not be reproduced or redisseminated in any form and may not be used as a basis for or a component of any financial instruments or products or indices. None of the MSCI information is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such. Historical data and analysis should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of any future performance analysis, forecast or prediction. The MSCI information is provided on an "as is" basis and the user of this information assumes the entire risk of any use made of this information. MSCI, each of its affiliates and each other person involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating any MSCI information (collectively, the MSCI Parties") expressly disclaims all warranties (including, without limitation, any warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, non-infringement, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose) with respect to this information. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall any MSCI Party have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, punitive, consequential (including, without limitation, lost profits) or any other damages. (www.mscibarra.com) |
Share Class Performance. The following provides additional information about the performance history of the Funds contained in this prospectus, including information regarding predecessor funds, if any, and whether performance information presented is based on the history of an older share class.
Asia Pacific Fund - Historical performance shown for Class A shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of the Investor Class shares, and includes the higher expenses applicable to the Investor Class shares. If these expenses had not been included, returns would be higher. Historical performance shown for Class C shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of the Investor Class shares, adjusted to reflect the higher expenses applicable to Class C shares.
Emerging Markets Equity Fund - 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 Emerging Markets Growth Fund.
Global Opportunities Fund - 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 Global Opportunities Fund.
International Equity Fund - 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 International Equity Fund.
Intrinsic World Equity Fund - Historical performance shown for Class C shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of Class A shares, adjusted to reflect the higher expenses applicable to Class C shares. 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 World Equity Fund.
A Fund's past performance is no guarantee of future results. A Fund's investment results will fluctuate over time, and any representation of the Fund's returns for any past period should not be considered as a representation of what a Fund's returns may be in any future period. Each Fund's annual and semi-annual reports contain additional performance information and are available upon request, without charge, by calling the telephone number listed on the back cover page of this Prospectus.
The following tables are intended to help you understand a Fund's financial performance for the past five years (or since inception, if shorter). Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. Total returns represent the rate you would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each Fund (assuming reinvestment of all distributions). The information in the following tables has been derived from the Funds' financial statements, which have been audited by KPMG LLP, the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with each Fund's financial statements, is also included in each Fund's annual report, a copy of which is available upon request.
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Class A |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
12.18 |
$ |
11.72 |
$ |
10.19 |
$ |
9.30 |
$ |
10.15 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.04 1 |
|
0.09 1 |
|
0.12 1 |
|
0.10 1 |
|
0.08 1 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(0.16) |
|
0.67 |
|
1.79 |
|
0.79 |
|
(0.89) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(0.12) |
|
0.76 |
|
1.91 |
|
0.89 |
|
(0.81) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.14) |
|
(0.30) |
|
(0.38) |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.04) |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
11.92 |
$ |
12.18 |
$ |
11.72 |
$ |
10.19 |
$ |
9.30 |
|||||
Total return 2 |
|
(0.95)% |
|
6.61% |
|
19.24% |
|
9.57% |
|
(7.97)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.72% |
|
1.71% |
|
1.79% |
|
1.86% |
|
1.73% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
1.60% |
|
1.60% |
|
1.60% |
|
1.60% |
|
1.60% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.34% |
|
0.80% |
|
1.08% |
|
1.04% |
|
0.83% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
113% |
|
113% |
|
187% |
|
163% |
|
196% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
137,578 |
$ |
6,755 |
$ |
8,720 |
$ |
5,699 |
$ |
31,000 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
2 |
Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. |
Asia Pacific Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Class C |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
11.57 |
$ |
11.15 |
$ |
9.73 |
$ |
8.98 |
$ |
9.96 |
|||||
Net investment income (loss) |
|
(0.00) 1,2 |
|
0.01 1 |
|
0.05 |
|
0.09 1 |
|
0.01 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(0.20) |
|
0.63 |
|
1.69 |
|
0.69 |
|
(0.86) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(0.20) |
|
0.64 |
|
1.74 |
|
0.78 |
|
(0.85) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.08) |
|
(0.22) |
|
(0.32) |
|
(0.03) |
|
(0.13) |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
11.29 |
$ |
11.57 |
$ |
11.15 |
$ |
9.73 |
$ |
8.98 |
|||||
Total return 3 |
|
(1.71)% |
|
5.76% |
|
18.44% |
|
8.78% |
|
(8.67)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
2.46% |
|
2.46% |
|
2.54% |
|
2.62% |
|
2.48% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
2.35% |
|
2.35% |
|
2.35% |
|
2.35% |
|
2.35% |
|||||
Net investment income (loss) |
|
(0.01)% |
|
0.12% |
|
0.37% |
|
0.92% |
|
0.18% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
113% |
|
113% |
|
187% |
|
163% |
|
196% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
3,495 |
$ |
2,427 |
$ |
1,980 |
$ |
1,673 |
$ |
1,274 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
2 |
Amount is less than $0.005. |
3 |
Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. |
Diversified International Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Class A |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
12.01 |
$ |
12.25 |
$ |
10.25 |
$ |
9.69 |
$ |
10.29 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.13 1 |
|
0.24 1 |
|
0.19 1 |
|
0.19 1 |
|
0.16 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(0.21) |
|
(0.29) |
|
2.41 |
|
0.51 |
|
(0.65) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(0.08) |
|
(0.05) |
|
2.60 |
|
0.70 |
|
(0.49) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.28) |
|
(0.19) |
|
(0.60) |
|
(0.14) |
|
(0.11) |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
11.65 |
$ |
12.01 |
$ |
12.25 |
$ |
10.25 |
$ |
9.69 |
|||||
Total return 2 |
|
(0.66)% |
|
(0.49)% |
|
26.59% |
|
7.45% |
|
(4.83)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.85% |
|
1.76% |
|
1.92% |
|
1.68% |
|
1.47% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
1.40% |
|
1.41% |
|
1.41% |
|
1.41% |
|
1.41% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
1.07% |
|
1.93% |
|
1.75% |
|
1.96% |
|
1.47% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
31% |
|
33% |
|
40% |
|
57% |
|
53% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
73,891 |
$ |
24,921 |
$ |
28,928 |
$ |
22,434 |
$ |
23,862 |
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. |
Diversified International Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Class B |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
11.50 |
$ |
11.71 |
$ |
9.80 |
$ |
9.19 |
$ |
9.74 |
|||||
Net investment income (loss) |
|
0.03 1 |
|
0.13 1 |
|
0.09 1 |
|
0.10 1 |
|
0.06 1 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(0.19) |
|
(0.27) |
|
2.32 |
|
0.51 |
|
(0.61) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(0.16) |
|
(0.14) |
|
2.41 |
|
0.61 |
|
(0.55) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.07) |
|
(0.50) |
|
(0.00) 3 |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
11.34 |
$ |
11.50 |
$ |
11.71 |
$ |
9.80 |
$ |
9.19 |
|||||
Total return 2 |
|
(1.39)% |
|
(1.25)% |
|
25.70% |
|
6.69% |
|
(5.65)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
2.59% |
|
2.52% |
|
2.68% |
|
2.35% |
|
2.23% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
2.15% |
|
2.16% |
|
2.16% |
|
2.12% |
|
2.16% |
|||||
Net investment income (loss) |
|
0.29% |
|
1.10% |
|
0.88% |
|
1.11% |
|
0.64% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
31% |
|
33% |
|
40% |
|
57% |
|
53% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
50 |
$ |
37 |
$ |
174 |
$ |
299 |
$ |
482 |
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. |
3 |
Amount is less than $0.005. |
Diversified International Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Class C |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
11.08 |
$ |
11.35 |
$ |
9.54 |
$ |
9.01 |
$ |
9.59 |
|||||
Net investment income (loss) |
|
0.04 1 |
|
0.13 1 |
|
0.09 1 |
|
0.11 1 |
|
0.07 1 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(0.20) |
|
(0.27) |
|
2.25 |
|
0.48 |
|
(0.61) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(0.16) |
|
(0.14) |
|
2.34 |
|
0.59 |
|
(0.54) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.18) |
|
(0.13) |
|
(0.53) |
|
(0.06) |
|
(0.04) |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
10.74 |
$ |
11.08 |
$ |
11.35 |
$ |
9.54 |
$ |
9.01 |
|||||
Total return 2 |
|
(1.44)% |
|
(1.24)% |
|
25.67% |
|
6.67% |
|
(5.65)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
2.60% |
|
2.51% |
|
2.66% |
|
2.43% |
|
2.22% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
2.15% |
|
2.16% |
|
2.16% |
|
2.16% |
|
2.16% |
|||||
Net investment income (loss) |
|
0.33% |
|
1.15% |
|
0.84% |
|
1.21% |
|
0.72% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
31% |
|
33% |
|
40% |
|
57% |
|
53% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
3,573 |
$ |
1,616 |
$ |
1,746 |
$ |
628 |
$ |
625 |
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. |
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Class A |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
21.44 |
$ |
21.77 |
$ |
20.48 |
$ |
20.93 |
$ |
21.65 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.08 |
|
0.07 |
|
0.02 |
|
0.10 |
|
0.08 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(3.29) |
|
(0.40) |
|
1.33 |
|
(0.19) |
|
(0.80) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(3.21) |
|
(0.33) |
|
1.35 |
|
(0.09) |
|
(0.72) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.14) |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.06) |
|
(0.14) |
|
(0.00) 1 |
|||||
Net realized gains |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.22) |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
|
(0.14) |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.06) |
|
(0.36) |
|
(0.00) 1 |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
18.09 |
$ |
21.44 |
$ |
21.77 |
$ |
20.48 |
$ |
20.93 |
|||||
Total return 2 |
|
(15.02)% |
|
(1.52)% |
|
6.62% |
|
(0.31)% |
|
(3.32)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.64% |
|
1.64% |
|
1.65% |
|
1.67% |
|
1.68% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
1.64% |
|
1.64% |
|
1.65% |
|
1.67% |
|
1.68% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.37% |
|
0.36% |
|
0.15% |
|
0.51% |
|
0.44% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
8% |
|
7% |
|
13% |
|
7% |
|
5% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
873,992 |
$ |
1,502,597 |
$ |
1,306,269 |
$ |
920,709 |
$ |
917,633 |
1 |
Amount is less than $0.005. |
2 |
Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Class B |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
18.25 |
$ |
18.67 |
$ |
17.64 |
$ |
18.06 |
$ |
18.82 |
|||||
Net investment loss |
|
(0.08) 1 |
|
(0.08) 1 |
|
(0.12) 1 |
|
(0.05) 1 |
|
(0.08) 1 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(2.77) |
|
(0.34) |
|
1.15 |
|
(0.15) |
|
(0.68) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(2.85) |
|
(0.42) |
|
1.03 |
|
(0.20) |
|
(0.76) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net realized gains |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.22) |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
15.40 |
$ |
18.25 |
$ |
18.67 |
$ |
17.64 |
$ |
18.06 |
|||||
Total return 2 |
|
(15.62)% |
|
(2.25)% |
|
5.84% |
|
(1.06)% |
|
(4.04)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
2.38% |
|
2.39% |
|
2.39% |
|
2.41% |
|
2.43% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
2.38% |
|
2.39% |
|
2.39% |
|
2.41% |
|
2.43% |
|||||
Net investment loss |
|
(0.46)% |
|
(0.46)% |
|
(0.64)% |
|
(0.28)% |
|
(0.39)% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
8% |
|
7% |
|
13% |
|
7% |
|
5% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
1,453 |
$ |
5,380 |
$ |
11,071 |
$ |
15,408 |
$ |
21,652 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
2 |
Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Class C |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
18.11 |
$ |
18.53 |
$ |
17.51 |
$ |
17.92 |
$ |
18.68 |
|||||
Net investment loss |
|
(0.06) 1 |
|
(0.08) 1 |
|
(0.11) 1 |
|
(0.06) |
|
(0.06) 1 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(2.77) |
|
(0.34) |
|
1.13 |
|
(0.13) |
|
(0.70) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(2.83) |
|
(0.42) |
|
1.02 |
|
(0.19) |
|
(0.76) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net realized gains |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.22) |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
15.28 |
$ |
18.11 |
$ |
18.53 |
$ |
17.51 |
$ |
17.92 |
|||||
Total return 2 |
|
(15.63)% |
|
(2.27)% |
|
5.83% |
|
(1.01)% |
|
(4.07)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
2.39% |
|
2.39% |
|
2.39% |
|
2.42% |
|
2.43% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
2.39% |
|
2.39% |
|
2.39% |
|
2.42% |
|
2.43% |
|||||
Net investment loss |
|
(0.39)% |
|
(0.42)% |
|
(0.62)% |
|
(0.24)% |
|
(0.32)% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
8% |
|
7% |
|
13% |
|
7% |
|
5% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
84,004 |
$ |
138,169 |
$ |
173,454 |
$ |
183,471 |
$ |
200,796 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
2 |
Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
||||||||||
Class A |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 1 |
||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
11.33 |
$ |
11.79 |
$ |
11.17 |
$ |
10.00 |
||||
Net investment income |
|
0.20 |
|
0.33 |
|
0.31 |
|
0.13 |
||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(1.36) |
|
(0.11) |
|
0.88 |
|
1.15 |
||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(1.16) |
|
0.22 |
|
1.19 |
|
1.28 |
||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.20) |
|
(0.31) |
|
(0.34) |
|
(0.11) |
||||
Net realized gains |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.37) |
|
(0.23) |
|
0.00 |
||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
|
(0.20) |
|
(0.68) |
|
(0.57) |
|
(0.11) |
||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
9.97 |
$ |
11.33 |
$ |
11.79 |
$ |
11.17 |
||||
Total return 2 |
|
(10.34)% |
|
2.05% |
|
10.94% |
|
12.80% |
||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.89% |
|
2.09% |
|
2.88% |
|
4.29% |
||||
Net expenses |
|
1.65% |
|
1.65% |
|
1.65% |
|
1.65% |
||||
Net investment income |
|
2.22% |
|
3.12% |
|
2.64% |
|
2.94% |
||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
84% |
|
91% |
|
85% |
|
39% |
||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
22,866 |
$ |
14,010 |
$ |
8,658 |
$ |
628 |
1 |
For the period from May 31, 2012 (commencement of class operations) to October 31, 2012 |
2 |
Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
||||||||||
Class C |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 1 |
||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
11.32 |
$ |
11.79 |
$ |
11.16 |
$ |
10.00 |
||||
Net investment income |
|
0.14 |
|
0.23 |
|
0.22 |
|
0.10 |
||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(1.38) |
|
(0.08) |
|
0.89 |
|
1.13 |
||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(1.24) |
|
0.15 |
|
1.11 |
|
1.23 |
||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.14) |
|
(0.25) |
|
(0.25) |
|
(0.07) |
||||
Net realized gains |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.37) |
|
(0.23) |
|
0.00 |
||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
|
(0.14) |
|
(0.62) |
|
(0.48) |
|
(0.07) |
||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
9.94 |
$ |
11.32 |
$ |
11.79 |
$ |
11.16 |
||||
Total return 2 |
|
(10.95)% |
|
1.27% |
|
10.11% |
|
12.49% |
||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Gross expenses |
|
2.64% |
|
2.83% |
|
3.81% |
|
5.03% |
||||
Net expenses |
|
2.40% |
|
2.40% |
|
2.40% |
|
2.41% |
||||
Net investment income |
|
1.45% |
|
2.17% |
|
1.80% |
|
2.24% |
||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
84% |
|
91% |
|
85% |
|
39% |
||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
10,190 |
$ |
6,390 |
$ |
2,028 |
$ |
562 |
1 |
For the period from May 31, 2012 (commencement of class operations) to October 31, 2012 |
2 |
Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Class A |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
43.26 |
$ |
42.68 |
$ |
33.17 |
$ |
30.14 |
$ |
31.91 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.10 1 |
|
0.03 1 |
|
0.16 1 |
|
0.20 1 |
|
0.12 1 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.64 |
|
0.86 |
|
9.58 |
|
2.87 |
|
(1.89) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.74 |
|
0.89 |
|
9.74 |
|
3.07 |
|
(1.77) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.03) |
|
(0.31) |
|
(0.23) |
|
(0.04) |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Net realized gains |
|
(6.74) |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
|
(6.77) |
|
(0.31) |
|
(0.23) |
|
(0.04) |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
37.23 |
$ |
43.26 |
$ |
42.68 |
$ |
33.17 |
$ |
30.14 |
|||||
Total return 2 |
|
2.12% |
|
2.07% |
|
29.50% |
|
10.24% |
|
(5.55)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.57% |
|
1.57% |
|
1.59% |
|
1.55% |
|
1.55% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
1.55% |
|
1.55% |
|
1.55% |
|
1.54% |
|
1.53% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.27% |
|
0.06% |
|
0.43% |
|
0.65% |
|
0.34% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
42% |
|
66% |
|
59% |
|
85% |
|
76% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
151,740 |
$ |
167,166 |
$ |
181,764 |
$ |
156,433 |
$ |
174,937 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
2 |
Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. |
Global Opportunities Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Class B |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
34.62 |
$ |
34.18 |
$ |
26.58 |
$ |
24.30 |
$ |
25.92 |
|||||
Net investment loss |
|
(0.14) 1 |
|
(0.25) 1 |
|
(0.09) 1 |
|
(0.03) 1 |
|
(0.12) 1 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.47 |
|
0.69 |
|
7.69 |
|
2.31 |
|
(1.50) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.33 |
|
0.44 |
|
7.60 |
|
2.28 |
|
(1.62) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net realized gains |
|
(6.74) |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
28.21 |
$ |
34.62 |
$ |
34.18 |
$ |
26.58 |
$ |
24.30 |
|||||
Total return 2 |
|
1.34% |
|
1.29% |
|
28.54% |
|
9.42% |
|
(6.25)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
2.32% |
|
2.32% |
|
2.34% |
|
2.30% |
|
2.30% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
2.30% |
|
2.30% |
|
2.30% |
|
2.29% |
|
2.28% |
|||||
Net investment loss |
|
(0.49)% |
|
(0.71)% |
|
(0.32)% |
|
(0.10)% |
|
(0.43)% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
42% |
|
66% |
|
59% |
|
85% |
|
76% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
4,206 |
$ |
11,799 |
$ |
19,446 |
$ |
21,181 |
$ |
26,598 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
2 |
Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. |
Global Opportunities Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Class C |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
34.80 |
$ |
34.36 |
$ |
26.73 |
$ |
24.43 |
$ |
26.05 |
|||||
Net investment loss |
|
(0.14) 1 |
|
(0.24) 1 |
|
(0.09) 1 |
|
(0.03) 1 |
|
(0.11) 1 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.47 |
|
0.69 |
|
7.72 |
|
2.33 |
|
(1.51) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.33 |
|
0.45 |
|
7.63 |
|
2.30 |
|
(1.62) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.01) |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Net realized gains |
|
(6.74) |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
|
(6.74) |
|
(0.01) |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
28.39 |
$ |
34.80 |
$ |
34.36 |
$ |
26.73 |
$ |
24.43 |
|||||
Total return 2 |
|
1.34% |
|
1.32% |
|
28.54% |
|
9.41% |
|
(6.25)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
2.32% |
|
2.32% |
|
2.34% |
|
2.30% |
|
2.30% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
2.30% |
|
2.30% |
|
2.30% |
|
2.29% |
|
2.28% |
|||||
Net investment loss |
|
(0.48)% |
|
(0.69)% |
|
(0.31)% |
|
(0.11)% |
|
(0.41)% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
42% |
|
66% |
|
59% |
|
85% |
|
76% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
36,215 |
$ |
41,792 |
$ |
44,618 |
$ |
37,753 |
$ |
45,135 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
2 |
Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. |
International Equity Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Class A |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
11.28 |
$ |
11.98 |
$ |
9.77 |
$ |
9.82 |
$ |
10.41 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.18 1 |
|
0.37 1 |
|
0.21 |
|
0.25 |
|
0.17 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.57 |
|
(0.81) |
|
2.27 |
|
(0.09) |
|
(0.75) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.75 |
|
(0.44) |
|
2.48 |
|
0.16 |
|
(0.58) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.50) |
|
(0.26) |
|
(0.27) |
|
(0.21) |
|
(0.01) |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
11.53 |
$ |
11.28 |
$ |
11.98 |
$ |
9.77 |
$ |
9.82 |
|||||
Total return 2 |
|
6.85% |
|
(3.77)% |
|
25.99% |
|
1.83% |
|
(5.62)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.53% |
|
1.53% |
|
1.56% |
|
1.53% |
|
1.46% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
1.09% |
|
1.09% |
|
1.09% |
|
1.09% |
|
1.09% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
1.50% |
|
3.14% |
|
2.03% |
|
2.49% |
|
1.55% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
27% |
|
32% |
|
38% |
|
115% |
|
44% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
145,654 |
$ |
97,640 |
$ |
115,821 |
$ |
114,219 |
$ |
162,954 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
2 |
Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. |
International Equity Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Class B |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
10.95 |
$ |
11.62 |
$ |
9.47 |
$ |
9.48 |
$ |
10.12 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.08 1 |
|
0.28 1 |
|
0.13 1 |
|
0.16 1 |
|
0.08 1 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.56 |
|
(0.79) |
|
2.21 |
|
(0.07) |
|
(0.72) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.64 |
|
(0.51) |
|
2.34 |
|
0.09 |
|
(0.64) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.38) |
|
(0.16) |
|
(0.19) |
|
(0.10) |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
11.21 |
$ |
10.95 |
$ |
11.62 |
$ |
9.47 |
$ |
9.48 |
|||||
Total return 2 |
|
6.00% |
|
(4.48)% |
|
25.07% |
|
0.99% |
|
(6.32)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
2.29% |
|
2.28% |
|
2.31% |
|
2.28% |
|
2.21% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
1.84% |
|
1.84% |
|
1.84% |
|
1.84% |
|
1.84% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.68% |
|
2.40% |
|
1.27% |
|
1.67% |
|
0.77% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
27% |
|
32% |
|
38% |
|
115% |
|
44% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
2,639 |
$ |
4,127 |
$ |
6,810 |
$ |
8,303 |
$ |
12,873 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
2 |
Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. |
International Equity Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Class C |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
11.06 |
$ |
11.75 |
$ |
9.58 |
$ |
9.59 |
$ |
10.24 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.08 1 |
|
0.27 1 |
|
0.14 1 |
|
0.16 1 |
|
0.06 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.57 |
|
(0.79) |
|
2.22 |
|
(0.07) |
|
(0.71) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.65 |
|
(0.52) |
|
2.36 |
|
0.09 |
|
(0.65) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.41) |
|
(0.17) |
|
(0.19) |
|
(0.10) |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
11.30 |
$ |
11.06 |
$ |
11.75 |
$ |
9.58 |
$ |
9.59 |
|||||
Total return 2 |
|
6.03% |
|
(4.49)% |
|
25.05% |
|
1.08% |
|
(6.35)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
2.28% |
|
2.28% |
|
2.31% |
|
2.28% |
|
2.21% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
1.84% |
|
1.84% |
|
1.84% |
|
1.84% |
|
1.84% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.72% |
|
2.37% |
|
1.30% |
|
1.72% |
|
0.79% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
27% |
|
32% |
|
38% |
|
115% |
|
44% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
29,080 |
$ |
16,346 |
$ |
16,997 |
$ |
16,760 |
$ |
22,578 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
2 |
Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. |
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Class A |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
22.39 |
$ |
21.88 |
$ |
17.94 |
$ |
15.55 |
$ |
15.06 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.19 |
|
0.17 |
|
0.20 |
|
0.16 |
|
0.12 1 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.73 |
|
0.59 |
|
4.00 |
|
1.87 |
|
0.48 |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.92 |
|
0.76 |
|
4.20 |
|
2.03 |
|
0.60 |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.12) |
|
(0.25) |
|
(0.26) |
|
(0.11) |
|
(0.11) |
|||||
Net realized gains |
|
(0.37) |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
|
(0.49) |
|
(0.25) |
|
(0.26) |
|
(0.11) |
|
(0.11) |
|||||
Regulatory settlement proceeds |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.47 |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
22.82 |
$ |
22.39 |
$ |
21.88 |
$ |
17.94 |
$ |
15.55 |
|||||
Total return 2 |
|
4.23% |
|
3.45% |
|
23.74% |
|
16.25% 3 |
|
4.00% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.48% |
|
1.47% |
|
1.49% |
|
1.51% |
|
1.50% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
1.40% |
|
1.40% |
|
1.40% |
|
1.40% |
|
1.40% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.79% |
|
0.70% |
|
0.95% |
|
0.91% |
|
0.79% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
32% |
|
23% |
|
22% |
|
27% |
|
12% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
149,492 |
$ |
157,061 |
$ |
168,621 |
$ |
146,930 |
$ |
139,100 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
2 |
Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. |
3 |
During the year ended October 31, 2012, the Fund received a regulatory settlement from an unaffiliated third party which had an impact of 2.92% on the total return. |
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Class C |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
21.64 |
$ |
21.19 |
$ |
17.37 |
$ |
15.15 |
$ |
14.68 |
|||||
Net investment income (loss) |
|
0.01 1 |
|
(0.02) |
|
0.05 |
|
0.02 |
|
(0.01) 1 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.71 |
|
0.58 |
|
3.89 |
|
1.82 |
|
0.49 |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.72 |
|
0.56 |
|
3.94 |
|
1.84 |
|
0.48 |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.11) |
|
(0.12) |
|
(0.09) |
|
(0.01) |
|||||
Net realized gains |
|
(0.37) |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
|
(0.37) |
|
(0.11) |
|
(0.12) |
|
(0.09) |
|
(0.01) |
|||||
Regulatory settlement proceeds |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.47 |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
21.99 |
$ |
21.64 |
$ |
21.19 |
$ |
17.37 |
$ |
15.15 |
|||||
Total return 2 |
|
3.41% |
|
2.65% |
|
22.82% |
|
15.39% 3 |
|
3.27% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
2.23% |
|
2.22% |
|
2.24% |
|
2.26% |
|
2.20% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
2.15% |
|
2.15% |
|
2.15% |
|
2.15% |
|
2.15% |
|||||
Net investment income (loss) |
|
0.05% |
|
(0.06)% |
|
0.20% |
|
0.16% |
|
(0.05)% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
32% |
|
23% |
|
22% |
|
27% |
|
12% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
8,958 |
$ |
9,788 |
$ |
9,949 |
$ |
7,341 |
$ |
6,817 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
2 |
Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. |
3 |
During the year ended October 31, 2012, the Fund received a regulatory settlement from an unaffiliated third party which had an impact of 2.92% on the total return. |
© 2016 Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved |
036IER/P301 03-16
ICA Reg. No. 811-09253 |
Prospectus
March 1, 2016
International Equity Funds
Wells Fargo Fund
Administrator Class
Wells Fargo Asia Pacific Fund
WFADX
Wells Fargo Diversified International Fund
WFIEX
Wells Fargo Emerging Markets Equity Fund
EMGYX
Wells Fargo Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
EQIDX
Wells Fargo Global Opportunities Fund
EKGYX
Wells Fargo International Equity Fund
WFEDX
Wells Fargo Intrinsic World Equity Fund
EWEIX
As with all mutual funds, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a crime.
Fund shares are NOT deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., its affiliates or any other depository institution. Fund shares are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency and may lose value.
SUPPLEMENT TO
PROSPECTUSES AND STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OF
WELLS FARGO SMALL TO MID CAP STOCK FUNDS
Wells Fargo Intrinsic Small Cap Value Fund
Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund
(each a “Fund”, together the “Funds”)
At a meeting held on February 17-18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of the Funds approved a change to the sub-adviser for each of the Funds to Wells Capital Management Incorporated (“Wells Capital Management”) in connection with the merger of Metropolitan
West Capital Management, LLC (“MetWest”), each Fund’s current sub-adviser, into Wells Capital Management (the “Merger”). The Merger is expected to take place on or about July 1, 2016 (the “Effective Date”). With
the completion of the Merger, MetWest personnel will become exclusively personnel of Wells Capital Management. The Merger will not result in any change to the services provided to the Funds or to their strategies or fees and expenses.
In addition, as of the Effective Date, the Prospectuses for each Fund are amended to include the following portfolio manager descriptions under Wells Capital Management in the section entitled “The Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers” in the
Funds’ Prospectuses:
WELLS FARGO LARGE CAP STOCK FUNDS
WELLS FARGO INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS
Wells Fargo Intrinsic World Equity Fund
On the Effective Date, all references in each Fund’s Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information to MetWest as a sub-adviser are hereby replaced with Wells Capital Management.
February 19, 2016
LCR026/P101SP
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2 |
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6 |
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11 |
|
15 |
|
19 |
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23 |
|
27 |
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|
|
31 |
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32 |
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33 |
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35 |
|
36 |
|
37 |
|
38 |
|
39 |
|
40 |
|
41 |
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42 |
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|
43 |
|
44 |
|
45 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
46 |
|
46 |
|
47 |
|
49 |
|
50 |
|
51 |
|
52 |
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|
|
53 |
|
54 |
|
56 |
Asia Pacific Fund Summary
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
1.00% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.59% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.01% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.60% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.09)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.51% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 1.50% for Administrator Class. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$154 |
3 Years |
$496 |
5 Years |
$862 |
10 Years |
$1,893 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 113% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in Asia Pacific Basin equity securities.
We invest principally in equity securities of companies in the Asia Pacific Basin. We define Asia Pacific Basin securities as securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office in the Asia Pacific Basin; (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is in the Asia Pacific Basin; or (3) issued by companies, regardless of where their securities are traded, that derive at least 50% of their revenue or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in the Asia Pacific Basin or that have at least 50% of their assets in the Asia Pacific Basin. The Asia Pacific Basin includes, among other countries, Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, some of which may be considered emerging market countries. We may use participation notes, which are a type of derivative.
We look for companies with the potential for above-average sales and earnings growth, overall financial strength, competitive advantages, and capable management. We may sell a holding when it no longer has these traits. Our investment strategy includes both a top-down strategy, which takes account of overall economic and market trends in each country, and a bottom-up strategy, in which we use fundamental research for security selection. In order to take advantage of the wide range of possible opportunities in a variety of markets at different stages of economic development, we construct the portfolio by seeking both growth and value opportunities in stocks of any market capitalization.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Geographic Emphasis Risk. A Fund that invests a significant portion of its assets in one country or geographic region will be more vulnerable than a fund that invests its assets more broadly to the economic, financial, political or other developments affecting that country or region. Such developments may have a significant impact on the Fund's investment performance causing such performance to be more volatile than the investment performance of a more geographically diversified fund.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Participation Notes Risk . The performance results of participation notes, which are a type of derivative, will not replicate exactly the performance of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate due to various factors, including transaction and other expenses. The transaction price of participation notes may not equal the underlying value of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets whose performance they seek to replicate.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Administrator Class as of 12/31 each year
Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2009
+25.66%
Lowest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2008
-27.80%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Administrator Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and fund of funds including those managed by Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Diversified International Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
0.90% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.84% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.00% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.74% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.49)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.25% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at the amounts shown above. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$127 |
3 Years |
$500 |
5 Years |
$898 |
10 Years |
$2,011 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 31% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers, and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in the equity securities of foreign issuers through the use of three different styles of international equity management: an international growth style, subadvised by Artisan Partners Limited Partnership; an international value style, sub-advised by LSV Asset Management; and an international blend style, sub-advised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated. We invest primarily in developed countries, but may invest in emerging market countries and may invest in equity securities of any market capitalization. Furthermore, we may use futures, options or participation notes to manage risk or to enhance return. We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership (Artisan Partners)
Artisan Partners employs a fundamental stock selection process to identify long-term growth opportunities to build a portfolio
of non-U.S. growth companies of any market capitalization. Artisan Partners seeks to invest in companies within its preferred
themes with sustainable growth characteristics at attractive valuations that do not fully reflect their long-term potential.
Artisan Partners may sell a stock when Artisan Partners thinks the stock is approaching full valuation, the company exhibits
deteriorating fundamentals, changing circumstances affect the original reasons for its purchase, or more attractive opportunities
are identified.
LSV Asset Management (LSV)
LSV invests in equity securities of foreign issuers which it believes are undervalued in the marketplace at the time of purchase
and show recent positive signals, such as an appreciation in prices and increase in earnings. LSV believes that these securities
have the potential to produce future returns if their future growth exceeds the market's low expectations. LSV uses a quantitative
investment model to make investment decisions for the Fund. The investment model ranks securities based on fundamental measures
of value (such as the dividend yield) and indicators of near-term recovery (such as recent price appreciation). A stock is
typically sold if the model indicates a decline in its ranking or if a stock's relative portfolio weight has appreciated significantly
(relative to the Fund's benchmark).
Wells Capital Management Incorporated (Wells Capital Management)
Wells Capital Management invests in equity securities of foreign issuers by using bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth
fundamental research as the cornerstone of its investment process. During each stage of the process, Wells Capital Management
also considers the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth
prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. The investment process seeks
both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes have
strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments,
Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic
value. Wells Capital Management may purchase securities across any market capitalization. Wells Capital Management may sell
a stock if it achieves its investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly,
if it changes its view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Multi-Manager Management Risk. A Fund with multiple sub-advisers is subject to the risk that the investment decisions made by a sub-adviser may conflict with those of another sub-adviser.
Options Risk. A Fund that purchases options, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of a loss of premiums without offsetting gains. A Fund that writes options receives a premium that may be small relative to the loss realized in the event of adverse changes in the value of the underlying instruments.
Participation Notes Risk . The performance results of participation notes, which are a type of derivative, will not replicate exactly the performance of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate due to various factors, including transaction and other expenses. The transaction price of participation notes may not equal the underlying value of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets whose performance they seek to replicate.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Administrator Class as of 12/31 each year
Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2009
+22.24%
Lowest Quarter: 4th Quarter 2008
-20.86%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.
Manager |
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since |
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC |
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership |
Mark L. Yockey, CFA , Portfolio Manager/2004 |
|
LSV Asset Management |
Josef Lakonishok
, Portfolio Manager/2004
|
|
Wells Capital Management Incorporated |
Dale Winner, CFA , Portfolio Manager/2012 |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Administrator Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and fund of funds including those managed by Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Emerging Markets Equity Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
1.05% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.48% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.00% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.53% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.04)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.49% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at the amounts shown above. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$152 |
3 Years |
$479 |
5 Years |
$830 |
10 Years |
$1,820 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 8% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in equity or other listed securities of emerging market companies. We consider emerging market companies to include companies that are traded in, have their primary operations in, are domiciled in or derive a majority of their revenue from emerging market countries as defined by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. We may use futures to manage risk or to enhance return. The Fund may have exposure to stocks across any capitalizations and styles and will be diversified across countries and sectors.
Utilizing a bottom-up stock selection process, we seek to invest in quality companies at prices below their intrinsic value. From the available stock universe we focus only on those quality companies that are able to sustain high profitability over a long period of time for reasons we can understand. Such companies not only create value for investors from profitable investment of retained earnings and dividend payout, but also preserve value and protect investors from the risk of permanent capital loss. Among the characteristics we seek in high-quality companies are strong competitive position, demonstrable financial strength and profitability, quality management dedicated to public shareholders' interest, and favorable growth prospect supported by major long-term trends. We place an equal emphasis on understanding each company's intrinsic value and will only invest when a company's stock trades at a meaningful discount to this value. We do not attempt to anticipate or react to short term market fluctuations, but instead seek to take advantage of periodic market inefficiencies to buy the high quality companies at prices below our assessment of their intrinsic value. We have a disciplined approach to the monitoring and sale of holdings and our decisions to trim or sell out of positions may be triggered when a stock price exceeds its intrinsic value or when there is a material deterioration in the fundamentals of the company.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Administrator Class as of 12/31 each year
Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2009
+31.91%
Lowest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2008
-24.75%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Administrator Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and fund of funds including those managed by Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund Summary
The Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation and current income.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
1.15% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.63% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.02% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.80% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.33)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.47% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 1.45% for Administrator Class. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$150 |
3 Years |
$534 |
5 Years |
$944 |
10 Years |
$2,089 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 84% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of companies in emerging market countries; and
across any market capitalization.
We consider emerging market countries to be, among others, countries included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
We look for companies with a sustainable high dividend yield backed by strong company financials and fundamentals, including
above-average sales and earnings growth, overall financial strength, competitive advantages, and capable management. We may
sell a holding when it no longer has some or all of these traits. Our investment strategy includes both a top-down strategy,
which takes account of overall economic and market trends in each country, and a bottom-up strategy, in which we use fundamental
research for security selection. In order to take advantage of the wide range of possible opportunities in a variety of markets
at different stages of economic development, we construct the portfolio with the potential for maximum portfolio dividend
yield while maintaining a controlled level of risk.
We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Administrator Class as of 12/31 each year
Highest Quarter:
2nd Quarter 2014
7.42%
Lowest Quarter:
3rd Quarter 2015
-14.79%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Administrator Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and fund of funds including those managed by Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Global Opportunities Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
0.95% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.51% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.01% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.47% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.06)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.41% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 29, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 1.40% for Administrator Class. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$144 |
3 Years |
$459 |
5 Years |
$797 |
10 Years |
$1,752 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 42% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's total assets in equity securities of small- to medium-sized companies;
in the securities of companies located in no fewer than three countries, which may include the U.S., and we may invest more than 25% of the Fund's total assets in any one country; and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in equity securities of small- to medium- sized companies, which we define as companies with market capitalizations within the range of the S&P Global MidSmall Cap Index at the time of purchase. The market capitalization range of the S&P Global MidSmall Cap Index was approximately $16 million to $33.5 billion, as of January 31, 2015, and is expected to change frequently. We consider foreign securities to be securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. Furthermore, we may use futures, options or forward foreign currency contracts to manage risk or to enhance return.
In selecting equity investments for the Fund, the portfolio managers attempt to identify companies that are well managed, positioned to achieve above average increases in revenue and/or free cash flow and otherwise have strong prospects for continued growth and/or that are undervalued companies relative to an assessment of their intrinsic value. We utilize international and U.S. specialist investment teams, each of which seeks small- to medium-sized companies with improving outlooks at reasonable valuations. We believe the global small capitalization and mid capitalization markets are inefficient and that stocks are often inappropriately valued. Our process utilizes both fundamentally based, bottom-up techniques with top-down, industry and sector analysis to identify global opportunities. We conduct ongoing review, research, and analysis of our portfolio holdings. We may sell a stock if it achieves our investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly, if we change our view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio. We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Geographic Emphasis Risk. A Fund that invests a significant portion of its assets in one country or geographic region will be more vulnerable than a fund that invests its assets more broadly to the economic, financial, political or other developments affecting that country or region. Such developments may have a significant impact on the Fund's investment performance causing such performance to be more volatile than the investment performance of a more geographically diversified fund.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Options Risk. A Fund that purchases options, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of a loss of premiums without offsetting gains. A Fund that writes options receives a premium that may be small relative to the loss realized in the event of adverse changes in the value of the underlying instruments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Administrator Class as of 12/31 each year
Highest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2009
+21.56%
Lowest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2011
-24.50%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Administrator Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and fund of funds including those managed by Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
International Equity Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
0.90% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.52% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.01% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.43% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.28)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.15% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 1.14% for Administrator Class. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$117 |
3 Years |
$425 |
5 Years |
$755 |
10 Years |
$1,689 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 27% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers;
up to 30% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities; and
in securities of at least three different countries including the U.S.
The types of securities in which we normally invest include common stock, preferred stock, rights, warrants and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). We consider equity securities of foreign issuers (or foreign securities) to be equity securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. We may use futures or forward foreign currency contracts to manage risk or to enhance return.
We use bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth fundamental research as the cornerstone of our investment process. During each stage of the process, we also consider the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. Sector and country weights result from rather than determine our stock-selection decisions. Our investment process seeks both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, we target companies that we believe have strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments, we target companies that we believe are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic value. Additionally, we seek to identify catalysts that will unlock value, which will then be recognized by the market. We may purchase securities across any market capitalization.
We conduct ongoing review, research, and analysis of our portfolio holdings. We may sell a stock if it achieves our investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly, if we change our view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Administrator Class as of 12/31 each year
Highest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2009
+18.29%
Lowest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2011
-21.99%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.
Manager |
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since |
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC |
Wells Capital Management Incorporated |
Dale Winner, CFA , Portfolio Manager/2012 |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Administrator Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and fund of funds including those managed by Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Intrinsic World Equity Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
0.85% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.52% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.00% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.37% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.12)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.25% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at the amounts shown above. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$127 |
3 Years |
$422 |
5 Years |
$739 |
10 Years |
$1,636 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 32% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of companies located in no fewer than three countries, which may include the U.S., and we may invest more than 25% of the Fund's total assets in any one country;
between 30% and 70% of the Fund's total assets in equity securities of U.S. companies; and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest primarily in developed countries, but may invest up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities. We invest principally in equity securities of approximately 40 to 60 companies located worldwide, diversifying fund holdings across sectors, industries and countries. We consider foreign securities to be securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. The Fund may invest in companies located in countries with developed or emerging markets and in stocks of any market capitalization.
We utilize a long-term focus that is intended to take advantage of investment opportunities presented by what we believe are short-term price anomalies in high-quality stocks. We seek to identify companies with established operating histories, financial strength and management expertise, among other factors. We seek stocks that are trading at a discount to what we believe are their intrinsic values. Fundamental research is performed to identify securities for the portfolio with one or more catalysts present that we believe will unlock the intrinsic value of the securities over the next three to five years. These catalysts may include productive use of strong free cash flow, productivity gains, positive change in management or control, innovative or competitively superior products, increasing shareholder focus, or resolution of ancillary problems or misperceptions. We may sell a holding if the value potential is realized, if warning signs emerge of beginning fundamental deterioration or if the valuation is no longer compelling relative to other investment opportunities. We may invest in any sector or country, and at times we may emphasize one or more particular sectors or countries.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Focused Portfolio Risk. Changes in the value of a small number of issuers are likely to have a larger impact on a Fund's net asset value than if the Fund held a greater number of issuers.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Geographic Emphasis Risk. A Fund that invests a significant portion of its assets in one country or geographic region will be more vulnerable than a fund that invests its assets more broadly to the economic, financial, political or other developments affecting that country or region. Such developments may have a significant impact on the Fund's investment performance causing such performance to be more volatile than the investment performance of a more geographically diversified fund.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Administrator Class as of 12/31 each year
Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2009
+25.27%
Lowest Quarter: 4th Quarter 2008
-18.85%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.
1. |
On or about July 1, 2016, following the merger of Metropolitan West Capital Management, LLC into Wells Capital Management Incorporated, the sub-adviser for the Fund will become Wells Capital Management Incorporated. The portfolio managers of the Fund will not change as a result of this merger. |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Administrator Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and fund of funds including those managed by Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Key Fund Information
This Prospectus contains information about one or more Funds within the Wells Fargo Funds family and is designed to provide you with important information to help you with your investment decisions. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.
In this Prospectus, "we" generally refers to Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC ("Funds Management"), the relevant sub-adviser(s), if applicable, or the portfolio manager(s). "We" may also refer to a Fund's other service providers. "You" refers to the shareholder or potential investor.
Investment Objective and Principal Investment Strategies
The investment objective of each Fund in this Prospectus is non-fundamental; that is, it can be changed by a vote of the Board of Trustees ("Board") alone. The objective and strategies description for each Fund tells you:
what the Fund is trying to achieve;
how we intend to invest your money; and
what makes the Fund different from the other Funds offered in this Prospectus.
This section also provides a summary of each Fund's principal investment policies and practices. Unless otherwise indicated, these investment policies and practices apply on an ongoing basis. Percentages of "the Fund's net assets" are measured as percentages of net assets plus borrowings for investment purposes. The investment policy of the Asia Pacific Fund, Diversified International Fund (formerly named International Equity Fund), Emerging Markets Equity Fund, Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, International Equity Fund and Intrinsic World Equity Fund concerning "80% of the Fund's net assets" may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval, but shareholders would be given at least 60 days' notice.
This section lists the principal investment risks for each Fund. A complete description of these and other risks is found in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section. It is possible to lose money by investing in a Fund.
Asia Pacific Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in Asia Pacific Basin equity securities.
We invest principally in equity securities of companies in the Asia Pacific Basin. We define Asia Pacific Basin securities as securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office in the Asia Pacific Basin; (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is in the Asia Pacific Basin; or (3) issued by companies, regardless of where their securities are traded, that derive at least 50% of their revenue or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in the Asia Pacific Basin or that have at least 50% of their assets in the Asia Pacific Basin. The Asia Pacific Basin includes, among other countries, Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, some of which may be considered emerging market countries. We may use participation notes, which are a type of derivative.
We look for companies with the potential for above-average sales and earnings growth, overall financial strength, competitive advantages, and capable management. We may sell a holding when it no longer has these traits. Our investment strategy includes both a top-down strategy, which takes account of overall economic and market trends in each country, and a bottom-up strategy, in which we use fundamental research for security selection. In order to take advantage of the wide range of possible opportunities in a variety of markets at different stages of economic development, we construct the portfolio by seeking both growth and value opportunities in stocks of any market capitalization.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Diversified International Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers, and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in the equity securities of foreign issuers through the use of three different styles of international equity management: an international growth style, subadvised by Artisan Partners Limited Partnership; an international value style, sub-advised by LSV Asset Management; and an international blend style, sub-advised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated. We invest primarily in developed countries, but may invest in emerging market countries and may invest in equity securities of any market capitalization. Furthermore, we may use futures, options or participation notes to manage risk or to enhance return. We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership (Artisan Partners)
Artisan Partners employs a fundamental stock selection process to identify long-term growth opportunities to build a portfolio
of non-U.S. growth companies of any market capitalization. Artisan Partners seeks to invest in companies within its preferred
themes with sustainable growth characteristics at attractive valuations that do not fully reflect their long-term potential.
Artisan Partners may sell a stock when Artisan Partners thinks the stock is approaching full valuation, the company exhibits
deteriorating fundamentals, changing circumstances affect the original reasons for its purchase, or more attractive opportunities
are identified.
LSV Asset Management (LSV)
LSV invests in equity securities of foreign issuers which it believes are undervalued in the marketplace at the time of purchase
and show recent positive signals, such as an appreciation in prices and increase in earnings. LSV believes that these securities
have the potential to produce future returns if their future growth exceeds the market's low expectations. LSV uses a quantitative
investment model to make investment decisions for the Fund. The investment model ranks securities based on fundamental measures
of value (such as the dividend yield) and indicators of near-term recovery (such as recent price appreciation). A stock is
typically sold if the model indicates a decline in its ranking or if a stock's relative portfolio weight has appreciated significantly
(relative to the Fund's benchmark).
Wells Capital Management Incorporated (Wells Capital Management)
Wells Capital Management invests in equity securities of foreign issuers by using bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth
fundamental research as the cornerstone of its investment process. During each stage of the process, Wells Capital Management
also considers the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth
prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. The investment process seeks
both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes have
strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments,
Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic
value. Wells Capital Management may purchase securities across any market capitalization. Wells Capital Management may sell
a stock if it achieves its investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly,
if it changes its view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Derivatives Risk
Emerging Markets Risk
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Futures Contracts Risk
Investment Style Risk
|
Management Risk
Market Risk
Multi-Manager Management Risk
Options Risk
Participation Notes Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in equity or other listed securities of emerging market companies. We consider emerging market companies to include companies that are traded in, have their primary operations in, are domiciled in or derive a majority of their revenue from emerging market countries as defined by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. We may use futures to manage risk or to enhance return. The Fund may have exposure to stocks across any capitalizations and styles and will be diversified across countries and sectors.
Utilizing a bottom-up stock selection process, we seek to invest in quality companies at prices below their intrinsic value. From the available stock universe we focus only on those quality companies that are able to sustain high profitability over a long period of time for reasons we can understand. Such companies not only create value for investors from profitable investment of retained earnings and dividend payout, but also preserve value and protect investors from the risk of permanent capital loss. Among the characteristics we seek in high-quality companies are strong competitive position, demonstrable financial strength and profitability, quality management dedicated to public shareholders' interest, and favorable growth prospect supported by major long-term trends. We place an equal emphasis on understanding each company's intrinsic value and will only invest when a company's stock trades at a meaningful discount to this value. We do not attempt to anticipate or react to short term market fluctuations, but instead seek to take advantage of periodic market inefficiencies to buy the high quality companies at prices below our assessment of their intrinsic value. We have a disciplined approach to the monitoring and sale of holdings and our decisions to trim or sell out of positions may be triggered when a stock price exceeds its intrinsic value or when there is a material deterioration in the fundamentals of the company.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Derivatives Risk
Emerging Markets Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Futures Contracts Risk
|
Investment Style Risk
Management Risk
Market Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
The Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation and current income.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of companies in emerging market countries; and
across any market capitalization.
We consider emerging market countries to be, among others, countries included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
We look for companies with a sustainable high dividend yield backed by strong company financials and fundamentals, including
above-average sales and earnings growth, overall financial strength, competitive advantages, and capable management. We may
sell a holding when it no longer has some or all of these traits. Our investment strategy includes both a top-down strategy,
which takes account of overall economic and market trends in each country, and a bottom-up strategy, in which we use fundamental
research for security selection. In order to take advantage of the wide range of possible opportunities in a variety of markets
at different stages of economic development, we construct the portfolio with the potential for maximum portfolio dividend
yield while maintaining a controlled level of risk.
We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Derivatives Risk
Emerging Markets Risk
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
|
Investment Style Risk
Management Risk
Market Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Global Opportunities Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's total assets in equity securities of small- to medium-sized companies;
in the securities of companies located in no fewer than three countries, which may include the U.S., and we may invest more than 25% of the Fund's total assets in any one country; and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in equity securities of small- to medium- sized companies, which we define as companies with market capitalizations within the range of the S&P Global MidSmall Cap Index at the time of purchase. The market capitalization range of the S&P Global MidSmall Cap Index was approximately $16 million to $33.5 billion, as of January 31, 2015, and is expected to change frequently. We consider foreign securities to be securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. Furthermore, we may use futures, options or forward foreign currency contracts to manage risk or to enhance return.
In selecting equity investments for the Fund, the portfolio managers attempt to identify companies that are well managed, positioned to achieve above average increases in revenue and/or free cash flow and otherwise have strong prospects for continued growth and/or that are undervalued companies relative to an assessment of their intrinsic value. We utilize international and U.S. specialist investment teams, each of which seeks small- to medium-sized companies with improving outlooks at reasonable valuations. We believe the global small capitalization and mid capitalization markets are inefficient and that stocks are often inappropriately valued. Our process utilizes both fundamentally based, bottom-up techniques with top-down, industry and sector analysis to identify global opportunities. We conduct ongoing review, research, and analysis of our portfolio holdings. We may sell a stock if it achieves our investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly, if we change our view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio. We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Derivatives Risk
Emerging Markets Risk
Foreign Currency Transactions Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Futures Contracts Risk
Geographic Emphasis Risk
|
Investment Style Risk
Management Risk
Market Risk
Options Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
International Equity Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers;
up to 30% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities; and
in securities of at least three different countries including the U.S.
The types of securities in which we normally invest include common stock, preferred stock, rights, warrants and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). We consider equity securities of foreign issuers (or foreign securities) to be equity securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. We may use futures or forward foreign currency contracts to manage risk or to enhance return.
We use bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth fundamental research as the cornerstone of our investment process. During each stage of the process, we also consider the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. Sector and country weights result from rather than determine our stock-selection decisions. Our investment process seeks both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, we target companies that we believe have strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments, we target companies that we believe are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic value. Additionally, we seek to identify catalysts that will unlock value, which will then be recognized by the market. We may purchase securities across any market capitalization.
We conduct ongoing review, research, and analysis of our portfolio holdings. We may sell a stock if it achieves our investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly, if we change our view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of companies located in no fewer than three countries, which may include the U.S., and we may invest more than 25% of the Fund's total assets in any one country;
between 30% and 70% of the Fund's total assets in equity securities of U.S. companies; and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest primarily in developed countries, but may invest up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities. We invest principally in equity securities of approximately 40 to 60 companies located worldwide, diversifying fund holdings across sectors, industries and countries. We consider foreign securities to be securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. The Fund may invest in companies located in countries with developed or emerging markets and in stocks of any market capitalization.
We utilize a long-term focus that is intended to take advantage of investment opportunities presented by what we believe are short-term price anomalies in high-quality stocks. We seek to identify companies with established operating histories, financial strength and management expertise, among other factors. We seek stocks that are trading at a discount to what we believe are their intrinsic values. Fundamental research is performed to identify securities for the portfolio with one or more catalysts present that we believe will unlock the intrinsic value of the securities over the next three to five years. These catalysts may include productive use of strong free cash flow, productivity gains, positive change in management or control, innovative or competitively superior products, increasing shareholder focus, or resolution of ancillary problems or misperceptions. We may sell a holding if the value potential is realized, if warning signs emerge of beginning fundamental deterioration or if the valuation is no longer compelling relative to other investment opportunities. We may invest in any sector or country, and at times we may emphasize one or more particular sectors or countries.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Emerging Markets Risk
Focused Portfolio Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Geographic Emphasis Risk
|
Investment Style Risk
Management Risk
Market Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Description of Principal Investment Risks
Understanding the risks involved in mutual fund investing will help you make an informed decision that takes into account your risk tolerance and preferences. The risks that are most likely to have a material effect on a particular Fund as a whole are called "principal risks." The principal risks for each Fund have been previously identified and are described below. Additional information about the principal risks is included in the Statement of Additional Information.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the derivatives' underlying assets, indexes or rates and the derivatives themselves, which may be magnified by certain features of the derivatives. These risks are heightened when derivatives are used to enhance a Fund's return or as a substitute for a position or security, rather than solely to hedge (or mitigate) the risk of a position or security held by the Fund. The success of a derivative strategy will be affected by the portfolio manager's ability to assess and predict market or economic developments and their impact on the derivatives' underlying assets, indexes or rates and the derivatives themselves. Certain derivative instruments may become illiquid and, as a result, may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so. Certain derivatives create leverage, which can magnify the impact of a decline in the value of their underlying assets, indexes or rates and increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value. Certain derivatives (e.g., over-the-counter swaps) are also subject to the risk that the counterparty to the derivative contract will be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, which may cause a Fund to lose money, suffer delays or incur costs arising from holding or selling an underlying asset. Changes in laws or regulations may make the use of derivatives more costly, may limit the availability of derivatives, or may otherwise adversely affect the use, value or performance of derivatives.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. For example, emerging market countries are typically more dependent on exports and are therefore more vulnerable to recessions in other countries. Emerging markets tend to have less developed legal and financial systems and a smaller market capitalization than markets in developed countries. Some emerging markets are subject to greater political instability. Additionally, emerging markets may have more volatile currencies and be more sensitive than developed markets to a variety of economic factors, including inflation. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Focused Portfolio Risk. Changes in the value of a small number of issuers are likely to have a larger impact on a Fund's net asset value than if the Fund held a greater number of issuers.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk. A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes. The Fund's gains from positions in foreign currency contracts may accelerate and/or lead to recharacterization of the Fund's income or gains and its distributions to shareholders. The Fund's losses from such positions may also lead to recharacterization of the Fund's income and its distributions to shareholders and may cause a return of capital to Fund shareholders.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign companies may be subject to significantly higher levels of taxation than U.S. companies, including potentially confiscatory levels of taxation, thereby reducing the earnings potential of such foreign companies. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Such changes may reduce the U.S. dollar value of the investments. Foreign investments may be subject to additional risks such as potentially higher withholding and other taxes, and may also be subject to greater trade settlement, custodial, and other operational risks than domestic investments. Certain foreign markets may also be characterized by less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Geographic Emphasis Risk. A Fund that invests a significant portion of its assets in one country or geographic region will be more vulnerable than a fund that invests its assets more broadly to the economic, financial, political or other developments affecting that country or region. Such developments may have a significant impact on the Fund's investment performance causing such performance to be more volatile than the investment performance of a more geographically diversified fund.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions. As a result, a Fund's performance may at times be worse than the performance of other mutual funds that invest more broadly or in securities of a different investment style.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Multi-Manager Management Risk. A Fund with multiple sub-advisers is subject to the risk that the investment decisions made by a sub-adviser may conflict with those of another sub-adviser. For example, at any particular time a sub-adviser may purchase a security being sold by another sub-adviser, resulting in transaction costs with potentially no change to the Fund's overall portfolio.
Options Risk. A Fund that purchases options, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that gains, if any, realized on the position, will be less than the amount paid as premiums to the writer of the option. A Fund that writes options receives a premium that may be small relative to the loss realized in the event of adverse changes in the value of the underlying instruments. A Fund that writes covered call options gives up the opportunity to profit from any price increase in the underlying security above the option exercise price while the option is in effect. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in values of options and their underlying securities and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain options.
Participation Notes Risk. The performance results of participation notes, which are a type of derivative, will not replicate exactly the performance of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate due to various factors, including transaction and other expenses. The transaction price of participation notes may not equal the underlying value of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets whose performance they seek to replicate. Moreover, a Fund has no rights under a participation note against the issuer of the underlying security.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies. Smaller companies may have no or relatively short operating histories, limited financial resources or may be newly public companies. Some of these companies have aggressive capital structures, including high debt levels, or are involved in rapidly growing or changing industries and/or new technologies.
Portfolio Holdings Information
A description of the Wells Fargo Funds' policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of the Wells Fargo Funds' portfolio holdings is available in the Funds' Statement of Additional Information. In addition, Funds Management will, from time to time, include portfolio holdings information in periodic commentaries for certain Funds. The substance of the information contained in such commentaries will also be posted to the Funds' website at wellsfargofunds.com.
A Fund's NAV is the value of a single share. The NAV is calculated as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open, although a Fund may deviate from this calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances. The NAV is calculated separately for each class of shares of a multiple-class Fund. The most recent NAV for each class of a Fund is available at wellsfargofunds.com. To calculate the NAV of a Fund's shares, the Fund's assets are valued and totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the balance, called net assets, is divided by the number of shares outstanding. The price at which a purchase or redemption request is processed is based on the next NAV calculated after the request is received in good order. Generally, NAV is not calculated, and purchase and redemption requests are not processed, on days that the NYSE is closed for trading; however under unusual or unexpected circumstances a Fund may elect to remain open even on days that the NYSE is closed or closes early. To the extent that a Fund's assets are traded in various markets on days when the Fund is closed, the value of the Fund's assets may be affected on days when you are unable to buy or sell Fund shares. Conversely, trading in some of a Fund's assets may not occur on days when the Fund is open.
With respect to any portion of a Fund's assets that may be invested in other mutual funds, the value of the Fund's shares is based on the NAV of the shares of the other mutual funds in which the Fund invests. The valuation methods used by mutual funds in pricing their shares, including the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing, are included in the Prospectuses of such funds. To the extent a Fund invests a portion of its assets in non-registered investment vehicles, the Fund's interests in the non-registered vehicles are fair valued at NAV.
With respect to a Fund's assets invested directly in securities, the Fund's investments are generally valued at current market prices. Equity securities, options and futures are generally valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last reported sales price on the primary exchange or market on which they are listed (closing price). Equity securities that are not traded primarily on an exchange are generally valued at the quoted bid price obtained from a broker-dealer.
Debt securities are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing service or, if a reliable price is not available, the quoted bid price from an independent broker-dealer.
We are required to depart from these general valuation methods and use fair value pricing methods to determine the values of certain investments if we believe that the closing price or the quoted bid price of a security, including a security that trades primarily on a foreign exchange, does not accurately reflect its current market value at the time as of which a Fund calculates its NAV. The closing price or the quoted bid price of a security may not reflect its current market value if, among other things, a significant event occurs after the closing price or quoted bid price but before the time as of which a Fund calculates its NAV that materially affects the value of the security. We use various criteria, including a systemic evaluation of U.S. market moves after the close of foreign markets, in deciding whether a foreign security's market price is still reliable and, if not, what fair market value to assign to the security. In addition, we use fair value pricing to determine the value of investments in securities and other assets, including illiquid securities, for which current market quotations or evaluated prices from a pricing service or broker-dealer are not readily available.
The fair value of a Fund's securities and other assets is determined in good faith pursuant to policies and procedures adopted by the Fund's Board of Trustees. In light of the judgment involved in making fair value decisions, there can be no assurance that a fair value assigned to a particular security is accurate or that it reflects the price that the Fund could obtain for such security if it were to sell the security at the time as of which fair value pricing is determined. Such fair value pricing may result in NAVs that are higher or lower than NAVs based on the closing price or quoted bid price. See the Statement of Additional Information for additional details regarding the determination of NAVs.
The Manager
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC ("Funds Management"), headquartered at 525 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, provides advisory and Fund-level administrative services to the Funds pursuant to an investment management agreement (the "Management Agreement"). Funds Management is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, a publicly traded diversified financial services company that provides banking, insurance, investment, mortgage and consumer financial services. Funds Management is a registered investment adviser that provides investment management services for registered mutual funds, closed-end funds and other funds and accounts.
Funds Management is responsible for implementing the investment objectives and strategies of the Funds. To assist Funds Management in performing these responsibilities, Funds Management has contracted with one or more subadvisers to provide day-to-day portfolio management services to the Funds. Funds Management employs a team of investment professionals who identify and recommend the initial hiring of each Fund's sub-adviser(s) and supervise and monitor the activities of the sub-adviser(s) on an ongoing basis. Funds Management retains overall responsibility for the investment activities of the Funds.
Funds Management's investment professionals review and analyze each Fund's performance, including relative to peer funds, and monitor each Fund's compliance with its investment objective and strategies. Funds Management is responsible for reporting to the Board on investment performance and other matters affecting the Funds. When appropriate, Funds Management recommends to the Board enhancements to Fund features, including changes to Fund investment objectives, strategies and policies. Funds Management also communicates with shareholders and intermediaries about Fund performance and features.
Funds Management is also responsible for providing Fund-level administrative services, which include, among others, providing such services in connection with the Funds' operations; developing and implementing procedures for monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements and compliance with the Funds' investment objectives, policies and restrictions; and providing any other Fund-level administrative services reasonably necessary for the operation of the Funds other than those services that are provided by the Funds' transfer and dividend disbursing agent, custodian, and fund accountant.
For providing these investment management services, Funds Management is entitled to receive the fees disclosed in the row captioned "Management Fees" in each Fund's table of Annual Fund Operating Expenses. Funds Management compensates each sub-adviser from the fees Funds Management receives for its services pursuant to the Management Agreement. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the Management Agreement and sub-advisory agreements is included in the Funds' Annual Report for the period ended October 31st.
Prior to July 1, 2015, Funds Management provided advisory services to the Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement ("Advisory Agreement"). The Management Agreement, which became effective July 1, 2015, combines the terms of the Advisory Agreement with the terms of the Funds' prior Amended and Restated Administration Agreement applicable to Fund-level administrative services. For a Fund's most recent fiscal year end, the advisory fee paid to Funds Management pursuant to the Advisory Agreement (prior to July 1, 2015) together with the management fee paid to Funds Management pursuant to the Management Agreement (beginning on July 1, 2015), each net of any applicable waivers and reimbursements, was as follows:
Management Fees Paid |
|
|
As a % of average daily net assets |
Asia Pacific Fund |
0.87% |
Diversified International Fund |
0.44% |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
1.03% |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund |
0.88% |
Global Opportunities Fund |
0.93% |
International Equity Fund |
0.52% |
Intrinsic World Equity Fund |
0.76% |
The Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers
The following sub-advisers and portfolio managers provide day-to-day portfolio management services to the Funds. These services include making purchases and sales of securities and other investment assets for the Funds, selecting broker-dealers, negotiating brokerage commission rates and maintaining portfolio transaction records. The sub-advisers are compensated for their services by Funds Management from the fees Funds Management receives for its services as investment manager to the Funds. The Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities in the Funds.
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership ("Artisan Partners"), a registered investment adviser located at 875 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800, Milwaukee, WI 53202, serves as the sub-adviser and provides portfolio management services to one or more Funds. Artisan Partners provides investment management services to pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, endowments, foundations, charitable organizations, governmental entities, and investment companies and similar pooled investment vehicles.
Mark L. Yockey, CFA
|
Mr. Yockey joined Artisan Partners in 1995, where he currently serves as a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager for Artisan Partners' non-U.S. growth, non-U.S. small-cap growth, global small-cap growth and global equity investment strategies. |
LSV Asset Management ("LSV"), is a registered investment adviser located at 155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4600, Chicago, IL 60606. LSV provides investment management services to other mutual funds, corporate clients, endowments and foundations in addition to multi-employer and public investment plans.
Metropolitan West Capital Management, LLC ("MWCM"), is a registered investment adviser located at 610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1000, Newport Beach, CA 92660. MWCM, an affiliate of Wells Capital Management Incorporated and indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, provides investment management services to pension plans, endowments, mutual funds, and individual investors.
Jean-Baptiste Nadal, CFA
|
Mr. Nadal joined MWCM in 2011, where he is a Managing Director and serves as Lead Portfolio Manager. Prior to joining MWCM, Mr. Nadal was a Managing Member at Nadal Capital Management, LLC. |
Jeffrey Peck
|
Mr. Peck joined MWCM in 2004, where he currently serves as a Managing Director and Lead Portfolio Manager. |
Wells Capital Management Incorporated ("Wells Capital Management"), is a registered investment adviser located at 525 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Wells Capital Management, an affiliate of Funds Management and indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, is a multi-boutique asset management firm committed to delivering superior investment services to institutional clients, including mutual funds.
Multi-Manager Arrangement
The Funds and Funds Management have obtained an exemptive order from the SEC that permits Funds Management, subject to Board approval, to select certain sub-advisers and enter into or amend sub-advisory agreements with them, without obtaining shareholder approval. The SEC order extends to sub-advisers that are not otherwise affiliated with Funds Management or the Funds, as well as sub-advisers that are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Funds Management or of a company that wholly owns Funds Management ("Multi-Manager Sub-Advisers").
Pursuant to the order, Funds Management, with Board approval, may hire or replace Multi-Manager Sub-Advisers for each Fund that is eligible to rely on the order. Funds Management, subject to Board oversight, has the responsibility to oversee Multi-Manager Sub-Advisers and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. If a new sub-adviser is hired for a Fund pursuant to the order, the Fund is required to notify shareholders within 90 days. The Funds that are eligible to rely on the order are not required to disclose the individual fees that Funds Management pays to a Multi-Manager Sub-Adviser.
Share Class Eligibility
Administrator Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks; trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and funds of funds, including those managed by Funds Management. The following investors may purchase Administrator Class shares and are not subject to a minimum initial investment amount, except as noted below:
Employee benefit plan programs;
Broker-dealer managed account or wrap programs that charge an asset-based fee;
Registered investment adviser mutual fund wrap programs or other accounts that charge a fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services;
Private bank and trust company managed accounts or wrap programs that charge an asset-based fee;
Internal Revenue Code Section 529 college savings plan accounts;
Funds of funds, including those advised by Funds Management;
Investment Management and Trust Departments of Wells Fargo & Company purchasing shares on behalf of their clients;
Endowments, non-profits, and charitable organizations who invest a minimum initial investment amount of $500,000 in a Fund;
Any other institutions or customers of intermediaries who invest a minimum initial investment amount of $1 million in a Fund;
Individual investors who invest a minimum initial investment amount of $1 million directly in a Fund; and
Certain investors and related accounts as detailed in the Statement of Additional Information.
Eligibility requirements for Administrator Class shares may be modified or discontinued at any time.
Your Fund may offer other classes of shares in addition to those offered through this Prospectus. You may be eligible to invest in one or more of these other classes of shares. Each share class bears varying expenses and may differ in other features. Consult your financial professional for more information regarding a Fund's available share classes.
The information in this Prospectus is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any non-U.S. jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to any law or regulation, or which would subject Fund shares to any registration requirement within such jurisdiction or country.
The table below summarizes the key features of the share class offered through this Prospectus.
|
Administrator Class |
|
Front-End Sales Charge |
|
None |
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) |
|
None |
Ongoing Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
|
None |
Shareholder Servicing Fee |
|
0.25% |
Information regarding sales charges, breakpoint levels, reductions and waivers is also available free of charge on our website at wellsfargofunds.com. You may wish to discuss your choice of share class with your financial professional.
Compensation to Financial Professionals and Intermediaries
Shareholder Servicing Plan
Each Fund has adopted a shareholder servicing plan (Servicing Plan). The Servicing Plan authorizes the Fund to enter into agreements with the Fund's distributor, manager, or any of their affiliates to provide or engage other entities to provide certain shareholder services, including establishing and maintaining shareholder accounts, processing and verifying purchase, redemption and exchange transactions, and providing such other shareholder liaison or related services as may reasonably be requested. The fees paid under the Servicing Plan are as follows:
Fund |
Administrator Class |
|
Asia Pacific Fund |
|
0.25% |
Diversified International Fund |
|
0.25% |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
|
0.25% |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund |
|
0.25% |
Global Opportunities Fund |
|
0.25% |
International Equity Fund |
|
0.25% |
Intrinsic World Equity Fund |
|
0.25% |
Additional Payments to Financial Professionals and Intermediaries.
In addition to dealer reallowances and payments made by each Fund for distribution and shareholder servicing, the Fund's
manager, the distributor or their affiliates make additional payments ("Additional Payments") to certain financial professionals
and intermediaries for selling shares and providing shareholder services, which include broker-dealers and 401(k) service
providers and recordkeepers. These Additional Payments, which may be significant, are paid by the Fund's manager, the distributor
or their affiliates, out of their revenues, which generally come directly or indirectly from Fund fees.
In return for these Additional Payments, each Fund's manager and distributor expect the Fund to receive certain marketing
or servicing considerations that are not generally available to mutual funds whose sponsors do not make such payments. Such
considerations are expected to include, without limitation, placement of the Fund on a list of mutual funds offered as investment
options to the intermediary's clients (sometimes referred to as "Shelf Space"); access to the intermediary's financial professionals;
and/or ability to assist in training and educating the intermediary's financial professionals.
The Additional Payments may create potential conflicts of interest between an investor and a financial professional or intermediary
who is recommending or making available a particular mutual fund over other mutual funds. Before investing, you should consult
with your financial professional and review carefully any disclosure by the intermediary as to what compensation the intermediary
receives from mutual fund sponsors, as well as how your financial professional is compensated.
The Additional Payments are typically paid in fixed dollar amounts, based on the number of customer accounts maintained by
an intermediary, or based on a percentage of sales and/or assets under management, or a combination of the above. The Additional
Payments are either up-front or ongoing or both and differ among intermediaries. Additional Payments to an intermediary that
is compensated based on its customers' assets typically range between 0.05% and 0.30% in a given year of assets invested in
a Fund by the intermediary's customers. Additional Payments to an intermediary that is compensated based on a percentage of
sales typically range between 0.10% and 0.15% of the gross sales of a Fund attributable to the financial intermediary.
More information on the FINRA member firms that have received the Additional Payments described in this section is available
in the Statement of Additional Information, which is on file with the SEC and is also available on the Wells Fargo Funds
website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
For more information regarding buying and selling Fund shares, please visit wellsfargofunds.com. You may buy (purchase) and sell (redeem) Fund shares as follows:
Requests in "Good Order". All purchase and redemption requests must be received in "good order." This means that a request generally must include:
The Fund name(s) 1 , share class(es) and account number(s);
The amount (in dollars or shares) and type (purchase or redemption) of the request;
If by mail, the signature of each registered owner as it appears in the account application;
For purchase requests, payment of the full amount of the purchase request (see "Payment" below); and
Any supporting legal documentation that may be required.
1. |
When all or a portion of a payment is received for investment without a clear Fund designation ("Undesignated Payment"), we may direct the undesignated portion or the entire amount, as applicable, into the Wells Fargo Money Market Fund. Such Undesignated Payment will remain invested in shares of the Wells Fargo Money Market Fund until you later direct us to redeem or exchange these shares at the next NAV calculated after we receive your request in good order. |
Purchase and redemption requests in good order will be processed at the next NAV calculated after the Fund's transfer agent or an authorized intermediary 1 receives your request. If your request is not received in good order, additional documentation may be required to process your transaction. We reserve the right to waive any of the above requirements.
1. |
The Fund's shares may be purchased through an intermediary that has entered into a dealer agreement with the Fund's distributor. The Fund has approved the acceptance of a purchase or redemption request effective as of the time of its receipt by such an authorized intermediary or its designee as long as the request is received by one of those entities prior to the Fund's closing time. We reserve the right to adjust the closing time in certain circumstances. |
Payment. Payment for Fund shares may be made as follows:
By Wire |
Purchases into a new or existing account may be funded by using the following wire instructions:
|
By Check |
Make checks payable to Wells Fargo Funds. |
By Exchange |
Identify an identically registered Wells Fargo Fund account from which you wish to exchange (see "Exchanging Fund Shares" below for restrictions on exchanges). |
By Electronic Funds Transfer ("EFT") |
Additional purchases for existing accounts may be funded by EFT using your linked bank account. |
All payments must be in U.S. dollars, and all checks and EFTs must be drawn on U.S. banks. You will be charged a $25.00 fee
for every check or EFT that is returned to us as unpaid.
Form of Redemption Proceeds.
You may request that your redemption proceeds be sent to you by check, by EFT into a linked bank account, or by wire to a
linked bank account. Please call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222 regarding the requirements for linking bank accounts
or for wiring funds. Although, under normal circumstances, we satisfy redemption requests by making cash payments, we reserve
the right to determine in our sole discretion whether to satisfy redemption requests by making payments in securities. In
such cases, we may satisfy all or part of a redemption request by making payment in securities equal in value to the amount
of the redemption payable to you as permitted under the 1940 Act, and the rules thereunder, in which case the redeeming shareholder
should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of any securities received.
Timing of Redemption Proceeds.
We normally will send out checks within one business day after we accept your request to redeem. We reserve the right to
delay payment for up to seven days. If you wish to redeem shares purchased by check, by EFT or through the Automatic Investment
Plan within seven days of purchase, you may be asked to resubmit your redemption request if your payment has not yet cleared.
Payment of redemption proceeds may be delayed for longer than seven days under extraordinary circumstances or as permitted
by the SEC in order to protect remaining shareholders. Such extraordinary circumstances are discussed further in the Statement
of Additional Information.
Retirement Plans and Other Products.
If you purchased shares through a packaged investment product or retirement plan, read the directions for redeeming shares
provided by the product or plan. There may be special requirements that supersede or are in addition to the requirements in
this Prospectus.
Exchanging Fund Shares
Exchanges between two funds involve two transactions: (1) the redemption of shares of one fund; and (2) the purchase of shares of another. In general, the same rules and procedures described under "Buying and Selling Fund Shares" apply to exchanges. There are, however, additional policies and considerations you should keep in mind while making or considering an exchange:
In general, exchanges may be made between like share classes of any fund in the Wells Fargo Funds complex offered to the general public for investment (i.e., a fund not closed to new accounts), with the following exceptions: (1) Class A shares of non-money market funds may also be exchanged for Service Class shares of any money market fund; (2) Service Class shares may be exchanged for Class A shares of any non-money market fund; and (3) WealthBuilder Portfolio shares may be exchanged for shares of any other WealthBuilder Portfolio or for the Wells Fargo Money Market Fund Class A shares.
If you make an exchange between Class A shares of a money market fund and Class A shares of a non-money market fund, you will buy the shares at the POP of the new fund unless you are otherwise eligible to buy shares at NAV.
Same-fund exchanges between share classes are permitted subject to the following conditions: (1) the shareholder must meet the eligibility guidelines of the class being purchased in the exchange; (2) exchanges out of Class A and Class C shares would not be allowed if shares are subject to a CDSC; and (3) for non-money market funds, in order to exchange into Class A shares, the shareholder must be able to qualify to purchase Class A shares at NAV based on current Prospectus guidelines.
An exchange request will be processed on the same business day, provided that both funds are open at the time the request is received. If one or both funds are closed, the exchange will be processed on the following business day.
You should carefully read the Prospectus for the Fund into which you wish to exchange.
Every exchange involves redeeming fund shares, which may produce a capital gain or loss for tax purposes.
If you are making an initial investment into a fund through an exchange, you must exchange at least the minimum initial investment amount for the new fund, unless your balance has fallen below that amount due to investment performance.
If you are making an additional investment into a fund that you already own through an exchange, you must exchange at least the minimum subsequent investment amount for the fund you are exchanging into.
Class B and Class C share exchanges will not trigger a CDSC. The new shares received in the exchange will continue to age according to the original shares' CDSC schedule and will be charged the CDSC applicable to the original shares upon redemption.
Generally, we will notify you at least 60 days in advance of any changes in the above exchange policies.
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares
Wells Fargo Funds reserves the right to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Purchases or exchanges that a Fund determines could harm the Fund may be rejected.
Excessive trading by Fund shareholders can negatively impact a Fund and its long-term shareholders in several ways, including disrupting Fund investment strategies, increasing transaction costs, decreasing tax efficiency, and diluting the value of shares held by long-term shareholders. Excessive trading in Fund shares can negatively impact a Fund's long-term performance by requiring it to maintain more assets in cash or to liquidate portfolio holdings at a disadvantageous time. Certain Funds may be more susceptible than others to these negative effects. For example, Funds that have a greater percentage of their investments in non-U.S. securities may be more susceptible than other Funds to arbitrage opportunities resulting from pricing variations due to time zone differences across international financial markets. Similarly, Funds that have a greater percentage of their investments in small company securities may be more susceptible than other Funds to arbitrage opportunities due to the less liquid nature of small company securities. Both types of Funds also may incur higher transaction costs in liquidating portfolio holdings to meet excessive redemption levels. Fair value pricing may reduce these arbitrage opportunities, thereby reducing some of the negative effects of excessive trading.
Wells Fargo Funds, other than the Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Conservative Income Fund, Ultra Short-Term Income Fund and Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund ("Ultra-Short Funds") and the money market funds, (the "Covered Funds"). The Covered Funds are not designed to serve as vehicles for frequent trading. The Covered Funds actively discourage and take steps to prevent the portfolio disruption and negative effects on long-term shareholders that can result from excessive trading activity by Covered Fund shareholders. The Board has approved the Covered Funds' policies and procedures, which provide, among other things, that Funds Management may deem trading activity to be excessive if it determines that such trading activity would likely be disruptive to a Covered Fund by increasing expenses or lowering returns. In this regard, the Covered Funds take steps to avoid accommodating frequent purchases and redemptions of shares by Covered Fund shareholders. Funds Management monitors available shareholder trading information across all Covered Funds on a daily basis. If a shareholder redeems $5,000 or more (including redemptions that are part of an exchange transaction) from a Covered Fund, that shareholder is "blocked" from purchasing shares of that Covered Fund (including purchases that are part of an exchange transaction) for 30 calendar days after the redemption. This policy does not apply to:
Money market funds;
Ultra-Short Funds;
Dividend reinvestments;
Systematic investments or exchanges where the financial intermediary maintaining the shareholder account identifies the transaction as a systematic redemption or purchase at the time of the transaction;
Rebalancing transactions within certain asset allocation or "wrap" programs where the financial intermediary maintaining a shareholder account is able to identify the transaction as part of an asset allocation program approved by Funds Management;
Transactions initiated by a "fund of funds" or Section 529 Plan into an underlying fund investment;
Permitted exchanges between share classes of the same Fund;
Certain transactions involving participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans, including: participant withdrawals due to mandatory distributions, rollovers and hardships, withdrawals of shares acquired by participants through payroll deductions, and shares acquired or sold by a participant in connection with plan loans; and
Purchases below $5,000 (including purchases that are part of an exchange transaction).
The money market funds and the Ultra-Short Funds. Because the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds are often used for short-term investments, they are designed to accommodate more frequent purchases and redemptions than the Covered Funds. As a result, the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds do not anticipate that frequent purchases and redemptions, under normal circumstances, will have significant adverse consequences to the money market funds or Ultra-Short Funds or their shareholders. Although the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds do not prohibit frequent trading, Funds Management will seek to prevent an investor from utilizing the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds to facilitate frequent purchases and redemptions of shares in the Covered Funds in contravention of the policies and procedures adopted by the Covered Funds.
All Wells Fargo Funds . In addition, Funds Management reserves the right to accept purchases, redemptions and exchanges made in excess of applicable trading restrictions in designated accounts held by Funds Management or its affiliate that are used at all times exclusively for addressing operational matters related to shareholder accounts, such as testing of account functions, and are maintained at low balances that do not exceed specified dollar amount limitations.
In the event that an asset allocation or "wrap" program is unable to implement the policy outlined above, Funds Management may grant a program-level exception to this policy. A financial intermediary relying on the exception is required to provide Funds Management with specific information regarding its program and ongoing information about its program upon request.
A financial intermediary through whom you may purchase shares of the Fund may independently attempt to identify excessive trading and take steps to deter such activity. As a result, a financial intermediary may on its own limit or permit trading activity of its customers who invest in Fund shares using standards different from the standards used by Funds Management and discussed in this Prospectus. Funds Management may permit a financial intermediary to enforce its own internal policies and procedures concerning frequent trading rather than the policies set forth above in instances where Funds Management reasonably believes that the intermediary's policies and procedures effectively discourage disruptive trading activity. If you purchase Fund shares through a financial intermediary, you should contact the intermediary for more information about whether and how restrictions or limitations on trading activity will be applied to your account.
Account Policies
Advance Notice of Large Transactions. We strongly urge you to make all purchases and redemptions of Fund shares as early in the day as possible and to notify us or your intermediary at least one day in advance of transactions in Fund shares in excess of $5 million. This will help us to manage the Funds most effectively. When you give this advance notice, please provide your name and account number.
Householding. To help keep Fund expenses low, a single copy of a Prospectus or shareholder report may be sent to shareholders of the same household. If your household currently receives a single copy of a Prospectus or shareholder report and you would prefer to receive multiple copies, please call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222 or contact your financial professional.
Retirement Accounts. We offer a variety of retirement account types for individuals and small businesses. There may be special distribution requirements for a retirement account, such as required distributions or mandatory Federal income tax withholdings. For more information about the retirement accounts listed below, including any distribution requirements, call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222. For retirement accounts held directly with a Fund, certain fees may apply including an annual account maintenance fee.
The retirement accounts available for individuals and small businesses are:
Individual Retirement Accounts, including Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs.
Small business retirement accounts, including Simple IRAs and SEP IRAs.
Small Account Redemptions. We reserve the right to redeem accounts that have values that fall below a Fund's minimum initial investment amount due to shareholder redemptions (as opposed to market movement). Before doing so, we will give you approximately 60 days to bring your account value above the Fund's minimum initial investment amount. Please call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222 or contact your financial professional for further details.
Transaction Authorizations. We may accept telephone, electronic, and clearing agency transaction instructions from anyone who represents that he or she is a shareholder and provides reasonable confirmation of his or her identity. Neither we nor Wells Fargo Funds will be liable for any losses incurred if we follow such instructions we reasonably believe to be genuine. For transactions through the automated phone system and our website, we will assign personal identification numbers (PINs) and/or passwords to help protect your account information. To safeguard your account, please keep your PINs and passwords confidential. Contact us immediately if you believe there is a discrepancy on your confirmation statement or if you believe someone has obtained unauthorized access to your account, PIN or password.
Identity Verification. We are required by law to obtain from you certain personal information that will be used to verify your identity. If you do not provide the information, we will not be able to open your account. In the rare event that we are unable to verify your identity as required by law, we reserve the right to redeem your account at the current NAV of the Fund's shares. You will be responsible for any losses, taxes, expenses, fees, or other results of such a redemption.
Right to Freeze Accounts, Suspend Account Services or Reject or Terminate an Investment. We reserve the right, to the extent permitted by law and/or regulations, to freeze any account or suspend account services when we have received reasonable notice (written or otherwise) of a dispute between registered or beneficial account owners or when we believe a fraudulent transaction may occur or has occurred. Additionally, we reserve the right to reject any purchase or exchange request and to terminate a shareholder's investment, including closing the shareholder's account.
Distributions
The Funds, except the Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, generally make distributions of any net investment income and any realized net capital gains at least annually. The Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund generally distributes net investment income monthly. The amount distributed in a month may either be less than the amount earned in that month or more than the amount earned in that month if it includes amounts earned in a previous month but retained for later distribution. The Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund generally distributes net capital gains, if any, at least annually. Please contact your institution for distribution options. Remember, distributions have the effect of reducing the NAV per share by the amount distributed.
We offer the following distribution options. To change your current option for payment of distributions, please call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222.
Automatic Reinvestment Option—Allows you to use distributions to buy new shares of the same class of the Fund that generated the distributions. The new shares are purchased at NAV generally on the day the distribution is paid. This option is automatically assigned to your account unless you specify another option.
Check Payment Option—Allows you to receive distributions via checks mailed to your address of record or to another name and address which you have specified in written instructions. A Medallion Guarantee may also be required. If checks remain uncashed for six months or are undeliverable by the Post Office, we will reinvest the distributions at the earliest date possible, and future distributions will be automatically reinvested.
Bank Account Payment Option—Allows you to receive distributions directly in a checking or savings account through EFT. The bank account must be linked to your Wells Fargo Fund account. Any distribution returned to us due to an invalid banking instruction will be sent to your address of record by check at the earliest date possible, and future distributions will be automatically reinvested.
Directed Distribution Purchase Option—Allows you to buy shares of a different Wells Fargo Fund of the same share class. The new shares are purchased at NAV generally on the day the distribution is paid. In order to use this option, you need to identify the Fund and account the distributions are coming from, and the Fund and account to which the distributions are being directed. You must meet any required minimum investment amounts in both Funds prior to using this option.
You are eligible to earn distributions beginning on the business day after the Fund's transfer agent or an authorized intermediary receives your purchase request in good order.
Taxes
The following discussion regarding federal income taxes is based on laws that were in effect as of the date of this Prospectus and summarizes only some of the important federal income tax considerations affecting a Fund and you as a shareholder. It does not apply to foreign or tax-exempt shareholders or those holding Fund shares through a tax-advantaged account, such as a 401(k) Plan or IRA. This discussion is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation. Please see the Statement of Additional Information for additional federal income tax information.
We will pass on to a Fund's shareholders substantially all of the Fund's net investment income and realized net capital gains, if any. Distributions from a Fund's ordinary income and net short-term capital gain, if any, generally will be taxable to you as ordinary income. Distributions from a Fund's net long-term capital gain, if any, generally will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain.
Corporate shareholders may be able to deduct a portion of their distributions when determining their taxable income.
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extended certain tax rates except those that applied to individual taxpayers with taxable incomes above $400,000 ($450,000 for married taxpayers, $425,000 for heads of households). Taxpayers that are not in the new highest tax bracket continue to be subject to a maximum 15% rate of tax on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends. For taxpayers in the new highest tax bracket, the maximum tax rate on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends will be 20%. Beginning in 2013, U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly), a new 3.8% Medicare contribution tax will apply on "net investment income," including interest, dividends, and capital gains.
Distributions from a Fund normally will be taxable to you when paid, whether you take distributions in cash or automatically reinvest them in additional Fund shares. Following the end of each year, we will notify you of the federal income tax status of your distributions for the year.
If you buy shares of a Fund shortly before it makes a taxable distribution, your distribution will, in effect, be a taxable return of part of your investment. Similarly, if you buy shares of a Fund when it holds appreciated securities, you will receive a taxable return of part of your investment if and when the Fund sells the appreciated securities and distributes the gain. The Fund has built up, or has the potential to build up, high levels of unrealized appreciation.
Your redemptions (including redemptions in-kind) and exchanges of Fund shares ordinarily will result in a taxable capital gain or loss, depending on the amount you receive for your shares (or are deemed to receive in the case of exchanges) and the amount you paid (or are deemed to have paid) for them. Such capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your redeemed or exchanged Fund shares for more than one year at the time of redemption or exchange. In certain circumstances, losses realized on the redemption or exchange of Fund shares may be disallowed.
In certain circumstances, Fund shareholders may be subject to backup withholding taxes.
Additional Performance Information
This section contains additional information regarding the performance of the Funds. The sub-section below titled "Index Descriptions" defines the market indices that are referenced in the Fund Summaries. The sub-section below titled "Share Class Performance" provides history for specified share classes of certain Funds.
Index Descriptions. The "Average Annual Total Returns" table in each Fund's Fund Summary compares the Fund's returns with those of one or more indices. Below are descriptions of each such index. You cannot invest directly in an index.
MSCI AC Asia Pacific Index (Net) 1 |
The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country (AC) Asia Pacific Index (Net) is a total return, capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of stock markets in 15 Pacific region countries, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. |
MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net) 1 |
The 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 and emerging markets excluding the United States. |
MSCI EAFE Index (Net) 1 |
The MSCI Europe, Australasia and Far East (EAFE) Index (Net) is an unmanaged group of securities widely regarded by investors to be representations of the stock markets of Europe, Australasia and the Far East. 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. |
MSCI World Index (Net) 1 |
The MSCI World Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets. As of May 27, 2010 the MSCI World Index consisted of the following 24 developed market country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net) 1 |
The MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index designed to measure the equity market performance in the global emerging markets. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is currently comprised of 23 emerging market country indices. |
S&P Developed SmallCap Index |
The S&P Developed SmallCap Index is a float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index designed to measure the equity market performance of small capitalization companies located in developed markets. The S&P Developed SmallCap index is comprised of companies within the bottom 15% of the cumulative market capitalization in developed markets. The S&P Developed SmallCap index covers all publicly listed equities with float-adjusted market values of US $100 million or more and annual dollar value traded of at least US $50 million in all included countries. |
1. |
Source: MSCI. The MSCI information may only be used for your internal use, may not be reproduced or redisseminated in any form and may not be used as a basis for or a component of any financial instruments or products or indices. None of the MSCI information is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such. Historical data and analysis should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of any future performance analysis, forecast or prediction. The MSCI information is provided on an "as is" basis and the user of this information assumes the entire risk of any use made of this information. MSCI, each of its affiliates and each other person involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating any MSCI information (collectively, the MSCI Parties") expressly disclaims all warranties (including, without limitation, any warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, non-infringement, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose) with respect to this information. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall any MSCI Party have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, punitive, consequential (including, without limitation, lost profits) or any other damages. (www.mscibarra.com) |
Share Class Performance. The following provides additional information about the performance history of the Funds contained in this prospectus, including information regarding predecessor funds, if any, and whether performance information presented is based on the history of an older share class.
Asia Pacific Fund - Historical performance shown for the Administrator Class shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of the Class A shares, and includes the higher expenses applicable to the Class A shares. If these expenses had not been included, returns would be higher.
Emerging Markets Equity Fund - Historical performance shown for the Administrator class of the Fund prior to July 19, 2010 is based on the performance of the Fund's predecessor, Evergreen Emerging Markets Growth Fund.
Global Opportunities Fund - Historical performance shown for the Administrator class of the Fund prior to July 19, 2010 is based on the performance of the Fund's predecessor, Evergreen Global Opportunities Fund.
International Equity Fund - Historical performance shown for the Administrator Class shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of the Institutional Class shares, and has been adjusted to reflect the higher expenses applicable to the Administrator Class shares. 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 International Equity Fund.
Intrinsic World Equity Fund - Historical performance shown for the Administrator Class shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of Class A shares, and includes the higher expenses applicable to Class A shares. If these expenses had not been included, returns would be higher. 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 World Equity Fund.
A Fund's past performance is no guarantee of future results. A Fund's investment results will fluctuate over time, and any representation of the Fund's returns for any past period should not be considered as a representation of what a Fund's returns may be in any future period. Each Fund's annual and semi-annual reports contain additional performance information and are available upon request, without charge, by calling the telephone number listed on the back cover page of this Prospectus.
The following tables are intended to help you understand a Fund's financial performance for the past five years (or since inception, if shorter). Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. Total returns represent the rate you would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each Fund (assuming reinvestment of all distributions). The information in the following tables has been derived from the Funds' financial statements, which have been audited by KPMG LLP, the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with each Fund's financial statements, is also included in each Fund's annual report, a copy of which is available upon request.
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Administrator Class |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
11.99 |
$ |
11.54 |
$ |
10.04 |
$ |
9.29 |
$ |
10.15 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.11 1 |
|
0.12 1 |
|
0.14 1 |
|
0.17 |
|
0.12 1 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(0.21) |
|
0.65 |
|
1.77 |
|
0.71 |
|
(0.89) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(0.10) |
|
0.77 |
|
1.91 |
|
0.88 |
|
(0.77) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.17) |
|
(0.32) |
|
(0.41) |
|
(0.13) |
|
(0.09) |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
11.72 |
$ |
11.99 |
$ |
11.54 |
$ |
10.04 |
$ |
9.29 |
|||||
Total return |
|
(0.83)% |
|
6.86% |
|
19.57% |
|
9.66% |
|
(7.68)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.56% |
|
1.52% |
|
1.61% |
|
1.67% |
|
1.52% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
1.40% |
|
1.40% |
|
1.40% |
|
1.40% |
|
1.39% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.87% |
|
1.04% |
|
1.26% |
|
1.74% |
|
1.14% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
113% |
|
113% |
|
187% |
|
163% |
|
196% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
14,048 |
$ |
13,956 |
$ |
12,577 |
$ |
12,860 |
$ |
13,959 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
Diversified International Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Administrator Class |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
12.23 |
$ |
12.47 |
$ |
10.42 |
$ |
9.68 |
$ |
10.28 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.16 1 |
|
0.26 1 |
|
0.19 1 |
|
0.21 1 |
|
0.05 1 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(0.22) |
|
(0.30) |
|
2.47 |
|
0.53 |
|
(0.52) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(0.06) |
|
(0.04) |
|
2.66 |
|
0.74 |
|
(0.47) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.30) |
|
(0.20) |
|
(0.61) |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.13) |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
11.87 |
$ |
12.23 |
$ |
12.47 |
$ |
10.42 |
$ |
9.68 |
|||||
Total return 2 |
|
(0.46)% |
|
(0.39)% |
|
26.85% |
|
7.64% |
|
(4.69)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.72% |
|
1.60% |
|
1.74% |
|
1.52% |
|
1.35% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
1.25% |
|
1.25% |
|
1.25% |
|
1.25% |
|
1.24% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
1.31% |
|
2.10% |
|
1.72% |
|
2.11% |
|
0.44% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
31% |
|
33% |
|
40% |
|
57% |
|
53% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
10,540 |
$ |
7,283 |
$ |
8,195 |
$ |
3,504 |
$ |
3,421 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
2 |
Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Administrator Class |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
22.44 |
$ |
22.79 |
$ |
21.44 |
$ |
21.90 |
$ |
22.63 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.12 1 |
|
0.13 1 |
|
0.05 |
|
0.14 |
|
0.02 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(3.46) |
|
(0.44) |
|
1.40 |
|
(0.18) |
|
(0.73) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(3.34) |
|
(0.31) |
|
1.45 |
|
(0.04) |
|
(0.71) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.11) |
|
(0.04) |
|
(0.10) |
|
(0.20) |
|
(0.02) |
|||||
Net realized gains |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.22) |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
|
(0.11) |
|
(0.04) |
|
(0.10) |
|
(0.42) |
|
(0.02) |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
18.99 |
$ |
22.44 |
$ |
22.79 |
$ |
21.44 |
$ |
21.90 |
|||||
Total return |
|
(14.91)% |
|
(1.36)% |
|
6.83% |
|
(0.13)% |
|
(3.14)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.49% |
|
1.48% |
|
1.48% |
|
1.47% |
|
1.47% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
1.48% |
|
1.48% |
|
1.48% |
|
1.47% |
|
1.47% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.58% |
|
0.57% |
|
0.35% |
|
0.72% |
|
0.70% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
8% |
|
7% |
|
13% |
|
7% |
|
5% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
181,224 |
$ |
464,135 |
$ |
1,050,660 |
$ |
634,428 |
$ |
529,083 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
||||||||||
Administrator Class |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 1 |
||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
11.35 |
$ |
11.80 |
$ |
11.17 |
$ |
10.00 |
||||
Net investment income |
|
0.23 |
|
0.33 2 |
|
0.32 |
|
0.14 |
||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(1.37) |
|
(0.08) |
|
0.89 |
|
1.14 |
||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(1.14) |
|
0.25 |
|
1.21 |
|
1.28 |
||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.21) |
|
(0.33) |
|
(0.35) |
|
(0.11) |
||||
Net realized gains |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.37) |
|
(0.23) |
|
0.00 |
||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
|
(0.21) |
|
(0.70) |
|
(0.58) |
|
(0.11) |
||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
10.00 |
$ |
11.35 |
$ |
11.80 |
$ |
11.17 |
||||
Total return 2 |
|
(10.12)% |
|
2.30% |
|
11.13% |
|
12.89% |
||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.76% |
|
1.91% |
|
2.94% |
|
4.14% |
||||
Net expenses |
|
1.45% |
|
1.45% |
|
1.45% |
|
1.45% |
||||
Net investment income |
|
2.38% |
|
2.89% |
|
2.70% |
|
3.17% |
||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
84% |
|
91% |
|
85% |
|
39% |
||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
43,928 |
$ |
52,896 |
$ |
13,527 |
$ |
5,285 |
1 |
For the period from May 31, 2012 (commencement of class operations) to October 31, 2012 |
2 |
Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
Global Opportunities Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Administrator Class |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
44.60 |
$ |
44.00 |
$ |
34.21 |
$ |
31.10 |
$ |
32.92 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.16 1 |
|
0.09 |
|
0.22 1 |
|
0.26 1 |
|
0.15 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.66 |
|
0.90 |
|
9.86 |
|
2.96 |
|
(1.93) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.82 |
|
0.99 |
|
10.08 |
|
3.22 |
|
(1.78) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.03) |
|
(0.39) |
|
(0.29) |
|
(0.11) |
|
(0.04) |
|||||
Net realized gains |
|
(6.74) |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
|
(6.77) |
|
(0.39) |
|
(0.29) |
|
(0.11) |
|
(0.04) |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
38.65 |
$ |
44.60 |
$ |
44.00 |
$ |
34.21 |
$ |
31.10 |
|||||
Total return |
|
2.27% |
|
2.22% |
|
29.73% |
|
10.44% |
|
(5.39)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.43% |
|
1.41% |
|
1.42% |
|
1.38% |
|
1.37% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
1.40% |
|
1.40% |
|
1.40% |
|
1.38% |
|
1.36% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.41% |
|
0.22% |
|
0.58% |
|
0.81% |
|
0.53% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
42% |
|
66% |
|
59% |
|
85% |
|
76% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
31,765 |
$ |
53,966 |
$ |
52,461 |
$ |
44,360 |
$ |
49,860 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
International Equity Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Administrator Class |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
11.09 |
$ |
11.79 |
$ |
9.62 |
$ |
9.67 |
$ |
10.28 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.17 1 |
|
0.37 1 |
|
0.22 |
|
0.25 |
|
0.16 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.57 |
|
(0.80) |
|
2.22 |
|
(0.09) |
|
(0.74) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.74 |
|
(0.43) |
|
2.44 |
|
0.16 |
|
(0.58) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.50) |
|
(0.27) |
|
(0.27) |
|
(0.21) |
|
(0.03) |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
11.33 |
$ |
11.09 |
$ |
11.79 |
$ |
9.62 |
$ |
9.67 |
|||||
Total return |
|
6.89% |
|
(3.82)% |
|
26.00% |
|
1.88% |
|
(5.68)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.40% |
|
1.37% |
|
1.37% |
|
1.36% |
|
1.25% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
1.09% |
|
1.09% |
|
1.09% |
|
1.09% |
|
1.09% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
1.44% |
|
3.21% |
|
2.08% |
|
2.52% |
|
1.58% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
27% |
|
32% |
|
38% |
|
115% |
|
44% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
52,469 |
$ |
12,962 |
$ |
3,955 |
$ |
3,505 |
$ |
3,436 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Administrator Class |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
22.33 |
$ |
21.81 |
$ |
17.89 |
$ |
15.52 |
$ |
15.02 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.23 1 |
|
0.22 1 |
|
0.24 1 |
|
0.19 1 |
|
0.15 1 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.75 |
|
0.59 |
|
3.99 |
|
1.87 |
|
0.49 |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.98 |
|
0.81 |
|
4.23 |
|
2.06 |
|
0.64 |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.18) |
|
(0.29) |
|
(0.31) |
|
(0.16) |
|
(0.14) |
|||||
Net realized gains |
|
(0.37) |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
|
(0.55) |
|
(0.29) |
|
(0.31) |
|
(0.16) |
|
(0.14) |
|||||
Regulatory settlement proceeds |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.47 |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
22.76 |
$ |
22.33 |
$ |
21.81 |
$ |
17.89 |
$ |
15.52 |
|||||
Total return |
|
4.51% |
|
3.70% |
|
24.03% |
|
16.52% 2 |
|
4.27% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.34% |
|
1.29% |
|
1.31% |
|
1.34% |
|
1.30% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
1.15% |
|
1.15% |
|
1.15% |
|
1.15% |
|
1.15% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
1.01% |
|
0.96% |
|
1.18% |
|
1.14% |
|
0.99% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
32% |
|
23% |
|
22% |
|
27% |
|
12% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
6,239 |
$ |
7,327 |
$ |
5,306 |
$ |
2,001 |
$ |
1,986 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
2 |
During the year ended October 31, 2012, the Fund received a regulatory settlement from an unaffiliated third party which had an impact of 2.93% on the total return. |
© 2016 Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved |
036IEAM/P303 03-16
ICA Reg. No. 811-09253 |
Prospectus
March 1, 2016
International Equity Funds
Wells Fargo Fund
Institutional Class
Wells Fargo Asia Pacific Fund
WFPIX
Wells Fargo Diversified International Fund
WFISX
Wells Fargo Emerging Markets Equity Fund
EMGNX
Wells Fargo Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
EQIIX
Wells Fargo Global Opportunities Fund
EKGIX
Wells Fargo International Equity Fund
WFENX
Wells Fargo Intrinsic World Equity Fund
EWENX
As with all mutual funds, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a crime.
Fund shares are NOT deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., its affiliates or any other depository institution. Fund shares are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency and may lose value.
SUPPLEMENT TO
PROSPECTUSES AND STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OF
WELLS FARGO SMALL TO MID CAP STOCK FUNDS
Wells Fargo Intrinsic Small Cap Value Fund
Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund
(each a “Fund”, together the “Funds”)
At a meeting held on February 17-18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of the Funds approved a change to the sub-adviser for each of the Funds to Wells Capital Management Incorporated (“Wells Capital Management”) in connection with the merger of Metropolitan
West Capital Management, LLC (“MetWest”), each Fund’s current sub-adviser, into Wells Capital Management (the “Merger”). The Merger is expected to take place on or about July 1, 2016 (the “Effective Date”). With
the completion of the Merger, MetWest personnel will become exclusively personnel of Wells Capital Management. The Merger will not result in any change to the services provided to the Funds or to their strategies or fees and expenses.
In addition, as of the Effective Date, the Prospectuses for each Fund are amended to include the following portfolio manager descriptions under Wells Capital Management in the section entitled “The Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers” in the
Funds’ Prospectuses:
WELLS FARGO LARGE CAP STOCK FUNDS
WELLS FARGO INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS
Wells Fargo Intrinsic World Equity Fund
On the Effective Date, all references in each Fund’s Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information to MetWest as a sub-adviser are hereby replaced with Wells Capital Management.
February 19, 2016
LCR026/P101SP
|
|
2 |
|
6 |
|
11 |
|
15 |
|
19 |
|
23 |
|
27 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
32 |
|
33 |
|
35 |
|
36 |
|
37 |
|
38 |
|
39 |
|
40 |
|
41 |
|
42 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
44 |
|
45 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
46 |
|
46 |
|
47 |
|
49 |
|
49 |
|
51 |
|
52 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
54 |
|
56 |
Asia Pacific Fund Summary
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
1.00% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.34% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.01% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.35% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.09)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.26% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 1.25% for Institutional Class. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$128 |
3 Years |
$419 |
5 Years |
$731 |
10 Years |
$1,616 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 113% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in Asia Pacific Basin equity securities.
We invest principally in equity securities of companies in the Asia Pacific Basin. We define Asia Pacific Basin securities as securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office in the Asia Pacific Basin; (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is in the Asia Pacific Basin; or (3) issued by companies, regardless of where their securities are traded, that derive at least 50% of their revenue or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in the Asia Pacific Basin or that have at least 50% of their assets in the Asia Pacific Basin. The Asia Pacific Basin includes, among other countries, Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, some of which may be considered emerging market countries. We may use participation notes, which are a type of derivative.
We look for companies with the potential for above-average sales and earnings growth, overall financial strength, competitive advantages, and capable management. We may sell a holding when it no longer has these traits. Our investment strategy includes both a top-down strategy, which takes account of overall economic and market trends in each country, and a bottom-up strategy, in which we use fundamental research for security selection. In order to take advantage of the wide range of possible opportunities in a variety of markets at different stages of economic development, we construct the portfolio by seeking both growth and value opportunities in stocks of any market capitalization.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Geographic Emphasis Risk. A Fund that invests a significant portion of its assets in one country or geographic region will be more vulnerable than a fund that invests its assets more broadly to the economic, financial, political or other developments affecting that country or region. Such developments may have a significant impact on the Fund's investment performance causing such performance to be more volatile than the investment performance of a more geographically diversified fund.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Participation Notes Risk . The performance results of participation notes, which are a type of derivative, will not replicate exactly the performance of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate due to various factors, including transaction and other expenses. The transaction price of participation notes may not equal the underlying value of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets whose performance they seek to replicate.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Institutional Class as of 12/31 each year
Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2009
+25.66%
Lowest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2008
-27.80%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Institutional Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and fund of funds including those managed by Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Diversified International Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
0.90% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.59% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.00% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.49% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.50)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
0.99% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at the amounts shown above. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$101 |
3 Years |
$422 |
5 Years |
$766 |
10 Years |
$1,737 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 31% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers, and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in the equity securities of foreign issuers through the use of three different styles of international equity management: an international growth style, subadvised by Artisan Partners Limited Partnership; an international value style, sub-advised by LSV Asset Management; and an international blend style, sub-advised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated. We invest primarily in developed countries, but may invest in emerging market countries and may invest in equity securities of any market capitalization. Furthermore, we may use futures, options or participation notes to manage risk or to enhance return. We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership (Artisan Partners)
Artisan Partners employs a fundamental stock selection process to identify long-term growth opportunities to build a portfolio
of non-U.S. growth companies of any market capitalization. Artisan Partners seeks to invest in companies within its preferred
themes with sustainable growth characteristics at attractive valuations that do not fully reflect their long-term potential.
Artisan Partners may sell a stock when Artisan Partners thinks the stock is approaching full valuation, the company exhibits
deteriorating fundamentals, changing circumstances affect the original reasons for its purchase, or more attractive opportunities
are identified.
LSV Asset Management (LSV)
LSV invests in equity securities of foreign issuers which it believes are undervalued in the marketplace at the time of purchase
and show recent positive signals, such as an appreciation in prices and increase in earnings. LSV believes that these securities
have the potential to produce future returns if their future growth exceeds the market's low expectations. LSV uses a quantitative
investment model to make investment decisions for the Fund. The investment model ranks securities based on fundamental measures
of value (such as the dividend yield) and indicators of near-term recovery (such as recent price appreciation). A stock is
typically sold if the model indicates a decline in its ranking or if a stock's relative portfolio weight has appreciated significantly
(relative to the Fund's benchmark).
Wells Capital Management Incorporated (Wells Capital Management)
Wells Capital Management invests in equity securities of foreign issuers by using bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth
fundamental research as the cornerstone of its investment process. During each stage of the process, Wells Capital Management
also considers the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth
prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. The investment process seeks
both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes have
strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments,
Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic
value. Wells Capital Management may purchase securities across any market capitalization. Wells Capital Management may sell
a stock if it achieves its investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly,
if it changes its view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Multi-Manager Management Risk. A Fund with multiple sub-advisers is subject to the risk that the investment decisions made by a sub-adviser may conflict with those of another sub-adviser.
Options Risk. A Fund that purchases options, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of a loss of premiums without offsetting gains. A Fund that writes options receives a premium that may be small relative to the loss realized in the event of adverse changes in the value of the underlying instruments.
Participation Notes Risk . The performance results of participation notes, which are a type of derivative, will not replicate exactly the performance of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate due to various factors, including transaction and other expenses. The transaction price of participation notes may not equal the underlying value of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets whose performance they seek to replicate.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Institutional Class as of 12/31 each year
Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2009
+22.43%
Lowest Quarter: 4th Quarter 2008
-20.85%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.
Manager |
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since |
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC |
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership |
Mark L. Yockey, CFA , Portfolio Manager/2004 |
|
LSV Asset Management |
Josef Lakonishok
, Portfolio Manager/2004
|
|
Wells Capital Management Incorporated |
Dale Winner, CFA , Portfolio Manager/2012 |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Institutional Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and fund of funds including those managed by Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Emerging Markets Equity Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
1.05% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.23% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.00% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.28% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.06)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.22% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at the amounts shown above. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$124 |
3 Years |
$400 |
5 Years |
$697 |
10 Years |
$1,540 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 8% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in equity or other listed securities of emerging market companies. We consider emerging market companies to include companies that are traded in, have their primary operations in, are domiciled in or derive a majority of their revenue from emerging market countries as defined by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. We may use futures to manage risk or to enhance return. The Fund may have exposure to stocks across any capitalizations and styles and will be diversified across countries and sectors.
Utilizing a bottom-up stock selection process, we seek to invest in quality companies at prices below their intrinsic value. From the available stock universe we focus only on those quality companies that are able to sustain high profitability over a long period of time for reasons we can understand. Such companies not only create value for investors from profitable investment of retained earnings and dividend payout, but also preserve value and protect investors from the risk of permanent capital loss. Among the characteristics we seek in high-quality companies are strong competitive position, demonstrable financial strength and profitability, quality management dedicated to public shareholders' interest, and favorable growth prospect supported by major long-term trends. We place an equal emphasis on understanding each company's intrinsic value and will only invest when a company's stock trades at a meaningful discount to this value. We do not attempt to anticipate or react to short term market fluctuations, but instead seek to take advantage of periodic market inefficiencies to buy the high quality companies at prices below our assessment of their intrinsic value. We have a disciplined approach to the monitoring and sale of holdings and our decisions to trim or sell out of positions may be triggered when a stock price exceeds its intrinsic value or when there is a material deterioration in the fundamentals of the company.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Institutional Class as of 12/31 each year
Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2009
+31.91%
Lowest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2008
-24.75%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Institutional Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and fund of funds including those managed by Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund Summary
The Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation and current income.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
1.15% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.38% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.02% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.55% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.28)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.27% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 1.25% for Institutional Class. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$129 |
3 Years |
$462 |
5 Years |
$818 |
10 Years |
$1,822 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 84% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of companies in emerging market countries; and
across any market capitalization.
We consider emerging market countries to be, among others, countries included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
We look for companies with a sustainable high dividend yield backed by strong company financials and fundamentals, including
above-average sales and earnings growth, overall financial strength, competitive advantages, and capable management. We may
sell a holding when it no longer has some or all of these traits. Our investment strategy includes both a top-down strategy,
which takes account of overall economic and market trends in each country, and a bottom-up strategy, in which we use fundamental
research for security selection. In order to take advantage of the wide range of possible opportunities in a variety of markets
at different stages of economic development, we construct the portfolio with the potential for maximum portfolio dividend
yield while maintaining a controlled level of risk.
We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Institutional Class as of 12/31 each year
Highest Quarter:
2nd Quarter 2014
7.41%
Lowest Quarter:
3rd Quarter 2015
-14.75%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Institutional Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and fund of funds including those managed by Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Global Opportunities Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
0.95% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.26% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.01% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.22% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.06)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.16% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 1.15% for Institutional Class. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$118 |
3 Years |
$381 |
5 Years |
$665 |
10 Years |
$1,472 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 42% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's total assets in equity securities of small- to medium-sized companies;
in the securities of companies located in no fewer than three countries, which may include the U.S., and we may invest more than 25% of the Fund's total assets in any one country; and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in equity securities of small- to medium- sized companies, which we define as companies with market capitalizations within the range of the S&P Global MidSmall Cap Index at the time of purchase. The market capitalization range of the S&P Global MidSmall Cap Index was approximately $16 million to $33.5 billion, as of January 31, 2015, and is expected to change frequently. We consider foreign securities to be securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. Furthermore, we may use futures, options or forward foreign currency contracts to manage risk or to enhance return.
In selecting equity investments for the Fund, the portfolio managers attempt to identify companies that are well managed, positioned to achieve above average increases in revenue and/or free cash flow and otherwise have strong prospects for continued growth and/or that are undervalued companies relative to an assessment of their intrinsic value. We utilize international and U.S. specialist investment teams, each of which seeks small- to medium-sized companies with improving outlooks at reasonable valuations. We believe the global small capitalization and mid capitalization markets are inefficient and that stocks are often inappropriately valued. Our process utilizes both fundamentally based, bottom-up techniques with top-down, industry and sector analysis to identify global opportunities. We conduct ongoing review, research, and analysis of our portfolio holdings. We may sell a stock if it achieves our investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly, if we change our view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio. We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Geographic Emphasis Risk. A Fund that invests a significant portion of its assets in one country or geographic region will be more vulnerable than a fund that invests its assets more broadly to the economic, financial, political or other developments affecting that country or region. Such developments may have a significant impact on the Fund's investment performance causing such performance to be more volatile than the investment performance of a more geographically diversified fund.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Options Risk. A Fund that purchases options, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of a loss of premiums without offsetting gains. A Fund that writes options receives a premium that may be small relative to the loss realized in the event of adverse changes in the value of the underlying instruments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Institutional Class as of 12/31 each year
Highest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2009
+21.56%
Lowest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2011
-24.46%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Institutional Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and fund of funds including those managed by Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
International Equity Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
0.90% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.27% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.01% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.18% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.28)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
0.90% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 0.89% for Institutional Class. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$92 |
3 Years |
$347 |
5 Years |
$622 |
10 Years |
$1,407 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 27% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers;
up to 30% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities; and
in securities of at least three different countries including the U.S.
The types of securities in which we normally invest include common stock, preferred stock, rights, warrants and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). We consider equity securities of foreign issuers (or foreign securities) to be equity securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. We may use futures or forward foreign currency contracts to manage risk or to enhance return.
We use bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth fundamental research as the cornerstone of our investment process. During each stage of the process, we also consider the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. Sector and country weights result from rather than determine our stock-selection decisions. Our investment process seeks both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, we target companies that we believe have strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments, we target companies that we believe are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic value. Additionally, we seek to identify catalysts that will unlock value, which will then be recognized by the market. We may purchase securities across any market capitalization.
We conduct ongoing review, research, and analysis of our portfolio holdings. We may sell a stock if it achieves our investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly, if we change our view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Institutional Class as of 12/31 each year
Highest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2009
+18.29%
Lowest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2011
-21.95%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.
Manager |
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since |
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC |
Wells Capital Management Incorporated |
Dale Winner, CFA , Portfolio Manager/2012 |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Institutional Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and fund of funds including those managed by Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Intrinsic World Equity Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
0.85% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.27% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.00% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.12% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.17)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
0.95% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at the amounts shown above. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$97 |
3 Years |
$339 |
5 Years |
$600 |
10 Years |
$1,348 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 32% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of companies located in no fewer than three countries, which may include the U.S., and we may invest more than 25% of the Fund's total assets in any one country;
between 30% and 70% of the Fund's total assets in equity securities of U.S. companies; and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest primarily in developed countries, but may invest up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities. We invest principally in equity securities of approximately 40 to 60 companies located worldwide, diversifying fund holdings across sectors, industries and countries. We consider foreign securities to be securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. The Fund may invest in companies located in countries with developed or emerging markets and in stocks of any market capitalization.
We utilize a long-term focus that is intended to take advantage of investment opportunities presented by what we believe are short-term price anomalies in high-quality stocks. We seek to identify companies with established operating histories, financial strength and management expertise, among other factors. We seek stocks that are trading at a discount to what we believe are their intrinsic values. Fundamental research is performed to identify securities for the portfolio with one or more catalysts present that we believe will unlock the intrinsic value of the securities over the next three to five years. These catalysts may include productive use of strong free cash flow, productivity gains, positive change in management or control, innovative or competitively superior products, increasing shareholder focus, or resolution of ancillary problems or misperceptions. We may sell a holding if the value potential is realized, if warning signs emerge of beginning fundamental deterioration or if the valuation is no longer compelling relative to other investment opportunities. We may invest in any sector or country, and at times we may emphasize one or more particular sectors or countries.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Focused Portfolio Risk. Changes in the value of a small number of issuers are likely to have a larger impact on a Fund's net asset value than if the Fund held a greater number of issuers.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Geographic Emphasis Risk. A Fund that invests a significant portion of its assets in one country or geographic region will be more vulnerable than a fund that invests its assets more broadly to the economic, financial, political or other developments affecting that country or region. Such developments may have a significant impact on the Fund's investment performance causing such performance to be more volatile than the investment performance of a more geographically diversified fund.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Institutional Class as of 12/31 each year
Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2009
+25.27%
Lowest Quarter: 4th Quarter 2008
-18.85%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.
1. |
On or about July 1, 2016, following the merger of Metropolitan West Capital Management, LLC into Wells Capital Management Incorporated, the sub-adviser for the Fund will become Wells Capital Management Incorporated. The portfolio managers of the Fund will not change as a result of this merger. |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Institutional Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and fund of funds including those managed by Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Tax Information
Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Key Fund Information
This Prospectus contains information about one or more Funds within the Wells Fargo Funds family and is designed to provide you with important information to help you with your investment decisions. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.
In this Prospectus, "we" generally refers to Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC ("Funds Management"), the relevant sub-adviser(s), if applicable, or the portfolio manager(s). "We" may also refer to a Fund's other service providers. "You" refers to the shareholder or potential investor.
Investment Objective and Principal Investment Strategies
The investment objective of each Fund in this Prospectus is non-fundamental; that is, it can be changed by a vote of the Board of Trustees ("Board") alone. The objective and strategies description for each Fund tells you:
what the Fund is trying to achieve;
how we intend to invest your money; and
what makes the Fund different from the other Funds offered in this Prospectus.
This section also provides a summary of each Fund's principal investment policies and practices. Unless otherwise indicated, these investment policies and practices apply on an ongoing basis. Percentages of "the Fund's net assets" are measured as percentages of net assets plus borrowings for investment purposes. The investment policy of the Asia Pacific Fund, Diversified International Fund (formerly named International Equity Fund), Emerging Markets Equity Fund, Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, International Equity Fund and Intrinsic World Equity Fund concerning "80% of the Fund's net assets" may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval, but shareholders would be given at least 60 days' notice.
This section lists the principal investment risks for each Fund. A complete description of these and other risks is found in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section. It is possible to lose money by investing in a Fund.
Asia Pacific Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in Asia Pacific Basin equity securities.
We invest principally in equity securities of companies in the Asia Pacific Basin. We define Asia Pacific Basin securities as securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office in the Asia Pacific Basin; (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is in the Asia Pacific Basin; or (3) issued by companies, regardless of where their securities are traded, that derive at least 50% of their revenue or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in the Asia Pacific Basin or that have at least 50% of their assets in the Asia Pacific Basin. The Asia Pacific Basin includes, among other countries, Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, some of which may be considered emerging market countries. We may use participation notes, which are a type of derivative.
We look for companies with the potential for above-average sales and earnings growth, overall financial strength, competitive advantages, and capable management. We may sell a holding when it no longer has these traits. Our investment strategy includes both a top-down strategy, which takes account of overall economic and market trends in each country, and a bottom-up strategy, in which we use fundamental research for security selection. In order to take advantage of the wide range of possible opportunities in a variety of markets at different stages of economic development, we construct the portfolio by seeking both growth and value opportunities in stocks of any market capitalization.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Diversified International Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers, and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in the equity securities of foreign issuers through the use of three different styles of international equity management: an international growth style, subadvised by Artisan Partners Limited Partnership; an international value style, sub-advised by LSV Asset Management; and an international blend style, sub-advised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated. We invest primarily in developed countries, but may invest in emerging market countries and may invest in equity securities of any market capitalization. Furthermore, we may use futures, options or participation notes to manage risk or to enhance return. We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership (Artisan Partners)
Artisan Partners employs a fundamental stock selection process to identify long-term growth opportunities to build a portfolio
of non-U.S. growth companies of any market capitalization. Artisan Partners seeks to invest in companies within its preferred
themes with sustainable growth characteristics at attractive valuations that do not fully reflect their long-term potential.
Artisan Partners may sell a stock when Artisan Partners thinks the stock is approaching full valuation, the company exhibits
deteriorating fundamentals, changing circumstances affect the original reasons for its purchase, or more attractive opportunities
are identified.
LSV Asset Management (LSV)
LSV invests in equity securities of foreign issuers which it believes are undervalued in the marketplace at the time of purchase
and show recent positive signals, such as an appreciation in prices and increase in earnings. LSV believes that these securities
have the potential to produce future returns if their future growth exceeds the market's low expectations. LSV uses a quantitative
investment model to make investment decisions for the Fund. The investment model ranks securities based on fundamental measures
of value (such as the dividend yield) and indicators of near-term recovery (such as recent price appreciation). A stock is
typically sold if the model indicates a decline in its ranking or if a stock's relative portfolio weight has appreciated significantly
(relative to the Fund's benchmark).
Wells Capital Management Incorporated (Wells Capital Management)
Wells Capital Management invests in equity securities of foreign issuers by using bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth
fundamental research as the cornerstone of its investment process. During each stage of the process, Wells Capital Management
also considers the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth
prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. The investment process seeks
both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes have
strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments,
Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic
value. Wells Capital Management may purchase securities across any market capitalization. Wells Capital Management may sell
a stock if it achieves its investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly,
if it changes its view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Derivatives Risk
Emerging Markets Risk
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Futures Contracts Risk
Investment Style Risk
|
Management Risk
Market Risk
Multi-Manager Management Risk
Options Risk
Participation Notes Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in equity or other listed securities of emerging market companies. We consider emerging market companies to include companies that are traded in, have their primary operations in, are domiciled in or derive a majority of their revenue from emerging market countries as defined by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. We may use futures to manage risk or to enhance return. The Fund may have exposure to stocks across any capitalizations and styles and will be diversified across countries and sectors.
Utilizing a bottom-up stock selection process, we seek to invest in quality companies at prices below their intrinsic value. From the available stock universe we focus only on those quality companies that are able to sustain high profitability over a long period of time for reasons we can understand. Such companies not only create value for investors from profitable investment of retained earnings and dividend payout, but also preserve value and protect investors from the risk of permanent capital loss. Among the characteristics we seek in high-quality companies are strong competitive position, demonstrable financial strength and profitability, quality management dedicated to public shareholders' interest, and favorable growth prospect supported by major long-term trends. We place an equal emphasis on understanding each company's intrinsic value and will only invest when a company's stock trades at a meaningful discount to this value. We do not attempt to anticipate or react to short term market fluctuations, but instead seek to take advantage of periodic market inefficiencies to buy the high quality companies at prices below our assessment of their intrinsic value. We have a disciplined approach to the monitoring and sale of holdings and our decisions to trim or sell out of positions may be triggered when a stock price exceeds its intrinsic value or when there is a material deterioration in the fundamentals of the company.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Derivatives Risk
Emerging Markets Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Futures Contracts Risk
|
Investment Style Risk
Management Risk
Market Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
The Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation and current income.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of companies in emerging market countries; and
across any market capitalization.
We consider emerging market countries to be, among others, countries included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
We look for companies with a sustainable high dividend yield backed by strong company financials and fundamentals, including
above-average sales and earnings growth, overall financial strength, competitive advantages, and capable management. We may
sell a holding when it no longer has some or all of these traits. Our investment strategy includes both a top-down strategy,
which takes account of overall economic and market trends in each country, and a bottom-up strategy, in which we use fundamental
research for security selection. In order to take advantage of the wide range of possible opportunities in a variety of markets
at different stages of economic development, we construct the portfolio with the potential for maximum portfolio dividend
yield while maintaining a controlled level of risk.
We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Derivatives Risk
Emerging Markets Risk
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
|
Investment Style Risk
Management Risk
Market Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Global Opportunities Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's total assets in equity securities of small- to medium-sized companies;
in the securities of companies located in no fewer than three countries, which may include the U.S., and we may invest more than 25% of the Fund's total assets in any one country; and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in equity securities of small- to medium- sized companies, which we define as companies with market capitalizations within the range of the S&P Global MidSmall Cap Index at the time of purchase. The market capitalization range of the S&P Global MidSmall Cap Index was approximately $16 million to $33.5 billion, as of January 31, 2015, and is expected to change frequently. We consider foreign securities to be securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. Furthermore, we may use futures, options or forward foreign currency contracts to manage risk or to enhance return.
In selecting equity investments for the Fund, the portfolio managers attempt to identify companies that are well managed, positioned to achieve above average increases in revenue and/or free cash flow and otherwise have strong prospects for continued growth and/or that are undervalued companies relative to an assessment of their intrinsic value. We utilize international and U.S. specialist investment teams, each of which seeks small- to medium-sized companies with improving outlooks at reasonable valuations. We believe the global small capitalization and mid capitalization markets are inefficient and that stocks are often inappropriately valued. Our process utilizes both fundamentally based, bottom-up techniques with top-down, industry and sector analysis to identify global opportunities. We conduct ongoing review, research, and analysis of our portfolio holdings. We may sell a stock if it achieves our investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly, if we change our view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio. We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Derivatives Risk
Emerging Markets Risk
Foreign Currency Transactions Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Futures Contracts Risk
Geographic Emphasis Risk
|
Investment Style Risk
Management Risk
Market Risk
Options Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
International Equity Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers;
up to 30% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities; and
in securities of at least three different countries including the U.S.
The types of securities in which we normally invest include common stock, preferred stock, rights, warrants and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). We consider equity securities of foreign issuers (or foreign securities) to be equity securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. We may use futures or forward foreign currency contracts to manage risk or to enhance return.
We use bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth fundamental research as the cornerstone of our investment process. During each stage of the process, we also consider the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. Sector and country weights result from rather than determine our stock-selection decisions. Our investment process seeks both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, we target companies that we believe have strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments, we target companies that we believe are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic value. Additionally, we seek to identify catalysts that will unlock value, which will then be recognized by the market. We may purchase securities across any market capitalization.
We conduct ongoing review, research, and analysis of our portfolio holdings. We may sell a stock if it achieves our investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly, if we change our view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of companies located in no fewer than three countries, which may include the U.S., and we may invest more than 25% of the Fund's total assets in any one country;
between 30% and 70% of the Fund's total assets in equity securities of U.S. companies; and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest primarily in developed countries, but may invest up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities. We invest principally in equity securities of approximately 40 to 60 companies located worldwide, diversifying fund holdings across sectors, industries and countries. We consider foreign securities to be securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. The Fund may invest in companies located in countries with developed or emerging markets and in stocks of any market capitalization.
We utilize a long-term focus that is intended to take advantage of investment opportunities presented by what we believe are short-term price anomalies in high-quality stocks. We seek to identify companies with established operating histories, financial strength and management expertise, among other factors. We seek stocks that are trading at a discount to what we believe are their intrinsic values. Fundamental research is performed to identify securities for the portfolio with one or more catalysts present that we believe will unlock the intrinsic value of the securities over the next three to five years. These catalysts may include productive use of strong free cash flow, productivity gains, positive change in management or control, innovative or competitively superior products, increasing shareholder focus, or resolution of ancillary problems or misperceptions. We may sell a holding if the value potential is realized, if warning signs emerge of beginning fundamental deterioration or if the valuation is no longer compelling relative to other investment opportunities. We may invest in any sector or country, and at times we may emphasize one or more particular sectors or countries.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Emerging Markets Risk
Focused Portfolio Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Geographic Emphasis Risk
|
Investment Style Risk
Management Risk
Market Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Description of Principal Investment Risks
Understanding the risks involved in mutual fund investing will help you make an informed decision that takes into account your risk tolerance and preferences. The risks that are most likely to have a material effect on a particular Fund as a whole are called "principal risks." The principal risks for each Fund have been previously identified and are described below. Additional information about the principal risks is included in the Statement of Additional Information.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the derivatives' underlying assets, indexes or rates and the derivatives themselves, which may be magnified by certain features of the derivatives. These risks are heightened when derivatives are used to enhance a Fund's return or as a substitute for a position or security, rather than solely to hedge (or mitigate) the risk of a position or security held by the Fund. The success of a derivative strategy will be affected by the portfolio manager's ability to assess and predict market or economic developments and their impact on the derivatives' underlying assets, indexes or rates and the derivatives themselves. Certain derivative instruments may become illiquid and, as a result, may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so. Certain derivatives create leverage, which can magnify the impact of a decline in the value of their underlying assets, indexes or rates and increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value. Certain derivatives (e.g., over-the-counter swaps) are also subject to the risk that the counterparty to the derivative contract will be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, which may cause a Fund to lose money, suffer delays or incur costs arising from holding or selling an underlying asset. Changes in laws or regulations may make the use of derivatives more costly, may limit the availability of derivatives, or may otherwise adversely affect the use, value or performance of derivatives.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. For example, emerging market countries are typically more dependent on exports and are therefore more vulnerable to recessions in other countries. Emerging markets tend to have less developed legal and financial systems and a smaller market capitalization than markets in developed countries. Some emerging markets are subject to greater political instability. Additionally, emerging markets may have more volatile currencies and be more sensitive than developed markets to a variety of economic factors, including inflation. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Focused Portfolio Risk. Changes in the value of a small number of issuers are likely to have a larger impact on a Fund's net asset value than if the Fund held a greater number of issuers.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk. A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes. The Fund's gains from positions in foreign currency contracts may accelerate and/or lead to recharacterization of the Fund's income or gains and its distributions to shareholders. The Fund's losses from such positions may also lead to recharacterization of the Fund's income and its distributions to shareholders and may cause a return of capital to Fund shareholders.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign companies may be subject to significantly higher levels of taxation than U.S. companies, including potentially confiscatory levels of taxation, thereby reducing the earnings potential of such foreign companies. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Such changes may reduce the U.S. dollar value of the investments. Foreign investments may be subject to additional risks such as potentially higher withholding and other taxes, and may also be subject to greater trade settlement, custodial, and other operational risks than domestic investments. Certain foreign markets may also be characterized by less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Geographic Emphasis Risk. A Fund that invests a significant portion of its assets in one country or geographic region will be more vulnerable than a fund that invests its assets more broadly to the economic, financial, political or other developments affecting that country or region. Such developments may have a significant impact on the Fund's investment performance causing such performance to be more volatile than the investment performance of a more geographically diversified fund.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions. As a result, a Fund's performance may at times be worse than the performance of other mutual funds that invest more broadly or in securities of a different investment style.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Multi-Manager Management Risk. A Fund with multiple sub-advisers is subject to the risk that the investment decisions made by a sub-adviser may conflict with those of another sub-adviser. For example, at any particular time a sub-adviser may purchase a security being sold by another sub-adviser, resulting in transaction costs with potentially no change to the Fund's overall portfolio.
Options Risk. A Fund that purchases options, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that gains, if any, realized on the position, will be less than the amount paid as premiums to the writer of the option. A Fund that writes options receives a premium that may be small relative to the loss realized in the event of adverse changes in the value of the underlying instruments. A Fund that writes covered call options gives up the opportunity to profit from any price increase in the underlying security above the option exercise price while the option is in effect. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in values of options and their underlying securities and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain options.
Participation Notes Risk. The performance results of participation notes, which are a type of derivative, will not replicate exactly the performance of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate due to various factors, including transaction and other expenses. The transaction price of participation notes may not equal the underlying value of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets whose performance they seek to replicate. Moreover, a Fund has no rights under a participation note against the issuer of the underlying security.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies. Smaller companies may have no or relatively short operating histories, limited financial resources or may be newly public companies. Some of these companies have aggressive capital structures, including high debt levels, or are involved in rapidly growing or changing industries and/or new technologies.
Portfolio Holdings Information
A description of the Wells Fargo Funds' policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of the Wells Fargo Funds' portfolio holdings is available in the Funds' Statement of Additional Information. In addition, Funds Management will, from time to time, include portfolio holdings information in periodic commentaries for certain Funds. The substance of the information contained in such commentaries will also be posted to the Funds' website at wellsfargofunds.com.
A Fund's NAV is the value of a single share. The NAV is calculated as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open, although a Fund may deviate from this calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances. The NAV is calculated separately for each class of shares of a multiple-class Fund. The most recent NAV for each class of a Fund is available at wellsfargofunds.com. To calculate the NAV of a Fund's shares, the Fund's assets are valued and totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the balance, called net assets, is divided by the number of shares outstanding. The price at which a purchase or redemption request is processed is based on the next NAV calculated after the request is received in good order. Generally, NAV is not calculated, and purchase and redemption requests are not processed, on days that the NYSE is closed for trading; however under unusual or unexpected circumstances a Fund may elect to remain open even on days that the NYSE is closed or closes early. To the extent that a Fund's assets are traded in various markets on days when the Fund is closed, the value of the Fund's assets may be affected on days when you are unable to buy or sell Fund shares. Conversely, trading in some of a Fund's assets may not occur on days when the Fund is open.
With respect to any portion of a Fund's assets that may be invested in other mutual funds, the value of the Fund's shares is based on the NAV of the shares of the other mutual funds in which the Fund invests. The valuation methods used by mutual funds in pricing their shares, including the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing, are included in the Prospectuses of such funds. To the extent a Fund invests a portion of its assets in non-registered investment vehicles, the Fund's interests in the non-registered vehicles are fair valued at NAV.
With respect to a Fund's assets invested directly in securities, the Fund's investments are generally valued at current market prices. Equity securities, options and futures are generally valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last reported sales price on the primary exchange or market on which they are listed (closing price). Equity securities that are not traded primarily on an exchange are generally valued at the quoted bid price obtained from a broker-dealer.
Debt securities are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing service or, if a reliable price is not available, the quoted bid price from an independent broker-dealer.
We are required to depart from these general valuation methods and use fair value pricing methods to determine the values of certain investments if we believe that the closing price or the quoted bid price of a security, including a security that trades primarily on a foreign exchange, does not accurately reflect its current market value at the time as of which a Fund calculates its NAV. The closing price or the quoted bid price of a security may not reflect its current market value if, among other things, a significant event occurs after the closing price or quoted bid price but before the time as of which a Fund calculates its NAV that materially affects the value of the security. We use various criteria, including a systemic evaluation of U.S. market moves after the close of foreign markets, in deciding whether a foreign security's market price is still reliable and, if not, what fair market value to assign to the security. In addition, we use fair value pricing to determine the value of investments in securities and other assets, including illiquid securities, for which current market quotations or evaluated prices from a pricing service or broker-dealer are not readily available.
The fair value of a Fund's securities and other assets is determined in good faith pursuant to policies and procedures adopted by the Fund's Board of Trustees. In light of the judgment involved in making fair value decisions, there can be no assurance that a fair value assigned to a particular security is accurate or that it reflects the price that the Fund could obtain for such security if it were to sell the security at the time as of which fair value pricing is determined. Such fair value pricing may result in NAVs that are higher or lower than NAVs based on the closing price or quoted bid price. See the Statement of Additional Information for additional details regarding the determination of NAVs.
The Manager
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC ("Funds Management"), headquartered at 525 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, provides advisory and Fund-level administrative services to the Funds pursuant to an investment management agreement (the "Management Agreement"). Funds Management is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, a publicly traded diversified financial services company that provides banking, insurance, investment, mortgage and consumer financial services. Funds Management is a registered investment adviser that provides investment management services for registered mutual funds, closed-end funds and other funds and accounts.
Funds Management is responsible for implementing the investment objectives and strategies of the Funds. To assist Funds Management in performing these responsibilities, Funds Management has contracted with one or more subadvisers to provide day-to-day portfolio management services to the Funds. Funds Management employs a team of investment professionals who identify and recommend the initial hiring of each Fund's sub-adviser(s) and supervise and monitor the activities of the sub-adviser(s) on an ongoing basis. Funds Management retains overall responsibility for the investment activities of the Funds.
Funds Management's investment professionals review and analyze each Fund's performance, including relative to peer funds, and monitor each Fund's compliance with its investment objective and strategies. Funds Management is responsible for reporting to the Board on investment performance and other matters affecting the Funds. When appropriate, Funds Management recommends to the Board enhancements to Fund features, including changes to Fund investment objectives, strategies and policies. Funds Management also communicates with shareholders and intermediaries about Fund performance and features.
Funds Management is also responsible for providing Fund-level administrative services, which include, among others, providing such services in connection with the Funds' operations; developing and implementing procedures for monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements and compliance with the Funds' investment objectives, policies and restrictions; and providing any other Fund-level administrative services reasonably necessary for the operation of the Funds other than those services that are provided by the Funds' transfer and dividend disbursing agent, custodian, and fund accountant.
For providing these investment management services, Funds Management is entitled to receive the fees disclosed in the row captioned "Management Fees" in each Fund's table of Annual Fund Operating Expenses. Funds Management compensates each sub-adviser from the fees Funds Management receives for its services pursuant to the Management Agreement. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the Management Agreement and sub-advisory agreements is included in the Funds' Annual Report for the period ended October 31st.
Prior to July 1, 2015, Funds Management provided advisory services to the Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement ("Advisory Agreement"). The Management Agreement, which became effective July 1, 2015, combines the terms of the Advisory Agreement with the terms of the Funds' prior Amended and Restated Administration Agreement applicable to Fund-level administrative services. For a Fund's most recent fiscal year end, the advisory fee paid to Funds Management pursuant to the Advisory Agreement (prior to July 1, 2015) together with the management fee paid to Funds Management pursuant to the Management Agreement (beginning on July 1, 2015), each net of any applicable waivers and reimbursements, was as follows:
Management Fees Paid |
|
|
As a % of average daily net assets |
Asia Pacific Fund |
0.87% |
Diversified International Fund |
0.44% |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
1.03% |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund |
0.88% |
Global Opportunities Fund |
0.93% |
International Equity Fund |
0.52% |
Intrinsic World Equity Fund |
0.76% |
The Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers
The following sub-advisers and portfolio managers provide day-to-day portfolio management services to the Funds. These services include making purchases and sales of securities and other investment assets for the Funds, selecting broker-dealers, negotiating brokerage commission rates and maintaining portfolio transaction records. The sub-advisers are compensated for their services by Funds Management from the fees Funds Management receives for its services as investment manager to the Funds. The Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities in the Funds.
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership ("Artisan Partners"), a registered investment adviser located at 875 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800, Milwaukee, WI 53202, serves as the sub-adviser and provides portfolio management services to one or more Funds. Artisan Partners provides investment management services to pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, endowments, foundations, charitable organizations, governmental entities, and investment companies and similar pooled investment vehicles.
Mark L. Yockey, CFA
|
Mr. Yockey joined Artisan Partners in 1995, where he currently serves as a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager for Artisan Partners' non-U.S. growth, non-U.S. small-cap growth, global small-cap growth and global equity investment strategies. |
LSV Asset Management ("LSV"), is a registered investment adviser located at 155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4600, Chicago, IL 60606. LSV provides investment management services to other mutual funds, corporate clients, endowments and foundations in addition to multi-employer and public investment plans.
Metropolitan West Capital Management, LLC ("MWCM"), is a registered investment adviser located at 610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1000, Newport Beach, CA 92660. MWCM, an affiliate of Wells Capital Management Incorporated and indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, provides investment management services to pension plans, endowments, mutual funds, and individual investors.
Jean-Baptiste Nadal, CFA
|
Mr. Nadal joined MWCM in 2011, where he is a Managing Director and serves as Lead Portfolio Manager. Prior to joining MWCM, Mr. Nadal was a Managing Member at Nadal Capital Management, LLC. |
Jeffrey Peck
|
Mr. Peck joined MWCM in 2004, where he currently serves as a Managing Director and Lead Portfolio Manager. |
Wells Capital Management Incorporated ("Wells Capital Management"), is a registered investment adviser located at 525 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Wells Capital Management, an affiliate of Funds Management and indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, is a multi-boutique asset management firm committed to delivering superior investment services to institutional clients, including mutual funds.
Multi-Manager Arrangement
The Funds and Funds Management have obtained an exemptive order from the SEC that permits Funds Management, subject to Board approval, to select certain sub-advisers and enter into or amend sub-advisory agreements with them, without obtaining shareholder approval. The SEC order extends to sub-advisers that are not otherwise affiliated with Funds Management or the Funds, as well as sub-advisers that are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Funds Management or of a company that wholly owns Funds Management ("Multi-Manager Sub-Advisers").
Pursuant to the order, Funds Management, with Board approval, may hire or replace Multi-Manager Sub-Advisers for each Fund that is eligible to rely on the order. Funds Management, subject to Board oversight, has the responsibility to oversee Multi-Manager Sub-Advisers and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. If a new sub-adviser is hired for a Fund pursuant to the order, the Fund is required to notify shareholders within 90 days. The Funds that are eligible to rely on the order are not required to disclose the individual fees that Funds Management pays to a Multi-Manager Sub-Adviser.
Share Class Eligibility
Institutional Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks; trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and funds of funds, including those managed by Funds Management. The following investors may purchase Institutional Class shares and are not subject to a minimum initial investment amount except as noted below:
Employee benefit plan programs;
Broker-dealer managed account or wrap programs that charge an asset-based fee;
Registered investment adviser mutual fund wrap programs or other accounts that charge a fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services;
Private bank and trust company managed accounts or wrap programs that charge an asset-based fee;
Internal Revenue Code Section 529 college savings plan accounts;
Funds of funds, including those advised by Funds Management;
Investment Management and Trust Departments of Wells Fargo & Company purchasing shares on behalf of their clients;
Endowments, non-profits, and charitable organizations who invest a minimum initial investment amount of $500,000 in a Fund;
Any other institutions or customers of intermediaries who invest a minimum initial investment amount of $1 million in a Fund;
Individual investors who invest a minimum initial investment amount of $1 million directly in a Fund; and
Certain investors and related accounts as detailed in the Statement of Additional Information.
Eligibility requirements for Institutional Class shares may be modified or discontinued at any time.
Your Fund may offer other classes of shares in addition to those offered through this Prospectus. You may be eligible to invest in one or more of these other classes of shares. Each share class bears varying expenses and may differ in other features. Consult your financial professional for more information regarding a Fund's available share classes.
The information in this Prospectus is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any non-U.S. jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to any law or regulation, or which would subject Fund shares to any registration requirement within such jurisdiction or country.
The table below summarizes the key features of the share class offered through this Prospectus.
|
Institutional Class |
|
Front-End Sales Charge |
|
None |
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) |
|
None |
Ongoing Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
|
None |
Compensation to Financial Professionals and Intermediaries
Additional Payments to Financial Professionals and Intermediaries.
In addition to dealer reallowances and payments made by each Fund for distribution and shareholder servicing, the Fund's
manager, the distributor or their affiliates make additional payments ("Additional Payments") to certain financial professionals
and intermediaries for selling shares and providing shareholder services, which include broker-dealers and 401(k) service
providers and recordkeepers. These Additional Payments, which may be significant, are paid by the Fund's manager, the distributor
or their affiliates, out of their revenues, which generally come directly or indirectly from Fund fees.
In return for these Additional Payments, each Fund's manager and distributor expect the Fund to receive certain marketing
or servicing considerations that are not generally available to mutual funds whose sponsors do not make such payments. Such
considerations are expected to include, without limitation, placement of the Fund on a list of mutual funds offered as investment
options to the intermediary's clients (sometimes referred to as "Shelf Space"); access to the intermediary's financial professionals;
and/or ability to assist in training and educating the intermediary's financial professionals.
The Additional Payments may create potential conflicts of interest between an investor and a financial professional or intermediary
who is recommending or making available a particular mutual fund over other mutual funds. Before investing, you should consult
with your financial professional and review carefully any disclosure by the intermediary as to what compensation the intermediary
receives from mutual fund sponsors, as well as how your financial professional is compensated.
The Additional Payments are typically paid in fixed dollar amounts, based on the number of customer accounts maintained by
an intermediary, or based on a percentage of sales and/or assets under management, or a combination of the above. The Additional
Payments are either up-front or ongoing or both and differ among intermediaries. Additional Payments to an intermediary that
is compensated based on its customers' assets typically range between 0.05% and 0.30% in a given year of assets invested in
a Fund by the intermediary's customers. Additional Payments to an intermediary that is compensated based on a percentage of
sales typically range between 0.10% and 0.15% of the gross sales of a Fund attributable to the financial intermediary.
More information on the FINRA member firms that have received the Additional Payments described in this section is available
in the Statement of Additional Information, which is on file with the SEC and is also available on the Wells Fargo Funds
website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
For more information regarding buying and selling Fund shares, please visit wellsfargofunds.com. You may buy (purchase) and sell (redeem) Fund shares as follows:
Requests in "Good Order". All purchase and redemption requests must be received in "good order." This means that a request generally must include:
The Fund name(s) 1 , share class(es) and account number(s);
The amount (in dollars or shares) and type (purchase or redemption) of the request;
If by mail, the signature of each registered owner as it appears in the account application;
For purchase requests, payment of the full amount of the purchase request (see "Payment" below); and
Any supporting legal documentation that may be required.
1. |
When all or a portion of a payment is received for investment without a clear Fund designation ("Undesignated Payment"), we may direct the undesignated portion or the entire amount, as applicable, into the Wells Fargo Money Market Fund. Such Undesignated Payment will remain invested in shares of the Wells Fargo Money Market Fund until you later direct us to redeem or exchange these shares at the next NAV calculated after we receive your request in good order. |
Purchase and redemption requests in good order will be processed at the next NAV calculated after the Fund's transfer agent or an authorized intermediary 1 receives your request. If your request is not received in good order, additional documentation may be required to process your transaction. We reserve the right to waive any of the above requirements.
1. |
The Fund's shares may be purchased through an intermediary that has entered into a dealer agreement with the Fund's distributor. The Fund has approved the acceptance of a purchase or redemption request effective as of the time of its receipt by such an authorized intermediary or its designee as long as the request is received by one of those entities prior to the Fund's closing time. We reserve the right to adjust the closing time in certain circumstances. |
Payment. Payment for Fund shares may be made as follows:
By Wire |
Purchases into a new or existing account may be funded by using the following wire instructions:
|
By Check |
Make checks payable to Wells Fargo Funds. |
By Exchange |
Identify an identically registered Wells Fargo Fund account from which you wish to exchange (see "Exchanging Fund Shares" below for restrictions on exchanges). |
By Electronic Funds Transfer ("EFT") |
Additional purchases for existing accounts may be funded by EFT using your linked bank account. |
All payments must be in U.S. dollars, and all checks and EFTs must be drawn on U.S. banks. You will be charged a $25.00 fee
for every check or EFT that is returned to us as unpaid.
Form of Redemption Proceeds.
You may request that your redemption proceeds be sent to you by check, by EFT into a linked bank account, or by wire to a
linked bank account. Please call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222 regarding the requirements for linking bank accounts
or for wiring funds. Although, under normal circumstances, we satisfy redemption requests by making cash payments, we reserve
the right to determine in our sole discretion whether to satisfy redemption requests by making payments in securities. In
such cases, we may satisfy all or part of a redemption request by making payment in securities equal in value to the amount
of the redemption payable to you as permitted under the 1940 Act, and the rules thereunder, in which case the redeeming shareholder
should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of any securities received.
Timing of Redemption Proceeds.
We normally will send out checks within one business day after we accept your request to redeem. We reserve the right to
delay payment for up to seven days. If you wish to redeem shares purchased by check, by EFT or through the Automatic Investment
Plan within seven days of purchase, you may be asked to resubmit your redemption request if your payment has not yet cleared.
Payment of redemption proceeds may be delayed for longer than seven days under extraordinary circumstances or as permitted
by the SEC in order to protect remaining shareholders. Such extraordinary circumstances are discussed further in the Statement
of Additional Information.
Retirement Plans and Other Products.
If you purchased shares through a packaged investment product or retirement plan, read the directions for redeeming shares
provided by the product or plan. There may be special requirements that supersede or are in addition to the requirements in
this Prospectus.
Exchanging Fund Shares
Exchanges between two funds involve two transactions: (1) the redemption of shares of one fund; and (2) the purchase of shares of another. In general, the same rules and procedures described under "Buying and Selling Fund Shares" apply to exchanges. There are, however, additional policies and considerations you should keep in mind while making or considering an exchange:
In general, exchanges may be made between like share classes of any fund in the Wells Fargo Funds complex offered to the general public for investment (i.e., a fund not closed to new accounts), with the following exceptions: (1) Class A shares of non-money market funds may also be exchanged for Service Class shares of any money market fund; (2) Service Class shares may be exchanged for Class A shares of any non-money market fund; and (3) WealthBuilder Portfolio shares may be exchanged for shares of any other WealthBuilder Portfolio or for the Wells Fargo Money Market Fund Class A shares.
If you make an exchange between Class A shares of a money market fund and Class A shares of a non-money market fund, you will buy the shares at the POP of the new fund unless you are otherwise eligible to buy shares at NAV.
Same-fund exchanges between share classes are permitted subject to the following conditions: (1) the shareholder must meet the eligibility guidelines of the class being purchased in the exchange; (2) exchanges out of Class A and Class C shares would not be allowed if shares are subject to a CDSC; and (3) for non-money market funds, in order to exchange into Class A shares, the shareholder must be able to qualify to purchase Class A shares at NAV based on current Prospectus guidelines.
An exchange request will be processed on the same business day, provided that both funds are open at the time the request is received. If one or both funds are closed, the exchange will be processed on the following business day.
You should carefully read the Prospectus for the Fund into which you wish to exchange.
Every exchange involves redeeming fund shares, which may produce a capital gain or loss for tax purposes.
If you are making an initial investment into a fund through an exchange, you must exchange at least the minimum initial investment amount for the new fund, unless your balance has fallen below that amount due to investment performance.
If you are making an additional investment into a fund that you already own through an exchange, you must exchange at least the minimum subsequent investment amount for the fund you are exchanging into.
Class B and Class C share exchanges will not trigger a CDSC. The new shares received in the exchange will continue to age according to the original shares' CDSC schedule and will be charged the CDSC applicable to the original shares upon redemption.
Generally, we will notify you at least 60 days in advance of any changes in the above exchange policies.
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares
Wells Fargo Funds reserves the right to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Purchases or exchanges that a Fund determines could harm the Fund may be rejected.
Excessive trading by Fund shareholders can negatively impact a Fund and its long-term shareholders in several ways, including disrupting Fund investment strategies, increasing transaction costs, decreasing tax efficiency, and diluting the value of shares held by long-term shareholders. Excessive trading in Fund shares can negatively impact a Fund's long-term performance by requiring it to maintain more assets in cash or to liquidate portfolio holdings at a disadvantageous time. Certain Funds may be more susceptible than others to these negative effects. For example, Funds that have a greater percentage of their investments in non-U.S. securities may be more susceptible than other Funds to arbitrage opportunities resulting from pricing variations due to time zone differences across international financial markets. Similarly, Funds that have a greater percentage of their investments in small company securities may be more susceptible than other Funds to arbitrage opportunities due to the less liquid nature of small company securities. Both types of Funds also may incur higher transaction costs in liquidating portfolio holdings to meet excessive redemption levels. Fair value pricing may reduce these arbitrage opportunities, thereby reducing some of the negative effects of excessive trading.
Wells Fargo Funds, other than the Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Conservative Income Fund, Ultra Short-Term Income Fund and Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund ("Ultra-Short Funds") and the money market funds, (the "Covered Funds"). The Covered Funds are not designed to serve as vehicles for frequent trading. The Covered Funds actively discourage and take steps to prevent the portfolio disruption and negative effects on long-term shareholders that can result from excessive trading activity by Covered Fund shareholders. The Board has approved the Covered Funds' policies and procedures, which provide, among other things, that Funds Management may deem trading activity to be excessive if it determines that such trading activity would likely be disruptive to a Covered Fund by increasing expenses or lowering returns. In this regard, the Covered Funds take steps to avoid accommodating frequent purchases and redemptions of shares by Covered Fund shareholders. Funds Management monitors available shareholder trading information across all Covered Funds on a daily basis. If a shareholder redeems $5,000 or more (including redemptions that are part of an exchange transaction) from a Covered Fund, that shareholder is "blocked" from purchasing shares of that Covered Fund (including purchases that are part of an exchange transaction) for 30 calendar days after the redemption. This policy does not apply to:
Money market funds;
Ultra-Short Funds;
Dividend reinvestments;
Systematic investments or exchanges where the financial intermediary maintaining the shareholder account identifies the transaction as a systematic redemption or purchase at the time of the transaction;
Rebalancing transactions within certain asset allocation or "wrap" programs where the financial intermediary maintaining a shareholder account is able to identify the transaction as part of an asset allocation program approved by Funds Management;
Transactions initiated by a "fund of funds" or Section 529 Plan into an underlying fund investment;
Permitted exchanges between share classes of the same Fund;
Certain transactions involving participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans, including: participant withdrawals due to mandatory distributions, rollovers and hardships, withdrawals of shares acquired by participants through payroll deductions, and shares acquired or sold by a participant in connection with plan loans; and
Purchases below $5,000 (including purchases that are part of an exchange transaction).
The money market funds and the Ultra-Short Funds. Because the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds are often used for short-term investments, they are designed to accommodate more frequent purchases and redemptions than the Covered Funds. As a result, the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds do not anticipate that frequent purchases and redemptions, under normal circumstances, will have significant adverse consequences to the money market funds or Ultra-Short Funds or their shareholders. Although the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds do not prohibit frequent trading, Funds Management will seek to prevent an investor from utilizing the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds to facilitate frequent purchases and redemptions of shares in the Covered Funds in contravention of the policies and procedures adopted by the Covered Funds.
All Wells Fargo Funds . In addition, Funds Management reserves the right to accept purchases, redemptions and exchanges made in excess of applicable trading restrictions in designated accounts held by Funds Management or its affiliate that are used at all times exclusively for addressing operational matters related to shareholder accounts, such as testing of account functions, and are maintained at low balances that do not exceed specified dollar amount limitations.
In the event that an asset allocation or "wrap" program is unable to implement the policy outlined above, Funds Management may grant a program-level exception to this policy. A financial intermediary relying on the exception is required to provide Funds Management with specific information regarding its program and ongoing information about its program upon request.
A financial intermediary through whom you may purchase shares of the Fund may independently attempt to identify excessive trading and take steps to deter such activity. As a result, a financial intermediary may on its own limit or permit trading activity of its customers who invest in Fund shares using standards different from the standards used by Funds Management and discussed in this Prospectus. Funds Management may permit a financial intermediary to enforce its own internal policies and procedures concerning frequent trading rather than the policies set forth above in instances where Funds Management reasonably believes that the intermediary's policies and procedures effectively discourage disruptive trading activity. If you purchase Fund shares through a financial intermediary, you should contact the intermediary for more information about whether and how restrictions or limitations on trading activity will be applied to your account.
Account Policies
Advance Notice of Large Transactions. We strongly urge you to make all purchases and redemptions of Fund shares as early in the day as possible and to notify us or your intermediary at least one day in advance of transactions in Fund shares in excess of $5 million. This will help us to manage the Funds most effectively. When you give this advance notice, please provide your name and account number.
Householding. To help keep Fund expenses low, a single copy of a Prospectus or shareholder report may be sent to shareholders of the same household. If your household currently receives a single copy of a Prospectus or shareholder report and you would prefer to receive multiple copies, please call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222 or contact your financial professional.
Retirement Accounts. We offer a variety of retirement account types for individuals and small businesses. There may be special distribution requirements for a retirement account, such as required distributions or mandatory Federal income tax withholdings. For more information about the retirement accounts listed below, including any distribution requirements, call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222. For retirement accounts held directly with a Fund, certain fees may apply including an annual account maintenance fee.
The retirement accounts available for individuals and small businesses are:
Individual Retirement Accounts, including Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs.
Small business retirement accounts, including Simple IRAs and SEP IRAs.
Small Account Redemptions. We reserve the right to redeem accounts that have values that fall below a Fund's minimum initial investment amount due to shareholder redemptions (as opposed to market movement). Before doing so, we will give you approximately 60 days to bring your account value above the Fund's minimum initial investment amount. Please call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222 or contact your financial professional for further details.
Transaction Authorizations. We may accept telephone, electronic, and clearing agency transaction instructions from anyone who represents that he or she is a shareholder and provides reasonable confirmation of his or her identity. Neither we nor Wells Fargo Funds will be liable for any losses incurred if we follow such instructions we reasonably believe to be genuine. For transactions through the automated phone system and our website, we will assign personal identification numbers (PINs) and/or passwords to help protect your account information. To safeguard your account, please keep your PINs and passwords confidential. Contact us immediately if you believe there is a discrepancy on your confirmation statement or if you believe someone has obtained unauthorized access to your account, PIN or password.
Identity Verification. We are required by law to obtain from you certain personal information that will be used to verify your identity. If you do not provide the information, we will not be able to open your account. In the rare event that we are unable to verify your identity as required by law, we reserve the right to redeem your account at the current NAV of the Fund's shares. You will be responsible for any losses, taxes, expenses, fees, or other results of such a redemption.
Right to Freeze Accounts, Suspend Account Services or Reject or Terminate an Investment. We reserve the right, to the extent permitted by law and/or regulations, to freeze any account or suspend account services when we have received reasonable notice (written or otherwise) of a dispute between registered or beneficial account owners or when we believe a fraudulent transaction may occur or has occurred. Additionally, we reserve the right to reject any purchase or exchange request and to terminate a shareholder's investment, including closing the shareholder's account.
Distributions
The Funds, except the Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, generally make distributions of any net investment income and any realized net capital gains at least annually. The Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund generally distributes net investment income monthly. The amount distributed in a month may either be less than the amount earned in that month or more than the amount earned in that month if it includes amounts earned in a previous month but retained for later distribution. The Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund generally distributes net capital gains, if any, at least annually. Please contact your institution for distribution options. Remember, distributions have the effect of reducing the NAV per share by the amount distributed.
We offer the following distribution options. To change your current option for payment of distributions, please call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222.
Automatic Reinvestment Option—Allows you to use distributions to buy new shares of the same class of the Fund that generated the distributions. The new shares are purchased at NAV generally on the day the distribution is paid. This option is automatically assigned to your account unless you specify another option.
Check Payment Option—Allows you to receive distributions via checks mailed to your address of record or to another name and address which you have specified in written instructions. A Medallion Guarantee may also be required. If checks remain uncashed for six months or are undeliverable by the Post Office, we will reinvest the distributions at the earliest date possible, and future distributions will be automatically reinvested.
Bank Account Payment Option—Allows you to receive distributions directly in a checking or savings account through EFT. The bank account must be linked to your Wells Fargo Fund account. Any distribution returned to us due to an invalid banking instruction will be sent to your address of record by check at the earliest date possible, and future distributions will be automatically reinvested.
Directed Distribution Purchase Option—Allows you to buy shares of a different Wells Fargo Fund of the same share class. The new shares are purchased at NAV generally on the day the distribution is paid. In order to use this option, you need to identify the Fund and account the distributions are coming from, and the Fund and account to which the distributions are being directed. You must meet any required minimum investment amounts in both Funds prior to using this option.
You are eligible to earn distributions beginning on the business day after the Fund's transfer agent or an authorized intermediary receives your purchase request in good order.
Taxes
The following discussion regarding federal income taxes is based on laws that were in effect as of the date of this Prospectus and summarizes only some of the important federal income tax considerations affecting a Fund and you as a shareholder. It does not apply to foreign or tax-exempt shareholders or those holding Fund shares through a tax-advantaged account, such as a 401(k) Plan or IRA. This discussion is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation. Please see the Statement of Additional Information for additional federal income tax information.
We will pass on to a Fund's shareholders substantially all of the Fund's net investment income and realized net capital gains, if any. Distributions from a Fund's ordinary income and net short-term capital gain, if any, generally will be taxable to you as ordinary income. Distributions from a Fund's net long-term capital gain, if any, generally will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain.
Corporate shareholders may be able to deduct a portion of their distributions when determining their taxable income.
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extended certain tax rates except those that applied to individual taxpayers with taxable incomes above $400,000 ($450,000 for married taxpayers, $425,000 for heads of households). Taxpayers that are not in the new highest tax bracket continue to be subject to a maximum 15% rate of tax on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends. For taxpayers in the new highest tax bracket, the maximum tax rate on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends will be 20%. Beginning in 2013, U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly), a new 3.8% Medicare contribution tax will apply on "net investment income," including interest, dividends, and capital gains.
Distributions from a Fund normally will be taxable to you when paid, whether you take distributions in cash or automatically reinvest them in additional Fund shares. Following the end of each year, we will notify you of the federal income tax status of your distributions for the year.
If you buy shares of a Fund shortly before it makes a taxable distribution, your distribution will, in effect, be a taxable return of part of your investment. Similarly, if you buy shares of a Fund when it holds appreciated securities, you will receive a taxable return of part of your investment if and when the Fund sells the appreciated securities and distributes the gain. The Fund has built up, or has the potential to build up, high levels of unrealized appreciation.
Your redemptions (including redemptions in-kind) and exchanges of Fund shares ordinarily will result in a taxable capital gain or loss, depending on the amount you receive for your shares (or are deemed to receive in the case of exchanges) and the amount you paid (or are deemed to have paid) for them. Such capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your redeemed or exchanged Fund shares for more than one year at the time of redemption or exchange. In certain circumstances, losses realized on the redemption or exchange of Fund shares may be disallowed.
In certain circumstances, Fund shareholders may be subject to backup withholding taxes.
Additional Performance Information
This section contains additional information regarding the performance of the Funds. The sub-section below titled "Index Descriptions" defines the market indices that are referenced in the Fund Summaries. The sub-section below titled "Share Class Performance" provides history for specified share classes of certain Funds.
Index Descriptions. The "Average Annual Total Returns" table in each Fund's Fund Summary compares the Fund's returns with those of one or more indices. Below are descriptions of each such index. You cannot invest directly in an index.
MSCI AC Asia Pacific Index (Net) 1 |
The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country (AC) Asia Pacific Index (Net) is a total return, capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of stock markets in 15 Pacific region countries, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. |
MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net) 1 |
The 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 and emerging markets excluding the United States. |
MSCI EAFE Index (Net) 1 |
The MSCI Europe, Australasia and Far East (EAFE) Index (Net) is an unmanaged group of securities widely regarded by investors to be representations of the stock markets of Europe, Australasia and the Far East. 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. |
MSCI World Index (Net) 1 |
The MSCI World Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets. As of May 27, 2010 the MSCI World Index consisted of the following 24 developed market country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net) 1 |
The MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index designed to measure the equity market performance in the global emerging markets. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is currently comprised of 23 emerging market country indices. |
S&P Developed SmallCap Index |
The S&P Developed SmallCap Index is a float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index designed to measure the equity market performance of small capitalization companies located in developed markets. The S&P Developed SmallCap index is comprised of companies within the bottom 15% of the cumulative market capitalization in developed markets. The S&P Developed SmallCap index covers all publicly listed equities with float-adjusted market values of US $100 million or more and annual dollar value traded of at least US $50 million in all included countries. |
1. |
Source: MSCI. The MSCI information may only be used for your internal use, may not be reproduced or redisseminated in any form and may not be used as a basis for or a component of any financial instruments or products or indices. None of the MSCI information is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such. Historical data and analysis should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of any future performance analysis, forecast or prediction. The MSCI information is provided on an "as is" basis and the user of this information assumes the entire risk of any use made of this information. MSCI, each of its affiliates and each other person involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating any MSCI information (collectively, the MSCI Parties") expressly disclaims all warranties (including, without limitation, any warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, non-infringement, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose) with respect to this information. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall any MSCI Party have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, punitive, consequential (including, without limitation, lost profits) or any other damages. (www.mscibarra.com) |
Share Class Performance. The following provides additional information about the performance history of the Funds contained in this prospectus, including information regarding predecessor funds, if any, and whether performance information presented is based on the history of an older share class.
Asia Pacific Fund - Historical performance shown for the Institutional Class shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of the Class A shares, and includes the higher expenses applicable to the Class A shares. If these expenses had not been included, returns would be higher.
Diversified International Fund - Historical performance shown for the Institutional Class shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of the Administrator Class shares, and includes the higher expenses applicable to the Administrator Class shares. If these expenses had not been included, returns would be higher.
Emerging Markets Equity Fund - Historical performance shown for the Institutional Class shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of the Administrator Class shares, and includes the higher expenses applicable to the Administrator Class shares. If these expenses had not been included, returns would be higher. 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 Emerging Markets Growth Fund.
Global Opportunities Fund - Historical performance shown for the Institutional Class shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of the Administrator Class shares, and includes the higher expenses applicable to the Administrator Class shares. If these expenses had not been included, returns would be higher. 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 Global Opportunities Fund.
International Equity Fund - Historical performance shown for the Institutional Class of the Fund prior to July 19, 2010 is based on the performance of the Fund's predecessor, Evergreen International Equity Fund.
Intrinsic World Equity Fund - Historical performance shown for the Institutional Class shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of the Administrator Class shares, and includes the higher expenses applicable to the Administrator Class shares. If these expenses had not been included, returns would be higher. 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 World Equity Fund.
A Fund's past performance is no guarantee of future results. A Fund's investment results will fluctuate over time, and any representation of the Fund's returns for any past period should not be considered as a representation of what a Fund's returns may be in any future period. Each Fund's annual and semi-annual reports contain additional performance information and are available upon request, without charge, by calling the telephone number listed on the back cover page of this Prospectus.
The following tables are intended to help you understand a Fund's financial performance for the past five years (or since inception, if shorter). Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. Total returns represent the rate you would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each Fund (assuming reinvestment of all distributions). The information in the following tables has been derived from the Funds' financial statements, which have been audited by KPMG LLP, the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with each Fund's financial statements, is also included in each Fund's annual report, a copy of which is available upon request.
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Institutional Class |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
12.00 |
$ |
11.55 |
$ |
10.05 |
$ |
9.30 |
$ |
10.15 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.15 1 |
|
0.14 1 |
|
0.18 1 |
|
0.18 |
|
0.13 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(0.23) |
|
0.65 |
|
1.74 |
|
0.71 |
|
(0.89) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(0.08) |
|
0.79 |
|
1.92 |
|
0.89 |
|
(0.76) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.19) |
|
(0.34) |
|
(0.42) |
|
(0.14) |
|
(0.09) |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
11.73 |
$ |
12.00 |
$ |
11.55 |
$ |
10.05 |
$ |
9.30 |
|||||
Total return |
|
(0.65)% |
|
6.99% |
|
19.70% |
|
9.90% |
|
(7.55)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.36% |
|
1.27% |
|
1.33% |
|
1.42% |
|
1.29% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
1.25% |
|
1.25% |
|
1.25% |
|
1.25% |
|
1.24% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
1.27% |
|
1.15% |
|
1.62% |
|
1.86% |
|
1.30% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
113% |
|
113% |
|
187% |
|
163% |
|
196% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
11,034 |
$ |
502 |
$ |
129 |
$ |
12 |
$ |
11 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
Diversified International Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Institutional Class |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
11.50 |
$ |
11.79 |
$ |
10.20 |
$ |
9.69 |
$ |
10.29 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.17 1 |
|
0.26 1 |
|
0.20 1 |
|
0.19 1 |
|
0.23 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(0.20) |
|
(0.27) |
|
2.37 |
|
0.51 |
|
(0.68) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(0.03) |
|
(0.01) |
|
2.57 |
|
0.70 |
|
(0.45) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.33) |
|
(0.28) |
|
(0.98) |
|
(0.19) |
|
(0.15) |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
11.14 |
$ |
11.50 |
$ |
11.79 |
$ |
10.20 |
$ |
9.69 |
|||||
Total return 2 |
|
(0.23)% |
|
(0.18)% |
|
27.28% |
|
7.51% |
|
(4.48)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.47% |
|
1.33% |
|
1.50% |
|
1.20% |
|
1.03% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
0.99% |
|
0.99% |
|
0.99% |
|
0.99% |
|
0.99% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
1.45% |
|
2.23% |
|
1.94% |
|
1.96% |
|
2.17% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
31% |
|
33% |
|
40% |
|
57% |
|
53% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
7,106 |
$ |
2,683 |
$ |
2,406 |
$ |
7,367 |
$ |
419,925 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
2 |
Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Institutional Class |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
22.52 |
$ |
22.86 |
$ |
21.50 |
$ |
21.96 |
$ |
22.66 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.17 |
|
0.15 |
|
0.11 |
|
0.22 |
|
0.16 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(3.45) |
|
(0.40) |
|
1.40 |
|
(0.22) |
|
(0.81) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(3.28) |
|
(0.25) |
|
1.51 |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.65) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.25) |
|
(0.09) |
|
(0.15) |
|
(0.24) |
|
(0.05) |
|||||
Net realized gains |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.22) |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
|
(0.25) |
|
(0.09) |
|
(0.15) |
|
(0.46) |
|
(0.05) |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
18.99 |
$ |
22.52 |
$ |
22.86 |
$ |
21.50 |
$ |
21.96 |
|||||
Total return |
|
(14.66)% |
|
(1.09)% |
|
7.07% |
|
0.13% |
|
(2.89)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.24% |
|
1.21% |
|
1.22% |
|
1.24% |
|
1.24% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
1.22% |
|
1.21% |
|
1.22% |
|
1.24% |
|
1.23% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.82% |
|
0.77% |
|
0.57% |
|
1.04% |
|
0.93% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
8% |
|
7% |
|
13% |
|
7% |
|
5% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
2,146,675 |
$ |
2,900,353 |
$ |
2,183,281 |
$ |
1,176,567 |
$ |
541,644 |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
||||||||||
Institutional Class |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 1 |
||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
11.34 |
$ |
11.79 |
$ |
11.17 |
$ |
10.00 |
||||
Net investment income |
|
0.25 2 |
|
0.35 |
|
0.34 |
|
0.15 |
||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(1.36) |
|
(0.07) |
|
0.89 |
|
1.14 |
||||
Total from investment operations |
|
(1.11) |
|
0.28 |
|
1.23 |
|
1.29 |
||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.25) |
|
(0.36) |
|
(0.38) |
|
(0.12) |
||||
Net realized gains |
|
0.00 |
|
(0.37) |
|
(0.23) |
|
0.00 |
||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
|
(0.25) |
|
(0.73) |
|
(0.61) |
|
(0.12) |
||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
9.98 |
$ |
11.34 |
$ |
11.79 |
$ |
11.17 |
||||
Total return 3 |
|
(9.95)% |
|
2.52% |
|
11.32% |
|
12.98% |
||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.51% |
|
1.62% |
|
2.74% |
|
3.92% |
||||
Net expenses |
|
1.25% |
|
1.25% |
|
1.25% |
|
1.25% |
||||
Net investment income |
|
2.41% |
|
3.69% |
|
2.88% |
|
3.39% |
||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
84% |
|
91% |
|
85% |
|
39% |
||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
132,918 |
$ |
35,114 |
$ |
6,077 |
$ |
5,082 |
1 |
For the period from May 31, 2012 (commencement of class operations) to October 31, 2012 |
2 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding. |
3 |
Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
Global Opportunities Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Institutional Class |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
44.67 |
$ |
44.05 |
$ |
34.25 |
$ |
31.18 |
$ |
32.94 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.20 |
|
0.15 |
|
0.32 1 |
|
0.36 1 |
|
0.25 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.72 |
|
0.96 |
|
9.86 |
|
2.93 |
|
(1.94) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.92 |
|
1.11 |
|
10.18 |
|
3.29 |
|
(1.69) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.22) |
|
(0.49) |
|
(0.38) |
|
(0.22) |
|
(0.07) |
|||||
Net realized gains |
|
(6.74) |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
|
(6.96) |
|
(0.49) |
|
(0.38) |
|
(0.22) |
|
(0.07) |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
38.63 |
$ |
44.67 |
$ |
44.05 |
$ |
34.25 |
$ |
31.18 |
|||||
Total return |
|
2.53% |
|
2.48% |
|
30.06% |
|
10.70% |
|
(5.15)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.18% |
|
1.14% |
|
1.16% |
|
1.12% |
|
1.08% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
1.15% |
|
1.14% |
|
1.15% |
|
1.12% |
|
1.08% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.66% |
|
0.47% |
|
0.83% |
|
1.13% |
|
1.18% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
42% |
|
66% |
|
59% |
|
85% |
|
76% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
10,369 |
$ |
5,284 |
$ |
2,151 |
$ |
1,263 |
$ |
1,486 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
International Equity Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Institutional Class |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
11.25 |
$ |
11.96 |
$ |
9.76 |
$ |
9.83 |
$ |
10.42 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.19 1 |
|
0.37 1 |
|
0.24 1 |
|
0.37 |
|
0.19 1 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.58 |
|
(0.77) |
|
2.26 |
|
(0.19) |
|
(0.75) |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.77 |
|
(0.40) |
|
2.50 |
|
0.18 |
|
(0.56) |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.53) |
|
(0.31) |
|
(0.30) |
|
(0.25) |
|
(0.03) |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
11.49 |
$ |
11.25 |
$ |
11.96 |
$ |
9.76 |
$ |
9.83 |
|||||
Total return |
|
7.07% |
|
(3.53)% |
|
26.31% |
|
2.05% |
|
(5.38)% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.15% |
|
1.10% |
|
1.13% |
|
1.10% |
|
1.03% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
0.84% |
|
0.84% |
|
0.84% |
|
0.84% |
|
0.84% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
1.67% |
|
3.18% |
|
2.29% |
|
2.67% |
|
1.78% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
27% |
|
32% |
|
38% |
|
115% |
|
44% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
192,799 |
$ |
63,766 |
$ |
82,982 |
$ |
138,245 |
$ |
227,158 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||||||||
Institutional Class |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
22.40 |
$ |
21.87 |
$ |
17.93 |
$ |
15.54 |
$ |
15.02 |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
0.28 |
|
0.25 1 |
|
0.26 1 |
|
0.17 1 |
|
0.16 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.75 |
|
0.60 |
|
4.02 |
|
1.92 |
|
0.51 |
|||||
Total from investment operations |
|
1.03 |
|
0.85 |
|
4.28 |
|
2.09 |
|
0.67 |
|||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.23) |
|
(0.32) |
|
(0.34) |
|
(0.17) |
|
(0.15) |
|||||
Net realized gains |
|
(0.37) |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
|
(0.60) |
|
(0.32) |
|
(0.34) |
|
(0.17) |
|
(0.15) |
|||||
Regulatory settlement proceeds |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.00 |
|
0.47 |
|
0.00 |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
22.83 |
$ |
22.40 |
$ |
21.87 |
$ |
17.93 |
$ |
15.54 |
|||||
Total return |
|
4.72% |
|
3.90% |
|
24.28% |
|
16.74% 3 |
|
4.50% |
|||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.09% |
|
1.04% |
|
1.06% |
|
1.10% |
|
1.00% |
|||||
Net expenses |
|
0.95% |
|
0.95% |
|
0.95% |
|
0.95% |
|
0.95% |
|||||
Net investment income |
|
1.23% |
|
1.11% |
|
1.32% |
|
1.03% |
|
1.12% |
|||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
32% |
|
23% |
|
22% |
|
27% |
|
12% |
|||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
5,058 |
$ |
3,179 |
$ |
2,352 |
$ |
561 |
$ |
573 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
2 |
During the year ended October 31, 2012, the Fund received a regulatory settlement from an unaffiliated third party which had an impact of 2.93% on the total return. |
© 2016 Wells-Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved |
036IEIT/P304 03-16
ICA Reg. No. 811-09253 |
Prospectus
March 1, 2016
International Equity Funds
Wells Fargo Fund
Class R
Wells Fargo Diversified International Fund
WDIHX
Wells Fargo Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
EQIHX
Wells Fargo International Equity Fund
WFERX
As with all mutual funds, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a crime.
Fund shares are NOT deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., its affiliates or any other depository institution. Fund shares are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency and may lose value.
Table of Contents
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2 |
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7 |
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11 |
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15 |
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16 |
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18 |
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19 |
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20 |
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21 |
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22 |
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23 |
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24 |
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25 |
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26 |
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26 |
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26 |
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27 |
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28 |
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28 |
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29 |
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30 |
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30 |
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31 |
|
32 |
Diversified International Fund Summary
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
0.90% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.25% |
Other Expenses |
0.92% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.00% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
2.07% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.47)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.60% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at the amounts shown above. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$163 |
3 Years |
$603 |
5 Years |
$1,070 |
10 Years |
$2,363 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 31% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers, and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in the equity securities of foreign issuers through the use of three different styles of international equity management: an international growth style, subadvised by Artisan Partners Limited Partnership; an international value style, sub-advised by LSV Asset Management; and an international blend style, sub-advised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated. We invest primarily in developed countries, but may invest in emerging market countries and may invest in equity securities of any market capitalization. Furthermore, we may use futures, options or participation notes to manage risk or to enhance return. We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership (Artisan Partners)
Artisan Partners employs a fundamental stock selection process to identify long-term growth opportunities to build a portfolio
of non-U.S. growth companies of any market capitalization. Artisan Partners seeks to invest in companies within its preferred
themes with sustainable growth characteristics at attractive valuations that do not fully reflect their long-term potential.
Artisan Partners may sell a stock when Artisan Partners thinks the stock is approaching full valuation, the company exhibits
deteriorating fundamentals, changing circumstances affect the original reasons for its purchase, or more attractive opportunities
are identified.
LSV Asset Management (LSV)
LSV invests in equity securities of foreign issuers which it believes are undervalued in the marketplace at the time of purchase
and show recent positive signals, such as an appreciation in prices and increase in earnings. LSV believes that these securities
have the potential to produce future returns if their future growth exceeds the market's low expectations. LSV uses a quantitative
investment model to make investment decisions for the Fund. The investment model ranks securities based on fundamental measures
of value (such as the dividend yield) and indicators of near-term recovery (such as recent price appreciation). A stock is
typically sold if the model indicates a decline in its ranking or if a stock's relative portfolio weight has appreciated significantly
(relative to the Fund's benchmark).
Wells Capital Management Incorporated (Wells Capital Management)
Wells Capital Management invests in equity securities of foreign issuers by using bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth
fundamental research as the cornerstone of its investment process. During each stage of the process, Wells Capital Management
also considers the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth
prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. The investment process seeks
both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes have
strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments,
Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic
value. Wells Capital Management may purchase securities across any market capitalization. Wells Capital Management may sell
a stock if it achieves its investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly,
if it changes its view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Multi-Manager Management Risk. A Fund with multiple sub-advisers is subject to the risk that the investment decisions made by a sub-adviser may conflict with those of another sub-adviser.
Options Risk. A Fund that purchases options, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of a loss of premiums without offsetting gains. A Fund that writes options receives a premium that may be small relative to the loss realized in the event of adverse changes in the value of the underlying instruments.
Participation Notes Risk . The performance results of participation notes, which are a type of derivative, will not replicate exactly the performance of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate due to various factors, including transaction and other expenses. The transaction price of participation notes may not equal the underlying value of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets whose performance they seek to replicate.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Class R as of 12/31 each year 1
Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2009
+22.14%
Lowest Quarter: 4th Quarter 2008
-20.93%
1. |
Historical performance shown for the Class R shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of the Administrator Class shares, and is not adjusted to reflect Class R expenses. If these expenses had been included, returns for Class R would be lower. The Administrator Class annual returns are substantially similar to what the Class R annual returns would be because the Administrator Class and Class R shares are invested in the same portfolio and their returns differ only to the extent that they do not have the same expenses. |
Manager |
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since |
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC |
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership |
Mark L. Yockey, CFA , Portfolio Manager/2004 |
|
LSV Asset Management |
Josef Lakonishok
, Portfolio Manager/2004
|
|
Wells Capital Management Incorporated |
Dale Winner, CFA , Portfolio Manager/2012 |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Class R shares generally are available only to certain retirement plans, including: 401(k) plans, 457 plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, target benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Class R shares also are generally available only to retirement plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the Fund. Class R shares generally are not available to retail accounts.
Institutions Purchasing Fund Shares |
Minimum Initial Investment
Minimum Additional Investment
|
Tax Information
By investing in a Fund through a tax-deferred retirement account, you will not be subject to tax on dividends and capital gains distributions from the Fund or the sale of Fund shares if those amounts remain in the tax-deferred account. Distributions taken from retirement plan accounts generally are taxable as ordinary income. For special rules concerning tax-deferred retirement accounts, including applications, restrictions, tax advantages, and potential sales charge waivers, contact your investment professional. To determine if a retirement plan may be appropriate for you and to obtain further information, consult your tax adviser.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund Summary
The Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation and current income.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
1.15% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.25% |
Other Expenses |
0.71% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.02% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
2.13% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.21)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.92% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 1.90% for Class R. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$195 |
3 Years |
$647 |
5 Years |
$1,125 |
10 Years |
$2,446 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 84% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of companies in emerging market countries; and
across any market capitalization.
We consider emerging market countries to be, among others, countries included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
We look for companies with a sustainable high dividend yield backed by strong company financials and fundamentals, including
above-average sales and earnings growth, overall financial strength, competitive advantages, and capable management. We may
sell a holding when it no longer has some or all of these traits. Our investment strategy includes both a top-down strategy,
which takes account of overall economic and market trends in each country, and a bottom-up strategy, in which we use fundamental
research for security selection. In order to take advantage of the wide range of possible opportunities in a variety of markets
at different stages of economic development, we construct the portfolio with the potential for maximum portfolio dividend
yield while maintaining a controlled level of risk.
We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Class R as of 12/31 each year 1
Highest Quarter:
2nd Quarter 2014
7.30%
Lowest Quarter:
3rd Quarter 2015
-14.89%
1. |
Historical performance shown for the Class R shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of the Administrator Class shares, and is not adjusted to reflect Class R expenses. If these expenses had been included, returns for Class R would be lower. The Administrator Class annual returns are substantially similar to what the Class R annual returns would be because the Administrator Class and Class R shares are invested in the same portfolio and their returns differ only to the extent that they do not have the same expenses. |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Class R shares generally are available only to certain retirement plans, including: 401(k) plans, 457 plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, target benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Class R shares also are generally available only to retirement plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the Fund. Class R shares generally are not available to retail accounts.
Institutions Purchasing Fund Shares |
Minimum Initial Investment
Minimum Additional Investment
|
Tax Information
By investing in a Fund through a tax-deferred retirement account, you will not be subject to tax on dividends and capital gains distributions from the Fund or the sale of Fund shares if those amounts remain in the tax-deferred account. Distributions taken from retirement plan accounts generally are taxable as ordinary income. For special rules concerning tax-deferred retirement accounts, including applications, restrictions, tax advantages, and potential sales charge waivers, contact your investment professional. To determine if a retirement plan may be appropriate for you and to obtain further information, consult your tax adviser.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
International Equity Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
0.90% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.25% |
Other Expenses |
0.60% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.01% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.76% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.36)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.40% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 1.39% for Class R. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$143 |
3 Years |
$519 |
5 Years |
$920 |
10 Years |
$2,043 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 27% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers;
up to 30% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities; and
in securities of at least three different countries including the U.S.
The types of securities in which we normally invest include common stock, preferred stock, rights, warrants and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). We consider equity securities of foreign issuers (or foreign securities) to be equity securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. We may use futures or forward foreign currency contracts to manage risk or to enhance return.
We use bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth fundamental research as the cornerstone of our investment process. During each stage of the process, we also consider the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. Sector and country weights result from rather than determine our stock-selection decisions. Our investment process seeks both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, we target companies that we believe have strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments, we target companies that we believe are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic value. Additionally, we seek to identify catalysts that will unlock value, which will then be recognized by the market. We may purchase securities across any market capitalization.
We conduct ongoing review, research, and analysis of our portfolio holdings. We may sell a stock if it achieves our investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly, if we change our view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Class R as of 12/31 each year
Highest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2009
+18.18%
Lowest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2011
-22.07%
Manager |
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since |
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC |
Wells Capital Management Incorporated |
Dale Winner, CFA , Portfolio Manager/2012 |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Class R shares generally are available only to certain retirement plans, including: 401(k) plans, 457 plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, target benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Class R shares also are generally available only to retirement plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the Fund. Class R shares generally are not available to retail accounts.
For Class R shares, eligible retirement plans of qualifying size generally may open an account and purchase Class R shares by contacting certain broker-dealers and financial institutions that have selling agreements with Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (WFFD). These entities may impose transaction charges. Additional shares may be purchased through a retirement plan's administrator or record-keeper.
Institutions Purchasing Fund Shares |
Minimum Initial Investment
Minimum Additional Investment
|
Tax Information
By investing in a Fund through a tax-deferred retirement account, you will not be subject to tax on dividends and capital gains distributions from the Fund or the sale of Fund shares if those amounts remain in the tax-deferred account. Distributions taken from retirement plan accounts generally are taxable as ordinary income. For special rules concerning tax-deferred retirement accounts, including applications, restrictions, tax advantages, and potential sales charge waivers, contact your investment professional. To determine if a retirement plan may be appropriate for you and to obtain further information, consult your tax adviser.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Key Fund Information
This Prospectus contains information about one or more Funds within the Wells Fargo Funds family and is designed to provide you with important information to help you with your investment decisions. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.
In this Prospectus, "we" generally refers to Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC ("Funds Management"), the relevant sub-adviser(s), if applicable, or the portfolio manager(s). "We" may also refer to a Fund's other service providers. "You" refers to the shareholder or potential investor.
Investment Objective and Principal Investment Strategies
The investment objective of each Fund in this Prospectus is non-fundamental; that is, it can be changed by a vote of the Board of Trustees ("Board") alone. The objective and strategies description for each Fund tells you:
what the Fund is trying to achieve;
how we intend to invest your money; and
what makes the Fund different from the other Funds offered in this Prospectus.
This section also provides a summary of each Fund's principal investment policies and practices. Unless otherwise indicated, these investment policies and practices apply on an ongoing basis. Percentages of "the Fund's net assets" are measured as percentages of net assets plus borrowings for investment purposes. The investment policy of the Diversified International Fund (formerly named International Equity Fund), Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund and International Equity Fund concerning "80% of the Fund's net assets" may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval, but shareholders would be given at least 60 days' notice.
This section lists the principal investment risks for each Fund. A complete description of these and other risks is found in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section. It is possible to lose money by investing in a Fund.
Diversified International Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers, and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in the equity securities of foreign issuers through the use of three different styles of international equity management: an international growth style, subadvised by Artisan Partners Limited Partnership; an international value style, sub-advised by LSV Asset Management; and an international blend style, sub-advised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated. We invest primarily in developed countries, but may invest in emerging market countries and may invest in equity securities of any market capitalization. Furthermore, we may use futures, options or participation notes to manage risk or to enhance return. We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership (Artisan Partners)
Artisan Partners employs a fundamental stock selection process to identify long-term growth opportunities to build a portfolio
of non-U.S. growth companies of any market capitalization. Artisan Partners seeks to invest in companies within its preferred
themes with sustainable growth characteristics at attractive valuations that do not fully reflect their long-term potential.
Artisan Partners may sell a stock when Artisan Partners thinks the stock is approaching full valuation, the company exhibits
deteriorating fundamentals, changing circumstances affect the original reasons for its purchase, or more attractive opportunities
are identified.
LSV Asset Management (LSV)
LSV invests in equity securities of foreign issuers which it believes are undervalued in the marketplace at the time of purchase
and show recent positive signals, such as an appreciation in prices and increase in earnings. LSV believes that these securities
have the potential to produce future returns if their future growth exceeds the market's low expectations. LSV uses a quantitative
investment model to make investment decisions for the Fund. The investment model ranks securities based on fundamental measures
of value (such as the dividend yield) and indicators of near-term recovery (such as recent price appreciation). A stock is
typically sold if the model indicates a decline in its ranking or if a stock's relative portfolio weight has appreciated significantly
(relative to the Fund's benchmark).
Wells Capital Management Incorporated (Wells Capital Management)
Wells Capital Management invests in equity securities of foreign issuers by using bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth
fundamental research as the cornerstone of its investment process. During each stage of the process, Wells Capital Management
also considers the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth
prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. The investment process seeks
both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes have
strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments,
Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic
value. Wells Capital Management may purchase securities across any market capitalization. Wells Capital Management may sell
a stock if it achieves its investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly,
if it changes its view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Derivatives Risk
Emerging Markets Risk
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Futures Contracts Risk
Investment Style Risk
|
Management Risk
Market Risk
Multi-Manager Management Risk
Options Risk
Participation Notes Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
The Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation and current income.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of companies in emerging market countries; and
across any market capitalization.
We consider emerging market countries to be, among others, countries included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
We look for companies with a sustainable high dividend yield backed by strong company financials and fundamentals, including
above-average sales and earnings growth, overall financial strength, competitive advantages, and capable management. We may
sell a holding when it no longer has some or all of these traits. Our investment strategy includes both a top-down strategy,
which takes account of overall economic and market trends in each country, and a bottom-up strategy, in which we use fundamental
research for security selection. In order to take advantage of the wide range of possible opportunities in a variety of markets
at different stages of economic development, we construct the portfolio with the potential for maximum portfolio dividend
yield while maintaining a controlled level of risk.
We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Derivatives Risk
Emerging Markets Risk
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
|
Investment Style Risk
Management Risk
Market Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
International Equity Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers;
up to 30% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities; and
in securities of at least three different countries including the U.S.
The types of securities in which we normally invest include common stock, preferred stock, rights, warrants and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). We consider equity securities of foreign issuers (or foreign securities) to be equity securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. We may use futures or forward foreign currency contracts to manage risk or to enhance return.
We use bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth fundamental research as the cornerstone of our investment process. During each stage of the process, we also consider the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. Sector and country weights result from rather than determine our stock-selection decisions. Our investment process seeks both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, we target companies that we believe have strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments, we target companies that we believe are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic value. Additionally, we seek to identify catalysts that will unlock value, which will then be recognized by the market. We may purchase securities across any market capitalization.
We conduct ongoing review, research, and analysis of our portfolio holdings. We may sell a stock if it achieves our investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly, if we change our view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Description of Principal Investment Risks
Understanding the risks involved in mutual fund investing will help you make an informed decision that takes into account your risk tolerance and preferences. The risks that are most likely to have a material effect on the Fund as a whole are called "principal risks." The principal risks for the Fund have been previously identified and are described below. Additional information about the principal risks is included in the Statement of Additional Information.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the derivatives' underlying assets, indexes or rates and the derivatives themselves, which may be magnified by certain features of the derivatives. These risks are heightened when derivatives are used to enhance a Fund's return or as a substitute for a position or security, rather than solely to hedge (or mitigate) the risk of a position or security held by the Fund. The success of a derivative strategy will be affected by the portfolio manager's ability to assess and predict market or economic developments and their impact on the derivatives' underlying assets, indexes or rates and the derivatives themselves. Certain derivative instruments may become illiquid and, as a result, may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so. Certain derivatives create leverage, which can magnify the impact of a decline in the value of their underlying assets, indexes or rates and increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value. Certain derivatives (e.g., over-the-counter swaps) are also subject to the risk that the counterparty to the derivative contract will be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, which may cause a Fund to lose money, suffer delays or incur costs arising from holding or selling an underlying asset. Changes in laws or regulations may make the use of derivatives more costly, may limit the availability of derivatives, or may otherwise adversely affect the use, value or performance of derivatives.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. For example, emerging market countries are typically more dependent on exports and are therefore more vulnerable to recessions in other countries. Emerging markets tend to have less developed legal and financial systems and a smaller market capitalization than markets in developed countries. Some emerging markets are subject to greater political instability. Additionally, emerging markets may have more volatile currencies and be more sensitive than developed markets to a variety of economic factors, including inflation. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk. A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes. The Fund's gains from positions in foreign currency contracts may accelerate and/or lead to recharacterization of the Fund's income or gains and its distributions to shareholders. The Fund's losses from such positions may also lead to recharacterization of the Fund's income and its distributions to shareholders and may cause a return of capital to Fund shareholders.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign companies may be subject to significantly higher levels of taxation than U.S. companies, including potentially confiscatory levels of taxation, thereby reducing the earnings potential of such foreign companies. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Such changes may reduce the U.S. dollar value of the investments. Foreign investments may be subject to additional risks such as potentially higher withholding and other taxes, and may also be subject to greater trade settlement, custodial, and other operational risks than domestic investments. Certain foreign markets may also be characterized by less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions. As a result, a Fund's performance may at times be worse than the performance of other mutual funds that invest more broadly or in securities of a different investment style.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Multi-Manager Management Risk. A Fund with multiple sub-advisers is subject to the risk that the investment decisions made by a sub-adviser may conflict with those of another sub-adviser. For example, at any particular time a sub-adviser may purchase a security being sold by another sub-adviser, resulting in transaction costs with potentially no change to the Fund's overall portfolio.
Options Risk. A Fund that purchases options, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that gains, if any, realized on the position, will be less than the amount paid as premiums to the writer of the option. A Fund that writes options receives a premium that may be small relative to the loss realized in the event of adverse changes in the value of the underlying instruments. A Fund that writes covered call options gives up the opportunity to profit from any price increase in the underlying security above the option exercise price while the option is in effect. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in values of options and their underlying securities and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain options.
Participation Notes Risk. The performance results of participation notes, which are a type of derivative, will not replicate exactly the performance of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate due to various factors, including transaction and other expenses. The transaction price of participation notes may not equal the underlying value of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets whose performance they seek to replicate. Moreover, a Fund has no rights under a participation note against the issuer of the underlying security.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies. Smaller companies may have no or relatively short operating histories, limited financial resources or may be newly public companies. Some of these companies have aggressive capital structures, including high debt levels, or are involved in rapidly growing or changing industries and/or new technologies.
Portfolio Holdings Information
A description of the Wells Fargo Funds' policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of the Wells Fargo Funds' portfolio holdings is available in the Funds' Statement of Additional Information. In addition, Funds Management will, from time to time, include portfolio holdings information in periodic commentaries for certain Funds. The substance of the information contained in such commentaries will also be posted to the Funds' website at wellsfargofunds.com.
A Fund's NAV is the value of a single share. The NAV is calculated as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open, although a Fund may deviate from this calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances. The NAV is calculated separately for each class of shares of a multiple-class Fund. The most recent NAV for each class of a Fund is available at wellsfargofunds.com. To calculate the NAV of a Fund's shares, the Fund's assets are valued and totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the balance, called net assets, is divided by the number of shares outstanding. The price at which a purchase or redemption request is processed is based on the next NAV calculated after the request is received in good order. Generally, NAV is not calculated, and purchase and redemption requests are not processed, on days that the NYSE is closed for trading; however under unusual or unexpected circumstances a Fund may elect to remain open even on days that the NYSE is closed or closes early. To the extent that a Fund's assets are traded in various markets on days when the Fund is closed, the value of the Fund's assets may be affected on days when you are unable to buy or sell Fund shares. Conversely, trading in some of a Fund's assets may not occur on days when the Fund is open.
With respect to any portion of a Fund's assets that may be invested in other mutual funds, the value of the Fund's shares is based on the NAV of the shares of the other mutual funds in which the Fund invests. The valuation methods used by mutual funds in pricing their shares, including the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing, are included in the Prospectuses of such funds. To the extent a Fund invests a portion of its assets in non-registered investment vehicles, the Fund's interests in the non-registered vehicles are fair valued at NAV.
With respect to a Fund's assets invested directly in securities, the Fund's investments are generally valued at current market prices. Equity securities, options and futures are generally valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last reported sales price on the primary exchange or market on which they are listed (closing price). Equity securities that are not traded primarily on an exchange are generally valued at the quoted bid price obtained from a broker-dealer.
Debt securities are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing service or, if a reliable price is not available, the quoted bid price from an independent broker-dealer.
We are required to depart from these general valuation methods and use fair value pricing methods to determine the values of certain investments if we believe that the closing price or the quoted bid price of a security, including a security that trades primarily on a foreign exchange, does not accurately reflect its current market value at the time as of which a Fund calculates its NAV. The closing price or the quoted bid price of a security may not reflect its current market value if, among other things, a significant event occurs after the closing price or quoted bid price but before the time as of which a Fund calculates its NAV that materially affects the value of the security. We use various criteria, including a systemic evaluation of U.S. market moves after the close of foreign markets, in deciding whether a foreign security's market price is still reliable and, if not, what fair market value to assign to the security. In addition, we use fair value pricing to determine the value of investments in securities and other assets, including illiquid securities, for which current market quotations or evaluated prices from a pricing service or broker-dealer are not readily available.
The fair value of a Fund's securities and other assets is determined in good faith pursuant to policies and procedures adopted by the Fund's Board of Trustees. In light of the judgment involved in making fair value decisions, there can be no assurance that a fair value assigned to a particular security is accurate or that it reflects the price that the Fund could obtain for such security if it were to sell the security at the time as of which fair value pricing is determined. Such fair value pricing may result in NAVs that are higher or lower than NAVs based on the closing price or quoted bid price. See the Statement of Additional Information for additional details regarding the determination of NAVs.
The Manager
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC ("Funds Management"), headquartered at 525 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, provides advisory and Fund-level administrative services to the Funds pursuant to an investment management agreement (the "Management Agreement"). Funds Management is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, a publicly traded diversified financial services company that provides banking, insurance, investment, mortgage and consumer financial services. Funds Management is a registered investment adviser that provides investment management services for registered mutual funds, closed-end funds and other funds and accounts.
Funds Management is responsible for implementing the investment objectives and strategies of the Funds. To assist Funds Management in performing these responsibilities, Funds Management has contracted with one or more subadvisers to provide day-to-day portfolio management services to the Funds. Funds Management employs a team of investment professionals who identify and recommend the initial hiring of each Fund's sub-adviser(s) and supervise and monitor the activities of the sub-adviser(s) on an ongoing basis. Funds Management retains overall responsibility for the investment activities of the Funds.
Funds Management's investment professionals review and analyze each Fund's performance, including relative to peer funds, and monitor each Fund's compliance with its investment objective and strategies. Funds Management is responsible for reporting to the Board on investment performance and other matters affecting the Funds. When appropriate, Funds Management recommends to the Board enhancements to Fund features, including changes to Fund investment objectives, strategies and policies. Funds Management also communicates with shareholders and intermediaries about Fund performance and features.
Funds Management is also responsible for providing Fund-level administrative services, which include, among others, providing such services in connection with the Funds' operations; developing and implementing procedures for monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements and compliance with the Funds' investment objectives, policies and restrictions; and providing any other Fund-level administrative services reasonably necessary for the operation of the Funds other than those services that are provided by the Funds' transfer and dividend disbursing agent, custodian, and fund accountant.
For providing these investment management services, Funds Management is entitled to receive the fees disclosed in the row captioned "Management Fees" in each Fund's table of Annual Fund Operating Expenses. Funds Management compensates each sub-adviser from the fees Funds Management receives for its services pursuant to the Management Agreement. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the Management Agreement and sub-advisory agreements is included in the Funds' Annual Report for the period ended October 31st.
Prior to July 1, 2015, Funds Management provided advisory services to the Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement ("Advisory Agreement"). The Management Agreement, which became effective July 1, 2015, combines the terms of the Advisory Agreement with the terms of the Funds' prior Amended and Restated Administration Agreement applicable to Fund-level administrative services. For a Fund's most recent fiscal year end, the advisory fee paid to Funds Management pursuant to the Advisory Agreement (prior to July 1, 2015) together with the management fee paid to Funds Management pursuant to the Management Agreement (beginning on July 1, 2015), each net of any applicable waivers and reimbursements, was as follows:
Management Fees Paid |
|
|
As a % of average daily net assets |
Diversified International Fund |
0.44% |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund |
0.88% |
International Equity Fund |
0.52% |
The Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers
The following sub-advisers and portfolio managers provide day-to-day portfolio management services to the Funds. These services include making purchases and sales of securities and other investment assets for the Funds, selecting broker-dealers, negotiating brokerage commission rates and maintaining portfolio transaction records. The sub-advisers are compensated for their services by Funds Management from the fees Funds Management receives for its services as investment manager to the Funds. The Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities in the Funds.
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership ("Artisan Partners"), a registered investment adviser located at 875 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800, Milwaukee, WI 53202, serves as the sub-adviser and provides portfolio management services to one or more Funds. Artisan Partners provides investment management services to pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, endowments, foundations, charitable organizations, governmental entities, and investment companies and similar pooled investment vehicles.
Mark L. Yockey, CFA
|
Mr. Yockey joined Artisan Partners in 1995, where he currently serves as a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager for Artisan Partners' non-U.S. growth, non-U.S. small-cap growth, global small-cap growth and global equity investment strategies. |
LSV Asset Management ("LSV"), is a registered investment adviser located at 155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4600, Chicago, IL 60606. LSV provides investment management services to other mutual funds, corporate clients, endowments and foundations in addition to multi-employer and public investment plans.
Wells Capital Management Incorporated ("Wells Capital Management"), is a registered investment adviser located at 525 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Wells Capital Management, an affiliate of Funds Management and indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, is a multi-boutique asset management firm committed to delivering superior investment services to institutional clients, including mutual funds.
Multi-Manager Arrangement
The Fund and Funds Management have obtained an exemptive order from the SEC that permits Funds Management, subject to Board approval, to select certain sub-advisers and enter into or amend sub-advisory agreements with them, without obtaining shareholder approval. The SEC order extends to sub-advisers that are not otherwise affiliated with Funds Management or the Fund, as well as sub-advisers that are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Funds Management or of a company that wholly owns Funds Management ("Multi-Manager Sub-Advisers").
Pursuant to the order, Funds Management, with Board approval, may hire or replace Multi-Manager Sub-Advisers for the Fund. Funds Management, subject to Board oversight, has the responsibility to oversee Multi-Manager Sub-Advisers and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. If a new sub-adviser is hired for the Fund pursuant to the order, the Fund is required to notify shareholders within 90 days. The Fund is not required to disclose the individual fees that Funds Management pays to a Multi-Manager Sub-Adviser.
Share Class Eligibility
Class R shares generally are available only to certain retirement plans, including: 401(k) plans, 457 plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, target benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Class R shares also are generally available only to retirement plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the Fund. Class R shares generally are not available to retail accounts.
The information in this prospectus is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any non-U.S. jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation, or which would subject Fund shares to any registration requirement within such jurisdiction or country.
The table below summarizes the key features of the share class offered through this Prospectus.
|
Class R |
|
Initial Sales Charge |
|
None |
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) |
|
None |
Ongoing Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
|
0.25% |
Shareholder Servicing Fee |
|
0.25% |
Compensation to Financial Professionals and Intermediaries
Distribution Plan
Each Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (12b-1 Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for the Class R shares. The 12b-1 Plan authorizes the payment of all or part of the cost of preparing and distributing prospectuses and distribution-related services. The 12b-1 Plan also provides that, if and to the extent any shareholder servicing payments are recharacterized as payments for distribution- related services, they are approved and payable under the 12b-1 Plan. The fees paid under this 12b-1 Plan are as follows:
Fund |
Class R |
Diversified International Fund |
0.25% |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund |
0.25% |
International Equity Fund |
0.25% |
Shareholder Servicing Plan
Each Fund has adopted a shareholder servicing plan (Servicing Plan). The Servicing Plan authorizes the Fund to enter into agreements with the Fund's distributor, manager, or any of their affiliates to provide or engage other entities to provide certain shareholder services, including establishing and maintaining shareholder accounts, processing and verifying purchase, redemption and exchange transactions, and providing such other shareholder liaison or related services as may reasonably be requested. The fees paid under the Servicing Plan are as follows:
Fund |
Class R |
Diversified International fund |
0.25% |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund |
0.25% |
International Equity Fund |
0.25% |
Additional Payments to Financial Professionals and Intermediaries.
In addition to dealer reallowances and payments made by each Fund for distribution and shareholder servicing, the Fund's
manager, the distributor or their affiliates make additional payments ("Additional Payments") to certain financial professionals
and intermediaries for selling shares and providing shareholder services, which include broker-dealers and 401(k) service
providers and recordkeepers. These Additional Payments, which may be significant, are paid by the Fund's manager, the distributor
or their affiliates, out of their revenues, which generally come directly or indirectly from Fund fees.
In return for these Additional Payments, each Fund's manager and distributor expect the Fund to receive certain marketing
or servicing considerations that are not generally available to mutual funds whose sponsors do not make such payments. Such
considerations are expected to include, without limitation, placement of the Fund on a list of mutual funds offered as investment
options to the intermediary's clients (sometimes referred to as "Shelf Space"); access to the intermediary's financial professionals;
and/or ability to assist in training and educating the intermediary's financial professionals.
The Additional Payments may create potential conflicts of interest between an investor and a financial professional or intermediary
who is recommending or making available a particular mutual fund over other mutual funds. Before investing, you should consult
with your financial professional and review carefully any disclosure by the intermediary as to what compensation the intermediary
receives from mutual fund sponsors, as well as how your financial professional is compensated.
The Additional Payments are typically paid in fixed dollar amounts, based on the number of customer accounts maintained by
an intermediary, or based on a percentage of sales and/or assets under management, or a combination of the above. The Additional
Payments are either up-front or ongoing or both and differ among intermediaries. Additional Payments to an intermediary that
is compensated based on its customers' assets typically range between 0.05% and 0.30% in a given year of assets invested in
a Fund by the intermediary's customers. Additional Payments to an intermediary that is compensated based on a percentage of
sales typically range between 0.10% and 0.15% of the gross sales of a Fund attributable to the financial intermediary.
More information on the FINRA member firms that have received the Additional Payments described in this section is available
in the Statement of Additional Information, which is on file with the SEC and is also available on the Wells Fargo Funds
website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
Eligible retirement plans may make Class R shares available to plan participants by contacting certain intermediaries that have dealer agreements with Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC ("WFFD"). These entities may impose transaction charges. Plan participants may purchase shares through their retirement plan's administrator or record-keeper by following the process outlined in the terms of their plan.
Redemption requests received by a retirement plan's administrator or record-keeper from the plan's participants will be processed according to the terms of the plan's account with its intermediary. Plan participants should follow the process for selling fund shares outlined in the terms of their plan.
Requests in "Good Order". All purchase and redemption requests must be received in "good order." This means that a request generally must include:
The Fund name(s) 1 , share class(es) and account number(s);
The amount (in dollars or shares) and type (purchase or redemption) of the request;
For purchase requests, payment of the full amount of the purchase request; and
Any supporting legal documentation that may be required.
1. |
When all or a portion of a payment is received for investment without a clear Fund designation ("Undesignated Payment"), we may direct the undesignated portion or the entire amount, as applicable, into the Wells Fargo Money Market Fund. Such Undesignated Payment will remain invested in shares of the Wells Fargo Money Market Fund until you later direct us to redeem or exchange these shares at the next NAV calculated after we receive your request in good order. |
Purchase and redemption requests in good order will be processed at the next NAV calculated after the Fund's transfer agent or an authorized intermediary 1 receives your request. If your request is not received in good order, additional documentation may be required to process your transaction. We reserve the right to waive any of the above requirements.
1. |
The Fund's shares may be purchased through an intermediary that has entered into a dealer agreement with the Fund's distributor. The Fund has approved the acceptance of a purchase or redemption request effective as of the time of its receipt by such an authorized intermediary or its designee as long as the request is received by one of those entities prior to the Fund's closing time. We reserve the right to adjust the closing time in certain circumstances. |
Timing of Redemption Proceeds. We normally will send out redemption proceeds within one business day after we accept your request to redeem. We reserve the right to delay payment for up to seven days. Payment of redemption proceeds may be delayed for longer than seven days under extraordinary circumstances or as permitted by the SEC in order to protect remaining shareholders. Such extraordinary circumstances are discussed further in the Statement of Additional Information.
Exchanging Fund Shares
Exchanges between two funds involve two transactions: (1) the redemption of shares of one fund; and (2) the purchase of shares of another. In general, the same rules and procedures described under "Buying and Selling Fund Shares" apply to exchanges. There are, however, additional policies and considerations you should keep in mind while making or considering an exchange:
In general, exchanges may be made between like share classes of any fund in the Wells Fargo Funds complex offered to the general public for investment (i.e., a fund not closed to new accounts), with the following exceptions: (1) Class A shares of non-money market funds may also be exchanged for Service Class shares of any money market fund; (2) Service Class shares may be exchanged for Class A shares of any non-money market fund; and (3) WealthBuilder Portfolio shares may be exchanged for shares of any other WealthBuilder Portfolio or for the Wells Fargo Money Market Fund Class A shares.
If you make an exchange between Class A shares of a money market fund and Class A shares of a non-money market fund, you will buy the shares at the POP of the new fund unless you are otherwise eligible to buy shares at NAV.
Same-fund exchanges between share classes are permitted subject to the following conditions: (1) the shareholder must meet the eligibility guidelines of the class being purchased in the exchange; (2) exchanges out of Class A and Class C shares would not be allowed if shares are subject to a CDSC; and (3) for non-money market funds, in order to exchange into Class A shares, the shareholder must be able to qualify to purchase Class A shares at NAV based on current Prospectus guidelines.
An exchange request will be processed on the same business day, provided that both funds are open at the time the request is received. If one or both funds are closed, the exchange will be processed on the following business day.
You should carefully read the Prospectus for the Fund into which you wish to exchange.
Every exchange involves redeeming fund shares, which may produce a capital gain or loss for tax purposes.
If you are making an initial investment into a fund through an exchange, you must exchange at least the minimum initial investment amount for the new fund, unless your balance has fallen below that amount due to investment performance.
If you are making an additional investment into a fund that you already own through an exchange, you must exchange at least the minimum subsequent investment amount for the fund you are exchanging into.
Class B and Class C share exchanges will not trigger a CDSC. The new shares received in the exchange will continue to age according to the original shares' CDSC schedule and will be charged the CDSC applicable to the original shares upon redemption.
Generally, we will notify you at least 60 days in advance of any changes in the above exchange policies.
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares
Wells Fargo Funds reserves the right to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Purchases or exchanges that a Fund determines could harm the Fund may be rejected.
Excessive trading by Fund shareholders can negatively impact a Fund and its long-term shareholders in several ways, including disrupting Fund investment strategies, increasing transaction costs, decreasing tax efficiency, and diluting the value of shares held by long-term shareholders. Excessive trading in Fund shares can negatively impact a Fund's long-term performance by requiring it to maintain more assets in cash or to liquidate portfolio holdings at a disadvantageous time. Certain Funds may be more susceptible than others to these negative effects. For example, Funds that have a greater percentage of their investments in non-U.S. securities may be more susceptible than other Funds to arbitrage opportunities resulting from pricing variations due to time zone differences across international financial markets. Similarly, Funds that have a greater percentage of their investments in small company securities may be more susceptible than other Funds to arbitrage opportunities due to the less liquid nature of small company securities. Both types of Funds also may incur higher transaction costs in liquidating portfolio holdings to meet excessive redemption levels. Fair value pricing may reduce these arbitrage opportunities, thereby reducing some of the negative effects of excessive trading.
Wells Fargo Funds, other than the Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Conservative Income Fund, Ultra Short-Term Income Fund and Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund ("Ultra-Short Funds") and the money market funds, (the "Covered Funds"). The Covered Funds are not designed to serve as vehicles for frequent trading. The Covered Funds actively discourage and take steps to prevent the portfolio disruption and negative effects on long-term shareholders that can result from excessive trading activity by Covered Fund shareholders. The Board has approved the Covered Funds' policies and procedures, which provide, among other things, that Funds Management may deem trading activity to be excessive if it determines that such trading activity would likely be disruptive to a Covered Fund by increasing expenses or lowering returns. In this regard, the Covered Funds take steps to avoid accommodating frequent purchases and redemptions of shares by Covered Fund shareholders. Funds Management monitors available shareholder trading information across all Covered Funds on a daily basis. If a shareholder redeems $5,000 or more (including redemptions that are part of an exchange transaction) from a Covered Fund, that shareholder is "blocked" from purchasing shares of that Covered Fund (including purchases that are part of an exchange transaction) for 30 calendar days after the redemption. This policy does not apply to:
Money market funds;
Ultra-Short Funds;
Dividend reinvestments;
Systematic investments or exchanges where the financial intermediary maintaining the shareholder account identifies the transaction as a systematic redemption or purchase at the time of the transaction;
Rebalancing transactions within certain asset allocation or "wrap" programs where the financial intermediary maintaining a shareholder account is able to identify the transaction as part of an asset allocation program approved by Funds Management;
Transactions initiated by a "fund of funds" or Section 529 Plan into an underlying fund investment;
Permitted exchanges between share classes of the same Fund;
Certain transactions involving participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans, including: participant withdrawals due to mandatory distributions, rollovers and hardships, withdrawals of shares acquired by participants through payroll deductions, and shares acquired or sold by a participant in connection with plan loans; and
Purchases below $5,000 (including purchases that are part of an exchange transaction).
The money market funds and the Ultra-Short Funds. Because the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds are often used for short-term investments, they are designed to accommodate more frequent purchases and redemptions than the Covered Funds. As a result, the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds do not anticipate that frequent purchases and redemptions, under normal circumstances, will have significant adverse consequences to the money market funds or Ultra-Short Funds or their shareholders. Although the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds do not prohibit frequent trading, Funds Management will seek to prevent an investor from utilizing the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds to facilitate frequent purchases and redemptions of shares in the Covered Funds in contravention of the policies and procedures adopted by the Covered Funds.
All Wells Fargo Funds . In addition, Funds Management reserves the right to accept purchases, redemptions and exchanges made in excess of applicable trading restrictions in designated accounts held by Funds Management or its affiliate that are used at all times exclusively for addressing operational matters related to shareholder accounts, such as testing of account functions, and are maintained at low balances that do not exceed specified dollar amount limitations.
In the event that an asset allocation or "wrap" program is unable to implement the policy outlined above, Funds Management may grant a program-level exception to this policy. A financial intermediary relying on the exception is required to provide Funds Management with specific information regarding its program and ongoing information about its program upon request.
A financial intermediary through whom you may purchase shares of the Fund may independently attempt to identify excessive trading and take steps to deter such activity. As a result, a financial intermediary may on its own limit or permit trading activity of its customers who invest in Fund shares using standards different from the standards used by Funds Management and discussed in this Prospectus. Funds Management may permit a financial intermediary to enforce its own internal policies and procedures concerning frequent trading rather than the policies set forth above in instances where Funds Management reasonably believes that the intermediary's policies and procedures effectively discourage disruptive trading activity. If you purchase Fund shares through a financial intermediary, you should contact the intermediary for more information about whether and how restrictions or limitations on trading activity will be applied to your account.
Account Policies
Advance Notice of Large Transactions. We strongly urge you to make all purchases and redemptions of Fund shares as early in the day as possible and to notify us or your intermediary at least one day in advance of transactions in Fund shares in excess of $5 million. This will help us to manage the Funds most effectively. When you give this advance notice, please provide your name and account number.
Householding. To help keep Fund expenses low, a single copy of a Prospectus or shareholder report may be sent to shareholders of the same household. If your household currently receives a single copy of a Prospectus or shareholder report and you would prefer to receive multiple copies, please call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222 or contact your intermediary.
Transaction Authorizations. We may accept telephone, electronic, and clearing agency transaction instructions from anyone who represents that he or she is a shareholder and provides reasonable confirmation of his or her identity. Neither we nor Wells Fargo Funds will be liable for any losses incurred if we follow such instructions we reasonably believe to be genuine. For transactions through the automated phone system and our website, we will assign personal identification numbers (PINs) and/or passwords to help protect your account information. To safeguard your account, please keep your PINs and passwords confidential. Contact us immediately if you believe there is a discrepancy on your confirmation statement or if you believe someone has obtained unauthorized access to your account, PIN or password.
Identity Verification. We are required by law to obtain from you certain personal information that will be used to verify your identity. If you do not provide the information, we will not be able to open your account. In the rare event that we are unable to verify your identity as required by law, we reserve the right to redeem your account at the current NAV of the Fund's shares. You will be responsible for any losses, taxes, expenses, fees, or other results of such a redemption.
Right to Freeze Accounts, Suspend Account Services or Reject or Terminate an Investment. We reserve the right, to the extent permitted by law and/or regulations, to freeze any account or suspend account services when we have received reasonable notice (written or otherwise) of a dispute between registered or beneficial account owners or when we believe a fraudulent transaction may occur or has occurred. Additionally, we reserve the right to reject any purchase or exchange request and to terminate a shareholder's investment, including closing the shareholder's account.
Distributions
The Funds, except the Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, generally make distributions of any net investment income and any realized net capital gains at least annually. The Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund generally distributes net investment income monthly. The amount distributed in a month may either be less than the amount earned in that month or more than the amount earned in that month if it includes amounts earned in a previous month but retained for later distribution. The Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund generally distributes net capital gains, if any, at least annually. Please contact your institution for distribution options. Remember, distributions have the effect of reducing the NAV per share by the amount distributed.
Taxes
By investing in the Fund through a tax-deferred retirement account, you will not be subject to tax on dividends and capital gains distributions from the Fund or the sale of Fund shares if those amounts remain in the tax-deferred account. Distributions taken from retirement plan accounts generally are taxable as ordinary income. For special rules concerning tax-deferred retirement accounts, including applications, restrictions, tax advantages, and potential sales charge waivers, contact your investment professional. To determine if a retirement plan may be appropriate for you and to obtain further information, consult your tax advisor.
Additional Performance Information
This section contains additional information regarding the performance of the Funds. The sub-section below titled "Index Descriptions" defines the market indices that are referenced in the Fund Summaries. The sub-section below titled "Share Class Performance" provides history for specified share classes of certain Funds.
Index Descriptions. The "Average Annual Total Returns" table in each Fund's Fund Summary compares the Fund's returns with those of one or more indices. Below are descriptions of each such index. You cannot invest directly in an index.
MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net) 1 |
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 and emerging markets excluding the United States. |
MSCI EAFE Index (Net) SM |
The MSCI Europe, Australasia and Far East (EAFE) Index (Net) is an unmanaged group of securities widely regarded by investors to be representations of the stock markets of Europe, Australasia and the Far East. 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. |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net) SM |
The MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index designed to measure the equity market performance in the global emerging markets. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is currently comprised of 23 emerging market country indices. |
1. |
Source: MSCI. The MSCI information may only be used for your internal use, may not be reproduced or redisseminated in any form and may not be used as a basis for or a component of any financial instruments or products or indices. None of the MSCI information is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such. Historical data and analysis should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of any future performance analysis, forecast or prediction. The MSCI information is provided on an "as is" basis and the user of this information assumes the entire risk of any use made of this information. MSCI, each of its affiliates and each other person involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating any MSCI information (collectively, the MSCI Parties") expressly disclaims all warranties (including, without limitation, any warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, non-infringement, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose) with respect to this information. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall any MSCI Party have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, punitive, consequential (including, without limitation, lost profits) or any other damages. (www.mscibarra.com) |
Share Class Performance. The following provides additional information about the performance history of the Fund contained in this prospectus, including information regarding predecessor funds, if any, and whether performance information presented is based on the history of an older share class.
International Equity Fund - Historical performance shown for Class R shares of the Fund prior to July 19, 2010 is based on the performance of the Fund's predecessor, Evergreen International Equity Fund.
The Fund's past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Fund's investment results will fluctuate over time, and any representation of the Fund's returns for any past period should not be considered as a representation of what the Fund's returns may be in any future period. The Fund's annual and semi-annual reports contain additional performance information and are available upon request, without charge, by calling the telephone number listed on the back cover page of this Prospectus.
The following tables are intended to help you understand a Fund's financial performance for the past five years (or since inception, if shorter). Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. Total returns represent the rate you would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each Fund (assuming reinvestment of all distributions). The information in the following tables has been derived from the Funds' financial statements, which have been audited by KPMG LLP, the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with each Fund's financial statements, is also included in each Fund's annual report, a copy of which is available upon request.
Diversified International Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
Class R |
|
Year ended October 31 , 2015 1 |
||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
11.13 |
||
Net investment loss |
|
(0.01) |
||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.74 |
||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.73 |
||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
11.86 |
||
Total return 2 |
|
6.56% |
||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
||
Gross expenses |
|
2.15% |
||
Net expenses |
|
1.60% |
||
Net investment loss |
|
(0.65)% |
||
Supplemental data |
|
|
||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
31% |
||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
27 |
1 |
For the period from September 30, 2015 (commencement of class operations) to October 31, 2015 |
2 |
Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Period ended |
|
Class R |
October 31, 2015 1 |
||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
9.44 |
|
Net investment loss |
|
(0.01) 2 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.56 |
|
Total from investment operations |
|
0.55 |
|
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
(0.00) 3 |
|
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
9.99 |
|
Total return 4 |
|
5.87% |
|
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
Gross expenses |
|
2.10% |
|
Net expenses |
|
1.90% |
|
Net investment loss |
|
(0.90)% |
|
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
84% |
|
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
26 |
1 |
For the period from September 30, 2015 (commencement of class operations) to October 31, 2015 |
2 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
3 |
Amount is less than $0.005. |
4 |
Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
International Equity Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
Class R |
|
Year ended October 31 |
||||||||||||||
|
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
|||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
11.40 |
$ |
11.96 |
$ |
9.75 |
$ |
9.79 |
$ |
10.40 |
||||||
Net investment income |
|
0.15 1 |
|
0.32 1 |
|
0.18 1 |
|
0.20 1 |
|
0.14 1 |
||||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.57 |
|
(0.79) |
|
2.27 |
|
(0.06) |
|
(0.75) |
||||||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.72 |
|
(0.47) |
|
2.45 |
|
0.14 |
|
(0.61) |
||||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Net investment income |
|
(0.46) |
|
(0.09) |
|
(0.24) |
|
(0.18) |
|
0.00 |
||||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
11.66 |
$ |
11.40 |
$ |
11.96 |
$ |
9.75 |
$ |
9.79 |
||||||
Total return |
|
6.53% |
|
(4.00)% |
|
25.68% |
|
1.58% |
|
(5.87)% |
||||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Gross expenses |
|
1.78% |
|
1.78% |
|
1.81% |
|
1.78% |
|
1.71% |
||||||
Net expenses |
|
1.34% |
|
1.34% |
|
1.34% |
|
1.34% |
|
1.34% |
||||||
Net investment income |
|
1.23% |
|
2.71% |
|
1.72% |
|
2.11% |
|
1.31% |
||||||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
27% |
|
32% |
|
38% |
|
115% |
|
44% |
||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
2,147 |
$ |
1,576 |
$ |
2,234 |
$ |
2,196 |
$ |
3,050 |
1 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
© 2016 Wells-Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved |
036IENR/P307 03-16
ICA Reg. No. 811-09253 |
Prospectus
March 1, 2016
International Equity Funds
Wells Fargo Fund
Class R6
Wells Fargo Diversified International Fund
WDIRX
Wells Fargo Emerging Markets Equity Fund
EMGDX
Wells Fargo Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
EQIRX
Wells Fargo International Equity Fund
WFEHX
As with all mutual funds, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a crime.
Fund shares are NOT deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., its affiliates or any other depository institution. Fund shares are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency and may lose value.
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Diversified International Fund Summary
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
0.90% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.49% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.00% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.39% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.50)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
0.89% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at the amounts shown above. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$91 |
3 Years |
$391 |
5 Years |
$713 |
10 Years |
$1,625 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 31% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers, and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in the equity securities of foreign issuers through the use of three different styles of international equity management: an international growth style, subadvised by Artisan Partners Limited Partnership; an international value style, sub-advised by LSV Asset Management; and an international blend style, sub-advised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated. We invest primarily in developed countries, but may invest in emerging market countries and may invest in equity securities of any market capitalization. Furthermore, we may use futures, options or participation notes to manage risk or to enhance return. We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership (Artisan Partners)
Artisan Partners employs a fundamental stock selection process to identify long-term growth opportunities to build a portfolio
of non-U.S. growth companies of any market capitalization. Artisan Partners seeks to invest in companies within its preferred
themes with sustainable growth characteristics at attractive valuations that do not fully reflect their long-term potential.
Artisan Partners may sell a stock when Artisan Partners thinks the stock is approaching full valuation, the company exhibits
deteriorating fundamentals, changing circumstances affect the original reasons for its purchase, or more attractive opportunities
are identified.
LSV Asset Management (LSV)
LSV invests in equity securities of foreign issuers which it believes are undervalued in the marketplace at the time of purchase
and show recent positive signals, such as an appreciation in prices and increase in earnings. LSV believes that these securities
have the potential to produce future returns if their future growth exceeds the market's low expectations. LSV uses a quantitative
investment model to make investment decisions for the Fund. The investment model ranks securities based on fundamental measures
of value (such as the dividend yield) and indicators of near-term recovery (such as recent price appreciation). A stock is
typically sold if the model indicates a decline in its ranking or if a stock's relative portfolio weight has appreciated significantly
(relative to the Fund's benchmark).
Wells Capital Management Incorporated (Wells Capital Management)
Wells Capital Management invests in equity securities of foreign issuers by using bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth
fundamental research as the cornerstone of its investment process. During each stage of the process, Wells Capital Management
also considers the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth
prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. The investment process seeks
both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes have
strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments,
Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic
value. Wells Capital Management may purchase securities across any market capitalization. Wells Capital Management may sell
a stock if it achieves its investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly,
if it changes its view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Multi-Manager Management Risk. A Fund with multiple sub-advisers is subject to the risk that the investment decisions made by a sub-adviser may conflict with those of another sub-adviser.
Options Risk. A Fund that purchases options, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of a loss of premiums without offsetting gains. A Fund that writes options receives a premium that may be small relative to the loss realized in the event of adverse changes in the value of the underlying instruments.
Participation Notes Risk . The performance results of participation notes, which are a type of derivative, will not replicate exactly the performance of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate due to various factors, including transaction and other expenses. The transaction price of participation notes may not equal the underlying value of the securities of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets whose performance they seek to replicate.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Class R6 as of 12/31 each year 1
Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2009
+22.24%
Lowest Quarter: 4th Quarter 2008
-20.86%
1. |
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 would be higher. The Institutional Class annual returns are substantially similar to what the Class R6 annual returns would be because the Institutional Class and Class R6 shares are invested in the same portfolio and their returns differ only to the extent that they do not have the same expenses. |
Manager |
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since |
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC |
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership |
Mark L. Yockey, CFA , Portfolio Manager/2004 |
|
LSV Asset Management |
Josef Lakonishok
, Portfolio Manager/2004
|
|
Wells Capital Management Incorporated |
Dale Winner, CFA , Portfolio Manager/2012 |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Class R6 shares generally are available only to certain retirement plans, including: 401(k) plans, 457 plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, target benefit plans, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Class R6 shares also are generally available only to retirement plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the Fund. Class R6 shares also are available to Funds of Funds managed by Funds Management. Class R6 shares generally are not available to retail accounts.
Institutions Purchasing Fund Shares |
Minimum Initial Investment
Minimum Additional Investment
|
Tax Information
By investing in a Fund through a tax-deferred retirement account, you will not be subject to tax on dividends and capital gains distributions from the Fund or the sale of Fund shares if those amounts remain in the tax-deferred account. Distributions taken from retirement plan accounts generally are taxable as ordinary income. For special rules concerning tax-deferred retirement accounts, including applications, restrictions, tax advantages, and potential sales charge waivers, contact your investment professional. To determine if a retirement plan may be appropriate for you and to obtain further information, consult your tax adviser.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Emerging Markets Equity Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
1.05% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.13% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.00% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.18% |
Fee Waivers |
0.00% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.18% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at the amounts shown above. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$120 |
3 Years |
$375 |
5 Years |
$649 |
10 Years |
$1,432 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 8% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in equity or other listed securities of emerging market companies. We consider emerging market companies to include companies that are traded in, have their primary operations in, are domiciled in or derive a majority of their revenue from emerging market countries as defined by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. We may use futures to manage risk or to enhance return. The Fund may have exposure to stocks across any capitalizations and styles and will be diversified across countries and sectors.
Utilizing a bottom-up stock selection process, we seek to invest in quality companies at prices below their intrinsic value. From the available stock universe we focus only on those quality companies that are able to sustain high profitability over a long period of time for reasons we can understand. Such companies not only create value for investors from profitable investment of retained earnings and dividend payout, but also preserve value and protect investors from the risk of permanent capital loss. Among the characteristics we seek in high-quality companies are strong competitive position, demonstrable financial strength and profitability, quality management dedicated to public shareholders' interest, and favorable growth prospect supported by major long-term trends. We place an equal emphasis on understanding each company's intrinsic value and will only invest when a company's stock trades at a meaningful discount to this value. We do not attempt to anticipate or react to short term market fluctuations, but instead seek to take advantage of periodic market inefficiencies to buy the high quality companies at prices below our assessment of their intrinsic value. We have a disciplined approach to the monitoring and sale of holdings and our decisions to trim or sell out of positions may be triggered when a stock price exceeds its intrinsic value or when there is a material deterioration in the fundamentals of the company.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Class R6 as of 12/31 each year
Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2009
+31.91%
Lowest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2008
-24.75%
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Class R6 shares generally are available only to certain retirement plans, including: 401(k) plans, 457 plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, target benefit plans, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Class R6 shares also are generally available only to retirement plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the Fund. Class R6 shares also are available to Funds of Funds managed by Funds Management. Class R6 shares generally are not available to retail accounts.
Institutions Purchasing Fund Shares |
Minimum Initial Investment
Minimum Additional Investment
|
Tax Information
By investing in a Fund through a tax-deferred retirement account, you will not be subject to tax on dividends and capital gains distributions from the Fund or the sale of Fund shares if those amounts remain in the tax-deferred account. Distributions taken from retirement plan accounts generally are taxable as ordinary income. For special rules concerning tax-deferred retirement accounts, including applications, restrictions, tax advantages, and potential sales charge waivers, contact your investment professional. To determine if a retirement plan may be appropriate for you and to obtain further information, consult your tax adviser.
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund Summary
The Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation and current income.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
1.15% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.28% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.02% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.45% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.23)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
1.22% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
Thee Manager has committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 1.20% for Class R6. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$124 |
3 Years |
$436 |
5 Years |
$770 |
10 Years |
$1,716 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 84% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of companies in emerging market countries; and
across any market capitalization.
We consider emerging market countries to be, among others, countries included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
We look for companies with a sustainable high dividend yield backed by strong company financials and fundamentals, including
above-average sales and earnings growth, overall financial strength, competitive advantages, and capable management. We may
sell a holding when it no longer has some or all of these traits. Our investment strategy includes both a top-down strategy,
which takes account of overall economic and market trends in each country, and a bottom-up strategy, in which we use fundamental
research for security selection. In order to take advantage of the wide range of possible opportunities in a variety of markets
at different stages of economic development, we construct the portfolio with the potential for maximum portfolio dividend
yield while maintaining a controlled level of risk.
We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Class R6 as of 12/31 each year 1
Highest Quarter:
2nd Quarter 2014
7.41%
Lowest Quarter:
3rd Quarter 2015
-14.75%
1. |
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 would be higher. The Institutional Class annual returns are substantially similar to what the Class R6 annual returns would be because the Institutional Class and Class R6 shares are invested in the same portfolio and their returns differ only to the extent that they do not have the same expenses. |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Class R6 shares generally are available only to certain retirement plans, including: 401(k) plans, 457 plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, target benefit plans, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Class R6 shares also are generally available only to retirement plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the Fund. Class R6 shares also are available to Funds of Funds managed by Funds Management. Class R6 shares generally are not available to retail accounts.
Institutions Purchasing Fund Shares |
Minimum Initial Investment
Minimum Additional Investment
|
Tax Information
By investing in a Fund through a tax-deferred retirement account, you will not be subject to tax on dividends and capital gains distributions from the Fund or the sale of Fund shares if those amounts remain in the tax-deferred account. Distributions taken from retirement plan accounts generally are taxable as ordinary income. For special rules concerning tax-deferred retirement accounts, including applications, restrictions, tax advantages, and potential sales charge waivers, contact your investment professional. To determine if a retirement plan may be appropriate for you and to obtain further information, consult your tax adviser.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
International Equity Fund Summary
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 1 |
|
|
|
Management Fees |
0.90% |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
0.00% |
Other Expenses |
0.17% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
0.01% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
1.08% |
Fee Waivers |
(0.23)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 2 |
0.85% |
1. |
Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses. |
2. |
The Manager has contractually committed through February 28, 2017 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 0.84% for Class R6. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
After: |
|
1 Year |
$87 |
3 Years |
$321 |
5 Years |
$573 |
10 Years |
$1,296 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 27% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers;
up to 30% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities; and
in securities of at least three different countries including the U.S.
The types of securities in which we normally invest include common stock, preferred stock, rights, warrants and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). We consider equity securities of foreign issuers (or foreign securities) to be equity securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. We may use futures or forward foreign currency contracts to manage risk or to enhance return.
We use bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth fundamental research as the cornerstone of our investment process. During each stage of the process, we also consider the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. Sector and country weights result from rather than determine our stock-selection decisions. Our investment process seeks both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, we target companies that we believe have strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments, we target companies that we believe are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic value. Additionally, we seek to identify catalysts that will unlock value, which will then be recognized by the market. We may purchase securities across any market capitalization.
We conduct ongoing review, research, and analysis of our portfolio holdings. We may sell a stock if it achieves our investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly, if we change our view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk . A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The Fund's average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund's website at wellsfargofunds.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Class R6 as of 12/31 each year 1
Highest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2009
+18.24%
Lowest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2011
-21.96%
1. |
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 would be higher. The Institutional Class annual returns are substantially similar to what the Class R6 annual returns would be because the Institutional Class and Class R6 shares are invested in the same portfolio and their returns differ only to the extent that they do not have the same expenses. |
Manager |
Sub-Adviser |
Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since |
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC |
Wells Capital Management Incorporated |
Dale Winner, CFA , Portfolio Manager/2012 |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Class R6 shares generally are available only to certain retirement plans, including: 401(k) plans, 457 plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, target benefit plans, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Class R6 shares also are generally available only to retirement plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the Fund. Class R6 shares also are available to Funds of Funds managed by Funds Management. Class R6 shares generally are not available to retail accounts.
Institutions Purchasing Fund Shares |
Minimum Initial Investment
Minimum Additional Investment
|
Tax Information
By investing in a Fund through a tax-deferred retirement account, you will not be subject to tax on dividends and capital gains distributions from the Fund or the sale of Fund shares if those amounts remain in the tax-deferred account. Distributions taken from retirement plan accounts generally are taxable as ordinary income. For special rules concerning tax-deferred retirement accounts, including applications, restrictions, tax advantages, and potential sales charge waivers, contact your investment professional. To determine if a retirement plan may be appropriate for you and to obtain further information, consult your tax adviser.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information.
Key Fund Information
This Prospectus contains information about one or more Funds within the Wells Fargo Funds family and is designed to provide you with important information to help you with your investment decisions. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.
In this Prospectus, "we" generally refers to Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC ("Funds Management"), the relevant sub-adviser(s), if applicable, or the portfolio manager(s). "We" may also refer to a Fund's other service providers. "You" refers to the shareholder or potential investor.
Investment Objective and Principal Investment Strategies
The investment objective of each Fund in this Prospectus is non-fundamental; that is, it can be changed by a vote of the Board of Trustees ("Board") alone. The objective and strategies description for each Fund tells you:
what the Fund is trying to achieve;
how we intend to invest your money; and
what makes the Fund different from the other Funds offered in this Prospectus.
This section also provides a summary of each Fund's principal investment policies and practices. Unless otherwise indicated, these investment policies and practices apply on an ongoing basis. Percentages of "the Fund's net assets" are measured as percentages of net assets plus borrowings for investment purposes. The investment policy of the Diversified International Fund (formerly named International Equity Fund), Emerging Markets Equity Fund, Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund and International Equity Fund concerning "80% of the Fund's net assets" may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval, but shareholders would be given at least 60 days' notice.
This section lists the principal investment risks for each Fund. A complete description of these and other risks is found in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section. It is possible to lose money by investing in a Fund.
Diversified International Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers, and
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in the equity securities of foreign issuers through the use of three different styles of international equity management: an international growth style, subadvised by Artisan Partners Limited Partnership; an international value style, sub-advised by LSV Asset Management; and an international blend style, sub-advised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated. We invest primarily in developed countries, but may invest in emerging market countries and may invest in equity securities of any market capitalization. Furthermore, we may use futures, options or participation notes to manage risk or to enhance return. We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership (Artisan Partners)
Artisan Partners employs a fundamental stock selection process to identify long-term growth opportunities to build a portfolio
of non-U.S. growth companies of any market capitalization. Artisan Partners seeks to invest in companies within its preferred
themes with sustainable growth characteristics at attractive valuations that do not fully reflect their long-term potential.
Artisan Partners may sell a stock when Artisan Partners thinks the stock is approaching full valuation, the company exhibits
deteriorating fundamentals, changing circumstances affect the original reasons for its purchase, or more attractive opportunities
are identified.
LSV Asset Management (LSV)
LSV invests in equity securities of foreign issuers which it believes are undervalued in the marketplace at the time of purchase
and show recent positive signals, such as an appreciation in prices and increase in earnings. LSV believes that these securities
have the potential to produce future returns if their future growth exceeds the market's low expectations. LSV uses a quantitative
investment model to make investment decisions for the Fund. The investment model ranks securities based on fundamental measures
of value (such as the dividend yield) and indicators of near-term recovery (such as recent price appreciation). A stock is
typically sold if the model indicates a decline in its ranking or if a stock's relative portfolio weight has appreciated significantly
(relative to the Fund's benchmark).
Wells Capital Management Incorporated (Wells Capital Management)
Wells Capital Management invests in equity securities of foreign issuers by using bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth
fundamental research as the cornerstone of its investment process. During each stage of the process, Wells Capital Management
also considers the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth
prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. The investment process seeks
both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes have
strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments,
Wells Capital Management targets companies that it believes are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic
value. Wells Capital Management may purchase securities across any market capitalization. Wells Capital Management may sell
a stock if it achieves its investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly,
if it changes its view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Derivatives Risk
Emerging Markets Risk
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Futures Contracts Risk
Investment Style Risk
|
Management Risk
Market Risk
Multi-Manager Management Risk
Options Risk
Participation Notes Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
|
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in emerging market equity securities.
We invest principally in equity or other listed securities of emerging market companies. We consider emerging market companies to include companies that are traded in, have their primary operations in, are domiciled in or derive a majority of their revenue from emerging market countries as defined by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. We may use futures to manage risk or to enhance return. The Fund may have exposure to stocks across any capitalizations and styles and will be diversified across countries and sectors.
Utilizing a bottom-up stock selection process, we seek to invest in quality companies at prices below their intrinsic value. From the available stock universe we focus only on those quality companies that are able to sustain high profitability over a long period of time for reasons we can understand. Such companies not only create value for investors from profitable investment of retained earnings and dividend payout, but also preserve value and protect investors from the risk of permanent capital loss. Among the characteristics we seek in high-quality companies are strong competitive position, demonstrable financial strength and profitability, quality management dedicated to public shareholders' interest, and favorable growth prospect supported by major long-term trends. We place an equal emphasis on understanding each company's intrinsic value and will only invest when a company's stock trades at a meaningful discount to this value. We do not attempt to anticipate or react to short term market fluctuations, but instead seek to take advantage of periodic market inefficiencies to buy the high quality companies at prices below our assessment of their intrinsic value. We have a disciplined approach to the monitoring and sale of holdings and our decisions to trim or sell out of positions may be triggered when a stock price exceeds its intrinsic value or when there is a material deterioration in the fundamentals of the company.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Derivatives Risk
Emerging Markets Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Futures Contracts Risk
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Investment Style Risk
Management Risk
Market Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
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These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
The Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation and current income.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of companies in emerging market countries; and
across any market capitalization.
We consider emerging market countries to be, among others, countries included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
We look for companies with a sustainable high dividend yield backed by strong company financials and fundamentals, including
above-average sales and earnings growth, overall financial strength, competitive advantages, and capable management. We may
sell a holding when it no longer has some or all of these traits. Our investment strategy includes both a top-down strategy,
which takes account of overall economic and market trends in each country, and a bottom-up strategy, in which we use fundamental
research for security selection. In order to take advantage of the wide range of possible opportunities in a variety of markets
at different stages of economic development, we construct the portfolio with the potential for maximum portfolio dividend
yield while maintaining a controlled level of risk.
We reserve the right to hedge the portfolio's foreign currency exposure by purchasing or selling currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts. However, under normal circumstances, we will not engage in extensive foreign currency hedging.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
Derivatives Risk
Emerging Markets Risk
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
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Investment Style Risk
Management Risk
Market Risk
Smaller Company Securities Risk
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These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
International Equity Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's Board of Trustees can change this investment objective without a shareholder vote.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers;
up to 30% of the Fund's total assets in emerging market equity securities; and
in securities of at least three different countries including the U.S.
The types of securities in which we normally invest include common stock, preferred stock, rights, warrants and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). We consider equity securities of foreign issuers (or foreign securities) to be equity securities: (1) issued by companies with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in our reasonable discretion, in a country other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country other than the U.S. We may use futures or forward foreign currency contracts to manage risk or to enhance return.
We use bottom-up stock selection, based on in-depth fundamental research as the cornerstone of our investment process. During each stage of the process, we also consider the influence on the investment theses of top-down factors such as macroeconomic forecasts, real economic growth prospects, fiscal and monetary policy, currency issues, and demographic and political risks. Sector and country weights result from rather than determine our stock-selection decisions. Our investment process seeks both growth and value opportunities. For growth investments, we target companies that we believe have strong business franchises, experienced and proven management, and accelerating cash flow growth rates. For value investments, we target companies that we believe are undervalued in the marketplace compared to their intrinsic value. Additionally, we seek to identify catalysts that will unlock value, which will then be recognized by the market. We may purchase securities across any market capitalization.
We conduct ongoing review, research, and analysis of our portfolio holdings. We may sell a stock if it achieves our investment objective for the position, if a stock's fundamentals or price change significantly, if we change our view of a country or sector, or if the stock no longer fits within the risk characteristics of the Fund's portfolio.
We may actively trade portfolio securities, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund's performance. In addition, active trading of portfolio securities may lead to higher taxes if your shares are held in a taxable account.
The Fund may hold some of its assets in cash or in money market instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, shares of other mutual funds and repurchase agreements, or make other short-term investments for purposes of maintaining liquidity or for short-term defensive purposes when we believe it is in the best interests of the shareholders to do so. During these periods, the Fund may not achieve its objective.
The Fund is primarily subject to the risks mentioned below.
These and other risks could cause you to lose money in your investment in the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's net asset value and total return. These risks are described in the "Description of Principal Investment Risks" section.
Description of Principal Investment Risks
Understanding the risks involved in mutual fund investing will help you make an informed decision that takes into account your risk tolerance and preferences. The risks that are most likely to have a material effect on a particular Fund as a whole are called "principal risks." The principal risks for each Fund have been previously identified and are described below. Additional information about the principal risks is included in the Statement of Additional Information.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the derivatives' underlying assets, indexes or rates and the derivatives themselves, which may be magnified by certain features of the derivatives. These risks are heightened when derivatives are used to enhance a Fund's return or as a substitute for a position or security, rather than solely to hedge (or mitigate) the risk of a position or security held by the Fund. The success of a derivative strategy will be affected by the portfolio manager's ability to assess and predict market or economic developments and their impact on the derivatives' underlying assets, indexes or rates and the derivatives themselves. Certain derivative instruments may become illiquid and, as a result, may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so. Certain derivatives create leverage, which can magnify the impact of a decline in the value of their underlying assets, indexes or rates and increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value. Certain derivatives (e.g., over-the-counter swaps) are also subject to the risk that the counterparty to the derivative contract will be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, which may cause a Fund to lose money, suffer delays or incur costs arising from holding or selling an underlying asset. Changes in laws or regulations may make the use of derivatives more costly, may limit the availability of derivatives, or may otherwise adversely affect the use, value or performance of derivatives.
Emerging Markets Risk. Emerging market securities typically present even greater exposure to the risks described under "Foreign Investment Risk" and may be particularly sensitive to global economic conditions. For example, emerging market countries are typically more dependent on exports and are therefore more vulnerable to recessions in other countries. Emerging markets tend to have less developed legal and financial systems and a smaller market capitalization than markets in developed countries. Some emerging markets are subject to greater political instability. Additionally, emerging markets may have more volatile currencies and be more sensitive than developed markets to a variety of economic factors, including inflation. Emerging market securities are also typically less liquid than securities of developed countries and could be difficult to sell, particularly during a market downturn.
Foreign Currency Contracts Risk. A Fund that enters into forwards or other foreign currency contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that the portfolio manager may be incorrect in his or her judgment of future exchange rate changes. The Fund's gains from positions in foreign currency contracts may accelerate and/or lead to recharacterization of the Fund's income or gains and its distributions to shareholders. The Fund's losses from such positions may also lead to recharacterization of the Fund's income and its distributions to shareholders and may cause a return of capital to Fund shareholders.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign companies may be subject to significantly higher levels of taxation than U.S. companies, including potentially confiscatory levels of taxation, thereby reducing the earnings potential of such foreign companies. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Such changes may reduce the U.S. dollar value of the investments. Foreign investments may be subject to additional risks such as potentially higher withholding and other taxes, and may also be subject to greater trade settlement, custodial, and other operational risks than domestic investments. Certain foreign markets may also be characterized by less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions. As a result, a Fund's performance may at times be worse than the performance of other mutual funds that invest more broadly or in securities of a different investment style.
Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund's manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective may not produce the returns expected, may cause the Fund's shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Security markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Multi-Manager Management Risk. A Fund with multiple sub-advisers is subject to the risk that the investment decisions made by a sub-adviser may conflict with those of another sub-adviser. For example, at any particular time a sub-adviser may purchase a security being sold by another sub-adviser, resulting in transaction costs with potentially no change to the Fund's overall portfolio.
Options Risk. A Fund that purchases options, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk that gains, if any, realized on the position, will be less than the amount paid as premiums to the writer of the option. A Fund that writes options receives a premium that may be small relative to the loss realized in the event of adverse changes in the value of the underlying instruments. A Fund that writes covered call options gives up the opportunity to profit from any price increase in the underlying security above the option exercise price while the option is in effect. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in values of options and their underlying securities and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain options.
Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies. Smaller companies may have no or relatively short operating histories, limited financial resources or may be newly public companies. Some of these companies have aggressive capital structures, including high debt levels, or are involved in rapidly growing or changing industries and/or new technologies.
Portfolio Holdings Information
A description of the Wells Fargo Funds' policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of the Wells Fargo Funds' portfolio holdings is available in the Funds' Statement of Additional Information. In addition, Funds Management will, from time to time, include portfolio holdings information in periodic commentaries for certain Funds. The substance of the information contained in such commentaries will also be posted to the Funds' website at wellsfargofunds.com.
A Fund's NAV is the value of a single share. The NAV is calculated as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open, although a Fund may deviate from this calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances. The NAV is calculated separately for each class of shares of a multiple-class Fund. The most recent NAV for each class of a Fund is available at wellsfargofunds.com. To calculate the NAV of a Fund's shares, the Fund's assets are valued and totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the balance, called net assets, is divided by the number of shares outstanding. The price at which a purchase or redemption request is processed is based on the next NAV calculated after the request is received in good order. Generally, NAV is not calculated, and purchase and redemption requests are not processed, on days that the NYSE is closed for trading; however under unusual or unexpected circumstances a Fund may elect to remain open even on days that the NYSE is closed or closes early. To the extent that a Fund's assets are traded in various markets on days when the Fund is closed, the value of the Fund's assets may be affected on days when you are unable to buy or sell Fund shares. Conversely, trading in some of a Fund's assets may not occur on days when the Fund is open.
With respect to any portion of a Fund's assets that may be invested in other mutual funds, the value of the Fund's shares is based on the NAV of the shares of the other mutual funds in which the Fund invests. The valuation methods used by mutual funds in pricing their shares, including the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing, are included in the Prospectuses of such funds. To the extent a Fund invests a portion of its assets in non-registered investment vehicles, the Fund's interests in the non-registered vehicles are fair valued at NAV.
With respect to a Fund's assets invested directly in securities, the Fund's investments are generally valued at current market prices. Equity securities, options and futures are generally valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last reported sales price on the primary exchange or market on which they are listed (closing price). Equity securities that are not traded primarily on an exchange are generally valued at the quoted bid price obtained from a broker-dealer.
Debt securities are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing service or, if a reliable price is not available, the quoted bid price from an independent broker-dealer.
We are required to depart from these general valuation methods and use fair value pricing methods to determine the values of certain investments if we believe that the closing price or the quoted bid price of a security, including a security that trades primarily on a foreign exchange, does not accurately reflect its current market value at the time as of which a Fund calculates its NAV. The closing price or the quoted bid price of a security may not reflect its current market value if, among other things, a significant event occurs after the closing price or quoted bid price but before the time as of which a Fund calculates its NAV that materially affects the value of the security. We use various criteria, including a systemic evaluation of U.S. market moves after the close of foreign markets, in deciding whether a foreign security's market price is still reliable and, if not, what fair market value to assign to the security. In addition, we use fair value pricing to determine the value of investments in securities and other assets, including illiquid securities, for which current market quotations or evaluated prices from a pricing service or broker-dealer are not readily available.
The fair value of a Fund's securities and other assets is determined in good faith pursuant to policies and procedures adopted by the Fund's Board of Trustees. In light of the judgment involved in making fair value decisions, there can be no assurance that a fair value assigned to a particular security is accurate or that it reflects the price that the Fund could obtain for such security if it were to sell the security at the time as of which fair value pricing is determined. Such fair value pricing may result in NAVs that are higher or lower than NAVs based on the closing price or quoted bid price. See the Statement of Additional Information for additional details regarding the determination of NAVs.
The Manager
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC ("Funds Management"), headquartered at 525 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, provides advisory and Fund-level administrative services to the Funds pursuant to an investment management agreement (the "Management Agreement"). Funds Management is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, a publicly traded diversified financial services company that provides banking, insurance, investment, mortgage and consumer financial services. Funds Management is a registered investment adviser that provides investment management services for registered mutual funds, closed-end funds and other funds and accounts.
Funds Management is responsible for implementing the investment objectives and strategies of the Funds. To assist Funds Management in performing these responsibilities, Funds Management has contracted with one or more subadvisers to provide day-to-day portfolio management services to the Funds. Funds Management employs a team of investment professionals who identify and recommend the initial hiring of each Fund's sub-adviser(s) and supervise and monitor the activities of the sub-adviser(s) on an ongoing basis. Funds Management retains overall responsibility for the investment activities of the Funds.
Funds Management's investment professionals review and analyze each Fund's performance, including relative to peer funds, and monitor each Fund's compliance with its investment objective and strategies. Funds Management is responsible for reporting to the Board on investment performance and other matters affecting the Funds. When appropriate, Funds Management recommends to the Board enhancements to Fund features, including changes to Fund investment objectives, strategies and policies. Funds Management also communicates with shareholders and intermediaries about Fund performance and features.
Funds Management is also responsible for providing Fund-level administrative services, which include, among others, providing such services in connection with the Funds' operations; developing and implementing procedures for monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements and compliance with the Funds' investment objectives, policies and restrictions; and providing any other Fund-level administrative services reasonably necessary for the operation of the Funds other than those services that are provided by the Funds' transfer and dividend disbursing agent, custodian, and fund accountant.
For providing these investment management services, Funds Management is entitled to receive the fees disclosed in the row captioned "Management Fees" in each Fund's table of Annual Fund Operating Expenses. Funds Management compensates each sub-adviser from the fees Funds Management receives for its services pursuant to the Management Agreement. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the Management Agreement and sub-advisory agreements is included in the Funds' Annual Report for the period ended October 31st.
Prior to July 1, 2015, Funds Management provided advisory services to the Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement ("Advisory Agreement"). The Management Agreement, which became effective July 1, 2015, combines the terms of the Advisory Agreement with the terms of the Funds' prior Amended and Restated Administration Agreement applicable to Fund-level administrative services. For a Fund's most recent fiscal year end, the advisory fee paid to Funds Management pursuant to the Advisory Agreement (prior to July 1, 2015) together with the management fee paid to Funds Management pursuant to the Management Agreement (beginning on July 1, 2015), each net of any applicable waivers and reimbursements, was as follows:
The Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers
The following sub-advisers and portfolio managers provide day-to-day portfolio management services to the Funds. These services include making purchases and sales of securities and other investment assets for the Funds, selecting broker-dealers, negotiating brokerage commission rates and maintaining portfolio transaction records. The sub-advisers are compensated for their services by Funds Management from the fees Funds Management receives for its services as investment manager to the Funds. The Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities in the Funds.
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership ("Artisan Partners"), a registered investment adviser located at 875 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800, Milwaukee, WI 53202, serves as the sub-adviser and provides portfolio management services to one or more Funds. Artisan Partners provides investment management services to pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, endowments, foundations, charitable organizations, governmental entities, and investment companies and similar pooled investment vehicles.
Mark L. Yockey, CFA
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Mr. Yockey joined Artisan Partners in 1995, where he currently serves as a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager for Artisan Partners' non-U.S. growth, non-U.S. small-cap growth, global small-cap growth and global equity investment strategies. |
LSV Asset Management ("LSV"), is a registered investment adviser located at 155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4600, Chicago, IL 60606. LSV provides investment management services to other mutual funds, corporate clients, endowments and foundations in addition to multi-employer and public investment plans.
Wells Capital Management Incorporated ("Wells Capital Management"), is a registered investment adviser located at 525 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Wells Capital Management, an affiliate of Funds Management and indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, is a multi-boutique asset management firm committed to delivering superior investment services to institutional clients, including mutual funds.
Multi-Manager Arrangement
The Funds and Funds Management have obtained an exemptive order from the SEC that permits Funds Management, subject to Board approval, to select certain sub-advisers and enter into or amend sub-advisory agreements with them, without obtaining shareholder approval. The SEC order extends to sub-advisers that are not otherwise affiliated with Funds Management or the Funds, as well as sub-advisers that are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Funds Management or of a company that wholly owns Funds Management ("Multi-Manager Sub-Advisers").
Pursuant to the order, Funds Management, with Board approval, may hire or replace Multi-Manager Sub-Advisers for each Fund that is eligible to rely on the order. Funds Management, subject to Board oversight, has the responsibility to oversee Multi-Manager Sub-Advisers and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. If a new sub-adviser is hired for a Fund pursuant to the order, the Fund is required to notify shareholders within 90 days. The Funds that are eligible to rely on the order are not required to disclose the individual fees that Funds Management pays to a Multi-Manager Sub-Adviser.
Share Class Eligibility
Class R6 shares generally are available only to certain retirement plans, including: 401(k) plans, 457 plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, target benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Class R6 shares also are generally available only to retirement plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the Fund. Class R6 shares also are available to Funds of Funds managed by Funds Management. Class R6 shares generally are not available to retail accounts.
The information in this Prospectus is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any non-U.S. jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to any law or regulation, or which would subject Fund shares to any registration requirement within such jurisdiction or country.
The table below summarizes the key features of the share class offered through this Prospectus.
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Class R6 |
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Initial Sales Charge |
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None |
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) |
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None |
Ongoing Distribution (12b-1) Fees |
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None |
Compensation to Financial Professionals and Intermediaries
No compensation is paid to intermediaries from Fund assets on sales of Class R6 shares or for related services. Class R6 shares do not carry sales commissions or pay Rule 12b-1 fees, or make payments to intermediaries to assist in, or in connection with, the sale of Fund shares. Neither the manager, the distributor nor their affiliates make any type of administrative or service payments to intermediaries in connection with investments in Class R6 shares.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
Eligible retirement plans may make Class R6 shares available to plan participants by contacting certain intermediaries that have dealer agreements with Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC ("WFFD"). These entities may impose transaction charges. Plan participants may purchase shares through their retirement plan's administrator or record-keeper by following the process outlined in the terms of their plan.
Redemption requests received by a retirement plan's administrator or record-keeper from the plan's participants will be processed according to the terms of the plan's account with its intermediary. Plan participants should follow the process for selling fund shares outlined in the terms of their plan.
Requests in "Good Order". All purchase and redemption requests must be received in "good order." This means that a request generally must include:
The Fund name(s) 1 , share class(es) and account number(s);
The amount (in dollars or shares) and type (purchase or redemption) of the request;
For purchase requests, payment of the full amount of the purchase request; and
Any supporting legal documentation that may be required.
1. |
When all or a portion of a payment is received for investment without a clear Fund designation ("Undesignated Payment"), we may direct the undesignated portion or the entire amount, as applicable, into the Wells Fargo Money Market Fund. Such Undesignated Payment will remain invested in shares of the Wells Fargo Money Market Fund until you later direct us to redeem or exchange these shares at the next NAV calculated after we receive your request in good order. |
Purchase and redemption requests in good order will be processed at the next NAV calculated after the Fund's transfer agent or an authorized intermediary 1 receives your request. If your request is not received in good order, additional documentation may be required to process your transaction. We reserve the right to waive any of the above requirements.
1. |
The Fund's shares may be purchased through an intermediary that has entered into a dealer agreement with the Fund's distributor. The Fund has approved the acceptance of a purchase or redemption request effective as of the time of its receipt by such an authorized intermediary or its designee as long as the request is received by one of those entities prior to the Fund's closing time. We reserve the right to adjust the closing time in certain circumstances. |
Timing of Redemption Proceeds. We normally will send out redemption proceeds within one business day after we accept your request to redeem. We reserve the right to delay payment for up to seven days. Payment of redemption proceeds may be delayed for longer than seven days under extraordinary circumstances or as permitted by the SEC in order to protect remaining shareholders. Such extraordinary circumstances are discussed further in the Statement of Additional Information.
Exchanging Fund Shares
Exchanges between two funds involve two transactions: (1) the redemption of shares of one fund; and (2) the purchase of shares of another. In general, the same rules and procedures described under "Buying and Selling Fund Shares" apply to exchanges. There are, however, additional policies and considerations you should keep in mind while making or considering an exchange:
In general, exchanges may be made between like share classes of any fund in the Wells Fargo Funds complex offered to the general public for investment (i.e., a fund not closed to new accounts), with the following exceptions: (1) Class A shares of non-money market funds may also be exchanged for Service Class shares of any money market fund; (2) Service Class shares may be exchanged for Class A shares of any non-money market fund; and (3) WealthBuilder Portfolio shares may be exchanged for shares of any other WealthBuilder Portfolio or for the Wells Fargo Money Market Fund Class A shares.
If you make an exchange between Class A shares of a money market fund and Class A shares of a non-money market fund, you will buy the shares at the POP of the new fund unless you are otherwise eligible to buy shares at NAV.
Same-fund exchanges between share classes are permitted subject to the following conditions: (1) the shareholder must meet the eligibility guidelines of the class being purchased in the exchange; (2) exchanges out of Class A and Class C shares would not be allowed if shares are subject to a CDSC; and (3) for non-money market funds, in order to exchange into Class A shares, the shareholder must be able to qualify to purchase Class A shares at NAV based on current Prospectus guidelines.
An exchange request will be processed on the same business day, provided that both funds are open at the time the request is received. If one or both funds are closed, the exchange will be processed on the following business day.
You should carefully read the Prospectus for the Fund into which you wish to exchange.
Every exchange involves redeeming fund shares, which may produce a capital gain or loss for tax purposes.
If you are making an initial investment into a fund through an exchange, you must exchange at least the minimum initial investment amount for the new fund, unless your balance has fallen below that amount due to investment performance.
If you are making an additional investment into a fund that you already own through an exchange, you must exchange at least the minimum subsequent investment amount for the fund you are exchanging into.
Class B and Class C share exchanges will not trigger a CDSC. The new shares received in the exchange will continue to age according to the original shares' CDSC schedule and will be charged the CDSC applicable to the original shares upon redemption.
Generally, we will notify you at least 60 days in advance of any changes in the above exchange policies.
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares
Wells Fargo Funds reserves the right to reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason. Purchases or exchanges that a Fund determines could harm the Fund may be rejected.
Excessive trading by Fund shareholders can negatively impact a Fund and its long-term shareholders in several ways, including disrupting Fund investment strategies, increasing transaction costs, decreasing tax efficiency, and diluting the value of shares held by long-term shareholders. Excessive trading in Fund shares can negatively impact a Fund's long-term performance by requiring it to maintain more assets in cash or to liquidate portfolio holdings at a disadvantageous time. Certain Funds may be more susceptible than others to these negative effects. For example, Funds that have a greater percentage of their investments in non-U.S. securities may be more susceptible than other Funds to arbitrage opportunities resulting from pricing variations due to time zone differences across international financial markets. Similarly, Funds that have a greater percentage of their investments in small company securities may be more susceptible than other Funds to arbitrage opportunities due to the less liquid nature of small company securities. Both types of Funds also may incur higher transaction costs in liquidating portfolio holdings to meet excessive redemption levels. Fair value pricing may reduce these arbitrage opportunities, thereby reducing some of the negative effects of excessive trading.
Wells Fargo Funds, other than the Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Conservative Income Fund, Ultra Short-Term Income Fund and Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund ("Ultra-Short Funds") and the money market funds, (the "Covered Funds"). The Covered Funds are not designed to serve as vehicles for frequent trading. The Covered Funds actively discourage and take steps to prevent the portfolio disruption and negative effects on long-term shareholders that can result from excessive trading activity by Covered Fund shareholders. The Board has approved the Covered Funds' policies and procedures, which provide, among other things, that Funds Management may deem trading activity to be excessive if it determines that such trading activity would likely be disruptive to a Covered Fund by increasing expenses or lowering returns. In this regard, the Covered Funds take steps to avoid accommodating frequent purchases and redemptions of shares by Covered Fund shareholders. Funds Management monitors available shareholder trading information across all Covered Funds on a daily basis. If a shareholder redeems $5,000 or more (including redemptions that are part of an exchange transaction) from a Covered Fund, that shareholder is "blocked" from purchasing shares of that Covered Fund (including purchases that are part of an exchange transaction) for 30 calendar days after the redemption. This policy does not apply to:
Money market funds;
Ultra-Short Funds;
Dividend reinvestments;
Systematic investments or exchanges where the financial intermediary maintaining the shareholder account identifies the transaction as a systematic redemption or purchase at the time of the transaction;
Rebalancing transactions within certain asset allocation or "wrap" programs where the financial intermediary maintaining a shareholder account is able to identify the transaction as part of an asset allocation program approved by Funds Management;
Transactions initiated by a "fund of funds" or Section 529 Plan into an underlying fund investment;
Permitted exchanges between share classes of the same Fund;
Certain transactions involving participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans, including: participant withdrawals due to mandatory distributions, rollovers and hardships, withdrawals of shares acquired by participants through payroll deductions, and shares acquired or sold by a participant in connection with plan loans; and
Purchases below $5,000 (including purchases that are part of an exchange transaction).
The money market funds and the Ultra-Short Funds. Because the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds are often used for short-term investments, they are designed to accommodate more frequent purchases and redemptions than the Covered Funds. As a result, the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds do not anticipate that frequent purchases and redemptions, under normal circumstances, will have significant adverse consequences to the money market funds or Ultra-Short Funds or their shareholders. Although the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds do not prohibit frequent trading, Funds Management will seek to prevent an investor from utilizing the money market funds and Ultra-Short Funds to facilitate frequent purchases and redemptions of shares in the Covered Funds in contravention of the policies and procedures adopted by the Covered Funds.
All Wells Fargo Funds . In addition, Funds Management reserves the right to accept purchases, redemptions and exchanges made in excess of applicable trading restrictions in designated accounts held by Funds Management or its affiliate that are used at all times exclusively for addressing operational matters related to shareholder accounts, such as testing of account functions, and are maintained at low balances that do not exceed specified dollar amount limitations.
In the event that an asset allocation or "wrap" program is unable to implement the policy outlined above, Funds Management may grant a program-level exception to this policy. A financial intermediary relying on the exception is required to provide Funds Management with specific information regarding its program and ongoing information about its program upon request.
A financial intermediary through whom you may purchase shares of the Fund may independently attempt to identify excessive trading and take steps to deter such activity. As a result, a financial intermediary may on its own limit or permit trading activity of its customers who invest in Fund shares using standards different from the standards used by Funds Management and discussed in this Prospectus. Funds Management may permit a financial intermediary to enforce its own internal policies and procedures concerning frequent trading rather than the policies set forth above in instances where Funds Management reasonably believes that the intermediary's policies and procedures effectively discourage disruptive trading activity. If you purchase Fund shares through a financial intermediary, you should contact the intermediary for more information about whether and how restrictions or limitations on trading activity will be applied to your account.
Account Policies
Advance Notice of Large Transactions. We strongly urge you to make all purchases and redemptions of Fund shares as early in the day as possible and to notify us or your intermediary at least one day in advance of transactions in Fund shares in excess of $5 million. This will help us to manage the Funds most effectively. When you give this advance notice, please provide your name and account number.
Householding. To help keep Fund expenses low, a single copy of a Prospectus or shareholder report may be sent to shareholders of the same household. If your household currently receives a single copy of a Prospectus or shareholder report and you would prefer to receive multiple copies, please call Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222 or contact your intermediary.
Transaction Authorizations. We may accept telephone, electronic, and clearing agency transaction instructions from anyone who represents that he or she is a shareholder and provides reasonable confirmation of his or her identity. Neither we nor Wells Fargo Funds will be liable for any losses incurred if we follow such instructions we reasonably believe to be genuine. For transactions through the automated phone system and our website, we will assign personal identification numbers (PINs) and/or passwords to help protect your account information. To safeguard your account, please keep your PINs and passwords confidential. Contact us immediately if you believe there is a discrepancy on your confirmation statement or if you believe someone has obtained unauthorized access to your account, PIN or password.
Identity Verification. We are required by law to obtain from you certain personal information that will be used to verify your identity. If you do not provide the information, we will not be able to open your account. In the rare event that we are unable to verify your identity as required by law, we reserve the right to redeem your account at the current NAV of the Fund's shares. You will be responsible for any losses, taxes, expenses, fees, or other results of such a redemption.
Right to Freeze Accounts, Suspend Account Services or Reject or Terminate an Investment. We reserve the right, to the extent permitted by law and/or regulations, to freeze any account or suspend account services when we have received reasonable notice (written or otherwise) of a dispute between registered or beneficial account owners or when we believe a fraudulent transaction may occur or has occurred. Additionally, we reserve the right to reject any purchase or exchange request and to terminate a shareholder's investment, including closing the shareholder's account.
Distributions
The Funds, except the Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, generally make distributions of any net investment income and any realized net capital gains at least annually. The Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund generally distributes net investment income monthly. The amount distributed in a month may either be less than the amount earned in that month or more than the amount earned in that month if it includes amounts earned in a previous month but retained for later distribution. The Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund generally distributes net capital gains, if any, at least annually. Please contact your institution for distribution options. Remember, distributions have the effect of reducing the NAV per share by the amount distributed.
Taxes
By investing in the Fund through a tax-deferred retirement account, you will not be subject to tax on dividends and capital gains distributions from the Fund or the sale of Fund shares if those amounts remain in the tax-deferred account. Distributions taken from retirement plan accounts generally are taxable as ordinary income. For special rules concerning tax-deferred retirement accounts, including applications, restrictions, tax advantages, and potential sales charge waivers, contact your investment professional. To determine if a retirement plan may be appropriate for you and to obtain further information, consult your tax advisor.
Additional Performance Information
This section contains additional information regarding the performance of the Funds. The sub-section below titled "Index Descriptions" defines the market indices that are referenced in the Fund Summaries. The sub-section below titled "Share Class Performance" provides history for specified share classes of certain Funds.
Index Descriptions. The "Average Annual Total Returns" table in each Fund's Fund Summary compares the Fund's returns with those of one or more indices. Below are descriptions of each such index. You cannot invest directly in an index.
1. |
Source: MSCI. The MSCI information may only be used for your internal use, may not be reproduced or redisseminated in any form and may not be used as a basis for or a component of any financial instruments or products or indices. None of the MSCI information is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such. Historical data and analysis should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of any future performance analysis, forecast or prediction. The MSCI information is provided on an "as is" basis and the user of this information assumes the entire risk of any use made of this information. MSCI, each of its affiliates and each other person involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating any MSCI information (collectively, the MSCI Parties") expressly disclaims all warranties (including, without limitation, any warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, non-infringement, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose) with respect to this information. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall any MSCI Party have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, punitive, consequential (including, without limitation, lost profits) or any other damages. (www.mscibarra.com) |
Share Class Performance. The following provides additional information about the performance history of the Funds contained in this prospectus, including information regarding predecessor funds, if any, and whether performance information presented is based on the history of an older share class.
Emerging Markets Equity Fund - 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 would be higher. 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 Emerging Markets Growth Fund.
A Fund's past performance is no guarantee of future results. A Fund's investment results will fluctuate over time, and any representation of the Fund's returns for any past period should not be considered as a representation of what a Fund's returns may be in any future period. Each Fund's annual and semi-annual reports contain additional performance information and are available upon request, without charge, by calling the telephone number listed on the back cover page of this Prospectus.
The following tables are intended to help you understand a Fund's financial performance for the past five years (or since inception, if shorter). Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. Total returns represent the rate you would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each Fund (assuming reinvestment of all distributions). The information in the following tables has been derived from the Funds' financial statements, which have been audited by KPMG LLP, the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with each Fund's financial statements, is also included in each Fund's annual report, a copy of which is available upon request.
Diversified International Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
Class R6 |
|
Year ended October 31, 2015 1 |
||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
11.13 |
||
Net investment income |
|
0.00 2 |
||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.74 |
||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.74 |
||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
11.87 |
||
Total return 3 |
|
6.65% |
||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
||
Gross expenses |
|
1.46% |
||
Net expenses |
|
0.89% |
||
Net investment income |
|
0.05% |
||
Supplemental data |
|
|
||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
31% |
||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
27 |
1 |
For the period from September 30, 2015 (commencement of class operations) to October 31, 2015 |
2 |
Amount is less than $0.005 per share. |
3 |
Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
|
|
Year ended October 31 |
|||||||
Class R6 |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 1 |
||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
22.53 |
$ |
22.86 |
$ |
20.89 |
|||
Net investment income |
|
0.19 |
|
0.21 |
|
0.01 2 |
|||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
(3.46) |
|
(0.44) |
|
1.96 |
|||
Total from investment operations |
|
(3.27) |
|
(0.23) |
|
1.97 |
|||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Net investment income |
|
(0.26) |
|
(0.10) |
|
0.00 |
|||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
19.00 |
$ |
22.53 |
$ |
22.86 |
|||
Total return 3 |
|
(14.61)% |
|
(1.01)% |
|
9.43% |
|||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Gross expenses |
|
1.19% |
|
1.17% |
|
1.17% |
|||
Net expenses |
|
1.18% |
|
1.17% |
|
1.17% |
|||
Net investment income |
|
0.84% |
|
0.88% |
|
0.15% |
|||
Supplemental data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
8% |
|
7% |
|
13% |
|||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
95,190 |
$ |
35,967 |
$ |
4,809 |
1 |
For the period from June 28, 2013 (commencement of class operations) to October 31, 2013 |
2 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
3 |
Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
Class R6 |
|
Year ended October 31, 2015 1 |
||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
9.42 |
||
Net investment loss |
|
(0.00) 2,3 |
||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.56 |
||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.56 |
||
Distributions to shareholders from |
|
|
||
Net investment income |
|
(0.01) |
||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
9.97 |
||
Total return 4 |
|
5.91% |
||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
||
Gross expenses |
|
1.40% |
||
Net expenses |
|
1.20% |
||
Net investment loss |
|
(0.19)% |
||
Supplemental data |
|
|
||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
84% |
||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
26 |
1 |
For the period from September 30, 2015 (commencement of class operations) to October 31, 2015 |
2 |
Amount is less than $0.005. |
3 |
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding. |
4 |
Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
International Equity Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each period.
R6 |
|
Year ended October 31, 2015 1 |
||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
10.89 |
||
Net investment income |
|
0.00 2 |
||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
|
0.60 |
||
Total from investment operations |
|
0.60 |
||
|
|
|
||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
11.49 |
||
Total return 3 |
|
5.51% |
||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
|
|
||
Gross expenses |
|
1.05% |
||
Net expenses |
|
0.88% |
||
Net investment income |
|
0.23% |
||
Supplemental data |
|
|
||
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
27% |
||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$ |
26 |
1 |
For the period from September 30, 2015 (commencement of class operations) to October 31, 2015 |
2 |
Amount is less than $0.005 per share. |
3 |
Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
© 2016 Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved |
036IE6R/P307R6 03/16
ICA Reg. No. 811-09253 |
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
PART B
WELLS FARGO INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Statement of Additional Information
March 1, 2016
Class A, Class B, Class C, Administrator Class, Institutional Class, Class R and Class R6
Wells Fargo Asia Pacific Fund
Class A - WFAAX; Class C - WFCAX; Administrator Class - WFADX; Institutional Class - WFPIX
Wells Fargo Diversified International Fund
Class A - SILAX; Class B - SILBX; Class C - WFECX; Administrator Class - WFIEX; Institutional Class - WFISX; Class R - WDIHX;
Class R6 - WDIRX
Wells Fargo Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Class A - EMGAX; Class B - EMGBX; Class C - EMGCX; Administrator Class - EMGYX; Institutional Class - EMGNX; Class R6 - EMGDX
Wells Fargo Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Class A - EQIAX; Class C - EQICX; Administrator Class - EQIDX; Institutional Class - EQIIX; Class R - EQIHX; Class R6 - EQIRX
Wells Fargo Global Opportunities Fund
Class A - EKGAX; Class B - EKGBX; Class C - EKGCX; Administrator Class - EKGYX; Institutional Class - EKGIX
Wells Fargo International Equity Fund
Class A - WFEAX; Class B - WFEBX; Class C - WFEFX; Class R - WFERX; Administrator Class - WFEDX; Institutional Class - WFENX;
Class R6 - WFEHX
Wells Fargo Intrinsic World Equity Fund
Class A - EWEAX; Class C - EWECX; Administrator Class - EWEIX; Institutional Class - EWENX
Wells Fargo Funds Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end, management investment company. This Statement of Additional Information
("SAI") contains additional information about seven series of the Trust in the Wells Fargo family of funds - the above referenced
Funds (each, a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds"). Each Fund is considered diversified under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Funds offer certain classes of shares as indicated above. This SAI relates to all
such classes of shares. Class B shares are closed to new investors and additional investments from existing shareholders,
except in connection with reinvestment of any distributions and permitted exchanges of Class B shares for Class B shares of
other Wells Fargo Funds subject to the limitations described in each Fund's Prospectus.
This SAI is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Funds' Prospectuses dated March 1, 2016. The audited
financial statements for the Funds, which include the portfolios of investments and report of the independent registered public
accounting firm for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, are hereby incorporated by reference to the Funds' Annual Reports.
The Prospectuses, Annual Reports and Semi-Annual Reports may be obtained free of charge by visiting our website at wellsfargofunds.com,
calling 1-800-222-8222 or writing to Wells Fargo Funds, P.O. Box 8266, Boston, MA 02266-8266.
ISFS/FASAI01 3-16
SUPPLEMENT TO
PROSPECTUSES AND STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OF
WELLS FARGO SMALL TO MID CAP STOCK FUNDS
Wells Fargo Intrinsic Small Cap Value Fund
Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund
(each a “Fund”, together the “Funds”)
At a meeting held on February 17-18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of the Funds approved a change to the sub-adviser for each of the Funds to Wells Capital Management Incorporated (“Wells Capital Management”) in connection with the merger of Metropolitan
West Capital Management, LLC (“MetWest”), each Fund’s current sub-adviser, into Wells Capital Management (the “Merger”). The Merger is expected to take place on or about July 1, 2016 (the “Effective Date”). With
the completion of the Merger, MetWest personnel will become exclusively personnel of Wells Capital Management. The Merger will not result in any change to the services provided to the Funds or to their strategies or fees and expenses.
In addition, as of the Effective Date, the Prospectuses for each Fund are amended to include the following portfolio manager descriptions under Wells Capital Management in the section entitled “The Sub-Advisers and Portfolio Managers” in the
Funds’ Prospectuses:
3
3
4
Permitted Investment Activities and Certain Associated Risks
12
23
25
34
38
39
52
54
54
54
54
55
55
56
61
64
64
77
Policies and Procedures for Disclosure of Fund Portfolio Holdings
78
81
95
95
95
95
HISTORICAL FUND INFORMATION
The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on March 10, 1999. On March 25, 1999, the Board of Trustees of Norwest
Advantage Funds ("Norwest"), the Board of Directors of Stagecoach Funds, Inc. ("Stagecoach") and the Board of Trustees of
the Trust (the "Board") approved an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization providing for, among other things, the transfer of
the assets and stated liabilities of various predecessor Norwest and Stagecoach portfolios to certain Funds of the Trust (the
"Reorganization"). Prior to November 5, 1999, the effective date of the Reorganization, the Trust had only nominal assets.
On December 16, 2002, the Boards of Trustees of The Montgomery Funds and The Montgomery Funds II ("Montgomery") approved an
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization providing for, among other things, the transfer of the assets and stated liabilities
of various predecessor Montgomery portfolios into various Funds of the Trust. The effective date of the reorganization was
June 9, 2003.
On February 3, 2004, the Board and on February 18, 2004, the Board of Trustees of The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund ("AIC Trust")
approved an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization providing for, among other things, the transfer of the assets and stated
liabilities of various predecessor AIC Trust portfolios into various Funds of the Trust. The effective date of the reorganization
was July 26, 2004.
In August and September 2004, the Boards of Directors of the Strong family of funds ("Strong") and the Board approved an Agreement
and Plan of Reorganization providing for, among other things, the transfer of the assets and stated liabilities of various
predecessor Strong mutual funds into various Funds of the Trust. The effective date of the reorganization was April 8, 2005.
On December 30, 2009, the Board of Trustees of Evergreen Funds ("Evergreen") and on January 11, 2010 the Board approved an
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization providing for, among other things, the transfer of the assets and stated liabilities
of various predecessor Evergreen portfolios and Wells Fargo Advantage Funds portfolios to certain Funds of the Trust. The
effective date of the reorganization was July 12, 2010 for certain Evergreen Funds and July 19, 2010 for the remainder of
the Evergreen Funds.
The
Asia Pacific Fund
commenced operations on April 11, 2005, as successor to the Strong Asia Pacific Fund. The predecessor Strong Asia Pacific
Fund commenced operations on December 31, 1993.
The
Diversified International Fund
commenced operations on November 8, 1999, as successor to the International Equity Fund of Stagecoach. The predecessor Stagecoach
International Equity Fund commenced operations on September 24, 1997. The Diversified International Fund changed its name
from the International Equity Fund to the Diversified International Fund effective March 1, 2010.
The
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
commenced operations on July 19, 2010, as successor to Evergreen Emerging Markets Growth Fund, a series of Evergreen International Trust,
and the Wells Fargo Advantage Emerging Markets Equity Fund, a series of the Trust. The Wells Fargo Advantage Emerging Market
Equity Fund changed its name from Wells Fargo Advantage Emerging Markets Equity Fund II on July 19, 2010. The predecessor
Evergreen Emerging Markets Growth Fund is considered the survivor for performance and accounting purposes. The predecessor Evergreen
Emerging Markets Growth Fund commenced operations on September 6, 1994 as a series of Evergreen Investment Trust (formerly
First Union Funds) and was later reorganized as a series under Evergreen International Trust on December 22, 1997. The predecessor
Evergreen Emerging Markets Growth Fund acquired Evergreen Latin America Fund and Wachovia Emerging Markets Fund on June 14,
2002.
The
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
commenced operations on May 31, 2012.
The
Global Opportunities Fund
commenced operations on July 19, 2010, as successor to Evergreen Global Opportunities Fund, a series of Evergreen International
Trust. The predecessor Evergreen Global Opportunities Fund commenced operations on March 16, 1988 as a sole portfolio of a
Massachusetts business trust of the same name. The predecessor Evergreen Global Opportunities Fund changed its name from Keystone
Global Opportunities Fund on October 31, 1997 and later reorganized as a series under Evergreen International Trust on or
about January 6, 1998.
The
International Equity Fund
commenced operations on April 11, 2005, as successor to the Strong Advisor International Core Fund. The predecessor Strong
Advisor International Core Fund commenced operations on September 28, 2001. On July 19, 2010, the predecessor Evergreen International
Equity Fund (a series of Evergreen International Trust), which is considered the surviving entity for accounting purposes,
merged with the International Equity Fund. The International Equity Fund changed its name from the Wells Fargo Advantage International
Core Fund on July 19, 2010. The predecessor Evergreen International Equity Fund commenced operations on September 6, 1979
as a Massachusetts corporation and was later reorganized as a series of Evergreen International Trust on December 22, 1997.
The predecessor Evergreen International Equity Fund changed its name from Keystone International Fund on January 9, 1998 and
later acquired International Growth Fund, a series under CoreFunds, Inc., a Maryland corporation, on July 24, 1998. The predecessor
Evergreen International Equity Fund acquired Evergreen International Equity Fund on or about October 23, 1998 and later acquired
Evergreen Perpetual International Fund on August 3, 2001. On June 14, 2002, the predecessor Evergreen International Equity Fund
acquired Wachovia International Equity Fund. The predecessor Evergreen International Equity Fund changed its name from Evergreen
International Growth Fund on June 13, 2003.
The
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
commenced operations on July 19, 2010, as successor to the Evergreen Intrinsic World Equity Fund, a series of Evergreen International
Trust. The predecessor Evergreen Intrinsic World Equity Fund commenced operations on May 21, 2007 as successor to Atlas Global
Growth Fund, a series of the Atlas Funds.
Fundamental Investment Policies
Each Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment policies; that is, they may not be changed without approval by
the holders of a majority (as defined under the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of each Fund.
The Funds may not:
(1) purchase the securities of issuers conducting their principal business activity in the same industry if, immediately after
the purchase and as a result thereof, the value of a Fund's investments in that industry would equal or exceed 25% of the
current value of the Fund's total assets, provided that this restriction does not limit a Fund's investments in (i) securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, (ii) securities of other investment companies,
or (iii) repurchase agreements;
(2) purchase securities of any issuer if, as a result, with respect to 75% of a Fund's total assets, more than 5% of the value
of its total assets would be invested in the securities of any one issuer or the Fund's ownership would be more than 10% of
the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, provided that this restriction does not limit a Fund's investments in securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, or investments in securities of other investment
companies;
(3) borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, including the rules, regulations and any exemptive orders
obtained thereunder;
(4) issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, including the rules, regulations and any exemptive
orders obtained thereunder;
(5) make loans to other parties if, as a result, the aggregate value of such loans would exceed one-third of a Fund's total
assets. For the purposes of this limitation, entering into repurchase agreements, lending securities and acquiring any debt
securities are not deemed to be the making of loans;
(6) underwrite securities of other issuers, except to the extent that the purchase of permitted investments directly from
the issuer thereof or from an underwriter for an issuer and the later disposition of such securities in accordance with a
Fund's investment program may be deemed to be an underwriting;
(7) purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall
not prevent a Fund from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or securities of companies engaged
in the real estate business); or
(8) purchase or sell commodities, provided that (i) currency will not be deemed to be a commodity for purposes of this restriction,
(ii) this restriction does not limit the purchase or sale of futures contracts, forward contracts or options, and (iii) this
restriction does not limit the purchase or sale of securities or other instruments backed by commodities or the purchase or
sale of commodities acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments.
Non-Fundamental Investment Policies
Each Fund has adopted the following non-fundamental policies; that is, they may be changed by the Trustees at any time without
approval of such Fund's shareholders.
(1) Each Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, including the
rules, regulations and any exemptive orders obtained thereunder, provided however, that no Fund that has knowledge that its
shares are purchased by another investment company investor pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act will acquire any
securities of registered open-end management investment companies or registered unit investment trusts in reliance on Section
12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act.
(2) Each Fund may not invest or hold more than 15% of the Fund's net assets in illiquid securities. For this purpose, illiquid
securities include, among others, (a) securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market
or legal or contractual restrictions on resale, (b) fixed time deposits that are subject to withdrawal penalties and that
have maturities of more than seven days, and (c) repurchase agreements not terminable within seven days.
(3) Each Fund may invest in financial instruments subject to the Commodity Exchange Act of 1936, as amended ("CEA"), including
futures, options on futures, and swaps ("commodity interests"), consistent with its investment policies and the 1940 Act,
including the rules, regulations and interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") thereunder or any exemptive
orders obtained thereunder, and consistent with investment in commodity interests that would allow the Fund's investment adviser
to claim an exclusion from being a "commodity pool operator" as defined by the CEA.
(5) Each Fund may not make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management, provided that this restriction
does not limit a Fund's investments in securities of other investment companies or investments in entities created under the
laws of foreign countries to facilitate investment in securities of that country.
(6) Each Fund may not purchase securities on margin (except for short-term credits necessary for the clearance of transactions).
(7) Each Fund may not sell securities short, unless it owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount
to the securities sold short (short sales "against the box"), and provided that transactions in futures contracts and options
are not deemed to constitute selling securities short.
(8) Each Fund that is, or in the case of Diversified International Fund (formerly named International Equity Fund) was, subject
to Rule 35d-1 (the "Names Rule") under the 1940 Act, and that has a non-fundamental policy or policies in place to comply
with the Names Rule, has adopted the following policy:
Shareholders will receive at least 60 days notice of any change to a Fund's non-fundamental policy complying with the Names
Rule. The notice will be provided in Plain English in a separate written document, and will contain the following prominent
statement or similar statement in bold-face type: "Important Notice Regarding Change in Investment Policy." This statement
will appear on both the notice and the envelope in which it is delivered, unless it is delivered separately from other communications
to investors, in which case the statement will appear either on the notice or the envelope in which the notice is delivered.
Further Explanation of Investment Policies
With respect to repurchase agreements, each Fund invests only in repurchase agreements that are fully collateralized by securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. For purposes of the each Fund's fundamental
investment policy with respect to concentration, the Fund does not consider such repurchase agreements to constitute an industry
or group of industries because the Fund chooses to look through such securities to the underlying collateral, which is itself
excepted from the Fund's concentration policy. In addition, each Fund does not consider mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed
securities, whether government-issued or privately issued, to represent interests in any particular industry or group of industries,
and therefore the 25% concentration restriction noted above does not limit to investments in such securities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing policies, any other investment companies in which the Funds may invest have adopted their own
investment policies, which may be more or less restrictive than those listed above, thereby allowing a Fund to participate
in certain investment strategies indirectly that are prohibited under the fundamental and non-fundamental investment policies
listed above.
ADDITIONAL APPROVED INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
In addition to the principal investment strategies set forth in the Prospectuses, the Funds may also use futures, options
or swap agreements, as well as other derivatives, to manage risk or to enhance return. Please refer to a Fund's Prospectuses
for information regarding the Fund's anticipated use of derivatives, if any, as a principal investment strategy. Please note
that even if a Fund's Prospectuses do not currently include information regarding derivatives, or only includes information
regarding certain derivative instruments, the Fund may use any of the derivative securities described below, at any time,
and to any extent consistent with the Fund's other principal investment strategies.
DERIVATIVES
Derivative Securities
Derivative securities are securities that derive their value, at least in part, from the price of another security or asset,
or the level of an index, such as the S&P 500 Index, or a rate, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), including
structured notes, bonds or other instruments with interest rates that are determined by reference to changes in the value
of other interest rates, indices or financial indicators ("References") or the relative change in two or more References.
Some forms of derivatives, such as exchange-traded futures and options on securities, commodities, or indices, are traded
on regulated exchanges. These types of derivatives are standardized contracts that can easily be bought and sold, and whose
market values are determined and published daily. Non-standardized derivatives, on the other hand, tend to be more specialized
or complex, and may be harder to value. Futures contracts and options are also considered types of derivative securities,
and are described more fully under the heading "Futures and Options Contracts" below. Other common types of derivatives include
forward foreign currency exchange contracts, forward contracts on securities and securities indices, linked securities and
structured products, collateralized mortgage obligations, stripped securities, warrants, swap agreements, and swaptions.
An investment is often made in derivative securities as a "hedge" against fluctuations in the market value of the other securities
in a Fund's portfolio due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or other factors in the securities markets, although a Fund
may also invest in certain derivative securities for investment purposes only. Other reasons why a Fund may use derivative
securities include protecting its unrealized gains reflected in the value of its portfolio of securities, facilitating the
sale of such securities for investment purposes, reducing transaction costs, and/or managing the effective maturity or duration
of its portfolio.
While derivative securities are useful for hedging and investment, they also carry additional risks. A hedging policy may
fail if the correlation between the value of the derivative securities and the other investments in a Fund's portfolio does
not follow the sub-adviser's expectations. If the sub-adviser's expectations are not met, it is possible that the hedging
strategy will not only fail to protect the value of a Fund's investments, but the Fund may also lose money on the derivative
security itself. In addition, some derivative securities represent relatively recent innovations in the bond markets. The
trading market for these instruments is less developed than the markets for traditional types of debt instruments. It is uncertain
how these derivative securities will perform under different economic interest-rate scenarios. Because certain of these instruments
are leveraged, their market values may be more volatile than other types of securities and may present greater potential for
capital gain or loss. Derivative securities and their underlying instruments may experience periods of illiquidity, which
could cause a Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell or a Fund could be forced to sell a security at inopportune
times or for prices that do not reflect current market value. The possibility of default by the issuer or the issuer's credit
provider may be greater for structured and derivative instruments than for other types of instruments. As new types of derivative
securities are developed and offered to investors, the manager will, consistent with a Fund's investment objective, policies,
restrictions and quality standards, consider making investments in such new types of derivative securities.
Additional risks of derivative securities include, but are not limited to: the risk of disruption of a Fund's ability to trade
in derivative securities because of regulatory compliance problems or regulatory changes; credit risk of counterparties to
derivative contracts, and market risk (i.e., exposure to adverse price changes).
The manager uses a variety of internal risk management procedures to ensure that derivatives are closely monitored and that
their use is consistent with a particular Fund's investment objective, policies, restrictions and quality standards, and does
not expose such Fund to undue risk.
A Fund's use of derivatives also is subject to broadly applicable investment policies. For example, a Fund may not invest
more than a specified percentage of its assets in "illiquid securities," including those derivatives that do not have active
secondary markets. A Fund also may not use certain derivatives without establishing adequate "cover" in compliance with the SEC
rules limiting the use of leverage. Consistent with SEC staff guidance, a Fund will consider its obligations involving such
derivatives as "covered" when a Fund (i) maintains an offsetting financial position, or (ii) segregates liquid assets (which
may include, but are not limited to, cash, cash equivalents, equities and debt securities) equal to a Fund's exposures relating
to the derivative, as determined on a daily basis. If a Fund chooses to establish a "covered" position by segregating liquid
assets, the amount that must be segregated will be determined in accordance with current SEC staff guidance, and will thus
vary based on the specific derivative instrument being used. For example, for futures and forward contracts that require only
cash settlement, and swap agreements that call for periodic netting between a Fund and its counterparty, the segregated amount
will be the net amount due under the contract, as determined daily on a mark-to-market basis. For other kinds of futures,
forwards and swaps, a Fund must segregate a larger amount of assets to cover its obligations, which essentially limits a Fund's
ability to use these instruments.
Both equity and credit derivatives include options, futures and options on futures, which may be used to hedge a Fund's portfolio,
increase returns or maintain exposure to a market without buying individual securities. These investments may pose risks in
addition to those associated with investing directly in securities or other investments. Such risks may include illiquidity
of the derivative and imperfect correlation of the derivative with underlying investments for which it is being substituted
or the Fund's other portfolio holdings. Accordingly, there is the risk that such practices may fail to serve their intended
purposes, and may reduce returns or increase volatility. These practices also entail transactional expenses.
Additionally, the use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the underlying
security, asset, index or reference rate, which may be magnified by certain features of the derivatives. These risks are heightened
when a Fund uses derivatives to enhance its return or as a substitute for a position or security, rather than solely to hedge
or offset the risk of a position or security held by a Fund. A Fund's use of derivatives to leverage risk also may exaggerate
a loss, potentially causing a Fund to lose more money than if it had invested in the underlying security, or limit a potential
gain.
The success of management's derivative strategies will depend on its ability to assess and predict the impact of market or
economic developments on the underlying security, asset, index or reference rate and the derivative itself, without necessarily
the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions. Other risks arise from a
Fund's potential inability to terminate or sell its derivative positions as a liquid secondary market for such positions may
not exist at times when a Fund may wish to terminate or sell them. Over-the-counter instruments (investments not traded on
an exchange) may be illiquid. Derivatives traded in the over-the-counter market are subject to the risk that the other party
will not meet its obligations. Also, with some derivative strategies, there is the risk that a Fund may not be able to find
a suitable counterparty for the derivative transaction, and therefore may be unable to invest in derivatives altogether. The
use of derivatives may also increase the amount and accelerate the timing of taxes payable by shareholders.
A Fund that is authorized to invest in derivatives may use any or all of the above investment techniques and may purchase
different types of derivative instruments at any time and in any combination. There is no particular strategy that dictates
the use of one technique over another, as the use of derivatives is a function of numerous variables, including market conditions.
Credit Derivatives
. A credit derivative is a form of derivative that is divided into two categories: credit default swaps and total return swaps.
Both such categories of credit derivatives are usually governed by the standard terms and conditions of an ISDA Master Agreement.
A credit default swap involves a protection buyer and a protection seller. A Fund may be either a protection buyer or seller.
The protection buyer makes periodic premium payments to the protection seller during the swap term in exchange for the protection
seller agreeing to make certain defined payments to the protection buyer in the event certain defined credit events occur
with respect to a particular security, issuer or basket of securities. A total return swap involves a total return receiver
and a total return payor. A Fund may either be a total return receiver or payor. Generally, the total return payor sells to
the total return receiver an amount equal to all cash flows and price appreciation on a defined security or asset payable
at periodic times during the swap term (i.e., credit risk) in return for a periodic payment from the total return receiver
based on designated index (e.g., LIBOR) and spread plus the amount of any price depreciation on the reference security or
asset. The total return payor does not need to own the underlying security or asset to enter into a total return swap. The
final payment at the end of the swap term includes final settlement of the current market price of the underlying reference
security or asset, and payment by the applicable party for any appreciation or depreciation in value. Usually, collateral
must be posted by the total return receiver to secure the periodic interest-based and market price depreciation payments depending
on the credit quality of the underlying reference security and creditworthiness of the total return receiver, and the collateral
amount is marked-to-market daily equal to the market price of the underlying reference security or asset between periodic
payment dates.
Other types of credit derivatives include credit-linked notes and other forms of debt obligations having an embedded credit
default swap component. In such type of credit derivative, payments of principal and interest are tied to the performance
of one or more reference obligations or assets.
In all of the above-referenced credit derivative transactions, the same general risks inherent to derivative transactions
are present. However, credit derivative transactions also carry with them greater risks of imperfect correlation between the
performance and price of the underlying reference security or asset, and the general performance of the designated interest
rate or index which is the basis for the periodic payment. If a Fund writes a credit default swap, it receives an up-front
premium. A Fund's exposure under a credit default swap, though, is a form of leverage and will be subject to the restrictions
on leveraged derivatives.
Inverse Floaters
. A Fund may invest in inverse floating rate municipal securities or "inverse floaters," sometimes also referred to as a "residual
interest certificates." Inverse floaters are issued by tender option bond trusts ("trusts") that are established by a third
party sponsor in connection with the transfer of municipal bonds to the trusts. In addition to inverse floaters, these trusts
typically issue short-term floating rate notes which are usually sold to money market funds ("floating rate notes"). An inverse
floater is a type of "derivative" debt instrument with a floating or variable interest rate that moves in the opposite direction
of the interest rate on another security, normally the floating rate note. Because changes in the interest rate on the note
inversely affect the rate of interest received on an inverse floater, and because inverse floaters essentially represent a
leveraged investment in a long-term bond, the value of an inverse floater is generally more volatile than that of a conventional
fixed-rate municipal bond having similar credit quality, redemption provisions and maturity. Inverse floaters may have interest
rate adjustment formulas which generally reduce or eliminate the interest paid to a Fund when short-term interest rates rise,
and increase the interest paid to a Fund when short-term interest rates fall. The value of inverse floaters also tends to
fall faster than the value of fixed rate municipal bonds when interest rates rise, and conversely, their value tends to rise
more rapidly when interest rates fall. Inverse floaters have varying degrees of liquidity, and the market for these securities
is relatively volatile. Inverse floaters tend to underperform the market for fixed rate municipal bonds in a rising long-term
interest rate environment, but tend to outperform that market when long-term interest rates decline.
An investment in inverse floaters may involve greater risk than an investment in a fixed-rate municipal security. All inverse
floaters entail some degree of leverage. The interest rate on inverse floaters varies inversely at a pre-set multiple of the
change in short-term rates. An inverse floater that has a higher multiple, and therefore more leverage, will be more volatile
with respect to both price and income than an inverse floater with a lower degree of leverage or than the underlying security.
The markets for inverse floating rate securities may be less developed and have less liquidity than the markets for conventional
securities.
Under applicable financial accounting standards, inverse floater transactions in which the Fund has transferred a municipal
security it owned to a trust are considered a form of secured borrowing for financial reporting purposes, requiring expenses
and income to be shown in gross amount on the statement of operations. This increases a fund's overall expense ratio. This
accounting treatment does not apply to any inverse floaters acquired by the Fund that were created by a third-party's transfer
of a municipal security to the issuing trust.
Futures and Options Contracts
In General.
A futures transaction involves a firm agreement to buy or sell a commodity or financial instrument at a particular price
on a specified future date, while an option transaction generally involves a right, which may or may not be exercised, to
buy or sell a commodity or financial instrument at a particular price on a specified future date. Futures contracts and options
are standardized and exchange-traded, where the exchange serves as the ultimate counterparty for all contracts. Consequently,
the primary credit risk on futures contracts is the creditworthiness of the exchange. Futures contracts, however, are subject
to market risk (i.e., exposure to adverse price changes).
Initially, when purchasing or selling futures contracts, the Fund will be required to deposit with the Fund's custodian in
the broker's name or with the broker as required an amount of cash or cash equivalents. This amount is subject to change by
the exchange or board of trade on which the contract is traded, and members of such exchange or board of trade may impose
their own higher requirements. This amount is known as "initial margin" and is in the nature of a performance bond or good
faith deposit on the contract that is returned to the Fund upon termination of the futures position, assuming all contractual
obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, known as "variation margin," to and from the broker will be made daily
as the price of the index or securities underlying the futures contract fluctuates, making the long and short positions in
the futures contract more or less valuable. At any time prior to the expiration of a futures contract, a Fund may elect to
close the position by taking an opposite position, at the then prevailing price, thereby terminating its existing position
in the contract.
Although a Fund intends to purchase or sell futures contracts only if there is an active market for such contracts, no assurance
can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular contract at any particular time. Many futures exchanges and
boards of trade limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. Once the
daily limit has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond that limit or trading
may be suspended for specified periods during the trading day. Futures contract prices could move to the limit for several
consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and potentially
subjecting a Fund to substantial losses. If it is not possible, or a Fund determines not to close a futures position in anticipation
of adverse price movements, the Fund will be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin.
An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures
contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price
at any time during the option exercise period. The writer (i.e., seller) of the option is required upon exercise to assume
an offsetting futures position (a short position if the option is a call and a long position if the option is a put). Upon
exercise of the option, the assumption of offsetting futures positions by both the writer and the holder of the option will
be accompanied by delivery of the accumulated cash balance in the writer's futures margin account in the amount by which the
market price of the futures contract, at exercise, exceeds (in the case of a call) or is less than (in the case of a put)
the exercise price of the option on the futures contract. The potential loss related to the purchase of options on futures
contracts is limited to the premium paid for the option (plus transaction costs). Because the value of the option is fixed
at the time of sale, there are no daily cash payments to reflect changes in the value of the underlying contract; however,
the value of the option may change daily, and that change would be reflected in the net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund.
A Fund may trade futures contracts and options on futures contracts in U.S. domestic markets, such as the Chicago Board of
Trade and the International Monetary Market of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Pursuant to regulations and/or published positions
of the SEC, a Fund may be required to segregate cash or high-quality money-market instruments in connection with its futures
transactions in an amount generally equal to the entire value of the underlying security.
Each Fund has claimed an exclusion from the definition of "commodity pool operator" ("CPO") under the CEA pursuant to Rule
4.5. The Manager is currently not subject to registration as a CPO with respect to the Fund. If the Fund is no longer able
to rely on the exclusion, the Manager would be required to register as a CPO with respect to the Fund with the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission ("CFTC"), and therefore, be subject to regulation as a CPO under the CEA.
A Fund may engage in futures contracts sales to maintain the income advantage from continued holding of a long-term security
while endeavoring to avoid part or all of the loss in market value that would otherwise accompany a decline in long-term security
prices. If, however, securities prices rise, a Fund would realize a loss in closing out its futures contract sales that would
offset any increases in prices of the long-term securities they hold.
Another risk in employing futures contracts and options thereon to protect against cash market price volatility is the possibility
that futures prices will correlate imperfectly with the behavior of the prices of the securities in such portfolio (the portfolio
securities will not be identical to the debt instruments underlying the futures contracts).
Options Trading.
Options on individual securities or options on indices of securities may be purchased or sold. The purchaser of an option
risks a total loss of the premium paid for the option if the price of the underlying security does not increase or decrease
sufficiently to justify the exercise of such option. The seller of an option, on the other hand, will recognize the premium
as income if the option expires unrecognized but foregoes any capital appreciation in excess of the exercise price in the
case of a call option and may be required to pay a price in excess of current market value in the case of a put option.
A call option for a particular security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and a writer the obligation to
sell, the underlying security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option, regardless of
the market price of the security. The premium paid to the writer is in consideration for undertaking the obligation under
the option contract. A put option for a particular security gives the purchaser the right to sell, and the writer the option
to buy, the security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option, regardless of the
market price of the security.
A Fund will write call options only if they are "covered." In the case of a call option on a security or currency, the option
is "covered" if a Fund owns the instrument underlying the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that instrument
without additional cash consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required, cash, U.S. Government securities
or other liquid high-grade debt obligations, in such amount are held in a segregated account by such Fund's custodian) upon
conversion or exchange of other securities held by it. For a call option on an index, the option is covered if a Fund maintains
with its custodian a diversified portfolio of securities comprising the index or liquid assets equal to the contract value.
A call option is also covered if a Fund holds an offsetting call on the same instrument or index as the call written.
Below is a description of some of the types of futures and options in which the Funds may invest.
Stock Index Options
. A Fund may purchase and write (i.e., sell) put and call options on stock indices only as a substitute for comparable market
positions in the underlying securities. A stock index fluctuates with changes of the market values of the stocks included
in the index. The effectiveness of purchasing or writing stock index options will depend upon the extent to which price movements
of the securities in a Fund's portfolio correlate with price movements of the stock index selected. Because the value of an
index option depends upon movements in the level of the index rather than the price of a particular stock, whether a Fund
will realize a gain or loss from purchasing or writing stock index options depends upon movements in the level of stock prices
in the stock market generally or, in the case of certain indices, in an industry or market segment, rather than movements
in the price of particular stock. When a Fund writes an option on a stock index, such Funds will place in a segregated account
with the Fund's custodian cash or liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the market value of the underlying stock
index and will maintain the account while the option is open or otherwise will cover the transaction.
Stock Index Futures and Options on Stock Index Futures
. A Fund may invest in stock index futures and options on stock index futures only as a substitute for a comparable market
position in the underlying securities. A stock index future obligates the seller to deliver (and the purchaser to take), effectively,
an amount of cash equal to a specific dollar amount times the difference between the value of a specific stock index at the
close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the agreement is made. No physical delivery of the underlying
stocks in the index is made. With respect to stock indices that are permitted investments, each Fund intends to purchase and
sell futures contracts on the stock index for which it can obtain the best price with consideration also given to liquidity.
Foreign Currency Futures Contracts
. A Fund may invest in foreign currency futures contracts which entail the same risks as other futures contracts as described
above, but have the additional risks associated with international investing (see "Foreign Obligations and Securities" below).
Similar to other futures contracts, a foreign currency futures contract is an agreement for the future delivery of a specified
currency at a specified time and at a specified price that will be secured by margin deposits, is regulated by the CFTC and
is traded on designated exchanges. A Fund will incur brokerage fees when it purchases and sells futures contracts.
To the extent that a Fund may invest in securities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may temporarily
hold funds in bank deposits or other money market investments denominated in foreign currencies, it may be affected favorably
or unfavorably by exchange control regulations or changes in the exchange rate between such currencies and the dollar. The
rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and other currencies is determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign
exchange markets. The international balance of payments and other economic and financial conditions, government intervention,
speculation and other factors affect these forces.
If a fall in exchange rates for a particular currency is anticipated, a Fund may sell a foreign currency futures contract
as a hedge. If it is anticipated that exchange rates will rise, a Fund may purchase a foreign currency futures contract to
protect against an increase in the price of securities denominated in a particular currency the Fund intends to purchase.
These foreign currency futures contracts will be used only as a hedge against anticipated currency rate changes. Although
such contracts are intended to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, at the same
time, they tend to limit any potential gain which might result should the value of such currency increase.
The use of foreign currency futures contracts involves the risk of imperfect correlation between movements in futures prices
and movements in the price of currencies which are the subject of the hedge. The successful use of foreign currency futures
contracts also depends on the ability of the sub-adviser to correctly forecast interest rate movements, currency rate movements
and general stock market price movements. There can be no assurance that the sub-adviser's judgment will be accurate. The
use of foreign currency futures contracts also exposes a Fund to the general risks of investing in futures contracts, including:
the risk of an illiquid market for the foreign currency futures contracts and the risk of adverse regulatory actions. Any
of these events may cause a Fund to be unable to hedge its currency risks, and may cause a Fund to lose money on its investments
in foreign currency futures contracts.
Interest Rate Futures Contracts and Options on Interest Rate Futures Contracts
. A Fund may invest in interest rate futures contracts and options on interest rate futures contracts as a substitute for
a comparable market position in the underlying securities. The Fund may also sell options on interest rate futures contracts
as part of closing purchase transactions to terminate its options positions. No assurance can be given that such closing transactions
can be effected or as to the degree of correlation between price movements in the options on interest rate futures and price
movements in the Fund's portfolio securities which are the subject of the transaction.
Future Developments
. A Fund may take advantage of opportunities in the areas of options and futures contracts and options on futures contracts
and any other derivative investments which are not presently contemplated for use by the Fund or which are not currently available
but which may be developed, to the extent such opportunities are both consistent with a Fund's investment objective and legally
permissible for the Fund.
Swap Agreements and Swaptions
Credit Default Swap Agreements
. A Fund may enter into credit default swap agreements, which may have as reference obligations one or more securities or
a basket of securities that are or are not currently held by a Fund. The protection "buyer" in a credit default swap agreement
is generally obligated to pay the protection "seller" an upfront or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract
provided that no credit event, such as a default, on a reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller
generally must pay the buyer the "par value" (full notional value) of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable
obligations of the reference entity described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount,
if the swap is cash settled. A Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If a Fund is a buyer and no credit
event occurs, a Fund may recover nothing if the swap is held through its termination date. However, if a credit event occurs,
the buyer generally may elect to receive the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable
obligations of the reference entity whose value may have significantly decreased. As a seller, a Fund generally receives an
upfront payment or a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. As the seller,
a Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, a Fund would be subject
to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.
Equity Swaps
. A Fund may engage in equity swaps. Equity swaps allow the parties to the swap agreement to exchange components of return
on one equity investment (e.g., a basket of equity securities or an index) for a component of return on another non-equity
or equity investment, including an exchange of differential rates of return. Equity swaps may be used to invest in a market
without owning or taking physical custody of securities in circumstances where direct investment may be restricted for legal
reasons or is otherwise impractical. Equity swaps also may be used for other purposes, such as hedging or seeking to increase
total return.
The values of equity swaps can be very volatile. To the extent that the sub-adviser does not accurately analyze and predict
the potential relative fluctuation on the components swapped with the other party, a Fund may suffer a loss. The value of
some components of an equity swap (such as the dividend on a common stock) may also be sensitive to changes in interest rates.
Furthermore, during the period a swap is outstanding, a Fund may suffer a loss if the counterparty defaults.
Total Return Swap Agreements
. Total return swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to another party based on
the change in market value of the assets underlying the contract, which may include a specified security, basket of securities
or securities indices during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate
or the total return from other underlying assets. Total return swap agreements may be used to obtain exposure to a security
or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or investing directly in such market. Total return swap
agreements may effectively add leverage to a Fund's portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, a Fund would be
subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.
Total return swap agreements are subject to the risk that a counterparty will default on its payment obligations to a Fund
thereunder, and conversely, that a Fund will not be able to meet its obligation to the counterparty. Generally, a Fund will
enter into total return swaps on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted against one another with a Fund receiving
or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). The net amount of the excess, if any, of a Fund's
obligations over its entitlements with respect to each total return swap will be accrued on a daily basis, and an amount of
liquid assets having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to the accrued excess will be segregated by a Fund. If the
total return swap transaction is entered into on other than a net basis, the full amount of a Fund's obligations will be accrued
on a daily basis, and the full amount of a Fund's obligations will be segregated by a Fund in an amount equal to or greater
than the market value of the liabilities under the total return swap agreement or the amount it would have cost a Fund initially
to make an equivalent direct investment, plus or minus any amount a Fund is obligated to pay or is to receive under the total
return swap agreement.
Variance, Volatility and Correlation Swap Agreements
. Variance and volatility swaps are contracts that provide exposure to increases or decreases in the volatility of certain
referenced assets. Correlation swaps are contracts that provide exposure to increases or decreases in the correlation between
the prices of different assets or different market rates.
PERMITTED INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES AND CERTAIN ASSOCIATED RISKS
Set forth below are descriptions of permitted investment activities for the Funds and certain of their associated risks. The
activities are organized into various categories. To the extent that an activity overlaps two or more categories, the activity
is referenced only once in this section. Not all of the Funds participate in all of the investment activities described below.
In addition, with respect to any particular Fund, to the extent that an investment activity is described in such Fund's Prospectus
as being part of its principal investment strategy, the information provided below regarding such investment activity is intended
to supplement, but not supersede, the information contained in the Prospectus, and the Fund may engage in such investment
activity in accordance with the limitations set forth in the Prospectus. To the extent an investment activity is described
in this SAI that is not referenced in the Prospectus, a Fund under normal circumstances will not engage in such investment
activity with more than 15% of its assets unless otherwise specified below. Unless otherwise noted or required by applicable
law, the percentage limitations included in this SAI apply at the time of purchase of a security.
For purposes of monitoring the investment policies and restrictions of the Funds (with the exception of the loans of portfolio
securities policy described below), the amount of any securities lending collateral held by a Fund will be excluded in calculating
total assets.
DEBT SECURITIES
Bank Obligations
Bank obligations include certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term obligations of
domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries of domestic banks, foreign branches of domestic banks, domestic and foreign branches
of foreign banks, domestic savings and loan associations and other banking institutions. With respect to such obligations
issued by foreign branches of domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries of domestic banks, and domestic and foreign branches of
foreign banks, a Fund may be subject to additional investment risks that are different in some respects from those incurred
by a Fund that invests only in debt obligations of domestic issuers. Such risks include possible future political, regulatory
or economic developments, the possible imposition of foreign withholding and other taxes (at potentially confiscatory levels)
on amounts realized on such obligations, the possible establishment of exchange controls or the adoption of other foreign
governmental restrictions that might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on these obligations and the possible
seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits. In addition, foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign banks may be subject
to less stringent reserve requirements and to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, reporting and recordkeeping standards
than those applicable to domestic branches of U.S. banks.
Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates evidencing the obligation of a bank to repay funds deposited with it for
a specified period of time.
Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a banking institution for a specified period of time at a stated interest
rate. Time deposits that may be held by a Fund will not benefit from insurance from the Bank Insurance Fund or the Savings
Association Insurance Fund administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"). Bankers' acceptances are credit
instruments evidencing the obligation of a bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments reflect the obligation
both of the bank and of the drawer to pay the face amount of the instrument upon maturity. The other short-term obligations
may include uninsured, direct obligations, bearing fixed, floating or variable interest rates.
Commercial Paper
Commercial paper (including variable amount master demand notes, see "Floating and Variable Rate Obligations" below), refers
to short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations to finance short-term credit needs. Commercial paper is usually
sold on a discount basis and typically has a maturity at the time of issuance not exceeding nine months. Variable amount master
demand notes are demand obligations which permit the investment of fluctuating amounts at varying market rates of interest
pursuant to arrangements between the issuer and a commercial bank acting as agent for the payee of such notes whereby both
parties have the right to vary the amount of the outstanding indebtedness on the notes.
Asset-Backed Commercial Paper
. Securities that are issued from commercial paper conduits are called asset-backed commercial paper securities. Credit support
for such securities falls into two categories: liquidity protection and protection against ultimate default under the underlying
assets. Liquidity protection refers to the provision of advances, generally by the entity administering the pool of assets,
to ensure that scheduled payments on the securities or underlying pool are made in a timely fashion. Protection against ultimate
default ensures payment on at least a portion of the assets in the pool. This protection may be provided through guarantees,
insurance policies or letters of credit obtained from third parties, through various means of structuring the transaction,
such as by issuing senior and subordinated instruments or through a combination of these approaches. The degree of credit
support provided on each issue is based generally on historical information relating to the level of credit risk associated
with the payments. Delinquency or loss that exceeds the anticipated amount or a downgrade or loss of credit support could
adversely impact the value of or return on an investment in an asset-backed commercial paper security.
Commercial paper is also subject to the risks generally associated with debt securities discussed elsewhere in this SAI and
the Prospectus(es).
Convertible Securities
A convertible security is generally a debt obligation or preferred stock that may be converted within a specified period of
time into a certain amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer. A convertible security provides a fixed-income
stream and the opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation resulting from a market
price advance in its underlying common stock. As with a straight fixed-income security, a convertible security tends to increase
in market value when interest rates decline and decrease in value when interest rates rise. Like a common stock, the value
of a convertible security also tends to increase as the market value of the underlying stock rises, and it tends to decrease
as the market value of the underlying stock declines. Because its value can be influenced by both interest-rate and market
movements, a convertible security tends not to be as sensitive to interest rates as a similar fixed-income security, and tends
not to be as sensitive to changes in share price as its underlying stock.
Investing in convertible securities is subject to certain risks in addition to those generally associated with debt securities
discussed elsewhere in this SAI and the Prospectus(es). Certain convertible securities, particularly securities that are convertible
into securities of an issuer other than the issuer of the convertible security, may be or become illiquid and, therefore,
may be more difficult to resell in a timely fashion or for a fair price, which could result in investment losses.
The creditworthiness of the issuer of a convertible security is important because the holder of a convertible security will
have recourse only to the issuer. In addition, a convertible security may be subject to conversion or redemption by the issuer,
but only after a specified date and under circumstances established at the time the security is issued. This feature may require
a holder to convert the security into the underlying common stock, even if the value of the underlying common stock has declined
substantially. In addition, companies that issue convertible securities frequently are small- and mid-capitalization companies
and, accordingly, carry the risks associated with investments in such companies.
While the Funds use the same criteria to evaluate the credit quality of a convertible debt security that they would use for
a more conventional debt security, a convertible preferred stock is treated like a preferred stock for a Fund's credit evaluation,
as well as financial reporting and investment limitation purposes. Preferred stock is subordinated to all debt obligations
in the event of insolvency, and an issuer's failure to make a dividend payment is generally not an event of default entitling
the preferred shareholders to take action. Preferred stock generally has no maturity date, so its market value is dependent
on the issuer's business prospects for an indefinite period of time. In addition, distributions on preferred stock generally
are taxable as dividend income, rather than interest payments, for federal income tax purposes.
Custodial Receipts for Treasury Securities
These securities are typically represented by participations in trusts that hold U.S. Treasury securities, such as Treasury
Investors Growth Receipts and Certificates of Accrual on Treasury Securities, or other obligations where the trust participations
evidence ownership in either the future interest payments or the future principal payments on the obligations. These participations
are normally issued at a discount to their "face value," and can exhibit greater price volatility than ordinary debt securities
because of the way in which their principal and interest are returned to investors.
Dollar Roll Transactions
Dollar roll transactions are transactions wherein a Fund sells fixed-income securities, typically mortgage-backed securities,and
makes a commitment to purchase similar, but not identical, securities at a later date from the same party. Like a forward
commitment, during the roll period no payment is made for the securities purchased and no interest or principal payments on
the security accrue to the purchaser, but the Fund assumes the risk of ownership. A Fund is compensated for entering into
dollar roll transactions by the difference between the current sales price and the forward price for the future purchase,
as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. Like other when-issued securities or firm commitment
agreements, dollar roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by a Fund may decline below
the price at which the Fund is committed to purchase similar securities. In the event the buyer of securities from a Fund
under a dollar roll transaction becomes insolvent, the Fund's use of the proceeds of the transaction may be restricted pending
a determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Fund's obligation to repurchase the
securities. A Fund will engage in dollar roll transactions for the purpose of acquiring securities for its portfolio and not
for investment leverage.
Floating- and Variable-Rate Obligations
Floating- and variable-rate obligations include obligations such as demand notes, bonds and preferred shares. Variable-rate
demand notes include master demand notes that are obligations that permit a Fund to invest fluctuating amounts, which may
change daily without penalty, pursuant to direct arrangements between the Fund, as lender, and the borrower. The interest
rate on a floating-rate demand obligation is based on a referenced lending rate, such as a bank's prime rate, and is adjusted
automatically each time such rate is adjusted. The interest rate on a variable-rate demand obligation is adjusted automatically
at specified intervals. The issuer of such obligations ordinarily has a right, after a given period, to prepay at its discretion
the outstanding principal amount of the obligations plus accrued interest upon a specified number of days notice to the holders
of such obligations. Frequently, such obligations are secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements provided
by banks. Such features often include unconditional and irrevocable letters of credit that are issued by a third party, usually
a bank, savings and loan association or insurance company which assumes the obligation for payment of principal and interest
in the event of default by the issuer. Letters of credit are designed to enhance liquidity and ensure repayment of principal
and any accrued interest if the underlying variable-rate demand obligation should default. Some variable rate obligations
feature other credit enhancements, such as standby bond purchase agreements ("SBPAs"). An SBPA can feature a liquidity facility
that is designed to provide funding for the purchase price of variable rate obligations that are unable to be successfully
remarketed for resale. The liquidity facility provider is obligated solely to advance funds for the purchase of tendered variable
rate bonds that fail to be remarketed and does not guarantee the repayment of principal or interest. The liquidity facility
provider's obligations under the SBPA are subject to conditions, including the continued creditworthiness of the underlying
borrower or issuer, and the facility may terminate upon the occurrence of certain events of default or at the expiration of
its term. In addition, a liquidity facility provider may be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations. A Fund may be
unable to timely dispose of a variable rate obligation if the underlying issuer defaults and the letter of credit or liquidity
facility provider is unable or unwilling to perform its obligations or the facility otherwise terminates and a successor letter
of credit or liquidity provider is not immediately obtained. The potential adverse impact to a Fund resulting from the inability
of a letter of credit or liquidity facility provider to meet its obligations could be magnified to the extent the provider
also furnishes credit support for other variable-rate obligations held by the Fund.
There generally is no established secondary market for certain variable-rate obligations, such as those not supported by letters
of credit, SBPAs or other credit support arrangements, because they are direct lending arrangements between the lender and
borrower. Accordingly, where these obligations are not secured by letters of credit, SBPAs or other credit support arrangements,
a Fund is dependent on the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest on demand. Such obligations frequently are
not rated by credit rating agencies and a Fund may invest in obligations which are not so rated only if the sub-adviser determines
that at the time of investment the obligations are of comparable quality to the other obligations in which such Fund may invest.
The sub-adviser, on behalf of a Fund, monitors the creditworthiness of the issuers of the floating- and variable-rate demand
obligations in such Fund's portfolio. Floating- and variable-rate instruments are subject to interest-rate and credit risks
and other risks generally associated with debt securities. The floating- and variable-rate instruments that the Funds may
purchase include certificates of participation in such instruments.
Letters of Credit
Certain of the debt obligations (including certificates of participation, commercial paper and other short-term obligations)
which a Fund may purchase may be backed by an unconditional and irrevocable letter of credit of a bank, savings and loan association
or insurance company which assumes the obligation for payment of principal and interest in the event of default by the issuer.
Only banks, savings banks and insurance companies which, in the opinion of the sub-adviser, are of comparable quality to issuers
of other permitted investments of the Fund, may be used for letter of credit-backed investments.
Loans
Loans in which a Fund may invest are subject generally to the same risks as debt securities in which the Fund may invest.
Loans in which a Fund invests may be made to finance highly leveraged corporate acquisitions. The highly leveraged capital
structure of the borrowers in such transactions may make such loans especially vulnerable to adverse changes in economic or
market conditions. Loans generally are subject to restrictions on transfer, and only limited opportunities may exist to sell
such participations in secondary markets. As a result, a Fund may be unable to sell loans at a time when it may otherwise
be desirable to do so or may be able to sell them only at a price that is less than their fair market value. Market bids may
be unavailable for loans from time to time; a Fund may find it difficult to establish a fair value for loans held by it. If
a Fund only acquires an assignment or a participation in a loan made by a third party, the Fund may not be able to control
the exercise of any remedies that the lender would have under the corporate loan. In addition, a Fund may have to rely on
the assignor(s) or participating institution(s) to demand and receive payments in respect of the loans, and to pay those amounts
on to the Fund; the Fund will be subject to the risk that the assignor(s) may be unwilling or unable to do so. Many loans
in which a Fund invests may be unrated, and the portfolio manager will be required to rely exclusively on its analysis of
the borrower in determining whether to acquire, or to continue to hold, a loan. In addition, under legal theories of lender
liability, a Fund potentially might be held liable as a co-lender.
Money Market Instruments
Investments in the following types of high-quality money market instruments are permitted: (i) U.S. Government obligations;
(ii) negotiable certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and fixed time deposits and other obligations of domestic banks
(including foreign branches) that have more than $1 billion in total assets at the time of investment and are members of the
Federal Reserve System or are examined by the Comptroller of the Currency or whose deposits are insured by the FDIC; (iii)
commercial paper; and (iv) repurchase agreements. A Fund also may invest in short-term U.S. dollar-denominated obligations
of foreign banks (including U.S. branches) that at the time of investment: (i) have more than $10 billion, or the equivalent
in other currencies, in total assets; and (ii) in the opinion of the sub-adviser, are of comparable quality to obligations
of U.S. banks which may be purchased by the Funds.
Synthetic Convertible Securities
"Synthetic" convertible securities, are derivative positions composed of two or more different securities whose investment
characteristics, taken together, resemble those of convertible securities. For example, a Fund may purchase a non-convertible
debt security and a warrant or option, which enables a Fund to have a convertible-like position with respect to a company,
group of companies or stock index. Synthetic convertible securities are typically offered by financial institutions and investment
banks in private placement transactions. Upon conversion, a Fund generally receives an amount in cash equal to the difference
between the conversion price and the then current value of the underlying security. Unlike a true convertible security, a
synthetic convertible comprises two or more separate securities, each with its own market value. Therefore, the market value
of a synthetic convertible is the sum of the values of its fixed-income component and its convertible component. For this
reason, the values of a synthetic convertible and a true convertible security may respond differently to market fluctuations.
A Fund only invests in synthetic convertibles with respect to companies whose corporate debt securities are rated "A" or higher
by Moody's or S&P and will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in such synthetic securities and other illiquid securities.
Unrated Investments
A Fund may purchase instruments that are not rated if, in the opinion of the sub-adviser, such obligations are of investment
quality comparable to other rated investments that are permitted to be purchased by such Fund. After purchase by a Fund, a
security may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by such Funds. Neither
event will require a sale of such security by the Fund. To the extent the ratings given by Moody's, Fitch, or S&P may change
as a result of changes in such organizations or their rating systems, a Fund will attempt to use comparable ratings as standards
for investments in accordance with the investment policies contained in its Prospectus and in this SAI. The ratings of Moody's,
Fitch, and S&P are more fully described in the section entitled "Credit Ratings."
U.S. Government Obligations
U.S. Government obligations include securities issued by the U.S. Treasury, U.S. Government agencies or U.S. Government sponsored
entities. While U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the U.S. Government, securities issued
by U.S. Government agencies or government-sponsored entities may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
The Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), a wholly owned U.S. Government corporation, is authorized to guarantee,
with the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, the timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued by
institutions approved by GNMA and backed by pools of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration or the Department
of Veterans Affairs. Government-sponsored entities (whose obligations are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government) include the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC").
Pass-through securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by FNMA but are not backed
by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. FHLMC guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection
or scheduled payment of principal, but its participation certificates are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government. If a government-sponsored entity is negatively impacted by legislative or regulatory action, is unable to meet
its obligations, or its creditworthiness declines, the performance of a Fund that holds securities of the entity will be adversely
impacted. U.S. Government obligations are subject to low but varying degrees of credit risk, and are still subject to interest
rate and market risk. U.S. Government obligations may be adversely affected by a default by, or decline in the credit quality
of, the U.S. Government.
EQUITY SECURITIES
Initial Public Offerings
Smaller companies may offer initial public offerings which typically have additional risks including more limited product
lines, markets and financial resources than larger, more seasoned companies and their securities may trade less frequently
and in more limited volume than those of larger, more mature companies.
Preferred Stock
Preferred stocks represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pay dividends at a specified rate and that has
precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the
claims of owners of bond take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred securities and common stock.
Smaller Company Securities
Investments in smaller capitalization companies carry greater risk than investments in larger capitalization companies. Smaller
capitalization companies generally experience higher growth rates and higher failure rates than do larger capitalization companies;
and the trading volume of smaller capitalization companies' securities is normally lower than that of larger capitalization
companies and, consequently, generally has a disproportionate effect on market price (tending to make prices rise more in
response to buying demand and fall more in response to selling pressure).
Securities owned by a Fund that are traded in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange may not be
traded every day or in the volume typical of securities trading on a national securities exchange. As a result, disposition
by a Fund of a portfolio security, to meet redemption requests by other investors or otherwise, may require the Fund to sell
these securities at a discount from market prices, to sell during periods when disposition is not desirable, or to make many
small sales over a lengthy period of time.
Investments in smaller, less seasoned issuers generally carry greater risk than is customarily associated with larger, more
seasoned companies. Such issuers often have products and management personnel that have not been tested by time or the marketplace
and their financial resources may not be as substantial as those of more established companies. Their securities (which a
Fund may purchase when they are offered to the public for the first time) may have a limited trading market that can adversely
affect their sale by a Fund and can result in such securities being priced lower than otherwise might be the case. If other
institutional investors were to engage in trading this type of security, a Fund may be forced to dispose of its holdings in
this type of security at prices lower than might otherwise be obtained in the absence of institutional trading in such security.
FOREIGN SECURITIES AND CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
Emerging Market Securities
The Funds consider countries with emerging markets to be those defined in each Fund's prospectus. Examples of countries that
are commonly considered to have emerging markets include, but are not limited to, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic,
Egypt, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan,
Thailand and Turkey. The Fund considers emerging market securities to be securities: (i) issued by companies with their principal
place of business or principal office, or both, as determined in the adviser's reasonable discretion, in an emerging market
country; or (ii) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is an emerging market country.
Equity securities of emerging market issuers may include common stock, preferred stocks (including convertible preferred stocks)
and warrants, bonds, notes and debentures convertible into common or preferred stock, equity interests in foreign investment
funds or trusts and real estate investment trust ("REIT") securities. The Funds may invest in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs"), Canadian Depositary Receipts ("CDRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs")
and International Depositary Receipts ("IDRs") of such issuers.
There are special risks involved in investing in emerging-market countries. Many investments in emerging markets can be considered
speculative, and their prices can be much more volatile than in the more developed nations of the world. This difference reflects
the greater uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies. The financial markets of emerging markets
countries are generally less well capitalized and thus securities of issuers based in such countries may be less liquid. Most
are heavily dependent on international trade, and some are especially vulnerable to recessions in other countries. Many of
these countries are also sensitive to world commodity prices. Some countries may still have obsolete financial systems, economic
problems or archaic legal systems. The currencies of certain emerging market countries, and therefore the value of securities
denominated in such currencies, may be more volatile than currencies of developed countries. In addition, many of these nations
are experiencing political and social uncertainties.
Furthermore, with respect to certain foreign countries, taxes may be withheld at the source under foreign tax laws, and there
is a possibility of expropriation or potentially confiscatory levels of taxation, political, social and monetary instability
or diplomatic developments that could adversely affect investments in, the liquidity of, and the ability to enforce contractual
obligations with respect to, securities of issuers located in those countries. Amounts realized on foreign securities in which
a Fund may invest may be subject to foreign withholding or other taxes that could reduce the return on these securities. Applicable
tax treaties between the United States and foreign countries, however, may reduce or eliminate the amount of foreign taxes
to which the Fund would otherwise be subject.
Foreign Obligations and Securities
The Funds consider equity securities of foreign issuers (or foreign securities) to be equity securities: (1) issued by companies
with their principal place of business or principal office or both, as determined in the sub-adviser's reasonable discretion,
in a country, other than the U.S.; or (2) issued by companies for which the principal securities trading market is a country
other than the U.S. Foreign company stocks may lose value or be more difficult to trade as a result of adverse changes in
currency exchange rates or other developments in the issuer's home country. Concentrated investment by a Fund in any single
country, especially a less developed country, would make such Fund's value more sensitive to economic, currency and regulatory
changes within that country.
Investments in foreign obligations and securities include high-quality, short-term debt obligations of foreign issuers, including
foreign branches of U.S. banks, U.S. branches of foreign banks, and short-term debt obligations of foreign governmental agencies
and foreign companies that are denominated in and pay interest in U.S. dollars. Investments in foreign obligations involve
certain considerations that are not typically associated with investing in domestic obligations. There may be less publicly
available information about a foreign issuer than about a domestic issuer and the available information may be less reliable.
Foreign issuers also are not generally subject to the same accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or governmental
supervision as domestic issuers. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, taxes may be withheld at the source
under foreign tax laws, and there is a possibility of expropriation or potentially confiscatory levels of taxation, political
or social instability or diplomatic developments that could adversely affect investments in, the liquidity of, and the ability
to enforce contractual obligations with respect to, obligations of issuers located in those countries. Amounts realized on
certain foreign securities in which a Fund may invest may be subject to foreign withholding or other taxes that could reduce
the return on these securities. Tax treaties between the United States and foreign countries, however, may reduce or eliminate
the amount of foreign taxes to which the Fund would otherwise be subject.
There are increasing concerns regarding the ability of multiple sovereign entities to continue to meet their debt obligations.
In particular, ratings agencies have recently downgraded the credit ratings of various countries and may downgrade the credit
ratings of other countries. Many economies are facing acute fiscal pressures as they struggle to balance budgetary austerity
with stagnant growth. Many observers predict that a depressed economic environment will cause budget deficits in these economies
to expand in the short term and further increase the perceived risk of a default, thereby rendering access to capital markets
even more expensive and compounding the debt problem. In particular, the Eurozone is currently undergoing a collective debt
crisis. Greece, Ireland and Portugal have already received one or more "bailouts" from other Eurozone member states ("Member
States"), and it is unclear how much additional funding they will require or if additional Member States will require bailouts
in the future. Investor confidence in other Member States, as well as European banks exposed to risky sovereign debt, has
been severely impacted, threatening capital markets throughout the Eurozone. Although the resources of various financial stability
mechanisms in the Eurozone continue to be bolstered, many market participants have expressed doubt that the level of funds
being committed to such facilities will be sufficient to resolve the crisis. There also appears to be a lack of political
consensus in the Eurozone concerning whether and how to restructure sovereign debt, particularly Greek sovereign bonds. The
consequences of any sovereign default would likely be severe and wide-reaching, and could include the removal of a Member
State from the Eurozone, or even the abolition of the Euro. Such events could have adverse consequences on the market values
of various securities, currencies and derivatives, and could create conditions of volatility and limited liquidity in various
currency, securities and other markets.
Foreign securities include, among others, ADRs and similar investments, including CDRs, EDRs, GDRs, and IDRs. ADRs, CDRs,
EDRs, GDRs, and IDRs are depositary receipts for foreign company stocks issued by a bank and held in trust at that bank, and
which entitle the owner of such depositary receipts to any capital gains or dividends from the foreign company stocks underlying
the depositary receipts. These securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which
they may be converted. ADRs (sponsored or unsponsored) are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company and traded
on a U.S. stock exchange, and CDRs are receipts typically issued by a Canadian bank or trust company that evidence ownership
of underlying foreign securities. Issuers of unsponsored ADRs are not contractually obligated to disclose material information
in the U.S. and, therefore, such information may not correlate to the market value of the unsponsored ADR. EDRs and IDRs are
receipts typically issued by European banks and trust companies, and GDRs are receipts issued by either a U.S. or non-U.S.
banking institution, that evidence ownership of the underlying foreign securities. Generally, ADRs in registered form are
designed for use in U.S. securities markets and EDRs and IDRs in bearer form are designed primarily for use in Europe.
Foreign securities also include securities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may temporarily hold funds
in bank deposits or other money market investments denominated in foreign currencies. Therefore, the Funds may be affected
favorably or unfavorably by exchange control regulations or changes in the exchange rate between such currencies and the dollar.
Because a Fund may invest in securities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and may temporarily hold funds
in bank deposits or other money market investments denominated in foreign currencies, it may be affected favorably or unfavorably
by exchange control regulations or changes in the exchange rate between such currencies and the dollar. Changes in foreign
currency exchange rates influence values within the Fund from the perspective of U.S. investors. The rate of exchange between
the U.S. dollar and other currencies is determined by a wide range of political and economic factors, including the forces
of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets. The international balance of payments and other economic and financial
conditions, government intervention and stability, speculation and other factors also affect exchange rates.
A Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions in order to hedge its portfolio and to protect it against possible variations
in foreign exchange rates pending the settlement of securities transactions. If a fall in exchange rates for a particular
currency is anticipated, a Fund may enter into a forward contract to protect against a decrease in the price of securities
denominated in a particular currency a Fund intends to purchase. If it is anticipated that exchange rates will rise, a Fund
may enter into a forward contract to protect against an increase in the price of securities denominated in a particular currency
the Fund intends to purchase. These forward contracts will be used only as a hedge against anticipated currency rate changes.
Although such contracts are intended to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, at
the same time, they tend to limit any potential gain which might result should the value of such currency increase.
Foreign currency transactions, such as forward foreign currency exchange contracts, are contracts for the future delivery
of a specified currency at a specified time and at a specified price. These transactions differ from futures contracts in
that they are usually conducted on a principal basis instead of through an exchange, and therefore there are no brokerage
fees, margin deposits are negotiated between the parties, and the contracts are settled through different procedures. The
Manager considers on an ongoing basis the creditworthiness of the institutions with which the Fund enters into foreign currency
transactions.
The use of foreign currency transactions involves the risk of imperfect correlation between movements in futures prices and
movements in the price of currencies which are the subject of the hedge. The successful use of foreign currency transactions
strategies also depends on the ability of the sub-adviser to correctly forecast interest rate movements, currency rate movements
and general stock market price movements. There can be no assurance that the sub-adviser's judgment will be accurate. The
use of foreign currency transactions also exposes a Fund to the general risks of investing in futures contracts, including:
the risk of an illiquid market for the foreign currency transactions and the risk of adverse regulatory actions. Any of these
events may cause a Fund to be unable to hedge its securities, and may cause a Fund to lose money on its investments in foreign
currency transactions. The Funds will either cover a position in such a transaction or maintain, in a segregated account with
their custodian bank, cash or high-grade marketable money market securities having an aggregate value equal to the amount
of any such commitment until payment is made.
Participation Notes
The Funds may purchase participation notes, also known as participation certificates. Participation notes are issued by banks
or broker-dealers and are designed to replicate the performance of foreign companies or foreign securities markets and can
be used by a Fund as an alternative means to access the securities market of a country. The performance results of participation
notes will not replicate exactly the performance of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to
replicate due to transaction costs and other expenses. Investments in participation notes involve the same risks associated
with a direct investment in the underlying foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate. There
can be no assurance that the trading price of participation notes will equal the underlying value of the foreign companies
or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate. Participation notes are generally traded over-the-counter. Participation
notes are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the broker-dealer or bank that issues them will not fulfill
its contractual obligation to complete the transaction with the Fund. Participation notes constitute general unsecured contractual
obligations of the banks or broker-dealers that issue them, the counterparty, and the Fund is relying on the creditworthiness
of such counterparty and has no rights under a participation note against the issuer of the underlying security. Participation
notes involve transaction cost. Participation notes may be illiquid and therefore subject to the Fund's percentage limitation
for investments in illiquid securities. Participation notes offer a return linked to a particular underlying equity, debt
or currency.
For temporary defensive purposes, the Funds may invest in fixed-income securities of non-U.S. governmental and private issuers.
Such investments may include bonds, notes, debentures and other similar debt securities, including convertible securities.
OTHER INVESTMENTS AND TECHNIQUES
Borrowing
Money may be borrowed for temporary or emergency purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests. Borrowing involves
special risk considerations. Interest costs on borrowings may fluctuate with changing market rates of interest and may partially
offset or exceed the return earned on borrowed funds (or on the assets that were retained rather than sold to meet the needs
for which funds were borrowed). Under adverse market conditions, a Fund might have to sell portfolio securities to meet interest
or principal payments at a time when investment considerations would not favor such sales. Reverse repurchase agreements,
dollar roll transactions and other similar investments that involve a form of leverage have characteristics similar to borrowings,
but are not considered borrowings if the Fund maintains a segregated account.
Closed-End Investment Companies
A Fund may invest in the securities of closed-end investment companies that invest primarily in foreign securities. Because
of restrictions on direct investment by U.S. entities in certain countries, other investment companies may provide the most
practical or only way for the Fund to invest in certain markets.
A Fund will invest in such companies when, in the manager's judgment, the potential benefits of the investment justify the
payment of any applicable premium or sales charge. Other investment companies incur their own fees and expenses.
Forward Commitments, When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions
Securities may be purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis and contracts to purchase or sell securities
for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time may also be made. Delivery and payment on such transactions
normally take place within 120 days after the date of the commitment to purchase. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued,
delayed-delivery or forward commitment basis involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines,
or the value of the security to be sold increases, before the settlement date.
Illiquid Securities
Securities not registered under the 1933 Act, and other securities subject to legal or other restrictions on resale may be
less liquid than other investments and may be difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable price. Delay or difficulty in selling
securities may result in a loss or be costly to a Fund. No Fund may invest or hold more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid
securities.
Loans of Portfolio Securities
Portfolio securities of a Fund may be loaned pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board to brokers, dealers and financial
institutions, provided: (i) the loan is secured continuously by collateral consisting of cash, securities of the U.S. Government,
its agencies or instrumentalities, or an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a bank organized under the laws of the United
States, organized under the laws of a state, or a foreign bank that has filed an agreement with the Federal Reserve Board
to comply with the same rules and regulations applicable to U.S. banks in securities credit transactions, initially in an
amount at least equal to 100% of the value of the loaned securities (which includes any accrued interest or dividends), with
the borrower being obligated, under certain circumstances, to post additional collateral on a daily marked-to-market basis,
all as described in further detail in the following paragraph; although the loans may not be fully supported at all times
if, for example, the instruments in which cash collateral is invested decline in value or the borrower fails to provide additional
collateral when required in a timely manner or at all; (ii) the Fund may at any time terminate the loan and request the return
of the loaned securities upon sufficient prior notification; (iii) the Fund will receive any interest or distributions paid
on the loaned securities; and (iv) the aggregate market value of loaned securities will not at any time exceed the limits
established under the 1940 Act.
The following provides additional detail on the requirement described in (i) above. The market value of the collateral delivered
in connection with a securities loan must be equal to at least 102% of the market value of any domestic securities loaned
or 105% of the market value of any foreign securities loaned. The loaned securities are marked to market on a daily basis,
and additional collateral is required to be paid to maintain coverage equal to at least 102% of the market value of domestic
securities loaned, and at least 105% of the market value of foreign securities loaned, without taking into account any increase
or decrease in the value of instruments in which cash collateral is invested. For loans of U.S. Government Securities, the
initial collateral required is 102% of the market value of the loaned securities, but additional collateral is required only
if the market value of the loaned securities increases such that the collateral coverage (without taking into account any
increase or decrease in the value of instruments in which the cash collateral is invested) falls below 100% of the market
value of the loaned securities.
Other Investment Companies
A Fund may invest in shares of other open-end and closed-end management investment companies up to the limits prescribed in
Section 12(d) under the 1940 Act, subject to the fund's non-fundamental investment policies. Currently, under the 1940 Act,
a fund that invests directly in a portfolio of securities is limited to, subject to certain exceptions: (i) 3% of the total
voting stock of any one investment company; (ii) 5% of such fund's total assets with respect to any one investment company;
and (iii) 10% of such fund's total assets.
Other investment companies in which the Fund invests can be expected to charge fees for operating expenses, such as investment
advisory and administration fees, that would be in addition to those charged by the Fund. Other investment companies may include
exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"), which are shares of publicly traded unit investment trusts, open-end funds or depositary receipts
that seek to track the performance of specific indexes or companies in related industries. ETFs generally are subject to the
same risks as the underlying securities the ETFs are designed to track and to the risks of the specific sector or industry
tracked by the ETF. ETFs also are subject to the risk that their prices may not totally correlate to the prices of the underlying
securities the ETFs are designed to track and the risk of possible trading halts due to market conditions or for other reasons.
Although ETFs that track broad market indexes are typically large and their shares are fairly liquid, ETFs that track more
specific indexes tend to be newer and smaller, and all ETFs have limited redemption features. Pursuant to certain exemptive
relief granted by the SEC, the Fund's investments in certain ETFs may exceed certain of the limits described above.
Under the 1940 Act and rules and regulations thereunder, a Fund may purchase shares of other affiliated Funds, including the
money market Funds, subject to certain conditions. Investing in affiliated Funds may present certain actual or potential conflicts
of interest.
iShares.
iShares Trust and iShares, Inc. ("iShares") are registered investment companies that consist of numerous separate series
(each, an "iShares Fund"), each of which seeks investment results similar to the performance of a single stock market or of
a group of stock markets in a single geographic location. iShares combine characteristics of stocks with those of index funds.
Like stocks, iShares are liquid and can be traded in any number of shares; like index funds, they provide diversification
and market tracking. iShares trade on the American Stock Exchange, the Chicago Board of Options Exchange and the New York
Stock Exchange in the same way as shares of a publicly held company.
Private Placement and Other Restricted Securities
Private placement securities are not registered under the 1933 Act. Private placements often may offer attractive opportunities
for investment not otherwise available on the open market. However, private placement and other "restricted" securities typically
cannot be resold without registration under the 1933 Act or the availability of an exemption from registration (such as Rules
144 or 144A (a "Rule 144A Security")), and may not be readily marketable.
Private placement and other restricted securities typically may be resold only to qualified institutional buyers, or in a
privately negotiated transaction, or to a limited number of purchasers, or in limited quantities after they have been held
for a specified period of time and other conditions are met for an exemption from registration. Investing in private placement
and other restricted securities is subject to certain additional risks. They may be considered illiquid securities as they
typically are subject to restrictions on resale as a matter of contract or under federal securities laws. Because there may
be relatively few potential purchasers for such securities, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the
event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, a Fund could find it more difficult to sell such securities
when it may be advisable to do so or it may be able to sell such securities only at prices lower than if such securities were
more widely held and traded. At times, it also may be more difficult to determine the fair value of such securities for purposes
of computing a Fund's net asset value due to the absence of an active trading market. Delay or difficulty in selling such
securities may result in a loss to a Fund. Restricted securities, including Rule 144A Securities, that are "illiquid" are
subject to a Fund's policy of not investing or holding more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. The manager
will evaluate the liquidity characteristics of each Rule 144A Security proposed for purchase by a Fund on a case-by-case basis
and will consider the following factors, among others, in its evaluation: (i) the frequency of trades and quotes for the Rule
144A Security; (ii) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the Rule 144A Security and the number of other potential
purchasers; (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market in the Rule 144A Security; and (iv) the nature of the Rule 144A Security
and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the Rule 144A Security, the method of soliciting
offers and the mechanics of transfer). The manager will apply a similar process to evaluating the liquidity characteristics
of other restricted securities. There can be no assurance that a restricted security that is deemed to be liquid when purchased
will continue to be liquid for as long as it is held by a Fund.
Repurchase Agreements
Repurchase agreements are agreements wherein the seller of a security to a Fund agrees to repurchase that security from a
Fund at a mutually agreed upon time and price. All repurchase agreements will be "collateralized fully," as defined under
the 1940 Act. A Fund may enter into repurchase agreements only with respect to securities that could otherwise be purchased
by such Fund. The maturities of the underlying securities in a repurchase agreement transaction may be greater than twelve
months, although the maximum term of a repurchase agreement will always be less than twelve months. Repurchase agreements
generally are subject to counterparty risk. If the seller defaults and the value of the underlying securities has declined,
a Fund may incur a loss. In addition, if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security,
a Fund's disposition of the underlying securities may be delayed or limited.
A Fund may not enter into a repurchase agreement with a maturity of more than seven days, if, as a result, more than 15% of
the market value of such Fund's net assets would be invested in repurchase agreements with maturities of more than seven days,
and other illiquid securities. A Fund will only enter into repurchase agreements with broker-dealers and commercial banks
that meet guidelines established by the Board and that are not affiliated with the Fund's manager. The Funds may participate
in pooled repurchase agreement transactions with other funds advised by the manager.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
A reverse repurchase agreement is an agreement under which a Fund sells a portfolio security and agrees to repurchase it at
an agreed-upon date and price. At the time a Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will place in a segregated
custodial account liquid assets such as U.S. Government securities or other liquid high-grade debt securities having a value
equal to or greater than the repurchase price (including accrued interest) and will subsequently monitor the account to ensure
that such value is maintained. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold
by a Fund may decline below the price at which a Fund is obligated to repurchase the securities. In the event the buyer of
securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, a Fund's use of proceeds of the
agreement may be restricted pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce a Fund's
obligation to repurchase the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements may be viewed as a form of borrowing.
Short Sales
A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in market price.
When a Fund makes a short sale, the proceeds it receives are retained by the broker until a Fund replaces the borrowed security.
In order to deliver the security to the buyer, a Fund must arrange through a broker to borrow the security and, in so doing,
a Fund becomes obligated to replace the security borrowed at its market price at the time of replacement, whatever that price
may be. Short sales "against the box" means that a Fund owns the securities, which are placed in a segregated account until
the transaction is closed out, or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold
short. A Fund's ability to enter into short sales transactions is limited by the requirements of the 1940 Act.
Short sales by a Fund that are not made "against the box" are limited to transactions in futures and options. Such transactions
create opportunities to increase a Fund's return but, at the same time, involve special risk considerations and may be considered
a speculative technique. Since a Fund in effect profits from a decline in the price of the futures or options sold short without
the need to invest the full purchase price of the futures or options on the date of the short sale, a Fund's NAV per share
will tend to increase more when the futures or options it has sold short decrease in value, and to decrease more when the
futures or options it has sold short increase in value, than would otherwise be the case if it had not engaged in such short
sales. Short sales theoretically involve unlimited loss potential, as the market price of futures or options sold short may
continuously increase, although a Fund may mitigate such losses by replacing the futures or options sold short before the
market price has increased significantly. Under adverse market conditions, a Fund might have difficulty purchasing futures
or options to meet its short sale delivery obligations, and might have to sell portfolio securities to raise the capital necessary
to meet its short sale obligations at a time when fundamental investment considerations would not favor such sales.
If a Fund makes a short sale "against the box," a Fund would not immediately deliver the securities sold and would not receive
the proceeds from the sale. The seller is said to have a short position in the securities sold until it delivers the securities
sold, at which time it receives the proceeds of the sale. A Fund's decision to make a short sale "against the box" may be
a technique to hedge against market risks when the investment manager believes that the price of a security may decline, causing
a decline in the value of a security owned by the Fund or a security convertible into or exchangeable for such security. In
such case, any future losses in the Fund's long position would be reduced by a gain in the short position. Short sale transactions
may have adverse tax consequences to the Fund and its shareholders.
In the view of the SEC, a short sale involves the creation of a "senior security" as such term is defined under the 1940 Act,
unless the sale is "against the box" and the securities sold are placed in a segregated account (not with the broker), or
unless the Fund's obligation to deliver the securities sold short is "covered" by segregating (not with the broker) cash,
U.S. Government securities or other liquid debt or equity securities in an amount equal to the difference between the market
value of the securities sold short at the time of the short sale and any cash or securities required to be deposited as collateral
with a broker in connection with the sale (not including the proceeds from the short sale), which difference is adjusted daily
for changes in the value of the securities sold short. The total value of the cash and securities deposited with the broker
and otherwise segregated may not at any time be less than the market value of the securities sold short at the time of the
short sale.
To avoid limitations under the 1940 Act on borrowing by investment companies, all short sales by a Fund will be "against the
box," or the Fund's obligation to deliver the futures or options sold short not "against the box" will be "covered" by segregating
cash, U.S. Government securities or other liquid debt or equity securities in an amount equal to the market value of its delivery
obligation. A Fund will not make short sales of futures or options not "against the box" or maintain a short position if doing
so could create liabilities or require collateral deposits and segregation of assets aggregating more than 25% of the value
of the Fund's total assets.
Warrants
Warrants are instruments, typically issued with preferred stock or bonds, that give the holder the right to purchase a given
number of shares of common stock at a specified price, usually during a specified period of time. The price usually represents
a premium over the applicable market value of the common stock at the time of the warrant's issuance. Warrants have no voting
rights with respect to the common stock, receive no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer.
Warrants do not pay a fixed dividend. Investments in warrants involve certain risks, including the possible lack of a liquid
market for the resale of the warrants, potential price fluctuations as a result of speculation or other factors and failure
of the price of the common stock to rise. A warrant becomes worthless if it is not exercised within the specified time period.
OTHER RISKS
Operational and Cyber Security Risks
Our business, financial, accounting, data processing systems or other operating systems and facilities may stop operating
properly or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors including events that are wholly or partially beyond
our control. For example, there could be sudden increases in shareholder transaction volume; electrical or telecommunications
outages; degradation or loss of public internet domain; climate change related impacts and natural disasters such as earthquakes,
tornados, and hurricanes; disease pandemics; or events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including
terrorist acts.
The Funds are also subject to the risk of potential cyber incidents which may include, but are not limited to, the harming
of or unauthorized access to digital systems (for example, through "hacking" or infection by computer viruses or other malicious
software code), denial-of-service attacks on websites, and the inadvertent or intentional release of confidential or proprietary
information. Cyber incidents may, among other things, harm Fund operations, result in financial losses to a Fund and its shareholders,
cause the release of confidential or highly restricted information, and result in regulatory penalties, reputational damage,
and/or increased compliance, reimbursement or other compensation costs. Fund operations that may be disrupted or halted due
to a cyber incident include trading, the processing of shareholder transactions, and the calculation of a Fund's net asset
value.
Issues affecting operating systems and facilities, either through cyber incidents or any of the other scenarios described
above, may harm the Funds by affecting a Fund's manager, sub-adviser(s), or other service providers, or issuers of securities
in which a Fund invests. Although we have business continuity plans and other safeguards in place, including what we believe
to be robust information security procedures and controls, there is no guarantee that these measures will prevent cyber incidents
or prevent or ameliorate the effects of significant and widespread disruption to our physical infrastructure or operating
systems. Furthermore, we cannot directly control the security or other measures taken by unaffiliated service providers or
the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest.
Liquidation Risk
There can be no assurance that a Fund will grow to or maintain a viable size. To the extent that a Fund does not grow to or
maintain a viable size, it may be liquidated, and the expenses, timing and tax consequences of such liquidation may not be
favorable to some shareholders. In addition, pursuant to section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection
Act and certain rules promulgated thereunder (collectively known as the "Volcker Rule"), if the Manager and/or its affiliates
own 25% or more of the outstanding shares of a Fund more than three years after the Fund's inception date (or such longer
period as may be permitted by the Federal Reserve Board and/or other federal regulatory agencies overseeing the Volcker Rule),
the Fund will be subject to restrictions on trading that will adversely impact the Fund's ability to execute its investment
strategy. Should this occur, a Fund may be liquidated, or the Manager and/or its affiliates may be required to reduce their
ownership interests in the Fund, either of which may result in gains or losses, increased transaction and other costs and
adverse tax consequences. In addition, other large shareholders controlling a significant portion of a Fund's shares, such
as other funds, institutional investors, financial intermediaries, individuals and other accounts, may elect to redeem a portion
or all of their shares at any time, and the Fund may no longer be able to maintain a viable size after meeting the redemption
request. In these circumstances, a Fund's board may determine to liquidate the Fund. Other factors and events that may lead
to the liquidation of a Fund include changes in laws or regulations governing the Fund or affecting the type of assets in
which the Fund invests, or economic developments or trends having a significant adverse impact on the business or operations
of the Fund. Under the Declaration of Trust, a Fund's board is authorized to liquidate, dissolve and terminate the Fund or
any share class of the Fund without obtaining any authorization or vote of shareholders.
In the event of a Fund's liquidation, shareholders holding Fund shares through tax-deferred accounts would receive a liquidating
distribution, and depending on the arrangements with the custodian of account assets, receipt of the distribution may be taxable
to the account beneficiary and/or subject to tax penalties.
MANAGEMENT
The following information supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the section in each Prospectus entitled "Management
of the Funds."
General
The following table provides basic information about the Trustees and Officers of the Trust. Each of the Trustees and Officers
listed below acts in identical capacities for the Wells Fargo family of funds which consists of, as of October 31, 2015, 144
series comprising the Trust, Wells Fargo Variable Trust, Wells Fargo Master Trust and four closed-end funds (collectively
the "Fund Complex" or the "Trusts"). The business address of each Trustee and Officer is 525 Market Street, 12th Floor, San
Francisco, CA 94105. Each Trustee and Officer serves an indefinite term, with the Trustees subject to retirement from service
as required pursuant to the Trust's retirement policy at the end of the calendar year in which a Trustee turns 75.
Information for Trustees, all of whom are not "interested" persons of the Trust, as that term is defined under the 1940 Act
(each, an "Independent Trustee" and collectively, the "Independent Trustees"), appears below. In addition to the Officers
listed below, the Funds have appointed an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer.
Name and Year of Birth
Position Held with Registrant/Length of Service
1
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years or Longer
Current Other Public Company or Investment Company Directorships
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
William R. Ebsworth
Trustee, since 2015
Retired. From 1984 to 2013, equities analyst, portfolio manager, research director and chief financial 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. Mr. Ebsworth is a CFA® charterholder and an
Adjunct Lecturer, Finance, at Babson College.
Asset Allocation Trust
Jane A. Freeman
Trustee, since 2015
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 Chair of Taproot Foundation (non-profit organization), a Board Member of Ruth
Bancroft Garden (non-profit organization) and an inactive chartered financial analyst.
Asset Allocation Trust
Peter G. Gordon
Trustee, since 1998; Chairman since 2005
Co-Founder, Retired Chairman, President and CEO of Crystal Geyser Water Company. Trustee Emeritus, Colby College.
Asset Allocation Trust
Isaiah Harris, Jr.
Trustee, since 2009
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 (charter school). Advisory Board Member, Child Evangelism Fellowship
(non-profit). Mr. Harris is a certified public accountant (inactive status).
CIGNA Corporation;
Judith M. Johnson
Trustee, since 2008;
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.
Asset Allocation Trust
David F. Larcker
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.
Asset Allocation Trust
Olivia S. Mitchell
Trustee, since 2006
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.
Asset Allocation Trust
Timothy J. Penny
Trustee, since 1996
President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a non-profit organization, since 2007 and
Senior Fellow at the Humphrey Institute Policy Forum at the University of Minnesota since 1995. Member of the Board of Trustees
of NorthStar Education Finance, Inc., a non-profit organization, since 2007.
Asset Allocation Trust
Michael S. Scofield
Trustee, since 2010
Served on the Investment Company Institute's Board of Governors and Executive Committee from 2008-2011 as well as the Governing
Council of the Independent Directors Council from 2006-2011 and the Independent Directors Council Executive Committee from
2008-2011. Chairman of the IDC from 2008-2010. Institutional Investor (Fund Directions) Trustee of Year in 2007. Trustee of
the Evergreen Fund complex (and its predecessors) from 1984 to 2010. Chairman of the Evergreen Funds from 2000-2010. Former
Trustee of the Mentor Funds. Retired Attorney, Law Offices of Michael S. Scofield.
Asset Allocation Trust
Name and Year of Birth
Position Held with Registrant/Length of Service
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years or Longer
OFFICERS
Karla M. Rabusch
President, since 2003
Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2003.
Jeremy DePalma
1
Treasurer, since 2012; Assistant Treasurer, since 2009
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.
Nancy Wiser
2
Treasurer, since 2012
Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2011. Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer
at LightBox Capital Management LLC, from 2008 to 2011.
C. David Messman
Secretary, since 2000; Chief Legal Officer, since 2003
Senior Vice President and Secretary of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2001. Assistant General Counsel of Wells Fargo
Bank, N.A since 2013 and Vice President and Managing Counsel of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. from 1996 to 2013.
Debra Ann Early
Chief Compliance Officer, since 2007
Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2014, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer
from 2007 to 2014.
David Berardi
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.
The Trust's Declaration of Trust, as amended and restated from time to time (the "Declaration of Trust"), does not set forth
any specific qualifications to serve as a Trustee other than that no person shall stand for initial election or appointment
as a Trustee if such person has already reached the age of 72. The Charter and the Statement of Governance Principles of the
Governance Committee also do not set forth any specific qualifications, but do set forth certain factors that the Governance
Committee may take into account in considering Trustee candidates and a process for evaluating potential conflicts of interest,
which identifies certain disqualifying conflicts. All of the current Trustees are Independent Trustees. Among the attributes
or skills common to all Trustees are their ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided
to them, to interact effectively with the other Trustees, Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC ("Funds Management" or the "Manager"),
sub-advisers, other service providers, counsel and the independent registered public accounting firm, and to exercise effective
and independent business judgment in the performance of their duties as Trustees. Each Trustee's ability to perform his or
her duties effectively has been attained through the Trustee's business, consulting, public service, professional and/or academic
positions and through experience from service as a board member of the Trust and the other Trusts in the Fund Complex (and/or
in other capacities, including for any predecessor funds), other registered investment companies, public companies, and/or
non-profit entities or other organizations. Each Trustee's ability to perform his or her duties effectively also has been
enhanced by his or her educational background, professional training, and/or other life experiences. The specific experience,
qualifications, attributes and/or skills that led to the conclusion that a Trustee should serve as a Trustee of the Trusts
in the Fund Complex are as set forth below.
William R. Ebsworth.
Mr. Ebsworth has served as a Trustee of the Trusts in the Fund Complex and Asset Allocation Trust since January 1, 2015.
From 1984 to 2013, equities analyst, portfolio manager, research director 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. Mr. Ebsworth is a CFA® charterholder and an Adjunct Lecturer, Finance,
at Babson College.
Jane A. Freeman.
Ms. Freeman has served as a Trustee of the Trusts in the Fund Complex and Asset Allocation Trust since January 1, 2015. From
2012 to 2014 and 1999 to 2008, Ms. Freeman served as the Chief Financial Officer of Scientific Learning Corporation. From
2008 to 2012, Ms. Freeman provided consulting services related to strategic business projects. Prior to joining Scientific
Learning, Ms. Freeman was employed as a portfolio manager at Rockefeller & Co. and Scudder, Stevens & Clark. She served as
a board member of the Harding Loevner Funds from 1996 to 2014, serving as both Lead Independent Director and chair of the
Audit Committee. She also served as a board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Funds Trust from 2011 to 2012 and as chair
of the Audit Committee. Ms. Freeman serves as Chair of the Taproot Foundation and as a Board Member of the Ruth Bancroft Garden.
Ms. Freeman is a Chartered Financial Analyst (inactive).
Peter G. Gordon
. Mr. Gordon has been a Trustee since 1998, Chairman of the Board of Trustees since 2005, Chairman of the Governance Committee
since 2005, and was the Lead Independent Trustee from 2001 through 2005, with respect to all of the Trusts in the Fund Complex.
He has also served as a Trustee, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Governance Committee of Asset Allocation
Trust since 2010. In addition, he has over 30 years of executive and business experience as the co-founder, and retired Chairman,
President and CEO of Crystal Geyser Water Company.
Michael S. Scofield.
Mr. Scofield has served as a Trustee of the Trusts in the Fund Complex since 2010. He has also served as a Trustee of Asset
Allocation Trust since 2005. He previously served on the Investment Company Institute's Board of Governors and Executive Committee.
Mr. Scofield previously served as a Trustee of the Evergreen fund complex (and its predecessors) from 1984 to 2010, where
he served as Chairman of the Board. He also served as a member and former chairman of the Independent Directors Counsel, an
organization dedicated to serving the independent investment company director community, a member of the board of directors
of the Mutual Fund Directors Forum, and other leadership positions in the investment company industry. He previously worked
as an attorney with the Law Offices of Michael S. Scofield.
Board of Trustees - Leadership Structure and Oversight Responsibilities
Committees.
As noted above, the Board has established a standing Governance Committee, a standing Audit Committee, a standing Valuation
Committee and a standing Dividend Committee to assist the Board in the oversight and direction of the business and affairs
of the Trust. The Governance Committee and Audit Committee operate pursuant to charters approved by the Board. The Valuation
Committee's responsibilities are set forth in Valuation Procedures approved by the Board, and the Dividend Committee's responsibilities
were set forth by the Board when it established the Committee. Each Independent Trustee is a member of the Trust's Governance
Committee, Audit Committee and Valuation Committee. The Dividend Committee is comprised of three Independent Trustees.
(1)
Governance Committee.
Except with respect to any trustee nomination made by an eligible shareholder or shareholder group as permitted by applicable
law and applicable provisions of the Declaration of Trust and any By-Laws of a Trust, the Committee shall make all nominations
for membership on the Board of Trustees of each Trust. The Committee shall evaluate each candidate's qualifications for Board
membership and his or her independence from the Funds' manager, sub-adviser(s) and principal underwriter(s) and, as it deems
appropriate, other principal service providers. Peter Gordon serves as the chairman of the Governance Committee.
The Governance Committee has adopted procedures by which a shareholder may properly submit a nominee recommendation for the
Committee's consideration, which are set forth in Appendix A to the Trusts' Governance Committee Charter. The shareholder
must submit any such recommendation (a "Shareholder Recommendation") in writing to the Trust, to the attention of the Trust's
Secretary, at the address of the principal executive offices of the Trust. The Shareholder Recommendation must include: (i)
a statement in writing setting forth (A) the name, age, date of birth, business address, residence address, and nationality
of the person recommended by the shareholder (the "candidate"), (B) the series (and, if applicable, class) and number of all
shares of the Trust owned of record or beneficially by the candidate, as reported to such shareholder by the candidate; (C)
any other information regarding the candidate called for with respect to director nominees by paragraphs (a), (d), (e), and
(f ) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K or paragraph (b) of Item 22 of Rule 14a-101 (Schedule 14A) under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), adopted by the SEC (or the corresponding provisions of any regulation or rule
subsequently adopted by the SEC or any successor agency applicable to the Trust); (D) any other information regarding the
candidate that would be required to be disclosed if the candidate were a nominee in a proxy statement or other filing required
to be made in connection with solicitation of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act
and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and (E) whether the recommending shareholder believes that the candidate
is or will be an "interested person" of the Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act) and information regarding the candidate that
will be sufficient for the Trust to make such determination; (ii) the written and signed consent of the candidate to be named
as a nominee and to serve as a Trustee if elected; (iii) the recommending shareholder's name as it appears on the Trust's
books; (iv) the series (and, if applicable, class) and number of all shares of the Trust owned beneficially and of record
by the recommending shareholder; and (v) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the recommending shareholder
and the candidate and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the recommendation is being made
by the recommending shareholder. In addition, the Governance Committee may require the candidate to interview in person or
furnish such other information as it may reasonably require or deem necessary to determine the eligibility of such candidate
to serve as a Trustee of the Trust. The Governance Committee has full discretion to reject candidates recommended by shareholders,
and there is no assurance that any such person properly recommended and considered by the Committee will be nominated for
election to the Board. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency with respect to the requirements applicable to a Shareholder
Recommendation as between those established in the procedures and those in the By-Laws of a Closed-End Fund, the requirements
of the By-Laws of such Closed-End Fund shall control.
The Governance Committee may from time-to-time propose nominations of one or more individuals to serve as members of an "advisory
board," as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(1) of the 1940 Act.
(2)
Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee oversees the Funds' accounting and financial reporting policies, including their internal controls over
financial reporting; oversees the quality and objectivity of the Funds' financial statements and the independent audit thereof;
and interacts with the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm on behalf of the full Board and with appropriate
officers of the Trust. Judith M. Johnson serves as the chairperson of the Audit Committee.
(3)
Valuation Committee.
The Board has delegated to the Valuation Committee the authority to take any action regarding the valuation of portfolio
securities that the Valuation Committee deems necessary or appropriate, including determining the fair value of securities
between regularly scheduled Board meetings in instances where that determination has not otherwise been delegated to the valuation
team ("Management Valuation Team") of Funds Management. The Board considers for ratification at each quarterly meeting any
valuation actions taken during the previous quarter by the Valuation Committee or by the Management Valuation Team other than
pursuant to Board-approved methodologies. Any one member of the Valuation Committee may constitute a quorum for a meeting
of the committee.
(4)
Dividend Committee.
The Board has delegated to the Dividend Committee the responsibility to review and approve certain dividend amount determinations
made by a separate committee composed of representatives from Funds Management and certain sub-advisers ("Management Open-End
Dividend Committee"). The Board has delegated to the Management Open-End Dividend Committee the authority to determine periodic
dividend amounts subject to certain Board-approved parameters to be paid by each of the Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund,
International Bond Fund, Real Return Fund and Strategic Income Fund. Under certain circumstances, the Dividend Committee must
review and consider for approval, as it deems appropriate, recommendations of the Management Open-End Dividend Committee.
The committees met the following number of times during the most recently completed fiscal year:
Committee Name
Committee Meetings During Last Fiscal Year
Governance Committee
3
Audit Committee
7
Valuation Committee
1
Dividend Committee
0
Compensation.
The Trustees do not receive any retirement benefits or deferred compensation from the Trust or any other member of the Fund
Complex. The Trust's Officers are not compensated by the Trust for their services. Listed below is the Trustee compensation
that was paid by a Fund and the Fund Complex for the most recently completed fiscal year:
Trustee Compensation
Trustee
Aggregate Compensation From the Fund
Total Compensation from the Fund Complex
1
William R. Ebsworth
2
$1,875
$270,000
Jane A. Freeman
2
$1,875
$270,000
Peter G. Gordon
$2,305
$331,500
Isaiah Harris, Jr.
$1,944
$281,000
Judith M. Johnson
$2,149
$309,500
David F. Larcker
$1,955
$281,500
Olivia S. Mitchell
$1,955
$281,500
Timothy J. Penny
$2,024
$291,500
Michael S. Scofield
$1,955
$281,500
Beneficial Equity Ownership Information.
As of the calendar year ended December 31, 2015, the Trustees and Officers of the Trust, as a group, beneficially owned less
than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Fund and each class of each Fund. The table below shows for each Trustee, the dollar
value of the Funds' equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustee, and the aggregate value of all investments in equity
securities of the Fund Complex, stated as one of the following ranges: $0; $1-$10,000; $10,001- $50,000; $50,001-$100,000;
and over $100,000.
Independent Trustees
Trustee
Fund
Dollar Range of Investment in Fund
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities of Fund Complex
1
William R. Ebsworth
Asia Pacific Fund
$0
Over $100,000
Jane A. Freeman
Asia Pacific Fund
$0
Over $100,000
Peter G. Gordon
Asia Pacific Fund
$0
Over $100,000
Isaiah Harris, Jr.
Asia Pacific Fund
$0
Over $100,000
Judith M. Johnson
Asia Pacific Fund
$1 - $10,000
Over $100,000
David F. Larcker
Asia Pacific Fund
$0
Over $100,000
Olivia S. Mitchell
Asia Pacific Fund
$0
Over $100,000
Timothy J. Penny
Asia Pacific Fund
$0
Over $100,000
Michael S. Scofield
Asia Pacific Fund
$0
Over $100,000
Ownership of Securities of Certain Entities.
As of the calendar year ended December 31, 2015, none of the Independent Trustees and/or their immediate family members owned
securities of the manager, any sub-advisers, or the distributor, or any entity directly or indirectly controlling, controlled
by, or under common control with the manager, any sub-advisers, or the distributor.
Manager and Class-Level Administrator
Funds Management, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company and an affiliate of Wells Fargo Bank, is the
manager and class-level administrator for the Funds. Funds Management provides advisory and Fund-level administrative services
to the Funds under an investment management agreement (the "Management Agreement") and provides class-level administrative
services to the Funds under a class-level administration agreement (the "Class-Level Administration Agreement"). Under the
Management Agreement, Funds Management is responsible for, among other services, (i) implementing the investment objectives
and strategies of the Funds, (ii) supervising the applicable Sub-Adviser(s), (iii) providing Fund-level administrative services
in connection with the Funds' operations, (iv) developing and implementing procedures for monitoring compliance with regulatory
requirements and compliance with the Funds' investment objectives, policies and restrictions, and (v) providing any other
Fund-level administrative services reasonably necessary for the operation of the Funds other than those services that are
provided by the Funds' transfer and dividend disbursing agent, custodian, and fund accountant. Funds Management also furnishes
office space and certain facilities required for conducting the Funds' business together with ordinary clerical and bookkeeping
services.
Under the Class-Level Administration Agreement, Funds Management is responsible for, among other services, (i) coordinating,
supervising and paying the applicable transfer agent and various sub-transfer agents and omnibus account servicers and record-keepers,
(ii) coordinating the preparation and filing of registration statements, notices, shareholder reports and other information
materials, including prospectuses, proxies and other shareholder communications for a class, (iii) receiving and tabulating
class-specific shareholder votes, (iv) reviewing bills submitted to a Fund and, upon determining that a bill is appropriate,
allocating amounts to the appropriate classes thereof and instructing the Funds' custodian to pay such bills, and (v) assembling
and disseminating information concerning class performance, expenses, distributions and administration. Funds Management has
agreed to pay all of the Funds' fees and expenses for services provided by the Funds' transfer agent and various sub-transfer
agents and omnibus account servicers and record-keepers out of the fees it receives pursuant to the Class-Level Administration
Agreement.
As compensation for its services under the Management Agreement, Funds Management is entitled to receive a monthly fee at
the annual rates indicated below of each Fund's average daily net assets:
Fund
Fee
Asia Pacific Fund
First $500M
1.000%
Diversified International Fund
First $500M
0.900%
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
First $500M
1.150%
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
First $500M
1.150%
Global Opportunities Fund
First $500M
0.950%
International Equity Fund
First $500M
0.900%
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
First $500M
0.850%
Management Fees Paid
. Prior to July 1, 2015, Funds Management provided advisory services to the Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement
("Advisory Agreement"). The Management Agreement, which became effective on July 1, 2015, combines the terms of the Advisory
Agreement with the terms of the Funds' prior Amended and Restated Administration Agreement (the "Prior Administration Agreement")
applicable to Fund-level administrative services. For the most recent fiscal year, the amounts shown below reflect fees paid
to and waived by Funds Management under the Management Agreement beginning July 1, 2015, together with fees paid and waived
under the Advisory Agreement prior to this date. The table also shows the advisory fees paid pursuant to the Advisory Agreement
and the advisory fees waived by Funds Management for the prior two fiscal years.
Management Fees Paid
Fund/Fiscal Year or Period
Management Fees Paid
Management Fees Waived
October 31, 2015
Asia Pacific Fund
$
1,491,459
$
237,211
Diversified International Fund
$
364,794
$
414,051
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
$
44,336,214
$
716,732
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
$
1,148,536
$
365,325
Global Opportunities Fund
$
2,260,414
$
59,817
International Equity Fund
$
1,271,739
$
980,497
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$
1,275,543
$
155,960
October 31, 2014
Asia Pacific Fund
$
1,505,637
$
208,208
Diversified International Fund
$
449,307
$
324,703
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
$
49,909,515
$
3,388
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
$
481,582
$
292,153
Global Opportunities Fund
$
2,641,893
$
65,358
International Equity Fund
$
1,001,117
$
798,367
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$
1,354,821
$
143,744
October 31, 2013
Asia Pacific Fund
$
1,511,746
$
374,224
Diversified International Fund
$
269,778
$
404,619
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
$
37,120,017
$
5,981
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
$
0
$
178,894
Global Opportunities Fund
$
2,359,113
$
100,885
International Equity Fund
$
1,164,826
$
972,522
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$
1,227,227
$
162,293
For providing class-level administrative services to the Funds pursuant to the Class-Level Administration Agreement, including
paying the Funds' fees and expenses for services provided by the Funds' transfer agent and various sub-transfer agents and
omnibus account servicers and record-keepers, Funds Management is entitled to receive an annual fee at the rates indicated
below, as a percentage of the total net assets of each Class:
Class-Level Administrator Fee
Share Class
% of Average Daily Net Assets
Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class R
0.21%
Administrator Class and Institutional Class
0.13%
Class R6
0.03%
Administrative Service Fees Paid
. The Class-Level Administration Agreement became effective July 1, 2015. Prior to July 1, 2015, Funds Management provided
both Fund-level and class-level administrative services to the Funds pursuant to the Prior Administration Agreement. For the
most recent fiscal year, the amounts shown below reflect fees paid to and waived by Funds Management under the Class-Level
Administration Agreement beginning July 1, 2015, together with fees paid and waived under the Prior Administration Agreement
prior to this date. The table also shows the administrative services fees paid pursuant to the Prior Administration Agreement
and the administrative services fees waived by Funds Management for the prior two fiscal years.
Administration Service Fees Paid
Fund/Fiscal Year or Period
Administrative Service Fees Paid
Administrative Service Fees Waived
October 31, 2015
Asia Pacific Fund
$
582,579
$
0
Diversified International Fund
$
267,452
$
0
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
$
7,951,509
$
0
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
$
219,191
$
0
Global Opportunities Fund
$
641,568
$
0
International Equity Fund
$
533,098
$
0
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$
471,269
$
0
October 31, 2014
Asia Pacific Fund
$
632,818
$
0
Diversified International Fund
$
294,623
$
0
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
$
9,602,825
$
0
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
$
126,615
$
0
Global Opportunities Fund
$
837,392
$
0
International Equity Fund
$
521,777
$
0
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$
564,272
$
0
October 31, 2013
Asia Pacific Fund
$
664,173
$
0
Diversified International Fund
$
256,464
$
0
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
$
7,335,630
$
0
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
$
0
$
29,067
Global Opportunities Fund
$
770,656
$
0
International Equity Fund
$
580,189
$
0
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$
528,686
$
0
General.
Each Fund's Management Agreement will continue in effect provided the continuance is approved annually (i) by the holders
of a majority of the respective Fund's outstanding voting securities or by the Board and (ii) by a majority of the Trustees
who are not parties to the Management Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined under the 1940 Act) of any such party.
The Management Agreement may be terminated at any time by vote of the Board or by vote of a majority of a Fund's outstanding
voting securities, or by Funds Management on 60 days' written notice. It will terminate automatically if assigned.
For each Fund, the Class-Level Administration Agreement will continue in effect provided the continuance is approved annually
by the Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined under the 1940 Act) of any
party to the Class-Level Administration Agreement. The Class-Level Administration Agreement may be terminated on 60 days'
written notice by either party.
Conflicts of Interest
. Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company providing banking, insurance, investment, mortgage and
consumer financial services. The involvement of various subsidiaries of Wells Fargo & Company, including Funds Management,
in the management and operation of the Fund and in providing other services or managing other accounts gives rise to certain
actual and potential conflicts of interest.
For example, certain investments may be appropriate for a Fund and also for other clients advised by Funds Management and
its affiliates, and there may be market or regulatory limits on the amount of such investments, which may cause competition
for limited positions. Also, various clients and proprietary accounts of Funds Management and its affiliates may at times
take positions that are adverse to a Fund. Funds Management applies various policies to address these situations, but a Fund
may nonetheless incur losses or underperformance during periods when Wells Fargo & Company, its affiliates and their clients
achieve gains or outperformance.
Wells Fargo & Company may have interests in or provide services to portfolio companies or Fund shareholders or intermediaries
that may not be fully aligned with the interests of all investors. Funds Management and its affiliates serve in multiple roles,
including as manager and, for most Wells Fargo Funds, sub-adviser, as well as class-level administrator and principal underwriter.
These are all considerations of which an investor should be aware and which may cause conflicts that could disadvantage a
Fund. Funds Management has instituted business and compliance policies, procedures and disclosures that are designed to identify,
monitor and mitigate such conflicts of interest.
Sub-Advisers
Funds Management has engaged Artisan Partners Limited Partnership ("Artisan Partners"), LSV Asset Management ("LSV"), Metropolitan
West Capital Management, LLC ("MWCM") and Wells Capital Management Incorporated ("Wells Capital Management") to serve as subadvisers
to the Funds (each a "Sub-Adviser" and collectively, the "Sub-Advisers"). Subject to the direction of the Trust's Board and
the overall supervision and control of Funds Management and the Trust, the Sub-Advisers make recommendations regarding the
investment and reinvestment of the Funds' assets. The Sub-Advisers furnish to Funds Management periodic reports on the investment
activity and performance of the Funds. The Sub-Advisers also furnish such additional reports and information as Funds Management
and the Trust's Board and Officers may reasonably request. Funds Management may, from time to time and in its sole discretion,
allocate and reallocate services provided by and fees paid to MWCM or Wells Capital Management.
For providing investment sub-advisory services to the Funds, the Sub-Advisers are entitled to receive monthly fees at the
annual rates indicated below of each Fund's average daily net assets. These fees may be paid by Funds Management or directly
by the Funds. If a sub-advisory fee is paid directly by a Fund, the compensation paid to Funds Management for advisory fees
will be reduced accordingly.
Fund
Sub-Adviser
Fee
Asia Pacific Fund
Wells Capital Management
First $100M
0.650%
Next $100M
0.550%
Over $200M
0.450%
Diversified International Fund
Artisan Partners
First $50M
0.800%
Next $200M
0.600%
Over $250M
0.500%
LSV
First $150M
0.350%
Next $350M
0.400%
Next $250M
0.350%
Next $250M
0.325%
Over $1B
0.300%
Wells Capital Management
First $200M
0.450%
Over $200M
0.400%
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Wells Capital Management
First $100M
0.650%
Next $100M
0.550%
Over $200M
0.450%
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Wells Capital Management
First $100M
0.650%
Next $100M
0.550%
Over $200M
0.450%
Global Opportunities Fund
Wells Capital Management
First $100M
0.550%
Next $100M
0.500%
Over $200M
0.400%
International Equity Fund
Wells Capital Management
First $200M
0.450%
Over $200M
0.400%
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
MWCM
First $250M
0.350%
Next $750M
0.275%
Over $1B
0.200%
Unaffiliated Sub-Advisers.
The following unaffiliated sub-adviser(s) received the aggregate dollar amounts shown below for the periods indicated:
Portfolio Managers
The following information supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the section in each Prospectus entitled "The
Sub-Adviser and Portfolio Managers." The information in this section is provided as of October 31, 2015 for the Funds managed
by the portfolio managers listed below (each, a "Portfolio Manager" and together, the "Portfolio Managers"). The Portfolio
Managers manage the investment activities of the Funds on a day-to-day basis as follows.
Fund
Sub-Adviser
Portfolio Managers
Asia Pacific Fund
Wells Capital Management
Anthony L.T. Cragg
Diversified International Fund
Artisan Partners
Mark L. Yockey, CFA
LSV
Josef Lakonishok
Wells Capital Management
Dale Winner, CFA
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Wells Capital Management
Derrick Irwin, CFA
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Wells Capital Management
Anthony L.T. Cragg
Global Opportunities Fund
Wells Capital Management
Oleg Makhorine
International Equity Fund
Wells Capital Management
Dale Winner, CFA
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
MWCM
Jean-Baptiste Nadal, CFA
Management of Other Accounts
.
The following table(s) provide information relating to other accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager(s). The table(s) do
not include the Funds or any personal brokerage accounts of the Portfolio Manager(s) and their families.
Artisan Partners
Portfolio Manager
Mark L. Yockey, CFA
Registered Investment Companies
Number of Accounts
9
Total Assets Managed
$22.14B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Number of Accounts
5
Total Assets Managed
$995M
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Accounts
Number of Accounts
39
Total Assets Managed
$9.46B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
2
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$477M
LSV
Portfolio Manager
Josef Lakonishok
Registered Investment Companies
Number of Accounts
28
Total Assets Managed
$13.80B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Number of Accounts
51
Total Assets Managed
$16.14B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
4
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$489.47M
Other Accounts
Number of Accounts
423
Total Assets Managed
$56.48B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
42
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$9.32B
Puneet Mansharamani, CFA
Registered Investment Companies
Number of Accounts
28
Total Assets Managed
$13.80B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Number of Accounts
51
Total Assets Managed
$16.14B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
4
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$489.47M
Other Accounts
Number of Accounts
423
Total Assets Managed
$56.48B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
42
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$9.32B
Menno Vermeulen, CFA
Registered Investment Companies
Number of Accounts
28
Total Assets Managed
$13.80B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Number of Accounts
51
Total Assets Managed
$16.41B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
4
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$489.47M
Other Accounts
Number of Accounts
423
Total Assets Managed
$56.48B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
42
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$9.32B
MWCM
Portfolio Manager
Jean-Baptiste Nadal, CFA
Registered Investment Companies
Number of Accounts
2
Total Assets Managed
$1.20B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Number of Accounts
9
Total Assets Managed
$2.37B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Accounts
Number of Accounts
209
Total Assets Managed
$7.60B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
4
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$787M
Jeffrey Peck
Registered Investment Companies
Number of Accounts
2
Total Assets Managed
$1.20B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Number of Accounts
9
Total Assets Managed
$2.37B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Accounts
Number of Accounts
206
Total Assets Managed
$7.60B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
4
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$787M
Wells Capital Management
Portfolio Manager
Anthony L.T. Cragg
Registered Investment Companies
Number of Accounts
0
Total Assets Managed
$0
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Number of Accounts
10
Total Assets Managed
$545M
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Accounts
Number of Accounts
0
Total Assets Managed
$0
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Derrick Irwin, CFA
Registered Investment Companies
Number of Accounts
0
Total Assets Managed
$0
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Number of Accounts
9
Total Assets Managed
$2.11B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Accounts
Number of Accounts
15
Total Assets Managed
$2.70B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
2
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$395M
Oleg Makhorine
Registered Investment Companies
Number of Accounts
2
Total Assets Managed
$285M
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Number of Accounts
1
Total Assets Managed
$2M
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Accounts
Number of Accounts
1
Total Assets Managed
$66M
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Richard Peck, CFA
Registered Investment Companies
Number of Accounts
0
Total Assets Managed
$0
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Number of Accounts
9
Total Assets Managed
$2.11B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Accounts
Number of Accounts
15
Total Assets Managed
$2.70B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
2
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$395M
Robert Rifkin, CFA
Registered Investment Companies
Number of Accounts
2
Total Assets Managed
$905M
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Number of Accounts
0
Total Assets Managed
$0
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Accounts
Number of Accounts
2
Total Assets Managed
$50M
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Alison Shimada
Registered Investment Companies
Number of Accounts
0
Total Assets Managed
$0
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Number of Accounts
8
Total Assets Managed
$467M
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Accounts
Number of Accounts
0
Total Assets Managed
$0
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
James M. Tringas, CFA
Registered Investment Companies
Number of Accounts
4
Total Assets Managed
$3.81B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Number of Accounts
0
Total Assets Managed
$0
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Accounts
Number of Accounts
7
Total Assets Managed
$217M
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Bryant VanCronkhite, CFA, CPA
Registered Investment Companies
Number of Accounts
4
Total Assets Managed
$3.81B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Pooled Investments
Number of Accounts
0
Total Assets Managed
$0
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Accounts
Number of Accounts
7
Total Assets Managed
$217M
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Dale Winner, CFA
Registered Investment Companies
Number of Accounts
5
Total Assets Managed
$361M
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Number of Accounts
2
Total Assets Managed
$29M
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
2
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$29M
Other Accounts
Number of Accounts
1
Total Assets Managed
$81M
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
1
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$81M
Yi (Jerry) Zhang, PhD, CFA
Registered Investment Companies
Number of Accounts
0
Total Assets Managed
$0
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
Number of Accounts
9
Total Assets Managed
$2.11B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
0
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$0
Other Accounts
Number of Accounts
15
Total Assets Managed
$2.70B
Number of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
2
Assets of Accounts Subject to Performance Fee
$395M
Material Conflicts of Interest
.
The Portfolio Managers face inherent conflicts of interest in their day-to-day management of the Funds and other accounts
because the Funds may have different investment objectives, strategies and risk profiles than the other accounts managed by
the Portfolio Managers. For instance, to the extent that the Portfolio Managers manage accounts with different investment
strategies than the Funds, they may from time to time be inclined to purchase securities, including initial public offerings,
for one account but not for a Fund. Additionally, some of the accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers may have different
fee structures, including performance fees, which are or have the potential to be higher or lower, in some cases significantly
higher or lower, than the fees paid by the Funds. The differences in fee structures may provide an incentive to the Portfolio
Managers to allocate more favorable trades to the higher-paying accounts.
To minimize the effects of these inherent conflicts of interest, the Sub-Advisers have adopted and implemented policies and
procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, that they believe address the potential conflicts
associated with managing portfolios for multiple clients and are designed to ensure that all clients are treated fairly and
equitably. Accordingly, security block purchases are allocated to all accounts with similar objectives in a fair and equitable
manner. Furthermore, the Sub-Advisers have adopted a Code of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under
the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the "Advisers Act") to address potential conflicts associated with managing the Funds
and any personal accounts the Portfolio Managers may maintain.
Artisan Partners.
Artisan Partners' non-U.S. growth Portfolio Manager manages various types of portfolios for multiple clients within four
investment strategies (non-U.S. growth, non-U.S. small-cap growth, global equity and global small-cap growth). These accounts
may include accounts for registered investment companies, separate accounts (assets managed on behalf of institutions such
as pension funds, insurance companies and foundations) and other private pooled investment vehicles. There are a number of
ways in which the interests of Artisan Partners, its portfolio managers and its other personnel might conflict with the interests
of the Fund and its shareholders, including:
Soft Dollars.
As an investment adviser, Artisan Partners has an obligation to seek best execution for clients - that is, execution of trades
in a manner intended, considering the circumstances, to secure that combination of net price and execution that will maximize
the value of Artisan Partners' investment decisions for the benefit of its clients. Subject to Artisan Partners' duty to seek
best execution, selection of broker-dealers may be affected by Artisan Partners' receipt of research services.
Artisan Partners may use client commissions to pay for brokerage and research services if Artisan Partners determines that
such items meet the criteria outlined in its commission management policy and do not impair its duty to seek best execution.
Artisan Partners does not consider, in selecting broker-dealers to be used in effecting securities transactions for a Fund,
whether Artisan Partners or its affiliates received client referrals from the broker-dealer.
The research products and services received by Artisan Partners and obtained through the use of client commission dollars
include proprietary research (in which the research products or services are prepared and provided by the executing broker-dealer)
and third-party research from independent research providers and broker-dealers through commission sharing arrangements (in
which the executing broker-dealer makes a payment on Artisan Partners' behalf and at Artisan Partners' direction to a third-party
who has independently prepared the research products or services).
When Artisan Partners receive the items described above in return for client brokerage, it relieves Artisan Partners of the
expense it would otherwise bear of paying for those items with its own funds, which may provide an incentive to select a particular
broker-dealer or electronic communication network ("ECN") that will provide it with brokerage or research services. However,
Artisan Partners chooses those broker-dealers it believes are best able to provide the best combination of net price and execution
in each transaction.
Artisan Partners uses client brokerage from accounts managed by an investment team for research used by that team. Because
virtually all orders are aggregated across all accounts in a strategy for execution by a single broker, all participating
accounts, including the Fund, generally will pay the same commission rate for trades and will share pro rata in the costs
for the research, except for certain types of clients that are subject to legal restrictions on the use of their commissions
to pay for third-party research products and services (in which case Artisan Partners pays for such products and services
from its own funds).
Artisan Partners has adopted written procedures with respect to soft dollars, which are included in Artisan Partners' compliance
procedures.
Proprietary and Personal Investments and Code of Ethics.
Artisan Partners' proprietary investments and personal investments by Artisan Partners' personnel ("proprietary accounts")
also may present potential conflicts of interest with Artisan Partners' clients, including the Fund. Artisan Partners from
time to time uses a proprietary account to evaluate the viability of an investment strategy or bridge what would otherwise
be a gap in a performance track record. Proprietary accounts, that exist from time to time are, in general, treated like client
accounts for purposes of allocation of investment opportunities. To the extent there is overlap between the investments of
one or more proprietary accounts and the accounts of Artisan Partners' clients, all portfolio transactions are aggregated
and allocated pro rata among participating accounts.
Personal transactions are subject to Artisan Partners' Code of Ethics, which generally provides that personnel of Artisan
Partners may not take personal advantage of any information that they may have concerning Artisan Partners' current investment
program. The Code of Ethics requires pre-approval of most personal securities transactions believed to present potentially
meaningful risk of conflict of interest (including acquisitions of securities as part of an initial public offering or private
placement). The Code of Ethics strongly discourages personnel from excessive short-term trading of securities and provides
that Artisan Partners' compliance team may deny pre-approval for transactions that would constitue short-term trading. The
purchase and sale, or sale and purchase, of the same (or equivalent) securities within 30 days are generally considered short-term
trading.
In addition, the Code of Ethics requires reports of personal securities transactions (which generally are in the form of duplicate
confirmations and brokerage account statements) to be filed with Artisan Partners' compliance department quarterly or more
frequently. Those reports are reviewed for conflicts, or potential conflicts, with client transactions. The Code of Ethics
prohibits the purchase and sale of securities to and from client accounts. The Code of Ethics also contains policies designed
to prevent the misuse of material, non-public information and to protect the confidential information of Artisan Partners'
clients.
Fees.
Like the fees Artisan Partners receives from the Fund, the fees Artisan Partners receives as compensation from other client
accounts are typically calculated as a percentage of the client's assets under management. However, Artisan Partners may,
under certain circumstances, negotiate performance-based fee arrangements. Performance-based fee arrangements are negotiated
with clients on a case-by-case basis and may include, among other types of arrangements, fulcrum fee arrangements (in which
the fee is based on Artisan Partners' actual performance against an agreed upon benchmark, and may be adjusted upwards or
downwards from a base fee), a fee based upon appreciation of assets under management for the client or a fee based upon the
amount of gain in an account. As of October 31, 2015, Artisan Partners had four separate accounts with performance-based fees
encompassing all of its investment strategies. One of the four separate accounts is in Artisan Partners' non-U.S. growth strategy
and one is in Artisan Partners' global equity strategy. Although Artisan Partners may have an incentive to manage the assets
of accounts with performance-based fees differently from its other accounts, Artisan Partners believes that potential conflict
is effectively controlled by Artisan Partners' procedures to manage all clients within a particular strategy similarly regardless
of fee structure.
LSV.
In the case of LSV, the Portfolio Managers may be subject to the potential conflicts of interest described below.
MWCM.
MWCM portfolio managers face inherent conflicts of interest in their day-to-day management of funds and other accounts because
the funds may have different investment objectives, strategies and risk profiles than the other accounts managed by the portfolio
managers. For instance, to the extent that the portfolio managers manage accounts with different investment strategies than
the funds, they may from time to time be inclined to purchase securities, including initial public offerings, for one account
but not for a fund. Additionally, some of the accounts managed by the portfolio managers may have different fee structures,
including performance fees, which are or have the potential to be higher or lower, in some cases significantly higher or lower,
than the fees paid by the funds. The differences in fee structures may provide an incentive to the portfolio managers to allocate
more favorable trades to the higher-paying accounts.
Wells Capital Management.
Wells Capital Management's Portfolio Managers often provide investment management for separate accounts advised in the same
or similar investment style as that provided to mutual funds. While management of multiple accounts could potentially lead
to conflicts of interest over various issues such as trade allocation, fee disparities and research acquisition, Wells Capital
Management has implemented policies and procedures for the express purpose of ensuring that clients are treated fairly and
that potential conflicts of interest are minimized.
Compensation
.
The Portfolio Managers were compensated by their employing Sub-Adviser from the fees Funds Management paid the Sub-Adviser
using the following compensation structure:
Artisan Partners.
Each Artisan Partners portfolio manager is compensated through a fixed base salary or similar payment and a subjectively
determined incentive bonus or payment that is a portion of a bonus pool, the aggregate amount of which is tied to fee revenues
generated by all accounts included within the manager's investment strategies, including the Fund. Portfolio managers are
not compensated based on the performance of accounts, except to the extent that positive account performance results in increased
investment management fees earned by Artisan Partners based on assets under management. Artisan Partners bases incentive bonuses
on revenues earned with respect to the investment strategy, rather than on investment performance, because Artisan Partners
believes this method aligns portfolio managers' interests more closely with the long-term interests of clients and Fund shareholders.
Artisan Partners portfolio managers also participate in group life, health, medical reimbursement, and retirement plans that
are generally available to all of Artisan Partners' salaried associates. All of Artisan Partners' portfolio managers, including
the Portfolio Manager, have or are expected to have over a reasonable time, equity interests in the firm.
LSV.
The Portfolio Managers at LSV receive a salary and discretionary bonus that is not linked to any specific factors such as
performance or asset level. As a partner of LSV, each of the Portfolio Managers receives a portion of the overall profits
of the firm as part of their ownership interests.
MWCM.
Compensation for investment professionals consists of a base salary and revenue-sharing bonus. A material portion of each
professional's annual compensation is in the form of a bonus tied to the Pelican Value Equity team's revenues, results relative
to clients' benchmarks, overall client satisfaction and individual contribution.
MWCM's compensation system is not determined on an account-specific basis. Rather, bonuses are tied to overall the Pelican
Value Equity team's revenues and composite performance relative to the benchmark. To reinforce long-term focus, performance
is measured over longer time periods (typically three to five years). Portfolio managers and analysts are encouraged to maintain
a long-term focus and are not compensated for the number of their recommendations that are purchased in the portfolio. Rather,
their bonuses are tied to overall strategy performance.
Long-term retention agreements have been put in place for eligible members of MWCM's investment team. These agreements augment
those incentive opportunities already in place.
Wells Capital Management
. The compensation structure for Wells Capital Management's Portfolio Managers includes a competitive fixed base salary plus
variable incentives, payable annually and over a longer term period. Wells Capital Management participates in third party
investment management compensation surveys in order to provide Wells Capital Management with market-based compensation information
to help support individual pay decisions. In addition to investment management compensations surveys, Wells Capital Management
also considers prior professional experience, tenure, seniority and a Portfolio Manager's team size, scope and assets under
management when determining their fixed base salary. Incentive bonuses are typically tied to relative, pre-tax investment
performance of the Funds or other accounts under his or her management within acceptable risk parameters. Relative investment
performance is generally evaluated for 1, 3, and 5 year performance results, with a predominant weighting on the 3- and 5-
year time periods, versus the relevant benchmarks and/or peer groups consistent with the investment style. In the case of
each Fund, the benchmark(s) against which the performance of the Fund's portfolio may be compared for these purposes generally
are indicated in the "Performance" sections of the Prospectuses. In addition, Portfolio Managers, who meet the eligibility
requirements, may participate in Wells Fargo's 401(k) plan that features a limited matching contribution. Eligibility for
and participation in this plan is on the same basis for all employees.
In addition, Portfolio Managers, who meet the eligibility requirements, may participate in Wells Fargo's 401(k) plan that
features a limited matching contribution. Eligibility for and participation in this plan is on the same basis for all employees.
Beneficial Ownership in the Funds.
The following table shows for each Portfolio Manager the dollar value of Fund equity securities beneficially owned by the
Portfolio Manager, stated as one of the following ranges:
$0;
Portfolio Manager Fund Holdings
Sub-Adviser / Portfolio Manager
Fund
Dollar Range of Holdings in Fund
Artisan Partners
Mark L. Yockey, CFA
Diversified International Fund
$0
LSV
Josef Lakonishok
Diversified International Fund
$0
Puneet Mansharamani, CFA
Diversified International Fund
$0
Menno Vermeulen, CFA
Diversified International Fund
$0
MWCM
Jean-Baptiste Nadal, CFA
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$0
Jeffrey Peck
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$1-$10,000
Wells Capital Management
Anthony L.T. Cragg
Asia Pacific Fund
$50,001-$100,000
Derrick Irwin, CFA
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
$50,001-$100,000
Oleg Makhornine
Global Opportunities Fund
$0
Richard Peck, CFA
Emering Markets Equity Fund
$100,001-$500,000
Robert Rifkin, CFA
Global Opportunities Fund
$0
Alison Shimada
Asia Pacific Fund
$10,001-$50,000
James M. Tringas, CFA, CPA
Global Opportunities Fund
$10,001-$50,000
Bryant VanCronkhite, CFA, CPA
Global Opportunities Fund
$0
Dale Winner, CFA
Diversified International Fund
$0
Yi (Jerry) Zhang, PhD, CFA
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
$50,001-$100,000
DISTRIBUTOR
Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of Funds Management located at 525 Market Street, San
Francisco, California 94105, serves as the distributor to the Funds.
Each Fund has adopted a distribution plan (the "12b-1 Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the "Rule") for their
Class B, Class C and Class R shares, as applicable. The 12b-1 Plan was adopted by the Board, including a majority of the Trustees
who were not "interested persons" (as defined under the 1940 Act) of the Fund and who had no direct or indirect financial
interest in the operation of the 12b-1 Plan or in any agreement related to the 12b-1 Plan (the "Non-Interested Trustees").
Under the 12b-1 Plan and pursuant to the related Distribution Agreement, the Class B, Class C and Class R shares of the Funds
pay the Distributor, on a monthly basis, an annual fee of up to 0.75%, 0.75% and 0.25%, respectively, of the average daily
net assets attributable to the relevant class. The Distributor may retain any portion of the total distribution fee to compensate
it for distribution-related services provided by it or to reimburse it for other distribution-related expenses. The Distributor's
distribution-related revenues from the 12b-1 Plan may be more or less than distribution-related expenses incurred during the
period.
The Distributor may enter into dealer agreements with one or more broker-dealers under which such broker-dealers may receive
compensation for distribution-related services from the Distributor, including, but not limited to, payments to such broker-dealers
based on the average daily net assets of Fund shares attributable to their customers.
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, the Funds paid the Distributor the following fees for distribution-related services.
Distribution Fees
Fund
Total Distribution Fee Paid by Fund
Compensation Paid to Distributor
Compensation to Broker/Dealers
Other
1
Asia Pacific Fund
Class C
$23,072
8,667
$14,405
$0
Diversified International Fund
Class B
$296
$0
$0
$296
Class C
$17,427
$5,961
$11,466
$0
Class R
$6
$6
$0
$0
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Class B
$21,409
$0
$0
$21,409
Class C
$816,453
$31,578
$784,875
$0
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Class C
$64,534
$37,611
$26,923
$0
Class R
$6
$6
$0
$0
Global Opportunities Fund
Class B
$59,249
$0
$0
$59,249
Class C
$295,134
$46,336
$248,798
$0
International Equity Fund
Class B
$25,393
($185)
$185
$25,393
Class C
$152,249
$38,880
$113,369
$0
Class R
$4,689
$20
$4,669
$0
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
Class C
$72,280
$7,691
$64,589
$0
General
. The 12b-1 Plan and Distribution Agreement will continue in effect from year to year if such continuance is approved at least
annually by vote of a majority of both the Trustees and the Non-Interested Trustees. The Distribution Agreement will terminate
automatically if assigned, and may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, on not less than 60 days' written
notice, by the Trust's Board, by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by the Distributor.
The 12b-1 Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amounts payable thereunder by the relevant class of a Fund without
approval by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such class, and no material amendment to the 12b-1
Plan shall be made unless approved by vote of a majority of both the Trustees and Non-Interested Trustees. The 12b-1 Plan
provides that, if and to the extent any shareholder servicing payments are deemed to be payments for the financing of any
activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares, such payments are deemed to have been approved under the
12b-1 Plan.
Servicing Agent
Each Fund has adopted a Shareholder Servicing Plan (the "Servicing Plan") for its Class A, Class B, Class C, Administrator
Class and Class R shares, as applicable, and has entered into a related Shareholder Servicing Agreement with the Distributor
and Funds Management. Under this agreement, the Distributor and Funds Management are authorized to provide or engage third
parties to provide, pursuant to an Administrative and Shareholder Services Agreements, shareholder support services. For providing
these services, the Distributor, Funds Management and third parties are entitled to an annual fee from the applicable class
of the Fund of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Class A, Class B, Class C, Administrator Class and Class
R shares, owned of record or beneficially by their customers.
General
. The Servicing Plan will continue in effect from year to year if such continuance is approved by vote of a majority of both
the Trustees and the Non-Interested Trustees. No material amendment to the Servicing Plan may be made except by such vote.
Custodian and Fund Accountant
State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), located at State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street Boston,
Massachusetts 02111, acts as Custodian and fund accountant for the Funds. As Custodian, State Street, among other things,
maintains a custody account or accounts in the name of each Fund, handles the receipt and delivery of securities, selects
and monitors foreign sub-custodians as the Fund's global custody manager, determines income and collects interest on each
Fund's investments and maintains certain books and records. As fund accountant, State Street is responsible for calculating
each Fund's daily net asset value per share and for maintaining its portfolio and general accounting records. For its services,
State Street is entitled to receive certain transaction fees, asset-based fees and out-of-pocket costs.
Transfer and Distribution Disbursing Agent
Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. ("BFDS"), located at Two Thousand Crown Colony Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169, acts
as transfer and distribution disbursing agent for the Funds. For providing such services, BFDS is entitled to receive fees
from the Administrator.
Underwriting Commissions
The Distributor serves as the principal underwriter distributing securities of the Funds on a continuous basis.
For the fiscal periods listed below, the aggregate amounts of underwriting commissions paid to and retained by the Distributor
are as follows:
Underwriting Commissions
Fund/Fiscal Year End
Aggregate Total Underwriting Commissions
Underwriting Commissions Retained
October 31, 2015
Asia Pacific Fund
$17,111
$17,111
Diversified International Fund
$3,887
$3,756
Emerging Market Equity Fund
$14,803
$14,522
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
$24,330
$24,330
Global Opportunities Fund
$5,004
$4,248
International Equity Fund
$46,199
$45,764
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$3,167
$3,167
October 31, 2014
Asia Pacific Fund
$3,992
$3,992
Diversified International Fund
$5,066
$5,066
Emerging Market Equity Fund
$94,663
$92,283
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
$21,795
$21,795
Global Opportunities Fund
$9,975
$9,086
International Equity Fund
$14,381
$13,381
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$9,918
$9,918
October 31, 2013
Asia Pacific Fund
$5,443
$5,443
Diversified International Fund
$2,252
$2,242
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
$136,370
$124,493
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
$4,385
$4,385
Global Opportunities Fund
$53,069
$37,425
International Equity Fund
$22,029
$12,677
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$7,257
$7,257
Code of Ethics
The Fund Complex, Funds Management, the Distributor and the Sub-Advisers each has adopted a code of ethics which contains
policies on personal securities transactions by "access persons" as defined in each of the codes. These policies comply with
Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act, as applicable. Each code of ethics, among other things,
permits access persons to invest in certain securities, subject to various restrictions and requirements. To facilitate enforcement,
the codes of ethics generally require that an access person submit reports to a designated compliance person regarding personal
securities transactions. The codes of ethics for the Fund Complex, Funds Management, the Distributor and the Sub-Advisers
are on public file with, and are available from, the SEC.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
A Fund's NAV is the value of a single share. The NAV is calculated as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock
Exchange ("NYSE") (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open, although a Fund may deviate from this
calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances. The NAV is calculated separately for each class of shares of a
multiple-class Fund. The most recent NAV for each class of a Fund is available at wellsfargofunds.com. To calculate the NAV
of a Fund's shares, the Fund's assets are valued and totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the balance, called net assets,
is divided by the number of shares outstanding. The price at which a purchase or redemption request is processed is based
on the next NAV calculated after the request is received in good order. Generally, NAV is not calculated, and purchase and
redemption requests are not processed, on days that the NYSE is closed for trading; however under unusual or unexpected circumstances
a Fund may elect to remain open even on days that the NYSE is closed or closes early. To the extent that a Fund's assets are
traded in various markets on days when the Fund is closed, the value of the Fund's assets may be affected on days when you
are unable to buy or sell Fund shares. Conversely, trading in some of a Fund's assets may not occur on days when the Fund
is open.
With respect to any portion of a Fund's assets that may be invested in other mutual funds, the value of the Fund's shares
is based on the NAV of the shares of the other mutual funds in which the Fund invests. The valuation methods used by mutual
funds in pricing their shares, including the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of
using fair value pricing, are included in the Prospectuses of such funds. To the extent a Fund invests a portion of its assets
in non-registered investment vehicles, the Fund's interests in the non-registered vehicles are fair valued at NAV.
With respect to a Fund's assets invested directly in securities, the Fund's investments are generally valued at current market
prices. Equity securities, options and futures are generally valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last reported
sales price on the primary exchange or market on which they are listed (closing price). Equity securities that are not traded
primarily on an exchange are generally valued at the quoted bid price obtained from a broker-dealer.
Debt securities are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing service or, if a reliable price is
not available, the quoted bid price from an independent broker-dealer.
We are required to depart from these general valuation methods and use fair value pricing methods to determine the values
of certain investments if we believe that the closing price or the quoted bid price of a security, including a security that
trades primarily on a foreign exchange, does not accurately reflect its current market value at the time as of which a Fund
calculates its NAV. The closing price or the quoted bid price of a security may not reflect its current market value if, among
other things, a significant event occurs after the closing price or quoted bid price but before the time as of which a Fund
calculates its NAV that materially affects the value of the security. We use various criteria, including a systemic evaluation
of U.S. market moves after the close of foreign markets, in deciding whether a foreign security's market price is still reliable
and, if not, what fair market value to assign to the security. In addition, we use fair value pricing to determine the value
of investments in securities and other assets, including illiquid securities, for which current market quotations or evaluated
prices from a pricing service or broker-dealer are not readily available.
The fair value of a Fund's securities and other assets is determined in good faith pursuant to policies and procedures adopted
by the Fund's Board of Trustees. In light of the judgment involved in making fair value decisions, there can be no assurance
that a fair value assigned to a particular security is accurate or that it reflects the price that the Fund could obtain for
such security if it were to sell the security at the time as of which fair value pricing is determined. Such fair value pricing
may result in NAVs that are higher or lower than NAVs based on the closing price or quoted bid price. See the Statement of
Additional Information for additional details regarding the determination of NAVs.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
Payment for shares may, in the discretion of the Manager, be made in the form of securities that are permissible investments
for the Fund. For further information about this form of payment, please contact the Distributor. In connection with an in-kind
securities payment, the Funds will require, among other things, that the securities be valued on the day of purchase in accordance
with the pricing methods used by a Fund and that such Fund receives satisfactory assurances that (i) it will have good and
marketable title to the securities received by it; (ii) that the securities are in proper form for transfer to the Fund; and
(iii) adequate information will be provided concerning the basis and other matters relating to the securities.
Each Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase orders, and under the 1940 Act, may suspend the right of redemption or
postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend
and holiday closings), or during which trading is restricted, or during which, as determined by SEC rule, regulation or order,
an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for
such periods as the SEC may permit. The Fund may also redeem shares involuntarily or make payment for redemption in securities
or other property if it appears appropriate to do so in light of the Fund's responsibilities under the 1940 Act. In addition,
the Fund may redeem shares involuntarily to reimburse the Fund for any losses sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder
to make full payment for shares purchased or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a
shareholder which is applicable to shares of the Fund as provided from time to time in the Prospectuses.
Amount of Purchase
Front-End Sales Charge as %
Front-End Sales Charge as %
Commission Paid to Intermediary As % of Public Offering Price
Less than $50,000
5.75%
6.10%
5.00%
$50,000 but less than $100,000
4.75%
4.99%
4.00%
$100,000 but less than $250,000
3.75%
3.90%
3.00%
$250,000 but less than $500,000
2.75%
2.83%
2.25%
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000
2.00%
2.04%
1.75%
$1,000,000 and over
0.00%
1
0.00%
1.00%
2
Computation of Class A Offering Price.
Class A shares are sold at their NAV plus a sales charge. Below is an example of the method of computing the offering price
of Class A shares of each Fund. The example assumes a purchase of Class A shares of each Fund aggregating less than $50,000
based upon the NAV of each Fund's Class A shares as of its most recent fiscal year end.
Computation of Class A Offering Price
Fund
Net Asset Value Per Share
Sales Charge Per Share
1
Offering Price Per Share
Asia Pacific
$11.92
5.75%
$12.65
Diversified International
$11.65
5.75%
$12.36
Emerging Markets Equity
$18.09
5.75%
$19.19
Emerging Markets Equity Income
$9.97
5.75%
$10.58
Global Opportunities
$37.23
5.75%
$39.50
International Equity
$11.53
5.75%
$12.23
Intrinsic World Equity
$22.82
5.75%
$24.21
Online Purchases and Redemptions for Existing Wells Fargo Funds Account Holders
. All shareholders with an existing Wells Fargo Funds account may purchase additional shares of funds or classes of funds
within the Wells Fargo Fund family of funds that they already own and redeem existing shares online. For purchases, such account
holders must have a bank account linked to their Wells Fargo Funds account. Redemptions may be deposited into a linked bank
account or mailed via check to the shareholder's address of record. Online account access is available for institutional clients.
Shareholders should contact Investor Services at
1-800-222-8222
or log on at wellsfargofunds.com for further details. Shareholders who hold their shares in a brokerage account should contact
their selling agent.
Extraordinary Circumstances Affecting Redemptions
. Under the extraordinary circumstances discussed under Section 22(e) under the 1940 Act, we may suspend the right of redemption
or postpone the date of payment of a redemption for longer than seven days for each Fund. Generally, those extraordinary circumstances
are when: (i) the NYSE is closed or trading thereon is restricted; (ii) an emergency exists which makes the disposal by a
Fund of securities it owns, or the fair determination of the value of the Fund's net assets not reasonable or practical; or
(iii) the SEC, by order, permits the suspension of the right of redemption for the protection of shareholders.
Purchases and Redemptions Through Brokers and/or Their Affiliates
. A broker may charge transaction fees on the purchase and/or sale of Fund shares in addition to those fees described in the
Prospectuses in the Summary of Expenses. The Trust has authorized one or more brokers to receive on its behalf purchase and
redemption orders, and such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders
on the Trust's behalf. The Trust will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order for Fund shares when an authorized
broker or, if applicable, a broker's authorized designee, receives the order, and such orders will be priced at the Fund's
NAV next calculated after they are received by the authorized broker or the broker's designee.
Reduced Sales Charges for Former C&B Portfolio Shareholders
. Shareholders who purchased shares of the C&B Portfolios directly from the C&B Portfolios, and who became Wells Fargo Fund
shareholders in the reorganization between the Advisors' Inner Circle Fund and the Trust effective July 26, 2004 may purchase
Class A shares of any Wells Fargo Fund and any unnamed shares of WealthBuilder Portfolios at NAV. However, beginning on July
1, 2013, this privilege will only be available to those former C&B Portfolio shareholders whose shares are held directly with
the Fund. Please see your account representative for details.
Reduced Sales Charges for Former Montgomery Fund Shareholders
. Former Montgomery Fund Class P and Class R shareholders who purchased their shares directly from the Montgomery Funds and
became Wells Fargo Fund shareholders in the reorganization, may purchase Class A shares of any Wells Fargo Fund, and any unnamed
shares of WealthBuilder Portfolios at NAV. However, beginning on July 1, 2013, this privilege will only be available to those
former Montgomery Fund shareholders whose shares are held directly with the Fund. Shareholders who did not purchase such shares
directly from the Montgomery Funds may purchase additional shares in the respective acquiring Wells Fargo Fund at NAV. However,
beginning on July 1, 2013, this privilege will only be available to those former Montgomery Fund shareholders whose shares
are held directly with the Fund.
Reduced Sales Charges for Certain Former Advisor Class Shareholders.
Investors who held Advisor Class shares of a Wells Fargo Fund at the close of business on June 20, 2008 (the "Eligibility
Time"), so long as the following conditions are met: (1) any purchases at NAV are limited to Class A shares of the same Fund
in which the investor held Advisor Class shares at the Eligibility Time; (2) share purchases are made in the same account
through which the investor held Advisor Class shares at the Eligibility Time; (3) the owner of the account remains the same
as the account owner at the Eligibility Time; and (4) following the Eligibility Time, the account maintains a positive account
balance at some time during a period of at least six months in length. Investors who held Advisor Class shares at the Eligibility
Time are also eligible to exchange their Class A shares for Class A shares of another Wells Fargo Fund without imposition
of any Class A sales charges and would be eligible to make additional purchases of Class A shares of such other Fund at NAV
in the account holding the shares received in exchange. The eligibility of such investors that hold Fund shares through an
account maintained by a financial institution is also subject to the following additional limitation. In the event that such
an investor's relationship with and/or the services such investor receives from the financial institution subsequently change,
such investor shall thereafter no longer be eligible to purchase Class A shares at NAV. Please consult with your financial
representative for further details.
Reduced Sales Charges for Certain Former Evergreen Fund Shareholders
. Former Evergreen Class IS shareholders who received Class A shares of a Fund as a result of a reorganization can continue
to purchase Class A shares of that Fund and any other Wells Fargo Fund purchased subsequently by exchange at NAV, without
paying the customary sales load, after which subsequent purchases of shares of the subsequent Fund may also be made at NAV.
However, beginning on July 31, 2012, this privilege will only be available to those former Evergreen Fund shareholders whose
shares are held directly with the Fund.
Former Evergreen Class R shareholders who received Class A shares of a Fund as a result of a reorganization can continue to
purchase Class A shares of that Fund and any other Wells Fargo Fund purchased subsequently by exchange at NAV, without paying
the customary sales load, after which subsequent purchases of shares of the subsequent Fund may also be made at NAV. However,
beginning on July 31, 2012, this privilege will only be available to those former Evergreen Fund shareholders whose shares
are held directly with the Fund.
Certain investors in acquired funds who became investors in the Evergreen Funds and subsequently became Wells Fargo Fund shareholders
in a reorganization, including former Class IS shareholders of Evergreen Strategic Value Fund and Evergreen Limited Duration
Fund, former Investor Class shareholders of Undiscovered Managers Funds, former shareholders of the GMO Global Balanced Allocation
Fund, the GMO Pelican Fund and America's Utility Fund, former shareholders of an Atlas Fund and shareholders of record on
October 12, 1990 (and members of their immediate families) in any series of the Salem Funds in existence on that date, may
purchase Class A shares of any Wells Fargo Fund, and any unnamed shares of WealthBuilder Portfolios at NAV. However, beginning
on July 1, 2013, this privilege will only be available to former Evergreen Fund shareholders whose shares are held directly
with the Fund.
Reduced Sales Charges for Affiliated Funds
. Any affiliated fund that invests in a Wells Fargo Fund may purchase Class A shares of such Fund at NAV.
Reduced Sales Charges for Certain Holders of Class C Shares
. No CDSC is imposed on redemptions of Class C shares where a Fund did not pay a sales commission at the time of purchase.
Investors Eligible to Acquire Class B Shares
. Class B shares are closed to new investors and additional investments from existing shareholders, except that existing shareholders
of Class B shares may reinvest any distributions into Class B shares and exchange their Class B shares for Class B shares
of other Wells Fargo Funds (as permitted by current exchange privilege rules, except specified persons may acquire Class B
shares of a Fund in connection with the closing of a reorganization and except specified persons may acquire Class B shares
of a Fund in connection with the closing of a reorganization). No new or subsequent investments, including through automatic
investment plans, will be allowed in Class B shares of the Funds, except through a distribution reinvestment or permitted
exchange, or in connection with the closing of a reorganization.
Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for certain Class B Shareholders
. For Class B shares purchased after May 18, 1999, for former Norwest Funds shareholders and after July 17, 1999 for former
Stagecoach Funds shareholders, for all Class B shares purchased after November 8, 1999, no CDSC is imposed on withdrawals
that meet both of the following circumstances:
withdrawals are made by participating in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan; and
withdrawals do not exceed 10% of your Fund assets (limit for Class B shares calculated annually based on your anniversary
date in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan).
International Equity Funds
WELLS FARGO LARGE CAP STOCK FUNDS
WELLS FARGO INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS
Wells Fargo Intrinsic World Equity Fund
On the Effective Date, all references in each Fund’s Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information to MetWest as a sub-adviser are hereby replaced with Wells Capital Management.
February 19, 2016
LCR026/P101SP
On December 15, 2015, the Wells Fargo Advantage Funds changed its name to the Wells Fargo Funds.
(4) Each Fund may lend securities from its portfolio to approved brokers, dealers and financial institutions, to the extent
permitted under the 1940 Act, including the rules, regulations and exemptions thereunder, which currently limit such activities
to one-third of the value of a Fund's total assets (including the value of the collateral received). Any such loans of portfolio
securities will be fully collateralized based on values that are marked-to-market daily.
A Fund may buy put and call options and write covered call and secured put options. Options trading is a highly specialized
activity which entails greater than ordinary investment risk. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments,
and therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in
the underlying instruments themselves. Purchasing options is a specialized investment technique that entails a substantial
risk of a complete loss of the amounts paid as premiums to the writer of the option. If the sub-adviser is incorrect in its
forecast of market value or other factors when writing options, the Fund would be in a worse position than it would have been
had if it had not written the option. If a Fund wishes to sell an underlying instrument (in the case of a covered call option)
or liquidate assets in a segregated account (in the case of a secured put option), the Fund must purchase an offsetting option
if available, thereby incurring additional transactions costs.
Swap agreements are derivative instruments that can be individually negotiated and structured to address exposure to a variety
of different types of investments or market factors. Depending on their structure, swap agreements may increase or decrease
a Fund's exposure to long- or short-term interest rates, foreign currency values, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing
rates, or other factors such as security prices or inflation rates. A Fund may enter into a variety of swap agreements, including
interest rate, index, commodity, equity, credit default and currency exchange rate swap agreements, and other types of swap
agreements such as caps, collars and floors. A Fund also may enter into swaptions, which are options to enter into a swap
agreement. In a swaption, in exchange for an option premium, the purchaser of the swaption acquires the right, but not the
obligation, to enter into a specified swap agreement with a counterparty on a specified future date. If there is a default
by the other party to a swap agreement or swaption, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related
to the transaction.
The use of swaps and swaptions is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from
those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. These transactions generally do not involve the delivery of
securities or other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swap agreements and swaptions
generally is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. There is also a risk
of a default by the other party to a swap agreement or swaption, in which case a Fund may not receive the net amount of payments
that such Fund contractually is entitled to receive.
Interest Rate Swap Agreements
. In a typical interest rate swap, one party agrees to make regular payments equal to a floating interest rate times a "notional
principal amount," in return for payments equal to a fixed rate times the same amount, for a specified period of time. The
exchange commitment can involve payments to be made in the same currency or in different currencies. A Fund will usually enter
into swap agreements on a net basis. In so doing, the two payment streams under the swap agreement are netted out, with the
Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. If the Fund enters into a swap agreement,
it will maintain a segregated account on a gross basis, unless the contract provides for a segregated account on a net basis.
If a swap agreement provides for payments in different currencies, the parties might agree to exchange notional principal
amount as well. In a total return swap agreement, the non-floating rate side of the swap is based on the total return of an
individual security, a basket of securities, an index or another reference asset. Swaps may also depend on other prices or
rates, such as the value of an index or mortgage prepayment rates.
In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party agrees to make payments only under specified circumstances, usually in return
for payment of a fee by the other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the right to receive payments
to the extent that a specified interest rate exceeds an agreed-upon level, while the seller of an interest rate floor is obligated
to make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate falls below an agreed-upon level. Caps and floors have an effect
similar to buying or writing options. A collar combines elements of buying a cap and selling a floor.
Swap agreements will tend to shift a Fund's investment exposure from one type of investment to another. For example, if a
Fund agreed to pay fixed rates in exchange for floating rates while holding fixed-rate bonds, the swap would tend to decrease
a Fund's exposure to long-term interest rates. Another example is if a Fund agreed to exchange payments in dollars for payments
in foreign currency, the swap agreement would tend to decrease a Fund's exposure to U.S. interest rates and increase its exposure
to foreign currency and interest rates.
Swap agreements are sophisticated hedging instruments that typically involve a small investment of cash relative to the magnitude
of risks assumed. As a result, swaps can be highly volatile and may have a considerable impact on a Fund's performance. Depending
on how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of a Fund's investments and its share
price and yield. Additionally, whether a Fund's use of swap agreements will be successful in furthering its investment objective
will depend on the sub-adviser's ability correctly to predict whether certain types of investments likely are to produce greater
returns than other investments. Because they are two party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven
days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, a Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to
be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. The most significant
factor in the performance of swap agreements is the change in the specific interest rate, currency, or other factor that determines
the amounts of payments due to and from a Fund. If a swap agreement calls for payments by a Fund, a Fund must be prepared
to make such payments when due. In addition, if the counterparty's creditworthiness declines, the value of a swap agreement
likely would decline, potentially resulting in losses for a Fund. A Fund will closely monitor the credit of a swap agreement
counterparty in order to attempt to minimize this risk. A Fund may also suffer losses if it is unable to terminate outstanding
swap agreements (either by assignment or other disposition) or reduce its exposure through offsetting transactions (i.e.,
by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or a similarly creditworthy party).
Credit default swap agreements may involve greater risks than if a Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly
since, in addition to risks relating to the reference obligation, credit default swaps are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty
risk and credit risk. A Fund will enter into credit default swap agreements generally with counterparties that meet certain
standards of creditworthiness. A buyer generally also will lose its investment and recover nothing should no credit event
occur and the swap is held to its termination date. If a credit event were to occur, the value of any deliverable obligation
received by the seller, coupled with the upfront or periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional
value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the seller.
The Funds have a segregated account in which they may maintain cash, U.S. Government obligations or other high-quality debt
instruments in an amount at least equal in value to each Fund's commitments to purchase when-issued securities. If the value
of these assets declines, a Fund will place additional liquid assets in the account on a daily basis so that the value of
the assets in the account is at least equal to the amount of such commitments.
For lending its securities, a Fund will earn either a fee payable by the borrower (on loans that are collateralized by U.S.
Government securities or a letter of credit) or the income on instruments purchased with cash collateral (after payment of
a rebate fee to the borrower and a portion of the investment revenue to the securities lending agent). Cash collateral is
invested on behalf of the Funds by the Funds' manager in U.S. dollar-denominated short-term money market instruments that
are permissible investments for the Fund and that, at the time of investment, are considered high-quality. Currently, cash
collateral generated from securities lending is invested in shares of Securities Lending Cash Investments, LLC (the "Cash
Collateral Fund"). The Cash Collateral Fund is a Delaware limited liability company that is exempt from registration under
the 1940 Act. The Cash Collateral Fund is managed by Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC ("Funds Management") and is sub-advised
by Wells Capital Management Incorporated ("Wells Capital Management"). The Cash Collateral Fund is required to comply with
the credit quality, maturity and other limitations set forth in Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act. The Cash Collateral Fund seeks
to provide preservation of principal and daily liquidity by investing in high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated short-term
money market instruments. The Cash Collateral Fund may invest in securities with fixed, variable, or floating rates of interest.
The Cash Collateral Fund seeks to maintain a stable price per share of $1.00, although there is no guarantee that this will
be achieved. Income on shares of the Cash Collateral Fund is reinvested in shares of the Cash Collateral Fund. The investments
of the Cash Collateral Fund are valued at amortized cost. The net asset value of a Fund will be affected by an increase or
decrease in the value of the securities loaned by it, and by an increase or decrease in the value of instruments purchased
with cash collateral received by it. Thus, the current net asset value of each Fund reflects the current valuations assigned to
shares of the Cash Collateral Fund held on behalf of such Fund.
The ownership interests of the Funds in the Cash Collateral Fund are not insured by the FDIC, and are not deposits, obligations
of, or endorsed or guaranteed in any way by, Wells Fargo Bank or any banking entity. Any losses in the Cash Collateral Fund
will be borne solely by the Cash Collateral Fund and not by Wells Fargo Bank or its affiliates.
Loans of securities involve a risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities when due or when recalled by a Fund
or may fail to provide additional collateral when required. In either case, a Fund could experience delays in recovering securities
or could lose all or part of the value of the loaned securities. Although voting rights, or rights to consent, attendant to
securities on loan pass to the borrower, loans may be recalled at any time and generally will be recalled if a material event
affecting the investment is expected to be presented to a shareholder vote, so that the securities may be voted by the Fund.
Each lending Fund pays a portion of the income (net of rebate fees) or fees earned by it from securities lending to a securities
lending agent. Goldman Sachs Bank USA, an unaffiliated third party doing business as Goldman Sachs Agency Lending, currently
acts as securities lending agent for the Funds, subject to the overall supervision of the Funds' manager.
(Born 1957)
(Born 1953)
(Born 1942)
(Born 1952)
Asset Allocation Trust
(Born 1949)
Audit Committee Chairman, since 2008
(Born 1950)
(Born 1953)
(Born 1951)
(Born 1943)
1
Length of service dates reflect the Trustee's commencement of service with the Trust's predecessor entities, where applicable.
(Born 1959)
(Born 1974)
(Born 1967)
(Born 1960)
(Born 1964)
(Born 1975)
1
Currently serves as Treasurer to the Allocation Funds, Alternative Funds, Dow Jones Target Date Funds, Dynamic Target Date
Funds, International Equity Funds, Large Cap Stock Funds, WealthBuilder Portfolios and the International Value Fund. Also
serves as Assistant Treasurer for the remaining series of the Trust.
2
Currently serves as Treasurer to the CoreBuilder Shares, Equity Gateway Funds (except International Value Fund), Income Funds,
Money Market Funds, Municipal Income Funds, Small to Mid Cap Stock Funds and Specialty Funds.
Isaiah Harris, Jr
. Mr. Harris has served as a Trustee of the Trusts in the Fund Complex since 2009 and was an Advisory Board Member from 2008
to 2009. He has also served as a Trustee of Asset Allocation Trust since 2010. He has been the Chairman of the Board of CIGNA
Corporation since 2009, and has been a director of CIGNA Corporation since 2005. He served as a director of Deluxe Corporation
from 2003 to 2011. As a director of these and other public companies, he has served on board committees, including Governance,
Audit and Compensation Committees. Mr. Harris served in senior executive positions, including as president, chief executive
officer, vice president of finance and/or chief financial officer, of operating companies for approximately 20 years.
Judith M. Johnson
. Ms. Johnson has served as a Trustee of the Trusts in the Fund Complex since 2008 and as Chair of the Audit Committee since
2009. She has also served as a Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee of Asset Allocation Trust since 2010. She served as
the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of the Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund for twelve years until
her retirement in 2008. Ms. Johnson is a licensed attorney, as well as a certified public accountant and a certified managerial
accountant. Ms. Johnson has been determined by the Board to be an audit committee financial expert as such term is defined
in the applicable rules of the SEC.
David F. Larcker
. Mr. Larcker has served as a Trustee of the Trusts in the Fund Complex since 2009 and was an Advisory Board Member from 2008
to 2009. He has also served as a Trustee of Asset Allocation Trust since 2010. Mr. Larcker is the James Irvin Miller Professor
of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business of Stanford University. He is also the Morgan Stanley Director of the Center
for Leadership Development and Research and Co-director of The Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University.
He has been a professor of accounting for over 30 years. He has written numerous articles on a range of topics, including
managerial accounting, financial statement analysis and corporate governance.
Olivia S. Mitchell
. Ms. Mitchell has served as a Trustee of the Trusts in the Fund Complex since 2006. She has also served as a Trustee of Asset
Allocation Trust since 2010. Ms. Mitchell is the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Professor at the Wharton
School of the University of Pennsylvania, where she is also Professor of Insurance/Risk Management and Business Economics/Policy.
She also serves in senior positions with academic and policy organizations that conduct research on pensions, retirement,
insurance, risk management, and related topics including as Executive Director of the Pension Research Council and Director
of the Boettner Center on Pensions and Retirement Research, both at the University of Pennsylvania. She has taught on and
served as a consultant on economics, insurance, and risk management, served as Department Chair, advised numerous governmental
entities, and written numerous articles and books on topics including retirement systems, private and social insurance, and
health and retirement policy.
Timothy J. Penny
. Mr. Penny has been a Trustee of the Trusts in the Fund Complex and their predecessor funds since 1996. He has also served
as a Trustee of Asset Allocation Trust since 2010. He has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Minnesota
Initiative Foundation since 2007 and a Senior Fellow at the Humphrey Institute Policy Forum at the University of Minnesota
since 1995. He also serves as a member of the board of another non-profit organization. Mr. Penny was a member of the U.S.
House of Representatives for 12 years representing Southeastern Minnesota's First Congressional District.
Overall responsibility for oversight of the Trust and the Funds rests with the Board of Trustees. The Board has engaged Funds
Management to manage the Funds on a day-to day basis. The Board is responsible for overseeing Funds Management and other service
providers in the operation of the Trust in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, applicable provisions of Delaware
law, other applicable laws and the Declaration of Trust. The Board is currently composed of nine members, each of whom is
an Independent Trustee. The Board currently conducts regular in-person meetings five times a year. In addition, the Board
may hold special in-person or telephonic meetings or informal conference calls to discuss specific matters that may arise
or require action between regular meetings. The Independent Trustees have engaged independent legal counsel to assist them
in performing their oversight responsibilities.
The Board has appointed an Independent Trustee to serve in the role of Chairman. The Chairman's role is to preside at all
meetings of the Board and to act as a liaison with respect to governance-related matters with service providers, officers,
attorneys, and other Trustees generally between meetings. The Chairman may also perform such other functions as may be delegated
by the Board from time to time. In order to assist the Chairman in maintaining effective communications with the other Trustees
and Funds Management, the Board has appointed a Chair Liaison to work with the Chairman to coordinate Trustee communications
and to help coordinate timely responses to Trustee inquiries relating to board governance and fiduciary matters. The Chair
Liaison serves for a one-year term, which may be extended with the approval of the Board. Except for any duties specified
herein or pursuant to the Trust's charter document, the designation of Chairman or Chair Liaison does not impose on such Independent
Trustee any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on such person
as a member of the Board generally.
The Board also has established a Governance Committee, an Audit Committee, a Valuation Committee and a Dividend Committee to
assist the Board in the oversight and direction of the business and affairs of the Trust, and from time to time may establish
informal working groups to review and address the policies and practices of the Trust with respect to certain specified matters.
Additionally, the Board has established investment teams to review in detail the performance of each of the Funds, to meet
with portfolio managers, and to report back to the full Board. The Board occasionally engages independent consultants to assist
it in evaluating initiatives or proposals. The Board believes that the Board's current leadership structure is appropriate
because it allows the Board to exercise informed and independent judgment over matters under its purview, and it allocates
areas of responsibility among committees of Trustees and the full Board in a manner that enhances effective oversight. The
leadership structure of the Board may be changed, at any time and in the discretion of the Board, including in response to
changes in circumstances or the characteristics of the Trust.
The Funds and Trusts are subject to a number of risks, including investment, compliance, operational, liquidity and valuation
risks, among others. Day-to-day risk management functions are subsumed within the responsibilities of Funds Management, the
sub-advisers and other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk), who carry out the Funds' investment management
and business affairs. Each of Funds Management, the sub-advisers and other service providers have their own, independent approach
to risk management, and their policies and methods of carrying out risk management functions will depend, in part, on their
individual priorities, resources and controls.
Risk oversight forms part of the Board's general oversight of the Funds and Trusts and is addressed as part of various Board
and Committee activities. The Board recognizes that it is not possible to identify all of the risks that may affect a Fund
or to develop processes and controls to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects and that it is necessary for the
Funds to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to pursue their goals. As part of its regular oversight of
the Trusts, the Board, directly or through a Committee, interacts with and reviews reports from, among others, Funds Management,
sub-advisers, the Chief Compliance Officer of the Funds, the Chief Risk Officer of Funds Management, the independent registered
public accounting firm for the Funds, and internal compliance auditors for Funds Management or its affiliates, as appropriate,
regarding risks faced by the Funds and relevant risk functions. The Board, with the assistance of its investment teams, also
reviews investment policies and risks in connection with its review of the Funds' performance, and considers information regarding
the oversight of liquidity risks from Funds Management's investment personnel. The Board has appointed a Chief Compliance
Officer who oversees the implementation and testing of the Funds' compliance program and regularly reports to the Board regarding
compliance matters for the Funds and their principal service providers. Funds Management has appointed a Chief Risk Officer
to enhance the framework around the assessment, management, measurement and monitoring of risk indicators and other risk matters
concerning the Funds and develop periodic reporting of risk management matters to the Board. In addition, as part of the Board's
periodic review of the Funds' advisory, subadvisory and other service provider agreements, the Board may consider risk management
aspects of their operations and the functions for which they are responsible. With respect to valuation, the Board oversees
a management valuation team comprised of officers and employees of Funds Management, has approved and periodically reviews
written valuation policies and procedures applicable to valuing Fund portfolio investments, and has established a valuation
committee of Trustees. The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts its risk oversight
role.
1
As of October 31, 2015, there were 144 series in the Funds Complex.
2
Mr. Ebsworth and Ms. Freeman were appointed to the Board of Trustees on January 1, 2015.
Calendar Year Ended December 31, 2015
Diversified International Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
International Equity Fund
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Diversified International Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
International Equity Fund
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Diversified International Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
International Equity Fund
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$10,001 - $50,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Diversified International Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
International Equity Fund
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Diversified International Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
International Equity Fund
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Diversified International Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
International Equity Fund
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Diversified International Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
International Equity Fund
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Diversified International Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
International Equity Fund
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Diversified International Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
International Equity Fund
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
$0
$0
$0
$10,001 - $50,000
$0
$0
1
Includes Trustee ownership in shares of funds within the entire Wells Fargo Fund Complex (consisting of 144 funds) as of December
31, 2015.
Next $500M
Next $1B
Next $2B
Next $1B
Next $5B
Over $10B
0.950%
0.900%
0.875%
0.850%
0.840%
0.830%
Next $500M
Next $1B
Next $2B
Next $1B
Next $5B
Over $10B
0.850%
0.800%
0.775%
0.750%
0.740%
0.730%
Next $500M
Next $1B
Next $2B
Next $1B
Next $3B
Next $2B
Over $10B
1.100%
1.050%
1.025%
1.000%
0.990%
0.965%
0.955%
Next $500M
Next $1B
Next $2B
Next $1B
Next $3B
Next $2B
Over $10B
1.100%
1.050%
1.025%
1.000%
0.990%
0.965%
0.955%
Next $500M
Next $1B
Next $2B
Next $1B
Next $5B
Over $10B
0.925%
0.900%
0.875%
0.850%
0.840%
0.830%
Next $500M
Next $1B
Next $2B
Next $1B
Next $5B
Over $10B
0.850%
0.800%
0.775%
0.750%
0.740%
0.730%
Next $500M
Next $1B
Next $2B
Next $1B
Next $5B
Over $10B
0.800%
0.750%
0.725%
0.700%
0.690%
0.680%
Alison Shimada
Puneet Mansharamani, CFA
Menno Vermeulen, CFA
Richard Peck, CFA
Yi (Jerry) Zhang, PhD, CFA
Alison Shimada
Robert Rifkin, CFA
James M. Tringas, CFA
Bryant VanCronkhite, CFA, CPA
Jeffrey Peck
Sharing of Personnel, Services, Research and Advice Among Clients.
Because all client accounts within Artisan Partners' non-U.S. growth strategy, including the Fund's account, are managed
similarly, substantially all of the research and portfolio management activities conducted by the investment team benefit
all clients within the non-U.S. growth strategy. Artisan Partners' administrative and operational personnel divide their time
among services to the Fund and other client accounts.
Restrictions on Activities.
Artisan Partners generally does not tailor its investment management services to the individual needs of clients, but rather
invests all of the accounts in a particular strategy in a similar manner. To prevent the potentially negative impact that
the restrictions of one client account or multiple client accounts may have on the manner in which Artisan Parnters invests
on behalf of all of its client accounts, Artisan Partners generally does not accept accounts subject to restrictions that
Artisan Partners believes would cause it to deviate from its stated investment strategy or adversely affect its ability to
manage client accounts.
Investments in Issuers with Business Relationships with Artisan Partners.
From time to time, clients in a particular investment strategy, including the Fund in the non-U.S. growth strategy, may invest
in a security issued by a company, or an affiliate of a company, that is also a client of Artisan Partners or has another
business relationship with Artisan Partners or its affiliates. Likewise, clients in a particular investment strategy may invest
in a security issued by a company a director or officer of which is also a director of Artisan Partners Funds, Inc., a registered
investment company advised by Artisan Partners. Artisan Partners has written policies designed to prevent the misuse of material
non-public information. The operation of those policies and of applicable securities laws may prevent the execution of an
otherwise desirable transaction in a client account if Artisan Partners believe that it is or may be in possession of material
non-public information regarding the security that would be the subject of that transaction.
With prior written approval, Artisan Partners may allow its personnel to serve as a director of a public company. Because
of the heightened risk of misuse, or allegations of misuse, of material nonpublic information, Artisan Partners does not permit
investment by client accounts or persons covered by Artisan Partners' Code of Ethics in securities of any issuer of which
an Artisan Partners staff member is a director, except that such staff member may purchase and sell that company's securities
for his or her own account or for the account of his or her immediate family members. This prohibition may foreclose investment
opportunities that would be available to the Fund if the staff member were not a director.
Side-by-Side Management.
Potential conflicts of interest may arise in the management of multiple investment strategies by a single investment team.
For instance, an investment team may provide advice to and make decisions for accounts in one investment strategy, including
a Fund, that may differ from advice given, or the timing or nature of decisions made, with respect to accounts in another
investment strategy. There also may be circumstances when an investment team has an incentive to devote more time or resources
to, or to implement different ideas in, one strategy over another. Artisan Partners manages these potential conflicts
through internal review processes.
Allocation of Portfolio Transactions Among Clients.
Artisan Partners seek to treat all of its clients fairly when allocating investment opportunities among clients. Because
Artisan Partners' investment teams generally try to keep all client portfolios in that strategy invested in the same securities
with approximately the same weightings (with exceptions for client-imposed restrictions and limitations), most orders placed
by Artisan Partners' investment teams ask that a position be established or a security bought or sold to achieve a designated
weighting, expressed as a percentage of the value of the portfolio. The trader(s) for that strategy generally have the authority
and the responsibility for determining the number of shares required to be bought or sold in each account to achieve that
outcome. To execute an investment team's order, the trader for that strategy usually places a single order across all participating
accounts, except in certain markets where aggregated trades are not permitted or due to a client specific restriction or instruction. Trades
for Artisan Partners and its partners, employees and other affiliates, and accounts in which one or more of them has an interest
(including Artisan Partners' proprietary accounts, if any), may be included in an aggregated trade with client accounts. All
participating accounts, including the Fund, then share (generally pro rata subject to minimum order size requirements) in
an aggregated order and shall receive the same execution price for each broker and be charged the same average commission,
if any.
Because it is generally not known in advance how many shares will be received in most underwritten offerings, including initial
public offerings, shares are allocated to client accounts after receipt. The shares are allocated among all of the accounts
(i) eligible to purchase the security and with cash available to do so, and (ii) with respect to which the investment team
has given an indication of interest, pro rata with reference to asset size and subject to minimum order size requirements.
Artisan Partners' proprietary accounts, which are discussed below, are not permitted to invest in initial public offerings.
There also may be instances where a particular security is held by more than one investment strategy ("cross holdings") due
to the overlap of their investment universes. For example, the capitalization ranges of some strategies overlap or a security
may at times be of interest to both Artisan Partners' growth and value, or Artisan Partners' U.S. and non-U.S. teams. "Same
way" transactions (that is, all buys or all sells) in a security held by more than one strategy are generally aggregated across
all participating accounts. On occasion, the portfolio manager of one strategy may impose a price limit or some other differing
instruction and so may decide not to participate in the aggregated order. In those cases, a trader works both trades in the
market at the same time, subject to the requirements of Artisan Partners' written trade processing procedures. When orders
for a trade in a security are opposite to one another (that is, one portfolio is buying a security, while another is selling
the security) and the trader receives a buy order while a sell order is pending (or vice versa), the traders will seek to
mitigate the risk of inadvertent cross by (i) utilizing different brokers or venues, or (ii) utilizing brokers or venues that
maintain crossing prevention controls.
The procedures for aggregating portfolio transactions and allocating them among clients are reviewed regularly by Artisan
Partners and are included in Artisan Partners' compliance procedures.
Short Selling.
With respect to an investment team that is permitted to short securities in a strategy it manages, no order to sell a security
short may be executed if the same or a related security is held long in any account managed by the same investment team in
a different investment strategy. Similarly, no order to purchase a security long may be executed if the same or a related
security is held short in any account managed by the same investment team in a different investment strategy. It is possible,
however, that one investment team could sell a security short when the same or a related security is held long in an account
managed by a different Artisan Partners investment team. Similarly, an investment team could purchase a security long when
the same or a related security is held short in an account managed by a different Artisan Partners investment team.
The same team of portfolio managers is responsible for the day-to-day management of all of LSV's accounts. In some cases,
LSV has entered into individualized performance-fee arrangements with clients. Performance-based arrangements, and accounts
in which employees may be invested, could create an incentive to favor those accounts over other accounts in the allocation
of investment opportunities. LSV has policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures,
to monitor for these potential conflicts and to ensure that investment opportunities are fairly allocated to all clients.
Furthermore, LSV has adopted a Code of Ethics and Personal Trading Policy under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1
under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the "Advisers Act") to address potential conflicts associated with managing the
Portfolios and any personal accounts the Portfolio Managers may maintain.
To minimize the effects of these inherent conflicts of interest, MWCM has adopted and implemented policies and procedures,
including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, that it believes address the potential conflicts associated
with managing portfolios for multiple clients and ensure that all clients are treated fairly and equitably. Additionally,
MWCM minimizes inherent conflicts of interest by assigning the portfolio managers to accounts having similar objectives. Accordingly,
security block purchases are allocated to all accounts with similar objectives in proportionate weightings. Furthermore, MWCM
has adopted a Code of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 under 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act to address potential conflicts
associated with managing the funds and any personal accounts the portfolio managers may maintain.
The portfolio managers often provide investment management for separate accounts advised in the same or similar investment
style as that provided to mutual funds. While management of multiple accounts could potentially lead to conflicts of interest
over various issues such as trade allocation, fee disparities and research acquisition, MWCM has implemented policies and
procedures for the express purpose of ensuring that clients are treated fairly and that potential conflicts of interest are
minimized.
$1 - $10,000;
$10,001 - $50,000;
$50,001 - $100,000;
$100,001 - $500,000;
$500,001 - $1,000,000; and
over $1,000,000.
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
$1-$10,000
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
$50,001-$100,000
International Equity Fund
$0
1
The Distributor had entered into an arrangement whereby sales commissions payable to broker-dealers with respect to sales
of Class B shares of the Funds were financed by an unaffiliated third party lender. Under this financing arrangement, the
Distributor may have assigned certain amounts that it was entitled to receive pursuant to the Plan to the third party lender,
as reimbursement and consideration for these payments. Funds Management purchased the rights and title to all payments due
to the third party lender and is now entitled to receive payments under the Plan.
of Public Offering Price
of Net Amount Invested
1
If you redeem Class A shares purchased at or above the $1,000,000 breakpoint level within eighteen months from the date of
purchase, you will pay a CDSC of 1.00% of the NAV of the shares on the date of original purchase. Certain exceptions apply
(see "CDSC Waivers").
2
The commission paid to an Intermediary on purchases above the $1,000,000 breakpoint level includes an advance of the first
year's shareholder servicing fee.
1
The sales charge you pay may differ slightly from the amounts listed here due to rounding calculations.
Reduced Sales Charges for Certain Former Investor Class Shareholders. Former Investor Class shareholders who received Class A shares of a Fund as a result of a conversion at the close of business on October 23, 2015, can continue to purchase Class A shares of that Fund and any other Wells Fargo Fund purchased subsequently by exchange at NAV, without paying the customary sales load, after which subsequent purchases of shares of the subsequent Fund may also be made at NAV.
Elimination of Minimum Initial Investment Amount for Administrator Class Shares for Eligible Investors. An "Eligible Investor" (as defined below) may purchase Administrator Class shares of the Wells Fargo Funds without meeting the minimum initial investment amount. Eligible Investors include:
Clients of sub-advisers to those Funds which offer an Administrator Class who are clients of such subadvisers at the time of their purchase of such Administrator Class shares;
Clients of Wells Capital Management who are clients of Wells Capital Management at the time of their purchase of Administrator Class shares; and
Clients of Wells Fargo Institutional Retirement Trust (IRT) who are clients of IRT at the time of their purchase of Administrator Class shares.
Related shareholders or shareholder accounts may be aggregated in order to meet the minimum initial investment requirement for Administrator Class shares. The following are examples of relationships that may qualify for aggregation:
Related business entities, including: (i) corporations and their subsidiaries; (ii) general and limited partners; and (iii) other business entities under common ownership or control.
Shareholder accounts that share a common tax-id number.
Accounts over which the shareholder has individual or shared authority to buy or sell shares on behalf of the account (i.e., a trust account or a solely owned business account).
Any of the minimum initial investment waivers listed above may be modified or discontinued at any time.
Elimination of Minimum Initial Investment Amount for Institutional Class Shares for Eligible Investors. An "Eligible Investor" (as defined below) may purchase Institutional Class shares of the Wells Fargo Funds without meeting the minimum initial investment amount. Eligible Investors include:
Clients of sub-advisers to those Funds which offer an Institutional Class who are clients of such sub-advisers at the time of their purchase of such Institutional Class shares;
Clients of Wells Capital Management who are clients of Wells Capital Management at the time of their purchase of Institutional Class shares; and
Clients of Wells Fargo Institutional Retirement Trust (IRT) who are clients of IRT at the time of their purchase of Institutional Class shares.
Related shareholders or shareholder accounts may be aggregated in order to meet the minimum initial investment requirement for Institutional Class shares. The following are examples of relationships that may qualify for aggregation:
Related business entities, including: (i) corporations and their subsidiaries; (ii) general and limited partners; and (iii) other business entities under common ownership or control.
Shareholder accounts that share a common tax-id number.
Accounts over which the shareholder has individual or shared authority to buy or sell shares on behalf of the account (i.e., a trust account or a solely owned business account).
Former Institutional Class shareholders of an Evergreen Fund (including former Class Y shareholders of an Evergreen Fund, former SouthTrust shareholders and former Vestaur Securities Fund shareholders who became Institutional Class shareholders of an Evergreen Fund) who received Institutional Class shares of a Wells Fargo Fund in connection with the reorganization of their Evergreen Fund. Such investors may purchase Institutional Class shares at their former minimum investment amount.
Any of the minimum initial investment waivers listed above may be modified or discontinued at any time.
Waiver of Minimum Initial and Subsequent Investment Amounts for All Share Classes for Special Operational Accounts . Shares of any and all share classes of the Wells Fargo Funds may be acquired in special operational accounts (as defined below) without meeting the applicable minimum initial or subsequent investment amounts. Special operational accounts are designated accounts held by Funds Management or its affiliate that are used exclusively for addressing operational matters related to shareholder accounts, such as testing of account functions.
Compensation to Financial Professionals and Intermediaries. Set forth below is a list of the member firms of FINRA to which the Manager, the Distributor or their affiliates made payments out of their revenues in connection with the sale and distribution of shares of the Funds or for services to the Funds and their shareholders in the year ending December 31, 2015 ("Additional Payments"). (Such payments are in addition to any amounts paid to such FINRA firms in the form of dealer reallowances or fees for shareholder servicing or distribution. The payments are discussed in further detail in the Prospectuses under the title "Compensation to Financial Professionals and Intermediaries"). Any additions, modifications, or deletions to the member firms identified in this list that have occurred since December 31, 2015, are not reflected:
FINRA member firms
Academy Securities, Inc.
ADP Broker-Dealer, Inc.
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
Barclays Capital, Inc.
BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC
Boenning & Scattergood, Inc.
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.
Commonwealth Equity Services, Inc.
DWS Investments Distributors, Inc.
Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P.
Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC
Fifth Third Securities, Inc.
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
GWFS Equities, Inc.
Hartford Securities Distribution Company, Inc.
H.D. Vest Investment Securities, Inc.
Hewitt Financial Services, LLC
Hightower Securities, LLC
Investacorp, Inc.
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
J.J.B. Hilliard, W. L. Lyons, LLC
J.P. Morgan Clearing Corp
Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc.
LPL Financial LLC
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Incorporated
Merriman Capital, Inc.
Mid Atlantic Capital Corporation
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
MSCS Financial Services, LLC
Nationwide Investment Services, Corporation
Oak Tree Securities, Inc.
Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.
Pershing LLC
PNC Capital Markets LLC
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
RBC Capital Markets, LLC
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated
Ross, Sinclaire & Associates, LLC
Securities America, Inc.
Security Distributors, Inc.
State Street Global Markets, LLC
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
TD Ameritrade, Inc.
Treasury Curve, LLC
Triad Advisors, Inc.
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
VALIC Financial Advisors, Inc.
Voya Retirement Advisors, LLC
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
In addition to member firms of FINRA, Additional Payments are also made to other selling and shareholder servicing agents, and to affiliates of selling and shareholder servicing agents that sell shares of or provide services to the Funds and their shareholders, such as banks, insurance companies and plan administrators. These firms are not included on the list above, although they may be affiliated with companies on the above list.
No compensation is paid to broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries (such as banks) from Fund assets on sales of Class R6 shares and related services. Class R6 shares do not carry sales commissions or pay Rule 12b-1 fees, or make payments to financial intermediaries to assist in, or in connection with, the sale of the Fund's shares. None of the Fund's manager, the distributor or their affiliates makes any type of administrative or service payments to financial intermediaries in connection with investments in Class R6 shares.
Also not included on the list above are other subsidiaries of Wells Fargo & Company who may receive revenue from the Manager, the Distributor or their affiliates through intra-company compensation arrangements and for financial, distribution, administrative and operational services.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
The Trust has no obligation to deal with any broker-dealer or group of broker-dealers in the execution of transactions in portfolio securities. Subject to the supervision of the Trust's Board and the supervision of the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers are responsible for the Funds' portfolio decisions and the placing of portfolio transactions. In placing orders, it is the policy of the Sub-Advisers to obtain the best overall results taking into account various factors, including, but not limited to, the size and type of transaction involved; the broker-dealer's risk in positioning the securities involved; the nature and character of the market for the security; the confidentiality, speed and certainty of effective execution required for the transaction, the general execution and operational capabilities of the broker-dealer; the reputation, reliability, experience and financial condition of the firm, the value and quality of the services rendered by the firm in this and other transactions; and the reasonableness of the spread or commission. While the Sub-Advisers generally seek reasonably competitive spreads or commissions, the Funds will not necessarily be paying the lowest spread or commission available.
Purchases and sales of equity securities on a securities exchange are effected through broker-dealers who charge a negotiated commission for their services. Orders may be directed to any broker-dealer including, to the extent and in the manner permitted by applicable law, affiliated broker-dealers. However, the Funds and Funds Management have adopted a policy pursuant to Rule 12b- 1(h) under the 1940 Act that prohibits the Funds from directing portfolio brokerage to brokers who sell Fund shares as compensation for such selling efforts. In the over-the-counter market, securities are generally traded on a "net" basis with broker-dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated commission, although the price of the security usually includes a profit to the broker-dealer. In underwritten offerings, securities are purchased at a fixed price that includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as the underwriter's concession or discount.
In placing orders for portfolio securities of the Fund, the Fund's Sub-Adviser is required to give primary consideration to obtaining the most favorable price and efficient execution. This means that the Sub-Adviser will seek to execute each transaction at a price and commission, if any, that provide the most favorable total cost or proceeds reasonably attainable in the circumstances. Commission rates are established pursuant to negotiations with the broker-dealer based, in part, on the quality and quantity of execution services provided by the broker-dealer and in the light of generally prevailing rates. Furthermore, the Adviser oversees the trade execution procedures of the Sub-Adviser to ensure that such procedures are in place, that they are adhered to, and that adjustments are made to the procedures to address ongoing changes in the marketplace.
The Sub-Adviser may, in circumstances in which two or more broker-dealers are in a position to offer comparable results for a portfolio transaction, give preference to a broker-dealer that has provided statistical or other research services to the Sub-Adviser. In selecting a broker-dealer under these circumstances, the Sub-Adviser will consider, in addition to the factors listed above, the quality of the research provided by the broker-dealer.
The Sub-Adviser may pay higher commissions than those obtainable from other broker-dealers in exchange for such research services. The research services generally include: (1) furnishing advice as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling securities, and the advisability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; (2) furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and the performance of accounts; and (3) effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto. By allocating transactions in this manner, a Sub-Adviser is able to supplement its research and analysis with the views and information of securities firms. Information so received will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser under the advisory contracts, and the expenses of the Sub-Adviser will not necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt of this supplemental research information. Furthermore, research services furnished by broker-dealers through which a sub-adviser places securities transactions for a Fund may be used by the Sub-Adviser in servicing its other accounts, and not all of these services may be used by the Sub-Adviser in connection with advising the Funds.
Portfolio Turnover . The portfolio turnover rate is not a limiting factor when a Sub-Adviser deems portfolio changes appropriate. Changes may be made in the portfolios consistent with the investment objectives and policies of the Fund's whenever such changes are believed to be in the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities by the average monthly value of a Fund's portfolio securities. For purposes of this calculation, portfolio securities exclude all securities having a maturity when purchased of one year or less. Portfolio turnover generally involves some expenses to the Funds, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and the reinvestment in other securities. Portfolio turnover may also result in adverse tax consequences to a Fund's shareholders.
The table below shows each Fund's portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal periods shown in the table:
Fund |
October 31, 2015 |
October 31, 2014 |
||
Asia Pacific Fund |
113% |
113% |
||
Diversified International Fund |
31% |
33% |
||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
8% |
7% |
||
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund |
84% |
91% |
||
Global Opportunities Fund |
42% |
66% |
||
International Equity Fund |
27% |
32% |
||
Intrinsic World Equity Fund |
32% |
23% |
Brokerage Commissions . Below are the brokerage commissions paid for the last three fiscal years by each Fund to: (1) all brokers and; (2) Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, an affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company that places trades through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Clearing Corp.
Fund/Fiscal Year or Period |
Total Paid to All Brokers |
Total Paid to Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC |
||
October 31, 2015 |
|
|
||
Asia Pacific Fund |
$806,320 |
$0 |
||
Diversified International Fund |
$32,537 |
$0 |
||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
$2,675,607 |
$0 |
||
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund |
$627,027 |
$0 |
||
Global Opportunities Fund |
$330,651 |
$0 |
||
International Equity Fund |
$301,769 |
$0 |
||
Intrinsic World Equity Fund |
$102,874 |
$0 |
||
October 31, 2014 |
|
|
||
Asia Pacific Fund |
$908,701 |
$0 |
||
Diversified International Fund |
$3,630 |
$0 |
||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
$2,594,667 |
$0 |
||
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund |
$334,933 |
$0 |
||
Global Opportunities Fund |
$596,303 |
$0 |
||
International Equity Fund |
$227,852 |
$0 |
||
Intrinsic World Equity Fund |
$114,741 |
$0 |
||
October 31, 2013 |
|
|
||
Asia Pacific Fund |
$1,685,186 |
$0 |
||
Diversified International Fund |
$76,700 |
$0 |
||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
$3,254,624 |
$0 |
||
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund |
$83,115 |
$0 |
||
Global Opportunities Fund |
$567,286 |
$0 |
||
International Equity Fund |
$472,695 |
$0 |
||
Intrinsic World Equity Fund |
$89,756 |
$0 |
Commissions Paid to Brokers that Provide Research Services . For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, the Funds paid the following commissions to brokers that provide research services based on the stated total amount of transactions.
Fund |
Commissions Paid |
Transactions Value |
||
Asia Pacific Fund |
$143,455 |
$107,981,744 |
||
Diversified International Fund |
$18,935 |
$25,711,427 |
||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
$597,824 |
$338,779,366 |
||
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund |
$ 152,415 |
$84,842,404 |
||
Global Opportunities Fund |
$ 40,079 |
$39,433,480 |
||
International Equity Fund |
$ 117,470 |
$202,046,507 |
||
Intrinsic World Equity Fund |
$4,214 |
$8,237,056 |
Securities of Regular Broker-Dealers . The Funds are required to identify any securities of their "regular brokers or dealers" (as defined under the 1940 Act) or of their parents that the Funds may hold at the close of their most recent fiscal year. As of October 31, 2015, only the Diversified International Fund held securities of it's regular broker-dealers and it's parents as indicated below.
Fund |
Broker/Dealer |
Amount |
||
Diversified International Fund |
Credit Suisse First Boston |
$731,376 |
||
|
Deutsche Bank AG |
$176,329 |
||
|
HSBC |
$469,877 |
||
|
Societe Generale |
$171,840 |
FUND EXPENSES
From time to time, Funds Management may waive fees from a Fund in whole or in part. Any such waiver will reduce expenses and, accordingly, have a favorable impact on a Fund's performance.
Except for the expenses borne by Funds Management, the Trust bears all costs of its operations, including the compensation of the Independent Trustees; investment management, shareholder services and class-level administrative fees; payments pursuant to any 12b-1 Plan; interest charges; taxes; fees and expenses of its independent auditors, legal counsel, transfer agent and distribution disbursing agent; expenses of redeeming shares; expenses of preparing and printing prospectuses (except the expense of printing and mailing prospectuses used for promotional purposes, unless otherwise payable pursuant to a 12b-1 Plan), shareholders' reports, notices, proxy statements and reports to regulatory agencies; insurance premiums and certain expenses relating to insurance coverage; trade association membership dues (including membership dues in the Investment Company Institute allocable to a Fund); brokerage and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions; fees and expenses of its custodian, including those for keeping books and accounts and calculating the NAV per share of a Fund; expenses of shareholders' meetings; expenses relating to the issuance, registration and qualification of a Fund's shares; pricing services, organizational expenses and any extraordinary expenses. Expenses attributable to a Fund are charged against the Fund's assets. General expenses of the Trust are allocated among all of the series of the Trust, including the Funds, in a manner proportionate to the net assets of each Fund, on a transactional basis, or on such other basis as the Board deems equitable.
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in each Prospectus entitled "Taxes."
Each Prospectus generally describes the U.S. federal income tax treatment of distributions by the Funds. This section of the
SAI provides additional information concerning U.S. federal income taxes. It is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code"), applicable Treasury Regulations, judicial authority, and administrative rulings and practice, all
as of the date of this SAI and all of which are subject to change, including changes with retroactive effect. Except as specifically
set forth below, the following discussion does not address any state, local or foreign tax matters.
A shareholder's tax treatment may vary depending upon the shareholder's particular situation. This discussion applies only
to shareholders holding Fund shares as capital assets within the meaning of the Code. A shareholder may also be subject to
special rules not discussed below if they are a certain kind of shareholder, including, but not limited to: an insurance company;
a tax-exempt organization; a financial institution or broker-dealer; a person who is neither a citizen nor resident of the
United States or entity that is not organized under the laws of the United States or political subdivision thereof; a shareholder
who holds Fund shares as part of a hedge, straddle or conversion transaction; or an entity taxable as a partnership for U.S.
federal income tax purposes and investors in such an entity.
The Trust has not requested and will not request an advance ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") as to the
U.S. federal income tax matters described below. The IRS could adopt positions contrary to those discussed below and such
positions could be sustained. In addition, the following discussion and the discussions in each Prospectus applicable to each
shareholder address only some of the U.S. federal income tax considerations generally affecting investments in the Funds.
Prospective shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers and financial planners regarding the U.S. federal tax
consequences of an investment in a Fund, the application of state, local or foreign laws, and the effect of any possible changes
in applicable tax laws on their investment in the Funds.
Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company.
It is intended that each Fund qualify as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter
1 of the Code. Each Fund will be treated as a separate entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Thus, the provisions of
the Code applicable to RICs generally will apply separately to each Fund even though each Fund is a series of the Trust. Furthermore,
each Fund will separately determine its income, gains, losses and expenses for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
In order to qualify as a RIC under the Code, each Fund must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its gross income
each taxable year generally from (i) dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the
sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, and other income attributable to its business of investing
in such stock, securities or foreign currencies (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts)
and (ii) net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership, as defined in the Code. Future U.S.
Treasury regulations may (possibly retroactively) exclude from qualifying income foreign currency gains that are not directly
related to a Fund's principal business of investing in stock, securities or options and futures with respect to stock or securities.
In general, for purposes of this 90% gross income requirement, income derived from a partnership, except a qualified publicly
traded partnership, will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income
of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized by the RIC.
Each Fund must also diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year: (i) at least 50%
of the fair market value of its assets consists of (A) cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities
and securities of other RICs, and (B) securities of any one issuer (other than those described in clause (A)) to the extent
such securities do not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and do not exceed 10% of the outstanding voting securities
of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets consists of the securities of any one issuer
(other than those described in clause (i)(A)), the securities of two or more issuers the Fund controls and which are engaged
in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.
In addition, for purposes of meeting this diversification requirement, the term "outstanding voting securities of such issuer"
includes the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership. The qualifying income and diversification requirements
applicable to a Fund may limit the extent to which it can engage in transactions in options, futures contracts, forward contracts
and swap agreements.
If a Fund fails to satisfy the qualifying income or diversification requirements in any taxable year, such Fund may be eligible
for relief provisions if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with
respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures
of the diversification requirements where the Fund corrects the failure within a specified period. If the applicable relief
provisions are not available or cannot be met, such Fund will be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, described
below.
In addition, with respect to each taxable year, each Fund generally must distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its
investment company taxable income, which generally includes its ordinary income and the excess of any net short-term capital
gain over net long- term capital loss, and at least 90% of its net tax-exempt interest income earned for the taxable year.
If a Fund meets all of the RIC qualification requirements, it generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on
any of the investment company taxable income and net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss) it distributes to its shareholders. For this purpose, a Fund generally must make the distributions
in the same year that it realizes the income and gain, although in certain circumstances, a Fund may make the distributions
in the following taxable year. Shareholders generally are taxed on any distributions from a Fund in the year they are actually
distributed. However, if a Fund declares a distribution to shareholders of record in October, November or December of one
year and pays the distribution by January 31 of the following year, the Fund and its shareholders will be treated as if the
Fund paid the distribution by December 31 of the first taxable year. Each Fund intends to distribute its net income and gain
in a timely manner to maintain its status as a RIC and eliminate fund-level U.S. federal income taxation of such income and
gain. However, no assurance can be given that a Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation.
Moreover, the Funds may retain for investment all or a portion of their net capital gain. If a Fund retains any net capital
gain, it will be subject to a tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained, but may report the retained amount as
undistributed capital gain in a written statement furnished to its shareholders, who (i) will be required to include in income
for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will
be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund on such undistributed amount against their U.S.
federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. For U.S. federal
income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be increased by an amount equal to the
difference between the amount of undistributed capital gain included in the shareholder's gross income and the tax deemed
paid by the shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence. A Fund is not required to, and there can be no assurance
that it will, make this designation if it retains all or a portion of its net capital gain in a taxable year.
If, for any taxable year, a Fund fails to qualify as a RIC, and is not eligible for relief as described above, it will be
taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation without any deduction for its distributions to shareholders, and all distributions
from the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits (including any distributions of its net tax-exempt income and
net long-term capital gain) to its shareholders will be taxable as dividend income. To re-qualify to be taxed as a RIC in
a subsequent year, the Fund may be required to distribute to its shareholders its earnings and profits attributable to non-RIC
years reduced by an interest charge on 50% of such earnings and profits payable by the Fund to the IRS. In addition, if a
Fund initially qualifies as a RIC but subsequently fails to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years,
the Fund generally would be required to recognize and pay tax on any net unrealized gain (the excess of aggregate gain, including
items of income, over aggregate loss that would have been realized if the Fund had been liquidated) or, alternatively, to
be subject to tax on such unrealized gain recognized for a period of ten years, in order to re-qualify as a RIC in a subsequent
year.
Equalization Accounting.
Each Fund may use the so-called "equalization method" of accounting to allocate a portion of its "earnings and profits,"
which generally equals a Fund's undistributed investment company taxable income and net capital gain, with certain adjustments,
to redemption proceeds. This method permits a Fund to achieve more balanced distributions for both continuing and redeeming
shareholders. Although using this method generally will not affect a Fund's total returns, it may reduce the amount that the
Fund would otherwise distribute to continuing shareholders by reducing the effect of redemptions of Fund shares on Fund distributions
to shareholders. However, the IRS may not have expressly sanctioned the particular equalization method used by a Fund, and
thus a Fund's use of this method may be subject to IRS scrutiny.
Capital Loss Carry-Forwards.
For net capital losses realized in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, a Fund is permitted to carry forward a
net capital loss to offset its capital gain, if any, realized during the eight years following the year of the loss, and such
capital loss carry-forward is treated as a short-term capital loss in the year to which it is carried. For net capital losses
realized in taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2011, a Fund is permitted to carry forward a net capital loss to
offset its capital gain indefinitely. For capital losses realized in taxable years beginning after January 1, 2011, the excess
of a Fund's net short-term capital loss over its net long-term capital gain is treated as a short-term capital loss arising
on the first day of the Fund's next taxable year and the excess of a Fund's net long-term capital loss over its net short-term
capital gain is treated as a long-term capital loss arising on the first day of the Fund's next taxable year. If future capital
gain is offset by carried-forward capital losses, such future capital gain is not subject to fund-level U.S. federal income
tax, regardless of whether it is distributed to shareholders. Accordingly, the Funds do not expect to distribute any such
offsetting capital gain. The Funds cannot carry back or carry forward any net operating losses.
As of a Fund's most recent fiscal year end, the Fund had capital loss carry-forwards approximating the amount indicated for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, expiring in the year indicated (if applicable):
Fund |
Year Expires |
Pre-January 1, 2011 Capital Loss Carry-Forwards |
||
Asia Pacific Fund |
2016 |
$32,386,341 |
||
|
2017 |
$80,817,204 |
||
Diversified International Fund |
2017 |
$89,306,475 |
||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
2017 |
$10,889,490 |
||
International Equity Fund |
2016 |
$43,946,020 |
Fund |
Post-January 1, 2011 Capital Loss Carry-Forwards |
|||
|
Short-Term |
Long-Term |
||
Diversified International Fund |
$9,194,452 |
$2,025,419 |
||
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
$27,469,490 |
$223,167,755 |
||
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund |
$5,052,990 |
$1,973,419 |
If a Fund engages in a reorganization, either as an acquiring fund or acquired fund, its capital loss carry-forwards (if any),
its unrealized losses (if any), and any such losses of other funds participating in the reorganization may be subject to severe
limitations that could make such losses, in particular losses realized in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011,
substantially unusable. The Funds have engaged in reorganizations in the past and/or may engage in reorganizations in the
future.
Excise Tax.
If a Fund fails to distribute by December 31 of each calendar year at least the sum of 98% of its ordinary income for that
year (excluding capital gains and losses), 98.2% of its capital gain net income (adjusted for certain net ordinary losses)
for the 12-month period ending on October 31 of that year, and any of its ordinary income and capital gain net income from
previous years that was not distributed during such years, the Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% U.S federal excise
tax on the undistributed amounts (other than to the extent of its tax-exempt interest income, if any). For these purposes,
a Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it is subject to corporate level U.S. federal income tax
for the taxable year ending within the calendar year. Each Fund generally intends to actually, or be deemed to, distribute
substantially all of its ordinary income and capital gain net income, if any, by the end of each calendar year and thus expects
not to be subject to the excise tax. However, no assurance can be given that a Fund will not be subject to the excise tax.
Moreover, each Fund reserves the right to pay an excise tax rather than make an additional distribution when circumstances
warrant (for example, the amount of excise tax to be paid by a Fund is determined to be de minimis).
Investment through Master Portfolio.
A Fund that invests its assets through one or more master portfolios will seek to continue to qualify as a RIC. Each master
portfolio will be treated as a non-publicly traded partnership (or, in the event that a Fund is the sole investor in the corresponding
master portfolio, as disregarded from the Fund) for U.S. federal income tax purposes rather than as a RIC or a corporation
under the Code. Under the rules applicable to a non-publicly traded partnership (or disregarded entity), a proportionate share
of any interest, dividends, gains and losses of a master portfolio will be deemed to have been realized (i.e., "passed-through")
to its investors, including the corresponding Fund, regardless of whether any amounts are actually distributed by the master
portfolio. Each investor in a master portfolio will be taxed on such share, as determined in accordance with the governing
instruments of the particular master portfolio, the Code and U.S. Treasury regulations, in determining such investor's U.S.
federal income tax liability. Therefore, to the extent a master portfolio were to accrue but not distribute any income or
gains, the corresponding Fund would be deemed to have realized its proportionate share of such income or gains without receipt
of any corresponding distribution. However, each of the master portfolios will seek to minimize recognition by its investors
(such as a corresponding Fund) of income and gains without a corresponding distribution. Furthermore, each master portfolio
intends to manage its assets, income and distributions in such a way that an investor in a master portfolio will be able to
continue to qualify as a RIC by investing its assets through the master portfolio.
Taxation of Investments.
In general, realized gains or losses on the sale of securities held by a Fund will be treated as capital gains or losses,
and long-term capital gains or losses if the Fund has held the disposed securities for more than one year at the time of disposition.
If a Fund purchases a debt obligation with original issue discount ("OID") (generally, a debt obligation with a purchase
price at original issuance less than its principal amount, such as a zero-coupon bond), which generally includes "payment-in-kind"
or "PIK" bonds, the Fund generally is required to annually include in its taxable income a portion of the OID as ordinary
income, even though the Fund may not receive cash payments attributable to the OID until a later date, potentially until maturity
or disposition of the obligation. A portion of the OID includible in income with respect to certain high-yield corporate discount
obligations may be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Similarly, if a Fund purchases a debt obligation
with market discount (generally a debt obligation with a purchase price after original issuance less than its principal amount
(reduced by any OID)), the Fund generally is required to annually include in its taxable income a portion of the market discount
as ordinary income, even though the Acquiring Fund may not receive cash payments attributable to the market discount until
a later date, potentially until maturity or disposition of the obligation. A Fund generally will be required to make distributions
to shareholders representing the OID or market discount income on debt obligations that is currently includible in income,
even though the cash representing such income may not have been received by a Fund. Cash to pay such distributions may be
obtained from sales proceeds of securities held by the Fund which a Fund otherwise might have continued to hold; obtaining
such cash might be disadvantageous for the Fund.
If a Fund invests in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated, including debt obligations
of issuers not currently paying interest or who are in default, special tax issues may exist for the Fund. U.S. federal income
tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when a Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID, or market discount, when
and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities, and how payments received on obligations
in default should be allocated between principal and income. These and other related issues will be addressed by a Fund when,
as, and if it invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its
status as a RIC and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.
If an option granted by a Fund is sold, lapses or is otherwise terminated through a closing transaction, such as a repurchase
by the Fund of the option from its holder, the Fund will realize a short-term capital gain or loss, depending on whether the
premium income is greater or less than the amount paid by the Fund in the closing transaction. Some capital losses realized
by a Fund in the sale, exchange, exercise, or other disposition of an option may be deferred if they result from a position
that is part of a "straddle," discussed below. If securities are sold by a Fund pursuant to the exercise of a covered call
option granted by it, the Fund generally will add the premium received to the sale price of the securities delivered in determining
the amount of gain or loss on the sale. If securities are purchased by a Fund pursuant to the exercise of a put option granted
by it, the Fund generally will subtract the premium received from its cost basis in the securities purchased.
Some regulated futures contracts, certain foreign currency contracts, and non-equity, listed options used by a Fund will
be deemed "Section 1256 contracts." A Fund will be required to "mark-to-market" any such contracts held at the end of the
taxable year by treating them as if they had been sold on the last day of that year at market value. Sixty percent of any
net gain or loss realized on all dispositions of Section 1256 contracts, including deemed dispositions under the "mark-to-market"
rule, generally will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and the remaining 40% will be treated as short-term capital
gain or loss, although certain foreign currency gains and losses from such contracts may be treated as ordinary income or
loss (as described below). These provisions may require a Fund to recognize income or gains without a concurrent receipt of
cash. Transactions that qualify as designated hedges are exempt from the mark-to-market rule and the "60%/40%" rule and may
require the Fund to defer the recognition of losses on certain futures contracts, foreign currency contracts and non-equity
options.
Foreign currency gains and losses realized by a Fund in connection with certain transactions involving foreign currency-
denominated debt obligations, certain options, futures contracts, forward contracts, and similar instruments relating to foreign
currency, foreign currencies, or payables or receivables denominated in a foreign currency are subject to Section 988 of the
Code, which generally causes such gains and losses to be treated as ordinary income or loss and may affect the amount and
timing of recognition of the Fund's income. Under future U.S. Treasury regulations, any such transactions that are not directly
related to a Fund's investments in stock or securities (or its options contracts or futures contracts with respect to stock
or securities) may have to be limited in order to enable the Fund to satisfy the 90% income test described above. If the net
foreign currency loss exceeds a Fund's net investment company taxable income (computed without regard to such loss) for a
taxable year, the resulting ordinary loss for such year will not be deductible by the Fund or its shareholders in future years.
Offsetting positions held by a Fund involving certain derivative instruments, such as financial forward, futures, and options
contracts, may be considered, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to constitute "straddles." "Straddles" are defined to
include "offsetting positions" in actively traded personal property. The tax treatment of "straddles" is governed by Section
1092 of the Code which, in certain circumstances, overrides or modifies the provisions of Section 1256. If a Fund is treated
as entering into a "straddle" and at least one (but not all) of the Fund's positions in derivative contracts comprising a
part of such straddle is governed by Section 1256 of the Code, described above, then such straddle could be characterized
as a "mixed straddle." A Fund may make one or more elections with respect to "mixed straddles." Depending upon which election
is made, if any, the results with respect to a Fund may differ. Generally, to the extent the straddle rules apply to positions
established by a Fund, losses realized by the Fund may be deferred to the extent of unrealized gain in any offsetting positions.
Moreover, as a result of the straddle rules, short-term capital loss on straddle positions may be recharacterized as long-term
capital loss, and long-term capital gain may be characterized as short-term capital gain. In addition, the existence of a
straddle may affect the holding period of the offsetting positions. As a result, the straddle rules could cause distributions
that would otherwise constitute qualified dividend income (defined below) to fail to satisfy the applicable holding period
requirements (described below) and therefore to be taxed as ordinary income. Furthermore, the Fund may be required to capitalize,
rather than deduct currently, any interest expense and carrying charges applicable to a position that is part of a straddle,
including any interest expense on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry any positions that are part of a
straddle. Because the application of the straddle rules may affect the character and timing of gains and losses from affected
straddle positions, the amount which must be distributed to shareholders, and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary
income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased substantially as compared to the situation where a Fund had
not engaged in such transactions.
If a Fund enters into a "constructive sale" of any appreciated financial position in stock, a partnership interest, or certain
debt instruments, the Fund will be treated as if it had sold and immediately repurchased the property and must recognize gain
(but not loss) with respect to that position. A constructive sale of an appreciated financial position occurs when a Fund
enters into certain offsetting transactions with respect to the same or substantially identical property, including: (i) a
short sale; (ii) an offsetting notional principal contract; (iii) a futures or forward contract; or (iv) other transactions
identified in future U.S. Treasury regulations. The character of the gain from constructive sales will depend upon a Fund's
holding period in the appreciated financial position. Losses realized from a sale of a position that was previously the subject
of a constructive sale will be recognized when the position is subsequently disposed of. The character of such losses will
depend upon a Fund's holding period in the position and the application of various loss deferral provisions in the Code. Constructive
sale treatment does not apply to certain closed transactions, including if such a transaction is closed on or before the 30th
day after the close of the Fund's taxable year and the Fund holds the appreciated financial position unhedged throughout the
60-day period beginning with the day such transaction was closed.
The amount of long-term capital gain a Fund may recognize from certain derivative transactions with respect to interests
in certain pass-through entities is limited under the Code's constructive ownership rules. The amount of long-term capital
gain is limited to the amount of such gain a Fund would have had if the Fund directly invested in the pass-through entity
during the term of the derivative contract. Any gain in excess of this amount is treated as ordinary income. An interest charge
is imposed on the amount of gain that is treated as ordinary income.
In addition, a Fund's transactions in securities and certain types of derivatives (e.g., options, futures contracts, forward
contracts, and swap agreements) may be subject to other special tax rules, such as the wash sale rules or the short sale rules,
the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, cause adjustments to the holding periods
of the Fund's securities, convert long-term capital gains into short-term capital gains, and/or convert short-term capital
losses into long- term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions
to shareholders.
Rules governing the U.S. federal income tax aspects of derivatives, including swap agreements, are in a developing stage
and are not entirely clear in certain respects, particularly in light of IRS revenue rulings that held that income from a
derivative contract with respect to a commodity index is not qualifying income for a RIC. Accordingly, while each Fund intends
to account for such transactions in a manner it deems appropriate, the IRS might not accept such treatment. If it did not,
the status of a Fund as a RIC might be jeopardized. Certain requirements that must be met under the Code in order for each
Fund to qualify as a RIC may limit the extent to which a Fund will be able to engage in derivatives transactions.
A Fund may invest in real estate investment trusts ("REITs"). Investments in REIT equity securities may require a Fund to
accrue and distribute income not yet received. To generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Fund may
be required to sell securities in its portfolio (including when it is not advantageous to do so) that it otherwise would have
continued to hold. A Fund's investments in REIT equity securities may at other times result in the Fund's receipt of cash
in excess of the REIT's earnings if the Fund distributes these amounts, these distributions could constitute a return of capital
to Fund shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Dividends received by the Fund from a REIT generally will not constitute
qualified dividend income and will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction.
A Fund may invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMICs") or
in other interests that may be treated as taxable mortgage pools ("TMPs") for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Under IRS
guidance, a Fund must allocate "excess inclusion income" received directly or indirectly from REMIC residual interests or
TMPs to its shareholders in proportion to dividends paid to such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders
had invested in the REMIC residual interests or TMPs directly.
In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a
limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) constitutes unrelated business taxable income to Keogh, 401(k) and
qualified pension plans, as well as investment retirement accounts and certain other tax exempt entities, thereby potentially
requiring such an entity, which otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on
such income, and (iii) in the case of a foreign shareholder, does not qualify for any reduction, by treaty or otherwise, in
the 30% U.S. federal withholding tax. In addition, if at any time during any taxable year a "disqualified organization" (as
defined in the Code) is a record holder of a share in a Fund, then the Fund will be subject to a tax equal to that portion
of its excess inclusion income for the taxable year that is allocable to the disqualified organization, multiplied by the
highest federal corporate income tax rate. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, a Fund may elect to specially allocate
any such tax to the applicable disqualified organization, and thus reduce such shareholder's distributions for the year by
the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholder's interest in the Fund. The Funds have not yet determined whether such
an election will be made.
"Passive foreign investment companies" ("PFICs") are generally defined as foreign corporations with respect to which at least
75% of their gross income for their taxable year is income from passive sources (such as interest, dividends, certain rents
and royalties, or capital gains) or at least 50% of their assets on average produce such passive income. If a Fund acquires
any equity interest in a PFIC, the Fund could be subject to U.S. federal income tax and interest charges on "excess distributions"
received from the PFIC or on gain from the sale of such equity interest in the PFIC, even if all income or gain actually received
by the Fund is timely distributed to its shareholders. Excess distributions will be characterized as ordinary income even
though, absent the application of PFIC rules, some excess distributions may have been classified as capital gain.
A Fund will not be permitted to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for taxes and interest charges incurred
with respect to PFICs. Elections may be available that would ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but such elections
could require a Fund to recognize taxable income or gain without the concurrent receipt of cash. Investments in PFICs could
also result in the treatment of associated capital gains as ordinary income. The Funds may attempt to limit and/or manage
their holdings in PFICs to minimize their tax liability or maximize their returns from these investments but there can be
no assurance that they will be able to do so. Moreover, because it is not always possible to identify a foreign corporation
as a PFIC in advance of acquiring shares in the corporation, a Fund may incur the tax and interest charges described above
in some instances. Dividends paid by PFICs will not be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income.
In addition to the investments described above, prospective shareholders should be aware that other investments made by the
Funds may involve complex tax rules that may result in income or gain recognition by the Funds without corresponding current
cash receipts. Although the Funds seek to avoid significant non-cash income, such non-cash income could be recognized by the
Funds, in which case the Funds may distribute cash derived from other sources in order to meet the minimum distribution requirements
described above. In this regard, the Funds could be required at times to liquidate investments prematurely in order to satisfy
their minimum distribution requirements.
Taxation of Distributions.
Except for exempt-interest dividends (defined below) paid out by "Tax-Free Funds", distributions paid out of a Fund's current
and accumulated earnings and profits (as determined at the end of the year), whether paid in cash or reinvested in the Fund,
generally are deemed to be taxable distributions and must be reported by each shareholder who is required to file a U.S. federal
income tax return. Dividends and distributions on a Fund's shares are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax as described
herein to the extent they do not exceed the Fund's realized income and gains, even though such dividends and distributions
may economically represent a return of a particular shareholder's investment. Such distributions are likely to occur in respect
of shares acquired at a time when the Fund's net asset value reflects gains that are either unrealized, or realized but not
distributed. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a Fund's earnings and profits, described above, are determined at the end
of the Fund's taxable year and are allocated pro rata to distributions paid over the entire year. Distributions in excess
of a Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits will first be treated as a return of capital up to the amount of
a shareholder's tax basis in the shareholder's Fund shares and then as capital gain. A Fund may make distributions in excess
of its earnings and profits, from time to time.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income are generally taxable as ordinary income, and distributions
of gains from the sale of investments that a Fund owned for one year or less will be taxable as ordinary income. Distributions
properly designated by a Fund as capital gain dividends will be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain (to the
extent such distributions do not exceed the Fund's net capital gain for the taxable year), regardless of how long a shareholder
has held Fund shares, and do not qualify as dividends for purposes of the dividends-received deduction or as qualified dividend
income. Each Fund will report capital gain dividends, if any, in a written statement furnished to its shareholders after the
close of the Fund's taxable year.
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may result in foreign exchange gain or loss on transactions in foreign currencies,
foreign currency-denominated debt obligations, and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts.
Such gains or losses are generally characterized as ordinary income or loss for tax purposes. The Fund must make certain distributions
in order to qualify as a Regulated Investment Company, and the timing of and character of transactions such as foreign currency-related
gains and losses may result in the fund paying a distribution treated as a return of capital. Such distribution is nontaxable
to the extent of the recipient's basis in its shares.
Some states will not tax distributions made to individual shareholders that are attributable to interest a Fund earned on
direct obligations of the U.S. government if the Fund meets the state's minimum investment or reporting requirements, if any.
Investments in GNMA or FNMA securities, bankers' acceptances, commercial paper and repurchase agreements collateralized by
U.S. government securities generally do not qualify for tax-free treatment. This exemption may not apply to corporate shareholders.
Sales and Exchanges of Fund Shares.
If a shareholder sells, pursuant to a cash or in-kind redemption, or exchanges the shareholder's Fund shares, subject to
the discussion below, the shareholder generally will recognize a taxable capital gain or loss on the difference between the
amount received for the shares (or deemed received in the case of an exchange) and the shareholder's tax basis in the shares.
This gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shareholder has held such Fund shares for more than one year
at the time of the sale or exchange, and short-term otherwise.
If a shareholder sells or exchanges Fund shares within 90 days of having acquired such shares and if, before January 31 of
the calendar year following the calendar year of the sale or exchange, as a result of having initially acquired those shares,
the shareholder subsequently pays a reduced sales charge on a new purchase of shares of the Fund or a different RIC, the sales
charge previously incurred in acquiring the Fund's shares generally shall not be taken into account (to the extent the previous
sales charges do not exceed the reduction in sales charges on the new purchase) for the purpose of determining the amount
of gain or loss on the disposition, but generally will be treated as having been incurred in the new purchase. Also, if a
shareholder recognizes a loss on a disposition of Fund shares, the loss will be disallowed under the "wash sale" rules to
the extent the shareholder purchases substantially identical shares within the 61-day period beginning 30 days before and
ending 30 days after the disposition. Any disallowed loss generally will be reflected in an adjustment to the tax basis of
the purchased shares.
If a shareholder receives a capital gain dividend with respect to any Fund share and such Fund share is held for six months
or less, then (unless otherwise disallowed) any loss on the sale or exchange of that Fund share will be treated as a long-term
capital loss to the extent of the capital gain dividend. If such loss is incurred from the redemption of shares pursuant to
a periodic redemption plan then U.S. Treasury regulations may permit an exception to this six-month rule. No such regulations
have been issued as of the date of this SAI.
In addition, if a shareholder of a Tax-Free Fund holds such Fund shares for six months or less, any loss on the sale or exchange
of those shares will be disallowed to the extent of the amount of exempt-interest dividends (defined below) received with
respect to the shares. If such loss is incurred from the redemption of shares pursuant to a periodic redemption plan then
U.S. Treasury regulations may permit an exception to this six-month rule. Such a loss will also not be disallowed where the
loss is incurred with respect to shares of a Fund that declares exempt-interest dividends on a daily basis in an amount equal
to at least 90% of its net-tax exempt interest and distributes such dividends on a monthly, or more frequent, basis. Additionally,
where a Fund regularly distributes at least 90% of its net tax-exempt interest, if any, the Treasury Department is authorized
to issue regulations reducing the six month holding period requirement to a period of not less than the greater of 31 days
or the period between regular distributions. No such regulations have been issued as of the date of this filing.
Foreign Taxes.
Amounts realized by a Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by
such countries. Although in some countries a portion of these taxes is recoverable by the fund, the unrecovered portion of
foreign withholding taxes will reduce the income received from such securities. If more than 50% of the value of a Fund's
total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund will be eligible to
file an annual election with the IRS pursuant to which the Fund may pass-through to its shareholders on a pro rata basis certain
foreign income and similar taxes paid by the Fund, and such taxes may be claimed, subject to certain limitations, either as
a tax credit or deduction by the shareholders. However, even if a Fund qualifies for the election for any year, it may not
make the election for such year. If a Fund does not so elect, then shareholders will not be entitled to claim a credit or
deduction with respect to foreign taxes paid or withheld. If a Fund does elect to "pass through" its foreign taxes paid in
a taxable year, the Fund will furnish a written statement to its shareholders reporting such shareholders proportionate share
of the Funds' foreign taxes paid.
Even if a Fund qualifies for the election, foreign income and similar taxes will only pass through to the Fund's shareholders
if the Fund and its shareholders meet certain holding period requirements. Specifically, (i) the shareholders must have held
the Fund shares for at least 16 days during the 31-day period beginning 15 days prior to the date upon which the shareholders
became entitled to receive Fund distributions corresponding with the pass through of such foreign taxes paid by the Fund,
and (ii) with respect to dividends received by the Fund on foreign shares giving rise to such foreign taxes, the Fund must
have held the shares for at least 16 days during the 31-day period beginning 15 days prior to the date upon which the Fund
became entitled to the dividend. These holding periods increase for certain dividends on preferred stock. A Fund may choose
not to make the election if the Fund has not satisfied its holding requirement.
If a Fund makes the election, the Fund will not be permitted to claim a credit or deduction for foreign taxes paid in that
year, and the Fund's dividends-paid deduction will be increased by the amount of foreign taxes paid that year. Fund shareholders
that have satisfied the holding period requirements and certain other requirements shall include their proportionate share
of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund in their gross income and treat that amount as paid by them for the purpose of the foreign
tax credit or deduction. If the shareholder claims a credit for foreign taxes paid, the credit will be limited to the extent
it exceeds the shareholder's federal income tax attributable to foreign source taxable income. If the credit is attributable,
wholly or in part, to qualified dividend income (as defined below), special rules will be used to limit the credit in a manner
that reflects any resulting dividend rate differential.
In general, an individual with $300 or less of creditable foreign taxes may elect to be exempt from the foreign source taxable
income and qualified dividend income limitations if the individual has no foreign source income other than qualified passive
income. This $300 threshold is increased to $600 for joint filers. A deduction for foreign taxes paid may only be claimed
by shareholders that itemize their deductions.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Rates.
Noncorporate Fund shareholders (i.e., individuals, trusts and estates) are taxed at a maximum rate of 39.6% on ordinary income
and 20% on long-term capital gain for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012.
In general, "qualified dividend income" realized by noncorporate Fund shareholders is taxable at the same rate as net capital
gain. Generally, qualified dividend income is dividend income attributable to certain U.S. and foreign corporations, as long
as certain holding period requirements are met. After this date, all dividend income generally will be taxed at the same rate
as ordinary income. If 95% or more of a Fund's gross income (excluding net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital
loss) constitutes qualified dividend income, all of its distributions (other than capital gain dividends) will be generally
treated as qualified dividend income in the hands of individual shareholders, as long as they have owned their Fund shares
for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the Fund's ex-dividend date (or, in the case of certain
preferred stock, 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date). In general, if less than 95% of a
Fund's income is attributable to qualified dividend income, then only the portion of the Fund's distributions that is attributable
to qualified dividend income and designated as such in a timely manner will be so treated in the hands of individual shareholders.
Payments received by a Fund from securities lending, repurchase, and other derivative transactions ordinarily will not qualify.
The rules attributable to the qualification of Fund distributions as qualified dividend income are complex, including the
holding period requirements. Individual Fund shareholders therefore are urged to consult their own tax advisers and financial
planners. Income and bond Funds typically do not distribute significant amounts of "qualified dividend income" eligible for
reductions in individual U.S. federal income tax rates applicable to certain dividend income.
The maximum stated corporate U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to ordinary income and net capital gain is 35%. Actual
marginal tax rates may be higher for some shareholders, for example, through reductions in deductions. Distributions from
an Income Fund generally will not qualify for the "dividends-received deduction" applicable to corporate shareholders with
respect to certain dividends. Distributions from an Equity Fund may qualify for the "dividends-received deduction" applicable
to corporate shareholders with respect to certain dividends. Naturally, the amount of tax payable by any taxpayer will be
affected by a combination of tax laws covering, for example, deductions, credits, deferrals, exemptions, sources of income
and other matters. U.S. federal income tax rates are set to increase in future years under various "sunset" provisions of
U.S. federal income tax laws.
Under recently enacted legislation, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, noncorporate Fund shareholders generally
will be subject to a 3.8% tax on their "net investment income," which ordinarily includes taxable distributions received from
the Funds and taxable gain on the disposition of Fund shares.
For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, a U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate will be imposed on dividends and
proceeds of sales in respect of Fund shares received by Fund shareholders who own their shares through foreign accounts or
foreign intermediaries if certain disclosure requirements related to U.S. accounts or ownership are not satisfied. The Funds
will not pay any additional amounts in respect to any amounts withheld.
Backup Withholding.
A Fund is generally required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury, subject to certain exemptions (such as for certain
corporate or foreign shareholders), an amount equal to 28% of all distributions and redemption proceeds (including proceeds
from exchanges and redemptions in-kind) paid or credited to a Fund shareholder if (i) the shareholder fails to furnish the
Fund with a correct "taxpayer identification number" ("TIN"), (ii) the shareholder fails to certify under penalties of perjury
that the TIN provided is correct, (iii) the shareholder fails to make certain other certifications, or (iv) the IRS notifies
the Fund that the shareholder's TIN is incorrect or that the shareholder is otherwise subject to backup withholding. Backup
withholding is not an additional tax imposed on the shareholder. The shareholder may apply amounts withheld as a credit against
the shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability and may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld, provided that
the required information is furnished to the IRS. If a shareholder fails to furnish a valid TIN upon request, the shareholder
can also be subject to IRS penalties. A shareholder may generally avoid backup withholding by furnishing a properly completed
IRS Form W-9. State backup withholding may also be required to be withheld by the Funds under certain circumstances.
Corporate Shareholders.
Subject to limitation and other rules, a corporate shareholder of a Fund may be eligible for the dividends received deduction
on Fund distributions attributable to dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations, which, if received directly
by the corporate shareholder, would qualify for such a deduction. For eligible corporate shareholders, the dividends-received
deduction may be subject to certain reductions, and a distribution by a Fund attributable to dividends of a domestic corporation
will be eligible for the deduction only if certain holding period and other requirements are met. These requirements are complex;
therefore, corporate shareholders of the Funds are urged to consult their own tax advisers and financial planners.
Foreign Shareholders.
For purposes of this discussion, "foreign shareholders" include: (i) nonresident alien individuals, (ii) foreign trusts (i.e.,
a trust other than a trust with respect to which a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over administration
of that trust and one or more U.S. persons have authority to control substantial decisions of that trust), (iii) foreign estates
(i.e., the income of which is not subject to U.S. tax regardless of source), and (iv) foreign corporations.
Generally, subject to certain exceptions described below, distributions made to foreign shareholders will be subject to non-
refundable U.S. federal income tax withholding at a 30% rate (or such lower rate provided under an applicable income tax treaty)
even if they are funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest, short-term capital gain, or foreign-source dividend
and interest income) that, if paid to a foreign person directly, would not be subject to withholding. However, with respect
to certain distributions made to foreign shareholders in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2014, no withholding will
be required and the distributions generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax if (i) the distributions are reported
as "interest related dividends" or "short term capital gain dividends" in a written statement furnished to shareholders (ii)
the distributions are derived from sources specified in the Code for such dividends and (iii) certain other requirements are
satisfied. No assurance can be given that a Fund would designate any of its distributions as interest related dividends or
short term capital gain dividends, even if it is permitted to do so. In the case of shares held through an intermediary, even
if a Fund makes a designation with respect to a payment, no assurance can be made that the intermediary will respect such
a designation. Capital gains dividends and gains recognized by a foreign shareholder on the redemption of Fund shares generally
will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax withholding, provided that certain requirements are satisfied. Tax-exempt dividends
(described below) paid by a Tax-Free Fund to a foreign shareholders also should be exempt from U.S. federal income tax withholding.
With respect to payments made after December 31, 2013, a withholding tax of 30% will be imposed on dividends from, and the
gross proceeds of a disposition of, Fund shares paid to certain foreign entities unless various information reporting requirements
are satisfied. Such withholding tax will generally apply to non-U.S. financial institutions, which are generally defined for
this purpose as non-U.S. entities that (i) accept deposits in the ordinary course of a banking or similar business, (ii) are
engaged in the business of holding financial assets for the account of others, or (iii) are engaged or hold themselves out
as being engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities, partnership interests, commodities,
or any interest in such assets. Prospective foreign shareholders are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the
implications of this legislation on their investment in a Fund.
Before investing in a Fund's shares, a prospective foreign shareholder should consult with its own tax advisors, including
whether the shareholder's investment can qualify for benefits under an applicable income tax treaty.
Tax-Deferred Plans.
Shares of the Funds may be available for a variety of tax-deferred retirement and other tax-advantaged plans and accounts.
However, shares of a Tax-Free Fund may not be suitable for tax-deferred, retirement and other tax-advantaged plans and accounts,
since such plans and accounts are generally tax-exempt and, therefore, would not benefit from the tax-exempt status of certain
distributions from the Tax-Free Fund (discussed below). Such distributions may ultimately be taxable to the beneficiaries
when distributed to them. Prospective investors should contact their tax advisers and financial planners regarding the tax
consequences to them of holding Fund shares through such plans and/or accounts.
Tax-Exempt Shareholders.
Shares of a Tax-Free Fund may not be suitable for tax-exempt shareholders since such shareholders generally would not benefit
from the tax-exempt status of distributions from the Tax-Free Funds (discussed below). Tax-exempt shareholders should contact
their tax advisers and financial planners regarding the tax consequences to them of an investment in the Funds.
Any investment in residual interests of a collateralized mortgage obligation that has elected to be treated as a REMIC can
create complex U.S. federal income tax consequences, especially if a Fund has state or local governments or other tax-exempt
organizations as shareholders.
Special tax consequences apply to charitable remainder trusts ("CRTs") (as defined in Section 664 of the Code) that invest
in RICs that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs. CRTs are urged to
consult their own tax advisers and financial planners concerning these special tax consequences.
Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations.
Generally, under U.S. Treasury regulations, if an individual shareholder recognizes a loss of $2 million or more or if a
corporate shareholder recognizes a loss of $10 million or more, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement
on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of securities are in many cases exempt from this reporting requirement, but under current
guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not exempt. Future guidance may extend the current exemption from this reporting requirement
to shareholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal
determination of whether the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers
to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
Additional Considerations for the Tax-Free Funds
. If at least 50% of the value of a Fund's total assets at the close of each quarter of its taxable years consists of debt
obligations that generate interest exempt from U.S. federal income tax under Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code, then
the Fund may qualify to pass through to its shareholders the tax-exempt character of its income from such debt obligations
by paying exempt-interest dividends. The Tax-Free Funds intend to so qualify and are designed to provide shareholders with
income exempt from U.S. federal income tax in the form of exempt-interest dividends. "Exempt-interest dividends" are dividends
(other than capital gain dividends) paid by a RIC that are properly reported as such in a written statement furnished to shareholders.
Each Tax-Free Fund will report to its shareholders the portion of the distributions for the taxable year that constitutes
exempt-interest dividends. The designated portion cannot exceed the excess of the amount of interest excludable from gross
income under Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code received by a Tax-Free Fund during the taxable year over any amounts
disallowed as deductions under Sections 265 and 171(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code. Interest on indebtedness incurred
to purchase or carry shares of the Tax-Free Funds will not be deductible to the extent that the Tax-Free Funds' distributions
are exempt from U.S. federal income tax. In addition, an investment in a Tax-Free Fund may result in liability for U.S. federal
alternative minimum tax ("AMT"). Certain deductions and exemptions have been designated "tax preference items" which must
be added back to taxable income for purposes of calculating the U.S. federal AMT. Tax preference items include tax-exempt
interest on certain "private activity bonds." To the extent a Tax-Free Fund invests in certain private activity bonds, its
shareholders will be required to report that portion of the Fund's distributions attributable to income from the bonds as
a tax preference item in determining their U.S. federal AMT, if any. Shareholders will be notified of the tax status of distributions
made by a Tax-Free Fund.
Persons who may be "substantial users" (or "related persons" of substantial users) of facilities financed by private activity
bonds should consult their tax advisers before purchasing shares in a Tax-Free Fund. Furthermore, shareholders will not be
permitted to deduct any of their share of a Tax-Free Fund's expenses in computing their U.S. federal AMT. In addition, exempt-interest
dividends paid by a Tax-Free Fund to a corporate shareholder are included in the shareholder's "adjusted current earnings"
as part of its U.S. federal AMT calculation, and may also affect its U.S. federal "environmental tax" liability. As of the
date of this filing, individuals are subject to the U.S. federal AMT at a maximum rate of 28% and corporations are subject
to the U.S. federal AMT at a maximum rate of 20%. Shareholders with questions or concerns about the U.S. federal AMT should
consult own their own tax advisers.
The IRS is paying increased attention to whether debt obligations intended to produce interest exempt from U.S. federal income
tax in fact meet the requirements for such exemption. Ordinarily, the Tax-Free Funds rely on opinions from the issuer's bond
counsel that interest on the issuer's debt obligation will be exempt from U.S. federal income tax. However, no assurance can
be given that the IRS will not successfully challenge such exemption, which could cause interest on the debt obligation to
be taxable and could jeopardize a Tax-Free Fund's ability to pay any exempt-interest dividends. Similar challenges may occur
as to state-specific exemptions.
A shareholder who receives Social Security or railroad retirement benefits should consult the shareholder's own tax adviser
to determine what effect, if any, an investment in a Tax-Free Fund may have on the U.S. federal taxation of such benefits.
Exempt-interest dividends are included in income for purposes of determining the amount of benefits that are taxable.
Distributions of a Tax-Free Fund's income other than exempt-interest dividends generally will be taxable to shareholders.
Gains realized by a Tax-Free Fund on the sale or exchange of investments that generate tax-exempt income will also be taxable
to shareholders.
Although exempt-interest dividends are generally exempt from U.S. federal income tax, there may not be a similar exemption
under the laws of a particular state or local taxing jurisdiction. Thus, exempt-interest dividends may be subject to state
and local taxes. You should consult your own tax advisor to discuss the tax consequences of your investment in a Tax-Free
Fund.
Legislative Proposals.
Prospective shareholders should recognize that the present U.S. federal income tax treatment of the Funds and their shareholders
may be modified by legislative, judicial or administrative actions at any time, which may be retroactive in effect. The rules
dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by Congress, the IRS and the Treasury Department, and
statutory changes as well as promulgation of new regulations, revisions to existing statutes, and revised interpretations
of established concepts occur frequently. You should consult your advisors concerning the status of legislative proposals
that may pertain to holding Fund shares.
Cost Basis Reporting
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 and provisions from the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 require each Fund or its delegate to report cost basis information to shareholders and the Internal Revenue Service for 1099-B reportable redemptions of covered Fund shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012. Shares purchased on or after January 1, 2012 are generally treated as covered shares. Shares purchased before January 1, 2012 or shares without complete cost basis information are generally treated as noncovered shares.
Fund shareholders should consult their tax advisors to obtain more information about how the new cost basis rules apply to them and determine which cost basis method allowed by the Internal Revenue Service is best for their tax situation. Methods allowed by the IRS include, but are not limited to:
Average Cost . The cost per share is determined by dividing the aggregate cost amount by the total shares in the account. The basis of the shares redeemed is determined by multiplying the shares redeemed by the cost per share. Starting in 2012, accounts may maintain two separate average costs: one average for covered shares and a separate average for noncovered shares. Under the Average Cost method, noncovered shares are generally depleted first.
First in first out (FIFO) . Shares acquired first in the shareholder's account are the first shares depleted and determine the shareholder's cost basis. The basis of the shares redeemed is determined by the adjusted purchase price of each date the shares were acquired.
Specific Identification . A shareholder selects the shares to be redeemed from any of the purchase lots that still have shares remaining. The basis of the shares redeemed is determined by the adjusted purchase price of each date the shares were acquired.
In the absence of a shareholder method election, the Fund will apply its default method, Average Cost. If the Average Cost method is applied either by default or at the shareholder's election, the shareholder's ability to change such election once a sale occurs will be limited under the IRS rules. After an election has been made, but before a disposition of shares occurs, a shareholder may make a retroactive change to an alternate method. The cost basis method a shareholder elects may not be changed with respect to a redemption of shares after the settlement date of the redemption. At any time, a shareholder may designate a new election for future purchases.
Redemptions of noncovered shares (shares acquired prior to January 1, 2012) will continue to be reported using the Average Cost method, if available, and will not be reported to the IRS.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Trusts and Funds Management have adopted policies and procedures ("Proxy Voting Procedures") that are used to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Funds of the Trusts. The Proxy Voting Procedures are designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of Fund shareholders, without regard to any relationship that any affiliated person of the Fund (or an affiliated person of such affiliated person) may have with the issuer of the security.
The responsibility for voting proxies relating to the Funds' portfolio securities has been delegated by the Board of Trustees to Funds Management. In accordance with the Proxy Voting Procedures, Funds Management exercises its voting responsibility with the goal of maximizing value to shareholders consistent with governing laws and the investment policies of each Fund. While each Fund does not purchase securities to exercise control or to seek to effect corporate change through share ownership, it supports sound corporate governance practices within companies in which it invests and reflects that support through its proxy voting process.
Funds Management has established a Proxy Voting Committee (the "Proxy Committee") that is responsible for overseeing the proxy voting process and ensuring that the voting process is implemented in conformance with the Proxy Voting Procedures. Funds Management has retained an independent, unaffiliated nationally recognized proxy voting company as proxy voting agent. The Proxy Committee monitors the proxy voting agent and the voting process and, in certain situations, votes proxies or directs the proxy voting agent how to vote.
The Proxy Voting Procedures set out guidelines regarding how Funds Management and the proxy voting agent will vote proxies. Where the voting policy specify a particular vote on a particular matter, the proxy voting agent handles the proxy, generally without further involvement by the Proxy Committee. Where the voting policy specifies the proxy voting agent forwards the proxy to the Proxy Committee for a vote determination by the Proxy Committee. To the extent the voting policy does not address a proxy voting proposal, Funds Management will vote pursuant to the proxy voting agent's current U.S. and International proxy voting guidelines. The Proxy Committee may exercise a discretionary vote if it determines that a case-by-case review of a particular matter is warranted. As a general matter, proxies are voted consistently in the same matter when securities of an issuer are held by multiple Funds of the Trusts.
In all cases where the Proxy Committee makes the decision regarding how a particular proxy should be voted, the Proxy Committee
exercises its voting discretion in accordance with the voting philosophy of the Funds and in the best interests of Fund shareholders.
In deciding how to vote, the Proxy Committee may rely on independent research, input and recommendations from third parties
including independent proxy services, other independent sources, sub-advisers, company managements and shareholder groups
as part of its decision-making process.
In most cases, any potential conflicts of interest involving Funds Management or any affiliate regarding a proxy are avoided
through the strict and objective application of the Fund's voting policy. However, when the Proxy Committee is aware of a
material conflict of interest regarding a matter that would otherwise be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Proxy Committee,
the Proxy Committee shall address the material conflict by using any of the following methods: (i) instructing the proxy voting
agent to vote in accordance with the recommendation it makes to its clients; (ii) disclosing the conflict to the Board and
obtaining their consent before voting; (iii) submitting the matter to the Board to exercise its authority to vote on such
matter; (iv) engaging an independent fiduciary who will direct the Proxy Committee on voting instructions for the proxy; (v)
consulting with outside
legal counsel for guidance on resolution of the conflict of interest; (vi) erecting information barriers around the person
or persons making voting decisions; (vii) voting in proportion to other shareholders; or (viii) voting in other ways that
are consistent with each Fund's obligation to vote in the best interests of its shareholders. Additionally, the Proxy Committee
does not permit its votes to be influenced by any conflict of interest that exists for any other affiliated person of the
Funds (such as a subadviser or principal underwriter) and the Proxy Committee votes all such matters without regard to the
conflict. The Proxy Voting Procedures may reflect voting positions that differ from practices followed by other companies
or subsidiaries of Wells Fargo & Company.
While Funds Management uses its best efforts to vote proxies, in certain circumstances it may be impractical or impossible for Funds Management to vote proxies (e.g., limited value or unjustifiable costs). For example, in accordance with local law or business practices, many foreign companies prevent the sales of shares that have been voted for a certain period beginning prior to the shareholder meeting and ending on the day following the meeting ("share blocking"). Due to these restrictions, Funds Management must balance the benefits to its clients of voting proxies against the potentially serious portfolio management consequences of a reduced flexibility to sell the underlying shares at the most advantageous time. As a result, Funds Management will generally not vote those proxies in the absence of an unusual, significant vote or compelling economic importance. Additionally, Funds Management may not be able to vote proxies for certain foreign securities if Funds Management does not receive the proxy statement in time to vote the proxies due to custodial processing delays.
As a general matter, securities on loan will not be recalled to facilitate proxy voting (in which case the borrower of the security shall be entitled to vote the proxy). However, if the Proxy Committee is aware of an item in time to recall the security and has determined in good faith that the importance of the matter to be voted upon outweighs the loss in lending revenue that result from recalling the security (i.e., if there is a controversial upcoming merger or acquisition, or some other significant matter), the security will be recalled for voting.
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities held during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 may be obtained on the Funds' website at wellsfargofunds.com or by accessing the SEC's website at sec.gov.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF FUND PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
Set forth below are the policies and procedures that govern the disclosure of portfolio holdings by the Funds. Please note that Funds Management, the Sub-Advisers, or certain of their affiliates may provide investment advisory services to various other entities, including, but not limited to, registered investment companies, non-U.S. investment vehicles, separate accounts and various other unregistered investment products, many of which may have substantially similar, or in some cases nearly identical, portfolio holdings as the Funds (collectively, "Other Investment Products"). Other Investment Products may be subject to portfolio holdings disclosure policies that are different from those of the Funds, and as a result, may disclose portfolio holdings more frequently or at different times than the Funds.
I. Scope of Policies and Procedures. The following policies and procedures (the "Procedures") govern the disclosure of portfolio holdings and any ongoing arrangements to make available information about portfolio holdings for the separate series of Wells Fargo Funds Trust ("Funds Trust"), Wells Fargo Master Trust ("Master Trust"), Wells Fargo Variable Trust ("Variable Trust") and Asset Allocation Trust (each of Funds Trust, Master Trust, Variable Trust and Asset Allocation Trust referred to collectively herein as the "Funds" or individually as the "Fund") now existing or hereafter created.
II. Disclosure Philosophy. The Funds have adopted these Procedures to ensure that the disclosure of a Fund's portfolio holdings is accomplished in a manner that is consistent with a Fund's fiduciary duty to its shareholders. For purposes of these Procedures, the term "portfolio holdings" means the stock, bonds and derivative positions held by a non-money market Fund and does not include the cash investments held by the Fund. For money market funds, the term "portfolio holdings" includes cash investments, such as investments in repurchase agreements.
Under no circumstances shall Funds Management or the Funds receive any compensation in return for the disclosure of information about a Fund's portfolio securities or for any ongoing arrangements to make available information about a Fund's portfolio securities.
III. Disclosure of Fund Portfolio Holdings. The complete portfolio holdings and top ten holdings information referenced below (except for the Funds of Master Trust, Variable Trust and Asset Allocation Trust) will be available on the Funds' website until updated for the next applicable period. Funds Management may withhold any portion of a Fund's portfolio holdings from online disclosure when deemed to be in the best interest of the Fund. Once holdings information has been posted on the website, it may be further disseminated without restriction.
A. Complete Holdings. The complete portfolio holdings for each Fund (except for money market funds, funds that operate as fund of funds and the specified Alternative Funds as defined below) shall be made publicly available monthly on the Funds' website (wellsfargofunds.com), on a one-month delayed basis. Money market Fund portfolio holdings shall be made publicly available on the Fund's website, on a 1-day delayed basis. In addition to the foregoing, each money market Fund shall post on its website, for a period of not less than six months, beginning no later than the fifth business day of the month, a schedule of its investments, as of the last business day of the prior month, that includes the following information required by rule 2a-7(c)(12) under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The categories of information included on the website may differ slightly from what is included in the Funds' Statement of Investments.
B. Top Ten Holdings. Top ten holdings information (excluding derivative positions) for each Fund (except for money market funds and specified alternative funds) shall be made publicly available on the Funds' website on a monthly, seven-day or more delayed basis.
C. Fund of Funds Structures.
1. The underlying funds held by a Fund that operates as a fund of funds and invests exclusively in unaffiliated underlying
funds or exclusively in a combination of affiliated and unaffiliated underlying funds (in both cases, an "unaffiliated fund
of funds") shall be posted to the Funds' website on a monthly, one-month delayed basis.
2. The individual holdings of the underlying funds held by a Fund that operates as a fund of funds and invests exclusively
in affiliated underlying funds (an "affiliated fund of funds") shall be posted to the Funds' website on a monthly, one-month
delayed basis.
3. A change to the underlying funds held by an affiliated or unaffiliated fund of funds or changes in an affiliated or unaffiliated
fund of funds' target allocations between or among its fixed-income and/or equity investments may be posted to the Funds'
website simultaneous with the occurrence of the change.
D. Specified Alternative Funds.
The following holdings disclosure policy provisions apply to the Wells Fargo Alternative Strategies Fund and the Wells Fargo
Global Long/Short Fund (each, an "Alternative Fund" and together, the "Alternative Funds"):
1. Complete Holdings as of Fiscal Quarter Ends. As of each fiscal quarter end, the Alternative Funds' complete portfolio
holdings shall be made publicly available quarterly on the Funds' website, on a one-month delayed basis.
2. Holdings as of Other Month Ends. As of each month end other than a month end that coincides with a fiscal quarter end,
each Alternative Fund shall make publicly available monthly on the Fund's website, on a one-month delayed basis, the following:
(i) all portfolio holdings held long other than any put options on equity securities; (ii) portfolio holdings held short other
than short positions in equity securities of single issuers; and (iii) the aggregate dollar value of each of the following:
(a) equity securities of single issuers held short, and (b) any put options on equity securities held long.
3. Top Ten Holdings. Each Alternative Fund shall make publicly available on the Fund's website on a monthly, seven-day or
more delayed basis information about its top ten holdings information, provided that the following holdings shall be excluded:
(i) derivative positions; and (ii) short positions (other than any Publicly Disclosed Short Positions).
Furthermore, as required by the SEC, each Fund shall file its complete portfolio holdings schedule in public filings made with the SEC on a quarterly basis. Each Fund is required to file its complete portfolio schedules for the second and fourth fiscal quarter on Form N-CSR, and each Fund is required to file its complete portfolio schedules for the first and third fiscal quarters on From N-Q, in each instance within 60 days of the end of the Fund's fiscal quarter. Through Form N-CSR and Form N-Q filings made with the SEC, the Funds' full portfolio holdings will be publicly available to shareholders on a quarterly basis. Such filings shall be made on or shortly before the 60th day following the end of a fiscal quarter. In addition, each money market Fund is required to file with the SEC by the fifth business day of each month, a report on Form N-MFP of portfolio holdings that is current as of the last business day of the previous month; the SEC makes each Form N-MFP publicly available on a delayed basis (presently 60 days after the end of the month to which the information in the report relates).
Each Fund's complete portfolio schedules for the second and fourth fiscal quarter, required to be filed on Form N-CSR, shall be delivered to shareholders in the Fund's semi- annual and annual reports. Each Fund's complete portfolio schedule for the first and third fiscal quarters, required to be filed on Form N-Q, will not be delivered to shareholders. Each Fund, however, shall include appropriate disclosure in its semi-annual and annual reports as to how a shareholder may obtain holdings information for the Fund's first and third fiscal quarters.
IV. List of Approved Recipients . The following list describes the limited circumstances in which a Fund's portfolio holdings may be disclosed to select third parties in advance of the monthly release on the Funds' website. In each instance, a determination will be made by Funds Management that such advance disclosure is supported by a legitimate business purpose and that the recipients, where feasible, are subject to an independent duty not to disclose or trade on the nonpublic information.
A. Sub-Advisers . Sub-advisers shall have full daily access to fund holdings for the Fund(s) for which they have direct management responsibility. Sub-advisers may also release and discuss portfolio holdings with various broker/dealers for purposes of analyzing the impact of existing and future market changes on the prices, availability/demand and liquidity of such securities, as well as for the purpose of assisting portfolio managers in the trading of such securities.
A new Fund sub-adviser may periodically receive full portfolio holdings information for such Fund from the date of Board approval through the date upon which they take over day-to- day investment management activities. Such disclosure will be subject to confidential treatment.
To perform investment risk management oversight functions, the investment risk management team (the "Team"), whose members are employees of the investment advisers affiliated with Wells Fargo & Co. ("Wells Fargo"), shall have full daily access to portfolio holdings of the Fund(s) managed by any sub-adviser that is an affiliated person of Wells Fargo whose portfolio management teams' investment risks are monitored by the Team.
B. Money Market Portfolio Management Team . The money market portfolio management team at Wells Capital Management Incorporated ("Wells Capital Management") shall have full daily access to daily transaction information across the Wells Fargo Funds for purposes of anticipating money market sweep activity which in turn helps to enhance liquidity management within the money market funds.
C.
Funds Management/Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC
.
1. Funds Management personnel that deal directly with the processing, settlement, review, control, auditing, reporting, and/or
valuation of portfolio trades shall have full daily access to Fund portfolio holdings through access to the fund accountant's
system.
2. Funds Management personnel that deal directly with investment review and analysis of the Funds shall have full daily access
to Fund portfolio holdings. through FactSet, a program that is used to, among other things, evaluate portfolio characteristics
against available benchmarks.
3. Funds Management and Distributor personnel may be given advance disclosure of any changes to the underlying funds in a
fund of funds structure or changes in a Fund's target allocations that result in a shift between or among its fixed-income
and/or equity investments.
D. External Servicing Agents . Appropriate personnel employed by entities that assist in the review and/or processing of Fund portfolio transactions, employed by the fund accounting agent, the custodian and the trading settlement desk at Wells Capital Management (only with respect to the Funds that Wells Capital Management sub-advises), shall have daily access to all Fund portfolio holdings. In addition, certain of the sub-advisers utilize the services of software provider Advent to assist with portfolio accounting and trade order management. In order to provide the contracted services to the sub-adviser, Advent may receive full daily portfolio holdings information directly from the Funds' accounting agent however, only for those Funds or, for multi-manager Fund(s), the managed portion of the Fund's portfolio, in which such sub-adviser provides investment advisory services. Certain sub-adviser(s) utilize the services of ENSO Financial Management LLP ("ENSO") to receive treasury management data analytics. In connection therewith, ENSO may receive full daily portfolio holdings information directly from the Funds' accounting agent and/or prime broker solely with respect to those Fund(s), or, for multi-manager Fund(s), the managed portion of the Fund's portfolio, in which such sub-adviser provides investment sub-advisory services. Funds Management also utilizes the services of Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS") to assist with proxy voting. ISS may receive full Fund portfolio holdings on a weekly basis for the Funds for which it provides services.
E. Rating Agencies . Nationally Recognized Statistical Ratings Organizations ("NRSRO's") may receive full Fund holdings for rating purposes.
F. Reorganizations . Entities hired as trading advisors that assist with the analysis and trading associated with transitioning portfolios may receive full portfolio holdings of both the target fund and the acquiring fund. In addition, the portfolio managers of the target fund and acquiring fund may receive full portfolio holdings of the acquiring fund and target fund, respectively, in order to assist with aligning the portfolios prior to the closing date of the reorganization.
G. Investment Company Institute . The Investment Company Institute may receive information about full money market Fund holdings concurrently at the time each money market Fund files with the SEC a report on Form N-MFP.
V. Additions to List of Approved Recipients . Any additions to the list of approved recipients requires approval by the President, Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of the Funds based on a review of: (i) the type of fund involved; (ii) the purpose for receiving the holdings information; (iii) the intended use of the information; (iv) the frequency of the information to be provided; (v) the length of the lag, if any, between the date of the information and the date on which the information will be disclosed; (vi) the proposed recipient's relationship to the Funds; (vii) the ability of Funds Management to monitor that such information will be used by the proposed recipient in accordance with the stated purpose for the disclosure; (viii) whether a confidentiality agreement will be in place with such proposed recipient; and (ix) whether any potential conflicts exist regarding such disclosure between the interests of Fund shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Fund's investment manager/adviser, principal underwriter, or any affiliated person of the Fund.
VI. Funds Management Commentaries . Funds Management may disclose any views, opinions, judgments, advice or commentary, or any analytical, statistical, performance or other information in connection with or relating to a Fund or its portfolio holdings (including historical holdings information), or any changes to the portfolio holdings of a Fund. The portfolio commentary and statistical information may be provided to members of the press, shareholders in the Funds, persons considering investment in the Funds or representatives of such shareholders or potential shareholders. The content and nature of the information provided to each of these persons may differ.
Certain of the information described above will be included in periodic fund commentaries (e.g., quarterly, monthly, etc.) and will contain information that includes, among other things, top contributors/detractors from fund performance and significant portfolio changes during the relevant period (e.g., calendar quarter, month, etc.). This information will be posted contemporaneously with their distribution on the Funds' website.
No person shall receive any of the information described above if, in the sole judgment of Funds Management, the information could be used in a manner that would be harmful to the Funds.
VII. Board Approval . The Board shall review and reapprove these Procedures, including the list of approved recipients, as often as they deem appropriate, but not less often than annually, and making any changes that they deem appropriate.
VIII. Education Component . In order to promote strict compliance with these Procedures, Funds Management has informed its employees, and other parties possessing Fund portfolio holdings information (such as sub-advisers, the fund accounting agent and the custodian), of the limited circumstances in which the Funds' portfolio holdings may be disclosed in advance of the monthly disclosure on the Funds' website and the ramifications, including possible dismissal, if disclosure is made in contravention of these Procedures.
CAPITAL STOCK
The Funds are seven series of the Trust in the Wells Fargo family of funds. The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on March 10, 1999.
Most of the Trust's series are authorized to issue multiple classes of shares, one class generally subject to a front-end sales charge and, in some cases, classes subject to a CDSC, that are offered to retail investors. Certain of the Trust's series also are authorized to issue other classes of shares, which are sold primarily to institutional investors. Each share in a series represents an equal, proportionate interest in the series with all other shares. Shareholders bear their pro rata portion of a series' operating expenses, except for certain class-specific expenses (e.g., any state securities registration fees, shareholder servicing fees or distribution fees that may be paid under Rule 12b-1) that are allocated to a particular class. Please contact Investor Services at 1-800-222-8222 if you would like additional information about other series or classes of shares offered.
With respect to matters affecting one class but not another, shareholders vote as a class; for example, the approval of a Plan. Subject to the foregoing, all shares of a Fund have equal voting rights and will be voted in the aggregate, and not by series, except where voting by a series is required by law or where the matter involved only affects one series. For example, a change in a Fund's fundamental investment policy affects only one series and would be voted upon only by shareholders of the Fund involved. Additionally, approval of an advisory agreement, since it affects only one Fund, is a matter to be determined separately by each series. Approval by the shareholders of one series is effective as to that series whether or not sufficient votes are received from the shareholders of the other series to approve the proposal as to those series.
As used in the Prospectus(es) and in this SAI, the term "majority," when referring to approvals to be obtained from shareholders of a class of shares of a Fund means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of the class represented at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the class are present in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the class of the Fund. The term "majority," when referring to approvals to be obtained from shareholders of the Fund, means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The term "majority," when referring to the approvals to be obtained from shareholders of the Trust as a whole, means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the Trust's shares represented at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the Trust's outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the Trust's outstanding shares.
Shareholders are not entitled to any preemptive rights. All shares are issued in uncertificated form only, and, when issued will be fully paid and non-assessable by the Trust. The Trust may dispense with an annual meeting of shareholders in any year in which it is not required to elect Trustees under the 1940 Act.
Each share of a class of a Fund represents an equal proportional interest in the Fund with each other share of the same class and is entitled to such dividends and distributions out of the income earned on the assets belonging to the Fund as are declared in the discretion of the Trustees. In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the Trust, shareholders of a Fund are entitled to receive the assets attributable to that Fund that are available for distribution, and a distribution of any general assets not attributable to a particular Fund that are available for distribution in such manner and on such basis as the Trustees in their sole discretion may determine.
Set forth below as of February 1, 2016, is the name, address and share ownership of each person with record ownership of 5% or more of a class of a Fund and each person known by the Trust to have beneficial ownership of 25% or more of the voting securities of a Fund as a whole. Except as identified below, no person with record ownership of 5% or more of a class of a Fund is known by the Trust to have beneficial ownership of such shares.
Principal Fund Holders |
||
Asia Pacific Fund
|
|
|
Charles Schwab & Co Inc.
|
17.23% |
|
National Financial Services LLC For
|
10.16% |
|
First Clearing LLC
|
7.33% |
|
Asia Pacific Fund
|
|
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
|
32.97% |
|
First Clearing LLC
|
19.02% |
|
MLPF&S For The Sole Benefit of Its Customers
|
18.33% |
|
UBS WM USA
|
8.67% |
|
American Enterprise Investment Svc
|
6.16% |
|
National Financial Services LLC For
|
5.94% |
|
Asia Pacific Fund
|
|
|
National Financial Services LLC For
|
32.72% |
|
First Clearing LLC
|
59.52% |
|
Asia Pacific Fund
|
|
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
|
42.87% |
|
National Financial Services LLC For
|
38.82% |
|
MLPF&S For The Sole Benefit of Its Customers
|
8.22%% |
|
Diversified International Fund
|
|
|
First Clearing LLC
|
16.73% |
|
American Enterprise Investment Svc
|
7.15% |
|
Diversified International Fund
|
|
|
American Enterprise Investment Svc
|
100.00% |
|
Diversified International Fund
|
|
|
First Clearing LLC
|
26.83% |
|
American Enterprise Investment Svc
|
26.51% |
|
Raymond James
|
9.70% |
|
MLPF&S For The Sole Benefit of Its Customers
|
8.65% |
|
LPL Financial
|
8.59% |
|
Diversified International Fund
|
|
|
Wells Fargo Bank
|
61.77% |
|
First Clearing LLC
|
27.09% |
|
Diversified International Fund
|
|
|
Wells Fargo Bank NA
|
75.96% |
|
National Financial Services LLC For
|
12.26% |
|
First Clearing LLC
|
5.59% |
|
Diversified International Fund
|
|
|
Wells Fargo Funds Seeding Account
|
100.00% |
|
Diversified International Fund
|
|
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2045
|
10.72% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2050
|
10.69% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2060
|
10.69% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2055
|
10.68% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2040
|
10.64% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2035
|
10.21% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2030
|
9.55% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2025
|
8.45% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2020
|
7.39% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2015
|
6.26% |
|
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
|
||
American Enterprise Investment Svc
|
72.18% |
|
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
|
||
First Clearing LLC
|
38.78% |
|
American Enterprise Investment Svc
|
18.49% |
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
|
8.97% |
|
Charles Schwab & Co Inc.
|
8.40% |
|
MLPF&S For The Sole Benefit of Its Customers
|
5.35% |
|
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
|
|
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
|
24.74% |
|
First Clearing LLC
|
20.24% |
|
MLPF&S For The Sole Benefit of Its Customers
|
19.18% |
|
American Enterprise Investment Svc
|
7.05% |
|
UBS WM USA
|
5.53% |
|
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
|
|
|
National Financial Servies LLC
|
30.60% |
|
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
|
29.52% |
|
VRSCO
|
5.10% |
|
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
|
|
|
First Clearing LLC
|
33.31% |
|
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
|
14.04% |
|
National Financial Servies LLC
|
10.49% |
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
|
6.06% |
|
Wells Fargo Bank NA
|
5.05% |
|
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
|
|
|
NFS LLC
|
32.49% |
|
Wells Fargo WealthBuilder Growth Balanced Portfolio
|
15.43% |
|
Wells Fargo WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio
|
11.39% |
|
Wells Fargo WealthBuilder Growth Allocation Portfolio
|
9.17% |
|
Wells Fargo WealthBuilder Moderate Balanced Portfolio
|
8.82% |
|
Fifth Third Bank TTEE
|
5.72% |
|
Texas Emergency Services
|
5.70% |
|
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
|
|
|
American Enterprise Investment Svc
|
40.68% |
|
First Clearing LLC
|
24.32% |
|
National Financial Services LLC For
|
14.11% |
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
|
5.90% |
|
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
|
|
|
First Clearing LLC
|
38.24% |
|
UBS WM USA
|
19.74% |
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
|
13.12% |
|
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit
|
9.53% |
|
American Enterprise Investment Svc
|
8.84% |
|
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
|
|
|
First Clearing LLC
|
78.34% |
|
Pershing LLC
|
8.48% |
|
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
|
|
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
|
26.58% |
|
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit
|
17.81% |
|
The Northern Trust Company Custodian
|
16.01% |
|
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
|
|
|
Wells Fargo Funds Seeding Account
|
100.00% |
|
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
|
|
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2045
|
10.66% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2060
|
10.63% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2050
|
10.62% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2055
|
10.62% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2040
|
10.58% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2035
|
10.15% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2030
|
9.49% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2025
|
8.41% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2020
|
7.38% |
|
Wells Fargo Dynamic Target 2015
|
6.19% |
|
Global Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
First Clearing LLC
|
22.95% |
|
American Enterprise Investment Svc
|
11.54% |
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
|
11.04% |
|
MLPF&S For The Sole Benefit of Its Customers
|
6.33% |
|
National Financial Servies LLC
|
5.67% |
|
Global Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
First Clearing LLC
|
68.31% |
|
American Enterprise Investment Svc
|
6.99% |
|
Global Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
First Clearing LLC
|
24.29% |
|
MLPF&S For The Sole Benefit of Its Customers
|
16.92% |
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
|
13.05% |
|
Raymond James
|
6.58% |
|
Global Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
Wells Fargo Bank
|
33.63% |
|
Wells Fargo Bank
|
32.37% |
|
First Clearing LLC
|
20.38% |
|
Global Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
Wells Fargo Bank
|
26.55% |
|
MLPF&S For The Sole Benefit of Its Customers
|
22.45% |
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
|
16.23% |
|
UBS WM USA
|
14.67% |
|
National Financial Services LLC For
|
6.26% |
|
Nationwide Trust Company FSB
|
5.32% |
|
International Equity Fund
|
|
|
American Enterprise Investment Svc
|
28.48% |
|
First Clearing LLC
|
19.84% |
|
Pershing LLC
|
7.49% |
|
International Equity Fund
|
|
|
First Clearing LLC
|
85.20% |
|
International Equity Fund
|
|
|
First Clearing LLC
|
37.20% |
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
|
15.51% |
|
MLPF&S For The Sole Benefit of Its Customers
|
12.39% |
|
American Enterprise Investment Svc
|
12.18% |
|
International Equity Fund
|
|
|
First Clearing LLC
|
50.36% |
|
LPL Financial
|
24.64% |
|
Pershing LLC
|
14.18% |
|
National Financial Services LLC For
|
5.13% |
|
International Equity Fund
|
|
|
Wells Fargo Bank NA FBO
|
17.37% |
|
National Financial Services LLC For
|
16.97% |
|
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit
|
14.74% |
|
UBS WM USA
|
12.79% |
|
Wells Fargo Bank
|
8.01% |
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
|
7.13% |
|
First Clearing LLC
|
5.61% |
|
International Equity Fund
|
|
|
MLPF&S For The Sole Benefit of Its Customers
|
62.90% |
|
Hartford Life Insurance Co
|
24.83% |
|
International Equity Fund
|
|
|
Wells Fargo Funds Seeding Account
|
100.00% |
|
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
|
|
|
First Clearing LLC
|
26.54% |
|
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
|
|
|
First Clearing LLC
|
30.08% |
|
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
|
|
|
First Clearing LLC
|
46.28% |
|
American Enterprise Investment Svc
|
8.63% |
|
Charles Schwab & Co Inc.
|
6.14% |
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
|
5.37% |
|
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
|
|
|
Great-West Trust Company LLC
|
37.34% |
|
First Clearing LLC
|
21.75% |
|
Raymond James
|
10.61% |
|
LPL Financial
|
6.52% |
|
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
|
5.77% |
|
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
|
|
|
Great-West Trust Company LLC
|
28.95% |
|
MLPF&S For The Sole Benefit of Its Customers
|
23.45% |
|
Nationwide Trust Company FSB
|
19.22% |
|
National Financial Servies LLC
|
8.44% |
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
|
6.17% |
|
TD Ameritrade Trust Company
|
5.29% |
For purposes of the 1940 Act, any person who owns directly or through one or more controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company is presumed to "control" such company. Accordingly, to the extent that a person identified in the foregoing table is identified as the beneficial owner of more than 25% of a Fund, or is identified as the record owner of more than 25% of a Fund and has voting and/or investment powers, it may be presumed to control such Fund. A controlling person's vote could have a more significant effect on matters presented to shareholders for approval than the vote of other Fund shareholders.
OTHER INFORMATION
The Trust's Registration Statement, including the Prospectus(es) and SAI for the Funds and the exhibits filed therewith, may be examined at the office of the SEC, located at 100 "F" Street NE, in Washington, D.C., 20549-0102. Statements contained in the Prospectus(es) or the SAI as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to herein or in the Prospectus(es) are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
KPMG LLP has been selected as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust. KPMG LLP provides audit services, tax return preparation and consultation in connection with review of certain SEC filings. KPMG LLP's address is Two Financial Center, 60 South Street, Boston, MA 02111.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Audited financial statements for the Funds, which include the portfolios of investments and report of the independent registered public accounting firm, are hereby incorporated by reference into this document by reference to the Funds' Annual Report dated as of October 31, 2015.
CREDIT RATINGS
The ratings of Standard & Poor's ("S&P"), Moody's Investors Services ("Moody's"), Fitch Investor Services ("Fitch"), represent their opinion as to the quality of debt securities. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are general and not absolute standards of quality, and debt securities with the same maturity, interest rate and rating may have different yields while debt securities of the same maturity and interest rate with different ratings may have the same yield. Subsequent to purchase by the Funds, an issue of debt securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced below the minimum rating required for purchase by the Funds. The manager will consider such an event in determining whether the Fund involved should continue to hold the obligation.
The following is a description of the ratings given by S&P, Fitch, and Moody's to corporate and municipal bonds and corporate and municipal commercial paper and variable rate demand obligations.
Corporate Bonds
S&P
S&P rates the long-term debt obligations issued by various entities in categories ranging from "AAA" to "D," according to quality, as described below. The first four ratings denote investment-grade securities. The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
AAA - This is the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation and indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
AA - Debt rated AA is considered to have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differs from AAA issues only in a small degree.
A - Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated categories.
BBB - Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category than for those in higher-rated categories.
BB - Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.
B - Debt rated B has greater vulnerability to default but currently has the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal.
CCC - Debt CCC is currently vulnerable and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet timely interest and principal payments.
CC - Debt rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. Debt rated CC is subordinate to senior debt rated CCC.
C - Debt rated C is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. Debt rated C is subordinate to senior debt rated CCC-. The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued. Debt rated C also will be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying.
D - Debt rated D is currently in default, where payment of interest and/or repayment of principal is in arrears.
Moody's
Moody's rates the long-term debt obligations issued by various entities in categories ranging from "Aaa" to "C," according to quality, as described below. The first four denote investment-grade securities.
Aaa - Bonds rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk, and interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa - Bonds rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group, such bonds comprise what are generally known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A - Bonds rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered upper to medium investment-grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa - Bonds rated Baa are considered medium-grade (and still investment-grade) obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba - Bonds rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not as well safeguarded during both good times and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
B - Bonds rated B generally lack characteristics of a desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa - Bonds rated Caa are of poor standing. Issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Ca - Bonds rated Ca are speculative in a high degree. Such bonds are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C - Bonds rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds. Such bonds can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.
Moody's applies numerical modifiers (1, 2 and 3) to rating categories. The modifier 1 indicates that the bond being rated ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the bond ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category. With regard to municipal bonds, those bonds in the Aa, A and Baa groups which Moody's believes possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by the symbols Aal, A1 or Baal, respectively.
Fitch
National Long-Term Credit Ratings. A special identifier for the country concerned will be added at the end of all national ratings. For illustrative purposes, (xxx) has been used, below.
AAA(xxx) - 'AAA' national ratings denote the highest rating assigned in its national rating scale for that country. This rating is assigned to the "best" credit risk relative to all other issuers or issues in the same country and will normally be assigned to all financial commitments issued or guaranteed by the sovereign state.
AA(xxx) - 'AA' national ratings denote a very strong credit risk relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. The credit risk inherent in these financial commitments differs only slightly from the country's highest rated issuers or issues.
A(xxx) - 'A' national ratings denote a strong credit risk relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. However, changes in circumstances or economic conditions may affect the capacity for timely repayment of these financial commitments to a greater degree than for financial commitments denoted by a higher rated category.
BBB(xxx) - 'BBB' national ratings denote an adequate credit risk relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. However, changes in circumstances or economic conditions are more likely to affect the capacity for timely repayment.
BB(xxx) - 'BB' national ratings denote a fairly weak credit risk relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. Within the context of the country, payment of these financial commitments is uncertain to dome degree and capacity for timely repayment remains more vulnerable to adverse economic change over time.
B(xxx) - 'B' national ratings denote a significantly weak credit risk relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. Financial commitments are currently being met but a limited margin of safety remains and capacity for continued timely payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.
CCC(xxx), CC(xxx), C(xxx) - These categories of national ratings denote an extremely weak credit risk relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic developments.
DDD(xxx), DD(xxx), D(xxx) - These categories of national ratings are assigned to entities or financial commitments which are currently in default.
Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings (including Commercial Paper)
S&P:
A-1 - Debt rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-2 - Debt rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3 - Debt rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B - Debt rated B is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
C - Debt rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
D - Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
Moody's:
Prime-1: Issuers rated Prime-1 have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations.
Prime-2: Issuers rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay senior short-term debt obligations, but earnings trends, while sound, will be subject to more variation.
Prime-3: Issuers rated Prime-3 have acceptable credit quality and an adequate capacity for timely payment of shortterm deposit obligations.
Not Prime: Issuers rated Not Prime have questionable to poor credit quality and an uncertain capacity for timely payment of short-term deposit obligations.
Fitch
National Short -Term Credit Ratings. A special identifier for the country concerned will be added at the end of all national ratings. For illustrative purposes, (xxx) has been used, below.
F1(xxx) - Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. Under their national rating scale, this rating is assigned to the"best" credit risk relative to all others in the same country and is normally assigned to all financial commitments issued or guaranteed by the sovereign state. Where the credit risk is particularly strong , a "+" is added to the assigned rating.
F2(xxx) - Indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. However, the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.
F3(xxx) - Indicates an adequate capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. However, such capacity is more susceptible to near-term adverse changes than for financial commitments in higher rated categories.
B(xxx) - Indicates an uncertain capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. Such capacity is highly susceptible to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C(xxx) - Indicates a highly uncertain capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or issues in the same country. Capacity or meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.
D(xxx) - Indicates actual or imminent payment default.
Note to National Short-Term ratings: In certain countries, regulators have established credit rating scales, to be used within their domestic markets, using specific nomenclature. In these countries, our National Short-Term Ratings definitions for F1+(xxx), F1(xxx), F2(xxx) and F3(xxx) may be substituted by those regulatory scales, e.g. A1+, A1, A2 and A3.
Variable Rate Demand Obligations
S&P:
SP-1 - Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2 - Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.
SP-3 - Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
Moody's:
VMIG 1: This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG 2: This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG 3: This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
SG: This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
FILE NOS. 333-74295; 811-09253
Item 28. Exhibits
Unless otherwise indicated, each of the Exhibits listed below is filed herewith.
Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant.
Registrant believes that no person is controlled by or under common control with Registrant.
Item 30. Indemnification.
Article IX of the Registrant's Declaration of Trust limits the liability and, in certain instances, provides for mandatory indemnification of the Registrant's Trustees, officers, employees, agents and holders of beneficial interests in the Trust. In addition, the Trustees are empowered under Article III, Section 1(t) of the Registrant's Declaration of Trust to obtain such insurance policies as they deem necessary.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser.
(a) To the knowledge of Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature, except that they also hold various positions with and engage in business for Wells Fargo Bank.
(b) Global Index Advisors, Inc. ("GIA"), serves as a sub-adviser to various Funds of Wells Fargo Funds Trust (the "Trust"). The descriptions of GIA in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of GIA is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature.
(c) Wells Capital Management Incorporated ("Wells Capital Management"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo Bank, serves as sub-adviser to various Funds of the Trust. The descriptions of Wells Capital Management in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Wells Capital Management is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature.
(d) Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. ("Schroder"), serves as sub-adviser to various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of Schroder in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. Schroder Capital Management International Limited ("Schroder Ltd.") is a United Kingdom affiliate of Schroder which provides investment management services to international clients located principally in the United States. Schroder Ltd. and Schroder p.l.c. are located at 31 Gresham St., London ECZV 7QA, United Kingdom. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Schroder is or has been at any time during the last two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature.
(e) Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC ("Allianz") (formerly RCM Capital Management, LLC), serves as sub-adviser for various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of Allianz in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Allianz is or has been at any time during the last two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature.
(f) LSV Asset Management ("LSV") serves as sub-adviser to various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of LSV in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of LSV is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature.
(g) Cooke & Bieler, L.P. ("Cooke & Bieler") serves as sub-adviser for various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of Cooke & Bieler in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Cooke & Bieler is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature.
(h) Artisan Partners Limited Partnership ("Artisan") serves as sub-adviser for various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of Artisan in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Artisan is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature.
(i) Phocas Financial Corporation ("Phocas") serves as sub-adviser for various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of Phocas in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Phocas is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature.
(j) First International Advisors, LLC an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, serves as sub-adviser for various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of First International Advisors in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of the sub-adviser is or has been at any time during the last two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature.
(k) Metropolitan West Capital Management, LLC ("MWCM") an indirect subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, serves as sub-adviser various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of MWCM in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of MWCM is or has been at any time during the last two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature.
(l) Golden Capital Management, LLC ("Golden") an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, serves as sub-adviser for various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of Golden in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Golden is or has been at any time during the last two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature.
(m) Crow Point Partners, LLC ("Crow Point") serves as sub-adviser for various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of Crow Point in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Crow Point is or has been at any time during the last two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature.
(n) The Rock Creek Group, LP ("Rock Creek") serves as sub-adviser for various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of Rock Creek in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Rock Creek is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature.
(o) Chilton Investment Company, LLC ("Chilton Investment Company") serves as sub-adviser for various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of Chilton Investment Company in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Chilton Investment Company is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature.
(p) Mellon Capital Management Corporation ("Mellon Capital") serves as sub-adviser for various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of Mellon Capital in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Mellon Capital is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature.
(q) Passport Capital, LLC ("Passport Capital") serves as sub-adviser for various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of Passport Capital in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Passport Capital is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature.
(r) River Canyon Fund Management LLC ("River Canyon") serves as sub-adviser for various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of River Canyon in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of River Canyon is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature.
(s) Sirios Capital Management, L.P. ("Sirios") serves as sub-adviser for various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of Sirios in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Sirios is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature.
(t) Wellington Management Company LLP ("Wellington Management") serves as sub-adviser for various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of Wellington Management in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Wellington Management is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature.
(u) Pine River Capital Management L.P. ("Pine River") serves as sub-adviser for various funds of the Trust. The descriptions
of Pine River in Parts A and B of the Registration Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the
Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Pine River is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged
in any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature.
(v) Wells Capital Management Singapore, a separately identifiable division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., serves as sub-adviser
for various funds of the Trust. The descriptions of Wells Capital Management Singapore in Parts A and B of the Registration
Statement are incorporated by reference herein. To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Wells
Capital Management Singapore is or has been at any time during the last two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession,
vocation or employment of a substantial nature.
Item 32. Principal Underwriter.
(a) Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC, distributor for the Registrant, also acts as principal underwriter for Wells Fargo Variable Trust, and is the exclusive placement agent for Wells Fargo Master Trust, both of which are registered open-end management investment companies.
(b) The following table provides information for each director and officer of Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC.
Name |
Positions and Offices with Underwriter |
Positions and Offices with Fund |
Karla M. Rabusch
|
Chairman of the Board |
President |
Wayne Badorf
|
Director, President |
None |
A. Erdem Cimen
|
Director, Financial Operations Officer (FINOP) |
None |
Nicole E. Gallo
|
Chief Compliance Officer, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer |
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer |
Andrew Owen
|
Director |
None |
Michael H. Koonce
|
Secretary |
None |
(c) Not applicable.
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records.
(a) The Registrant maintains accounts, books and other documents required by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules thereunder (collectively, "Records") at the offices of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, 525 Market Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105.
(b) Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as investment manager and class-level administrator at 525 Market Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105.
(c) Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. maintains all Records relating to its services as transfer agent at Two Heritage Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts 02171.
(d) Global Index Advisors, Inc. maintains all Records relating to their services as sub-adviser at 29 North Park Square NE, Suite 201, Marietta, GA 30060.
(e) Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as distributor at 525 Market Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105.
(f) Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (formerly Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A.) maintains all Records relating to its services as former custodian at 6th & Marquette, Minneapolis, MN 55479-0040.
(g) Wells Capital Management Incorporated maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at 525 Market Street, 10th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105.
(h) Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at 875 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, New York, New York 10022.
(i) Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC (formerly RCM Capital Management, LLC) maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at 555 Mission Street Suite 1700, San Francisco, CA 94105.
(j) LSV Asset Management maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at One North Wacker Drive, Suite 4000, Chicago, Illinois 60606.
(k) Cooke & Bieler, L.P. maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at 1700 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
(l) Artisan Partners Limited Partnership maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at 875 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
(m) Phocas Financial Corporation maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at 980 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 106, Alameda, California 94501.
(n) First International Advisors, LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at One Plantation Place, 30 Fenchurch, London, England, EC3M 3BD.
(o) Metropolitan West Capital Management, LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at 610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1000, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
(p) Golden Capital Management, LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at 5 Resource Square, Suite 150, 10715 David Taylor Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262.
(q) Crow Point Partners, LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at 25 Recreation Park Drive, Suite 110, Hingham, Massachusetts 02043.
(r) Rock Creek maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at 1133 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Suite 810, Washington, DC 20036.
(s) Chilton Investment Company maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at 1290 East Main Street, Stamford, CT, 06902.
(t) Mellon Capital maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at 50 Fremont Street, Suite 3900, San Francisco, CA 94105.
(u) Passport Capital maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at One Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105.
(v) River Canyon maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067.
(w) Sirios maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at One International Place, Boston, MA 02110.
(x) Wellington Management maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at 280 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210.
(y) State Street Bank and Trust Company maintains all Records relating to its services as custodian and fund accountant at 1 Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
(z) Pine River Capital Management L.P. maintains all Records relating to its services as investment sub-adviser at 601 Carlson
Parkway Suite, 330, Minnetonka, MN 55305.
(aa) Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. d/b/a Wells Capital Management Singapore maintains all Records relating to its services as investment
sub-adviser at 26/F, 80 Raffles Place, 20/21, UOB Plaza, Singapore 048624.
Item 34. Management Services.
Other than as set forth under the captions "Management of the Funds" in the Prospectuses constituting Part A of this Registration Statement and "Management" in the Statement of Additional Information constituting Part B of this Registration Statement, the Registrant is not a party to any management-related service contract.
Item 35. Undertakings.
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies
that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Amendment to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, pursuant
to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and has duly caused this Amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized in the City of San Francisco, State of California on the 25th day
of February, 2016
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
By: /s/ C. David Messman
--------------------
C. David Messman
Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 448 to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:
/s/ Peter G. Gordon
|
/s/ Isaiah Harris, Jr.
|
/s/ Judith M. Johnson
|
/s/ David F. Larcker
|
/s/ Olivia S. Mitchell
|
/s/ Timothy J. Penny
|
/s/ Jane A. Freeman
|
/s/ Michael S. Scofield
|
/s/ William R. Ebsworth
|
/s/ Karla M. Rabusch
|
/s/ Jeremy M. DePalma
|
|
*By: /s/ C. David Messman
C. David Messman
As Attorney-in-Fact
February 25, 2016
Exhibit No. |
Exhibits |
(a) |
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust |
(d)(1) |
Schedule A to the Investment Management Agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC |
(d)(7) |
Schedule A to the Amended and Restated Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated |
(e) |
Schedule I to the Distribution Agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC |
(g)(2) |
Appendix A to the Master Custodian Agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company |
(h)(1) |
Schedule A to Appendix A to the Class-Level Administration Agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC |
(h)(2) |
Schedule A to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement with Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. |
(h)(3) |
Appendix A to the Shareholder Servicing Plan |
(h)(5) |
Schedule I to the Shareholder Servicing Agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC and Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC |
(i) |
Legal Opinion |
(j)(A) |
Consent of Independent Auditors |
(m) |
Appendix A to the Distribution Plan |
(n) |
Appendix A to the Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Plan |
APPENDIX A
Master Custodian Agreement
Management Investment Companies Registered with the SEC and Portfolios thereof, If Any
Wells Fargo Funds Trust
100% Treasury Money Market Fund
Absolute Return Fund
Adjustable Rate Government Fund
Alternative Strategies Fund
Asia Pacific Fund
Asset Allocation Fund
C&B Large Cap Value Fund
C&B Mid Cap Value Fund
California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund
California Tax-Free Fund
California Municipal Money Market Fund
Capital Growth Fund
Cash Investment Money Market Fund
Colorado Tax-Free Fund
Common Stock Fund
Conservative Income Fund
Core Bond Fund
Core Plus Bond Fund
Disciplined U.S. Core Fund
Discovery Fund
Diversified Capital Builder Fund
Diversified Equity Fund
Diversified Income Builder Fund
Diversified International Fund
Dow Jones Target Today Fund
Dow Jones Target 2010 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2015 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2020 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2025 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2030 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2035 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2040 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2045 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2050 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2055 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2060 Fund
Dynamic Target Today Fund
Dynamic Target 2015 Fund
Dynamic Target 2020 Fund
Dynamic Target 2025 Fund
Dynamic Target 2030 Fund
Dynamic Target 2035 Fund
Dynamic Target 2040 Fund
Dynamic Target 2045 Fund
Dynamic Target 2050 Fund
Dynamic Target 2055 Fund
Dynamic Target 2060 Fund
Emerging Growth Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Endeavor Select Fund
Enterprise Fund
Global Long/Short Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
Government Money Market Fund
Government Securities Fund
Growth Fund
Growth Balanced Fund
Heritage Money Market Fund
High Income Fund 1
High Yield Bond Fund
High Yield Municipal Bond Fund
Index Asset Allocation Fund
Index Fund
Intermediate Tax/AMT-Free Fund
International Bond Fund
International Equity Fund
International Value Fund
Intrinsic Small Cap Value Fund
Intrinsic Value Fund
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
Large Cap Core Fund
Large Cap Growth Fund
Large Company Value Fund
Minnesota Tax-Free Fund
Moderate Balanced Fund
Money Market Fund
Municipal Bond Fund
Municipal Cash Management Money Market Fund
Municipal Money Market Fund
National Tax-Free Money Market Fund
North Carolina Tax-Free Fund
Omega Growth Fund
Opportunity Fund
Pennsylvania Tax-Free Fund
Precious Metals Fund
Premier Large Company Growth Fund
Real Return Fund
Short Duration Government Bond Fund
Short-Term Bond Fund
Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund
Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund
Small Cap Core Fund 2
Small Cap Opportunities Fund
Small Cap Value Fund
Small Company Growth Fund
Small Company Value Fund
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund 3
Special Mid Cap Value Fund
Special Small Cap Value Fund
Specialized Technology Fund
Strategic Income Fund
Strategic Municipal Bond Fund
Traditional Small Cap Growth Fund
Treasury Plus Money Market Fund
Ultra Short-Term Income Fund
Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund
Utility and Telecommunications Fund
WealthBuilder Conservative Allocation Portfolio
WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio 4
WealthBuilder Growth Allocation Portfolio
WealthBuilder Growth Balanced Portfolio
WealthBuilder Moderate Balanced Portfolio
WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio
Wisconsin Tax-Free Fund
Wells Fargo Managed Account CoreBuilder Shares – Series M
Asset Allocation Trust
Wells Fargo Income Opportunities Fund
Wells Fargo Multi-Sector Income Fund
Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund
Wells Fargo Global Dividend Opportunity Fund
Wells Fargo Variable Trust
VT Discovery Fund
VT Index Asset Allocation Fund
VT International Equity Fund
VT Intrinsic Value Fund 5
VT Omega Growth Fund
VT Opportunity Fund
VT Small Cap Growth Fund
VT Small Cap Value Fund 6
VT Total Return Bond Fund 7
Wells Fargo Master Trust
C&B Large Cap Value Portfolio
Core Bond Portfolio
Diversified Fixed Income Portfolio
Diversified Large Cap Growth Portfolio
Diversified Stock Portfolio
Emerging Growth Portfolio
Index Portfolio
International Growth Portfolio
International Value Portfolio
Large Company Value Portfolio
Managed Fixed Income Portfolio
Real Return Portfolio
Short-Term Investment Portfolio
Small Company Growth Portfolio
Small Company Value Portfolio
Stable Income Portfolio
1 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the High Income Fund into the High Yield Bond Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
2 On November 18, 2015, the Board of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the establishment of the Wells Fargo Small Cap Core Fund and the reorganization of the Golden Small Cap Core Fund (“Golden Small Cap Fund”) into the Wells Fargo Small Cap Core Fund. Subject to approval by the Board of Forum Funds and shareholders of the Golden Small Cap Fund (the “Small Cap Core Reorganization”), the Small Cap Core Reorganization will become effective in May 2016.
3 February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund into the Small Cap Value Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
4 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio into the WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016 and the name will change to WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio.
5 On November 18, 2015 the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Variable Trust approved the liquidation of the VT Intrinsic Value Fund effective on or about April 30, 2016.
6 On November 18, 2015 the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Variable Trust approved the liquidation of the VT Small Cap Value Fund effective on or about April 30, 2016.
7 On November 18, 2015 the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Variable Trust approved the liquidation of the VT Total Return Bond Fund effective on or about April 30, 2016.
Appendix A amended: February 18, 2016
SCHEDULE I
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
100% Treasury Money Market Fund
Absolute Return Fund
Adjustable Rate Government Fund
Alternative Strategies Fund
Asia Pacific Fund
Asset Allocation Fund
C&B Large Cap Value Fund
C&B Mid Cap Value Fund
California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund
California Tax-Free Fund
California Municipal Money Market Fund
Capital Growth Fund
Cash Investment Money Market Fund
Colorado Tax-Free Fund
Common Stock Fund
Conservative Income Fund
Core Bond Fund
Core Plus Bond Fund
Disciplined U.S. Core Fund
Discovery Fund
Diversified Capital Builder Fund
Diversified Equity Fund
Diversified Income Builder Fund
Diversified International Fund
Dow Jones Target Today Fund
Dow Jones Target 2010 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2015 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2020 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2025 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2030 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2035 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2040 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2045 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2050 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2055 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2060 Fund
Dynamic Target Today Fund
Dynamic Target 2015 Fund
Dynamic Target 2020 Fund
Dynamic Target 2025 Fund
Dynamic Target 2030 Fund
Dynamic Target 2035 Fund
Dynamic Target 2040 Fund
Dynamic Target 2045 Fund
Dynamic Target 2050 Fund
Dynamic Target 2055 Fund
Dynamic Target 2060 Fund
Emerging Growth Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Endeavor Select Fund
Enterprise Fund
Global Long/Short Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
Government Money Market Fund
Government Securities Fund
Growth Fund
Growth Balanced Fund
Heritage Money Market Fund
High Income Fund 1
High Yield Bond Fund
High Yield Municipal Bond Fund
Index Asset Allocation Fund
Index Fund
Intermediate Tax/AMT-Free Fund
International Bond Fund
International Equity Fund
International Value Fund
Intrinsic Small Cap Value Fund
Intrinsic Value Fund
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
Large Cap Core Fund
Large Cap Growth Fund
Large Company Value Fund
Managed Account CoreBuilder Shares Series M
Minnesota Tax-Free Fund
Moderate Balanced Fund
Money Market Fund
Municipal Bond Fund
Municipal Cash Management Money Market Fund
Municipal Money Market Fund
National Tax-Free Money Market Fund
North Carolina Tax-Free Fund
Omega Growth Fund
Opportunity Fund
Pennsylvania Tax-Free Fund
Precious Metals Fund
Premier Large Company Growth Fund
Real Return Fund
Short Duration Government Bond Fund
Short-Term Bond Fund
Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund
Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund
Small Cap Core Fund 2
Small Cap Opportunities Fund
Small Cap Value Fund
Small Company Growth Fund
Small Company Value Fund
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund 3
Special Mid Cap Value Fund
Special Small Cap Value Fund
Specialized Technology Fund
Strategic Municipal Bond Fund
Strategic Income Fund
Traditional Small Cap Growth Fund
Treasury Plus Money Market Fund
Ultra Short-Term Income Fund
Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund
Utility and Telecommunications Fund
WealthBuilder Conservative Allocation Portfolio
WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio 4
WealthBuilder Growth Allocation Portfolio
WealthBuilder Growth Balanced Portfolio
WealthBuilder Moderate Balanced Portfolio
WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio
Wisconsin Tax-Free Fund
1 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the High Income Fund into the High Yield Bond Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
2 On November 18, 2015, the Board of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the establishment of the Wells Fargo Small Cap Core Fund and the reorganization of the Golden Small Cap Core Fund (“Golden Small Cap Fund”) into the Wells Fargo Small Cap Core Fund. Subject to approval by the Board of Forum Funds and shareholders of the Golden Small Cap Fund (the “Small Cap Core Reorganization”), the Small Cap Core Reorganization will become effective in May 2016.
3 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund into the Small Cap Value Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
4 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio into the WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016 and the name will change to WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio.
Schedule I amended: February 18, 2016
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Trustees and Shareholders
Wells Fargo Funds Trust
We consent to the use of our reports dated December 22, 2015, with respect to the financial statements of Wells Fargo Asia Pacific Fund (formerly known as Wells Fargo Advantage Asia Pacific Fund), Wells Fargo Diversified International Fund (formerly known as Wells Fargo Advantage Diversified International Fund), Wells Fargo Emerging Markets Equity Fund (formerly known as Wells Fargo Advantage Emerging Markets Equity Fund), Wells Fargo Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund (formerly known as Wells Fargo Advantage Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund), Wells Fargo Global Opportunities Fund (formerly known as Wells Fargo Advantage Global Opportunities Fund), Wells Fargo International Equity Fund (formerly known as Wells Fargo Advantage International Equity Fund), and Wells Fargo Intrinsic World Equity Fund (formerly known as Wells Fargo Advantage Intrinsic World Equity Fund), seven of the funds collectively referred to as the Wells Fargo International Equity Funds and comprising the Wells Fargo Funds Trust, as of October 31, 2015, incorporated herein by reference and to the references to our firm under the headings “Financial Highlights” in the prospectuses and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Statement of Additional Information.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 25, 2016
[WELLS FARGO FUNDS LETTERHEAD]
February 25, 2016
Wells Fargo Funds Trust
525 Market Street
San Francisco, California 94105
Re: Shares of Beneficial Interest of
Wells Fargo Funds Trust
Ladies/Gentlemen:
I am Senior Counsel of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (the "Company"), adviser and administrator to the Wells Fargo Funds. I have acted as Counsel to the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of shares by the Wells Fargo Funds.
I refer to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (SEC File Nos. 333-74295 and 811-09253) (the "Registration Statement") of Wells Fargo Funds Trust relating to the registration of an indefinite number of shares of beneficial interest in the Trust (collectively, the "Shares").
I have been requested by the Trust to furnish this opinion as Exhibit (i) to the Registration Statement.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, I am of the opinion that:
(a) The issuance and sale of the Shares of the Funds by the Trust has been duly and validly authorized by all appropriate action of the Trust, and assuming delivery by sale or in accord with the Trust's dividend reinvestment plan in accordance with the description set forth in the Funds' current prospectuses under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Shares will be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable by the Trust.
(b) Pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of Rule 485 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Rule"), as amended, the Registration Statement does not contain disclosures which would render it ineligible to become effective pursuant to paragraph (b) of the Rule.
I consent to the inclusion of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
Sincerely,
/s/ Brian Montana
Brian Montana
Senior Counsel
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC
TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
SCHEDULE A
List of Wells Fargo Advantage Funds
Wells Fargo Funds Trust
100% Treasury Money Market Fund
Absolute Return Fund
Adjustable Rate Government Fund
Alternative Strategies Fund
Asia Pacific Fund
Asset Allocation Fund
C&B Large Cap Value Fund
C&B Mid Cap Value Fund
California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund
California Tax-Free Fund
California Municipal Money Market Fund
Capital Growth Fund
Cash Investment Money Market Fund
Colorado Tax-Free Fund
Common Stock Fund
Conservative Income Fund
Core Bond Fund
Core Plus Bond Fund
Disciplined U.S. Core Fund
Discovery Fund
Diversified Capital Builder Fund
Diversified Equity Fund
Diversified Income Builder Fund
Diversified International Fund
Dow Jones Target Today Fund
Dow Jones Target 2010 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2015 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2020 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2025 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2030 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2035 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2040 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2045 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2050 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2055 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2060 Fund
Dynamic Target Today Fund
Dynamic Target 2015 Fund
Dynamic Target 2020 Fund
Dynamic Target 2025 Fund
Dynamic Target 2030 Fund
Dynamic Target 2035 Fund
Dynamic Target 2040 Fund
Dynamic Target 2045 Fund
Dynamic Target 2050 Fund
Dynamic Target 2055 Fund
Dynamic Target 2060 Fund
Emerging Growth Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Select Fund
Emerging Markets Local Bond Fund
Endeavor Select Fund
Enterprise Fund
Global Long/Short Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
Government Money Market Fund
Government Securities Fund
Growth Fund
Growth Balanced Fund
Heritage Money Market Fund
High Income Fund1
High Yield Bond Fund
High Yield Municipal Bond Fund
Index Asset Allocation Fund
Index Fund
Intermediate Tax/AMT-Free Fund
International Bond Fund
International Equity Fund
International Value Fund
Intrinsic Small Cap Value Fund
Intrinsic Value Fund
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
Large Cap Core Fund
Large Cap Growth Fund
Large Company Value Fund
Managed Account CoreBuilder Shares Series M
Minnesota Tax-Free Fund
Moderate Balanced Fund
Money Market Fund
Municipal Bond Fund
Municipal Cash Management Money Market Fund
Municipal Money Market Fund
National Tax-Free Money Market Fund
North Carolina Tax-Free Fund
Omega Growth Fund
Opportunity Fund
Pennsylvania Tax-Free Fund
Precious Metals Fund
Premier Large Company Growth Fund
Real Return Fund
Short Duration Government Bond Fund
Short-Term Bond Fund
Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund
Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund
Small Cap Opportunities Fund
Small Cap Value Fund
Small Company Growth Fund
Small Company Value Fund
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund2
Special Mid Cap Value Fund
Special Small Cap Value Fund
Specialized Technology Fund
Strategic Income Fund
Strategic Municipal Bond Fund
Traditional Small Cap Growth Fund
Treasury Plus Money Market Fund
Ultra Short-Term Income Fund
Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund
Utility & Telecommunications Fund
WealthBuilder Conservative Allocation Portfolio
WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio3
WealthBuilder Growth Allocation Portfolio
WealthBuilder Growth Balanced Portfolio
WealthBuilder Moderate Balanced Portfolio
WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio
Wisconsin Tax-Free Fund
Wells Fargo Variable Trust
VT Discovery Fund
VT Index Asset Allocation Fund
VT International Equity Fund
VT Intrinsic Value Fund
VT Omega Growth Fund
VT Opportunity Fund
VT Small Cap Growth Fund
VT Small Cap Value Fund
VT Total Return Bond Fund
1 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the High Income Fund into the High Yield Bond Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
2 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund into the Small Cap Value Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
3 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio into the WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016 and the name will change to WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio.
Schedule A amended: February 18, 2016
The foregoing schedule is agreed to as of February 18, 2016 and shall remain in effect until changed in writing by the parties.
Each of the Trusts on Schedule A
BY: __________________________________
Jeremy DePalma
Treasurer
ATTEST:
________________________________
BOSTON FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC.
BY: _________________________________
ATTEST:
_______________________________
SCHEDULE I
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGREEMENT
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
100% Treasury Money Market Fund
Absolute Return Fund
Adjustable Rate Government Fund
Alternative Strategies Fund
Asia Pacific Fund
Asset Allocation Fund
C&B Large Cap Value Fund
C&B Mid Cap Value Fund
California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund
California Tax-Free Fund
California Municipal Money Market Fund
Capital Growth Fund
Cash Investment Money Market Fund
Colorado Tax-Free Fund
Common Stock Fund
Conservative Income Fund
Core Bond Fund
Core Plus Bond Fund
Disciplined U.S. Core Fund
Discovery Fund
Diversified Capital Builder Fund
Diversified Equity Fund
Diversified Income Builder Fund
Diversified International Fund
Dow Jones Target Today Fund
Dow Jones Target 2010 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2015 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2020 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2025 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2030 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2035 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2040 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2045 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2050 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2055 Fund
Dow Jones Target 2060 Fund
Dynamic Target Today Fund
Dynamic Target 2015 Fund
Dynamic Target 2020 Fund
Dynamic Target 2025 Fund
Dynamic Target 2030 Fund
Dynamic Target 2035 Fund
Dynamic Target 2040 Fund
Dynamic Target 2045 Fund
Dynamic Target 2050 Fund
Dynamic Target 2055 Fund
Dynamic Target 2060 Fund
Emerging Growth Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Endeavor Select Fund
Enterprise Fund
Global Long/Short Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
Government Money Market Fund
Government Securities Fund
Growth Fund
Growth Balanced Fund
Heritage Money Market Fund
High Income Fund1
High Yield Bond Fund
High Yield Municipal Bond Fund
Index Asset Allocation Fund
Index Fund
Intermediate Tax/AMT-Free Fund
International Bond Fund
International Equity Fund
International Value Fund
Intrinsic Small Cap Value Fund
Intrinsic Value Fund
Intrinsic World Equity Fund
Large Cap Core Fund
Large Cap Growth Fund
Large Company Value Fund
Managed Account CoreBuilder Shares Series M
Minnesota Tax-Free Fund
Moderate Balanced Fund
Money Market Fund
Municipal Bond Fund
Municipal Cash Management Money Market Fund
Municipal Money Market Fund
National Tax-Free Money Market Fund
North Carolina Tax-Free Fund
Omega Growth Fund
Opportunity Fund
Pennsylvania Tax-Free Fund
Precious Metals Fund
Premier Large Company Growth Fund
Real Return Fund
Short Duration Government Bond Fund
Short-Term Bond Fund
Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund
Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund
Small Cap Core Fund2
Small Cap Opportunities Fund
Small Cap Value Fund
Small Company Growth Fund
Small Company Value Fund
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund3
Special Mid Cap Value Fund
Special Small Cap Value Fund
Specialized Technology Fund
Strategic Income Fund
Strategic Municipal Bond Fund
Traditional Small Cap Growth Fund
Treasury Plus Money Market Fund
Ultra Short-Term Income Fund
Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund
Utility & Telecommunications Fund
WealthBuilder Conservative Allocation Portfolio
WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio4
WealthBuilder Growth Allocation Portfolio
WealthBuilder Growth Balanced Portfolio
WealthBuilder Moderate Balanced Portfolio
WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio
Wisconsin Tax-Free Fund
1 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the High Income Fund into the High Yield Bond Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
2 On November 18, 2015, the Board of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the establishment of the Wells Fargo Small Cap Core Fund and the reorganization of the Golden Small Cap Core Fund (“Golden Small Cap Fund”) into the Wells Fargo Small Cap Core Fund. Subject to approval by the Board of Forum Funds and shareholders of the Golden Small Cap Fund (the “Small Cap Core Reorganization”), the Small Cap Core Reorganization will become effective in May 2016.
3 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund into the Small Cap Value Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
4 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio into the WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016 and the name will change to WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio.
Schedule I amended: February 18, 2016
Schedule A to Appendix A
Class-Level Administration Agreement
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
List of Funds
Funds/Classes |
Class-Level Admin. Fee |
Absolute Return Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Adjustable Rate Government Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.10% 0.08% |
Alternative Strategies Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Asia Pacific Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Asset Allocation Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
C&B Large Cap Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
C&B Mid Cap Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.10% 0.08% |
California Tax-Free Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.10% 0.08% |
California Municipal Money Market Fund Class A Administrator Class Institutional Class 1 Service Class Sweep Class |
0.22% 0.10% 0.08% 0.12% 0.22% |
Capital Growth Fund Class A Class C Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Cash Investment Money Market Fund Administrator Class Institutional Class Select Class Service Class |
0.10% 0.08% 0.04% 0.12% |
Colorado Tax-Free Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.10% |
Common Stock Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Conservative Income Fund Institutional Class |
0.08% |
Core Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.08% 0.03% 0.10% 0.08% |
Core Plus Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.10% 0.08% |
Disciplined U.S. Core Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Discovery Fund Class A Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Diversified Capital Builder Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Diversified Equity Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.13% |
Diversified Income Builder Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Diversified International Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Dow Jones Target Today Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% 0.13% |
Dow Jones Target 2010 Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% 0.13% |
Dow Jones Target 2015 Fund Class A Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% 0.13% |
Dow Jones Target 2020 Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% 0.13% |
Dow Jones Target 2025 Fund Class A Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% 0.13% |
Dow Jones Target 2030 Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% 0.13% |
Dow Jones Target 2035 Fund Class A Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% 0.13% |
Dow Jones Target 2040 Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% 0.13% |
Dow Jones Target 2045 Fund Class A Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% 0.13% |
Dow Jones Target 2050 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% 0.13% |
Dow Jones Target 2055 Fund Class A Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% 0.13% |
Dow Jones Target 2060 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% 0.13% |
Dynamic Target Today Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% |
Dynamic Target 2015 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% |
Dynamic Target 2020 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% |
Dynamic Target 2025 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% |
Dynamic Target 2030 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% |
Dynamic Target 2035 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% |
Dynamic Target 2040 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% |
Dynamic Target 2045 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% |
Dynamic Target 2050 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% |
Dynamic Target 2055 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% |
Dynamic Target 2060 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% |
Emerging Growth Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Endeavor Select Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Enterprise Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Global Long/Short Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Global Opportunities Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Government Money Market Fund Class A Administrator Class Institutional Class Select Class Service Class Sweep Class |
0.22% 0.10% 0.08% 0.04% 0.12% 0.22% |
Government Securities Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.10% 0.08% |
Growth Fund Class A Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Growth Balanced Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.13% |
Heritage Money Market Fund Administrator Class Institutional Class Select Class Service Class |
0.10% 0.08% 0.04% 0.12% |
High Income Fund 2 Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.10% 0.08% |
High Yield Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.10% 0.08% |
High Yield Municipal Bond Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.10% 0.08% |
Index Asset Allocation Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.13% |
Index Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.13% |
Intermediate Tax/AMT-Free Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.10% 0.08% |
International Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Class R6 |
0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.10% 0.08% 0.03% |
International Equity Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
International Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Intrinsic Small Cap Value Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Intrinsic Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Instrinsic World Equity Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Large Cap Core Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Large Cap Growth Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Large Company Value Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Managed Account CoreBuilder Shares Series M |
0.00% |
Minnesota Tax-Free Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.10% |
Moderate Balanced Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.13% |
Money Market Fund Class A Class B Class C Daily Class Premier Class3 Service Class |
0.22% 0.22% 0.22% 0.22% 0.08% 0.12% |
Municipal Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.10% 0.08% |
Municipal Cash Management Money Market Fund Administrator Class Institutional Class Service Class |
0.10% 0.08% 0.12% |
Municipal Money Market Fund Class A Institutional Class4 Service Class Sweep Class |
0.22% 0.08% 0.12% 0.22% |
National Tax-Free Money Market Fund Class A Administrator Class Institutional Class5 Service Class Sweep Class |
0.22% 0.10% 0.08% 0.12% 0.22% |
North Carolina Tax-Free Fund Class A Class C Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.08% |
Omega Growth Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Opportunity Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Pennsylvania Tax-Free Fund Class A Class B Class C Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.08% |
Precious Metals Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Premier Large Company Growth Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.08% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Real Return Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.10% |
Short Duration Government Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.03% 0.10% 0.08% |
Short-Term Bond Fund Class A Class C Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.08% |
Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.10% 0.08% |
Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.10% 0.08% |
Small Cap Opportunities Fund Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.13% 0.13% |
Small Cap Core Fund 6 Class A Class C Class R6 Adminstrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Small Cap Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Small Company Growth Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Small Company Value Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund 7 Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Specialized Technology Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.13% |
Special Mid Cap Value Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Special Small Cap Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.03% 0.13% 0.13% |
Strategic Income Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.10% 0.08% |
Strategic Municipal Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.10% 0.08% |
Traditional Small Cap Growth Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Treasury Plus Money Market Fund Class A Institutional Class Administrator Class Service Class Sweep Class |
0.22% 0.08% 0.10% 0.12% 0.22% |
Utility & Telecommunications Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.13% 0.13% |
Ultra Short-Term Income Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.10% 0.08% |
Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
0.16% 0.16% 0.10% 0.08% |
WealthBuilder Conservative Allocation Portfolio |
0.21% |
WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio 8 |
0.21% |
WealthBuilder Growth Allocation Portfolio |
0.21% |
WealthBuilder Growth Balanced Portfolio |
0.21% |
WealthBuilder Moderate Balanced Portfolio |
0.21% |
WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio |
0.21% |
Wisconsin Tax-Free Fund Class A Class C |
0.16% 0.16% |
100% Treasury Money Market Fund Class A Administrative Class Institutional Class Service Class Sweep Class |
0.22% 0.10% 0.08% 0.12% 0.22% |
1 On November 18, 2015, the Board of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the Institutional Class name change of the California Municipal Money Market Fund to the Premier Class, effective April 1, 2016.
2 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the High Income Fund into the High Yield Bond Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
3 On November 18, 2015, the Board of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the addition of the Premier Class to the Money Market Fund, effective April 1, 2016.
4 On November 18, 2015, the Board of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the Institutional Class name change of the Municipal Money Market Fund to the Premier Class, effective April 1, 2016.
5 On November 18, 2015, the Board of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the Institutional Class name change of the National Tax-Free Money Market Fund to the Premier Class, effective April 1, 2016.
6 On November 18, 2015, the Board of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the establishment of the Wells Fargo Small Cap Core Fund and the reorganization of the Golden Small Cap Core Fund (“Golden Small Cap Fund”) into the Wells Fargo Small Cap Core Fund. Subject to approval by the Board of Forum Funds and shareholders of the Golden Small Cap Fund (the “Small Cap Core Reorganization”), the Small Cap Core Reorganization will become effective in May 2016.
7 February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund into the Small Cap Value Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
8 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio into the WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016 and the name will change to WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio.
Schedule A to Appendix A amended: February 18, 2016
The foregoing fee schedule is agreed to as of February 18, 2016 and shall remain in effect until changed in writing by the parties.
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
By: _____________________________________
C. David Messman
Secretary
WELLS FARGO FUNDS MANAGEMENT, LLC
By: ______________________________________
Paul Haast
Senior Vice President
APPENDIX A
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
Funds Trust Funds and Share Classes |
Maximum Rule 12b-1 Fee |
Absolute Return Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Adjustable Rate Government Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Alternative Strategies Fund Class C |
0.75 |
Asia Pacific Fund Class C |
0.75 |
Asset Allocation Fund Class B Class C Class R |
0.75 0.75 0.25 |
C&B Large Cap Value Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
C&B Mid Cap Value Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund Class C |
0.75 |
California Municipal Money Market Fund Sweep Class |
0.35 |
California Tax-Free Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Capital Growth Fund Class C |
0.75 |
Colorado Tax-Free Fund Class C |
0.75 |
Common Stock Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Core Bond Fund Class B Class C Class R |
0.75 0.75 0.25 |
Core Plus Bond Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Disciplined U.S. Core Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Discovery Fund Class C |
0.75 |
Diversified Capital Builder Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Diversified Equity Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Diversified Income Builder Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Diversified International Fund Class B Class C Class R |
0.75 0.75 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target Today Fund Class B Class C Class R |
0.75 0.75 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2010 Fund Class B Class C Class R |
0.75 0.75 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2015 Fund Class R |
0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2020 Fund Class B Class C Class R |
0.75 0.75 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2025 Fund Class R |
0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2030 Fund Class B Class C Class R |
0.75 0.75 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2035 Fund Class R |
0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2040 Fund Class B Class C Class R |
0.75 0.75 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2045 Fund Class R |
0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2050 Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2055 Fund Class R |
0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2060 Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Dynamic Target Today Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Dynamic Target 2015 Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Dynamic Target 2020 Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Dynamic Target 2025 Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Dynamic Target 2030 Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Dynamic Target 2035 Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Dynamic Target 2040 Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Dynamic Target 2045 Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Dynamic Target 2050 Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Dynamic Target 2055 Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Dynamic Target 2060 Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Emerging Growth Fund Class C |
0.75 |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Endeavor Select Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Enterprise Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Global Long/Short Fund Class C |
0.75 |
Global Opportunities Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Government Money Market Fund Sweep Class |
0.35 |
Government Securities Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Growth Balanced Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Growth Fund Class C |
0.75 |
High Income Fund 1 Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
High Yield Bond Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
High Yield Municipal Bond Fund Class C |
0.75 |
Index Asset Allocation Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Index Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Inflation-Protected Bond Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Intermediate Tax/AMT-Free Fund Class C |
0.75 |
International Bond Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
International Equity Fund Class B Class C Class R |
0.75 0.75 0.25 |
International Value Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Intrinsic Small Cap Value Fund Class C |
|
Intrinsic Value Fund Class B Class C Class R |
0.75 0.75 0.25 |
Intrinsic World Equity Fund Class C |
0.75 |
Large Cap Core Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Large Cap Growth Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Large Company Value Fund Class C |
0.75 |
Managed Account CoreBuilder Shares Series M |
0.00 |
Minnesota Tax-Free Fund Class C |
0.75 |
Moderate Balanced Fund
|
|
Money Market Fund Class B Class C Daily Class |
0.75 0.75 0.25 |
Municipal Bond Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Municipal Money Market Fund Sweep Class |
0.35 |
National Tax-Free Money Market Fund Sweep Class |
0.35 |
North Carolina Tax-Free Fund Class C |
0.75 |
Omega Growth Fund Class B Class C Class R |
0.75 0.75 0.25 |
Opportunity Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Pennsylvania Tax-Free Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Precious Metals Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Premier Large Company Growth Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Short Duration Government Bond Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Short-Term Bond Fund Class C |
|
Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund Class C |
|
Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund Class C |
|
Small Cap Core Fund 2 Class C |
0.75 |
Small Cap Value Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Small Company Growth Fund
Class B
|
0.75 0.75 |
Small Company Value Fund Class C |
0.75 |
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund 3 Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Special Mid Cap Value Fund Class C Class R |
0.75 0.25 |
Special Small Cap Value Fund Class B Class C Class R |
0.75 0.75 0.25 |
Specialized Technology Fund
Class B
|
0.75 0.75 |
Strategic Income Fund Class C |
0.75 |
Strategic Municipal Bond Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Traditional Small Cap Growth Fund Class C |
0.75 |
Treasury Plus Money Market Fund Sweep Class |
0.35 |
Utility and Telecommunications Fund Class B Class C |
0.75 0.75 |
Ultra Short-Term Income Fund Class C |
0.75 |
Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund Class C |
0.75 |
WealthBuilder Conservative Allocation Portfolio |
0.75 |
WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio 4 |
0.75 |
WealthBuilder Growth Allocation Portfolio |
0.75 |
WealthBuilder Growth Balanced Portfolio |
0.75 |
WealthBuilder Moderate Balanced Portfolio |
0.75 |
WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio |
0.75 |
Wisconsin Tax-Free Fund Class C |
|
100% Treasury Money Market Fund Sweep Class |
0.35 |
1On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the High Income Fund into the High Yield Bond Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
2On November 18, 2015, the Board of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the establishment of the Wells Fargo Small Cap Core Fund and the reorganization of the Golden Small Cap Core Fund (“Golden Small Cap Fund”) into the Wells Fargo Small Cap Core Fund. Subject to approval by the Board of Forum Funds and shareholders of the Golden Small Cap Fund (the “Small Cap Core Reorganization”), the Small Cap Core Reorganization will become effective in May 2016.
3On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund into the Small Cap Value Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
4On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio into the WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016 and the name will change to WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio.
Appendix A amended: February 18, 2016
SCHEDULE A
WELLS FARGO FUNDS MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
Wells Fargo Funds Trust |
Fee as % of Avg. Daily Net Asset Value |
|
Adjustable Rate Government Fund |
First 1B Next 4B Next 3B Next 2B Over 10B |
0.35 0.325 0.29 0.265 0.255 |
Alternative Strategies Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
1.75 1.725 1.70 1.675 1.65 1.64 1.63 |
Asia Pacific Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
1.00 0.95 0.90 0.875 0.85 0.84 0.83 |
C&B Mid Cap Value Fund |
First 500M
Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.75 0.725 0.70 0.675 0.65 0.64 0.63 |
C&B Large Cap Value Fund ± |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.05 0.04 0.03 |
California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund |
First 500M
Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.40
0.35 0.325 0.29 0.28 |
California Municipal Money Market Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.15 0.14 0.13 |
California Tax-Free Fund |
First 500M
Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.40
0.35 0.325 0.29 0.28 |
Capital Growth Fund |
First 500M
Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 3B Next 2B Next 2B Next 4B Over 16B |
0.70 0.675 0.65 0.625 0.60 0.59 0.565 0.555 0.53 0.505 |
Cash Investment Money Market Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.15 0.14 0.13 |
Colorado Tax-Free Fund |
First 500M
Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.40
0.35 0.325 0.29 0.28 |
Common Stock Fund |
First 500M
Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.80 0.75 0.70 0.675 0.65 0.64 0.63 |
Conservative Income Fund |
First 1B Next 4B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.25 0.225 0.19 0.18 |
Core Bond Fund ± |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.05 0.04 0.03 |
Core Plus Bond Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.45
0.40 0.375 0.34 0.33 |
Disciplined U.S. Core Fund |
First 1B Next 4B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.35 0.325 0.29 0.28 |
Discovery Fund |
First 500M
Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.80 0.75 0.70 0.675 0.65 0.64 0.63 |
Diversified Capital Builder Fund |
First 500M
Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.65 0.60 0.55 0.525 0.49 0.48 |
Diversified Equity Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.30 0.28 0.26 0.24 0.23 0.22 |
Diversified Income Builder Fund |
First 500M
Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B
|
0.55 0.525 0.50 0.475 0.44 0.43 |
Diversified International Fund |
First 500M
Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.90 0.85 0.80 0.775 0.75 0.74 0.73 |
Dow Jones Target Today Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dow Jones Target 2010 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dow Jones Target 2015 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dow Jones Target 2020 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dow Jones Target 2025 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dow Jones Target 2030 Fund
|
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dow Jones Target 2035 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dow Jones Target 2040 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dow Jones Target 2045 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dow Jones Target 2050 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dow Jones Target 2055 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dow Jones Target 2060 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dynamic Target Date Today Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dynamic Target Date 2015 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dynamic Target Date 2020 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dynamic Target Date 2025 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dynamic Target Date 2030 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dynamic Target Date 2035 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dynamic Target Date 2040 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dynamic Target Date 2045 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dynamic Target Date 2050 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dynamic Target Date 2055 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Dynamic Target Date 2060 Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.20 0.19 0.18 |
Emerging Growth Fund ± |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.05 0.04 0.03 |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
First 500M
Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 3B Next 2B Over 10B |
1.15 1.10 1.05 1.025 1.00 0.99 0.965 0.955 |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund |
First 500M
Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 3B Next 2B Over 10B |
1.15 1.10 1.05 1.025 1.00 0.99 0.965 0.955 |
Endeavor Select Fund |
First 500M
Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 3B Next 2B Next 2B Next 4B Over 16B |
0.70 0.675 0.65 0.625 0.60 0.59 0.565 0.555 0.53 0.505 |
Enterprise Fund |
First 500M
Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.75 0.725 0.70 0.675 0.65 0.64 0.63 |
Global Long/Short Fund |
First 500M
Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
1.30 1.25 1.20 1.175 1.15 1.14 1.13 |
Global Opportunities Fund |
First 500M
Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.95 0.925 0.90 0.875 0.85 0.84 0.83 |
Government Money Market Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.15 0.14 0.13 |
Government Securities Fund |
First 500M
Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.45 0.425 0.40 0.375 0.34 0.33 |
Growth Balanced Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.30 0.28 0.26 0.24 0.23 0.22 |
Growth Fund |
First 500M
Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 3B Next 2B Next 2B Next 4B Over 16B |
0.80 0.75 0.70 0.675 0.65 0.64 0.615 0.605 0.58 0.555 |
Heritage Money Market Fund
|
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.15 0.14 0.13 |
High Income Fund1 |
First 500M
Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B
|
0.55 0.525 0.50 0.475 0.44 0.43 |
High Yield Bond Fund |
First 500M
Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B
|
0.55 0.525 0.50 0.475 0.44 0.43 |
High Yield Municipal Bond Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.50 0.475 0.45 0.425 0.39 0.38 |
Index Asset Allocation Fund |
First 500M
Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.65 0.60 0.55 0.525 0.49 0.48 |
Index Fund ± |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.05 0.04 0.03 |
Intermediate Tax/AMT Free Fund |
First 500M
Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.40
0.35 0.325 0.29 0.28 |
International Bond Fund |
First 500M
Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.60 0.575 0.55 0.525 0.49 0.48 |
International Equity Fund |
First 500M
Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.90 0.85 0.80 0.775 0.75 0.74 0.73 |
International Value Fund ± |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.05 0.04 0.03 |
Intrinsic Small Cap Value Fund |
First 500M
Next 1B Next 1B Next 1B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.85
0.80 0.775 0.75 0.73 0.72 0.71 |
Intrinsic Value Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 3B Next 2B Next 2B Next 4B Over 16B
Next 4B Over 16B |
0.70 0.675 0.65 0.625 0.60 0.59 0.565 0.555 0.53 0.505 |
Intrinsic World Equity Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.85 0.80 0.75 0.725 0.70 0.69 0.68
|
Large Cap Core Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 3B Next 2B Next 2B Next 4B Over 16B |
0.70 0.675 0.65 0.625 0.60 0.59 0.565 0.555 0.53 0.505 |
Large Cap Growth Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 3B Next 2B Next 2B Next 4B Over 16B |
0.70 0.675 0.65 0.625 0.60 0.59 0.565 0.555 0.53 0.505 |
Large Company Value Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 3B Next 2B Next 2B Next 4B Over 16B |
0.70 0.675 0.65 0.625 0.60 0.59 0.565 0.555 0.53 0.505 |
Managed Account CoreBuilder Shares Series M |
0.00 |
|
Minnesota Tax-Free Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.40 0.375 0.35 0.325 0.29 0.28 |
Moderate Balanced Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.30 0.28 0.26 0.24 0.23 0.22 |
Money Market Fund |
First 1B Next 4B Next 5B Next 5B Next 10B Over 25B |
0.35 0.325 0.29 0.28 0.255 0.23 |
Municipal Bond Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.40 0.375 0.35 0.325 0.29 0.28 |
Municipal Cash Management Money Market Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.15 0.14 0.13 |
Municipal Money Market Fund |
First 1B Next 4B Next 5B Next 5B Next 10B Over 25B |
0.35 0.325 0.29 0.28 0.255 0.23 |
National Tax-Free Money Market Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.15 0.14 0.13 |
North Carolina Tax-Free Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.40 0.375 0.35 0.325 0.29 0.28 |
Omega Growth Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 3B Next 2B Next 2B Next 4B Over 16B |
0.80 0.75 0.70 0.675 0.65 0.64 0.615 0.605 0.58 0.555 |
Opportunity Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.75 0.725 0.70 0.675 0.65 0.64 0.63 |
Pennsylvania Tax-Free Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.40 0.375 0.35 0.325 0.29 0.28 |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.65 0.60 0.55 0.525 0.50 0.49 0.48 |
|
Premier Large Company Growth Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 3B Next 2B Next 2B Next 4B Over 16B |
0.70 0.675 0.65 0.625 0.60 0.59 0.565 0.555 0.53 0.505 |
Real Return Fund ± |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.05 0.04 0.03 |
Short Duration Government Bond Fund |
First 1B Next 4B Next 3B Next 2B Over 10B |
0.35 0.325 0.29 0.265 0.255 |
Short-Term Bond Fund |
First 1B Next 4B Next 3B Next 2B Over 10B |
0.35 0.325 0.29 0.265 0.255 |
Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.50 0.475 0.45 0.425 0.39 0.38 |
Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund |
First 1B Next 4B Next 3B Next 2B Over 10B |
0.35 0.325 0.29 0.265 0.255 |
Small Cap Opportunities Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 1B Next 1B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.85 0.825 0.80 0.775 0.75 0.73 0.72 0.71 |
Small Cap Value Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 1B Next 1B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.85 0.825 0.80 0.775 0.75 0.73 0.72 0.71 |
Small Company Growth Fund ± |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.05 0.04 0.03 |
Small Company Value Fund ± |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.05 0.04 0.03 |
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund2 |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.75 0.725 0.70 0.675 0.65 0.64 0.63 |
Special Mid Cap Value Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.75 0.725 0.70 0.675 0.65 0.64 0.63 |
Special Small Cap Value Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 1B Next 1B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.85 0.825 0.80 0.775 0.75 0.73 0.72 0.71 |
Specialized Technology Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.90 0.875 0.85 0.825 0.80 0.79 0.78 |
Strategic Income Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.525 0.50 0.475 0.45 0.415 0.405 |
Strategic Municipal Bond Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.40 0.375 0.35 0.325 0.29 0.28 |
Traditional Small Cap Growth Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 1B Next 1B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.85 0.825 0.80 0.775 0.75 0.73 0.72 0.71 |
Treasury Plus Money Market Fund |
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.15 0.14 0.13 |
Ultra Short-Term Income Fund |
First 1B Next 4B Next 3B Next 2B Over 10B |
0.35 0.325 0.29 0.265 0.255 |
Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund |
First 1B Next 4B Next 3B Next 2B Over 10B |
0.35 0.325 0.29 0.265 0.255 |
Utility & Telecommunications Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 1B Next 2B Next 1B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.65 0.60 0.55 0.525 0.50 0.49 0.48 |
WealthBuilder Conservative Allocation Portfolio |
First 1B Next 4B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.25 0.225 0.19 0.18 |
WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio3 |
First 1B Next 4B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.25 0.225 0.19 0.18 |
WealthBuilder Growth Allocation Portfolio |
First 1B Next 4B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.25 0.225 0.19 0.18 |
WealthBuilder Growth Balanced Portfolio |
First 1B Next 4B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.25 0.225 0.19 0.18 |
WealthBuilder Moderate Balanced Portfolio |
First 1B Next 4B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.25 0.225 0.19 0.18 |
WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio |
First 1B Next 4B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.25 0.225 0.19 0.18 |
Wisconsin Tax-Free Fund |
First 500M Next 500M Next 2B Next 2B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.40 0.375 0.35 0.325 0.29 0.28 |
100% Treasury Money Market Fund |
First 1B Next 4B Next 5B Next 5B Next 10B Over 25B |
0.35 0.325 0.29 0.28 0.255 0.23 |
1 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the High Income Fund into the High Yield Bond Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
2 February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund into the Small Cap Value Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
3 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio into the WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016 and the name will change to WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio.
Schedule A amended: February 18, 2016
± As long as the Fund invests all (or substantially all) of its assets in a single, registered, open-end management investment company in accordance with Section 12(d)(1)(E) under the 1940 Act, the Fund pays Funds Management an investment management fee for the Fund-level administrative services set forth in Section 2(b) of the Investment Management Agreement. At the time the Fund invests some of its assets in two or more registered, open-end management investment companies in accordance with Section 12(d)(1)(G) under the 1940 Act, the Fund shall pay Funds Management an investment management fee for combined asset allocation services and fund-level administrative services at the rates shown in the table that follows.
Dormant Investment Management Fee as % of Avg. Daily Net Asset Value |
|
First 5B Next 5B Over 10B |
0.30 0.29 0.28 |
The foregoing fee schedule is agreed to as of February 18, 2016 and shall remain in effect until changed in writing by the parties.
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
By:
C. David Messman
Secretary
WELLS FARGO FUNDS MANAGEMENT, LLC
By:
Paul Haast
Senior Vice President
APPENDIX A
RULE 18f-3 MULTI-CLASS PLAN
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
Funds Trust Multi Class Funds and Share Classes* |
Maximum Initial Sales Charge |
Maximum CDSC ± |
Maximum 12b-1 Fee ** |
Maximum Shareholder Servicing Fee |
Absolute Return Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None |
Adjustable Rate Government Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
2.00 None None None None |
None 1.50 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Alternative Strategies Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None |
None 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Asia Pacific Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
Asset Allocation Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 0.25 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
C&B Large Cap Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
C&B Mid Cap Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
3.00 None None None |
None 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
California Municipal Money Market Fund Class A Administrator Class Institutional Class1 Service Class Sweep Class |
None None None None None |
None None None None None |
None None None None 0.35 |
0.25 0.10 None 0.25 0.25 |
California Tax-Free Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
4.50 None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Capital Growth Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class Class R4 Class R6 |
5.75 None None None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None None None |
None 0.75 None None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 0.10 None |
Cash Investment Money Market Fund Administrator Class Institutional Class Select Class Service Class |
None None None None |
None None None None |
None None None None |
0.10 None None 0.25 |
Colorado Tax-Free Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
4.50 None None |
None 1.00 None |
None 0.75 None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Common Stock Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None 0.25 |
Conservative Income Fund Institutional Class |
None |
None |
None |
None |
Core Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
4.50 None None None None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 0.25 None None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None 0.25 None 0.25 |
Core Plus Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
4.50 None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
Disciplined U.S. Core Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None |
Discovery Fund Class A Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None None |
None 0.75 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None 0.25 |
Diversified Capital Builder Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Diversified Equity Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
5.75 None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None |
None 0.75 0.75 None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Diversified Income Builder Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Diversified International Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 0.25 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target Today Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 0.25 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None 0.25 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2010 Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 0.25 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None 0.25 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2015 Fund Class A Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None None None None None None |
None 0.25 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.10 None 0.25 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2020 Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 0.25 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None 0.25 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2025 Fund Class A Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None None None None None None |
None 0.25 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.10 None 0.25 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2030 Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 0.25 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None 0.25 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2035 Fund Class A Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None None None None None None |
None 0.25 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.10 None 0.25 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2040 Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 0.25 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None 0.25 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2045 Fund Class A Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None None None None None None |
None 0.25 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.10 None 0.25 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2050 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None 0.25 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2055 Fund Class A Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None None None None None None |
None 0.25 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.10 None 0.25 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2060 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None 0.25 |
Dynamic Target Today Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
5.75 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None |
Dynamic Target 2015 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
5.75 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None |
Dynamic Target 2020 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
5.75 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None |
Dynamic Target 2025 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
5.75 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None |
Dynamic Target 2030 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
5.75 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None |
Dynamic Target 2035 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
5.75 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None |
Dynamic Target 2040 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
5.75 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None |
Dynamic Target 2045 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
5.75 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None |
Dynamic Target 2050 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
5.75 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None |
Dynamic Target 2055 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
5.75 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None |
Dynamic Target 2060 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 |
5.75 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None |
Emerging Growth Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None |
Endeavor Select Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Enterprise Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None 0.25 |
Global Long/Short Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None |
None 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Global Opportunities Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Government Money Market Fund Class A Administrator Class Institutional Class Select Class Service Class Sweep Class |
None None None None None None |
None None None None None None |
None None None None None 0.35 |
0.25 0.10 None None 0.25 0.25 |
Government Securities Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
4.50 None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
Growth Fund Class A Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None None |
None 0.75 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None 0.25 |
Growth Balanced Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
5.75 None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None |
None 0.75 0.75 None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Heritage Money Market Fund Administrator Class Institutional Class Select Class Service Class |
None None None None |
None None None None |
None None None None |
0.10 None None 0.25 |
High Income Fund2 Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
4.50 None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
High Yield Municipal Bond Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
4.50 None None None |
None 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
High Yield Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
4.50 None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Index Asset Allocation Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
5.75 None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None |
None 0.75 0.75 None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Index Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Intermediate Tax/AMT-Free Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
3.00 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
International Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
4.75 None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None |
International Equity Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 0.25 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None |
International Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Intrinsic Small Cap Value Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
Intrinsic Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 0.25 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None 0.25 None |
Intrinsic World Equity Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None |
None 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Large Cap Core Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None 0.25 |
Large Cap Growth Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None 0.25 None 0.25 |
Large Company Value Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
Minnesota Tax-Free Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
4.50 None None |
None 1.00 None |
None 0.75 None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Moderate Balanced Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
5.75 None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None |
None 0.75 0.75 None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Money Market Fund Class A Class B Class C Daily Class Investor Class Premier Class3 Service Class |
None None None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 0.25 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
Municipal Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
4.50 None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
Municipal Cash Management Money Market Fund Administrator Class Institutional Class Service Class |
None None None |
None None None |
None None None |
0.10 None 0.25 |
Municipal Money Market Fund Class A Institutional Class4 Investor Class Service Class Sweep Class |
None None None None None |
None None None None None |
None None None None 0.35 |
0.25 None 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
National Tax-Free Money Market Fund Class A Administrator Class Institutional Class5 Service Class Sweep Class |
None None None None None |
None None None None None |
None None None None 0.35 |
0.25 0.10 None 0.25 0.25 |
North Carolina Tax-Free Fund Class A Class C Institutional Class |
4.50 None None |
None 1.00 None |
None 0.75 None |
0.25 0.25 None |
Omega Growth Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 0.25 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Opportunity Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
Pennsylvania Tax-Free Fund Class A Class B Class C Institutional Class |
4.50 None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None |
None 0.75 0.75 None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Precious Metals Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Premier Large Company Growth Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R4 Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 None 0.25 None 0.25 |
Real Return Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
4.50 None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None |
None 0.75 0.75 None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Short Duration Government Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
3.00 None None None None None |
None 3.00 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None\ |
Short-Term Bond Fund Class A Class C Institutional Class Investor Class |
3.00 None None None |
None 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
3.00 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
3.00 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
Small Cap Core Fund6 Class A Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
3.00 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None |
Small Cap Opportunities Fund Administrator Class Institutional Class |
None None |
None None |
None None |
0.25 None |
Small Cap Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None 0.25 |
Small Company Growth Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None |
Small Company Value Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None |
None 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund7 Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
Specialized Technology Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Special Mid Cap Value Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
5.75 None None None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None None None |
None 0.75 0.25 None None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None 0.25 |
Special Small Cap Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R6 Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None None None |
None 0.75 0.75 0.25 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 None |
Strategic Income Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
4.50 None None None |
None 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Strategic Municipal Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
4.50 None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Traditional Small Cap Growth Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None |
None 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Treasury Plus Money Market Fund Class A Administrator Class Institutional Class Service Class Sweep Class |
None None None None None |
None None None None None |
None None None None 0.35 |
0.25 0.10 None 0.25 0.25 |
Ultra Short-Term Income Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
2.00 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class Investor Class |
2.00 None None None None |
None 1.00 None None None |
None 0.75 None None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 None 0.25 |
Utility and Telecommunications Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class Institutional Class |
5.75 None None None None |
None 5.00 1.00 None None |
None 0.75 0.75 None None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 None |
Wisconsin Tax-Free Fund Class A Class C Investor Class |
4.50 None None |
None 1.00 None |
None 0.75 None |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
100% Treasury Money Market Fund Class A Administrator Class Institutional Class Service Class Sweep Class |
None None None None None |
None None None None None |
None None None None 0.35 |
0.25 0.10 None 0.25 0.25 |
1 On November 18, 2015, the Board of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the Institutional Class name change of the California Municipal Money Market Fund to the Premier Class, effective April 1, 2016.
2 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the High Income Fund into the High Yield Bond Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
3 On November 18, 2015, the Board of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the addition of the Premier Class to the Money Market Fund, effective April 1, 2016.
4 On November 18, 2015, the Board of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the Institutional Class name change of the Municipal Money Market Fund to the Premier Class, effective April 1, 2016.
5 On November 18, 2015, the Board of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the Institutional Class name change of the National Tax-Free Money Market Fund to the Premier Class, effective April 1, 2016.
6 On November 18, 2015, the Board of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the establishment of the Wells Fargo Small Cap Core Fund and the reorganization of the Golden Small Cap Core Fund (“Golden Small Cap Fund”) into the Wells Fargo Small Cap Core Fund. Subject to approval by the Board of Forum Funds and shareholders of the Golden Small Cap Fund (the “Small Cap Core Reorganization”), the Small Cap Core Reorganization will become effective in May 2016.
7 February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund into the Small Cap Value Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
Appendix A amended: February 18, 2016
* On May 20, 2015, the Board of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the conversion of Investor Class shares to Class A shares of each corresponding Fund. The conversion would apply to all Funds and is expected to occur on or about October 23, 2015.
± Class A shares that are purchased at NAV in amounts of $1,000,000 or more have no initial sales charge and will be assessed a 1.00% CDSC if they are redeemed within eighteen months from the date of purchase, unless the dealer of record waives its commission (except for those Funds identified in the table as having Class A shares that are not subject to any CDSC). Class A shares purchased at NAV in amounts of less than $1,000,000 have an initial sales charge and will not be assessed a CDSC.
Class A shares for the, Intermediate Tax/AMT-Free Fund and Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund that are purchased at NAV in amounts of $1,000,000 will be assessed a 0.50% if they are redeemed within eighteen months from the date of purchase, unless the dealer of record waives its commission. Effective November 1, 2012, Class A shares for the Intermediate Tax/AMT-Free Fund that are purchased at NAV in amounts of $500,000 or more will be assessed a 0.50% CDSC if the shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. In addition,
Class A shares for the Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund that are purchased at NAV in amounts of $500,000 will be assessed a 0.40% if they are redeemed within twelve months from the date of purchase, unless the dealer of record waives its commission. Effective November 1, 2012, Class A shares for the Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund that are purchased at NAV in amounts of $500,000 or more will be assessed a 0.50% CDSC if the shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase.
Class A shares for the Adjustable Rate Government Fund, California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund, Short Duration Government Bond Fund and Short-Term Bond Fund that are purchased at NAV in amounts of $500,000 or more will be assessed a 0.40% if they are redeemed within twelve months from the date of purchase, unless the dealer of record waives its commission.
**On November 7, 2007, the Board of Trustees approved the closing of Class B shares to new investors and additional investments, effective February 14, 2008, with the exception of the Money Market Fund. Following the closing of the Class B shares, 12b-1 payments will continue to fund previously incurred distribution-related expenses.
APPENDIX A
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING PLAN
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
Funds Trust
|
Maximum Shareholder Servicing Fee |
Absolute Return Fund Class A Class C Class R Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Adjustable Rate Government Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Alternative Strategies Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Asia Pacific Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 |
Asset Allocation Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
C&B Large Cap Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
C&B Mid Cap Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 |
California Municipal Money Market Fund Class A Administrator Class Service Class Sweep Class |
0.10 0.25 0.25 |
California Tax-Free Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Capital Growth Fund Class A Class C Class R4 Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Cash Investment Money Market Fund Administrator Class Service Class |
0.10 0.25 |
Colorado Tax-Free Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Common Stock Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 |
Core Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Core Plus Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Disciplined U.S. Core Fund Class A Class C Class R Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Discovery Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Diversified Capital Builder Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Diversified Equity Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Diversified Income Builder Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Diversified International Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target Today Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2010 Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2015 Fund Class A Class R Class R4 Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2020 Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2025 Fund Class A Class R Class R4 Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2030 Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2035 Fund Class A Class R Class R4 Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2040 Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2045 Fund Class A Class R Class R4 Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2050 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2055 Fund Class A Class R Class R4 Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Dow Jones Target 2060 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Dynamic Target Today Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 |
Dynamic Target 2015 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 |
Dynamic Target 2020 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 |
Dynamic Target 2025 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 |
Dynamic Target 2030 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 |
Dynamic Target 2035 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 |
Dynamic Target 2040 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 |
Dynamic Target 2045 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 |
Dynamic Target 2050 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 |
Dynamic Target 2055 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 |
Dynamic Target 2060 Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 |
Emerging Growth Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund Class A Class C Class R Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Endeavor Select Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Enterprise Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Global Long/Short Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Global Opportunities Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Government Money Market Fund Class A Administrator Class Service Class Sweep Class |
0.25 0.10 0.25 0.25 |
Government Securities Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Growth Balanced Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Growth Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Heritage Money Market Fund Administrator Class Service Class |
0.10 0.25 |
High Income Fund 1 Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
High Yield Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
High Yield Municipal Bond Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Index Asset Allocation Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Index Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 |
Intermediate Tax/AMT-Free Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Investor Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
International Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 |
International Equity Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 |
International Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Intrinsic Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Class R4 Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Intrinsic Small Cap Value Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 |
Intrinsic World Equity Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 |
Large Cap Core Fund Class A Class C Class R Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Large Cap Growth Fund Class A Class C Class R Class R4 Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Large Company Value Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class Investor Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Minnesota Tax-Free Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 |
Moderate Balanced Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 |
Money Market Fund Class A Class B Class C Daily Class Service Class |
0.25
0.25
|
Municipal Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Municipal Cash Management Money Market Fund Administrator Class Service Class |
0.10 0.25 |
Municipal Money Market Fund Class A Service Class Sweep Class |
0.25 |
National Tax-Free Money Market Fund Class A Administrator Class Service Class Sweep Class |
0.25 0.10 0.25 0.25 |
North Carolina Tax-Free Fund Class A Class C |
0.25 |
Omega Growth Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Opportunity Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Pennsylvania Tax-Free Fund Class A Class B Class C |
0.25 0.25 |
Precious Metals Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Premier Large Company Growth Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R4 Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.10 0.25 |
Real Return Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Short Duration Government Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Short-Term Bond Fund Class A Class C |
0.25 |
Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 |
Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 |
Small Cap Core Fund 2 Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 |
Small Cap Opportunities Fund Administrator Class |
0.25 |
Small Cap Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Small Company Growth Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Small Company Value Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 |
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund 3 Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Special Mid Cap Value Fund Class A Class C Class R Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Special Small Cap Value Fund Class A Class B Class C Class R Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Specialized Technology Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25
0.25 |
Strategic Income Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25
|
Strategic Municipal Bond Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25
0.25 |
Traditional Small Cap Growth Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
Treasury Plus Money Market Fund Class A Administrator Class Service Class Sweep Class |
0.25 0.10 0.25 0.25 |
Ultra Short-Term Income Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 |
Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund Class A Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 |
Utility & Telecommunications Fund Class A Class B Class C Administrator Class |
0.25 0.25 0.25 |
WealthBuilder Conservative Allocation Portfolio |
0.25 |
WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio 4 |
0.25 |
WealthBuilder Growth Allocation Portfolio |
0.25 |
WealthBuilder Growth Balanced Portfolio |
0.25 |
WealthBuilder Moderate Balanced Portfolio |
0.25 |
WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio |
0.25 |
Wisconsin Tax-Free Fund Class A Class C |
0.25 |
100% Treasury Money Market Fund Class A Administrator Class Service Class Sweep Class |
0.25 0.10 0.25 0.25 |
Fees payable to a Servicing Agent are expressed as a percentage of the average daily net asset value of the shares of the specified class of the particular Fund beneficially owned by or attributable to clients of the Servicing Agent.
1 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the High Income Fund into the High Yield Bond Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of
2016.
2 On November 18, 2015, the Board of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the establishment of the Wells Fargo Small Cap Core Fund and the reorganization of the Golden Small Cap Core Fund (“Golden Small Cap Fund”) into the Wells Fargo Small Cap Core
Fund. Subject to approval by the Board of Forum Funds and shareholders of the Golden Small Cap Fund (the “Small Cap Core Reorganization”), the Small Cap Core Reorganization will become effective in May 2016.
3 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund into the Small Cap Value Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of
2016.
4 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio into the WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective
in the third quarter of 2016 and the name will change to WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio.
*On November 7, 2007, the Board of Trustees approved the closing of Class B shares to new investors and additional investments, effective February 14, 2008, with the exception of the Money Market Fund. Following the closing of the Class B shares, 12b-1 and shareholder servicing fees will continue to reimburse previously incurred distribution-related expenses and expenses for servicing shareholder accounts and retain the assets of existing shareholders.
Appendix A amended: February 18, 2016
APPENDIX A
WELLS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INCORPORATED
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
Adjustable Rate Government Fund
Asia Pacific Fund
California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund
California Municipal Money Market Fund
California Tax-Free Fund
Capital Growth Fund
Cash Investment Money Market Fund
Colorado Tax-Free Fund
Common Stock Fund
Conservative Income Fund
Core Plus Bond Fund
Discovery Fund
Diversified Capital Builder Fund
Diversified Income Builder Fund
Diversified International Fund
Dynamic Target Date Today Fund
Dynamic Target Date 2015 Fund
Dynamic Target Date 2020 Fund
Dynamic Target Date 2025 Fund
Dynamic Target Date 2030 Fund
Dynamic Target Date 2035 Fund
Dynamic Target Date 2040 Fund
Dynamic Target Date 2045 Fund
Dynamic Target Date 2050 Fund
Dynamic Target Date 2055 Fund
Dynamic Target Date 2060 Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Endeavor Select Fund
Enterprise Fund
Global Long/Short Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
Government Money Market Fund
Government Securities Fund
Growth Balanced Fund
Growth Fund
Heritage Money Market Fund
High Income Fund 1
High Yield Bond Fund
High Yield Municipal Bond Fund
Index Asset Allocation Fund
Intermediate Tax/AMT-Free Fund
International Equity Fund
Large Cap Growth Fund
Managed Account CoreBuilder Shares Series M
Minnesota Tax-Free Fund
Moderate Balanced Fund
Money Market Fund
Municipal Bond Fund
Municipal Cash Management Money Market Fund
Municipal Money Market Fund
National Tax-Free Money Market Fund
North Carolina Tax-Free Fund
Omega Growth Fund
Opportunity Fund
Pennsylvania Tax-Free Fund
Precious Metals Fund
Premier Large Company Growth Fund
Short Duration Government Bond Fund
Short-Term Bond Fund
Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund
Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund
Small Cap Value Fund
Small Mid/Cap Value Fund 2
Special Mid Cap Value Fund
Special Small Cap Value Fund
Strategic Income Fund
Strategic Municipal Bond Fund
Traditional Small Cap Growth Fund
Treasury Plus Money Market Fund
Ultra Short-Term Income Fund
Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund
WealthBuilder Conservative Allocation Portfolio
WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio 3
WealthBuilder Growth Allocation
WealthBuilder Growth Balanced Portfolio
WealthBuilder Moderate Balanced Portfolio
WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio
Wisconsin Tax-Free Fund
100% Treasury Money Market Fund
1 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the High Income Fund into the High Yield Bond Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
2 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund into the Small Cap Value Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
3 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio into the WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016 and the name will change to WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio.
Appendix A amended: February 18, 2016
SCHEDULE A
WELLS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INCORPORATED
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
FEE AGREEMENT
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
This fee agreement is made as of the 27 th day of March, 2009, and is amended as of the 18 th day of February, 2016, by and between Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) and Wells Capital Management Incorporated (the “Sub-Adviser”); and
WHEREAS , the parties and Wells Fargo Funds Trust (the “Trust”) have entered into an Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (“Sub-Advisory Agreement”) whereby the Sub-Adviser provides investment management advice to each series of the Trust as listed in Appendix A to the Sub-Advisory Agreement (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”).
WHEREAS , the Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that the fees to be paid to the Sub-Adviser are to be as agreed upon in writing by the parties.
NOW THEREFORE , the parties agree that the fees to be paid to the Sub-Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreement shall be calculated as follows on a monthly basis by applying the annual rates described in this Schedule A to Appendix A for each Fund listed in Appendix A.
The Sub-Adviser shall receive a fee as described in this Schedule A to Appendix A of the assets of the Growth Balanced Fund and Moderate Balanced Fund and from each WealthBuilder Portfolio for providing services with respect to which Master Trust Portfolios (or, in the case of the WealthBuilder Portfolios, other unaffiliated funds) these Funds will invest in and the percentage to allocate to each Master Portfolio or unaffiliated fund in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(G) under the Act, the rules thereunder, or order issued by the Commission exempting the Fund from the provisions of Section 12(d)(1)(A) under the Act (a “Fund of Funds structure”).
The net assets under management against which the foregoing fees are to be applied are the net assets as of the first business day of the month. If this fee agreement becomes effective subsequent to the first day of a month or shall terminate before the last day of a month, compensation for that part of the month this agreement is in effect shall be subject to a pro rata adjustment based on the number of days elapsed in the current month as a percentage of the total number of days in such month. If the determination of the net asset value is suspended as of the first business day of the month, the net asset value for the last day prior to such suspension shall for this purpose be deemed to be the net asset value on the first business day of the month.
SCHEDULE A
WELLS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INCORPORATED
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
FEE AGREEMENT
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
Funds Trust Funds |
Fee as % of Avg. Daily Net Assets |
||
Adjustable Rate Government Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.20 0.175 0.15 0.10 |
|
Asia Pacific Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Over 200M |
0.65 0.55 0.45 |
|
California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Over 300M |
0.15 0.10 0.05 |
|
California Municipal Money Market Fund |
First 1B Next 2B Next 3B Over 6B |
0.05 0.03 0.02 0.01 |
|
California Tax-Free Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.20 0.175 0.15 0.10 |
|
Capital Growth Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 500M Over 800M |
0.30 0.275 0.25 0.20 |
|
Cash Investment Money Market Fund |
First 1B Next 2B Next 3B Over 6B |
0.05 0.03 0.02 0.01 |
|
Colorado Tax-Free Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.20 0.175 0.15 0.10 |
|
Common Stock Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Over 200M |
0.45 0.40 0.30 |
|
Conservative Income Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Over 300M |
0.10 0.08 0.05 |
|
Core Plus Bond Fund
|
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.20 0.175 0.15 0.10 |
|
Discovery Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Over 200M |
0.45 0.40 0.35 |
|
Diversified Capital Builder Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.35 0.30 0.25 0.20 |
|
Diversified Income Builder Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.35 0.30 0.25 0.20 |
|
Diversified International Fund |
First 200M Over 200M |
0.45 0.40 |
|
Dynamic Target Today Fund |
First 250M Next 250M Over 500M |
0.15 0.10 0.08 |
|
Dynamic Target 2015 Fund |
First 250M Next 250M Over 500M |
0.15 0.10 0.08 |
|
Dynamic Target 2020 Fund |
First 250M Next 250M Over 500M |
0.15 0.10 0.08 |
|
Dynamic Target 2025 Fund |
First 250M Next 250M Over 500M |
0.15 0.10 0.08 |
|
Dynamic Target 2030 Fund |
First 250M Next 250M Over 500M |
0.15 0.10 0.08 |
|
Dynamic Target 2035 Fund |
First 250M Next 250M Over 500M |
0.15 0.10 0.08 |
|
Dynamic Target 2040 Fund |
First 250M Next 250M Over 500M |
0.15 0.10 0.08 |
|
Dynamic Target 2045 Fund |
First 250M Next 250M Over 500M |
0.15 0.10 0.08 |
|
Dynamic Target 2050 Fund |
First 250M Next 250M Over 500M |
0.15 0.10 0.08 |
|
Dynamic Target 2055 Fund |
First 250M Next 250M Over 500M |
0.15 0.10 0.08 |
|
Dynamic Target 2060 Fund |
First 250M Next 250M Over 500M |
0.15 0.10 0.08 |
|
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Over 200M |
0.65 0.55 0.45 |
|
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Over 200M |
0.65 0.55 0.45 |
|
Endeavor Select Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 500M Over 800M |
0.30 0.275 0.25 0.20 |
|
Enterprise Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Over 200M |
0.45 0.40 0.30 |
|
Global Long/Short Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Over 200M |
1.00 0.95 0.90 |
|
Global Opportunities Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Over 200M |
0.55 0.50 0.40 |
|
Government Money Market Fund |
First 1B Next 2B Next 3B Over 6B |
0.05 0.03 0.02 0.01 |
|
Government Securities Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.20 0.175 0.15 0.10 |
|
Growth Balanced Fund |
First 250M Over 250M |
0.10 0.05 |
|
Growth Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Next 300M Over 500M |
0.45 0.40 0.35 0.30 |
|
Heritage Money Market Fund |
First 1B Next 2B Next 3B Over 6B |
0.05 0.03 0.02 0.01 |
|
High Income Fund 1 |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.35 0.30 0.25 0.20 |
|
High Yield Bond Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.35 0.30 0.25 0.20 |
|
High Yield Municipal Bond Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.35 0.30 0.25 0.20 |
|
Index Asset Allocation Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Over 200M |
0.15 0.125 0.10 |
|
Intermediate Tax/AMT-Free Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.20 0.175 0.15 0.10 |
|
International Equity Fund |
First 200M Over 200M |
0.45 0.40 |
|
Large Cap Growth Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 500M Over 800M |
0.30 0.275 0.25 0.20 |
|
Managed Account CoreBuilder Shares Series M |
0.00 |
||
Minnesota Tax-Free Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.20 0.175 0.15 0.10 |
|
Moderate Balanced Fund |
First 250M Over 250M |
0.10 0.05 |
|
Money Market Fund |
First 1B Next 2B Next 3B Over 6B |
0.05 0.03 0.02 0.01 |
|
Municipal Bond Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.20 0.175 0.15 0.10 |
|
Municipal Cash Management Money Market Fund |
First 1B Next 2B Next 3B Over 6B |
0.05 0.03 0.02 0.01 |
|
Municipal Money Market Fund |
First 1B Next 2B Next 3B Over 6B |
0.05 0.03 0.02 0.01 |
|
National Tax-Free Money Market Fund |
First 1B Next 2B Next 3B Over 6B |
0.05 0.03 0.02 0.01 |
|
North Carolina Tax-Free Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.20 0.175 0.15 0.10 |
|
Omega Growth Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Next 300M Over 500M |
0.45 0.40 0.35 0.30 |
|
Opportunity Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Next 300M Over 500M |
0.45 0.40 0.35 0.30 |
|
Pennsylvania Tax-Free Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.20 0.175 0.15 0.10 |
|
Precious Metals Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Over 200M |
0.40 0.35 0.30 |
|
Premier Large Company Growth Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Next 300M Over 500M |
0.35 0.325 0.30 0.275 |
|
Short Duration Government Bond Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Over 300M |
0.15 0.10 0.05 |
|
Short-Term Bond Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Over 300M |
0.15 0.10 0.05 |
|
Short-Term High Yield Bond Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.35 0.30 0.25 0.20 |
|
Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Over 300M |
0.15 0.10 0.05 |
|
Small Cap Value Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Over 200M |
0.55 0.50 0.40 |
|
Small Mid/Cap Value Fund 2 |
First 100M Next 100M Over 200M |
0.45 0.40 0.35 |
|
Special Mid Cap Value Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Over 200M |
0.45 0.40 0.30 |
|
Special Small Cap Value Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Over 200M |
0.55 0.50 0.40 |
|
Strategic Income Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.30 0.25 0.20 0.15 |
|
Strategic Municipal Bond Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.20 0.175 0.15 0.10 |
|
Traditional Small Cap Growth Fund |
First 100M Next 100M Over 200M |
0.55 0.50 0.40 |
|
Treasury Plus Money Market Fund |
First 1B Next 2B Next 3B Over 6B |
0.05 0.03 0.02 0.01 |
|
Ultra Short-Term Income Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Over 300M |
0.15 0.10 0.05 |
|
Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Over 300M |
0.15 0.10 0.05 |
|
WealthBuilder Conservative Allocation Portfolio |
0.15 |
||
WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio 3 |
0.15 |
||
WealthBuilder Growth Allocation Portfolio |
0.15 |
||
WealthBuilder Growth Balanced Portfolio |
0.15 |
||
WealthBuilder Moderate Balanced Portfolio |
0.15 |
||
WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio |
0.15 |
||
Wisconsin Tax-Free Fund |
First 100M Next 200M Next 200M Over 500M |
0.20 0.175 0.15 0.10 |
|
100% Treasury Money Market Fund |
First 1B Next 2B Next 3B Over 6B |
0.05 0.03 0.02 0.01 |
1 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the High Income Fund into the High Yield Bond Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
2 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund into the Small Cap Value Fund. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016.
3 On February 18, 2016, the Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Funds Trust approved the reorganization of the WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio into the WealthBuilder Tactical Equity Portfolio. Upon shareholder approval, the fund reorganization will become effective in the third quarter of 2016 and the name will change to WealthBuilder Equity Portfolio.
Schedule A amended: February 18, 2016
The foregoing fee schedule is agreed to as of February 18, 2016 and shall remain in effect until changed in writing by the parties.
WELLS FARGO FUNDS MANAGEMENT, LLC
By:
Paul Haast
Senior Vice President
WELLS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INCORPORATED
By:
Karen Norton
Chief Operating Officer
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
AMENDED AND RESTATED
DECLARATION OF TRUST
DATED
February 18, 2016
DECLARATION OF TRUST
OF
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS 1
ARTICLE II THE TRUSTEES 2
Section 1. Management of the Trust 2
Section 2. Initial Trustees; Election and Number of Trustees 2
Section 3. Term of Office of Trustees 3
Section 4. Age Limitation of Trustees 3
Section 5. Vacancies; Appointment of Trustees 3
Section 6. Temporary Vacancies or Absence 4
Section 7. Chairman; Lead Trustee 4
Section 8. Action by Trustees 4
Section 9. Meetings of the Trustees; Required Notice 4
Section 10. Committees 5
Section 11. Audit Committee 6
Section 12. Audit Committee Financial Expert 6
Section 13. Nominating and Governance Committee 6
Section 14. Ownership of Trust Property 6
Section 15. Effect of Trustees Not Serving 6
Section 16. Trustees as Shareholders 7
Section 17. Compensation of Trustees 7
Section 18. Evaluation of Trustees 7
ARTICLE III POWERS OF THE TRUSTEES 7
Section 1. Powers 7
Section 2. Certain Transactions 10
ARTICLE IV SERIES; CLASSES; SHARES 10
Section 1. Establishment of Series or Class 10
Section 2. Shares 11
Section 3. Investment in the Trust 11
Section 4. Assets and Liabilities of Series 12
Section 5. Ownership and Transfer of Shares 13
Section 6. Status of Shares; Limitation of Shareholder Liability 13
ARTICLE V DISTRIBUTIONS AND REDEMPTIONS 13
Section 1. Distributions 13
Section 2. Redemptions 13
Section 3. Determination of Net Asset Value 14
Section 4. Suspension of Right of Redemption 14
ARTICLE VI SHAREHOLDERS’ VOTING POWERS AND MEETINGS 14
Section 1. Voting Powers 14
Section 2. Meetings of Shareholders 15
Section 3. Quorum; Required Vote 15
Section 4. Inspectors of Election 16
ARTICLE VII CONTRACTS WITH SERVICE PROVIDERS 16
Section 1. Investment Adviser 16
Section 2. Principal Underwriter 17
Section 3. Transfer Agency, Accounting, Administration and Other Services 17
Section 4. Custodian 17
Section 5. Parties to Contracts with Service Providers 17
ARTICLE VIII EXPENSES OF THE TRUST AND SERIES 18
ARTICLE IX LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION 18
Section 1. Limitation of Liability 18
Section 2. Mandatory Indemnification 19
Section 3. Indemnification of Shareholders 20
Section 4. Contractual Modification of Duties 20
ARTICLE X OFFICERS 21
Section 1. General 21
Section 2. Election, Tenure and Qualifications of Officers 21
Section 3. Vacancies and Newly Created Offices 21
Section 4. Removal and Resignation 21
Section 5. President 21
Section 6. Chief Compliance Officer 22
Section 7. Chief Legal Officer 22
Section 8. Anti-Money Laundering Officer 22
Section 9. Treasurer(s) and Assistant Treasurers 22
Section 10. Secretary and Assistant Secretaries 23
Section 11. Authority to Execute and File Applications for Exemptive Relief 23
Section 12. Compensation of Officers 23
Section 13. Surety Bond 23
ARTICLE XI MISCELLANEOUS 24
Section 1. Trust Not a Partnership 24
Section 2. Trustee Action; Expert Advice; No Bond or Surety 24
Section 3. Record Dates 24
Section 4. Dissolution or Termination of a Class, Series or the Trust 24
Section 5. Reorganization 25
Section 6. Declaration 26
Section 7. Derivative Actions 26
Section 8. Applicable Law 26
Section 9. Amendments 27
Section 10. Fiscal Year 27
Section 11. Severability 27
Section 12. Principal Office 27
Section 13. Maintenance and Inspection of the Books 27
Section 14. Exclusive Delaware Jurisdiction 28
AMENDED AND RESTATED
DECLARATION OF TRUST
OF
WELLS FARGO FUNDS TRUST
This Declaration of Trust, made on March 10, 1999, and amended and restated on March 26, 1999, August 19, 1999, November 5, 2002, February 8, 2005, February 10, 2010, November 7, 2012 and February 18, 2016, creates a Delaware business trust, and by the November 5, 2002 restatement, a Delaware statutory trust, for the investment and reinvestment of money and property received by the Trust from time to time. The Trustees declare that all money and property received by the Trust shall be held and managed in trust pursuant to this Declaration. The name of the Trust created by this Declaration is Wells Fargo Funds Trust.
DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise provided or required by the context:
a. “1940 Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time, and all terms and requirements that are defined herein by reference to the 1940 Act shall be interpreted as that term or requirement has been modified or interpreted by applicable orders of the Commission or any rules or regulations adopted by, or interpretive releases of the Commission or its staff, and staff no-action letters issued under the 1940 Act;
b. “Board” means the Board of Trustees of the Trust as described in Article II of this Declaration;
c. “By-Laws” means the By-Laws of the Trust if adopted by the Trustees, as amended from time to time;
d. “Class” means the class of Shares of a Series established pursuant to Article IV;
e. “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations thereunder, as adopted or amended from time to time;
f. “Commission,” “Interested Person,” and “Principal Underwriter” have the meanings provided in the 1940 Act;
g. “Covered Person” means a person so defined in Article IX, Section 2;
h. “Declaration” shall mean this Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time.
i. “Delaware Act” means Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code entitled “Treatment of Delaware Statutory Trusts,” as amended from time to time, and as interpreted by the Delaware courts;
j. ”Majority Shareholder Vote” means “the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” as defined in the 1940 Act of a Class, a Series, or the Trust as the case may be;
k. “Net Asset Value” means the net asset value of each share of a Class or Series of the Trust, determined as provided in Article V, Section 3;
l. “Outstanding Shares” means Shares shown in the books and records of the Trust or its transfer agent as then issued and outstanding, but does not include any Shares that have been repurchased or redeemed by the Trust and are being held in the treasury of the Trust;
m. “Series” means a series of Shares established pursuant to Article IV;
n. “Shareholder” means a record owner of Outstanding Shares;
o. “Shares” means the equal proportionate transferable units of interest into which the beneficial interest of each Series or Class is divided from time to time (including whole Shares and fractions of Shares);
p. “Trust” means Wells Fargo Funds Trust, created hereby;
q. “Trustee” means a person serving as a Trustee in accordance with Article II, in his capacity as such, and “Trustees,” when used collectively, means the Trustees acting collectively as the Board;
r. “Trust Property” means any and all property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, which is owned or held by or for the Trust or any Series or by the Trustees on behalf of the Trust or any Series.
THE TRUSTEES
Section 1. Management of the Trust. The business and affairs of the Trust shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board, and the Trustees shall have all powers necessary or desirable, convenient or incidental, to carry out that responsibility. The Trustees may execute all instruments and take all action they deem necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental, to promote the interests of the Trust. To the extent allowable under federal and state law, the Board may delegate any or all of its responsibilities to one or more appropriate officers of the Trust and/or any other person. Any determination made by the Trustees in good faith as to what is in the interests of the Trust shall be conclusive.
Section 2. Initial Trustees; Election and Number of Trustees. The initial Trustees were the persons that signed the original Declaration prior to its amendment and restatement. The number of Trustees (other than the initial Trustees) shall be such number as is fixed from time to time by a majority of the Trustees; provided, that the number shall, at all times, be at least two (2). The Shareholders shall elect the Trustees only if required by the 1940 Act, on such dates as the Trustees may fix from time to time. Otherwise, the Trustees other than the initial Trustees shall be appointed by the other Trustees as provided herein.
Section 3. Term of Office of Trustees. Each Trustee shall hold office for life or until his or her successor is elected or the Trust terminates; except that (a) any Trustee may resign by delivering to the other Trustees or to any Trust officer a written resignation effective upon delivery or a later date specified therein; (b) any Trustee may be removed with or without cause at any time by a written instrument signed by at least two-thirds of the other Trustees, specifying the effective date of removal; (c) any Trustee who requests to be retired, or has become physically or mentally incapacitated or is otherwise unable to serve fully, may be retired by a written instrument signed by a majority of the other Trustees, specifying the effective date of retirement; and (d) any Trustee may be removed at any meeting of the Shareholders by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Outstanding Shares if required by Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act as interpreted by the staff of the Commission. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Trustee shall retire from service on the Board no later than the end of the calendar year in which such Trustee reaches the age of 75, or such other time as may be determined by an appropriate resolution of the full Board, including a majority of the remaining Trustees.
Section 4. Age Limitation of Trustees. No person shall stand for election or be appointed as a Trustee if such person has already reached the age of 72.
Section 5. Vacancies; Appointment of Trustees. Whenever a vacancy in the Board exists, regardless of the reason for such vacancy, the remaining Trustees may appoint any person as they determine in their sole discretion to fill that vacancy, except that the Trustee appointed may not be an Interested Person if the appointment of an Interested Person would cause a violation of the 1940 Act, and the person must meet the qualification standards set out in Section 4. Such appointment shall be made by a written instrument signed by a majority of the Trustees or by an appropriate resolution, duly adopted and recorded in the records of the Trust, specifying the effective date of the appointment. The Trustees may appoint a new Trustee as provided above in anticipation of a vacancy expected to occur because of the retirement, resignation, or removal of a Trustee, or an increase in number of Trustees, provided that such appointment shall become effective only at or after the expected vacancy occurs. As soon as any such Trustee has signed this Declaration or otherwise accepted his or her appointment in writing, the trust estate shall vest in the new Trustee, together with the continuing Trustees, without any further act or conveyance, and he or she shall be deemed a Trustee hereunder. The power of appointment is subject to Section 16(a) of the 1940 Act, and shareholders are entitled to vote on such appointments only if expressly required under the 1940 Act.
The death, resignation, retirement, removal or incapacity of one or more Trustees, or all of them, shall not operate to annul the Trust or to revoke any existing agency created pursuant to the terms of this Declaration. Whenever a vacancy on the Board shall occur, until such vacancy is filled, the Trustees in office, regardless of their number, shall have all the powers granted to the Trustees and shall discharge all the duties imposed upon the Trustees by this Declaration. As conclusive evidence of such vacancy, a written instrument certifying the existence of such vacancy may be executed by an officer of the Trust or by a majority of the Board. In the event of the death, resignation, retirement, removal or incapacity of all the then Trustees within a short period of time and without the opportunity for at least one Trustee being able to appoint additional Trustees to fill vacancies, the Trust’s investment adviser(s) are empowered to appoint new Trustees subject to the provisions of Section 16(a) of the 1940 Act.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, all of the initial Trustees may resign by written instrument to be effective on the date specified in the instrument (“Resignation Instrument”). However, before resigning as permitted in this paragraph, the initial Trustees shall determine and set forth in the Resignation Instrument the number of Trustees of the Trust (subject to the Trustees’ power to change the number as detailed in Section 2 of this Article) and shall appoint their successors.
Section 6. Temporary Vacancies or Absence. Whenever a vacancy in the Board exists, until such vacancy is filled, or while any Trustee is absent from his or her domicile (unless that Trustee has made arrangements to be informed about, and to participate in, the affairs of the Trust during such absence), or is physically or mentally incapacitated or is otherwise unable to serve fully, the remaining Trustees shall have all the powers hereunder and their certification as to such vacancy, absence, or incapacity or inability shall be conclusive. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, any Trustee may, by power of attorney, delegate his or her powers as Trustee for a period not exceeding six (6) months at any one time to any other Trustee or Trustees.
Section 7. Chairman; Lead Trustee. The Board may appoint one or more of its members to be Chairman or Co-Chairmen of the Board. References to the Chairman in this Declaration shall be construed to include any such Co-Chairmen, acting singly or jointly as the context requires. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Trustees, and shall have such other powers and responsibilities and any limitations thereon as the Trustees may determine from time to time. Absent an express declaration otherwise by an appropriate resolution of the Board, the Chairman is not considered an officer of the Trust and shall not have the powers or duties of an officer of the Trust.
In addition to a Chairman, the Board may appoint one or more Trustees as “Lead Trustee(s)” to act as a liaison with service providers, officers, attorneys, and other Trustees generally between meetings, and with such other powers and responsibilities and any limitations thereon as the Trustees may determine from time to time. Except for any duties specified in or pursuant to this section, the designation of Chairman or Lead Trustee does not impose on such Trustee any duties, obligations or liability that is greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on such person as a member of the Board.
Section 8. Action by Trustees. The Trustees shall act by majority vote at a meeting duly called at which a quorum is present, in person or by proxy, or by written consent of a majority of the Trustees (or such greater number as may be required by applicable law) without a meeting. Unless a higher amount is required by this Declaration, by Board resolution, or the 1940 Act, a quorum of the Trustees at a meeting shall be one-third of the total number of Trustees, present in person or by proxy, but no less than two Trustees present in person. An action of a majority of the Trustees present in person or by proxy, or acting by written consent, shall constitute action by the Trustees except to the extent otherwise required by the 1940 Act, this Declaration or by Board resolution. Any Trustee may grant a proxy to any other Trustee to the extent (and in the manner) permitted by Delaware law.
Section 9. Meetings of the Trustees; Required Notice. Unless required under this Declaration or under the 1940 Act, the Trustees may act with or without a meeting. All of the Trustees or any one of them may participate in a meeting by means of a conference call or similar communication equipment, provided that all participants may hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to such communication equipment shall constitute presence at the meeting, unless the 1940 Act specifically requires the Trustees to act “in person,” in which case such term shall be construed in accordance with the 1940 Act. Unless required otherwise by this Declaration, Board resolution or by the 1940 Act, any action of the Trustees may be taken without a meeting by written consent of a majority of the Trustees.
Meetings of the Trustees may be called orally or in writing by the Chairman, if any, or by any two other trustees. Regular meetings of the Trustees may be held without call or notice at a place and time fixed by Board resolution of the Trustees. Notice of any other meeting shall, and notice of any regular meeting may, be given to each Trustee by first class mail sent at least three business days before the meeting, by overnight delivery sent at least two business days before the meeting, or by telephone, facsimile, email or other electronic transmission (as defined in the Delaware Act) (collectively "Electronic Transmission") sent to his or her home or business address at least twenty-four hours before the meeting. However, notice of any meeting for the purpose of considering imposition or removal of a liquidity fee or temporary suspension of redemptions for one or more series in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act shall be given to each Trustee by Electronic Transmission sent to his or her home address or business address at least six hours before the meeting. Notice need not be given to any Trustee who attends the meeting without objecting to the lack of notice or who signs a waiver of notice either before or after the meeting. Subject only to any express limitation in the 1940 Act, the Board, by majority vote, may delegate to any Trustee(s), officer(s), or any other individual(s), the authority to approve particular matters or take particular action on behalf of the Trust, including adjournment of any meeting to another time and place. Written consents or waivers of the Trustees may be executed in one or more counterparts, and may be provided and delivered to the Trust by facsimile, email or other Electronic Transmission.
Section 10. Committees. To facilitate certain requirements under the 1940 Act, the Trust shall have a standing Audit Committee and a standing Nominating and Governance Committee (collectively, the “Standing Committees”). The Trustees may designate other committees of the Board. The Trustees shall determine the number of members of each committee, and may determine the quorum for each committee, and shall appoint its members and its chair. Each committee member shall serve at the pleasure of the Trustees. The Trustees may abolish any committee other than the Standing Committees, at any time. Each committee shall maintain records of its meetings and report its actions to the full Board. The Trustees may rescind any action of any committee, but such rescission shall not have retroactive effect except as agreed by the committee. The Trustees may delegate to any committee any of its powers, subject only to the express limitations of the 1940 Act.
Committees may act with or without a meeting. Each committee may adopt such rules governing its proceedings, quorum and manner of acting as it deems proper and desirable if the Board does not determine otherwise. In the absence of the adoption of such rules, a majority of the committee shall constitute a quorum, and a committee shall act at a meeting by the vote of a majority of the members present, or without a meeting by written consent of a majority of the committee members.
Section 11. Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is responsible for (a) recommending independent accountants for selection by the Boards, (b) reviewing the scope of audit, accounting and financial internal controls and the quality and adequacy of each Trust’s accounting staff with the independent accountants and such other persons as may be deemed appropriate, (c) reviewing, as necessary, with the accounting staff and the independent accountants the compliance of transactions between each Trust and any affiliated persons of the Trust, (d) reviewing reports of the independent accountants, and (e) making themselves directly available to the independent accountants and responsible officers of the Trusts for consultation on audit, accounting and related financial matters. The Board may expand or clarify the responsibilities of the Audit Committee by adopting a committee charter or otherwise, but may not narrow the responsibilities set forth here without the consent of the Audit Committee.
Section 12. Audit Committee Financial Expert. The Audit Committee may appoint one or more of its members to be the Audit Committee Financial Expert if such Trustee(s) meets the attributes as outlined in Form N-CSR. The Audit Committee Financial Expert will not be deemed an “expert” for any purpose as a result of being designated as such. The designation does not impose on such Trustee any duties, obligations, or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations, and liability imposed on such person as a member of the Audit Committee and Board.
Section 13. Nominating and Governance Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for recommending to the Board persons to be nominated for election as Trustees by the Shareholders at any required Shareholder meeting and a person to be appointed to fill any vacancy occurring on the Board. Notwithstanding this section, the nomination and selection of those Trustees who are not Interested Persons shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees who are not Interested Persons so long as the Trust has in effect one or more plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act or relies on one or more of the Rules under the 1940 Act that condition reliance thereon on such commitment. The Board may expand or clarify the responsibilities of the Nominating and Governance Committee by adopting a committee charter or otherwise, but may not narrow the responsibilities set forth here without the consent of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
Section 14. Ownership of Trust Property. The Trust Property of the Trust and of each Series shall be held separate and apart from any assets now or hereafter held in any capacity (other than as Trustee hereunder) by the Trustees or any successor Trustees. All of the Trust Property and legal title thereto shall at all times be considered as vested in the Trustees on behalf of the Trust, except that the Trustees may cause legal title to any Trust Property to be held by or in the name of the Trust, or in the name of any person as nominee. No Shareholder shall have any interest in specific property of the Trust or of any Series or any right of partition or possession thereof, but each Shareholder shall have, as provided in Article IV, a proportionate undivided beneficial interest in the assets of the Trust or Series represented by Shares.
Section 15. Effect of Trustees Not Serving. The death, resignation, retirement, removal, incapacity, or inability or refusal to serve of any one or more or all of the Trustees, shall not operate to annul the Trust or to revoke any existing agency created pursuant to the terms of this Declaration.
Section 16. Trustees as Shareholders. Subject to any restrictions that the Trustees may establish, any Trustee, officer, agent or independent contractor of the Trust may acquire, own and dispose of Shares to the same extent as any other Shareholder. The Trustees are not required to be Shareholders of the Trust, although the Board may adopt a policy to encourage such Share ownership.
Section 17. Compensation of Trustees. Each Trustee and each committee member may receive such compensation for his or her services and reimbursement for expenses as may be fixed from time to time by the Trustees. The Chairman, any Lead Trustee and any committee chairman may receive such additional compensation as may be fixed from time to time by the Trustees. Nothing herein shall be construed to preclude any Trustee from serving the Trust in any other capacity as an officer, agent, employee, or otherwise and receiving compensation for those services. Nothing herein shall be construed to preclude the employment of any Trustee for advisory, management, legal, accounting, investment banking, or other services and payment for the same by the Trust.
Section 18. Evaluation of Trustees. The Trustees shall conduct an evaluation at least once annually regarding the performance and effectiveness of the Board and the Committees. Such evaluation shall consider factors such as the effectiveness of the Board and Committee structures and the number of Funds overseen by each Trustee.
POWERS OF THE TRUSTEES
Section 1. Powers. The Board shall have full, exclusive and complete power and discretion to manage and control the business and affairs of the Trust, and to make all decisions affecting the business and affairs of the Trust. No Shareholder or assignee of Shares, as such, shall have any authority, right or power to bind the Trust or to manage or control, or to participate in the management or control of, the business and affairs of the Trust in any manner whatsoever. The Trustees shall have exclusive and absolute control over the Trust Property and over the business of the Trust to the same extent as if they were the sole owners of the Trust Property and business in their own right. The Trustees shall have full power and authority to take or refrain from taking any action and to execute any contracts and instruments that they may consider necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental in the management of the Trust. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Trustees shall not in any way be bound or limited by current or future laws or customs applicable to trust investments, but shall have full power and authority to make any investments which they, in their sole discretion, deem proper to accomplish the purposes of the Trust, and to dispose of the same. The Trustees may exercise all of their powers without recourse to any court or other authority. Subject only to any express limitation in the 1940 Act, this Declaration or contained in any Board resolution, the Trustees’ power and authority shall include, without limitation, the power and the authority:
a. To operate as and carry on the business of a registered investment company, and exercise all the powers necessary, proper or convenient to conduct such a business;
b. To subscribe for, invest in, reinvest in, purchase, or otherwise acquire, hold, pledge, sell, assign, transfer, exchange, distribute, or otherwise deal in or dispose of any form of property, including, without limitation, cash (U. S. currency, foreign currencies and related instruments), and securities (including, without limitation, common and preferred stocks, equity interests and securities, warrants, bonds, debentures, time notes, and all other evidences of indebtedness, negotiable or non-negotiable instruments, obligations, certificates of deposit or indebtedness, commercial paper, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, convertible securities, forward contracts, options, and futures contracts) issued, guaranteed, or sponsored by, without limitation, any state, territory, or possession of the United States or the District of Columbia or their political subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities, or by the U.S. government, any foreign government, or any agency, instrumentality, or political subdivision thereof, or by any international instrumentality, or by any bank, savings institution, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, or other business entity organized under the laws of the United States (including a registered investment company or any series thereof, subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act) or under foreign laws without regard to whether any such securities mature before or after the possible termination of the Trust; to exercise any and all rights, powers, and privileges of ownership or interest in respect of any and all such property of every kind and description; and to hold cash or other property uninvested, without in any event being bound or limited by any current or future law or custom concerning investments by trustees;
c. To adopt By-Laws not inconsistent with this Declaration providing for the conduct of the business of the Trust and to amend and repeal them;
d. To elect and remove such officers of the Trust and appoint and terminate such agents of the Trust as they deem appropriate;
e. To employ as custodian of any assets of the Trust, subject to any provisions herein or by resolution of the Board, one or more banks, trust companies or companies that are members of a national securities exchange, or other entities permitted by the Commission to serve as such;
f. To employ and terminate such employees at the expense of the Trust to assist the Trustees as they deem necessary to carry out any of the purposes of this Declaration;
g. To retain one or more investment advisers, administrators, transfer agents or shareholder servicing agents, with any such sub-service providers as the investment advisers, administrators, transfer agents, or shareholder servicing agents shall recommend or retain;
h. To provide for the distribution of Shares either through a Principal Underwriter as provided herein or by the Trust itself, or both, and, subject to applicable law, to adopt a distribution plan of any kind;
i.To set record dates in the manner provided for herein or in the By-Laws;
j. To delegate such authority as they consider desirable to such of their number or to officers, employees or agents of the Trust including, without limitation, the ability to perform actions or execute instruments in the name of the Trust, the name of the Trustees or otherwise as the Trustees may deem necessary, desirable or convenient;
k. To sell or exchange any or all of the assets of the Trust, subject to Article XI, Section 4;
l. To vote or give assent, or exercise any rights of ownership, with respect to other securities or property; and, if necessary, to execute and deliver powers of attorney delegating such power to other persons;
m. To establish separate and distinct Series, each with its own defined investment objectives and policies and distinct investment purposes, and with separate Shares representing beneficial interests in such Series, and to establish separate Classes, all in accordance with the provisions of Article IV;
n. To incur and pay all expenses that in the Trustees’ opinion are necessary or incidental to carry out any of the purposes of this Declaration; to pay reasonable compensation to themselves as Trustees from the Trust Property or the assets belonging to any appropriate Series or Class; to pay themselves such compensation for special services, including legal and brokerage services, and such reimbursement for expenses reasonably incurred by themselves on behalf of the Trust or any Series or Class, as they in good faith may deem reasonable; and to fix the compensation of all officers and employees of the Trust;
o. To the full extent permitted by Section 3804 of the Delaware Act, to allocate assets, revenue, liabilities and expenses of the Trust to a particular Series and liabilities and expenses to a particular Series or Class or to apportion the same between or among two or more Series or Classes, provided that any liabilities or expenses incurred by a particular Series or Class shall be payable solely out of the assets belonging to that Series or Class as provided for in Article IV, Section 4;
p. To compromise, arbitrate, or otherwise adjust claims in favor of or against the Trust or any matter in controversy including, but not limited to, claims for taxes;
q. To make distributions of income and of capital gains to Shareholders in the manner hereinafter provided for;
r. To borrow money or other property, issue evidence of indebtedness or otherwise obtain credit and to secure the same by mortgaging, pledging, or otherwise subjecting as security any assets of the Trust, including the lending of portfolio securities, and to endorse, guarantee, or undertake the performance of any obligation, contract, or engagement of any other person, firm, association, or corporation, subject only to the requirements of the 1940 Act and any other applicable law;
s. To establish committees for such purposes, with such membership, and with such responsibilities as the Trustees may consider proper, including a committee consisting of fewer than all of the Trustees then serving, which may act for and bind the Trustees and the Trust with respect to the institution, prosecution, dismissal, settlement, review or investigation of any legal action, suit or proceeding, pending or threatened;
t. To purchase, and pay for out of Trust Property or the assets belonging to any appropriate Series, insurance policies insuring the Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees, agents, and/or independent contractors of the Trust (including the investment adviser of any Series) against all claims arising by reason of holding any such position or by reason of any action taken or omitted by any such person in such capacity, whether or not the Trust would have the power to indemnify such person against such claim;
u. To issue, sell, repurchase, redeem, cancel, retire, acquire, hold, resell, reissue, dispose of and otherwise deal in Shares; to establish terms and conditions regarding the issuance, sale, repurchase, redemption, cancellation, retirement, acquisition, holding, resale, reissuance, disposition of or dealing in Shares; and, subject to Articles IV and V, to apply to any such repurchase, redemption, retirement, cancellation or acquisition of Shares any funds or property of the Trust or of the particular Series with respect to which such Shares are issued;
v. To definitively interpret the investment objectives, policies and limitations of the Trust or any Series; and
w. To carry on any other business in connection with or incidental to any of the foregoing powers, to do everything necessary, desirable or convenient to accomplish any purpose or to further any of the foregoing powers, and to take any other action in connection with or incidental to the foregoing business or purposes, objects or powers.
The clauses above shall be construed as objects and powers, and the enumeration of specific powers shall not limit in any way the general powers of the Board or the Trustees. Any action by one or more of the Trustees in their capacity as Trustee(s) shall be deemed an action on behalf of the Trust or the applicable Series, and not an action in an individual capacity. No one dealing with the Trustees shall be under any obligation to make any inquiry concerning the authority of the Trustees, or to see to the application of any payments made or property transferred to the Trustees or upon their order. In construing this Declaration, the presumption shall be in favor of a grant of power to the Board and the Trustees.
Section 2. Certain Transactions. Except as expressly prohibited by applicable law, the Trustees may, on behalf of the Trust, buy any securities from or sell any securities to, or lend any assets of the Trust to, any Trustee or officer of the Trust or any firm of which any such Trustee or officer is a member, acting as principal, or have any such dealings with any investment adviser, administrator, principal underwriter or transfer agent for the Trust or with any Interested Person of such person. The Trust may employ any such person or entity in which such person is an Interested Person, or broker, legal counsel, registrar, investment adviser, administrator, distributor, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, custodian or in any other capacity upon customary terms.
ARTICLE IV
SERIES; CLASSES; SHARES
Section 1. Establishment of Series or Class. The Board may divide the Trust into one or more Series. The Trustees may divide any Series into one or more Classes of Shares. The Initial Trustees shall establish the initial Series and Classes of each Series by written unanimous consent. Each additional Series or division of Series into Classes may be established by any permissible action of the Trustees, including by resolution at a meeting. The Trustees may designate the relative rights and preferences of the Shares of each Series. If a Series is divided into Classes, each Class of a Series shall represent an undivided beneficial interest in the assets of that Series and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except that expenses allocated to a Class shall be borne solely by such Class as determined by the Trustees and a Class may have exclusive voting rights with respect to matters affecting only that Class. The Trust shall maintain separate and distinct records for each Series and hold and account for the assets thereof separately from the other assets of the Trust or of any other Series. A Series may issue any number of Shares and need not issue any Shares. Each Share of a Series shall represent an equal undivided beneficial interest in the net assets of such Series except to the extent affected by expense allocations. Each holder of Shares of a Series shall be entitled to receive his or her pro rata share of all distributions made with respect to such Series except to the extent affected by expense allocations. Upon redemption of his or her Shares, such Shareholder shall be paid solely out of the funds and property of such Series. The Trustees may change the name of any Series or Class.
Section 2. Shares. The beneficial interest in the Trust shall be divided into Shares of one or more separate and distinct Series or Classes established by the Trustees. The number of Shares of each Series and Class is unlimited and each Share shall have a par value (if any) as the Trustees may determine from time to time. All Shares issued hereunder shall be fully paid and nonassessable. Shareholders shall have no preemptive or other right to subscribe to any additional Shares or other securities issued by the Trust. The Trustees shall have full power and authority, in their sole discretion and without obtaining Shareholder approval, to: (i) issue original or additional Shares at such times and on such terms and conditions as they deem appropriate; (ii) issue fractional Shares and Shares held in the treasury; (iii) establish and change in any manner Shares of any Series or Classes with such preferences, terms of conversion, voting powers, rights and privileges as the Trustees may determine; (iv) divide or combine the Shares of any Series or Classes into a greater or lesser number; (v) classify or reclassify any unissued Shares of any Series or Classes into one or more Series or Classes of Shares; (vi) abolish and/or liquidate any one or more Series or Classes of Shares; (vii) issue Shares to acquire other assets (including assets subject to, and in connection with, the assumption of liabilities) and businesses; and (viii) take such other action with respect to the Shares as the Trustees may deem desirable. Shares held in the treasury shall not confer any voting rights on the Trustees and shall not be entitled to any dividends or other distributions declared with respect to the Shares. Except as expressly required under the 1940 Act or conferred under other applicable law, Shareholders shall have no right to obtain or inspect any information regarding Share ownership, and may not obtain or inspect a shareholder list, except as the Trustees may expressly authorize.
Section 3. Investment in the Trust. The Trust may accept investments in any Series from any persons and in any form, subject to such limitations or terms as they may from time to time impose. Unless the Board directs otherwise, such investments, subject only to the express requirements of the 1940 Act, may be in the form of cash or securities in which that Series is authorized to invest, valued as provided in Article V, Section 3. Investments in a Series shall be credited to each Shareholder’s account in the form of full Shares at the Net Asset Value per Share next determined after the investment is received or accepted as may be determined by the Trustees; provided, however, that the Trustees may, in their discretion, (a) impose a sales charge upon investments in any Series or Class, (b) issue fractional Shares, or (c) determine the Net Asset Value per Share of the initial investment. The Trustees shall have the right to refuse to accept investments, or any investment, in any Series at any time without any cause or reason whatsoever.
Section 4. Assets and Liabilities of Series. All consideration received by the Trust for the issue or sale of Shares of a particular Series, together with all assets in which such consideration is invested or reinvested, all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof (including any proceeds derived from the sale, exchange or liquidation of such assets, and any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds in whatever form the same may be), shall be held and accounted for separately from the other assets of the Trust and every other Series and are referred to as “assets belonging to” that Series. The assets belonging to a Series shall belong only to that Series for all purposes, and to no other Series, and shall be subject only to the rights of creditors of that Series. Any assets, income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, funds, or payments which are not readily identifiable as belonging to any particular Series shall be allocated by the Trustees or officers of the Trust between and among one or more Series as the Trustees or officers deem fair and equitable. Each such allocation shall be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders of all Series for all purposes, and such assets, earnings, income, profits or funds, or payments and proceeds thereof shall be referred to as assets belonging to that Series. The assets belonging to a Series shall be so recorded upon the books of the Trust, and shall be held by the Trustees in trust for the benefit of the Shareholders of that Series. The assets belonging to a Series shall be charged with the liabilities of that Series and all expenses, costs, charges and reserves attributable to that Series, except that liabilities and expenses allocated solely to a particular Class shall be borne by that Class. Any general liabilities, expenses, costs, charges or reserves of the Trust which are not readily identifiable as belonging to any particular Series or Class shall be allocated and charged by the Trustees or officers of the Trust between or among any one or more of the Series or Classes in such manner as the Trustees or officers deem fair and equitable. Each such allocation shall be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders of all Series or Classes for all purposes.
Without limiting the foregoing, but subject to the right of the Trustees or officers of the Trust to allocate general liabilities, expenses, costs, charges or reserves as herein provided, the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred, contracted for or otherwise existing with respect to a particular Series shall be enforceable against the assets of such Series only, and not against the assets of the Trust generally or of any other Series and, unless otherwise provided in this Declaration, none of the debts, liabilities, obligations, expenses incurred, contracted for or otherwise existing with respect to the Trust generally or any other Series shall be enforceable against the assets of a Series. Notice of this contractual limitation on liabilities among Series may, in the Trustees’ discretion, be set forth in the certificate of trust of the Trust (whether originally or by amendment) as filed or to be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware pursuant to the Delaware Act, and upon the giving of such notice in the certificate of trust, the statutory provisions of Section 3804 of the Delaware Act relating to limitations on liabilities among Series (and the statutory effect under Section 3804 of the Delaware Act of setting forth such notice in the certificate of trust) shall become applicable to the Trust and each Series. Any person extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim against any Series may look only to the assets of that Series to satisfy or enforce any debt, with respect to that Series. No Shareholder or former Shareholder of any Series shall have a claim on or any right to any assets allocated or belonging to any other Series.
Section 5. Ownership and Transfer of Shares. The Trust or Transfer Agent shall maintain a register containing the names and addresses of the Shareholders of each Series and Class thereof, the number of Shares of each Series and Class held by such Shareholders, and a record of all Share transfers. The register shall be conclusive as to the identity of Shareholders of record and the number of Shares held by them from time to time. Shares shall be uncertificated unless expressly authorized by the Trustees. The Trustees may authorize the issuance of certificates representing Shares and adopt rules governing their use. The Trustees may make rules governing the transfer of Shares, whether or not represented by certificates. No Shareholder shall be entitled to payments of distributions nor to any notice given, until it has given its address to such officer or agent as shall keep the register.
Section 6. Status of Shares; Limitation of Shareholder Liability. Shares shall be deemed to be personal property giving Shareholders only the rights provided in this Declaration. Every Shareholder, by virtue of having acquired a Share, shall be held expressly to have assented to and agreed to be bound by the terms of this Declaration and to have become a party hereto. No Shareholder, as such, shall be personally liable for the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred by, contracted for, or otherwise existing with respect to, the Trust or any Series. Shareholders, as such, shall have the same limitation of personal liability as is extended to Stockholders of a private corporation for profit organized under The General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Every written obligation of the Trust or any Series shall contain a statement to the effect that such obligation may only be enforced against the assets of the Trust or such Series; however, the omission of such statement shall not operate to bind or create personal liability for any Shareholder or Trustee or any other Series.
ARTICLE V
DISTRIBUTIONS AND REDEMPTIONS
Section 1. Distributions. The Trustees may declare and pay dividends and other distributions, including dividends on Shares of a particular Series and other distributions from the assets belonging to that Series. The amount and payment of dividends or distributions and their form, whether they are in cash, Shares or other Trust Property, shall be determined by the Trustees in their discretion. Dividends and other distributions may be paid pursuant to a standing resolution adopted once or more often as the Trustees determine. All dividends and other distributions on Shares of a particular Series shall be distributed pro rata to the Shareholders of that Series in proportion to the number of Shares of that Series they held on the record date established for such payment, except that such dividends and distributions shall appropriately reflect expenses allocated to a particular Class of such Series. The Trustees may adopt and offer to Shareholders such dividend reinvestment plans, cash dividend payout plans or similar plans as the Trustees deem appropriate.
Section 2. Redemptions. As required under the 1940 Act, each Shareholder of a Series shall have the right at such times as may be determined by the Trustees to require the Series to redeem all or any part of his or her Shares at a redemption price per Share equal to the Net Asset Value per Share determined as of such time as the Trustees shall have prescribed by resolution, less any applicable charges or sales loads. In the absence of such resolution, the redemption price per Share shall be the Net Asset Value next determined after receipt by the Series of a request for redemption in proper form less such charges as are determined by the Trustees and described in the Trust’s Registration Statement for that Class or Series under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the 1940 Act. The Trustees may specify conditions, prices, and places of redemption, and may specify binding requirements for the proper form or forms of requests for redemption. Payment of the redemption price may be wholly or partly in securities or other assets at the value of such securities or assets used in such determination of Net Asset Value, or may be in cash. Upon redemption, Shares shall not be cancelled and may be reissued from time to time. The Trustees may require Shareholders to redeem Shares for any reason under terms set by the Trustees, including the failure of a Shareholder to supply a personal identification number if required to do so, or to have the minimum investment required, or to pay when due for the purchase of Shares issued to him. To the extent permitted by law, the Trustees may retain the proceeds of any redemption of Shares required by them for payment of amounts due and owing by a Shareholder to the Trust or any Series or Class. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trustees may postpone payment of the redemption price and may suspend the right of the Shareholders to require any Series or Class to redeem Shares during any period of time when and to the extent permissible under the 1940 Act.
Section 3. Determination of Net Asset Value. The Trustees shall cause the Net Asset Value of Shares of each Series or Class to be determined from time to time in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act. The Trustees may delegate the power and duty to determine Net Asset Value per Share to one or more Trustees or officers of the Trust or to a custodian, depository or other agent appointed for such purpose. The Net Asset Value of Shares shall be determined separately for each Series or Class as of such times and dates as may be prescribed by the Trustees or, in the absence of action by the Trustees, as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each day such Exchange is open for trading.
Section 4. Suspension of Right of Redemption. If, as referred to in Section 2 of this Article, the Trustees postpone payment of the redemption price and suspend the right of Shareholders to redeem their Shares, such suspension shall take effect at the time the Trustees shall specify, but not later than the close of business on the business day next following the declaration of suspension. Thereafter, Shareholders shall have no right of redemption or payment until the Trustees declare the end of the suspension. If the right of redemption is suspended, a Shareholder may either withdraw his or her request for redemption or receive payment based on the Net Asset Value per Share next determined after the suspension terminates.
ARTICLE VI
SHAREHOLDERS’ VOTING POWERS AND MEETINGS
Section 1. Voting Powers. The Shareholders shall have the right to vote only on matters as expressly required under the 1940 Act or under the law of Delaware applicable to statutory trusts. This Declaration shall not confer any independent right to Shareholders to vote for any matter, including the creation, operation, dissolution, or termination of the Trust. The Shareholders shall have the right to vote on other matters only as the Trustees may consider desirable, and so authorize. To the extent that the 1940 Act or Delaware law is amended by rule, regulation, order, or no-action letter to eliminate or limit Shareholders’ right to vote on any specific matter, the Shareholders’ right to vote shall be deemed to be amended, modified or interpreted in accordance therewith without further approval by the Trustees or the Shareholders.
Currently, the 1940 Act requires that shareholders have the right to vote, under certain circumstances, to: (a) elect Trustees; (b) approve investment advisory agreements and amendments thereto; (c) approve a change in subclassification; (d) approve any change in fundamental investment policies; (e) approve a distribution plan and amendments thereto under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act; and (f) terminate the Trust’s independent public accountant. The Shareholders may vote on any additional matter only as the Trustees may consider desirable, and so authorize. Shareholders have the right to call special meetings and to vote to remove Trustees but only if and to the extent that the Commission staff takes the position by rule, interpretation, or other release that Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act gives them such right.
On any matter that requires Shareholder approval under the 1940 Act, whether Shareholders are required to vote by Series or Class shall be determined by reference to the express requirements of the 1940 Act. On other matters submitted to a vote of the Shareholders in the discretion of the Trustees, or for which the 1940 Act does not expressly specify the voting procedure, all Shares shall be voted in the aggregate and not by Series or Class unless the Trustees determine otherwise. Each whole Share shall be entitled to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote, and each fractional Share shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote. There shall be no cumulative voting in the election of Trustees. Shares may be voted in person or by proxy or in any manner authorized by the Trustees. Unless the Trustees declare otherwise, proxies may be given by any electronic or telecommunications device, including telefax, telephone or through the Internet, but if a proposal by anyone other than the officers or Trustees is submitted to a vote of the Shareholders of any Series or Class, or if there is a proxy contest or proxy solicitation or proposal in opposition to any proposal by the officers or Trustees, Shares may be voted only in person or by written proxy unless the Trustees specifically authorize other permissible methods of transmission. Until Shares of a Series are issued, as to that Series the Trustees may exercise all rights of Shareholders and may take any action required or permitted to be taken by Shareholders by law, or this Declaration.
Section 2. Meetings of Shareholders. There shall be no annual Shareholders’ meeting unless required by law. The first Shareholders’ meeting shall be held to elect Trustees at such time and place as the Trustees designate, unless such action is taken by consent of Shareholders. Special meetings of the Shareholders of any Series or Class may be called by the Trustees. Only if required under Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act, as interpreted by the staff of the Commission, special meetings shall be called by the Trustees upon the written request of Shareholders owning at least ten percent of the Outstanding Shares of the Trust entitled to vote for purposes of removing a Trustee. Shareholders shall be entitled to at least fifteen calendar days notice of any meeting, given as determined by the Trustees.
A meeting of the Shareholders may be called at any time by the Board, and notice of such meeting shall be given by the Board, any Trustee, the Chairman, or other officer of the Trust. The notice shall specify the place, date and hour of the meeting, and the general nature of the business to be transacted. Meetings of Shareholders shall be held at any place designated by the Board. In the absence of any such designation, Shareholders’ meetings shall be held at the principal executive offices of the Trust.
Section 3. Quorum; Required Vote. One-third of the Outstanding Shares of each Series or Class, or one-third of the Outstanding Shares of the Trust, entitled to vote in person or by proxy shall be a quorum for the transaction of business at a Shareholders’ meeting with respect to such Series or Class, or with respect to the entire Trust, respectively. Any Shareholders’ meeting, whether or not a quorum is present, may be adjourned from time to time by the vote of a majority of the Shares represented at the meeting, either in person or by proxy. Any adjourned session of a Shareholders’ meeting may be held within a reasonable time without further notice. Except when a larger vote is expressly required by the 1940 Act, if a quorum is present at a meeting, an affirmative vote of a majority of the Outstanding Shares of the Trust voted in person or by proxy shall decide any matters to be voted upon with respect to the entire Trust. However, if the 1940 Act requires, or this Declaration permits, or the Trustees determine, that Shares be voted on any matter by Series or Classes, then a majority of the Outstanding Shares of that Series or Class (or, if required by law, a Majority Shareholder Vote of that Series or Class) voted in person or by proxy shall decide that matter insofar as that Series or Class is concerned. Shareholders may act as to the Trust or any Series or Class by the written consent of a majority (or such greater amount as may be required by applicable law or this Declaration) of the Outstanding Shares of the Trust or of such Series or Class, as the case may be.
Section 4. Inspectors of Election. One or more officers may serve as chairman of a shareholder meeting, and unless otherwise designated by the Board, any officer or the chairman may also serve as inspector(s) of election at the meeting. No formal appointment of inspectors of election is required for any officer or the chairman to:
a.Determine the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each, the shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum and the authenticity, validity and effect of proxies;
b. Receive votes, ballots or consents;
c. Hear and determine all challenges and questions in any way arising in connection with the right to vote;
d. Count and tabulate all votes or consents;
e. Determine when the polls shall close;
f. Determine the result; and
g. Do any other acts that may be proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to shareholders.
ARTICLE VII
CONTRACTS WITH SERVICE PROVIDERS
Section 1. Investment Adviser. The Trustees may enter into one or more investment advisory contracts on behalf of the Trust or any Series, providing for investment advisory services, statistical and research facilities and services, and other facilities and services to be furnished to the Trust or Series on terms and conditions acceptable to the Trustees. Any such contract may provide for the investment adviser to effect purchases, sales or exchanges of portfolio securities or other Trust Property on behalf of the Trustees or may authorize any officer or agent of the Trust to effect such purchases, sales or exchanges pursuant to recommendations of the investment adviser. The Trustees may authorize the investment adviser to employ one or more sub-advisers. The Shareholders of the Trust or any Series shall have the right to vote to approve investment advisory contracts to the extent such approval is required under the 1940 Act.
Section 2. Principal Underwriter. The Trustees may enter into one or more distribution contracts on behalf of the Trust or any Series or Class, providing for the distribution and sale of Shares by the other party, either directly or through sales agents, on terms and conditions acceptable to the Trustees. The Trustees may adopt a plan or plans of distribution with respect to Shares of any Series or Class and enter into any related agreements, whereby the Series or Class finances directly or indirectly any activity that is primarily intended to result in sales of its Shares, subject to the requirements of Section 12 of the 1940 Act, Rule 12b-1 thereunder, and other applicable rules and regulations.
Section 3. Transfer Agency, Accounting, Administration and Other Services. The Trustees, on behalf of the Trust or any Series or Class, may enter into one or more transfer agency, accounting, administration contracts and contracts for such other services necessary or appropriate to carry out the business and affairs of the Trust with any party or parties on terms and conditions acceptable to the Trustees and may authorize any such entity to employ one or more sub-contractors.
Section 4. Custodian. The Trustees shall at all times place and maintain the securities and similar investments of the Trust and of each Series in custody under arrangements that meet the requirements of Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. The Trustees, on behalf of the Trust or any Series, may enter into one or more contracts with a custodian on terms and conditions acceptable to the Trustees, providing for the custodian, among other things, to (a) hold the securities owned by the Trust or any Series and deliver the same upon written order or oral order confirmed in writing, (b) receive and receipt for any moneys due to the Trust or any Series and deposit the same in its own banking department or elsewhere, (c) disburse such funds upon orders or vouchers, and (d) employ one or more sub-custodians.
Section 5. Parties to Contracts with Service Providers. The Trustees may enter into any contract with any entity, even if one or more of the Trustees or officers of the Trust may be an officer, director, trustee, partner, Shareholder, or member of such entity, and no such contract shall be invalidated or rendered void or voidable because of such relationship. No person having such a relationship shall be disqualified from voting on or executing a contract in his or her capacity as Trustee and/or Shareholder, or be liable merely by reason of such relationship for any loss or expense to the Trust with respect to such a contract or accountable for any profit realized directly or indirectly therefrom; provided, that the contract was reasonable and fair to the Trust and not inconsistent with this Declaration.
Each contract referred to in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article shall be consistent with and subject to the applicable requirements of Section 15 of the 1940 Act and the rules and orders thereunder with respect to its continuance in effect, its termination, and the method of authorization and approval of such contract or renewal.
ARTICLE VIII
EXPENSES OF THE TRUST AND SERIES
Subject to Article IV, Section 4, the Trust or a particular Series shall pay, or shall reimburse the Trustees, from the Trust estate or the assets belonging to the particular Series, for their expenses and disbursements, including, but not limited to, interest charges, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions; expenses of issue, repurchase and redemption of Shares; insurance premiums; applicable fees, interest charges and expenses of third parties, including the Trust’s investment advisers, managers, administrators, distributors, custodians, transfer agents and fund accountants; fees of pricing, interest, dividend, credit and other reporting services; costs of membership in trade associations; telecommunications expenses; funds transmission expenses; auditing, legal and compliance expenses; costs of forming the Trust and its Series and maintaining their existence; costs of preparing and printing the prospectuses of the Trust and each Series, statements of additional information and Shareholder reports and delivering them to Shareholders; expenses of meetings of Shareholders and proxy solicitations therefor; costs of maintaining books and accounts; costs of reproduction, stationery and supplies; fees and expenses of the Trustees; compensation of the Trust’s officers and employees and costs of other personnel performing services for the Trust or any Series; costs of Trustee meetings; Commission registration fees and related expenses; state or foreign securities laws registration or notice fees and related expenses; and for such non-recurring items as may arise, including litigation to which the Trust or a Series (or a Trustee or officer of the Trust acting as such) is a party, and for all losses and liabilities incurred by any Trustee or officer of the Trust acting as such in administering the Trust. The Trustees shall have a lien on the assets belonging to the appropriate Trust or the Series, or in the case of an expense allocable to more than one Series, on the assets of each such Series, prior to any rights or interests of the Shareholders thereto, for the reimbursement to them of any such expenses or disbursements, or for any losses or liabilities to which they become subject in their capacity as Trustees.
ARTICLE IX
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. Limitation of Liability. All persons contracting with or having any claim against the Trust or a particular Series shall look only to the assets of the Trust or such Series, respectively, for payment under such contract or claim; and neither the Trustees nor any of the Trust’s officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future (each a “Covered Person,” and collectively the “Covered Persons”), shall be personally liable therefor. Notwithstanding any provision in this Article IX, neither the investment adviser, Principal Underwriter or other service providers, nor any officers, employees or other agents of such entities, shall be indemnified pursuant to this Article IX, except that dual officers, employees or other agents of the Trust and such entities shall be entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Article IX but only to the extent that such officer, employee or other agent was acting in his or her capacity as an officer, employee or agent of the Trust in the conduct that gave rise to the claim for indemnification. No Covered Person shall be liable to the Trust or to any Shareholder for any loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of any act performed or omitted by such Covered Person in good faith on behalf of the Trust, a Series or a Class, and in a manner reasonably believed to be within the scope of authority conferred on such Covered Person by this Declaration, except that a Covered Person shall be liable for any loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of such Covered Person’s bad faith, gross negligence, willful misconduct or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
Section 2. Mandatory Indemnification. (a) Subject only to the express limitations in the 1940 Act, other applicable laws, and sub-paragraph (b) below, the Trust or the appropriate Series shall indemnify each of its Covered Persons to the fullest extent permitted under the 1940 Act and other applicable laws, including, but not limited to, against all liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him or her in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he or she becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his or her being or having been a Covered Person and against amounts paid or incurred in the settlement thereof.
As used herein, the words “claim,” “action,” “suit,” or “proceeding” shall apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal or other, including appeals), actual or threatened, and the words “liability” and “expenses” shall include, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein, no Covered Person shall be entitled to indemnification for any liability arising by reason of such Covered Person’s willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or the reckless disregard of duties owed to the Trust (“disabling conduct”).
(c) No indemnification or advance shall be made under this Article IX to the extent such indemnification or advance:
1. would be inconsistent with a provision of the Declaration, or an agreement in effect at the time of accrual of the alleged cause of action asserted in the proceeding in which the expenses were incurred or other amounts were paid which prohibits or otherwise limits indemnification; or
2. would be inconsistent with any condition expressly imposed by a court in a judgment, order, or approval of a settlement.
(d) Any indemnification under this Article shall be made by the Trust only if authorized in the specific case on a determination that the Covered Person was not liable by reason of disabling conduct by:
1. a final decision on the merits by a court or other body before whom the proceeding was brought; or
2. in the absence of such a decision, by any reasonable and fair means established in accordance with, and subject to the requirements and limitations of, Section 17(h) of the 1940 Act and any interpretation thereunder by the Commission or its staff.
(e) The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by policies of insurance maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of a Covered Person.
(f) To the maximum extent permitted by the 1940 Act and other applicable laws, expenses in connection with the preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action, suit or proceeding of the character described in subsection (a) of this Article IX shall be paid by the Trust or applicable Series from time to time prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Covered Person that such amount will be paid over by him or her to the Trust or applicable Series if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification under this Article IX; provided, however, that either (i) such Covered Person shall have provided appropriate security for such undertaking, (ii) the Trust is insured against losses arising out of any such advance payments or (iii) either a majority of the Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor parties to the matter, or independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry) that there is reason to believe that such Covered Person will not be disqualified from indemnification under this Article IX; provided, however, that the Trust shall not be obligated to pay the expenses of any agent acting pursuant to a written contract with the Trust, except to the extent required by such contract.
(g) Any repeal or modification of this Article IX shall be prospective only, to the extent that such repeal or modification would, if applied retrospectively, affect any limitation on the liability of any Covered Person in an a manner that would be adverse to such Covered Person or affect any indemnification available to any Covered Person in a manner that would be adverse to such Covered Person with respect to any act or omission which occurred prior to such repeal, modification or adoption.
Section 3. Indemnification of Shareholders. If any Shareholder or former Shareholder of any Series shall be held personally liable solely by reason of his or her being or having been a Shareholder and not because of his or her acts or omissions or for some other reason, the Shareholder or former Shareholder (or his or her heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives or in the case of any entity, its general successor) shall be entitled out of the assets belonging to the applicable Series to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability to the fullest extent permitted under the 1940 Act and other applicable laws. The Trust, on behalf of the affected Series, shall, at its discretion, be entitled to assume the defense of any claim made against such Shareholder for any act or obligation of the Series and satisfy any judgment thereon from the assets of the Series.
Section 4. Contractual Modification of Duties. To the extent that, at law or equity, a Covered Person has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating to the Trust or any Series thereof or to any Shareholder, any such Covered Person acting under this Declaration shall not be liable to the Trust or any Series thereof or to any Shareholder for the Covered Person’s good faith reliance on the provisions of this Declaration. The provisions of this Declaration, to the extent that they restrict or limit the duties and liabilities of a Covered Person otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the parties hereto to replace such other duties and liabilities of such Covered Person. Except where a different standard is expressly provided for in this Declaration or in the Delaware Act (including, without limitation, the meaning of “independent trustee” under the Delaware Act), the Trustees shall have the same duties (including fiduciary duties) as directors of a private corporation for profit organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
Section 1. General. The officers of the Trust shall be a President, a Chief Compliance Officer, a Chief Legal Officer, an Anti-Money Laundering Officer, one or more Treasurers, and a Secretary, and may include one or more Assistant Treasurers or Assistant Secretaries and such other officers (“Other Officers”) as the Trustees may determine. As specified in Section 7 of Article II, the Trustees may select one or more of their members to be Chairman or Co-Chairmen of the Board, and may, but need not, determine that such Chairman or Co-Chairmen shall be officer(s) of the Trust.
Section 2. Election, Tenure and Qualifications of Officers. The Trustees shall appoint the President, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Anti-Money Laundering Officer, one or more Treasurers and Secretary of the Trust. The Trustees, President, or Chairman of the Trust may appoint Assistant Treasurers, Assistant Secretaries, and Other Officers. Each officer shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been appointed and qualified or until his or her earlier death, inability to serve, or resignation. Any person may hold more than one office, except that the President and the Secretary may not be the same individual. A person who holds more than one office in the Trust may not act in more than one capacity to execute, acknowledge, or verify an instrument required by law to be executed, acknowledged, or verified by more than one officer. No officer need be a Trustee or a Shareholder, unless specified otherwise by the Trustees.
Section 3. Vacancies and Newly Created Offices. The Trustees may create any additional offices as they deem appropriate or desirable. Whenever a vacancy shall occur in any office or if any new office is created, such vacancy or new office may be filled by the Trustees, the President, or the Chairman as described in Section 2 of this Article.
Section 4. Removal and Resignation. Officers serve at the pleasure of the Trustees and may be removed at any time with or without cause. The President or Chairman may also remove any Assistant Treasurer, Assistant Secretary, or Other Officer with or without cause. Any officer may resign from office at any time by delivering a written resignation to the Trustees, President, or the Chairman. Unless otherwise specified therein, such resignation shall take effect upon delivery.
Section 5. President. The President is the principal executive officer of the Trust and shall have the power and responsibility to perform all duties incidental to the office of President, subject to the Trustees’ supervision, including, but not limited to, the authority to make, execute, deliver, amend and terminate, in the name and on behalf of the Trust, any and all contracts, agreements, instruments, filings, applications, notices, documents and other writings, except where required by law to be otherwise signed and executed or where the Trustees by resolution expressly delegate specific signing and execution authority to some other officer or agent of the Trust, and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board. In the absence of a Chairman, the President shall preside over meetings of the Board, unless the Trustees determine otherwise.
Section 6. Chief Compliance Officer. The Chief Compliance Officer shall have the power and responsibility to administer the Trust’s policies and procedures approved by the Board under Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. The Chief Compliance Officer shall report to the Board at least annually regarding the operations of the policies and procedures of the Funds, each investment adviser, principal underwriter, administrator, and transfer agent, including any material changes made to such policies and procedures and any material compliance matters that have occurred since the date of the last report. The Board must approve the Chief Compliance Officer’s compensation. Furthermore, the Board has the exclusive power to remove the Chief Compliance Officer from all responsibilities at any time for any reason. The Chief Compliance Officer shall have the power and responsibility to perform all acts incidental to the office of Chief Compliance Officer, subject to the supervision of the Trustees and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board.
Section 7. Chief Legal Officer. The Chief Legal Officer is the attorney responsible for addressing legal issues. The Chief Legal Officer shall be responsible for receiving “up the ladder” reports from other attorneys regarding suspected securities laws violations. The Chief Legal Officer is responsible for inquiring and reporting any evidence of a material violation of securities laws or a breach of a fiduciary duty by a Fund or by any of officers, directors, employees or agents of the Trust reported to him or her. The Chief Legal Officer must take reasonable steps to cause the Trust to adopt appropriate responses to such reports of material violation.
Section 8. Anti-Money Laundering Officer. The Anti-Money Laundering Officer is responsible for overseeing the Trust’s anti-money laundering program pursuant to the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 and for developing and enforcing appropriate policies and procedures under the anti-money laundering program. The Anti-Money Laundering Officer shall have the power and responsibility to perform all acts incidental to the office of Anti-Money Laundering Officer, subject to the supervision of the Trustees and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board.
Section 9. Treasurer(s) and Assistant Treasurers. The Treasurer is the principal financial officer and principal accounting officer of the Trust, or, if the Trustees shall have appointed more than one Treasurer, each Treasurer shall be the principal financial officer and principal accounting officer of the Trust with respect to each Series specified by resolution of the Board. As such, the Treasurer shall have general charge of the finances and books of the Trust (or, in the case of multiple Treasurers, each Treasurer shall so have charge of the finances and books of each specified Series with respect to which such Treasurer is appointed principal financial officer and principal accounting officer and shall have no duties or responsibilities with respect to any other Series), and shall report to the Trustees as requested regarding the financial condition of each Series (or, in the case of multiple Treasurers, each Treasurer shall so report with respect to each such specified Series and shall have no duties or responsibilities with respect to any other Series). The Treasurer shall be responsible for the delivery of all funds and securities of the Trust to such company as the Trustees shall retain as Custodian (or, in the case of multiple Treasurers, each Treasurer shall be so responsible for each specified Series with respect to which such Treasurer is appointed principal financial officer and principal accounting officer). The Treasurer(s) shall have the power and responsibility to perform all acts incidental to the office of Treasurer, subject to the Trustees’ supervision, including, but not limited to, the authority to make, execute, deliver, amend and terminate, in the name and on behalf of the Trust or, in the case of multiple Treasurers, with respect to the Series for which a Treasurer is appointed principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, any and all contracts, agreements, instruments, filings, applications, notices, documents and other writings, except where required by law to be otherwise signed and executed or where the Trustees by resolution expressly delegate specific signing and execution authority to some other officer or agent of the Trust, and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board.
Any Assistant Treasurer may perform such duties of the Treasurer(s) as the Trustees, the Chairman, the President or the Treasurer(s) may assign, and, in the absence of the Treasurer(s), may perform all the duties of the Treasurer(s).
Section 10. Secretary and Assistant Secretaries. The Secretary shall record all resolutions, votes and proceedings of the meetings of Trustees and Shareholders in books to be kept for that purpose. The Secretary shall be responsible for giving and serving notices of the Trust, unless the Trustees determine otherwise. The Secretary shall have custody of any seal of the Trust and shall be responsible for the records of the Trust other than those maintained by one or more service providers engaged by the Trust pursuant to the terms of this Declaration. The Secretary shall have the power and responsibility to perform all acts incidental to the office of Secretary, subject to the supervision of the Trustees, including, but not limited to, the authority to make, execute, deliver, amend and terminate, in the name and on behalf of the Trust, any and all contracts, agreements, instruments, filings, applications, notices, documents and other writings, except where required by law to be otherwise signed and executed or where the Trustees by resolution expressly delegate specific signing and execution authority to some other officer or agent of the Trust, and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board. In the absence of a Chairman or President, the Secretary shall preside over meetings of the Board, unless the Trustees determine otherwise.
Any Assistant Secretary may perform such duties of the Secretary as the Trustees, the Chairman, the President or the Secretary may assign, and, in the absence of the Secretary, may perform all the duties of the Secretary.
Section 11. Authority to Execute and File Applications for Exemptive Relief. The officers of the Trust, including, without limitation, the President, any Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, or any of them are delegated the authority to prepare, execute and file with the Commission, any and all applications for exemptive orders, and any amendments or supplements thereto, that the officers believe are necessary, desirable or convenient.
Section 12. Compensation of Officers. Each officer of the Trust may receive such compensation from the Trust for services and reimbursement for expenses as the Trustees may determine.
Section 13. Surety Bond. The Trustees may require any officer or agent of the Trust to execute a bond (including, without limitation, any bond required by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission) to the Trust in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Trustees may determine, conditioned upon the faithful performance of his or her duties to the Trust, including responsibility for negligence and for the accounting of any of the Trust’s property, funds or securities that may come into his or her hands.
Section 1. Trust Not a Partnership. This Declaration creates a trust and not a partnership. No Trustee shall have any power to bind personally either the Trust’s officers or any Shareholder to any obligation to which such person has not consented.
Section 2. Trustee Action; Expert Advice; No Bond or Surety. The exercise by the Trustees of their powers and discretion in accordance with the terms of this Declaration in good faith under the circumstances then prevailing shall be binding upon everyone interested or affected thereby. Subject to the provisions of Article IX, the Trustees shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Trustees may take advice of counsel or other experts with respect to the meaning and operation of this Declaration, and subject to the provisions of Article IX, shall not be liable for any act or omission in accordance with such advice or for failing to follow such advice. The Trustees shall not be required to give any bond as such, nor any surety if a bond is obtained.
Section 3. Record Dates. The Trustees may fix in advance a date up to one hundred twenty (120) days before the date of any Shareholders’ meeting, or the date for the payment of any dividends or other distributions, or the date for the allotment of any other rights, or the date when any change or conversion or exchange of Shares shall go into effect as a record date for the determination of the Shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, any such meeting, or entitled to receive payment of such dividend or other distribution, or to receive any such allotment of rights, or to exercise such rights in respect of any such change, conversion or exchange of Shares. The Trustees may delegate to one or more Trustees or officers the authority to change, consistent with this section, any record date fixed by the Trustees, provided that any such change is entered into the minute books, and ratified by the Board at its next regular meeting after a change is made.
Section 4. Dissolution or Termination of a Class, Series or the Trust. (a) The Trust shall have perpetual existence. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trustees may, without Shareholder approval (unless the 1940 Act or other applicable law expressly provides otherwise):
1.sell and convey all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust or any Series or Class of a Series to another Class or to another Series or to another entity which is an open-end investment company as defined in the 1940 Act, or is a class or a series thereof, for adequate consideration, which may include the assumption of all outstanding obligations, taxes and other liabilities, accrued or contingent, of the Trust or any affected Series or Class of a Series, and which may include shares of or interests in such entity, class, or series thereof; or
2.at any time sell and convey, or convert into money, all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust or any Series or Class of a Series; or
3.dissolve, liquidate, or terminate a Series, a Class of a Series, or the Trust.
Upon payment or the making of reasonable provision for the payment of all known liabilities of the Trust or any affected Class or Series in either (i) or (ii), by assumption or otherwise, the Trustees may distribute the remaining proceeds or assets (as the case may be) ratably among the Shareholders of the Trust or any affected Class or Series; however, the payment to the Shareholders of any particular Class or Series may be reduced by any fees, expenses or charges allocated to that Series or Class; and may dissolve the Trust or any affected Series or Class of a Series.
b. In determining whether to dissolve the Trust, a Series or a Class of a Series, the Trustees may take into account whether continuation of the Trust, Series or Class is in the best interests of the Trust, Series or such Class, or their respective Shareholders as a result of factors or events adversely affecting the ability of the Trust or such Series or Class to conduct its business and operations in an economically viable manner. Such factors and events may include the inability of the Trust, Series or Class to maintain its assets at an appropriate size, changes in laws or regulations governing the Trust, Series or Class or affecting assets of the type in which the Trust or Series invests, or economic developments or trends having a significant adverse impact on the business or operations of the Trust, Series or Class. If a majority of the Trustees determine that the continuation of the Trust, Series, or Class is not in the best interests of the Trust, such Series or Shareholders, such determination is conclusive and binding upon the Trust, Series, Class and their respective Shareholders.
c. Upon completion of the winding up of the affairs of the Trust and the distribution of the remaining proceeds or assets pursuant to subsection (a), the Trust shall terminate and the Trustees and the Trust shall be discharged of any and all further liabilities and duties hereunder with respect thereto and the right, title and interest of all parties therein shall be canceled and discharged. Upon dissolution (as defined in the Delaware Act) of the Trust, following completion of winding up of its business, the Trustees shall cause a certificate of cancellation of the Trust’s certificate of Trust, which may be signed by any one Trustee, to be filed in accordance with the Delaware Act.
d. The dissolution or termination of a Series or a Class shall not affect the existence of the Trust or any other Series or Class. Upon completion of the winding up of the affairs of a terminated Series and the distribution of the assets pursuant to subparagraph (a), the Trustees shall, by Board resolution or other written instrument, record in the Trust’s books and records that the Series or Class is terminated.
Section 5. Reorganization. Unless Shareholder approval is expressly required under the 1940 Act, the Trustees may, without the need of any action or vote of the Shareholders or any other person or entity, (a) cause the Trust to merge or consolidate with or into one or more statutory trusts or other business entities (as defined under the Delaware Act), if the surviving or resulting entity is the Trust or another open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, or a series thereof, that will succeed to or assume the Trust’s registration under the 1940 Act, (b) cause the Trust to incorporate or convert into another type of business entity under the laws of Delaware or (c) cause the Trust to sell all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust or a Series of the Trust.
Pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3815(f) of the Delaware Act, an agreement of merger or consolidation approved by the Trustees in accordance with this Section 5 may effect any amendment to the Declaration or effect the adoption of a new governing Declaration of the Trust if it is the surviving or resulting trust in the merger or consolidation. Any agreement of merger or consolidation or certificates of merger may be signed by any Trustee authorized by resolution of a majority of the Trustees and facsimile signatures conveyed by electronic or telecommunication means shall be valid.
Section 6. Declaration. The original or a copy of this Declaration and of each amendment hereto or Declaration supplemental shall be kept at the office of the Trust. Anyone dealing with the Trust may rely on a certificate by a Trustee or an officer of the Trust as to the authenticity of the Declaration of Trust or any such amendments or supplements and as to any matters in connection with the Trust; and, with the same effect as if it were the original, may rely on a copy certified by an officer of the Trust to be a copy of this instrument or of any such restatements and/or amendments. In this Declaration and in any such restatements and/or amendment, references to this Declaration, and all expressions like “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, shall be deemed to refer to this Declaration as amended or affected by any such restatements and/or amendments. Headings are placed herein for convenience of reference only and shall not be taken as a part hereof or control or affect the meaning, construction or effect of this Declaration. Whenever the singular number is used herein, the same shall include the plural; and the neuter, masculine and feminine genders shall include each other, as applicable. This Declaration may be executed in any number of counterparts, originally or by power of attorney, each of which shall be deemed an original.
Section 7. Derivative Actions. As expressly provided in the Delaware Act, Shareholders have the right to bring a derivative action if they meet the express requirements of Delaware law. However, no derivative action may be brought by Shareholders unless, in addition to any requirements of Delaware law, Shareholders owning not less than one-third of the Outstanding Shares of all Series of the Trust, or of the affected Series or Classes of the Trust, as the case may be, join in the bringing of the derivative action.
Section 8. Applicable Law. This Declaration and the Trust created hereunder are governed by and construed and administered according to the Delaware Act and the applicable laws of the State of Delaware; provided, however, that there shall not be applicable to the Trust, the Trustees or this Declaration (a) the provisions of Section 3540 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code, or (b) any provisions of the laws (statutory or common) of the State of Delaware (other than the Delaware Act) pertaining to trusts which relate to or regulate (i) the filing with any court or governmental body or agency of trustee accounts or schedules of trustee fees and charges, (ii) affirmative requirements to post bonds for trustees, officers, agents or employees of a trust, (iii) the necessity for obtaining court or other governmental approval concerning the acquisition, holding or disposition of real or personal property, (iv) fees or other sums payable to trustees, officers, agents or employees of a trust, (v) the allocation of receipts and expenditures to income or principal, (vi) restrictions or limitations on the permissible nature, amount or concentration of trust investments or requirements relating to the titling, storage or other manner of holding of trust assets, or (vii) the establishment of fiduciary or other standards of responsibilities or limitations on the acts or powers of trustees, which are inconsistent with the limitations or liabilities or authorities and powers of the Trustees set forth or referenced in this Declaration. The Trust shall be of the type commonly called a Delaware statutory trust, and, without limiting the provisions hereof, the Trust may exercise all powers which are ordinarily exercised by such a trust under Delaware law. The Trust specifically reserves the right to exercise any of the powers or privileges afforded to trusts or actions that may be engaged in by trusts under the Delaware Act, and the absence of a specific reference herein to any such power, privilege or action shall not imply that the Trust may not exercise such power or privilege or take such actions.
Section 9. Amendments. Because this Declaration does not confer any independent rights to Shareholders not expressly granted under Delaware law or the 1940 Act, this Declaration may be amended without Shareholder approval, and all Shareholders purchase Shares with notice that this Declaration may be so amended unless expressly required under the 1940 Act. The Trustees may, without any Shareholder vote, amend or otherwise supplement this Declaration by making an amendment, a trust instrument supplemental hereto or an amended and restated declaration of trust; provided, that Shareholders shall have the right to vote on any amendment if expressly required under the 1940 Act or other applicable law, or submitted to them by the Trustees in their discretion.
Section 10. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Trust or specific Series within the Trust shall end on a specific date as determined by the Trustees in this Declaration or by resolution or other written instrument. The Trustees may change the fiscal year of the Trust, or any Series of the Trust without Shareholder approval.
Section 11. Severability. The provisions of this Declaration are severable. If the Trustees determine, with the advice of counsel, that any provision hereof conflicts with the 1940 Act, the applicable regulated investment company provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or with other applicable laws and regulations, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of this Declaration; provided, however, that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this Declaration or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination. If any provision hereof shall be held invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision only in such jurisdiction and shall not affect any other provision of this Declaration.
Section 12. Principal Office. The principal office of the Trust shall be located in San Francisco, California, or in such other location as the Trustees may from time to time determine.
Section 13. Maintenance and Inspection of the Books. The accounting books and records and minutes of proceedings of the shareholders and the Board and any committee or committees of the Board shall be kept at such place or places designated by the Board or in the absence of such designation, at the principal executive office of the Trust. The minutes shall be kept in written form and the accounting books and records shall be kept either in written form or in any other form capable of being converted into written form. Except as expressly required under the 1940 Act or conferred under other applicable law, Shareholders shall have no right to obtain or inspect the books of the Trust, or to obtain or inspect any of the other information referenced in Section 3819 of the Delaware Act, except as the Trustees may expressly authorize. The Trustees may authorize that the books of the Trust or any of the other information referenced in Section 3819 of the Delaware Act be provided to or open to inspection by Shareholders under the conditions and regulations that the Trustees deem desirable.
Section 14. Exclusive Delaware Jurisdiction. Each Trustee, each officer, each Interestholder and each person beneficially owning an interest in an Interest of the Trust (whether through a broker, dealer, bank, trust company or clearing corporation or an agent of any of the foregoing or otherwise), to the fullest extent permitted by law, including Section 3804(e) of the Delaware Act, (i) irrevocably agrees that any claims, suits, actions or proceedings arising out of or relating in any way to the Trust or its business and affairs, the Delaware Act, this Declaration of Trust or the By-laws or asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs (or similar) doctrine (including, without limitation, any claims, suits, actions or proceedings to interpret, apply or enforce (A) the provisions of this Declaration of Trust or the By-laws, or (B) the duties (including fiduciary duties), obligations or liabilities of the Trust to the Interestholders or the Trustees, or of officers or the Trustees to the Trust, to the Interestholders or each other, or (C) the rights or powers of, or restrictions on, the Trust, the officers, the Trustees or the Interestholders, or (D) any provision of the Delaware Act or other laws of the State of Delaware pertaining to trusts made applicable to the Trust pursuant to Section 3809 of the Delaware Act, or (E) any other instrument, document, agreement (including, without limitation, any investment management agreement and any investment advisory agreement) or certificate contemplated by any provision of the Delaware Act, the Declaration of Trust or the By-laws relating in any way to the Trust or (F) the federal securities laws of the United States, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act, as amended, or the securities or antifraud laws of any international, national, state, provincial, territorial, local or other governmental or regulatory authority, including, in each case, the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (regardless, in every case, of whether such claims, suits, actions or proceedings (x) sound in contract, tort, fraud or otherwise, (y) are based on common law, statutory, equitable, legal or other grounds, or (z) are derivative or direct claims)), shall be exclusively brought, unless the Trust, in its sole discretion, consents in writing to an alternative forum, in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction thereof, any other court in the State of Delaware with subject matter jurisdiction, (ii) irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in connection with any such claim, suit, action or proceeding, (iii) irrevocably agrees not to, and waives any right to, assert in any such claim, suit, action or proceeding that (A) it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of such courts or any other court to which proceedings in such courts may be appealed, (B) such claim, suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, or (C) the venue of such claim, suit, action or proceeding is improper, (iv) consents to process being served in any such claim, suit, action or proceeding by mailing, certified mail, return receipt requested, a copy thereof to such party at the address in effect for notices hereunder, and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof; provided, nothing in clause (iv) hereof shall affect or limit any right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law, and (v) irrevocably waives any and all right to trial by jury in any such claim, suit, action or proceeding.
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William R. Ebsworth,
as Trustee and not individually
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Jane A. Freeman,
as Trustee and not individually
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Peter G. Gordon,
as Trustee and not individually
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Isaiah Harris, Jr.,
as Trustee and not individually
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Judith M. Johnson,
as Trustee and not individually
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David F. Larcker,
as Trustee and not individually
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Olivia S. Mitchell,
as Trustee and not individually
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Timothy J. Penny,
as Trustee and not individually
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Michael S. Scofield,
as Trustee and not individually