UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSRS
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number: 811-21507
Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
525 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94105
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Alexander Kymn
Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC
525 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94105
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrants telephone number, including area code: 800-222-8222
Date of fiscal year end: August 31
Date of reporting period: February 28, 2019
ITEM 1. | REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS |
Semi-Annual Report
February 28, 2019
Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund (ERH)
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by new regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Wells Fargo Funds annual and semi-annual shareholder reports issued after this date will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically at any time by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling 1-800-730-6001.
You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports; if you invest directly with the Fund, you can call 1-800-730-6001. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all Wells Fargo Funds held in your account with your financial intermediary or, if you are a direct investor, to all Wells Fargo Funds that you hold.
Reduce clutter. Save trees.
Sign up for electronic delivery of prospectuses and shareholder reports at wellsfargo.com/advantagedelivery
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The views expressed and any forward-looking statements are as of February 28, 2019, unless otherwise noted, and are those of the Fund managers and/or Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Discussions of individual securities, or the markets generally, or any Wells Fargo Fund are not intended as individual recommendations. Future events or results may vary significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. The views expressed are subject to change at any time in response to changing circumstances in the market. Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC and the Fund disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any views expressed or forward-looking statements.
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED ◾ NO BANK GUARANTEE ◾ MAY LOSE VALUE
2 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Letter to shareholders (unaudited) |
1 | The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-value-weighted index with each stocks weight in the index proportionate to its market value. You cannot invest directly in an index. |
2 | The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country World Index (ACWI) ex USA Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed, or produced by MSCI. You cannot invest directly in an index. |
3 | The MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure large- and mid-cap equity market performance of emerging markets. The MSCI EM Index (Net) consists of the following 24 emerging market country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. You cannot invest directly in an index. |
4 | The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment-grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage pass-throughs), asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. You cannot invest directly in an index. |
5 | The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index is an unmanaged index that provides a broad-based measure of the global investment-grade fixed-income markets excluding the U.S. dollar-denominated debt market. You cannot invest directly in an index. |
6 | The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index composed of long-term tax-exempt bonds with a minimum credit rating of Baa. You cannot invest directly in an index. |
7 | The ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of domestic and Yankee high-yield bonds. The index tracks the performance of high-yield securities traded in the U.S. bond market. You cannot invest directly in an index. Copyright 2019. ICE Data Indices, LLC. All rights reserved. |
8 | The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® measures the degree of optimism on the state of the U.S. economy that consumers are expressing through their activities of savings and spending. You cannot invest directly in an index. |
Letter to shareholders (unaudited) | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | 3 |
9 | The Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index (VIX) is a popular measure of the implied volatility of S&P 500 Index options. It represents one measure of the markets expectation of stock market volatility over the next 30-day period. You cannot invest directly in an index. |
4 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Letter to shareholders (unaudited) |
Notice to shareholders
On November 9, 2018, the Fund announced an extension of its open-market share repurchase program (the Buyback Program). Under the extended Buyback Program, the Fund may repurchase up to 10% of its outstanding shares during the period in open market transactions beginning on January 1, 2019 and ending on December 31, 2019. The Funds Board of Trustees has delegated to Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, the Funds adviser, discretion to administer the Buyback Program including the determination of the amount and timing of repurchases in accordance with the best interests of the Fund and subject to applicable legal limitations.
For further information about your Fund, contact your investment professional, visit our website at wfam.com, or call us directly at 1-800-222-8222.
This page is intentionally left blank.
6 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Performance highlights (unaudited) |
High-yield, lower-rated bonds may contain more risk due to the increased possibility of default. Foreign investments may contain more risk due to the inherent risks associated with changing political climates, foreign market instability, and foreign currency fluctuations. Risks of international investing are magnified in emerging or developing markets. Funds that concentrate their investments in a single industry or sector may face increased risk of price fluctuation due to adverse developments within that industry or sector. Small- and mid-cap securities may be subject to special risks associated with narrower product lines and limited financial resources compared with their large-cap counterparts. The use of leverage results in certain risks, including, among others, the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and the market price of common shares. Derivatives involve additional risks, including interest-rate risk, credit risk, the risk of improper valuation, and the risk of noncorrelation to the relevant instruments they are designed to hedge or closely track. There are numerous risks associated with transactions in options on securities. Illiquid securities may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value and may be difficult to sell. This closed-end fund is no longer available as an initial public offering and is only offered through broker-dealers on the secondary market.
Please see footnotes on page 9.
Performance highlights (unaudited) | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | 7 |
MANAGERS DISCUSSION
Overview
The Funds return based on market value was 6.07% for the six-month period that ended February 28, 2019. During the same period, the Funds return based on net asset value (NAV) was 6.28%. Based on its NAV return, the Fund underperformed the ERH Blended Index, which returned 6.58%.
In the six-month period that ended February 28, 2019, the U.S. economy remained quite strong by historical standards. The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) continued to tighten credit conditions by raising interest rates on the short end of the yield curve, but longer-term bond rates actually fell and the yield curve flattened. Europe is gripped by economic malaise with little end in sight, and Asia and emerging markets suffered, in part from U.S. tariff imposition and the strong U.S. dollar. The U.S. equity market was strong until December, then sold off sharply before recovering pretty much all of the losses by the end of February. In contrast, the European equity market sell-off remained pressured, although the Funds holdings of European utilities performed relatively well.
While high-yield market returns were modestly positive (approximately 2%, as measured by the ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index), the period was marked by a positive September followed by three weak months that ended December 2018 and a very strong rebound in January and February 2019. Yields over the period rose modestly as spreads widened, somewhat offset by falling U.S. Treasury yields.
We believe the high-yield bond market fell in the latter months of 2018 due to rising Treasury yields, threats of trade wars (especially one between the U.S. and China), and, to a lesser extent, risks associated with a hard Brexit. In our view, all of these risks were based on possible future government policy decisions rather than changes in the fundamental performance of the economy. The market decline and related outflows peaked during December when the market was most susceptible to volatility given the lower liquidity during the holiday period. In the first few months of 2019, as more liquidity returned to the market, the concerns affecting the market and outflows dissipated as the Fed guided toward slowing rate increases, U.S. and China trade negotiators signaled they had made progress in their trade negotiations, and the U.K. government suggested that it may agree to delay Brexit from its March deadline. While none of these risks have gone away, we tend to be optimistic that governments do not intentionally make decisions that harm their economies and each of the risks will ultimately be solved in a reasonable manner. We worry more about changes in the fundamentals of the economy that are not due to short-term policy decisions but due to broader changes in consumer and business sentiment, such as increasing inflation expectations or rising consumer defaults.
From a fundamental perspective, corporate earnings were strong in 2018 and credit metrics among high-yield issuers are generally solid based on history. Defaults remain low, and recoveries are slightly above average. We project a low default rate over the next 12 months barring an unforeseen shock or extreme (prolonged) escalation in trade wars. Lack of near-term maturities support a low default environment.
Please see footnotes on page 9.
8 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Performance highlights (unaudited) |
point to buy most asset classes, including high yield. High yield, however, is rather unique in that historically it has benefited from relatively high coupons, which cushions downside risks of price declines. We lean toward spreads remaining flat from these levels in the short run before ultimately wideningpotentially significantlyin the mid-to-longer term.
Over a full cycle, we believe the best way to insulate the Fund from periodic bouts of systemic fears is by following a bottom-up investment process that attempts to minimize downside risk while capturing the return potential of high-yield issuers.
Please see footnotes on page 9.
Performance highlights (unaudited) | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | 9 |
| CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute. |
1 | Total returns based on market value are calculated assuming a purchase of common stock on the first day and sale on the last day of the period reported. Total returns based on NAV are calculated based on the NAV at the beginning of the period and end of the period. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed for the purposes of these calculations to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Funds Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan. |
2 | Source: Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. The ERH Blended Index is weighted 70% in the S&P 500 Utilities Sector Index and 30% in the ICE BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Index. You cannot invest directly in an index. |
3 | The ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of domestic and Yankee high-yield bonds. The index tracks the performance of high-yield securities traded in the U.S. bond market. You cannot invest directly in an index. Copyright 2019. ICE Data Indices, LLC. All rights reserved. |
4 | The S&P 500 Utilities Sector Index is a market-value-weighted index that measures the performance of all stocks within the utilities sector of the S&P 500 Index. You cannot invest directly in an index. |
5 | This chart does not reflect any brokerage commissions charged on the purchase and sale of the Funds common stock. Dividends and distributions paid by the Fund are included in the Funds average annual total returns but have the effect of reducing the Funds NAV. |
6 | The ten largest holdings, excluding cash, cash equivalents and any money market funds, are calculated based on the value of the investments divided by total net assets of the Fund. Holdings are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified. |
7 | The credit quality distribution of portfolio holdings reflected in the chart is based on ratings from Standard & Poors, Moodys Investors Service, and/or Fitch Ratings Ltd. Credit quality ratings apply to the underlying holdings of the Fund and not to the Fund itself. The percentages of the Funds portfolio with the ratings depicted in the chart are calculated based on the total market value of fixed income securities held by the Fund. If a security was rated by all three rating agencies, the middle rating was utilized. If rated by two of three rating agencies, the lower rating was utilized, and if rated by one of the rating agencies, that rating was utilized. Standard & Poors rates the creditworthiness of bonds, ranging from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). Ratings from A to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories. Standard & Poors rates the creditworthiness of short-term notes from SP-1 (highest) to SP-3 (lowest). Moodys rates the creditworthiness of bonds, ranging from Aaa (highest) to C (lowest). Ratings Aa to B may be modified by the addition of a number 1 (highest) to 3 (lowest) to show relative standing within the ratings categories. Moodys rates the creditworthiness of short-term U.S. tax-exempt municipal securities from MIG 1/VMIG 1 (highest) to SG (lowest). Fitch rates the creditworthiness of bonds, ranging from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). Credit quality distribution is subject to change and may have changed since the date specified. |
8 | Amounts are calculated based on the total long-term investments of the Fund. These percentages are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified. |
* | This security was not held in the Fund at the end of the reporting period. |
10 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Portfolio of investmentsFebruary 28, 2019 (unaudited) |
Security name | Shares | Value | ||||||||||||||
Common Stocks: 57.06% |
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Communication Services: 12.76% |
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Diversified Telecommunication Services: 9.80% |
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AT&T Incorporated |
125,000 | $ | 3,890,000 | |||||||||||||
Chunghwa Telecom Company Limited ADR |
97,325 | 3,388,818 | ||||||||||||||
Verizon Communications Incorporated |
75,000 | 4,269,000 | ||||||||||||||
11,547,818 | ||||||||||||||||
|
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Wireless Telecommunication Services: 2.96% |
|
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SK Telecom Company Limited ADR |
136,400 | 3,491,840 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
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Utilities: 44.30% |
|
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Electric Utilities: 35.65% | ||||||||||||||||
American Electric Power Company Incorporated |
55,000 | 4,463,250 | ||||||||||||||
Enel SpA |
900,000 | 5,446,108 | ||||||||||||||
Entergy Corporation |
15,000 | 1,399,950 | ||||||||||||||
Evergy Incorporated |
59,810 | 3,343,977 | ||||||||||||||
Exelon Corporation |
41,001 | 1,992,239 | ||||||||||||||
FirstEnergy Corporation |
125,000 | 5,093,750 | ||||||||||||||
Fortum Oyj |
165,669 | 3,678,351 | ||||||||||||||
IDACORP Incorporated |
25,000 | 2,460,250 | ||||||||||||||
PNM Resources Incorporated |
120,000 | 5,241,600 | ||||||||||||||
Spark Energy Incorporated Class A |
424,138 | 4,237,139 | ||||||||||||||
Terna SpA |
750,000 | 4,664,680 | ||||||||||||||
42,021,294 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
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Gas Utilities: 0.03% |
| |||||||||||||||
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation |
300 | 27,003 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Multi-Utilities: 8.62% |
| |||||||||||||||
CenterPoint Energy Incorporated |
61,000 | 1,838,540 | ||||||||||||||
MDU Resources Group Incorporated |
200 | 5,284 | ||||||||||||||
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated |
80,000 | 4,704,800 | ||||||||||||||
Sempra Energy |
30,000 | 3,613,200 | ||||||||||||||
10,161,824 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $53,780,061) |
|
67,249,779 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Interest rate | Maturity date | Principal | ||||||||||||||
Corporate Bonds and Notes: 30.35% |
| |||||||||||||||
Communication Services: 4.89% |
| |||||||||||||||
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 0.46% |
| |||||||||||||||
GCI Incorporated |
6.75 | % | 6-1-2021 | $ | 125,000 | 125,938 | ||||||||||
Level 3 Financing Incorporated |
5.13 | 5-1-2023 | 75,000 | 75,476 | ||||||||||||
Level 3 Financing Incorporated |
5.38 | 8-15-2022 | 125,000 | 125,781 | ||||||||||||
Level 3 Financing Incorporated |
5.38 | 1-15-2024 | 50,000 | 50,313 | ||||||||||||
Level 3 Financing Incorporated |
5.63 | 2-1-2023 | 90,000 | 90,675 | ||||||||||||
Level 3 Financing Incorporated |
6.13 | 1-15-2021 | 80,000 | 80,324 | ||||||||||||
548,507 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Portfolio of investmentsFebruary 28, 2019 (unaudited) | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | 11 |
Security name | Interest rate | Maturity date | Principal | Value | ||||||||||||
Entertainment: 0.15% |
| |||||||||||||||
Live Nation Entertainment Incorporated 144A |
4.88 | % | 11-1-2024 | $ | 100,000 | $ | 99,250 | |||||||||
Live Nation Entertainment Incorporated 144A |
5.38 | 6-15-2022 | 50,000 | 50,563 | ||||||||||||
Live Nation Entertainment Incorporated 144A |
5.63 | 3-15-2026 | 25,000 | 25,563 | ||||||||||||
175,376 | ||||||||||||||||
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Media: 3.51% |
| |||||||||||||||
CCO Holdings LLC 144A |
5.00 | 2-1-2028 | 25,000 | 24,063 | ||||||||||||
CCO Holdings LLC |
5.13 | 2-15-2023 | 125,000 | 127,031 | ||||||||||||
CCO Holdings LLC 144A |
5.13 | 5-1-2023 | 135,000 | 137,376 | ||||||||||||
CCO Holdings LLC 144A |
5.13 | 5-1-2027 | 50,000 | 49,063 | ||||||||||||
CCO Holdings LLC |
5.25 | 9-30-2022 | 90,000 | 91,744 | ||||||||||||
CCO Holdings LLC 144A |
5.38 | 5-1-2025 | 300,000 | 307,125 | ||||||||||||
CCO Holdings LLC 144A |
5.50 | 5-1-2026 | 5,000 | 5,099 | ||||||||||||
CCO Holdings LLC |
5.75 | 9-1-2023 | 50,000 | 50,938 | ||||||||||||
CCO Holdings LLC 144A |
5.75 | 2-15-2026 | 300,000 | 310,887 | ||||||||||||
CCO Holdings LLC 144A |
5.88 | 4-1-2024 | 125,000 | 130,156 | ||||||||||||
CSC Holdings LLC 144A |
5.38 | 7-15-2023 | 200,000 | 205,540 | ||||||||||||
CSC Holdings LLC 144A |
5.50 | 5-15-2026 | 200,000 | 203,000 | ||||||||||||
CSC Holdings LLC 144A |
7.50 | 4-1-2028 | 200,000 | 211,000 | ||||||||||||
CSC Holdings LLC 144A |
7.75 | 7-15-2025 | 100,000 | 106,750 | ||||||||||||
Dish Network Corporation |
3.38 | 8-15-2026 | 125,000 | 107,363 | ||||||||||||
EMI Music Publishing Group 144A |
7.63 | 6-15-2024 | 150,000 | 159,000 | ||||||||||||
Gray Television Incorporated 144A |
5.13 | 10-15-2024 | 100,000 | 99,625 | ||||||||||||
Gray Television Incorporated 144A |
5.88 | 7-15-2026 | 350,000 | 353,500 | ||||||||||||
Gray Television Incorporated 144A |
7.00 | 5-15-2027 | 25,000 | 26,438 | ||||||||||||
Lamar Media Corporation |
5.38 | 1-15-2024 | 50,000 | 51,375 | ||||||||||||
National CineMedia LLC |
6.00 | 4-15-2022 | 300,000 | 303,345 | ||||||||||||
Nexstar Broadcasting Group Incorporated |
5.88 | 11-15-2022 | 25,000 | 25,563 | ||||||||||||
Nexstar Broadcasting Group Incorporated 144A |
6.13 | 2-15-2022 | 150,000 | 152,250 | ||||||||||||
Nielsen Finance LLC 144A |
5.00 | 4-15-2022 | 200,000 | 199,500 | ||||||||||||
Outfront Media Capital Corporation |
5.25 | 2-15-2022 | 15,000 | 15,230 | ||||||||||||
Outfront Media Capital Corporation |
5.63 | 2-15-2024 | 54,000 | 55,283 | ||||||||||||
Outfront Media Capital Corporation |
5.88 | 3-15-2025 | 65,000 | 66,645 | ||||||||||||
Salem Media Group Incorporated 144A |
6.75 | 6-1-2024 | 300,000 | 276,000 | ||||||||||||
The E.W. Scripps Company 144A |
5.13 | 5-15-2025 | 300,000 | 288,750 | ||||||||||||
4,139,639 | ||||||||||||||||
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Wireless Telecommunication Services: 0.77% |
| |||||||||||||||
Sprint Capital Corporation |
6.88 | 11-15-2028 | 225,000 | 222,047 | ||||||||||||
Sprint Capital Corporation |
8.75 | 3-15-2032 | 150,000 | 162,578 | ||||||||||||
T-Mobile USA Incorporated |
4.00 | 4-15-2022 | 50,000 | 50,125 | ||||||||||||
T-Mobile USA Incorporated |
5.13 | 4-15-2025 | 25,000 | 25,633 | ||||||||||||
T-Mobile USA Incorporated |
5.38 | 4-15-2027 | 150,000 | 153,938 | ||||||||||||
T-Mobile USA Incorporated |
6.00 | 3-1-2023 | 25,000 | 25,688 | ||||||||||||
T-Mobile USA Incorporated |
6.38 | 3-1-2025 | 145,000 | 150,891 | ||||||||||||
T-Mobile USA Incorporated |
6.50 | 1-15-2024 | 5,000 | 5,188 | ||||||||||||
T-Mobile USA Incorporated |
6.50 | 1-15-2026 | 100,000 | 106,750 | ||||||||||||
902,838 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
12 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Portfolio of investmentsFebruary 28, 2019 (unaudited) |
Security name | Interest rate | Maturity date | Principal | Value | ||||||||||||
Consumer Discretionary: 3.96% |
| |||||||||||||||
Auto Components: 0.67% |
| |||||||||||||||
Allison Transmission Incorporated 144A |
4.75 | % | 10-1-2027 | $ | 75,000 | $ | 71,813 | |||||||||
Allison Transmission Incorporated 144A |
5.00 | 10-1-2024 | 425,000 | 427,656 | ||||||||||||
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company |
7.63 | 3-15-2027 | 257,000 | 271,135 | ||||||||||||
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company |
8.00 | 12-15-2019 | 15,000 | 15,431 | ||||||||||||
786,035 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
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Distributors: 0.28% |
| |||||||||||||||
LKQ Corporation |
4.75 | 5-15-2023 | 325,000 | 326,625 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Diversified Consumer Services: 0.56% |
| |||||||||||||||
Carriage Services Incorporated 144A |
6.63 | 6-1-2026 | 50,000 | 51,000 | ||||||||||||
Service Corporation International |
4.63 | 12-15-2027 | 50,000 | 49,375 | ||||||||||||
Service Corporation International |
7.50 | 4-1-2027 | 425,000 | 469,625 | ||||||||||||
Service Corporation International |
8.00 | 11-15-2021 | 85,000 | 92,013 | ||||||||||||
662,013 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 0.69% |
| |||||||||||||||
CCM Merger Incorporated 144A |
6.00 | 3-15-2022 | 425,000 | 434,031 | ||||||||||||
Hilton Domestic Operating Company Incorporated 144A |
5.13 | 5-1-2026 | 50,000 | 50,236 | ||||||||||||
KFC Holding Company 144A |
5.00 | 6-1-2024 | 100,000 | 101,278 | ||||||||||||
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Company 144A |
5.38 | 4-15-2026 | 225,000 | 227,621 | ||||||||||||
813,166 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
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Specialty Retail: 1.50% |
| |||||||||||||||
Asbury Automotive Group Incorporated |
6.00 | 12-15-2024 | 350,000 | 355,250 | ||||||||||||
Group 1 Automotive Incorporated |
5.00 | 6-1-2022 | 125,000 | 125,625 | ||||||||||||
Group 1 Automotive Incorporated 144A |
5.25 | 12-15-2023 | 120,000 | 119,700 | ||||||||||||
Levi Strauss & Company |
5.00 | 5-1-2025 | 100,000 | 102,000 | ||||||||||||
Lithia Motors Incorporated 144A |
5.25 | 8-1-2025 | 350,000 | 346,500 | ||||||||||||
Penske Auto Group Incorporated |
3.75 | 8-15-2020 | 50,000 | 49,681 | ||||||||||||
Penske Auto Group Incorporated |
5.38 | 12-1-2024 | 300,000 | 298,500 | ||||||||||||
Penske Auto Group Incorporated |
5.75 | 10-1-2022 | 125,000 | 126,875 | ||||||||||||
Sonic Automotive Incorporated |
5.00 | 5-15-2023 | 145,000 | 137,025 | ||||||||||||
Sonic Automotive Incorporated |
6.13 | 3-15-2027 | 125,000 | 110,625 | ||||||||||||
1,771,781 | ||||||||||||||||
|
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Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods: 0.26% |
| |||||||||||||||
The William Carter Company 144A%% |
5.63 | 3-15-2027 | 125,000 | 127,188 | ||||||||||||
Wolverine World Wide Incorporated 144A |
5.00 | 9-1-2026 | 185,000 | 177,600 | ||||||||||||
304,788 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
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Consumer Staples: 0.38% |
| |||||||||||||||
Beverages: 0.04% |
| |||||||||||||||
Cott Beverages Incorporated 144A |
5.50 | 4-1-2025 | 50,000 | 49,438 | ||||||||||||
|
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Food Products: 0.27% |
| |||||||||||||||
B&G Foods Incorporated |
4.63 | 6-1-2021 | 30,000 | 29,963 | ||||||||||||
B&G Foods Incorporated |
5.25 | 4-1-2025 | 75,000 | 71,759 | ||||||||||||
Darling Ingredients Incorporated |
5.38 | 1-15-2022 | 15,000 | 15,150 | ||||||||||||
Pilgrims Pride Corporation 144A |
5.75 | 3-15-2025 | 110,000 | 110,000 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Portfolio of investmentsFebruary 28, 2019 (unaudited) | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | 13 |
Security name | Interest rate | Maturity date | Principal | Value | ||||||||||||
Food Products (continued) |
| |||||||||||||||
Pilgrims Pride Corporation 144A |
5.88 | % | 9-30-2027 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 24,563 | |||||||||
Prestige Brands Incorporated 144A |
6.38 | 3-1-2024 | 35,000 | 35,175 | ||||||||||||
US Foods Incorporated 144A |
5.88 | 6-15-2024 | 30,000 | 30,608 | ||||||||||||
317,218 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Household Products: 0.07% | ||||||||||||||||
Central Garden & Pet Company |
5.13 | 2-1-2028 | 25,000 | 23,125 | ||||||||||||
Central Garden & Pet Company |
6.13 | 11-15-2023 | 20,000 | 20,750 | ||||||||||||
Spectrum Brands Incorporated |
5.75 | 7-15-2025 | 25,000 | 24,469 | ||||||||||||
Spectrum Brands Incorporated |
6.63 | 11-15-2022 | 12,000 | 12,270 | ||||||||||||
80,614 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Energy: 6.67% |
||||||||||||||||
Energy Equipment & Services: 1.79% |
| |||||||||||||||
Bristow Group Incorporated |
6.25 | 10-15-2022 | 450,000 | 135,000 | ||||||||||||
Bristow Group Incorporated 144A |
8.75 | 3-1-2023 | 75,000 | 59,063 | ||||||||||||
Diamond Offshore Drilling Incorporated |
4.88 | 11-1-2043 | 150,000 | 93,750 | ||||||||||||
Era Group Incorporated |
7.75 | 12-15-2022 | 215,000 | 210,700 | ||||||||||||
Hilcorp Energy Company 144A |
5.00 | 12-1-2024 | 150,000 | 144,000 | ||||||||||||
Hilcorp Energy Company 144A |
5.75 | 10-1-2025 | 225,000 | 223,594 | ||||||||||||
Hilcorp Energy Company 144A |
6.25 | 11-1-2028 | 75,000 | 73,500 | ||||||||||||
Hornbeck Offshore Services Incorporated |
5.88 | 4-1-2020 | 120,000 | 69,000 | ||||||||||||
NGPL PipeCo LLC 144A |
4.38 | 8-15-2022 | 50,000 | 50,500 | ||||||||||||
NGPL PipeCo LLC 144A |
4.88 | 8-15-2027 | 50,000 | 50,297 | ||||||||||||
NGPL PipeCo LLC 144A |
7.77 | 12-15-2037 | 550,000 | 656,563 | ||||||||||||
Oceaneering International Incorporated |
6.00 | 2-1-2028 | 225,000 | 212,625 | ||||||||||||
USA Compression Partners LP |
6.88 | 4-1-2026 | 125,000 | 127,188 | ||||||||||||
2,105,780 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 4.88% | ||||||||||||||||
Andeavor Logistics LP |
5.25 | 1-15-2025 | 50,000 | 50,850 | ||||||||||||
Archrock Partners LP |
6.00 | 10-1-2022 | 75,000 | 74,250 | ||||||||||||
Carrizo Oil & Gas Incorporated |
8.25 | 7-15-2025 | 75,000 | 78,188 | ||||||||||||
Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings LLC |
5.13 | 6-30-2027 | 125,000 | 127,500 | ||||||||||||
Cheniere Energy Partners LP |
5.25 | 10-1-2025 | 525,000 | 531,563 | ||||||||||||
Cheniere Energy Partners LP 144A |
5.63 | 10-1-2026 | 50,000 | 50,938 | ||||||||||||
Continental Resources Incorporated |
3.80 | 6-1-2024 | 100,000 | 98,500 | ||||||||||||
DCP Midstream Operating LP |
2.70 | 4-1-2019 | 75,000 | 74,910 | ||||||||||||
Denbury Resources Incorporated |
6.38 | 8-15-2021 | 285,000 | 238,688 | ||||||||||||
Denbury Resources Incorporated 144A |
9.25 | 3-31-2022 | 86,000 | 86,215 | ||||||||||||
Enable Midstream Partner LP |
2.40 | 5-15-2019 | 275,000 | 274,620 | ||||||||||||
Enable Oklahoma Intrastate Transmission LLC 144A |
6.25 | 3-15-2020 | 50,000 | 51,346 | ||||||||||||
EnLink Midstream Partners LP |
4.40 | 4-1-2024 | 300,000 | 291,375 | ||||||||||||
EnLink Midstream Partners LP |
4.85 | 7-15-2026 | 325,000 | 318,094 | ||||||||||||
Exterran Partners LP |
6.00 | 4-1-2021 | 250,000 | 248,750 | ||||||||||||
Gulfport Energy Corporation |
6.00 | 10-15-2024 | 75,000 | 67,875 | ||||||||||||
Kinder Morgan Incorporated |
6.50 | 9-15-2020 | 45,000 | 47,195 | ||||||||||||
Kinder Morgan Incorporated |
7.42 | 2-15-2037 | 90,000 | 101,855 | ||||||||||||
Murphy Oil Corporation |
4.45 | 12-1-2022 | 175,000 | 174,143 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
14 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Portfolio of investmentsFebruary 28, 2019 (unaudited) |
Security name | Interest rate | Maturity date | Principal | Value | ||||||||||||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued) |
| |||||||||||||||
Murphy Oil Corporation |
5.75 | % | 8-15-2025 | $ | 15,000 | $ | 15,236 | |||||||||
Murphy Oil Corporation |
6.88 | 8-15-2024 | 50,000 | 52,888 | ||||||||||||
Nabors Industries Incorporated |
0.75 | 1-15-2024 | 125,000 | 87,460 | ||||||||||||
Rockies Express Pipeline LLC 144A |
5.63 | 4-15-2020 | 300,000 | 306,000 | ||||||||||||
Rockies Express Pipeline LLC 144A |
6.88 | 4-15-2040 | 250,000 | 268,125 | ||||||||||||
Rockies Express Pipeline LLC 144A |
7.50 | 7-15-2038 | 55,000 | 62,150 | ||||||||||||
Rose Rock Midstream LP |
5.63 | 7-15-2022 | 100,000 | 97,375 | ||||||||||||
Rose Rock Midstream LP |
5.63 | 11-15-2023 | 125,000 | 116,875 | ||||||||||||
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC |
5.63 | 2-1-2021 | 125,000 | 129,270 | ||||||||||||
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC |
6.25 | 3-15-2022 | 100,000 | 106,939 | ||||||||||||
SemGroup Corporation |
6.38 | 3-15-2025 | 275,000 | 259,188 | ||||||||||||
SemGroup Corporation |
7.25 | 3-15-2026 | 150,000 | 145,125 | ||||||||||||
Southern Star Central Corporation 144A |
5.13 | 7-15-2022 | 150,000 | 148,500 | ||||||||||||
Southwestern Energy Company |
7.50 | 4-1-2026 | 50,000 | 52,000 | ||||||||||||
Southwestern Energy Company |
7.75 | 10-1-2027 | 50,000 | 51,938 | ||||||||||||
Summit Midstream Holdings LLC |
5.75 | 4-15-2025 | 25,000 | 23,875 | ||||||||||||
Tallgrass Energy Partners LP 144A |
5.50 | 9-15-2024 | 700,000 | 715,085 | ||||||||||||
Tesoro Logistics LP |
6.38 | 5-1-2024 | 25,000 | 26,188 | ||||||||||||
Ultra Resources Incorporated 144A |
7.13 | 4-15-2025 | 425,000 | 104,125 | ||||||||||||
5,755,197 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Financials: 1.82% |
||||||||||||||||
Banks: 0.02% |
| |||||||||||||||
Citigroup Incorporated |
4.13 | 3-9-2021 | 5,000 | 5,055 | ||||||||||||
Citigroup Incorporated |
6.13 | 3-9-2028 | 10,000 | 10,825 | ||||||||||||
15,880 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Consumer Finance: 0.74% | ||||||||||||||||
Ally Financial Incorporated |
8.00 | 3-15-2020 | 203,000 | 212,389 | ||||||||||||
FirstCash Incorporated 144A |
5.38 | 6-1-2024 | 150,000 | 151,920 | ||||||||||||
Navient Corporation |
8.00 | 3-25-2020 | 175,000 | 182,758 | ||||||||||||
Springleaf Finance Corporation |
6.00 | 6-1-2020 | 100,000 | 102,375 | ||||||||||||
Springleaf Finance Corporation |
7.13 | 3-15-2026 | 125,000 | 126,563 | ||||||||||||
Springleaf Finance Corporation |
7.75 | 10-1-2021 | 25,000 | 26,835 | ||||||||||||
Springleaf Finance Corporation |
8.25 | 10-1-2023 | 65,000 | 71,744 | ||||||||||||
874,584 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Diversified Financial Services: 0.79% | ||||||||||||||||
LPL Holdings Incorporated 144A |
5.75 | 9-15-2025 | 875,000 | 884,844 | ||||||||||||
Vantiv LLC 144A |
4.38 | 11-15-2025 | 50,000 | 48,250 | ||||||||||||
933,094 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Insurance: 0.27% | ||||||||||||||||
AmWINS Group Incorporated 144A |
7.75 | 7-1-2026 | 100,000 | 102,500 | ||||||||||||
HUB International Limited 144A |
7.00 | 5-1-2026 | 75,000 | 73,500 | ||||||||||||
USIS Merger Subordinate Incorporated 144A |
6.88 | 5-1-2025 | 150,000 | 145,875 | ||||||||||||
321,875 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Portfolio of investmentsFebruary 28, 2019 (unaudited) | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | 15 |
Security name | Interest rate | Maturity date | Principal | Value | ||||||||||||
Health Care: 3.12% |
| |||||||||||||||
Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 0.57% |
| |||||||||||||||
Hill-Rom Holdings Incorporated 144A |
5.00 | % | 2-15-2025 | $ | 50,000 | $ | 49,750 | |||||||||
Hill-Rom Holdings Incorporated 144A |
5.75 | 9-1-2023 | 25,000 | 25,719 | ||||||||||||
Hologic Incorporated 144A |
4.38 | 10-15-2025 | 225,000 | 221,063 | ||||||||||||
Hologic Incorporated 144A |
4.63 | 2-1-2028 | 25,000 | 24,188 | ||||||||||||
Kinetics Concepts Incorporated 144A |
7.88 | 2-15-2021 | 200,000 | 204,250 | ||||||||||||
Surgery Center Holdings Incorporated 144A |
6.75 | 7-1-2025 | 50,000 | 45,500 | ||||||||||||
Surgery Center Holdings Incorporated 144A |
8.88 | 4-15-2021 | 100,000 | 101,750 | ||||||||||||
672,220 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Health Care Providers & Services: 2.24% | ||||||||||||||||
Acadia Healthcare Company Incorporated |
6.50 | 3-1-2024 | 20,000 | 19,900 | ||||||||||||
Centene Corporation 144A |
5.38 | 6-1-2026 | 75,000 | 77,813 | ||||||||||||
Centene Corporation |
6.13 | 2-15-2024 | 25,000 | 26,156 | ||||||||||||
CHS Incorporated |
5.13 | 8-1-2021 | 300,000 | 294,375 | ||||||||||||
Davita Incorporated |
5.00 | 5-1-2025 | 125,000 | 120,588 | ||||||||||||
Encompass Health Corporation |
5.75 | 11-1-2024 | 25,000 | 25,258 | ||||||||||||
HCA Incorporated |
5.88 | 3-15-2022 | 25,000 | 26,600 | ||||||||||||
HCA Incorporated |
6.50 | 2-15-2020 | 325,000 | 334,719 | ||||||||||||
HealthSouth Corporation |
5.75 | 9-15-2025 | 75,000 | 75,750 | ||||||||||||
Mednax Incorporated 144A |
5.25 | 12-1-2023 | 50,000 | 50,563 | ||||||||||||
Mednax Incorporated 144A |
6.25 | 1-15-2027 | 75,000 | 75,416 | ||||||||||||
MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC 144A |
7.13 | 6-1-2024 | 325,000 | 323,781 | ||||||||||||
MPT Operating Partnership LP |
5.00 | 10-15-2027 | 100,000 | 99,250 | ||||||||||||
MPT Operating Partnership LP |
5.25 | 8-1-2026 | 150,000 | 151,875 | ||||||||||||
MPT Operating Partnership LP |
6.38 | 3-1-2024 | 25,000 | 26,188 | ||||||||||||
NVA Holdings Company 144A |
6.88 | 4-1-2026 | 25,000 | 24,125 | ||||||||||||
Polaris Intermediate Corporation 144A |
8.50 | 12-1-2022 | 50,000 | 49,361 | ||||||||||||
Select Medical Corporation |
6.38 | 6-1-2021 | 315,000 | 316,181 | ||||||||||||
Tenet Healthcare Corporation |
4.63 | 7-15-2024 | 118,000 | 117,263 | ||||||||||||
Vizient Incorporated 144A |
10.38 | 3-1-2024 | 350,000 | 378,875 | ||||||||||||
WellCare Health Plans Incorporated 144A |
5.38 | 8-15-2026 | 25,000 | 25,719 | ||||||||||||
2,639,756 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Health Care Technology: 0.29% | ||||||||||||||||
Change Healthcare Holdings Incorporated 144A |
5.75 | 3-1-2025 | 275,000 | 268,386 | ||||||||||||
Quintiles IMS Holdings Incorporated 144A |
4.88 | 5-15-2023 | 75,000 | 76,125 | ||||||||||||
344,511 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Life Sciences Tools & Services: 0.02% | ||||||||||||||||
Charles River Laboratories Incorporated 144A |
5.50 | 4-1-2026 | 25,000 | 26,000 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Industrials: 2.10% |
| |||||||||||||||
Aerospace & Defense: 0.19% |
| |||||||||||||||
RBS Global & Rexnord LLC 144A |
4.88 | 12-15-2025 | 225,000 | 220,500 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Airlines: 0.33% |
| |||||||||||||||
Aviation Capital Group Corporation 144A |
6.75 | 4-6-2021 | 100,000 | 105,645 | ||||||||||||
BBA US Holdings Incorporated 144A |
5.38 | 5-1-2026 | 275,000 | 280,156 | ||||||||||||
385,801 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
16 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Portfolio of investmentsFebruary 28, 2019 (unaudited) |
Security name | Interest rate | Maturity date | Principal | Value | ||||||||||||
Commercial Services & Supplies: 1.19% |
| |||||||||||||||
Acco Brands Corporation 144A |
5.25 | % | 12-15-2024 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 24,563 | |||||||||
Advanced Disposal Services Incorporated 144A |
5.63 | 11-15-2024 | 300,000 | 302,319 | ||||||||||||
Aramark Services Incorporated 144A |
5.00 | 4-1-2025 | 25,000 | 25,438 | ||||||||||||
Aramark Services Incorporated 144A |
5.00 | 2-1-2028 | 25,000 | 24,688 | ||||||||||||
Aramark Services Incorporated |
5.13 | 1-15-2024 | 60,000 | 61,275 | ||||||||||||
Covanta Holding Corporation |
5.88 | 3-1-2024 | 185,000 | 188,931 | ||||||||||||
Covanta Holding Corporation |
5.88 | 7-1-2025 | 75,000 | 74,813 | ||||||||||||
Covanta Holding Corporation |
6.00 | 1-1-2027 | 125,000 | 125,313 | ||||||||||||
KAR Auction Services Incorporated 144A |
5.13 | 6-1-2025 | 550,000 | 534,875 | ||||||||||||
Waste Pro USA Incorporated 144A |
5.50 | 2-15-2026 | 50,000 | 48,500 | ||||||||||||
1,410,715 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Electrical Equipment: 0.11% | ||||||||||||||||
Resideo Funding Incorporated 144A |
6.13 | 11-1-2026 | 125,000 | 128,125 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Machinery: 0.28% |
| |||||||||||||||
Stevens Holding Company Incorporated 144A |
6.13 | 10-1-2026 | 225,000 | 229,500 | ||||||||||||
Trimas Corporation 144A |
4.88 | 10-15-2025 | 100,000 | 98,250 | ||||||||||||
327,750 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Information Technology: 2.49% |
||||||||||||||||
Communications Equipment: 0.06% |
| |||||||||||||||
CommScope Technologies Finance LLC 144A |
6.00 | 6-15-2025 | 75,000 | 70,688 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
IT Services: 1.04% |
| |||||||||||||||
Cardtronics Incorporated 144A |
5.50 | 5-1-2025 | 300,000 | 285,375 | ||||||||||||
First Data Corporation 144A |
5.00 | 1-15-2024 | 50,000 | 51,313 | ||||||||||||
First Data Corporation 144A |
5.38 | 8-15-2023 | 25,000 | 25,588 | ||||||||||||
First Data Corporation 144A |
5.75 | 1-15-2024 | 200,000 | 206,418 | ||||||||||||
Gartner Incorporated 144A |
5.13 | 4-1-2025 | 225,000 | 226,688 | ||||||||||||
Infor Software Parent LLC (PIK at 7.88%) 144A¥ |
7.13 | 5-1-2021 | 75,000 | 75,300 | ||||||||||||
Infor US Incorporated |
6.50 | 5-15-2022 | 50,000 | 50,989 | ||||||||||||
Zayo Group LLC 144A |
5.75 | 1-15-2027 | 75,000 | 72,750 | ||||||||||||
Zayo Group LLC |
6.38 | 5-15-2025 | 239,000 | 237,208 | ||||||||||||
1,231,629 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Software: 0.26% | ||||||||||||||||
CDK Global Incorporated |
4.88 | 6-1-2027 | 25,000 | 24,568 | ||||||||||||
CDK Global Incorporated |
5.00 | 10-15-2024 | 50,000 | 50,750 | ||||||||||||
CDK Global Incorporated |
5.88 | 6-15-2026 | 25,000 | 25,781 | ||||||||||||
Fair Isaac Corporation 144A |
5.25 | 5-15-2026 | 125,000 | 126,250 | ||||||||||||
Symantec Corporation 144A |
5.00 | 4-15-2025 | 75,000 | 74,716 | ||||||||||||
302,065 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals: 1.13% | ||||||||||||||||
Dell International LLC 144A |
5.88 | 6-15-2021 | 250,000 | 254,925 | ||||||||||||
Dell International LLC 144A |
7.13 | 6-15-2024 | 525,000 | 557,096 | ||||||||||||
NCR Corporation |
5.88 | 12-15-2021 | 15,000 | 15,206 | ||||||||||||
NCR Corporation |
6.38 | 12-15-2023 | 500,000 | 507,235 | ||||||||||||
1,334,462 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Portfolio of investmentsFebruary 28, 2019 (unaudited) | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | 17 |
Security name | Interest rate | Maturity date | Principal | Value | ||||||||||||
Materials: 1.35% |
| |||||||||||||||
Chemicals: 0.02% |
| |||||||||||||||
Valvoline Incorporated |
5.50 | % | 7-15-2024 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,094 | |||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Containers & Packaging: 1.29% |
| |||||||||||||||
Ball Corporation |
4.88 | 3-15-2026 | 50,000 | 50,875 | ||||||||||||
Ball Corporation |
5.25 | 7-1-2025 | 40,000 | 42,000 | ||||||||||||
Berry Global Incorporated |
5.13 | 7-15-2023 | 50,000 | 50,063 | ||||||||||||
Berry Global Incorporated |
6.00 | 10-15-2022 | 65,000 | 66,788 | ||||||||||||
Crown Americas Capital Corporation VI |
4.75 | 2-1-2026 | 75,000 | 75,362 | ||||||||||||
Crown Cork & Seal Company Incorporated |
7.38 | 12-15-2026 | 155,000 | 169,725 | ||||||||||||
Flex Acquisition Company Incorporated 144A |
6.88 | 1-15-2025 | 175,000 | 165,375 | ||||||||||||
Flex Acquisition Company Incorporated 144A |
7.88 | 7-15-2026 | 50,000 | 47,875 | ||||||||||||
Owens-Brockway Glass Container Incorporated 144A |
5.38 | 1-15-2025 | 50,000 | 50,998 | ||||||||||||
Owens-Brockway Glass Container Incorporated 144A |
5.88 | 8-15-2023 | 50,000 | 52,625 | ||||||||||||
Owens-Illinois Incorporated 144A |
6.38 | 8-15-2025 | 400,000 | 420,000 | ||||||||||||
Reynolds Group Issuer Incorporated 144A |
5.13 | 7-15-2023 | 125,000 | 125,000 | ||||||||||||
Sealed Air Corporation 144A |
5.13 | 12-1-2024 | 100,000 | 102,856 | ||||||||||||
Silgan Holdings Incorporated |
5.50 | 2-1-2022 | 100,000 | 100,625 | ||||||||||||
1,520,167 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Metals & Mining: 0.04% | ||||||||||||||||
Novelis Corporation 144A |
5.88 | 9-30-2026 | 25,000 | 24,375 | ||||||||||||
Novelis Corporation 144A |
6.25 | 8-15-2024 | 25,000 | 25,180 | ||||||||||||
49,555 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Real Estate: 1.73% |
||||||||||||||||
Equity REITs: 1.73% |
| |||||||||||||||
CoreCivic Incorporated |
4.63 | 5-1-2023 | 35,000 | 33,644 | ||||||||||||
CoreCivic Incorporated |
5.00 | 10-15-2022 | 125,000 | 124,045 | ||||||||||||
Equinix Incorporated |
5.75 | 1-1-2025 | 125,000 | 130,156 | ||||||||||||
Equinix Incorporated |
5.88 | 1-15-2026 | 125,000 | 130,938 | ||||||||||||
ESH Hospitality Incorporated 144A |
5.25 | 5-1-2025 | 375,000 | 373,125 | ||||||||||||
Iron Mountain Incorporated 144A |
4.38 | 6-1-2021 | 125,000 | 124,688 | ||||||||||||
Iron Mountain Incorporated 144A |
5.25 | 3-15-2028 | 50,000 | 47,875 | ||||||||||||
Iron Mountain Incorporated 144A |
5.38 | 6-1-2026 | 100,000 | 97,000 | ||||||||||||
Iron Mountain Incorporated |
6.00 | 8-15-2023 | 267,000 | 273,675 | ||||||||||||
Sabra Health Care LP |
5.38 | 6-1-2023 | 75,000 | 75,375 | ||||||||||||
Sabra Health Care LP |
5.50 | 2-1-2021 | 130,000 | 131,869 | ||||||||||||
SBA Communications Corporation |
4.88 | 7-15-2022 | 75,000 | 75,855 | ||||||||||||
The Geo Group Incorporated |
5.13 | 4-1-2023 | 50,000 | 47,500 | ||||||||||||
The Geo Group Incorporated |
5.88 | 1-15-2022 | 135,000 | 133,988 | ||||||||||||
The Geo Group Incorporated |
5.88 | 10-15-2024 | 175,000 | 165,813 | ||||||||||||
The Geo Group Incorporated |
6.00 | 4-15-2026 | 75,000 | 69,563 | ||||||||||||
2,035,109 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Utilities: 1.84% |
||||||||||||||||
Electric Utilities: 0.20% |
| |||||||||||||||
NextEra Energy Operating Partners LP 144A |
4.25 | 9-15-2024 | 25,000 | 24,563 | ||||||||||||
NextEra Energy Operating Partners LP 144A |
4.50 | 9-15-2027 | 225,000 | 213,750 | ||||||||||||
238,313 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
18 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Portfolio of investmentsFebruary 28, 2019 (unaudited) |
Security name | Interest rate | Maturity date | Principal | Value | ||||||||||||
Gas Utilities: 0.08% |
| |||||||||||||||
AmeriGas Partners LP |
5.75 | % | 5-20-2027 | $ | 75,000 | $ | 73,500 | |||||||||
Suburban Propane Partners LP |
5.88 | 3-1-2027 | 25,000 | 23,563 | ||||||||||||
97,063 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers: 1.56% | ||||||||||||||||
NSG Holdings LLC 144A |
7.75 | 12-15-2025 | 380,994 | 407,663 | ||||||||||||
Pattern Energy Group Incorporated 144A |
5.88 | 2-1-2024 | 575,000 | 582,906 | ||||||||||||
TerraForm Global Operating LLC 144A |
6.13 | 3-1-2026 | 125,000 | 120,313 | ||||||||||||
TerraForm Power Operating LLC 144A |
4.25 | 1-31-2023 | 350,000 | 346,749 | ||||||||||||
TerraForm Power Operating LLC 144A |
5.00 | 1-31-2028 | 175,000 | 166,250 | ||||||||||||
TerraForm Power Operating LLC 144A |
6.63 | 6-15-2025 | 200,000 | 210,000 | ||||||||||||
1,833,881 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total Corporate Bonds and Notes (Cost $35,714,916) |
|
35,777,852 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Loans: 1.61% |
| |||||||||||||||
Communication Services: 0.06% |
| |||||||||||||||
Media: 0.06% |
| |||||||||||||||
Hubbard Radio LLC (1 Month LIBOR +3.50%) ± |
6.00 | 3-28-2025 | 75,000 | 74,188 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Consumer Discretionary: 0.45% |
| |||||||||||||||
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 0.45% |
| |||||||||||||||
CCM Merger Incorporated (1 Month LIBOR +2.25%) ± |
4.74 | 8-8-2021 | 44,075 | 43,833 | ||||||||||||
Montreign Operating Company LLC (3 Month LIBOR +8.25%) ± |
10.88 | 1-24-2023 | 520,967 | 484,499 | ||||||||||||
528,332 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Energy: 0.31% |
| |||||||||||||||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 0.31% |
| |||||||||||||||
Encino Acquisition Partners Holdings LLC (1 Month LIBOR +6.75%) ± |
9.24 | 10-29-2025 | 75,000 | 72,750 | ||||||||||||
EPIC Crude Services LP < |
0.00 | 2-20-2026 | 200,000 | 197,500 | ||||||||||||
Ultra Resources Incorporated (1 Month LIBOR +4.00%) ± |
6.48 | 4-12-2024 | 100,000 | 89,306 | ||||||||||||
359,556 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Financials: 0.11% |
| |||||||||||||||
Diversified Financial Services: 0.11% |
| |||||||||||||||
Resolute Investment Managers Incorporated (3 Month LIBOR +7.50%) ± |
10.24 | 4-30-2023 | 125,000 | 124,688 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Health Care: 0.11% |
| |||||||||||||||
Health Care Providers & Services: 0.01% |
| |||||||||||||||
Press Ganey Holdings Incorporated (1 Month LIBOR +6.50%) ± |
8.99 | 10-21-2024 | 11,236 | 11,185 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Health Care Technology: 0.10% |
| |||||||||||||||
Emerald Bidco Incorporated (1 Month LIBOR +2.75%) ± |
5.24 | 10-23-2023 | 123,551 | 122,676 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Industrials: 0.06% |
| |||||||||||||||
Commercial Services & Supplies: 0.06% |
| |||||||||||||||
Advantage Sales & Marketing LLC (1 Month LIBOR +6.50%) ± |
8.99 | 7-25-2022 | 91,664 | 68,774 | ||||||||||||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Portfolio of investmentsFebruary 28, 2019 (unaudited) | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | 19 |
Security name | Interest rate | Maturity date | Principal | Value | ||||||||||||
Information Technology: 0.38% |
| |||||||||||||||
IT Services: 0.38% |
| |||||||||||||||
Ancestry.com Incorporated (1 Month LIBOR +3.25%) ± |
5.75 | % | 10-19-2023 | $ | 373,528 | $ | 371,037 | |||||||||
First Data Corporation (1 Month LIBOR +2.00%) ± |
4.49 | 4-26-2024 | 75,000 | 74,885 | ||||||||||||
445,922 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Materials: 0.04% |
| |||||||||||||||
Containers & Packaging: 0.04% |
| |||||||||||||||
Reynolds Group Holdings Incorporated (1 Month LIBOR +2.75%) ± |
5.24 | 2-5-2023 | 49,873 | 49,623 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Real Estate: 0.05% |
| |||||||||||||||
Real Estate Management & Development: 0.05% |
| |||||||||||||||
Capital Automotive LP (1 Month LIBOR +6.00%) ± |
8.49 | 3-24-2025 | 61,237 | 61,033 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Utilities: 0.04% |
| |||||||||||||||
Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers: 0.04% |
| |||||||||||||||
Vistra Energy Corporation (1 Month LIBOR +2.25%) ± |
4.74 | 12-14-2023 | 49,000 | 48,918 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total Loans (Cost $1,957,520) |
|
1,894,895 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Dividend yield | Shares | |||||||||||||||
Preferred Stocks: 19.24% |
| |||||||||||||||
Communication Services: 1.21% |
| |||||||||||||||
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 1.21% |
| |||||||||||||||
AT&T Incorporated |
5.63 | 56,762 | 1,423,023 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Utilities: 18.03% |
| |||||||||||||||
Electric Utilities: 8.00% |
| |||||||||||||||
Georgia Power Company |
5.00 | 50,000 | 1,254,000 | |||||||||||||
NSTAR Electric Company |
4.78 | 13,830 | 1,414,118 | |||||||||||||
Southern Company |
5.25 | 211,000 | 5,207,480 | |||||||||||||
The Connecticut Light & Power Company |
5.28 | 10,500 | 541,364 | |||||||||||||
Union Electric Company |
4.56 | 10,000 | 1,015,000 | |||||||||||||
9,431,962 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Multi-Utilities: 10.03% |
| |||||||||||||||
CenterPoint Energy Incorporated |
1.53 | 2,000 | 104,520 | |||||||||||||
CMS Energy Corporation |
5.63 | 37,213 | 928,092 | |||||||||||||
CMS Energy Corporation |
5.88 | 150,000 | 3,780,000 | |||||||||||||
DTE Energy Company |
5.38 | 200,000 | 5,128,000 | |||||||||||||
Integrys Holding Incorporated (3 Month LIBOR +3.22%) ± |
6.00 | 75,000 | 1,887,000 | |||||||||||||
11,827,612 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total Preferred Stocks (Cost $22,643,883) |
|
22,682,597 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
20 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Portfolio of investmentsFebruary 28, 2019 (unaudited) |
Security name | Expiration date | Shares | Value | |||||||||||||
Rights: 0.01% |
| |||||||||||||||
Utilities: 0.01% |
| |||||||||||||||
Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers: 0.01% |
| |||||||||||||||
Vistra Energy Corporation |
12-31-2046 | 23,978 | $ | 17,504 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total Rights (Cost $24,970) |
|
17,504 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Interest rate | Maturity date | Principal | ||||||||||||||
Yankee Corporate Bonds and Notes: 2.68% |
| |||||||||||||||
Communication Services: 0.03% |
| |||||||||||||||
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 0.03% |
| |||||||||||||||
Intelsat Luxembourg SA |
8.13 | % | 6-1-2023 | $ | 50,000 | 41,750 | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Energy: 0.59% |
| |||||||||||||||
Energy Equipment & Services: 0.21% |
| |||||||||||||||
Ensco plc |
5.75 | 10-1-2044 | 380,000 | 244,150 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 0.38% |
| |||||||||||||||
Baytex Energy Corporation 144A |
5.13 | 6-1-2021 | 125,000 | 123,125 | ||||||||||||
Baytex Energy Corporation 144A |
5.63 | 6-1-2024 | 175,000 | 157,063 | ||||||||||||
Griffin Coal Mining Company Limited 144A(a) |
9.50 | 12-1-2016 | 61,991 | 0 | ||||||||||||
Rockpoint Gas Storage 144A |
7.00 | 3-31-2023 | 175,000 | 171,281 | ||||||||||||
451,469 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Financials: 0.75% |
| |||||||||||||||
Banks: 0.24% |
| |||||||||||||||
Intelsat Connect Finance Company 144A |
9.50 | 2-15-2023 | 50,000 | 48,375 | ||||||||||||
Nielsen Holding and Finance BV 144A |
5.00 | 2-1-2025 | 200,000 | 197,500 | ||||||||||||
Nielsen Holding and Finance BV 144A |
5.50 | 10-1-2021 | 30,000 | 30,263 | ||||||||||||
276,138 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Diversified Financial Services: 0.51% |
| |||||||||||||||
Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA |
5.50 | 8-1-2023 | 495,000 | 454,163 | ||||||||||||
Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA 144A |
8.50 | 10-15-2024 | 150,000 | 151,455 | ||||||||||||
605,618 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Health Care: 0.62% |
| |||||||||||||||
Pharmaceuticals: 0.62% |
| |||||||||||||||
Bausch Health Companies Incorporated 144A |
5.50 | 3-1-2023 | 200,000 | 199,000 | ||||||||||||
Bausch Health Companies Incorporated 144A |
5.50 | 11-1-2025 | 50,000 | 50,438 | ||||||||||||
Bausch Health Companies Incorporated 144A |
5.88 | 5-15-2023 | 180,000 | 179,100 | ||||||||||||
Bausch Health Companies Incorporated 144A |
6.13 | 4-15-2025 | 200,000 | 192,500 | ||||||||||||
Bausch Health Companies Incorporated 144A |
6.50 | 3-15-2022 | 25,000 | 25,906 | ||||||||||||
Bausch Health Companies Incorporated 144A |
7.00 | 3-15-2024 | 50,000 | 52,688 | ||||||||||||
Bausch Health Companies Incorporated 144A |
8.50 | 1-31-2027 | 25,000 | 25,891 | ||||||||||||
725,523 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Portfolio of investmentsFebruary 28, 2019 (unaudited) | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | 21 |
Security name | Interest rate | Maturity date | Principal | Value | ||||||||||||
Industrials: 0.45% |
| |||||||||||||||
Commercial Services & Supplies: 0.37% |
| |||||||||||||||
Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers Incorporated 144A |
5.38 | % | 1-15-2025 | $ | 425,000 | $ | 432,438 | |||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Electrical Equipment: 0.08% |
| |||||||||||||||
Sensata Technologies BV 144A |
5.00 | 10-1-2025 | 20,000 | 20,200 | ||||||||||||
Sensata Technologies BV 144A |
6.25 | 2-15-2026 | 74,000 | 78,070 | ||||||||||||
98,270 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Materials: 0.24% |
| |||||||||||||||
Containers & Packaging: 0.22% |
| |||||||||||||||
Ardagh Packaging Finance plc 144A |
4.63 | 5-15-2023 | 100,000 | 100,750 | ||||||||||||
Ardagh Packaging Finance plc 144A |
7.25 | 5-15-2024 | 100,000 | 104,250 | ||||||||||||
OI European Group BV 144A |
4.00 | 3-15-2023 | 50,000 | 48,875 | ||||||||||||
253,875 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Metals & Mining: 0.02% |
| |||||||||||||||
ArcelorMittal SA |
6.25 | 2-25-2022 | 25,000 | 26,777 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total Yankee Corporate Bonds and Notes (Cost $3,196,617) |
|
3,156,008 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Yield | Shares | |||||||||||||||
Short-Term Investments: 6.12% |
| |||||||||||||||
Investment Companies: 6.12% |
| |||||||||||||||
Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class (l)(u)## |
2.34 | 7,209,953 | 7,209,953 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $7,209,953) |
7,209,953 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
Total investments in securities (Cost $124,527,920) | 117.07 | % | 137,988,588 | |||||
Other assets and liabilities, net |
(17.07 | ) | (20,121,277 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total net assets | 100.00 | % | $ | 117,867,311 | ||||
|
|
|
|
144A | The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers, pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. |
%% | The security is issued on a when-issued basis. |
¥ | A payment-in-kind (PIK) security is a security in which the issuer may make interest or dividend payments in cash or additional securities. These additional securities generally have the same terms as the original holdings. |
± | Variable rate investment. The rate shown is the rate in effect at period end. |
| Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs. |
< | All or a portion of the position represents an unfunded loan commitment. The rate represents the current interest rate if the loan is partially funded. |
| Non-income-earning security |
(a) | The security is fair valued in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. |
(l) | The issuer of the security is an affiliated person of the Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940. |
(u) | The rate represents the 7-day annualized yield at period end. |
## | All or a portion of this security is segregated for when-issued securities. |
Abbreviations:
ADR | American depositary receipt |
LIBOR | London Interbank Offered Rate |
REIT | Real estate investment trust |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
22 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Portfolio of investmentsFebruary 28, 2019 (unaudited) |
Investments in Affiliates
An affiliated investment is an investment in which the Fund owns at least 5% of the outstanding voting shares of the issuer or as a result of other relationships, such as the Fund and the issuer having the same investment manager. Transactions with issuers that were either affiliates of the Fund at the beginning of the period or the end of the period were as follows:
Shares, beginning of period |
Shares purchased |
Shares sold |
Shares, end of period |
Net realized gains (losses) |
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) |
Income from affiliated securities |
Value, end of period |
% of net assets |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short-Term Investments |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Companies |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class |
16,883,118 | 23,653,852 | 33,327,017 | 7,209,953 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 75,232 | $ | 7,209,953 | 6.12 | % |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Statement of assets and liabilitiesFebruary 28, 2019 (unaudited) | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | 23 |
Assets |
||||
Investments in unaffiliated securities, at value (cost $117,317,967) |
$ | 130,778,635 | ||
Investments in affiliated securities, at value (cost $7,209,953) |
7,209,953 | |||
Foreign currency, at value (cost $1,333,744) |
1,358,272 | |||
Receivable for investments sold |
752,101 | |||
Receivable for dividends and interest |
1,208,513 | |||
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
34,177 | |||
|
|
|||
Total assets |
141,341,651 | |||
|
|
|||
Liabilities |
||||
Secured borrowing payable |
22,000,000 | |||
Dividends payable |
694,266 | |||
Payable for investments purchased |
691,490 | |||
Advisory fee payable |
63,441 | |||
Administration fee payable |
5,287 | |||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
19,856 | |||
|
|
|||
Total liabilities |
23,474,340 | |||
|
|
|||
Total net assets |
$ | 117,867,311 | ||
|
|
|||
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF |
||||
Paid-in capital |
$ | 114,571,394 | ||
Total distributable earnings |
3,295,917 | |||
|
|
|||
Total net assets |
$ | 117,867,311 | ||
|
|
|||
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE |
||||
Based on $117,867,311 divided by 9,256,878 shares issued and outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized) |
$12.73 | |||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
24 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Statement of operationssix months ended February 28, 2019 (unaudited) |
Investment income |
||||
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $30,548) |
$ | 1,709,184 | ||
Interest |
1,208,026 | |||
Income from affiliated securities |
75,232 | |||
|
|
|||
Total investment income |
2,992,442 | |||
|
|
|||
Expenses |
||||
Advisory fee |
396,440 | |||
Administration fee |
33,037 | |||
Custody and accounting fees |
19,505 | |||
Professional fees |
33,160 | |||
Shareholder report expenses |
29,260 | |||
Trustees fees and expenses |
10,728 | |||
Transfer agent fees |
35,600 | |||
Interest expense |
330,639 | |||
Other fees and expenses |
19,993 | |||
|
|
|||
Total expenses |
908,362 | |||
|
|
|||
Net investment income |
2,084,080 | |||
|
|
|||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS |
||||
Net realized losses on investments |
(1,810,640 | ) | ||
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
6,718,707 | |||
|
|
|||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
4,908,067 | |||
|
|
|||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
$ | 6,992,147 | ||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Statement of changes in net assets | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | 25 |
Six months ended February 28, 2019 (unaudited) |
Year ended August 31, 20181 |
|||||||
Operations |
||||||||
Net investment income |
$ | 2,084,080 | $ | 7,795,193 | ||||
Net realized gains (losses) on investments |
(1,810,640 | ) | 5,508,086 | |||||
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
6,718,707 | (14,710,267 | ) | |||||
|
|
|||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
6,992,147 | (1,406,988 | ) | |||||
|
|
|||||||
Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains |
(4,165,034 | ) | (8,326,250 | ) | ||||
|
|
|||||||
Capital share transactions |
||||||||
Net asset value of common shares issued under the Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan |
47,802 | 32,862 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
Total increase (decrease) in net assets |
2,874,915 | (9,700,376 | ) | |||||
|
|
|||||||
Net assets |
||||||||
Beginning of period |
114,992,396 | 124,692,772 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
End of period |
$ | 117,867,311 | $ | 114,992,396 | ||||
|
|
1 | Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the SEC prospectively eliminated the requirement to parenthetically disclose undistributed net investment income at the end of the period and permitted the aggregation of distributions, with the exception of tax basis returns of capital. Overdistributed net investment income at August 31, 2018 was $639,518. The disaggregated distributions information for the year ended August 31, 2018 is included in Note 8, Distributions to Shareholders, in the notes to the financial statements. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
26 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Statement of cash flowssix months ended February 28, 2019 (unaudited) |
Cash flows from operating activities: |
| |||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
$ | 6,992,147 | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets from operations to net cash provided by operating activities: |
| |||
Purchase of long-term securities |
(37,232,035 | ) | ||
Proceeds from the sales of long-term securities |
29,618,766 | |||
Amortization |
(18,726 | ) | ||
Purchases and sales of short-term securities, net |
9,673,165 | |||
Increase in receivable for investments sold |
(752,101 | ) | ||
Decrease in receivable for dividends and interest |
128,024 | |||
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets |
47,675 | |||
Increase in payable for investments purchased |
691,490 | |||
Decrease in advisory fee payable |
(13,155 | ) | ||
Decrease in administration fee payable |
(1,096 | ) | ||
Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities |
(28,115 | ) | ||
Litigation payments received |
39,106 | |||
Net realized losses on investments |
1,810,640 | |||
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
(6,718,707 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
4,237,078 | |||
|
|
|||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
| |||
Cash distributions paid |
(4,116,943 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(4,116,943 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Net increase in cash |
120,135 | |||
|
|
|||
Cash (including foreign currency): |
| |||
Beginning of period |
$ | 1,238,137 | ||
|
|
|||
End of period |
$ | 1,358,272 | ||
|
|
|||
Supplemental cash disclosure |
| |||
Cash paid for interest |
$ | 358,754 | ||
|
|
|||
Supplemental non-cash financing disclosure |
| |||
Reinvestment of dividends |
$ | 47,802 | ||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Financial highlights | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | 27 |
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)
Six months ended (unaudited) |
Year ended August 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$12.43 | $13.48 | $12.75 | $12.44 | $13.83 | $12.24 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
0.23 | 0.85 | 0.88 | 0.86 | 0.91 | 0.97 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
0.52 | (1.00 | ) | 0.75 | 0.35 | (1.40 | ) | 1.52 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total from investment operations |
0.75 | (0.15 | ) | 1.63 | 1.21 | (0.49 | ) | 2.49 | ||||||||||||||||
Distributions to shareholders from |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
(0.45 | ) | (0.90 | ) | (0.90 | ) | (0.90 | ) | (0.90 | ) | (0.90 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$12.73 | $12.43 | $13.48 | $12.75 | $12.44 | $13.83 | ||||||||||||||||||
Market value, end of period |
$12.93 | $12.65 | $13.34 | $12.93 | $10.89 | $12.87 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total return based on market value2 |
6.07 | % | 1.85 | % | 10.80 | % | 27.83 | % | (9.11 | )% | 14.89 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratios to average net assets (annualized) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net expenses3 |
1.63 | % | 1.42 | % | 1.24 | % | 1.19 | % | 1.19 | % | 1.11 | % | ||||||||||||
Net investment income |
3.75 | % | 6.51 | % | 6.91 | % | 6.83 | % | 6.88 | % | 7.38 | % | ||||||||||||
Supplemental data |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
23 | % | 109 | % | 73 | % | 85 | % | 61 | % | 29 | % | ||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) |
$117,867 | $114,992 | $124,693 | $117,800 | $114,848 | $127,678 | ||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings outstanding, end of period (000s omitted) |
$22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Asset coverage per $1,000 of borrowing, end of period |
$5,358 | $6,227 | $6,668 | $6,355 | $6,220 | $6,804 |
1 | Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
2 | Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock on the first day and a sale on the last day of the period reported. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed for purposes of these calculations to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Funds Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Total return does not reflect brokerage commissions that a shareholder would pay on the purchase and sale of shares. |
3 | Ratios include interest expense relating to interest associated with borrowings and/or leverage transactions as follows: |
Six months ended February 28, 2019 (unaudited) |
0.59 | % | ||
Year ended August 31, 2018 |
0.46 | % | ||
Year ended August 31, 2017 |
0.29 | % | ||
Year ended August 31, 2016 |
0.21 | % | ||
Year ended August 31, 2015 |
0.16 | % | ||
Year ended August 31, 2014 |
0.19 | % |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
28 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Notes to financial statements (unaudited) |
1. ORGANIZATION
Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund (the Fund) was organized as a statutory trust under the laws of the state of Delaware on February 4, 2004. Originally classified as non-diversified, the Fund was reclassified as a diversified closed-end management investment company in September 2014. As an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), the Fund follows the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services Investment Companies.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following significant accounting policies, which are consistently followed in the preparation of the financial statements of the Fund, are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Securities valuation
All investments are valued each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m. Eastern Time), although the Fund may deviate from this calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances.
Equity securities that are listed on a foreign or domestic exchange or market are valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last sales price. If no sale occurs on the principal exchange or market that day, a fair value price will be determined in accordance with the Funds Valuation Procedures.
The values of securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at rates provided by an independent foreign currency pricing source at a time each business day specified by the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee at Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (Funds Management).
Many securities markets and exchanges outside the U.S. close prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange and therefore may not fully reflect trading or events that occur after the close of the principal exchange in which the foreign securities are traded, but before the close of the New York Stock Exchange. If such trading or events are expected to materially affect the value of such securities, then fair value pricing procedures approved by the Board of Trustees of the Fund are applied. These procedures take into account multiple factors including movements in U.S. securities markets after foreign exchanges close. Foreign securities that are fair valued under these procedures are categorized as Level 2 and the application of these procedures may result in transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. Depending on market activity, such fair valuations may be frequent. Such fair value pricing may result in net asset values that are higher or lower than net asset values based on the last reported sales price or latest quoted bid price. On February 28, 2019, such fair value pricing was not used in pricing foreign securities.
Debt securities are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing service (e.g. taking into account various factors, including yields, maturities, or credit ratings) or, if a reliable price is not available, the quoted bid price from an independent broker-dealer.
Investments in registered open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value.
Investments which are not valued using any of the methods discussed above are valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees has established a Valuation Committee comprised of the Trustees and has delegated to it the authority to take any actions regarding the valuation of portfolio securities that the Valuation Committee deems necessary or appropriate, including determining the fair value of portfolio securities, unless the determination has been delegated to the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee. The Board of Trustees retains the authority to make or ratify any valuation decisions or approve any changes to the Valuation Procedures as it deems appropriate. On a quarterly basis, the Board of Trustees receives reports on any valuation actions taken by the Valuation Committee or the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee which may include items for ratification.
Foreign currency translation
The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at rates provided by an independent foreign currency pricing source at a time each business day specified by the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee. Purchases and sales of securities, and income and expenses are converted at the rate of exchange on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized
Notes to financial statements (unaudited) | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | 29 |
between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually paid or received. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities resulting from changes in exchange rates. The changes in net assets arising from changes in exchange rates of securities and the changes in net assets resulting from changes in market prices of securities are not separately presented. Such changes are included in net realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments.
When-issued transactions
The Fund may purchase securities on a forward commitment or when-issued basis. The Fund records a when-issued transaction on the trade date and will segregate assets in an amount at least equal in value to the Funds commitment to purchase when-issued securities. Securities purchased on a when-issued basis are marked-to-market daily and the Fund begins earning interest on the settlement date. Losses may arise due to changes in the market value of the underlying securities or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.
Loans
The Fund may invest in direct debt instruments which are interests in amounts owed to lenders by corporate or other borrowers. The loans pay interest at rates which are periodically reset by reference to a base lending rate plus a spread. Investments in loans may be in the form of participations in loans or assignments of all or a portion of loans from third parties. When the Fund purchases participations, it generally has no rights to enforce compliance with terms of the loan agreement with the borrower. As a result, the Fund assumes the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. When the Fund purchases assignments from lenders, it acquires direct rights against the borrower on the loan and may enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement. Loans may include fully funded term loans or unfunded loan commitments, which are contractual obligations for future funding.
Security transactions and income recognition
Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses are recorded on the basis of identified cost.
Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, except for certain dividends from foreign securities, which are recorded as soon as the custodian verifies the ex-dividend date. Dividend income from foreign securities is recorded net of foreign taxes withheld where recovery of such taxes is not assured.
Interest income is accrued daily and bond discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized daily. To the extent debt obligations are placed on non-accrual status, any related interest income may be reduced by writing off interest receivables when the collection of all or a portion of interest has been determined to be doubtful based on consistently applied procedures and the fair value has decreased. If the issuer subsequently resumes interest payments or when the collectability of interest is reasonably assured, the debt obligation is removed from non-accrual status.
Distributions to shareholders
Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date and paid from net investment income monthly and any net realized gains are paid at least annually. Such distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations and may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Dividend sources are estimated at the time of declaration. The tax character of distributions is determined as of the Funds fiscal year end. Therefore, a portion of the Funds distributions made prior to the Funds fiscal year end may be categorized as a tax return of capital at year end.
Federal and other taxes
The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by distributing substantially all of its investment company taxable income and any net realized capital gains (after reduction for capital loss carryforwards) sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes was required.
The Funds income and federal excise tax returns and all financial records supporting those returns for the prior three fiscal years are subject to examination by the federal and Delaware revenue authorities. Management has analyzed the Funds tax positions taken on federal, state, and foreign tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability.
30 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Notes to financial statements (unaudited) |
As of February 28, 2019, the aggregate cost of all investments for federal income tax purposes was $124,758,082 and the unrealized gains (losses) consisted of:
Gross unrealized gains |
$ | 15,166,135 | ||
Gross unrealized losses |
(1,935,629 | ) | ||
Net unrealized gains |
$ | 13,230,506 |
As of August 31, 2018, the Fund had current year deferred post-October capital losses consisting of $5,394,050 in short-term losses which was recognized on the first day of the current fiscal year.
3. FAIR VALUATION MEASUREMENTS
Fair value measurements of investments are determined within a framework that has established a fair value hierarchy based upon the various data inputs utilized in determining the value of the Funds investments. The three-level hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Funds investments are classified within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs are summarized into three broad levels as follows:
∎ | Level 1 quoted prices in active markets for identical securities |
∎ | Level 2 other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
∎ | Level 3 significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments in securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Funds assets and liabilities as of February 28, 2019:
Quoted prices (Level 1) |
Other significant observable inputs (Level 2) |
Significant (Level 3) |
Total | |||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||||||
Investments in: |
||||||||||||||||
Common stocks |
||||||||||||||||
Communication services |
$ | 15,039,658 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 15,039,658 | ||||||||
Utilities |
52,210,121 | 0 | 0 | 52,210,121 | ||||||||||||
Corporate bonds and notes |
0 | 35,777,852 | 0 | 35,777,852 | ||||||||||||
Loans |
0 | 1,015,458 | 879,437 | 1,894,895 | ||||||||||||
Preferred stocks |
||||||||||||||||
Communication services |
1,423,023 | 0 | 0 | 1,423,023 | ||||||||||||
Utilities |
16,402,092 | 4,857,482 | 0 | 21,259,574 | ||||||||||||
Rights |
||||||||||||||||
Utilities |
0 | 17,504 | 0 | 17,504 | ||||||||||||
Yankee corporate bonds and notes |
0 | 3,156,008 | 0 | 3,156,008 | ||||||||||||
Short-term investments |
||||||||||||||||
Investment companies |
7,209,953 | 0 | 0 | 7,209,953 | ||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 92,284,847 | $ | 44,824,304 | $ | 879,437 | $ | 137,988,588 |
Additional sector, industry or geographic detail is included in the Portfolio of Investments.
At February 28, 2019, the Fund had no material transfers into/out of Level 3.
Notes to financial statements (unaudited) | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | 31 |
4. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND OTHER EXPENSES
Advisory fee
Funds Management, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company (Wells Fargo) is the adviser to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee at an annual rate of 0.60% of the Funds average daily total assets. Total assets consist of net assets of the Fund plus borrowings or other leverage for investment purposes to the extent excluded in calculating net assets.
Funds Management has retained the services of certain investment subadvisers to provide daily portfolio management to the Fund. The fees for subadvisory services are borne by Funds Management. Wells Capital Management Incorporated (an affiliate of Funds Management and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo) and Crow Point Partners, LLC (which is not an affiliate of Funds Management) are each investment subadvisers to the Fund and are each entitled to receive a fee from Funds Management at an annual rate of 0.20% of the Funds average daily total assets.
Administration fee
Funds Management also serves as the administrator to the Fund, providing the Fund with a wide range of administrative services necessary to the operation of the Fund. Funds Management is entitled to receive an annual administration fee from the Fund equal to 0.05% of the Funds average daily total assets.
Interfund transactions
The Fund may purchase or sell portfolio investment securities to certain other Wells Fargo affiliates pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act and under procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The procedures have been designed to ensure that these interfund transactions, which do not incur broker commissions, are effected at current market prices. Pursuant to these procedures, the Fund had $4,887,756 and $24,656 in interfund purchases and sales, respectively, during the six months ended February 28, 2019.
5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
The Fund has authorized an unlimited number of shares with no par value. For the six months ended February 28, 2019 and year ended August 31, 2018, the Fund issued 3,864 and 2,581 shares, respectively.
Under an open-market share repurchase program (the Buyback Program), the Fund is authorized to repurchase up to 10% of its outstanding shares in open market transactions. The Funds Board of Trustees has delegated to Funds Management full discretion to administer the Buyback Program including the determination of the amount and timing of repurchases in accordance with the best interests of the Fund and subject to applicable legal limitations. During the six months ended February 28, 2019, the Fund did not repurchase any of its shares under the open-market share repurchase program.
6. BORROWINGS
The Fund has borrowed $22,000,000 through a revolving credit facility administered by a major financial institution (the Facility). The Facility has a commitment amount of $25,000,000 with no specific contract expiration date but the Facility can be terminated upon 180 days notice. The Fund is charged interest at London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 0.70% and a commitment fee of 0.30% of the average daily unutilized amount of the commitment which may be waived if the amount drawn on the Facility is over 75% of the committed amount. The financial institution holds a security interest in all the assets of the Fund as collateral for the borrowing. Based on the nature of the terms of the Facility and comparative market rates, the carrying amount of the borrowings at February 28, 2019 approximates its fair value. If measured at fair value, the borrowings would be categorized as a Level 2 under the fair value hierarchy.
During the six months ended February 28, 2019, the Fund had borrowings outstanding of $22,000,000 at an average interest rate of 3.06% and paid interest in the amount of $330,639, which represents 0.59% of its average daily net assets (on an annualized basis).
7. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding U.S. government obligations (if any) and short-term securities, for the six months ended February 28, 2019 were $37,207,004 and $29,275,411, respectively.
As of February 28, 2019, the Fund had unfunded term loan commitments of $196,000.
8. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission eliminated the requirement to separately state the components of distributions to shareholders under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Distributions to shareholders for the year ended August 31, 2018 consisted of $8,326,250 from net investment income.
32 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Notes to financial statements (unaudited) |
9. CONCENTRATION RISK
The Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in utilities companies and, therefore, would be more affected by changes in that industry than would be a fund whose investments are not heavily weighted in the industry.
10. INDEMNIFICATION
Under the Funds organizational documents, the officers and Trustees have been granted certain indemnification rights against certain liabilities that may arise out of performance of their duties to the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts with service providers that contain a variety of indemnification clauses. The Funds maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated.
11. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In August 2018, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure FrameworkChanges to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2018-13 updates the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by modifying or removing certain disclosures and adding certain new disclosures. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. Management has adopted the removal and modification of disclosures early, as permitted, and will adopt the additional new disclosures at the effective date.
In March 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-08, Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. ASU 2017-08 shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. The amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. ASU 2017-08 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of this new guidance to the financial statements.
12. SUBSEQUENT DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund declared the following distributions to common shareholders:
Declaration date | Record date | Payable date | Per share amount | |||
February 21, 2019 | March 12, 2019 | April 1, 2019 | $0.075 | |||
March 29, 2019 | April 12, 2019 | May 1, 2019 | 0.075 | |||
April 26, 2019 | May 14, 2019 | June 3, 2019 | 0.075 |
These distributions are not reflected in the accompanying financial statements.
Other information (unaudited) | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | 33 |
PROXY VOTING INFORMATION
A description of the policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, upon request, by calling 1-800-222-8222, visiting our website at wfam.com, or visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the Funds website at wfam.com or by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov.
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
On December 10, 2018, an Annual Meeting of Shareholders for the Fund was held to consider the following proposal. The results of the proposal are indicated below.
Proposal 1 Election of trustees:
Shares voted For | William R. Ebsworth | 8,474,736 | ||||
Shares voted Withhold | 284,909 | |||||
Shares voted For | Jane A. Freeman | 8,431,829 | ||||
Shares voted Withhold | 327,816 | |||||
Shares voted For | Judith M. Johnson | 8,431,202 | ||||
Shares voted Withhold | 328,443 |
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
The complete portfolio holdings for the Fund are publicly available monthly on the Funds website (wfam.com), on a one-month delayed basis. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which is available by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. In addition, the Funds Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and at regional offices in New York City, at 233 Broadway, and in Chicago, at 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900. Information about the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
34 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Other information (unaudited) |
BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The following table provides basic information about the Board of Trustees (the Trustees) and Officers of the Fund. Each of the Trustees and Officers1 listed below acts in identical capacities for each fund in the Wells Fargo family of funds, which consists of 152 mutual funds comprising the Wells Fargo Funds Trust, Wells Fargo Variable Trust, Wells Fargo Master Trust, and four closed-end funds, including the Fund (collectively the Fund Complex). The mailing address of each Trustee and Officer is 525 Market Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. The Board of Trustees is classified into three classes of which one is elected annually. Each Trustee serves a three-year term concurrent with the class from which the Trustee is elected. Each Officer serves an indefinite term.
Independent Trustees
Name and year of birth |
Position held and length of service |
Principal occupations during past five years or longer | Current other public company or investment company directorships | |||
Class I - Non-Interested Trustees to serve until 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders | ||||||
Isaiah Harris, Jr.2 (Born 1952) | Trustee, since 2009; Audit Committee Chairman, since 2019 |
Retired. Chairman of the Board of CIGNA Corporation since 2009, and Director since 2005. From 2003 to 2011, Director of Deluxe Corporation. Prior thereto, President and CEO of BellSouth Advertising and Publishing Corp. from 2005 to 2007, President and CEO of BellSouth Enterprises from 2004 to 2005 and President of BellSouth Consumer Services from 2000 to 2003. Emeritus member of the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors. Emeritus Member of the Advisory Board of Iowa State University School of Business. Advisory Board Member, Palm Harbor Academy (private school). Advisory Board Member, Child Evangelism Fellowship (non-profit). Mr. Harris is a certified public accountant (inactive status). | CIGNA Corporation | |||
David F. Larcker (Born 1950) | Trustee, since 2009 | James Irvin Miller Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Director of the Corporate Governance Research Initiative and Senior Faculty of The Rock Center for Corporate Governance since 2006. From 2005 to 2008, Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. Prior thereto, Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania from 1985 to 2005. | N/A | |||
Olivia S. Mitchell (Born 1953) | Trustee, since 2006; Nominating and Governance Committee Chairman, since 2018 | International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Professor, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania since 1993. Director of Whartons Pension Research Council and Boettner Center on Pensions & Retirement Research, and Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Previously, Cornell University Professor from 1978 to 1993. | N/A | |||
Class II - Non-Interested Trustees to serve until 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders | ||||||
William R. Ebsworth (Born 1957) | Trustee, since 2015 | Retired. From 1984 to 2013, equities analyst, portfolio manager, research director and chief investment officer at Fidelity Management and Research Company in Boston, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and retired in 2013 as Chief Investment Officer of Fidelity Strategic Advisers, Inc. where he led a team of investment professionals managing client assets. Prior thereto, Board member of Hong Kong Securities Clearing Co., Hong Kong Options Clearing Corp., the Thailand International Fund, Ltd., Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company, and Empire Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company. Audit Committee Chair and Investment Committee Chair of the Vincent Memorial Hospital Endowment (non-profit organization). Mr. Ebsworth is a CFA® charterholder. | N/A |
Other information (unaudited) | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | 35 |
Name and year of birth |
Position held and length of service |
Principal occupations during past five years or longer | Current other public company or investment company directorships | |||
Jane A. Freeman (Born 1953) | Trustee, since 2015; Chair Liaison, since 2018 |
Retired. From 2012 to 2014 and 1999 to 2008, Chief Financial Officer of Scientific Learning Corporation. From 2008 to 2012, Ms. Freeman provided consulting services related to strategic business projects. Prior to 1999, Portfolio Manager at Rockefeller & Co. and Scudder, Stevens & Clark. Board member of the Harding Loevner Funds from 1996 to 2014, serving as both Lead Independent Director and chair of the Audit Committee. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Funds Trust from 2011 to 2012 and the chair of the Audit Committee. Ms. Freeman is a Board Member of The Ruth Bancroft Garden (non-profit organization). She is also an inactive Chartered Financial Analyst. | N/A | |||
Judith M. Johnson2 (Born 1949) | Trustee, since 2008; Audit Committee Chairman, from 2009 to 2018 |
Retired. Prior thereto, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund from 1996 to 2008. Ms. Johnson is an attorney, certified public accountant and a certified managerial accountant. | N/A | |||
Class III - Non-Interested Trustees to serve until 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders | ||||||
Timothy J. Penny (Born 1951) | Trustee, since 1996; Chairman, since 2018 | President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a non-profit organization, since 2007. Member of the Board of Trustees of NorthStar Education Finance, Inc., a non-profit organization, since 2007. | N/A | |||
James G. Polisson (Born 1959) | Trustee, since 2018 | Retired. Chief Marketing Officer, Source (ETF) UK Services, Ltd, from 2015 to 2017. From 2012 to 2015, Principal of The Polisson Group, LLC, a management consulting, corporate advisory and principal investing company. Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Russell Investments, Global Exchange Traded Funds from 2010 to 2012. Managing Director of Barclays Global Investors from 1998 to 2010 and Global Chief Marketing Officer for iShares and Barclays Global Investors from 2000 to 2010. Trustee of the San Francisco Mechanics Institute, a non-profit organization, from 2013 to 2015. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Fund Trust from 2011 to 2012. Director of Barclays Global Investors Holdings Deutschland GmbH from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Polisson is an attorney and has a retired status with the Massachusetts and District of Columbia Bar Associations. | N/A | |||
Pamela Wheelock (Born 1959) | Trustee, since 2018 | Board member of the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, Rochester, Minnesota since 2019. Chief Operating Officer, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity from 2017 to 2019. Vice President of University Services, University of Minnesota from 2012 to 2016. Prior thereto, on the Board of Directors, Governance Committee and Finance Committee for the Minnesota Philanthropy Partners (Saint Paul Foundation) from 2012 to 2018, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota from 2011 to 2012, Chairman of the Board from 2009 to 2012 and Board Director from 2003 to 2015. Vice President, Leadership and Community Engagement, Bush Foundation, Saint Paul, Minnesota (a private foundation) from 2009 to 2011. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Minnesota Sports and Entertainment from 2004 to 2009 and Senior Vice President from 2002 to 2004. Executive Vice President of the Minnesota Wild Foundation from 2004 to 2008. Commissioner of Finance, State of Minnesota, from 1999 to 2002. Currently Board Chair of the Minnesota Wild Foundation since 2010. | N/A |
36 | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | Other information (unaudited) |
Officers
Name and year of birth |
Position held and length of service |
Principal occupations during past five years or longer | ||||
Andrew Owen (Born 1960) |
President, since 2017 | Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo & Company and Head of Affiliated Managers, Wells Fargo Asset Management, since 2014. In addition, Mr. Owen is currently President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2017. Prior thereto, Executive Vice President responsible for marketing, investments and product development for Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, from 2009 to 2014. | ||||
Nancy Wiser1 (Born 1967) |
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. | ||||
Alexander Kymn (Born 1973) |
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, since 2018 | Senior Company Counsel of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. since 2018 (previously Senior Counsel from 2007 to 2018). Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC from 2008 to 2014. | ||||
Michael H. Whitaker (Born 1967) |
Chief Compliance Officer, since 2016 | Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2016. Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Fidelity Investments from 2007 to 2016. | ||||
David Berardi (Born 1975) |
Assistant Treasurer, since 2009 | Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010. Manager of Fund Reporting and Control for Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2004 to 2010. | ||||
Jeremy DePalma1 (Born 1974) |
Assistant Treasurer, since 2005 | 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. |
1 | Nancy Wiser acts as Treasurer of 76 funds in the Fund Complex. Jeremy DePalma acts as Treasurer of 76 funds and Assistant Treasurer of 76 funds in the Fund Complex. |
2 | Mr. Harris became Chairman of the Audit Committee effective January 1, 2019. |
Automatic dividend reinvestment plan | Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | 37 |
AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
All common shareholders are eligible to participate in the Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the Plan). Pursuant to the Plan, unless a common shareholder is ineligible or elects otherwise, all cash dividends and capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as agent for shareholders in administering the Plan (Plan Agent), in additional common shares of the Fund. Whenever the Fund declares an ordinary income dividend or a capital gain dividend (collectively referred to as dividends) payable either in shares or in cash, nonparticipants in the Plan will receive cash, and participants in the Plan will receive the equivalent in common shares. The shares are acquired by the Plan Agent for the participants account, depending upon the circumstances described below, either (i) through receipt of additional unissued but authorized common shares from the Fund (newly issued common shares) or (ii) by purchase of outstanding common shares on the open-market (open-market purchases) on the NYSE Amex or elsewhere. If, on the payment date for any dividend or distribution, the net asset value per share of the common shares is equal to or less than the market price per common share plus estimated brokerage commissions (market premium), the Plan Agent will invest the amount of such dividend or distribution in newly issued shares on behalf of the participant. The number of newly issued common shares to be credited to the participants account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the dividend by the net asset value per share on the date the shares are issued, provided that the maximum discount from the then current market price per share on the date of issuance may not exceed 5%. If on the dividend payment date the net asset value per share is greater than the market value (market discount), the Plan Agent will invest the dividend amount in shares acquired on behalf of the participant in open-market purchases. There will be no brokerage charges with respect to shares issued directly by the Fund as a result of dividends or capital gains distributions payable either in shares or in cash. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agents open-market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends. The automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions will not relieve participants of any federal, state or local income tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld) on such dividends. All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent at P.O. Box 505000, Louisville, Kentucky 40233 or by calling 1-800-730-6001.
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ITEM 2. | CODE OF ETHICS |
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT |
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES |
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. | AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS |
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. | INVESTMENTS |
A Portfolio of Investments for Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.
ITEM 7. | DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES |
WELLS FARGO ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
WELLS FARGO COREBUILDER SHARES
WELLS FARGO FIXED INCOME FUNDS
WELLS FARGO INTERNATIONAL AND GLOBAL EQUITY FUNDS
WELLS FARGO MONEY MARKET FUNDS
WELLS FARGO MULTI-ASSET FUNDS
WELLS FARGO MUNICIPAL FIXED INCOME FUNDS
WELLS FARGO SPECIALTY FUNDS
WELLS FARGO TARGET DATE RETIREMENT FUNDS
WELLS FARGO U.S. EQUITY FUNDS
WELLS FARGO VARIABLE TRUST FUNDS
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2019
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
Scope of Policies and Procedures. These Policies and Procedures (Procedures) are used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the series of Wells Fargo Funds Trust, Wells Fargo Master Trust, Wells Fargo Variable Trust, Wells Fargo Global Dividend Opportunity Fund, Wells Fargo Income Opportunities Fund, Wells Fargo Multi-Sector Income Fund, and Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund (the Trusts) (hereafter, all series of the Trusts and all Trusts not having separate series are referred to as the Funds).
Voting Philosophy. The Funds have adopted these Procedures 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, and with the goal of maximizing value to shareholders consistent with governing laws and the investment policies of each Fund. While securities are not purchased to exercise control or to seek to effect corporate change through share ownership activism, the Funds support sound corporate governance practices within companies in which they invest.
Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (the Board) has delegated the responsibility for voting proxies relating to the Funds portfolio securities to Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (Funds Management). Funds Management has adopted the Wells Fargo Asset Management Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (the WFAM Procedures). The Board retains the authority to make or ratify any voting decisions or approve any changes to these Procedures as the Board deems appropriate. Funds Management will provide reports to the Board regarding voting matters when and as reasonably requested by the Board. The Board shall review these Procedures as often as it deems appropriate to consider whether any revisions are warranted. On an annual basis, the Board shall receive and review a report from Funds Management on the WFAM Procedures and the proxy voting process. In addition, Funds Management will provide the Board with advance notification of future proposed material changes to the WFAM Procedures.
Disclosure of Policies and Procedures. Each Fund shall disclose in its statement of additional information a description of the policies and procedures it uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in its portfolio. In addition, each Fund shall disclose in its semi- and annual reports that a description of its proxy voting policies and procedures is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-222-8222, on the Funds web site at https://www.wellsfargofunds.com/ and on the Securities and Exchange Commissions website at http://www.sec.gov.
Disclosure of Proxy Voting Record. Each Trust shall file with the Commission an annual report on Form N-PX not Later than August 31 of each year (beginning August 31, 2004), containing the Trusts proxy voting record for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30.
Each Fund shall disclose in its statement of additional information and semi- and annual reports that information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge on the Funds web site at https://www.wellsfargofunds.com/ or by accessing the Commissions web site at www.sec.gov.
Each Fund shall disclose the following information on Form N-PX for each matter relating to a portfolio security considered at any shareholder meeting held during the period covered by the report and with respect to which the Fund was entitled to vote:
1. The name of the issuer of the portfolio security;
2. The exchange ticker symbol of the portfolio security;
3. The Council of Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (CUSIP) number for the portfolio security (unless the CUSIP is not available through reasonably practicable means, in which case it will be omitted);
4. The shareholder meeting date;
5. A brief identification of the matter voted on;
6. Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder;
7. Whether the Fund cast its vote on the matter;
8. How the Fund cast its vote (e.g. for or against a proposal, or abstain; for or withhold regarding election of directors); and
9. Whether the Fund cast its vote for or against management.
Form N-PX shall be made available to Fund shareholders through the SEC web site.
ITEM 8. | PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES |
Not applicable.
ITEM 9. | PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMEENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS |
Utilities and High Income Fund
Period |
(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased |
(b) Average Price Paid per Share |
(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs |
(d) Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs |
||||||||||||
9/1/2018 to 9/30/2018 |
0 | 0.00 | 0 | 925,044 | ||||||||||||
10/1/2018 to 10/31/2018 |
0 | 0.00 | 0 | 925,044 | ||||||||||||
11/1/2018 to 11/30/2018 |
0 | 0.00 | 0 | 925,044 | ||||||||||||
12/1/2018 to 12/31/2018 |
0 | 0.00 | 0 | 925,044 | ||||||||||||
1/1/2019 to 1/31/2019 |
0 | 0.00 | 0 | 925,565 | ||||||||||||
2/1/2019 to 2/28/2019 |
0 | 0.00 | 0 | 925,565 | ||||||||||||
Total |
0 | 0.00 | 0 | 925,565 |
ITEM 10. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS |
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrants Board of Trustees that have been implemented since the registrants last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of this Item.
ITEM 11. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
(a) The President and Treasurer have concluded that the Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) provide reasonable assurances that material information relating to the registrant is made known to them by the appropriate persons, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report.
(b) There were no significant changes in the registrants internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 12. | DISCLOSURES OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES |
Not applicable.
ITEM 13. | EXHIBITS |
(a)(1) Not applicable
(a)(2) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) is filed and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CERT.
(b) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) is filed and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906CERT.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | ||
By: | /s/ Andrew Owen | |
Andrew Owen | ||
President | ||
Date: | April 26, 2019 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund | ||
By: | /s/ Andrew Owen | |
Andrew Owen | ||
President | ||
Date: | April 26, 2019 | |
By: | /s/ Nancy Wiser | |
Nancy Wiser | ||
Treasurer | ||
Date: | April 26, 2019 |