N-CSR 1 d440511dncsr.htm FORM N-CSR Form N-CSR

 

 

 

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811- 21331

Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

525 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94105

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

C. David Messman

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

525 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94105

(Name and address of agent for service)

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

Date of fiscal year end: October 31, 2012

Date of reporting period: October 31, 2012

 

 

 


ITEM 1. REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


 

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Wells Fargo Advantage

Multi-Sector Income Fund

 

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Annual Report

October 31, 2012

 

This closed-end fund is no longer offered as an initial public offering and is only offered through broker/dealers on the secondary market. A closed-end fund is not required to buy its shares back from investors upon request.

 

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Contents

 

 

 

Letter to shareholders

    2   

Performance highlights

    4   

Summary portfolio of investments

    8   

Financial statements

 

Statement of assets and liabilities

    17   

Statement of operations

    18   

Statement of changes in net assets

    19   

Statement of cash flows

    20   

Financial highlights

    21   

Notes to financial statements

    22   

Report of independent registered public accounting firm

    29   

Other information

    30   

Automatic dividend reinvestment plan

    33   

List of abbreviations

    34   

 

The views expressed and any forward-looking statements are as of October 31, 2012, 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 Advantage 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, disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any views expressed or forward-looking statements.

 

NOT FDIC INSURED  ¡  NO BANK GUARANTEE  ¡   MAY LOSE VALUE


2   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

 

 

LOGO

Karla M. Rabusch

President

Wells Fargo Advantage Funds

 

 

During the period, global fixed-income markets fluctuated between periods of risk aversion and corresponding recoveries in investor confidence that drove bond prices higher and yields lower.

 

 

 

Dear Valued Shareholder:

We are pleased to offer you this annual report for the Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund for the 12-month period that ended October 31, 2012. Upon reviewing the report, you may notice that your Fund has included a summary portfolio schedule in lieu of a complete portfolio schedule, which we hope will help you focus on your Fund’s principal holdings and assist you in evaluating your Fund’s risk profile and investment strategy. For those investors who wish to see it, the Fund’s full portfolio is still available upon request or via wellsfargoadvantagefunds.com or the web link found on the summary portfolio schedule.

During the period, global fixed-income markets fluctuated between periods of risk aversion and corresponding recoveries in investor confidence that drove bond prices higher and yields lower. On the whole, global bond markets generated positive returns during the period, benefiting from strong rallies over the final three months of the period in the corporate bond and securitized sectors. The lower-rated credit tiers and longest-maturity segments of the fixed-income markets outperformed the higher-quality and shorter-maturity segments during the period, overcoming spates of risk aversion that temporarily damaged security valuations in the spring months of 2012.

Global credit markets were roiled by the European debt crisis.

The 12-month period began on the heels of an escalating credit crisis in Europe that crescendoed in August 2011 and echoed into September 2011. October 2011 saw a modest recovery with the formal announcement of a European debt deal late in the month. These leading events set the tone for the 12-month period that began in November 2011. The prospect of a default in Greek bonds resurfaced in November 2011, stirring waves of global risk aversion that led to resurgent rallies in U.S. Treasuries with declines in the prices of riskier sovereign bonds in Europe and a sharp decline in high-yield bond prices across the globe.

Fortunately, risk aversion abated in December 2011 with a strong recovery in bond pricing that seemed to bolster investor confidence and fortified a trend of declining spreads that carried into the first two months of 2012. Most investment-grade global fixed-income markets continued to generate positive returns during these months, but were nonetheless hindered by spates of risk aversion that would routinely flare up and demand further intervention from central banks in Europe and the U.S. The global bond markets were enthralled to central bank policies in Europe—decisive policymaking would bolster markets while re-escalating crises in Greece and Spain would undercut confidence.

Improving economic trends burgeoned in the U.S. while Europe fell into recession.

The first months of 2012 saw strengthening investor confidence in the U.S. economy despite indications of a recession in Europe. The improving conditions in the U.S. led to greater confidence in the U.S. credit markets, which began to show some resistance to the credit problems of Europe. During these months, the lowest-rated credit tiers of the U.S. domestic fixed-income markets generally performed the best, while the highest-quality credit tiers and U.S. Treasuries generally declined in value as their yields began to shift higher on expectations for a strengthening economy. In Europe, trends were not as pronounced but growing confidence in the U.S. financial system did generally inspire renewed confidence in the valuations of bonds across the globe.

Unfortunately, the trends of improving credit confidence would, once again, be undermined by the woes of Europe. As Greece neared default on its sovereign debt again, politicians began to hint at the possibility of exiting the euro. By early

 


 

Letter to shareholders (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     3   

May 2012, the default crisis in Europe had escalated to a debate over the viability of the euro, amplifying the crisis to an unprecedented level of worst-case consideration. Consequently, global investors once again rallied to the U.S. Treasury market, driving long-term yields to some of their lowest levels on record. That same month, U.S. Treasuries and the highest-rated credit tiers were the best performers, while the lower-rated credit tiers of the global fixed-income markets generally performed positively but underperformed those sectors.

For several weeks it appeared that investors would continue to prefer higher-quality over riskier asset classes as long as the problems in Europe persisted. The crisis continued to deepen into July 2012, prompting the International Monetary Fund to warn European policymakers of a significant risk of deflation. Running counter to the woes in Europe, U.S. credit markets began to improve in June 2012, benefiting from consistent policy commitment by the Federal Reserve to maintain highly accommodative monetary conditions. In the U.S., the second half of June 2012 and the entire month of July 2012 saw strong performance in the lower-rated and longer-maturity segments of the fixed-income markets as U.S. credit markets tried to remain isolated from the crisis in Europe.

European markets finally followed suit in August 2012 and into September and October 2012 as the European Central Bank (ECB) calmed market fears by announcing a program of “unlimited bond-buying” support and declaring to do “whatever it takes to preserve the euro.” Perhaps the most convincing statement of all for investors was Mario Draghi, the president of the ECB, declaring that “the euro is irreversible.” Global credit markets responded strongly through the final months of the period, with the lowest-rated securities performing best, most notably high-yield corporate bonds and emerging markets debt. Thus, despite intermittent spikes in risk aversion and profound concerns in Europe, the 12-month period finished with a convincing positive trend of strong performance across the global fixed-income markets.

Recent events have not altered our message to shareholders.

The heightened volatility across the global financial markets during the final months of 2011 and much of 2012 and lingering uncertainties about the outlook going forward have left many investors questioning their resolve—and their investments. Yet, it is precisely at such times that the market may present opportunities—as well as challenges—for prudent investors. For many investors, simply building and maintaining a well-diversified1 investment plan focused on clear financial objectives is the best long-term strategy.

Thank you for choosing to invest with Wells Fargo Advantage Funds. We appreciate your confidence in us and remain committed to helping you meet your financial needs. For current information about your Fund investments, contact your investment professional, visit our website at wellsfargoadvantagefunds.com, or call us directly at 1-800-222-8222. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Karla M. Rabusch

President

Wells Fargo Advantage Funds

 

 

Despite intermittent spikes in risk aversion and profound concerns in Europe, the 12-month period finished with a convincing positive trend of strong performance across the global fixed-income markets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Diversification does not assure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses.


4   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Performance highlights (unaudited)

 

Investment objective

The Fund seeks a high level of current income consistent with limiting its overall exposure to domestic interest-rate risk.

Adviser

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Subadvisers

First International Advisors, LLC

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

Portfolio managers

Michael Bray, CFA

Christopher Y. Kauffman, CFA

Michael Lee

Niklas Nordenfelt, CFA

Anthony Norris

Alex Perrin

Janet S. Rilling, CFA, CPA

Phillip Susser

Christopher Wightman

Peter Wilson

 

Average annual total returns1 (%) as of October 31, 2012

 

     1 Year      5 Year      Since
inception
6-25-03
 

Based on market value

     19.33         11.86         7.82   

Based on net asset value (NAV) per share

     13.69         9.28         8.71   

Figures quoted represent past performance, which is no guarantee of future results and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or the sales of fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted and assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-800-222-8222.

The Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the year ended October 31, 2012, is 1.24%, which includes 0.11% of interest expense.

 

Comparison of NAV vs. market value since inception2

LOGO

 

The Fund is leveraged through a secured debt borrowing facility and may issue preferred shares. 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. Foreign investments are especially volatile and can rise or fall dramatically due to differences in the political and economic conditions of the host country. These risks are generally intensified in emerging markets. Derivatives involve additional risks including interest rate risk, credit risk, the risk of improper valuation, and the risk of non-correlation to the relevant instruments they are designed to hedge or to closely track. Bond fund values fluctuate in response to the financial condition of individual issuers, general market and economic conditions, and changes in interest rates. In general, when interest rates rise, bond fund values fall and investors may lose principal value. High-yield securities have a greater risk of default and tend to be more volatile than higher-rated debt securities. This Fund is exposed to mortgage- and asset-backed securities risk.

 

 

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 period. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed for the purposes of these calculations to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Total returns do not reflect brokerage commissions or sales charges. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.

 

2. This chart does not reflect any brokerage commissions or sales charges.


 

Performance highlights (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     5   

MANAGER’S DISCUSSION

The Fund returned 19.33% during the 12 months ended October 31, 2012, based on market value. During the same period, the Fund’s return based on NAV was 13.69%.

Strategy

At the beginning of this period, the Fund announced several changes to the investment guidelines and strategies of each of its investment allocations or “sleeves” and the Fund as a whole. The investment allocation ranges changed for the High-yield bond sleeve, International/Emerging Markets sleeve, and the Mortgage/Corporate sleeve. The International/Emerging Markets sleeve strategy was changed to permit investing in emerging market debt securities. The Mortgage/Corporate sleeve strategy was changed to permit investing in fixed-rate mortgages and investment-grade corporate bonds. These changes, combined with other strategy changes, contributed to the Fund’s performance.

Eurozone problems emanating from the euro-periphery countries continued to impact the non-core euro regions (countries outside of Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg) throughout the period, which fell back into recession as austerity programs took hold. However, with the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), European Stability Mechanism (ESM), Labor Market Training (LMT), Fiscal Compact, and single European Banking Regulation all in the pipeline and above all else the political will to keep the monetary union together, yield spreads from bonds issued by the periphery regions started to stabilize, as did the valuation of the euro. In general, riskier securities across the globe performed strongly, benefiting from continued policy interventions by the European Central Bank and the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank.

During the 12-month period, the international/emerging markets fixed-income portion of the Fund focused on income-oriented securities, specifically finding value in local developed and emerging markets with higher relative yields, yet healthy fundamental sources of cash flow. This positioning had a positive effect on the performance of the Fund as emerging markets debt and high-yield debt outperformed sovereign developed-market debt.

The high-yield asset class in the United States ironically behaved as a perceived safe-haven during a fluctuating and often uncertain economic environment, as investors swarmed into the asset class for a steady source of higher yields. High yield defaults have been low thanks to strong corporate fundamentals consisting of decent earnings, strong balance sheets with large cash positions, cheap and abundant financing, central bank policies encouraging low rates, and sustained liquidity and a manageable maturity schedule for issuers of high-yield bonds. The Fund’s exposure to U.S. high-yield corporate bonds added to returns during the quarter.

In the U.S. investment-grade markets, corporate bonds and structured products generally outperformed U.S. Treasuries during the period as spreads rallied virtually across the board. Commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) and corporate bonds, particularly in the A-rated and BBB-rated tiers, offered some of the best returns. Fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities (MBS) outperformed adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). The mortgage/corporate sleeve of the Fund continued to invest in MBS, asset-backed securities, ARMs, and corporate bonds. In general, the lower-rated segments of these sectors were the best contributors to performance during the period.

 

Ten largest holdings3 (%) as of October 31, 2012

Poland, 5.25%, 10-25-20

  2.72

Russia, 7.85%, 3-10-18

  2.48

Hungary, 6.75%, 11-24-17

  2.28

Brazil, 10.00%, 1-1-17

  2.16

Mexico, 7.25%, 12-15-16

  1.94

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings LLC, 3.75%, 10-10-14

  1.91

Sprint Capital Corporation, 6.88%, 11-15-28

  1.71

Indonesia, 7.38%, 9-15-16

  1.56

Turkey, 0.00%, 2-20-13

  1.53

South Africa, 6.50%, 2-28-41

  1.28

Contributors to performance

The international/emerging markets bond allocation benefited from positioning in the higher-yielding bond markets of Brazil, Colombia, Hungary, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Turkey, and South Africa. Positioning in euro-denominated and British sterling-denominated investment-grade and high-yield corporate debt also added to value. The Fund’s exposure to the high-yield and emerging market sectors were significant contributors to performance. Our currency allocations to the Chilean peso, Colombian peso, Korean won, Mexican peso, and Polish zloty also added value.

The U.S. high-yield bond portion of the Fund saw market forces pushing high-yield bond prices higher and yields lower. Individual credit selection in specific securities with the potential for significant price appreciation helped performance of the Fund during the period.

 

 

 

3. The ten largest holdings are calculated based on the value of the securities divided by total net assets of the Fund. Holdings are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.


6   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Performance highlights (unaudited)

 

Credit quality4 as of October 31, 2012

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Effective maturity distribution5 as of October 31, 2012

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Country allocation5 as of October 31, 2012

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The mortgage/corporate credit sleeve’s focus on A-rated and BBB-rated credits added value as lower-rated credits outperformed the higher-rated credits during the period. The Fund’s holdings in corporate bonds, CMBS, and residential MBS broadly added value during the period, as credit spreads tightened. Financial sector fixed-income securities contributed to performance.

Detractors from performance

Currency exposure to the Brazilian real, Indonesian rupiah, and South African rand detracted from performance during the period.

The U.S. high-yield bond portion of the Fund maintained a relatively conservative positioning compared with the broader U.S. high-yield market, as we anticipated challenging economic conditions. This positioning restrained performance as “riskier” bonds with either lower quality or longer maturities generally outperformed their “higher-quality” high yield counterparts.

The mortgage/corporate credit sleeve held a slightly conservative duration positioning, preferring to add incremental yield through increased credit exposure rather than increased interest-rate risk. Consequently the lower-duration positioning restrained performance when the markets rallied and the long end of the U.S. Treasury yield curve shifted significantly lower. Duration and yield-curve positioning modestly detracted from performance.

 

 

 

4. The ratings indicated are from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Service, and/or Fitch Ratings Ltd. Credit Quality Ratings: Credit quality ratings apply to underlying holdings of the Fund and not the Fund itself. Standard & Poor’s 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 & Poor’s rates the creditworthiness of short-term notes from SP-1 (highest) to SP-3 (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. Moody’s 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. Moody’s rates the creditworthiness of short-term U.S. tax-exempt municipal securities from MIG 1/VMIG 1 (highest) to SG (lowest). Moody’s rates the creditworthiness of short-term securities from P-1 (highest) to P-3 (lowest). Fitch rates the creditworthiness of bonds, ranging from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). 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 agencies that rating was utilized. Credit quality is subject to change and is calculated based on the total investments of the Fund. We generally define higher-quality (investment grade) bonds as bonds having a rating above BBB/Baa and lower-quality bonds as bonds having a rating below BBB/Baa.

 

5. Percentages are subject to change and are calculated based on the total long-term investments of the Fund.


 

Performance highlights (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     7   

Management outlook

Global market conditions continue to appear characterized by high levels of both consumer and government debt in the old, developed economies that will likely continue to hinder growth. We continue to question where sustainable growth can emerge from in the largest economies. Thus, the international/emerging markets team’s strategy continues to underweight the old, industrialized, lower-yielding economies with structural problems and overweight those economies that not only have higher yields but also have healthier, more sustainable growth, lower deficits (in some cases, surpluses), and central banks that have the ability to maneuver freely.

The high-yield team believes that the majority of U.S. companies within high yield have a sufficient cash cushion to absorb a slight recession before default risk would meaningfully increase. In the team’s view, highly accommodative monetary policy combined with strong corporate balance sheets offers a complementary backdrop of liquidity for high-yield companies to weather a slower revenue-growing environment. We feel that the outlook for high-yield markets demonstrates the potential for continued positive performance but at a more modest pace, and that high yield remains a favorable investment alternative to lower-yielding areas of the fixed-income markets, albeit with additional risk.

Within U.S. mortgages and investment-grade corporate bonds, the team believes that stable interest-rate policy should continue to preserve a comfortable environment for relatively steady bond yields to offer relatively generous compensation from corporate bonds and securitized debt. We continue to focus on the medium-quality credit tiers of A-rated and BBB-rated securities as compelling sources of yield. Approximately 50% of the mortgage/corporate sleeves’ exposure is in corporate fixed-income securities and around 40% is in fixed-rate and floating rate mortgage securities. Our credit exposure remains centered on industrials and financials, particularly in banks. We believe that continued highly accommodative monetary policy should continue to benefit the credit and securitized sectors in the upcoming 12-month period.


8   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Summary portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012

 

    

 

 

The Summary Portfolio of Investments shows the 50 largest portfolio holdings in unaffiliated issuers and any holdings exceeding 1% of the total net assets as of the report date. The remaining securities held are grouped as “Other securities” in each category. You can request a complete schedule of portfolio holdings as of the report date, free of charge, by accessing the following website:

http://a584.g.akamai.net/f/584/1326/1d/www.wellsfargoadvantagefunds.com/pdf/ann/holdings/multisectorincome.pdf or by calling Wells Fargo Advantage Funds at 1-800-222-8222. This complete schedule, filed on the Form N-CSR, is also available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.

 

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity date      Principal      Value      Percent of
net assets
 
            

Agency Securities: 3.44%

            

FHLMC

    0.61-8.50     4-1-15 to 7-25-48       $ 28,061,618       $ 14,388,160         2.01

FNMA

    0.56-12.00        1-1-16 to 5-25-42         9,161,054         9,760,504         1.37   

Other securities

            485,833         0.06   

Total Agency Securities (Cost $23,143,513)

            24,634,497         3.44   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Asset-Backed Securities: 0.14%             

Other securities

            1,003,067         0.14   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities (Cost $961,331)

            1,003,067         0.14   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Common Stocks: 0.07%

            

Consumer Discretionary: 0.00%

            
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 0.00%             

Other securities

            2,322         0.00   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services: 0.07%

            
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 0.07%             

Other securities

            517,044         0.07   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks (Cost $1,617,838)

            519,366         0.07   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Corporate Bonds and Notes: 58.85%

            

Consumer Discretionary: 13.26%

            
Auto Components: 1.20%             

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

    7.00-8.75        8-15-20 to 5-15-22         868,000         945,415         0.13   

Other securities

            7,633,532         1.07   
            8,578,947         1.20   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Diversified Consumer Services: 1.41%             

Service Corporation International

    6.75-8.00        4-1-16 to 11-15-21         3,690,000         4,241,801         0.59   

Service Corporation International

    7.50        4-1-27         3,965,000         4,222,725         0.59   

Other securities

            1,639,225         0.23   
            10,103,751         1.41   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 3.38%             

CCM Merger Incorporated 144A

    9.13        5-1-19         4,000,000         3,990,000         0.56   

DineEquity Incorporated

    9.50        10-30-18         3,475,000         3,913,719         0.55   

Greektown Superholdings

    13.00        7-1-15         4,125,000         4,429,219         0.62   

Other securities

            11,843,266         1.65   
            24,176,204         3.38   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Household Durables: 0.07%             

Other securities

            489,844         0.07   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Internet & Catalog Retail: 0.12%             

Other securities

            827,474         0.12   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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


 

Summary portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     9   

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity date      Principal      Value      Percent of
net assets
 
            
Media: 6.05%             

Gray Television Incorporated 144A

    7.50     10-1-20       $ 3,270,000       $ 3,229,125         0.45

Gray Television Incorporated

    10.50        6-29-15         5,175,000         5,592,105         0.78   

Local TV Finance LLC 144A

    9.25        6-15-15         4,775,000         4,852,594         0.68   

Other securities

            29,632,129         4.14   
            43,305,953         6.05   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Specialty Retail: 1.03%             

Other securities

            7,355,983         1.03   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consumer Staples: 0.55%

            
Food & Staples Retailing: 0.10%             

Other securities

            659,284         0.10   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Food Products: 0.34%             

Other securities

            2,445,869         0.34   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Tobacco: 0.11%             

Other securities

            798,326         0.11   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Energy: 9.59%

            
Energy Equipment & Services: 2.30%             

Other securities

            16,452,038         2.30   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 7.29%             

El Paso Corporation

    6.50-7.80        6-15-17 to 2-15-37         6,280,000         7,295,812         1.03   

Rockies Express Pipeline 144A

    3.90-7.50        4-15-15 to 4-15-40         8,563,000         7,769,310         1.09   

Sabine Pass LNG LP 144A

    6.50        11-1-20         3,720,000         3,794,400         0.53   

Sabine Pass LNG LP

    7.50        11-30-16         3,750,000         4,096,875         0.57   

Other securities

            29,187,378         4.07   
            52,143,775         7.29   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financials: 11.70%

            
Capital Markets: 1.08%             

E*TRADE Financial Corporation

    12.50        11-30-17         4,291,000         4,859,558         0.68   

Other securities

            2,886,057         0.40   
            7,745,615         1.08   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Commercial Banks: 1.27%             

Other securities

            9,084,125         1.27   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Consumer Finance: 4.97%             

GMAC LLC

    7.50        12-31-13         3,620,000         3,841,725         0.54   

JBS USA Finance Incorporated

    11.63        5-1-14         3,745,000         4,194,400         0.59   

Nielsen Finance LLC Company

    7.75        10-15-18         5,100,000         5,737,500         0.80   

Springleaf Finance Corporation

    6.90        12-15-17         4,620,000         4,065,600         0.57   

 

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


 

10   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Summary portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value      Percent of
net  assets
 
            
Consumer Finance (continued)             

Other securities

          $ 17,707,849         2.47
            35,547,074         4.97   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services: 1.94%             

Other securities

            13,904,243         1.94   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Insurance: 0.50%             

Other securities

            3,576,220         0.50   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development: 0.27%             

Other securities

            1,925,375         0.27   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
REITs: 1.67%             

Dupont Fabros Technology Incorporated

    8.50     12-15-17       $ 5,560,000         6,116,000         0.85   

Other securities

            5,797,271         0.82   
            11,913,271         1.67   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Health Care: 3.44%

            
Biotechnology: 0.11%             

Other securities

            805,466         0.11   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 0.41%             

Other securities

            2,954,036         0.41   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services: 2.28%             

Other securities

            16,288,465         2.28   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services: 0.13%             

Other securities

            896,998         0.13   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals: 0.51%             

Other securities

            3,673,381         0.51   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Industrials: 2.66%

            
Aerospace & Defense: 0.23%             

Other securities

            1,670,188         0.23   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Air Freight & Logistics: 0.21%             

Other securities

            1,527,525         0.21   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Airlines: 0.11%             

Other securities

            783,475         0.11   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies: 1.28%             

Other securities

            9,127,740         1.28   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Machinery: 0.53%             

Other securities

            3,783,414         0.53   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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


 

Summary portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     11   

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value      Percent of
net  assets
 
            
Professional Services: 0.28%             

Other securities

          $ 2,002,260         0.28
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure: 0.02%             

Other securities

            136,500         0.02   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Information Technology: 4.91%

            
Communications Equipment: 0.31%             

Other securities

            2,196,138         0.31   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Computers & Peripherals: 0.48%             

Other securities

            3,453,549         0.48   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components: 1.25%              

Jabil Circuit Incorporated

    8.25     3-15-18       $ 5,275,000         6,224,500         0.87   

Other securities

            2,695,684         0.38   
            8,920,184         1.25   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Internet Software & Services: 0.18%             

Other securities

            1,276,750         0.18   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
IT Services: 2.44%             

First Data Corporation

    11.25        3-31-16         3,720,000         3,636,300         0.51   

SunGard Data Systems Incorporated

    6.63-10.25        8-15-15 to 11-15-20         7,205,000         7,480,090         1.05   

Other securities

            6,342,188         0.88   
            17,458,578         2.44   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Software: 0.25%             

Other securities

            1,815,674         0.25   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Materials: 1.17%

            
Chemicals: 0.46%             

Other securities

            3,319,114         0.46   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Containers & Packaging: 0.30%             

Other securities

            2,164,250         0.30   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Metals & Mining: 0.09%             

Other securities

            610,353         0.09   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Paper & Forest Products: 0.32%             

Other securities

            2,273,068         0.32   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services: 7.78%

            
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 3.56%             

GCI Incorporated

    6.75-8.63        11-15-19 to 6-1-21         6,050,000         6,500,000         0.91   

Intelsat Jackson Holdings Limited

    8.50        11-1-19         850,000         954,125         0.13   

Syniverse Holdings Incorporated

    9.13        1-15-19         5,005,000         5,330,325         0.75   

Other securities

            12,712,523         1.77   
            25,496,973         3.56   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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


 

12   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Summary portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value      Percent of
net  assets
 
            
Wireless Telecommunication Services: 4.22%             

Crown Castle Towers LLC

    5.25-9.00     1-15-15 to 1-15-40       $ 2,150,000       $ 2,376,910         0.33

Sprint Nextel Corporation

    5.95-11.50        3-15-14 to 3-15-32         4,890,000         5,509,131         0.78   

Sprint Capital Corporation

    6.88        11-15-28         11,985,000         12,254,663         1.71   

Other securities

            10,058,166         1.40   
            30,198,870         4.22   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Utilities: 3.79%

  

          
Electric Utilities: 1.74%              

Mirant Mid-Atlantic LLC Series C

    10.06       12-30-28         3,614,632         4,012,242         0.56   

Other securities

            8,404,194         1.18   
            12,416,436         1.74   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Gas Utilities: 0.33%              

Other securities

            2,369,781         0.33   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders: 1.51%              

Calpine Construction Finance Corporation 144A

    7.25        10-15-17         4,433,000         4,698,980         0.66   

Other securities

            6,081,398         0.85   
            10,780,378         1.51   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Multi-Utilities: 0.21%             

Other securities

            1,531,107         0.21   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds and Notes (Cost $393,134,401)

  

          420,964,022         58.85   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Foreign Corporate Bonds and Notes @: 4.54%

  

          

Consumer Discretionary: 0.63%

  

          
Automobiles: 0.11%              

Other securities

            795,578         0.11   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 0.35%             

Other securities

            2,516,257         0.35   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Media: 0.17%             

Other securities

            1,213,261         0.17   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consumer Staples: 0.16%

            
Food & Staples Retailing: 0.16%             

Other securities

            1,105,356         0.16   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financials: 2.96%

            
Commercial Banks: 2.44%             

European Investment Bank (AUD)

    6.13        1-23-17         6,930,000         7,831,527         1.10   

KfW Bankengruppe (NZD)

    6.38        2-17-15         4,819,000         4,243,420         0.59   

Other securities

            5,376,521         0.75   
            17,451,468         2.44   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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


 

Summary portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     13   

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value      Percent of
net  assets
 
            
Consumer Finance: 0.08%             

Other securities

          $ 552,854         0.08
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services: 0.44%             

Other securities

            3,173,600         0.44   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Industrials: 0.40%

            
Building Products: 0.07%             

Other securities

            511,179         0.07   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies: 0.05%             

Other securities

            328,509         0.05   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors: 0.08%             

Other securities

            566,094         0.08   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure: 0.20%             

Other securities

            1,457,209         0.20   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Materials: 0.17%

            
Metals & Mining: 0.09%             

Other securities

            654,555         0.09   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Paper & Forest Products: 0.08%             

Other securities

            553,456         0.08   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services: 0.13%

            
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 0.13%             

Other securities

            956,517         0.13   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Utilities: 0.09%

            
Water Utilities: 0.09%             

Other securities

            639,974         0.09   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Foreign Corporate Bonds and Notes (Cost $27,583,356)

  

          32,475,867         4.54   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Foreign Government Bonds @: 27.24%             

Australia Series 22 (AUD)

    6.00     7-21-22         4,000,000         4,775,818         0.67   

Australia Series 124 (AUD)

    5.75        5-15-21         2,750,000         3,446,974         0.48   

Brazil (BRL)

    8.50        1-5-24         15,500,000         8,928,879         1.25   

Brazil (BRL)

    10.00        1-1-17         29,000,000         15,474,025         2.16   

Chile (CLP)

    5.50        8-5-20         1,700,000,000         3,831,757         0.54   

Hungary (HUF)

    6.75        11-24-17         3,520,000,000         16,281,173         2.28   

Indonesia (IDR)

    7.38        9-15-16         100,200,000,000         11,155,624         1.56   

Indonesia (IDR)

    8.25        6-15-32         29,000,000,000         3,598,983         0.50   

Malaysia (MYR)

    4.26        9-15-16         21,100,000         7,209,204         1.01   

Mexico (MXN)

    7.25        12-15-16         168,500,000         13,881,394         1.94   

New Zealand (NZD)

    6.00        12-15-17         6,705,000         6,343,583         0.89   

Poland (PLN)

    5.25        10-25-20         59,000,000         19,485,994         2.72   

Poland (PLN)

    5.75        10-25-21         19,000,000         6,486,774         0.91   

 

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


 

14   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Summary portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value      Percent of
net  assets
 
            
Foreign Government Bonds @ (continued)             

Queensland Treasury (AUD)

    6.00     3-1-22         3,600,000       $ 4,368,469         0.61

Russia (RUB)

    7.85        3-10-18         520,000,000         17,751,670         2.48   

South Africa (ZAR)

    2.60        3-31-28         66,609,696         8,761,637         1.22   

South Africa (ZAR)

    6.50        2-28-41         101,000,000         9,124,194         1.28   

Thailand (THB)

    3.25        6-16-17         216,500,000         7,104,527         0.99   

Turkey (TRY) ¤

    0.00        2-20-13         20,000,000         10,955,202         1.53   

Turkey (TRY)

    9.00        3-8-17         6,000,000         3,549,791         0.50   

Other securities

            12,315,376         1.72   

Total Foreign Government Bonds (Cost$ 188,245,522)

  

          194,831,048         27.24   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-Agency Mortgage Backed Securities: 7.85%

            

Morgan Stanley

    0.47-6.10        12-27-33 to 12-12-49       $ 14,594,052         9,909,503         1.38   

Other securities

            46,268,677         6.47   

Total Non-Agency Mortgage Backed Securities

(Cost $53,750,217)

            56,178,180         7.85   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks: 0.10%

            

Financials: 0.10%

            
Diversified Financial Services: 0.10%             

Other securities

            705,780         0.10   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks (Cost $675,000)

            705,780         0.10   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Term Loans: 19.17%

            

Barrington Broadcasting Group

    7.50        12-14-17         3,651,081         3,670,870         0.51   

CCM Merger Incorporated

    6.00        3-1-17         3,720,963         3,758,173         0.52   

Crown Castle International Corporation

    4.00        1-31-19         6,600,125         6,630,156         0.93   

Federal Mogul Corporation

    2.15        12-28-15         3,951,257         3,697,705         0.52   

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

    4.75        4-30-19         6,200,000         6,235,650         0.87   

KAR Auction Services Incorporated

    5.00        5-19-17         4,945,299         4,967,553         0.69   

Local TV Finance LLC

    4.22        5-7-15         3,045,848         3,053,462         0.43   

LPL Holdings

    4.00        3-29-19         3,756,125         3,768,633         0.53   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings LLC

    3.75        10-10-14         20,096,983         13,632,387         1.90   

Other securities

            87,694,296         12.27   

Total Term Loans (Cost $139,320,773)

            137,108,885         19.17   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Yankee Corporate Bonds and Notes: 8.31%

            

Consumer Discretionary: 0.61%

            
Diversified Consumer Services: 0.11%             

Other securities

            763,842         0.11   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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


 

Summary portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     15   

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value      Percent of
net  assets
 
            
Media: 0.50%             

Other securities

          $ 3,555,981         0.50
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consumer Staples: 0.48%

            
Beverages: 0.12%             

Other securities

            851,971         0.12   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Food Products: 0.25%             

Other securities

            1,800,000         0.25   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Tobacco: 0.11%             

Other securities

            778,326         0.11   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Energy: 1.69%

            
Energy Equipment & Services: 0.12%             

Other securities

            862,907         0.12   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 1.57%             

Ship Finance International Limited

    8.50     12-15-13       $ 3,720,000         3,724,650         0.52   

Other securities

            7,522,636         1.05   
            11,247,286         1.57   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financials: 1.57%

            
Commercial Banks: 0.85%             

Other securities

            6,062,075         0.85   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Consumer Finance: 0.50%             

Other securities

            3,568,500         0.50   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services: 0.22%             

Other securities

            1,618,410         0.22   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Industrials: 0.28%

            
Airlines: 0.07%             

Other securities

            528,750         0.07   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies: 0.09%             

Other securities

            650,149         0.09   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Road & Rail: 0.12%             

Other securities

            835,446         0.12   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Information Technology: 0.50%

            
Computers & Peripherals: 0.39%             

Other securities

            2,752,000         0.39   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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


 

16   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Summary portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value      Percent of
net  assets
 
            
Internet Software & Services: 0.11%             

Other securities

          $ 802,865         0.11
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Materials: 1.09%

            
Metals & Mining: 0.90%             

Other securities

            6,470,003         0.90   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Paper & Forest Products: 0.19%             

Other securities

            1,329,900         0.19   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services: 1.83%

            
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 1.40%             

Intelsat Luxembourg SA

    7.25-11.50     2-4-17 to 4-1-21       $ 6,400,000         6,790,502         0.95   

Other securities

            3,214,315         0.45   
            10,004,817         1.40   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services: 0.43%             

Other securities

            3,106,238         0.43   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Utilities: 0.26%

            
Electric Utilities: 0.26%             

Other securities

            1,834,625         0.26   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Yankee Corporate Bonds and Notes

(Cost $56,103,052)

            59,424,091         8.31   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
    Yield            Shares                
Short-Term Investments: 3.68%             
Investment Companies: 3.68%             

Wells Fargo Advantage Cash Investment Money Market Fund, Select Class ##(l)(u)

    0.17           26,329,441         26,329,441         3.68   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $26,329,441)

            26,329,441         3.68   
         

 

 

    

 

 

 
Total investments in securities             
(Cost $910,864,444)*             954,174,244         133.38   

Other assets and liabilities, net

            (238,806,452      (33.38
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net assets

          $ 715,367,792         100.00
         

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

144A Security that may be resold to “qualified institutional buyers” under Rule 144A or security offered pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

@ Foreign bond principal is denominated in local currency.

 

¤ Security issued in zero coupon form with no periodic interest payments.

 

(l) Investment in an affiliate

 

(u) Rate shown is the 7-day annualized yield at period end.

 

## All or a portion of this security has been segregated for when-issued securities and unfunded loans.

 

* Cost for federal income tax purposes is $915,061,017 and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) consists of:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 56,619,185   

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (17,505,958
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 39,113,227   

 

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


Statement of assets and liabilities—October 31, 2012   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     17   

 

         

Assets

 

Investments

 

In unaffiliated securities, at value (see cost below)

  $ 927,844,803   

In affiliated securities, at value (see cost below)

    26,329,441   
 

 

 

 

Total investments, at value (see cost below)

    954,174,244   

Foreign currency, at value (see cost below)

    29,146   

Receivable for investments sold

    521,250   

Principal paydown receivable

    168,232   

Receivable for interest

    13,856,573   

Unrealized gains on forward foreign currency contracts

    574,304   

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    45,533   
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    969,369,282   
 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Dividends payable

    4,205,500   

Payable for investments purchased

    18,682,091   

Unrealized losses on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    158,492   

Secured borrowing payable

    230,203,210   

Advisory fee payable

    467,662   

Due to other related parties

    42,515   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    242,020   
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    254,001,490   
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 715,367,792   
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

 

Paid-in capital

  $ 774,138,238   

Overdistributed net investment income

    (4,658,823

Accumulated net realized losses on investments

    (97,847,137

Net unrealized gains on investments

    43,735,514   
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 715,367,792   
 

 

 

 

NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE

 

Based on $715,367,792 divided by 42,055,000 shares issued and outstanding
(100,000,000 common shares authorized)

    $17.01   
 

 

 

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at cost

  $ 884,535,003   
 

 

 

 

Investments in affiliated securities, at cost

  $ 26,329,441   
 

 

 

 

Total investments, at cost

  $ 910,864,444   
 

 

 

 

Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 29,121   
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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


18   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Statement of operations—year ended October 31, 2012

 

         

Investment income

 

Interest*

  $ 57,405,044   

Dividends

    64,797   

Income from affiliated securities

    29,349   
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    57,499,190   
 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

Advisory fee

    5,046,251   

Administration fee

    458,750   

Custody and accounting fees

    127,108   

Professional fees

    60,556   

Shareholder report expenses

    137,648   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

    20,197   

Transfer agent fees

    32,406   

Interest expense

    766,156   

Secured borrowing fees

    1,808,327   

Other fees and expenses

    55,554   
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    8,512,953   
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    48,986,237   
 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS

 

Net realized gains (losses) on:

 

Unaffiliated securities

    16,149,748   

Forward foreign currency contract transactions

    (91,373
 

 

 

 

Net realized gains on investments

    16,058,375   
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on:

 

Unaffiliated securities

    18,935,375   

Forward foreign currency contract transactions

    2,356,592   
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    21,291,967   
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    37,350,342   
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 86,336,579   
 

 

 

 

* Net of foreign interest withholding taxes of

    $49,062   

 

 

 

 

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


Statement of changes in net assets   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     19   

 

     Year ended
October 31, 2012
       Year ended
October 31, 2011
 

Operations

 

Net investment income

       $ 48,986,237         $ 46,577,610   

Net realized gains on investments

         16,058,375           12,228,308   

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

         21,291,967           (28,556,729
 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

         86,336,579           30,249,189   
 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income

         (50,466,000)           (51,862,226)   
 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

         35,870,579           (21,613,037
 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net assets

 

Beginning of period

         679,497,213           701,110,250   
 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

End of period

       $ 715,367,792         $ 679,497,213   
 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Overdistributed net investment income

       $ (4,658,823      $ (2,401,847
 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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


20   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Statement of cash flows—year ended October 31, 2012

 

         

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 86,336,579   

Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

Purchase of investment securities

    (841,739,284

Proceeds from sales of investment securities

    805,642,222   

Paydowns

    18,549,009   

Amortization

    (1,439,549

Sale of short-term investment securities, net

    (2,492,130

Increase in interest receivable

    (305,657

Decrease in receivable for investments sold

    1,490,683   

Decrease in principal paydown receivable

    545,901   

Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets

    5,715   

Increase in payable for investments purchased

    17,517,562   

Increase in advisory fee payable

    20,694   

Increase in due to other related parties

    1,882   

Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities

    194,573   

Unrealized gains on unaffiliated securities

    (18,935,375

Unrealized gains on forward foreign currency contract transactions

    (2,356,592

Net realized gains on unaffiliated securities

    (16,742,403
 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

    46,293,830   
 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

Cash distributions paid

    (50,466,000

Decrease in reverse repurchase agreements

    (99,561,821

Increase in secured borrowing

    100,063,913   
 

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

    (49,963,908
 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash

    (3,670,078
 

 

 

 

Cash (including foreign currency):

 

Beginning of period

  $ 3,699,224   
 

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 29,146   
 

 

 

 

Supplemental cash disclosure

 

Cash paid for interest

  $ 797,633   
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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


Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     21   

 

(For a common share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    Year ended October 31  
     2012     2011     2010     2009     2008  

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 16.16      $ 16.67      $ 15.61      $ 13.47      $ 18.74   

Net investment income

    1.16        1.11        1.21        1.33        1.68   

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    0.89        (0.39     1.17        3.26        (5.35

Distributions to preferred shareholders from net investment income

    0.00        0.00        (0.02 )1      (0.03 )1      (0.30 )1 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    2.05        0.72        2.36        4.56        (3.97

Distributions to common shareholders from

         

Net investment income

    (1.20     (1.23     (1.30     (2.20     (1.30

Tax basis return of capital

    0.00        0.00        0.00        (0.22     0.00   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to common shareholders

    (1.20     (1.23     (1.30     (2.42     (1.30

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 17.01      $ 16.16      $ 16.67      $ 15.61      $ 13.47   

Market value, end of period

  $ 16.54      $ 14.97      $ 16.18      $ 13.73      $ 11.68   

Total return based on market value2

    19.33     0.33     28.44     44.93     (21.43 )% 

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

         

Gross expenses

    1.24     1.14     1.58     3.07     1.95

Net expenses

    1.24     1.14     1.18     1.62     1.90

Interest expense3

    0.11     0.09     0.08     0.47     0.54

Net investment income

    7.13     6.75     7.63 %4      9.65 %4      7.85 %4 

Supplemental data

         

Portfolio turnover rate

    78     35     70     93     92

Net assets of common shareholders, end of period
(000s omitted)

    $715,368        $679,497        $701,110        $656,404        $566,515   

Borrowings outstanding, end of period (000s omitted)

    $230,000        $230,000        $230,000        $230,000        $380,000   

Asset coverage per $1,000 of borrowing, end of period

    $4,110        $3,954        $4,048        $3,854        $2,491   

Liquidation value of Preferred Shares, end of period (000s omitted)

    N/A        N/A        N/A        $80,035        $80,108   

Asset coverage ratio for Preferred Shares, end of period

    N/A        N/A        N/A        385     249

 

1. Calculated based upon average common shares outstanding

 

2. Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock on the first day and sale on the last day of the period reported. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed for the purposes of these calculations to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Total return does not reflect brokerage commissions or sales charges.

 

3. Interest expense ratio relates to interest associated with borrowings and/or leverage transactions.

 

4. The net investment income ratio reflects any distributions paid to preferred shareholders.

 

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


22   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Notes to financial statements

 

1. ORGANIZATION

Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund (the “Fund”) was organized as a statutory trust under the laws of the state of Delaware on April 10, 2003 and is registered as a diversified closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The primary investment objective of the Fund is to seek a high level of current income consistent with limiting its overall exposure to domestic interest-rate risk.

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 (normally 4 p.m. Eastern Time).

Fixed income securities acquired with maturities exceeding 60 days are valued based on evaluated bid prices received from an independent pricing service which may utilize both transaction data and market information such as yield, prices of securities of comparable quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics and other market data. If valuations are not available from the independent pricing service or values received are deemed not representative of market value, values will be obtained from a broker-dealer or otherwise determined based on the Fund’s Valuation Procedures.

Equity securities that are listed on a foreign or domestic exchange, except for The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (“Nasdaq”), are valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last sales price. Securities listed on Nasdaq are valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If no NOCP is available, securities are valued at the last prior sales price. If no sales price is shown on the Nasdaq, the bid price will be used. If no sale occurs on the primary exchange or market for the security that day or if no sale occurs and no bid price is shown on Nasdaq, the prior day’s price will be deemed “stale” and fair values will be determined in accordance with the Fund’s Valuation Procedures.

Securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using the rates of exchange in effect on the day of valuation at a time specified by the Management Valuation Team of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (“Funds Management”).

Debt securities of sufficient credit quality acquired with maturities of 60 days or less generally are valued at amortized cost which approximates fair value. The amortized cost method involves valuing a security at its cost, plus accretion of discount or minus amortization of premium over the period until maturity.

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 by procedures established in good faith and approved 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 Management Valuation Team. 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 Management Valuation Team which may include items for ratification.

Valuations of fair valued securities are compared to the next actual sales price when available, or other appropriate market information to assess the continued appropriateness of the fair valuation methodology used. These securities are fair valued on a day-to-day basis, taking into consideration changes to appropriate market information and any significant changes to the input factors considered in the valuation process until there is a readily available price provided on the exchange or by an independent pricing service. Valuations received from an independent pricing service or broker quotes are periodically validated by comparisons to most recent trades and valuations provided by other independent pricing services in addition to the review of prices by the adviser and/or subadviser. Unobservable inputs used in determining fair valuations are identified based on the type of security, taking into consideration factors utilized by market participants in valuing the investment, knowledge about the issuer and the current market environment.


 

Notes to financial statements   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     23   

Foreign currency translation

The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Assets, including investment securities, and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange at a time specified by the Management Valuation Team on the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of securities, and income and expenses are converted at the rate of exchange on the respective dates of such transactions. Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually paid or received. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities resulting in changes in exchange rates.

The changes in net assets arising from changes in exchange rates and the changes in net assets resulting from changes in market prices of securities are not separately presented. Such changes are recorded with net realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments. Gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions are treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Reverse repurchase agreements

To obtain short-term financing, the Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with banks and other financial institutions, which are deemed by the investment adviser to be creditworthy. At the time the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will establish a segregated account with the custodian containing qualified assets having a value not less than the repurchase price, including accrued interest. If the counterparty to the transaction is rendered insolvent, the Fund may be delayed or limited in the repurchase of the collateral securities.

Forward foreign currency contracts

The Fund may be subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. A forward foreign currency contract is an agreement between two parties to purchase or sell a specific currency for an agreed-upon price at a future date. The Fund enters into forward foreign currency contracts to facilitate transactions in foreign-denominated securities and to attempt to minimize the risk to the Fund from adverse changes in the relationship between currencies. Forward foreign currency contracts are recorded at the forward rate and marked-to-market daily. When the contracts are closed, realized gains and losses arising from such transactions are recorded as realized gains or losses on foreign currency related transactions. The Fund could be exposed to risks if the counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of their contracts or if the value of the foreign currency changes unfavorably. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk is the unrealized gains or losses on the contracts. This risk is mitigated by having a master netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty.

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 Fund’s 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.

Term loans

The Fund may invest in term loans. The Fund begins earning interest when the loans are funded. The loans pay interest at rates which are periodically reset by reference to a base lending rate plus a spread. The Fund assumes the credit risk of the borrower and there could be potential loss to the Fund in the event of default by the borrower.

Security transactions and income recognition

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

Interest income is accrued daily and bond discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized daily based on the effective interest method. 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 become doubtful based on consistently applied procedures. 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.

Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, except for certain dividends from foreign securities, which are recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of the ex-dividend date.


 

24   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Notes to financial statements

Income from foreign securities is recorded net of foreign taxes withheld where recovery of such taxes is not assured.

Distributions to shareholders

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Such distributions are determined in conformity with federal income tax regulations, which may differ in amount or character from net investment income and realized gains recognized for purposes of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Federal and other taxes

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

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

Reclassifications are made to the Fund’s capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under federal income tax regulations. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires that certain components of net assets be adjusted to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset values per share. The primary permanent differences causing such reclassifications are due to bond premiums, certain distributions paid, consent fees, and foreign currency transactions. At October 31, 2012, as a result of permanent book-to-tax differences, the following reclassification adjustments were made on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

Paid-in capital    Overdistributed net
investment income
   Accumulated net
realized losses
on investments
$(342,689)    $(777,213)    $1,119,902

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years which began after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. However, any losses incurred are required to be utilized prior to the losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years. As a result of this ordering rule, pre-enactment capital loss carryforwards may be more likely to expire unused. Post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than be considered all short-term as under previous law. In addition, the Fund may elect to defer any portion of a post-October capital loss or qualified late-year ordinary loss to the first day of the following taxable year. A post-October capital loss is the greatest of the net capital loss, net short-term capital loss or net long-term capital loss for the portion of the taxable year after October 31. A qualified late-year ordinary loss is the net loss comprised of (a) net gain or loss from the sale or other disposition of certain capital assets for the portion of the taxable year after October 31, and (b) other ordinary income or loss for the portion of the taxable year after December 31.

As of October 31, 2012, the Fund had net capital loss carryforwards, which are available to offset future net realized capital gains, in the amount of $94,018,990 with $4,567,517 expiring in 2016 and $89,451,473 expiring in 2017.

3. FAIR VALUATION MEASUREMENTS

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

 

n  

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

 

n  

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

 

n  

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


 

Notes to financial statements   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     25   

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

As of October 31, 2012, the inputs used in valuing investments in securities, which are carried at fair value, were as follows:

 

Investments in securities   

Quoted prices

(Level 1)

    

Significant other
observable Inputs

(Level 2)

    

Significant

unobservable inputs

(Level 3)

     Total  

Agency securities

   $ 0       $ 24,634,497       $ 0       $ 24,634,497   

Asset-backed securities

     0         1,003,067         0         1,003,067   

Corporate bonds and notes

     0         420,964,022         0         420,964,022   

Equity securities

           

Common stocks

     517,044         0         2,322         519,366   

Preferred stocks

     705,780         0         0         705,780   

Foreign corporate bonds and notes

     0         32,475,867         0         32,475,867   

Foreign government bonds

     0         194,831,048         0         194,831,048   

Non-agency mortgage backed securities

     0         56,178,180         0         56,178,180   

Term loans

     0         120,269,682         16,839,203         137,108,885   

Yankee corporate bonds and notes

     0         59,424,091         0         59,424,091   

Short-term investments

           

Investment companies

     26,329,441         0         0         26,329,441   
     $ 27,552,265       $ 909,780,454       $ 16,841,525       $ 954,174,244   

As of October 31, 2012, the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s other financial instruments, which are carried at fair value, were as follows:

 

Other financial instruments   

Quoted prices

(Level 1)

    

Significant other
observable inputs

(Level 2)

    

Significant

unobservable inputs

(Level 3)

     Total  

Forward foreign currency contracts+

   $ 0       $ 415,812       $ 0       $ 415,812   

 

+ Forward foreign currency contracts are presented at the unrealized gains or losses on the instrument.

Transfers in and transfers out are recognized at the end of the reporting period. For the year ended October 31, 2012, the Fund did not have any significant transfers into/out of Level 1 or Level 2.

The following is a reconciliation of assets in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:

 

     Corporate
bonds and
notes
     Common
stocks
    

Term

loans

     Yankee
corporate
bonds
and notes
     Total  

Balance as of October 31, 2011

   $ 5,243,760       $ 0       $ 3,971,316       $ 191       $ 9,215,267   

Accrued discounts (premiums)

     2,652         0         36,542         0         39,194   

Realized gains (losses)

     (3,211      0         9,204         0         5,993   

Change in unrealized gains (losses)

     366,989         0         29,932         0         396,921   

Purchases

     0         0         14,431,847         0         14,431,847   

Sales

     (124,713      0         (5,397,811      0         (5,522,524

Transfers into Level 3

     0         2,322         3,758,173         0         3,760,495   

Transfers out of Level 3

     (5,485,477      0         0         (191      (5,485,668

Balance as of October 31, 2012

   $ 0       $ 2,322       $ 16,839,203       $ 0       $ 16,841,525   

Change in unrealized gains (losses)
relating to securities still held at
October 31, 2012

   $ 0       $ 0       $ 111,510       $ 0       $ 111,510   


 

26   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Notes to financial statements

4. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

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 0.55% of the Fund’s 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 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, is a subadviser to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee from Funds Management at an annual rate of 0.30% of the Fund’s average daily total assets. First International Advisors, LLC, an affiliate of Funds Management and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo, is also a subadviser to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee from Funds Management at an annual rate of 0.10% of the Fund’s average daily total assets.

Administration fee

Funds Management also serves as the administrator to the Fund providing the Fund with facilities, equipment and personnel. Funds Management is entitled to receive an annual administration fee of 0.05% of the Fund’s average daily total assets.

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

The Fund has authorized capital of 100,000,000 shares with no par value. For the year ended October 31, 2012 and the year ended October 31, 2011, the Fund did not issue any shares.

6. BORROWING AND LEVERAGE TRANSACTIONS

The Fund has borrowed $230 million through a secured debt financing agreement administered by a major financial institution (the “Facility”). The Facility has a commitment amount of $230 million which expires on February 25, 2013, at which point it may be renegotiated and potentially renewed for another one-year term. At October 31, 2012, the Fund had secured borrowings outstanding in the amount of $230,203,210 (including accrued interest and usage and commitment fees payable).

The Fund’s borrowing under the Facility are generally charged interest at a rate based on the rates of the commercial paper notes issued to fund the Fund’s borrowings or at the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.0%. During the year ended October 31, 2012, an effective interest rate of 0.32% was incurred on the borrowings. Interest expense of $634,043, representing 0.09% of the Fund’s average daily net assets, was incurred during the year ended October 31, 2012.

The Fund has pledged all of its assets to secure the borrowings and currently pays, on a monthly basis, a usage fee at an annual rate of 0.40% of the daily average outstanding principal amount of borrowings and a commitment fee at an annual rate of 0.40% of the product of (i) the daily average outstanding principal amount of borrowings and (ii) 1.02. Prior to February 27, 2012, both the usage fee and commitment fee were charged at an annual rate of 0.50%. The secured borrowing fees on the Statement of Operations of $1,808,327 represents the usage fee, commitment fee, and structuring fees. For the year ended October 31, 2012, the Fund paid structuring fees in the amount of $106,031.

During the year ended October 31, 2012, the Fund entered into reverse repurchase agreements that had an average daily balance outstanding of $32,222,683 with an effective annual interest rate of 0.41% and paid interest of $132,113 representing 0.02% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The maximum amount outstanding under reverse repurchase agreements during the year ended October 31, 2012 was $99,573,404 (including accrued interest).

7. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended October 31, 2012 were as follows:

 

Purchases at cost

     Sales proceeds
U.S. government    Non-U.S. government      U.S. government    Non-U.S. government
$0    $810,309,167      $181,342,011    $511,283,881

As of October 31, 2012, the Fund had unfunded term loan commitments of $14,464,777.


 

Notes to financial statements   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     27   

8. DERIVATIVE TRANSACTIONS

During the year ended October 31, 2012, the Fund entered into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for economic hedging purposes.

At October 31, 2012, the Fund had forward foreign currency contracts outstanding as follows:

Forward foreign currency contracts to buy:

 

Exchange date   Counterparty   Contracts to
receive
    U.S. value at
October, 31, 2012
    In exchange
for U.S. $
    Unrealized
gains
(losses)
 
11-9-12   State Street Bank     22,900,000  MYR    $ 7,514,046      $ 7,473,159      $ 40,887   
11-28-12   State Street Bank     41,600,000  ZAR      4,779,925        4,891,476        (111,551
11-28-12   State Street Bank     9,000,000  ZAR      1,034,118        1,030,208        3,910   
12-3-12   State Street Bank     65,000,000  THB      2,116,505        2,105,604        10,901   
12-6-12   State Street Bank     118,600,000   MXN      9,029,124        8,897,364        131,760   
12-6-12   State Street Bank     25,000,000   MXN      1,903,272        1,907,554        (4,282

Forward foreign currency contracts to sell:

 

Exchange date   Counterparty   Contracts to
deliver
  U.S. value at
October, 31, 2012
    In exchange
for U.S. $
    Unrealized
gains
(losses)
 
11-27-12   State Street Bank   12,415,000 TRY   $ 6,902,740      $ 6,864,482      $ (38,258
11-28-12   State Street Bank   142,000,000 ZAR     16,316,089        16,702,935        386,846   
12-3-12   State Street Bank   65,000,000 THB     2,116,505        2,112,104        (4,401

The Fund had average contract amounts of $51,548,659 and $28,850,391 in forward foreign currency exchange contracts to buy and forward foreign currency exchange contracts to sell, respectively, during the year ended October 31, 2012.

The fair value, realized gains or losses and change in unrealized gains or losses, if any, on derivative instruments are reflected in the appropriate financial statements.

9. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

The tax character of distributions paid was $50,466,000 and $51,862,226 of ordinary income for the years ended October 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011, respectively.

As of October 31, 2012, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Unrealized
gains
   Capital loss
carryforward
$39,538,942    $(94,018,990)

10. INDEMNIFICATION

Under the Fund’s organizational documents, the officers and directors are indemnified 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 Fund’s 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 December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU 2011-11, which amends FASB ASC Topic 210, Balance Sheet, creates new disclosure requirements which require entities to disclose both gross and net information for derivatives and other financial instruments that are either offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The disclosure requirements are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. Management is currently assessing the potential impact, in addition to expanded financial statement disclosure, that may result from adopting this ASU.


 

28   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Notes to financial statements

In May 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04 Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. ASU No. 2011-04 amends FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements, to establish common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with GAAP. The ASU is effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Adoption of the ASU will result in additional disclosures in future financial statements, as applicable.

In April 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-03 Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements. ASU No. 2011-03 amends FASB ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing, specifically the criteria required to determine whether a repurchase agreement (repo) and similar agreements should be accounted for as sales of financial assets or secured borrowings with commitments. ASU No. 2011-03 changes the assessment of effective control by focusing on the transferor’s contractual rights and obligations and removing the criterion to assess its ability to exercise those rights or honor those obligations. This could result in changes to the way entities account for certain transactions including repurchase agreements, mortgage dollar rolls and reverse repurchase agreements. The ASU will become effective on a prospective basis for new transfers and modifications to existing transactions as of the beginning of the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. Management has evaluated the impact of adopting the ASU and expects no significant changes.

12. SUBSEQUENT DISTRIBUTIONS

The Fund declared the following distributions to common shareholders:

 

Declaration Date    Record Date    Payable Date    Per Share Amount
October 26, 2012    November 15, 2012    December 3, 2012    $0.1000
November 7, 2012    December 17, 2012    January 2, 2013    $0.1000

These distributions are not reflected in the accompanying financial statements.


Report of independent registered public accounting firm   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     29   

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND SHAREHOLDERS OF WELLS FARGO ADVANTAGE MULTI-SECTOR INCOME FUND:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments and the summary portfolio of investments, of the Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund (the “Fund”), as of October 31, 2012, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the Standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2012, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, or by other appropriate auditing procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund as of October 31, 2012, the results of its operations for the year then ended, changes in its net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, its cash flows for the year then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

LOGO

Boston, Massachusetts

December 21, 2012


30   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Other information (unaudited)

 

TAX INFORMATION

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012, $31,712,834 has been designated as interest-related dividends for nonresident alien shareholders pursuant to Section 871 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Current tax law generally provides for a maximum tax rate for individual taxpayers of 15% on long-term capital gains and qualifying dividends on corporate stocks. This rate is scheduled to expire at the end of 2012. In the absence of further Congressional action, the maximum tax rate on long-term capital gains for individual taxpayers would increase to 20% and income from dividends would be taxed at the rates applicable to ordinary income.

In addition, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, absent further Congressional action, an additional 3.8% Medicare tax will be imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from a Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such person’s “modified adjusted gross income” (in the case of an individual) or “adjusted gross income” (in the case of an estate or trust) exceed certain threshold amounts.

PROXY VOTING INFORMATION

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-222-8222, visiting our website at wellsfargoadvantagefunds.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 without charge on the Fund’s website at wellsfargoadvantagefunds.com or by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov.

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

The complete portfolio holdings for the Fund are publicly available on the Fund’s website (wellsfargoadvantagefunds.com) on a monthly, 30-day or more delayed basis. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which is available without charge by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. In addition, the Fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and at regional offices in New York City, at 233 Broadway, and in Chicago, at 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900. Information about the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.


 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     31   

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The following table provides basic information about the Board of Trustees (the “Trustees”) and Officers of the Fund. Each of the Trustees and Officers listed below acts in identical capacities for the Wells Fargo Advantage family of funds, which consists of 138 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”). All of the Trustees are also Members of the Audit and Governance Committees of each Trust in 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  

Other

directorships during
past five years

Peter G. Gordon
(Born 1942)
  Trustee, since 2010; Chairman, since 2010   Co-Founder, Retired Chairman, President and CEO of Crystal Geyser Water Company. Trustee Emeritus, Colby College   Asset Allocation Trust
Isaiah Harris, Jr.
(Born 1952)
  Trustee, since 2010   Retired. Prior thereto, President and CEO of BellSouth Advertising and Publishing Corp. from 2005 to 2007. Emeritus member of the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors. Emeritus Member of the Advisory Board of Iowa State University School of Business. Mr. Harris is a certified public accountant.   CIGNA Corporation; Deluxe Corporation; Asset Allocation Trust
Judith M. Johnson
(Born 1949)
  Trustee, since 2010;
Audit Committee Chairman, since 2010
  Retired. Prior thereto, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund from 1996 to 2008. Ms. Johnson is an attorney, certified public accountant and a certified managerial accountant.   Asset Allocation Trust
Leroy Keith, Jr.
(Born 1939)
  Trustee, since 2003   Chairman, Bloc Global Services (development and construction). Trustee of the Evergreen Funds from 1983 to 2010. Former Managing Director, Almanac Capital Management (commodities firm), former Partner, Stonington Partners, Inc. (private equity fund), former Director, Obagi Medical Products Co. and former Director, Lincoln Educational Services.   Trustee, Virtus Fund Complex (consisting of 40 portfolios as of 12/31/11); Asset Allocation Trust
David F. Larcker
(Born 1950)
  Trustee, since 2010   James Irvin Miller Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Director of Corporate Governance Research Program 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.   Asset Allocation Trust
Olivia S. Mitchell
(Born 1953)
  Trustee, since 2010   International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Professor, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania since 1993. Director of Wharton’s Pension Research Council and Boettner Center on Pensions & Retirement Research, and Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research.   Asset Allocation Trust
Timothy J. Penny
(Born 1951)
  Trustee, since 2010   President and CEO of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a non-profit organization, since 2007 and Senior Fellow at the Humphrey Institute Policy Forum at the University of Minnesota since 1995. Member of the Board of Trustees of NorthStar Education Finance, Inc., a non-profit organization, since 2007.   Asset Allocation Trust


 

32   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Other information (unaudited)

Name and

year of birth

 

Position held and

length of service

  Principal occupations during past five years  

Other

directorships during
past five years

Michael S. Scofield
(Born 1943)
  Trustee, since 2003  

Served on the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and Executive Committee from 2008-2011 as well the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council from 2006-2011 and the Independent Directors Council Executive Committee from 2008-2011. Chairman of the IDC from 2008-2010. Institutional Investor (Fund Directions) Trustee of Year in 2007. Trustee of the Evergreen Funds (and its predecessors) from 1984 to 2010. Chairman of the Evergreen Funds from 2000-2010. Former Trustee of the Mentor Funds. Retired Attorney, Law Offices of Michael S. Scofield.

  Asset Allocation Trust
Donald C. Willeke
(Born 1940)
  Trustee, since 2010   Principal of the law firm of Willeke & Daniels. General Counsel of the Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund from 1984 until its consolidation into the Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association on June 30, 2010. Director, General Counsel, and Vice Chair of The Tree Trust (non-profit corporation). Director and General Counsel of The American Chestnut Foundation (non-profit corporation).   Asset Allocation Trust

Officers

 

Name and

year of birth

  Position held and
length of service
  Principal occupations during past five years    
Karla M. Rabusch
(Born 1959)
  President, since 2010   Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2003.    
Jeremy DePalma*
(Born 1974)
  Treasurer, since 2012   Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Senior Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010. Vice President, Evergreen Investment Services, Inc. from 2004 to 2007. Head of the Fund Reporting and Control Team within Fund Administration from 2005 to 2010.    
C. David Messman
(Born 1960)
  Secretary, since 2010; Chief Legal Counsel, since 2010   Senior Vice President and Secretary of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2001. Vice President and Managing Counsel of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. since 1996.    
Debra Ann Early
(Born 1964)
  Chief Compliance Officer, since 2010   Chief Compliance Officer of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2007. Chief Compliance Officer of Parnassus Investments from 2005 to 2007. Chief Financial Officer of Parnassus Investments from 2004 to 2007.    
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. Assistant Vice President of Evergreen Investment Services, Inc. from 2004 to 2008. Manager of Fund Reporting and Control for Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2004 to 2010.    

 

 

* Jeremy DePalma acts as Treasurer of 61 funds and Assistant Treasurer of 77 funds in the Fund Complex.


 

Automatic dividend reinvestment plan   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     33   

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 shares of common shares. The shares are acquired by the Plan Agent for the participant’s 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 participant’s 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 or market premium (“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 Agent’s 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 43010, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3010 or by calling 1-800-730-6001.


34   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   List of abbreviations

 

The following is a list of common abbreviations for terms and entities that may have appeared in this report.

 

ACB —  Agricultural Credit Bank
ADR —  American depositary receipt
ADS —  American depositary shares
AGC-ICC —  Assured Guaranty Corporation -       Insured Custody Certificates
AGM —  Assured Guaranty Municipal
AMBAC —  American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation
AMT —  Alternative minimum tax
AUD —  Australian dollar
BAN —  Bond anticipation notes
BHAC —  Berkshire Hathaway Assurance Corporation
BRL —  Brazilian real
CAB —  Capital appreciation bond
CAD —  Canadian dollar
CCAB —  Convertible capital appreciation bond
CDA —  Community Development Authority
CDO —  Collateralized debt obligation
CHF —  Swiss franc
COP —  Certificate of participation
CR —  Custody receipts
DKK —  Danish krone
DRIVER —  Derivative inverse tax-exempt receipts
DW&P —  Department of Water & Power
DWR —  Department of Water Resources
ECFA —  Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority
EDA —  Economic Development Authority
EDFA —  Economic Development Finance Authority
ETF —  Exchange-traded fund
EUR —  Euro
FDIC —  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
FFCB —  Federal Farm Credit Banks
FGIC —  Financial Guaranty Insurance Corporation
FGLMC —  Federal Government Loan Mortgage Corporation
FHA —  Federal Housing Administration
FHLB —  Federal Home Loan Bank
FHLMC —  Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
FICO —  The Financing Corporation
FNMA —  Federal National Mortgage Association
FSA —  Farm Service Agency
GBP —  Great British pound
GDR —  Global depositary receipt
GNMA —  Government National Mortgage Association
GO —  General obligation
HCFR —  Healthcare facilities revenue
HEFA —  Health & Educational Facilities Authority
HEFAR —  Higher education facilities authority revenue
HFA —  Housing Finance Authority
HFFA —  Health Facilities Financing Authority
HKD —  Hong Kong dollar
HUF —  Hungarian forint
IBC —  Insured bond certificate
IDA —  Industrial Development Authority
IDAG —  Industrial Development Agency
IDR —  Industrial development revenue
IEP —  Irish pound
JPY —  Japanese yen
KRW —  Republic of Korea won
LIBOR —  London Interbank Offered Rate
LIQ —  Liquidity agreement
LLC —  Limited liability company
LLP —  Limited liability partnership
LOC —  Letter of credit
LP —  Limited partnership
MBIA —  Municipal Bond Insurance Association
MFHR —  Multifamily housing revenue
MSTR —  Municipal securities trust receipts
MTN —  Medium-term note
MUD —  Municipal Utility District
MXN —  Mexican peso
MYR —  Malaysian ringgit
NATL-RE —  National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation
NOK —  Norwegian krone
NZD —  New Zealand dollar
PCFA —  Pollution Control Financing Authority
PCL —  Public Company Limited
PCR —  Pollution control revenue
PFA —  Public Finance Authority
PFFA —  Public Facilities Financing Authority
PFOTER —  Puttable floating option tax-exempt receipts
plc —  Public limited company
PLN —  Polish zloty
PUTTER —  Puttable tax-exempt receipts
R&D —  Research & development
RDA —  Redevelopment Authority
RDFA —  Redevelopment Finance Authority
REIT —  Real estate investment trust
ROC —  Reset option certificates
SAVRS —  Select auction variable rate securities
SBA —  Small Business Authority
SEK —  Swedish krona
SFHR —  Single-family housing revenue
SFMR —  Single-family mortgage revenue
SGD —  Singapore dollar
SKK —  Slovakian koruna
SPA —  Standby purchase agreement
SPDR —  Standard & Poor’s Depositary Receipts
STRIPS —  Separate trading of registered interest and       principal securities
TAN —  Tax anticipation notes
TBA —  To be announced
TIPS —  Treasury inflation-protected securities
TRAN —  Tax revenue anticipation notes
TCR —  Transferable custody receipts
TRY —  Turkish lira
TTFA —  Transportation Trust Fund Authority
TVA —  Tennessee Valley Authority
XLCA —  XL Capital Assurance
ZAR —  South African rand
 


 

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LOGO

 

LOGO

Transfer Agent, Registrar, Shareholder Servicing

Agent & Dividend Disbursing Agent

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

P.O. Box 43010

Providence, RI 02940-3010

1-800-730-6001

Website: wellsfargoadvantagefunds.com

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, is a subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company and is an affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company’s broker/dealer subsidiaries.

NOT FDIC INSURED  ¡  NO BANK GUARANTEE  ¡   MAY LOSE VALUE

© 2012 Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

LOGO     

213200 12-12

AMSI/AR143 10-12

 


ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS

As of the end of the period, October 31, 2012, Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund has adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 2 of Form N-CSR, that applies to its President and Treasurer. A copy of the code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR.

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

The Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund has determined that Judith Johnson is an audit committee financial expert, as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR. Mrs. Johnson is independent for purposes of Item 3 of Form N-CSR.

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

(a)

Audit Fees - Provided below are the aggregate fees billed for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011 and October 31, 2012 for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the Registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011 and October 31, 2012, the Audit Fees were $54,500 and $53,210, respectively.

(b)

Audit-Related Fees – There were no audit-related fees incurred for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011 and October 31, 2012 for assurance and related services by the principal accountant for the Registrant.

(c)

Tax Fees - Provided below are the aggregate fees billed for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011 and October 31, 2012 for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the Registrant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning.

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011 and October 31, 2012, the Tax Fees were $1,660 and $1,700, respectively. The incurred Tax Fees are comprised of excise tax review services.

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011 and October 31, 2012, the Tax Fees were $1,940 and $1,990, respectively. The incurred Tax Fees are comprised of tax preparation and consulting services.

(d)

All Other Fees – There were no other fees incurred for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011 and October 31, 2012.

(e)(1)

The Chairman of the Audit Committees is authorized to pre-approve: (1) audit services to Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund; (2) non-audit tax or compliance consulting or training services provided to the Fund by the independent auditors (“Auditors”) if the fees for any particular engagement are not anticipated to exceed $50,000; and (3) non-audit tax or compliance consulting or training services provided by the Auditors to the Fund’s investment adviser and its controlling entities (where pre-approval is required because the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund) if the fee to the Auditors for any particular engagement is not anticipated to exceed $50,000. For any such pre-approval sought from the Chairman, Management shall prepare a brief description of the proposed services. If the Chairman approves of such service, he or she shall sign the statement prepared by Management. Such written statement shall be presented to the full Committees at their next regularly scheduled meetings.


(e)(2)

Not Applicable.

(f)

Not Applicable.

(g)

Non-Audit Fees – There were no non-audit fees billed for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011 and October 31, 2012, by the principal accountant for services rendered to the Registrant, and rendered to the Registrant’s investment adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant.

(h)

The Registrant’s audit committee of the board of directors has determined that non-audit services rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser, that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of the Regulation S-X, does not compromise the independence of the principal accountant.

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 6. PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS


 

Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     1   

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         

Agency Securities: 3.44%

         

FHLMC

    8.50     4-1-15       $ 1,262       $ 1,228   

FHLMC

    8.50        7-1-28         108,856         133,587   

FHLMC

    8.50        3-1-30         63,871         67,233   

FHLMC Series 0196 Class A ±

    1.05        12-15-21         72,785         73,794   

FHLMC Series 1383 ±

    5.81        2-1-37             1,228,087         1,324,148   

FHLMC Series 2011 Class K16-B ±144A

    4.35        11-25-46         1,000,000         1,068,948   

FHLMC Series 2011 Class K701-B ±144A

    4.29        7-25-48         165,000         175,516   

FHLMC Series 2011 Class K702-B ±144A

    4.77        4-25-44         740,000         810,139   

FHLMC Series 2012 Class B-K705 ±144A

    4.16        9-25-44         1,000,000         1,071,380   

FHLMC Series 2012 Class K17-B ±144A

    4.35        12-25-44         500,000         530,211   

FHLMC Series 2012 Class K18-B ±144A

    4.26        1-25-45         810,000         837,043   

FHLMC Series 2012 Class K19-B ±144A

    4.04        5-25-45         1,000,000         1,022,694   

FHLMC Series 2012 Class K501-C ±144A

    3.49        11-25-46         800,000         780,990   

FHLMC Series 2012 Class K706-B ±144A

    4.02        11-25-44         500,000         532,112   

FHLMC Series 2012 Class K706-C ±144A

    4.02        11-25-44         805,000         794,732   

FHLMC Series 2012 Class K707-B ±144A

    3.88        1-25-47         930,000         973,696   

FHLMC Series 2012 Class K709-B ±144A

    3.74        4-25-45         1,000,000         1,037,679   

FHLMC Series 2012 Class K710-B ±144A

    3.82        6-25-47         1,000,000         1,040,835   

FHLMC Series 2390 Class FD ±

    0.66        12-15-31         68,531         69,028   

FHLMC Series 2411 Class F ±

    0.76        2-15-32         98,324         99,265   

FHLMC Series 2567 Class FH ±

    0.61        2-15-33         169,902         170,088   

FHLMC Series K020 Class X1 ±(c)

    1.48        5-25-22         7,000,000         758,625   

FHLMC Series K021 Class X1 ±%%(c)

    1.52        6-25-22         9,000,000         1,015,189   

FNMA ±

    2.56        5-1-36         775,802         811,825   

FNMA ±

    4.74        9-1-32         1,940,808         2,078,981   

FNMA ±

    4.84        4-1-34         2,392,749         2,526,356   

FNMA

    6.00        4-1-33         181,900         206,624   

FNMA ±

    6.39        9-1-37         1,389,014         1,524,745   

FNMA

    6.50        11-1-32         64,712         74,593   

FNMA

    7.50        7-1-17         85,475         92,840   

FNMA

    7.50        10-1-28         10,907         10,933   

FNMA

    7.50        11-1-28         160,416         174,013   

FNMA

    7.50        2-1-30         41,529         42,245   

FNMA

    7.50        9-1-30         97,119         104,609   

FNMA

    8.00        12-1-24         3,791         3,799   

FNMA

    8.00        6-1-30         32,131         32,785   

FNMA

    12.00        1-1-16         10,325         11,370   

FNMA Series 1996-46 Class FA ±

    0.72        8-25-21         44,166         44,421   

FNMA Series 2001-25 Class Z

    6.00        6-25-31         403,551         451,241   

FNMA Series 2001-35 Class F ±

    0.81        7-25-31         18,820         19,009   

FNMA Series 2001-57 Class F ±

    0.71        6-25-31         18,948         19,119   

FNMA Series 2001-T10 Class A2

    7.50        12-25-41         209,327         246,484   

FNMA Series 2002-77 Class FH ±

    0.61        12-18-32         135,715         136,485   

FNMA Series 2002-97 Class FR ±

    0.76        1-25-33         39,598         39,773   

FNMA Series 2003-W8 Class 3F2 ±

    0.56        5-25-42         952,931         954,805   

FNMA Series G91-16 Class F ±

    0.67        6-25-21         48,637         48,863   

FNMA Series G92-17 Class F ±

    1.27        3-25-22         102,683         104,586   

GNMA

    6.50        6-15-28         65,656         76,790   

GNMA

    7.25        7-15-17         22,718         25,035   

GNMA

    7.25        8-15-17         49,131         54,304   


 

2   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         
Agency Securities (continued)          

GNMA

    7.25     8-15-17       $     25,427       $ 28,026   

GNMA

    7.25        8-15-17         13,207         14,639   

GNMA

    7.25        9-15-17         37,082         41,133   

GNMA

    7.25        10-15-17         69,504         76,789   

GNMA

    7.25        10-15-17         39,939         44,046   

GNMA

    7.25        11-15-17         31,839         35,001   

GNMA

    7.25        1-15-18         11,511         12,728   

GNMA

    7.25        1-15-18         27,321         30,543   

GNMA

    7.25        2-15-18         27,873         30,907   

GNMA

    7.25        5-15-18         14,514         15,892   

Total Agency Securities (Cost $23,143,513)

            24,634,497   
         

 

 

 

Asset-Backed Securities: 0.14%

         

Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities Series 2006 Class 1A2 ±

    0.43        12-25-35         250,629         246,490   

CVS Pass-Through Trust Series T

    6.04        12-10-28         634,861         756,577   

Total Asset-Backed Securities (Cost $961,331)

            1,003,067   
         

 

 

 
                 Shares         

Common Stocks: 0.07%

         
Consumer Discretionary: 0.00%          
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 0.00%          

Trump Entertainment Resorts Incorporated †(i)

         1,161         2,322   
         

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services: 0.07%

         
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 0.07%          

Fairpoint Communications Incorporated †

         70,442         517,044   
         

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks (Cost $1,617,838)

            519,366   
         

 

 

 
                 Principal         

Corporate Bonds and Notes: 58.85%

         
Consumer Discretionary: 13.26%          
Auto Components: 1.20%          

Allison Transmission Incorporated 144A

    7.13        5-15-19       $   3,050,000         3,244,438   

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

    7.63        3-15-27         1,895,000         1,930,531   

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

    8.00        12-15-19         450,000         504,563   

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

    7.00        5-15-22         400,000         419,500   

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

    8.75        8-15-20         468,000         525,915   

Penske Automotive Group Incorporated 144A

    5.75        10-1-22         140,000         142,625   

United Rentals Financing Escrow Corporation 144A

    5.75        7-15-18         1,685,000         1,811,375   
            8,578,947   
         

 

 

 
Diversified Consumer Services: 1.41%          

Service Corporation International

    6.75        4-1-16         475,000         528,438   

Service Corporation International

    7.00        6-15-17         1,410,000         1,614,450   

Service Corporation International

    7.00        5-15-19         650,000         711,750   

Service Corporation International

    7.50        4-1-27         3,965,000         4,222,725   

Service Corporation International

    7.63        10-1-18         680,000         804,100   

Service Corporation International

    8.00        11-15-21         475,000         583,063   

Sotheby’s 144A

    5.25        10-1-22         1,615,000         1,639,225   
            10,103,751   
         

 

 

 


 

Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     3   

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 3.38%          

Ameristar Casinos Incorporated

    7.50     4-15-21       $     2,150,000       $ 2,300,500   

Burger King Corporation

    9.88        10-15-18         850,000         983,875   

CCM Merger Incorporated 144A

    9.13        5-1-19         4,000,000         3,990,000   

CityCenter Holdings LLC

    7.63        1-15-16         175,000         186,813   

CityCenter Holdings LLC 144A

    7.63        1-15-16         425,000         452,625   

CityCenter Holdings LLC ¥

    10.75        1-15-17         1,811,822         1,916,002   

DineEquity Incorporated

    9.50        10-30-18         3,475,000         3,913,719   

Greektown Superholdings Incorporated Series A

    13.00        7-1-15         4,125,000         4,429,219   

NAI Entertainment Holdings LLC 144A

    8.25        12-15-17         1,620,000         1,802,250   

Penn National Gaming Incorporated

    8.75        8-15-19         250,000         279,375   

Ruby Tuesday Incorporated 144A

    7.63        5-15-20         2,200,000         2,087,250   

Scientific Games Corporation

    9.25        6-15-19         485,000         539,563   

Speedway Motorsports Incorporated

    6.75        2-1-19         225,000         239,063   

Speedway Motorsports Incorporated

    8.75        6-1-16         980,000         1,055,950   
            24,176,204   
         

 

 

 
Household Durables: 0.07%          

American Greetings Corporation

    7.38        12-1-21         475,000         489,844   
         

 

 

 
Internet & Catalog Retail: 0.12%          

Expedia Incorporated

    5.95        8-15-20         750,000         827,474   
         

 

 

 
Media: 6.05%          

Cablevision Systems Corporation

    8.63        9-15-17         1,310,000         1,529,425   

CBS Corporation

    8.88        5-15-19         750,000         1,031,526   

CCH II Capital LLC

    13.50        11-30-16         3,077,815         3,308,651   

CCO Holdings LLC

    6.50        4-30-21         900,000         956,250   

CCO Holdings LLC

    7.00        1-15-19         500,000         537,500   

CCO Holdings LLC

    8.13        4-30-20         450,000         506,250   

Cinemark USA Incorporated

    7.38        6-15-21         775,000         854,438   

Cinemark USA Incorporated

    8.63        6-15-19         350,000         387,625   

CSC Holdings LLC

    7.63        7-15-18         325,000         376,188   

CSC Holdings LLC

    7.88        2-15-18         1,100,000         1,276,000   

CSC Holdings LLC

    8.50        4-15-14         400,000         438,500   

DIRECTV Holdings LLC

    3.80        3-15-22         750,000         780,703   

DISH DBS Corporation

    7.88        9-1-19         480,000         562,800   

EchoStar DBS Corporation

    7.13        2-1-16         125,000         139,688   

EchoStar DBS Corporation

    7.75        5-31-15         350,000         393,750   

Gray Television Incorporated 144A

    7.50        10-1-20         3,270,000         3,229,125   

Gray Television Incorporated

    10.50        6-29-15         5,175,000         5,592,105   

Interpublic Group of Companies

    4.00        3-15-22         750,000         785,919   

Lamar Media Corporation

    5.88        2-1-22         650,000         689,000   

Lamar Media Corporation

    7.88        4-15-18         2,250,000         2,475,000   

Lamar Media Corporation Series C

    9.75        4-1-14         500,000         555,000   

LIN Television Corporation 144A

    6.38        1-15-21         275,000         278,438   

LIN Television Corporation

    8.38        4-15-18         1,625,000         1,755,000   

Local TV Finance LLC 144A

    9.25        6-15-15         4,775,000         4,852,594   

National CineMedia LLC 144A

    6.00        4-15-22         1,860,000         1,962,300   

National CineMedia LLC

    7.88        7-15-21         650,000         710,125   

Nexstar Broadcasting Incorporated 144A%%

    6.88        11-15-20         1,000,000         1,002,500   

Regal Cinemas Corporation

    8.63        7-15-19         2,650,000         2,915,000   

Salem Communications Corporation

    9.63        12-15-16         2,329,000         2,591,013   

Time Warner Cable Incorporated

    4.00        1-15-22         750,000         833,540   
            43,305,953   
         

 

 

 


 

4   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         
Specialty Retail: 1.03%          

Advance Auto Parts Incorporated

    4.50     1-15-22       $ 600,000       $ 647,263   

Gap Incorporated

    5.95        4-12-21         600,000         681,311   

Limited Brands Incorporated

    6.63        4-1-21         800,000         915,001   

Macys Retail Holdings Incorporated

    3.88        1-15-22         600,000         658,789   

RadioShack Corporation

    6.75        5-15-19         1,950,000         1,218,750   

Rent-A-Center Incorporated

    6.63        11-15-20         375,000         405,469   

Toys “R” Us Property Company I LLC

    10.75        7-15-17         725,000         783,906   

Toys “R” Us Property Company II LLC

    8.50        12-1-17         1,905,000         2,045,494   
            7,355,983   
         

 

 

 

Consumer Staples: 0.55%

         
Food & Staples Retailing: 0.10%          

SABMiller Holdings Incorporated 144A

    3.75        1-15-22         600,000         659,284   
         

 

 

 
Food Products: 0.34%          

Dole Food Company Incorporated

    13.88        3-15-14         1,452,000         1,633,500   

Kraft Foods Incorporated 144A

    3.50        6-6-22         750,000         812,369   
            2,445,869   
         

 

 

 
Tobacco: 0.11%          

Lorillard Tobacco Company

    6.88        5-1-20         650,000         798,326   
         

 

 

 

Energy: 9.59%

         
Energy Equipment & Services: 2.30%          

Dresser Rand Group Incorporated

    6.50        5-1-21         925,000         971,250   

Gulfmark Offshore Incorporated 144A

    6.38        3-15-22         2,250,000         2,345,625   

Hornbeck Offshore Services Incorporated Series B

    8.00        9-1-17         2,230,000         2,386,100   

NGPL PipeCo LLC 144A

    7.12        12-15-17         375,000         402,188   

NGPL PipeCo LLC 144A

    7.77        12-15-37         2,700,000         2,774,250   

NGPL PipeCo LLC 144A

    9.63        6-1-19         3,155,000         3,628,250   

Oil States International Incorporated

    6.50        6-1-19         1,230,000         1,306,875   

PHI Incorporated

    8.63        10-15-18         2,500,000         2,637,500   
            16,452,038   
         

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 7.29%          

Coffeyville Resources LLC 144A

    10.88        4-1-17         1,350,000         1,491,750   

Crestwood Midstream Part Company

    7.75        4-1-19         675,000         690,188   

CVR Refining LLC 144A

    6.50        11-1-22         1,675,000         1,641,500   

Denbury Resources Incorporated

    6.38        8-15-21         50,000         54,750   

Denbury Resources Incorporated

    8.25        2-15-20         1,010,000         1,143,825   

El Paso Corporation

    6.50        4-1-20         750,000         917,663   

El Paso Corporation

    6.50        9-15-20         445,000         501,843   

El Paso Corporation

    7.00        6-15-17         850,000         970,806   

El Paso Corporation

    7.25        6-1-18         1,585,000         1,829,355   

El Paso Corporation

    7.42        2-15-37         800,000         878,523   

El Paso Corporation

    7.80        8-1-31         1,850,000         2,197,622   

Encore Acquisition Company

    9.50        5-1-16         375,000         404,063   

Energy Transfer Equity LP

    7.50        10-15-20         3,100,000         3,526,250   


 

Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     5   

      

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)          

Energy Transfer Partners LP

    5.20     2-1-22       $ 750,000       $ 860,178   

Ferrellgas Finance Corporation

    9.13        10-1-17             2,450,000         2,621,500   

Holly Corporation

    9.88        6-15-17         1,895,000         2,065,550   

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP

    3.95        9-1-22         750,000         818,818   

Nabors Industries Incorporated

    4.63        9-15-21         750,000         824,092   

Petrohawk Energy Corporation

    7.88        6-1-15         790,000         823,518   

Petrohawk Energy Corporation

    10.50        8-1-14         495,000         533,363   

Phillips 66 144A

    4.30        4-1-22         625,000         702,147   

Pioneer Natural Resources Company

    3.95        7-15-22         750,000         801,962   

Pioneer Natural Resources Company

    7.50        1-15-20         1,220,000         1,562,075   

Rockies Express Pipeline LLC 144A

    3.90        4-15-15         2,000,000         1,980,000   

Rockies Express Pipeline LLC 144A

    5.63        4-15-20         400,000         381,000   

Rockies Express Pipeline LLC 144A

    6.88        4-15-40         5,388,000         4,687,560   

Rockies Express Pipeline LLC 144A

    7.50        7-15-38         775,000         720,750   

Plains Exploration & Production Company

    8.63        10-15-19         2,885,000         3,180,713   

Sabine Pass LNG LP 144A

    6.50        11-1-20         3,720,000         3,794,400   

Sabine Pass LNG LP

    7.50        11-30-16         3,750,000         4,096,875   

Suburban Propane Partners LP

    7.38        3-15-20         275,000         291,500   

Suburban Propane Partners LP 144A

    7.38        8-1-21         420,000         449,400   

Suburban Propane Partners LP 144A

    7.50        10-1-18         422,000         453,650   

Susser Holdings LLC

    8.50        5-15-16         975,000         1,043,250   

Tesoro Corporation

    9.75        6-1-19         945,000         1,087,931   

Weatherford International Incorporated

    6.35        6-15-17         650,000         759,133   

Western Gas Partners LP

    5.38        6-1-21         503,000         579,552   

Williams Partners LP

    3.35        8-15-22         750,000         776,720   
            52,143,775   
         

 

 

 

Financials: 11.70%

         
Capital Markets: 1.08%          

Ace Securities Corporation ±

    0.61        8-25-45         386,362         374,711   

Ace Securities Corporation ±

    2.84        6-25-33         713,357         683,552   

E*TRADE Financial Corporation

    12.50        11-30-17         4,291,000         4,859,558   

Goldman Sachs Group Incorporated

    5.75        1-24-22         750,000         869,894   

Oppenheimer Holdings Incorporated

    8.75        4-15-18         930,000         957,900   
            7,745,615   
         

 

 

 
Commercial Banks: 1.27%          

CIT Group Incorporated 144A

    4.75        2-15-15         1,475,000         1,526,625   

CIT Group Incorporated

    5.00        5-15-17         250,000         263,450   

CIT Group Incorporated 144A

    5.25        4-1-14         750,000         778,125   

CIT Group Incorporated

    5.25        3-15-18         500,000         531,250   

CIT Group Incorporated 144A

    5.50        2-15-19         1,275,000         1,359,469   

CIT Group Incorporated 144A

    6.63        4-1-18         550,000         613,250   

City National Bank

    5.38        7-15-22         500,000         540,220   

Emigrant Bancorp Incorporated 144A(i)

    6.25        6-15-14         2,925,000         2,715,295   

HSBC Bank USA

    6.00        8-9-17         650,000         756,441   
            9,084,125   
         

 

 

 


 

6   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012

      

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         
Consumer Finance: 4.97%          

Ally Financial Incorporated

    5.50     2-15-17       $     750,000       $ 793,359   

Ally Financial Incorporated

    8.30        2-12-15         2,055,000         2,302,114   

American General Finance Corporation

    5.40        12-1-15         1,625,000         1,519,375   

American General Finance Corporation

    5.75        9-15-16         1,100,000         981,750   

American General Finance Corporation

    6.50        9-15-17         200,000         177,124   

Clearwire Communications Finance Corporation 144A

    12.00        12-1-15         940,000         996,400   

Clearwire Communications Finance Corporation 144A

    12.00        12-1-15         1,450,000         1,544,250   

Ford Motor Credit Company LLC

    5.00        5-15-18         650,000         716,665   

Ford Motor Credit Company LLC

    8.00        12-15-16         250,000         302,660   

General Motors Financial Company Incorporated 144A

    4.75        8-15-17         275,000         281,437   

General Motors Financial Company Incorporated

    6.75        6-1-18         1,150,000         1,274,412   

GMAC LLC

    6.75        12-1-14         1,298,000         1,398,595   

GMAC LLC

    7.50        12-31-13         3,620,000         3,841,725   

Homer City Funding LLC (s)

    8.73        10-1-26         1,207,176         1,321,858   

International Lease Finance Corporation

    6.38        3-25-13         460,000         468,050   

International Lease Finance Corporation 144A

    6.75        9-1-16         100,000         113,000   

International Lease Finance Corporation 144A

    7.13        9-1-18         75,000         88,125   

International Lease Finance Corporation

    8.63        9-15-15         900,000         1,013,400   

JBS USA Finance Incorporated

    11.63        5-1-14         3,745,000         4,194,400   

Level 3 Financing Incorporated

    10.00        2-1-18         2,010,000         2,241,150   

Nielsen Finance LLC Company 144A

    4.50        10-1-20         175,000         174,125   

Nielsen Finance LLC Company

    7.75        10-15-18         5,100,000         5,737,500   

Springleaf Finance Corporation

    6.90        12-15-17         4,620,000         4,065,600   
            35,547,074   
         

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services: 1.94%          

Bank of America Corporation

    3.70        9-1-15         650,000         689,676   

Bank of America Corporation

    5.70        1-24-22         250,000         297,171   

Blackstone Holdings Finance Company LLC 144A

    5.88        3-15-21         750,000         836,755   

Citigroup Incorporated

    4.50        1-14-22         250,000         275,735   

Citigroup Incorporated

    6.00        8-15-17         650,000         764,837   

Discover Financial Services 144A

    5.20        4-27-22         750,000         846,404   

Fidelity National Information Services Incorporated

    5.00        3-15-22         275,000         280,500   

General Electric Capital Corporation

    4.65        10-17-21         650,000         734,825   

Hub International Limited Company 144A

    8.13        10-15-18         2,260,000         2,322,150   

ING US Incorporated 144A

    5.50        7-15-22         750,000         814,610   

Moody’s Corporation

    5.50        9-1-20         1,302,000         1,474,205   

Neuberger Berman Group LLC 144A

    5.63        3-15-20         500,000         525,000   

Neuberger Berman Group LLC 144A

    5.88        3-15-22         650,000         692,250   

Nuveen Investments Incorporated

    5.50        9-15-15         2,950,000         2,817,250   

USI Holdings Corporation 144A

    9.75        5-15-15         525,000         532,875   
            13,904,243   
         

 

 

 
Insurance: 0.50%          

American International Group Incorporated

    4.88        6-1-22         750,000         845,079   

Hartford Financial Services Group

    5.13        4-15-22         650,000         739,466   

Liberty Mutual Group Incorporated 144A

    4.95        5-1-22         750,000         818,296   

Prudential Covered Trust Company 144A

    3.00        9-30-15         456,000         473,427   

WR Berkley Corporation

    4.63        3-15-22         650,000         699,952   
            3,576,220   
         

 

 

 


 

Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     7   

      

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         
Real Estate Management & Development: 0.27%          

Ashtead Capital Incorporated 144A

    6.50     7-15-22       $ 1,825,000       $ 1,925,375   
         

 

 

 
REITs: 1.67%          

Alexandria Real Estate Company

    4.60        4-1-22         650,000         703,061   

Dupont Fabros Technology Incorporated

    8.50        12-15-17             5,560,000         6,116,000   

Essex Portfolio LP 144A

    3.63        8-15-22         750,000         751,013   

Health Care Incorporated

    5.25        1-15-22         650,000         741,589   

Host Hotels & Resorts LP

    9.00        5-15-17         235,000         254,975   

Omega Healthcare Investors Incorporated

    6.75        10-15-22         1,775,000         1,934,750   

Ventas Incorporated

    4.25        3-1-22         650,000         697,120   

WEA Finance LLC 144A

    4.63        5-10-21         650,000         714,763   
            11,913,271   
         

 

 

 

Health Care: 3.44%

         
Biotechnology: 0.11%          

Amgen Incorporated

    3.63        5-15-22         750,000         805,466   
         

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 0.41%          

Boston Scientific Corporation

    6.00        1-15-20         750,000         889,361   

CareFusion Corporation

    6.38        8-1-19         750,000         893,375   

Hologic Incorporated 144A

    6.25        8-1-20         1,105,000         1,171,300   
            2,954,036   
         

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services: 2.28%          

Apria Healthcare Group Incorporated

    11.25        11-1-14         590,000         607,700   

Aristotle Holding Incorporated 144A

    3.90        2-15-22         665,000         726,201   

Aviv Healthcare Properties LP

    7.75        2-15-19         1,025,000         1,080,094   

Centene Corporation

    5.75        6-1-17         1,000,000         1,075,000   

Community Health Systems Incorporated

    5.13        8-15-18         375,000         389,063   

Community Health Systems Incorporated

    7.13        7-15-20         775,000         819,563   

Coventry Health Care Incorporated

    5.45        6-15-21         750,000         876,231   

DaVita HealthCare Partners Incorporated

    5.75        8-15-22         525,000         548,625   

Emergency Medical Services Corporation

    8.13        6-1-19         425,000         450,500   

HCA Incorporated

    4.75        5-1-23         325,000         325,000   

HCA Incorporated

    6.50        2-15-20         1,875,000         2,071,875   

HCA Incorporated

    7.50        11-15-95         800,000         684,000   

HCA Incorporated

    8.50        4-15-19         375,000         421,406   

Health Management Associates Incorporated

    6.13        4-15-16         175,000         190,750   

HealthSouth Corporation

    5.75        11-1-24         800,000         808,000   

HealthSouth Corporation

    7.25        10-1-18         360,000         388,800   

HealthSouth Corporation

    7.75        9-15-22         360,000         394,200   

Humana Incorporated

    7.20        6-15-18         750,000         927,956   

MPT Operating Partnership LP

    6.38        2-15-22         475,000         495,188   

MPT Operating Partnership LP

    6.88        5-1-21         775,000         837,000   

PSS World Medical Incorporated

    6.38        3-1-22         320,000         382,000   

Sabra Health Care LP

    8.13        11-1-18         1,450,000         1,555,125   

Tenet Healthcare Corporation 144A

    4.75        6-1-20         150,000         148,688   

Tenet Healthcare Corporation

    10.00        5-1-18         75,000         85,500   
            16,288,465   
         

 

 

 


 

8   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012

      

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         
Life Sciences Tools & Services: 0.13%          

Life Technologies Corporation

    6.00     3-1-20       $ 750,000       $ 896,998   
         

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals: 0.51%          

Mylan Incorporated 144A

    6.00        11-15-18         725,000         772,125   

Mylan Incorporated 144A

    7.63        7-15-17             1,125,000         1,254,375   

Mylan Incorporated 144A

    7.88        7-15-20         775,000         874,781   

Watson Pharmaceuticals Incorporated

    3.25        10-1-22         750,000         772,100   
            3,673,381   
         

 

 

 

Industrials: 2.66%

         
Aerospace & Defense: 0.23%          

GeoEye Incorporated

    9.63        10-1-15         485,000         539,563   

TransDigm Group Incorporated 144A

    5.50        10-15-20         300,000         303,750   

TransDigm Group Incorporated

    7.75        12-15-18         750,000         826,875   
            1,670,188   
         

 

 

 
Air Freight & Logistics: 0.21%          

Bristow Group Incorporated

    6.25        10-15-22         1,460,000         1,527,525   
         

 

 

 
Airlines: 0.11%          

Delta Air Lines Incorporated

    4.75        5-7-21         740,000         783,475   
         

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies: 1.28%          

ADT Corporation 144A

    3.50        7-15-22         750,000         762,453   

Corrections Corporation of America

    7.75        6-1-17         1,270,000         1,357,313   

Covanta Holding Corporation

    6.38        10-1-22         225,000         244,749   

Covanta Holding Corporation

    7.25        12-1-20         230,000         255,235   

Crown Cork & Seal Company Incorporated(i)

    7.50        12-15-96         600,000         558,000   

Geo Group Incorporated

    7.75        10-15-17         1,450,000         1,575,063   

Interface Incorporated

    7.63        12-1-18         125,000         135,156   

Iron Mountain Incorporated

    8.38        8-15-21         1,385,000         1,530,425   

KAR Holdings Incorporated ±

    4.44        5-1-14         1,150,000         1,150,012   

Penske Truck Leasing Company 144A

    3.75        5-11-17         750,000         765,506   

Republic Services Incorporated

    3.55        6-1-22         750,000         793,828   
            9,127,740   
         

 

 

 
Machinery: 0.53%          

Cleaver-Brooks Incorporated 144A

    12.25        5-1-16         630,000         674,888   

Columbus McKinnon Corporation

    7.88        2-1-19         725,000         777,563   

H&E Equipment Services Incorporated 144A

    7.00        9-1-22         1,860,000         1,934,400   

Titan International Incorporated

    7.88        10-1-17         375,000         396,563   
            3,783,414   
         

 

 

 
Professional Services: 0.28%          

Interactive Data Corporation

    10.25        8-1-18         1,250,000         1,400,000   

Verisk Analytics Incorporated

    5.80        5-1-21         530,000         602,260   
            2,002,260   
         

 

 

 


 

Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     9   

      

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         
Transportation Infrastructure: 0.02%          

Overseas Shipholding Group

    7.50     2-15-24       $ 525,000       $ 136,500   
         

 

 

 

Information Technology: 4.91%

         
Communications Equipment: 0.31%          

Allbritton Communications Company

    8.00        5-15-18         1,275,000         1,383,375   

Lucent Technologies Incorporated

    6.45        3-15-29         1,285,000         812,763   
            2,196,138   
         

 

 

 
Computers & Peripherals: 0.48%          

Hewlett Packard Company

    4.05        9-15-22         750,000         721,705   

NCR Corporation 144A

    5.00        7-15-22             2,675,000         2,731,844   
            3,453,549   
         

 

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components: 1.25%          

CDW Financial Corporation

    12.54        10-12-17         1,725,000         1,847,906   

Jabil Circuit Incorporated

    8.25        3-15-18         5,275,000         6,224,500   

L-3 Communications Corporation

    4.95        2-15-21         750,000         847,778   
            8,920,184   
         

 

 

 
Internet Software & Services: 0.18%          

Equinix Incorporated

    7.00        7-15-21         75,000         83,250   

Equinix Incorporated

    8.13        3-1-18         1,085,000         1,193,500   
            1,276,750   
         

 

 

 
IT Services: 2.44%          

Audatex North American Incorporated 144A

    6.75        6-15-18         750,000         804,375   

Fidelity National Information Services Incorporated

    7.63        7-15-17         400,000         436,500   

Fidelity National Information Services Incorporated

    7.88        7-15-20         1,000,000         1,117,500   

First Data Corporation 144A

    7.38        6-15-19         625,000         646,875   

First Data Corporation

    11.25        3-31-16         3,720,000         3,636,300   

SunGard Data Systems Incorporated 144A%%

    6.63        11-1-19         1,375,000         1,387,031   

SunGard Data Systems Incorporated

    7.38        11-15-18         2,125,000         2,287,031   

SunGard Data Systems Incorporated

    7.63        11-15-20         250,000         271,563   

SunGard Data Systems Incorporated

    10.25        8-15-15         3,455,000         3,534,465   

TW Telecommunications Holdings Incorporated 144A

    5.38        10-1-22         2,525,000         2,594,438   

TW Telecommunications Holdings Incorporated

    8.00        3-1-18         675,000         742,500   
            17,458,578   
         

 

 

 
Software: 0.25%          

CA Incorporated

    5.38        12-1-19         750,000         872,174   

Nuance Communications Incorporated 144A

    5.38        8-15-20         925,000         943,500   
            1,815,674   
         

 

 

 

Materials: 1.17%

         
Chemicals: 0.46%          

Dow Chemical Company

    4.13        11-15-21         750,000         819,064   

Huntsman International LLC

    5.50        6-30-16         1,260,000         1,263,150   


 

10   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012

      

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         
Chemicals (continued)          

Tronox Finance LLC 144A

    6.38     8-15-20       $     1,240,000       $ 1,236,900   
            3,319,114   
         

 

 

 
Containers & Packaging: 0.30%          

Crown Americas LLC

    7.63        5-15-17         450,000         478,125   

Owens-Brockway Glass Container Incorporated

    3.00        6-1-15         200,000         196,875   

Owens-Illinois Incorporated

    7.80        5-15-18         1,295,000         1,489,250   
            2,164,250   
         

 

 

 
Metals & Mining: 0.09%          

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Incorporated

    3.55        3-1-22         600,000         610,353   

Indalex Holdings Corporation (s)(a)(i)

    11.50        2-1-14         3,170,000         0   
            610,353   
         

 

 

 
Paper & Forest Products: 0.32%          

Clearwater Paper Corporation

    10.63        6-15-16         545,000         600,181   

Georgia-Pacific Corporation

    8.88        5-15-31         1,080,000         1,672,887   
            2,273,068   
         

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services: 7.78%

         
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 3.56%          

Avaya Incorporated

    9.75        11-1-15         575,000         511,750   

CenturyLink Incorporated

    5.80        3-15-22         600,000         631,003   

Citizens Communications Company

    7.88        1-15-27         1,805,000         1,818,538   

Frontier Communications Corporation

    8.13        10-1-18         845,000         956,963   

Frontier Communications Corporation

    8.25        5-1-14         4,000         4,350   

Frontier Communications Corporation

    8.25        4-15-17         1,040,000         1,198,600   

Frontier Communications Corporation

    8.50        4-15-20         525,000         606,375   

GCI Incorporated

    6.75        6-1-21         425,000         425,000   

GCI Incorporated

    8.63        11-15-19         5,625,000         6,075,000   

Intelsat Jackson Holdings Limited

    8.50        11-1-19         850,000         954,125   

Qwest Corporation

    7.13        11-15-43         795,000         800,963   

Qwest Corporation

    7.25        9-15-25         1,040,000         1,232,863   

Qwest Corporation

    7.63        8-3-21         230,000         259,317   

SBA Telecommunications Incorporated 144A

    5.75        7-15-20         2,000,000         2,080,000   

SBA Telecommunications Incorporated

    8.25        8-15-19         15,000         16,763   

Syniverse Holdings Incorporated

    9.13        1-15-19         5,005,000         5,330,325   

Windstream Corporation

    7.88        11-1-17         2,330,000         2,595,038   
            25,496,973   
         

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services: 4.22%          

American Tower Corporation

    5.90        11-1-21         650,000         777,844   

CC Holdings LLC 144A

    7.75        5-1-17         325,000         346,125   

Cricket Communications Incorporated

    7.75        5-15-16         1,705,000         1,803,038   

Cricket Communications Incorporated

    7.75        10-15-20         1,550,000         1,598,438   

Crown Castle International Corporation 144A

    5.25        1-15-23         1,000,000         1,035,000   

Crown Castle International Corporation

    7.13        11-1-19         75,000         82,313   

Crown Castle International Corporation

    9.00        1-15-15         325,000         347,750   


 

Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     11   

      

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         
Wireless Telecommunication Services (continued)          

Crown Castle Towers LLC 144A

    6.11     1-15-40       $ 750,000       $ 911,847   

iPCS Incorporated ¥

    3.69        5-1-14         1,357,019         1,350,234   

MetroPCS Communications Incorporated

    6.63        11-15-20         2,225,000         2,391,875   

MetroPCS Communications Incorporated

    7.88        9-1-18         775,000         848,625   

Motorola Solutions Incorporated

    3.75        5-15-22         750,000         779,387   

Nextel Communications Series F

    5.95        3-15-14         2,085,000         2,087,606   

SBA Communications Corporation 144A

    5.63        10-1-19         160,000         162,600   

Sprint Capital Corporation

    6.88        11-15-28             11,985,000         12,254,663   

Sprint Capital Corporation

    8.75        3-15-32         1,855,000         2,188,900   

Sprint Nextel Corporation 144A

    9.00        11-15-18         325,000         401,375   

Sprint Nextel Corporation

    11.50        11-15-21         625,000         831,250   
            30,198,870   
         

 

 

 

Utilities: 3.79%

         
Electric Utilities: 1.74%          

DPL Incorporated

    7.25        10-15-21         1,450,000         1,634,875   

Energy Future Intermediate Holding Company LLC 144A

    6.88        8-15-17         500,000         506,250   

Great Plains Energy Incorporated

    4.85        6-1-21         750,000         851,264   

IPALCO Enterprises Incorporated

    5.00        5-1-18         1,075,000         1,134,125   

IPALCO Enterprises Incorporated 144A

    7.25        4-1-16         1,925,000         2,143,384   

Mirant Mid-Atlantic LLC Series C

    10.06        12-30-28         3,614,632         4,012,242   

Otter Tail Corporation

    9.00        12-15-16         1,835,000         2,124,013   

PNM Resources Incorporated

    9.25        5-15-15         9,000         10,283   
            12,416,436   
         

 

 

 
Gas Utilities: 0.33%          

AmeriGas Finance LLC

    6.75        5-20-20         1,775,000         1,908,125   

AmeriGas Finance LLC

    7.00        5-20-22         425,000         461,656   
            2,369,781   
         

 

 

 
Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders: 1.51%          

Calpine Construction Finance Corporation 144A

    7.25        10-15-17         4,433,000         4,698,980   

Calpine Construction Finance Corporation 144A

    8.00        6-1-16         1,350,000         1,441,125   

NRG Energy Incorporated 144A(i)

    7.75        12-15-25         910,000         937,300   

NRG Energy Incorporated

    8.50        6-15-19         1,615,000         1,748,238   

Reliant Energy Incorporated

    7.63        6-15-14         450,000         481,500   

Reliant Energy Incorporated

    9.24        7-2-17         946,943         1,034,535   

Reliant Energy Incorporated

    9.68        7-2-26         410,000         438,700   
            10,780,378   
         

 

 

 
Multi-Utilities: 0.21%          

Ameren Illinois Company

    9.75        11-15-18         500,000         694,063   

CMS Energy Corporation

    5.05        3-15-22         750,000         837,044   
            1,531,107   
         

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds and Notes (Cost $393,134,401)

            420,964,022   
         

 

 

 


 

12   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012

      

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         

Foreign Corporate Bonds and Notes @: 4.54%

         
Consumer Discretionary: 0.63%          
Automobiles: 0.11%          

Aston Martin Capital Limited (GBP)

    9.25     7-15-18         200,000       $ 270,303   

Jaguar Land Rover plc (GBP)

    8.25        3-15-20         300,000         525,275   
            795,578   
         

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 0.35%          

Casino Guichard Perrachon SA (EUR)

    4.73        5-26-21         900,000         1,317,855   

ODEON & UCI Cinemas Group (GBP)

    9.00        8-1-18         300,000         498,648   

William Hill plc (GBP)

    7.13        11-11-16         396,000         699,754   
            2,516,257   
         

 

 

 
Media: 0.17%          

Telenet Finance V Luxembourg SCA (EUR)

    6.25        8-15-22         400,000         534,014   

UPC Holding BV (EUR)

    9.63        12-1-19         470,000         679,247   
            1,213,261   
         

 

 

 

Consumer Staples: 0.16%

         
Food & Staples Retailing: 0.16%          

Foodcorp Limited (EUR)

    8.75        3-1-18         820,000         1,105,356   
         

 

 

 
         

Financials: 2.96%

         
Commercial Banks: 2.44%          

Eurofima (AUD)

    6.25        12-28-18         2,450,000         2,805,845   

European Investment Bank (AUD)

    6.13        1-23-17         6,930,000         7,831,527   

International Bank for Reconstruction & Development (AUD)

    5.75        10-1-20         950,000         1,118,969   

KfW Bankengruppe (AUD)

    6.25        12-4-19         1,225,000         1,451,707   

KfW Bankengruppe (NZD)

    6.38        2-17-15         4,819,000         4,243,420   
            17,451,468   
         

 

 

 
Consumer Finance: 0.08%          

Fiat Industrial SpA (EUR)

    6.25        3-9-18         400,000         552,854   
         

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services: 0.44%          

General Electric Capital Corporation (NZD)

    7.63        12-10-14         2,000,000         1,773,759   

Voto-Votorantim Limited (EUR)

    5.25        4-28-17         1,000,000         1,399,841   
            3,173,600   
         

 

 

 

Industrials: 0.40%

         
Building Products: 0.07%          

Heidelbergcement AG (EUR)

    8.50        10-31-19         330,000         511,179   
         

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies: 0.05%          

Iron Mountain Incorporated (EUR)

    6.75        10-15-18         250,000         328,509   
         

 

 

 


 

Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     13   

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         
Trading Companies & Distributors: 0.08%          

Rexel SA (EUR)

    7.00     12-17-18         200,000       $ 282,561   

Rexel SA (EUR)

    8.25        12-15-16         200,000         283,533   
            566,094   
         

 

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure: 0.20%          

Heathrow Funding Limited (EUR)

    4.60        2-15-18         1,000,000         1,457,209   
         

 

 

 

Materials: 0.17%

         
Metals & Mining: 0.09%          

New World Resources NV (EUR)

    7.38        5-15-15         500,000         654,555   
         

 

 

 
Paper & Forest Products: 0.08%          

Smurfit Kappa Funding plc (EUR)

    7.25        11-15-17         400,000         553,456   
         

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services: 0.13%

         
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 0.13%          

Telefonica Emisiones Company (EUR)

    4.69        11-11-19         300,000         399,774   

Virgin Media Finance plc (GBP)

    8.88        10-15-19         300,000         556,743   
            956,517   
         

 

 

 

Utilities: 0.09%

         
Water Utilities: 0.09%          

Zinc Capital SA (EUR)

    8.88        5-15-18         500,000         639,974   
         

 

 

 

Total Foreign Corporate Bonds and Notes (Cost $27,583,356)

            32,475,867   
         

 

 

 

Foreign Government Bonds @: 27.24%

         

Australia Series 22 (AUD)

    6.00        7-21-22         4,000,000         4,775,818   

Australia Series 124 (AUD)

    5.75        5-15-21         2,750,000         3,446,974   

Brazil (BRL)

    8.50        1-5-24         15,500,000         8,928,879   

Brazil (BRL)

    10.00        1-1-17         29,000,000         15,474,025   

Chile (CLP)

    5.50        8-5-20         1,700,000,000         3,831,757   

Colombia (COP)

    7.75        4-14-21         5,250,000,000         3,611,271   

Hungary (HUF)

    6.75        11-24-17         3,520,000,000         16,281,173   

Indonesia (IDR)

    7.38        9-15-16         100,200,000,000         11,155,624   

Indonesia (IDR)

    8.25        6-15-32         29,000,000,000         3,598,983   

Korea (KRW)

    5.25        9-10-15         1,850,000,000         1,807,648   

Korea (KRW)

    5.25        3-10-27         2,830,000,000         3,267,285   

Malaysia (MYR)

    4.26        9-15-16         21,100,000         7,209,204   

Mexico (MXN)

    7.25        12-15-16         168,500,000         13,881,394   

New Zealand (NZD)

    6.00        12-15-17         6,705,000         6,343,583   

Peru (PEN)

    7.84        8-12-20         7,600,000         3,629,172   

Poland (PLN)

    5.25        10-25-20         59,000,000         19,485,994   

Poland (PLN)

    5.75        10-25-21         19,000,000         6,486,774   

Queensland Treasury (AUD)

    6.00        3-1-22         3,600,000         4,368,469   

Russia (RUB)

    7.85        3-10-18         520,000,000         17,751,670   

South Africa (ZAR)

    2.60        3-31-28         66,609,696         8,761,637   

South Africa (ZAR)

    6.50        2-28-41         101,000,000         9,124,194   

Thailand (THB)

    3.25        6-16-17         216,500,000         7,104,527   

Turkey (TRY) ¤

    0.00        2-20-13         20,000,000         10,955,202   

Turkey (TRY)

    9.00        3-8-17         6,000,000         3,549,791   
         

 

 

 

Total Foreign Government Bonds (Cost $188,245,522)

            194,831,048   
         

 

 

 


 

14   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         

Non-Agency Mortgage Backed Securities: 7.85%

         

American General Mortgage Loan Series 2009 Series 1-A6 ±144A

    5.75     9-25-48       $     1,000,000       $ 1,020,829   

American General Mortgage Loan Series 2010 Class 1A-A3 ±144A

    5.65        3-25-58         460,000         478,642   

American Home Mortgage Assets Series 2006-2 Class 1A1 ±

    1.11        9-25-46         3,966,640         2,318,850   

Asset Backed Funding Certificates Series 2003-AHL1 Class A1

    4.18        3-25-33         321,217         316,405   

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Securities Incorporated Series 2006-03
Class AM ±

    5.86        7-10-44         1,340,000         1,387,228   

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Securities Incorporated Series 2008-1 Class AM ±

    6.25        2-10-51         550,000         623,143   

Banc of America Funding Corporation Series 2005 Class 5-1A1

    5.50        9-25-35         680,992         727,689   

Banc of America Funding Corporation Series 2009 Class R6-3A1 ±144A

    2.38        1-26-37         83,331         84,223   

Banc of America Mortgage Securities Series 2003 Class A-3A1 ±

    3.06        2-25-33         190,675         177,032   

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Series 2007-PW17 Class AM ±

    5.89        6-11-50         318,000         355,337   

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Series 2007-PW18 Class AM ±

    6.08        6-11-50         100,000         111,152   

Carrington Mortgage Loan Trust Series 2005-FRE1 Class A5 ±

    0.49        12-25-35         85,811         84,282   

Centex Home Equity Series 2002-A Class AF6

    5.54        1-25-32         570,946         574,794   

Centex Home Equity Series 2002-D Class AF6 ±

    4.66        12-25-32         195,885         199,642   

Centex Home Equity Series 2004-B Class AF6

    4.69        3-25-34         305,000         305,618   

Chase Funding Mortgage Loan Series 2003 Class 5-1A4

    4.40        2-25-30         138,370         138,959   

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Series 2006 Class C4 ±

    5.73        3-15-49         680,000         758,574   

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Series 2006 Class C5

    5.46        10-15-49         325,000         365,346   

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2007-C6 Class AM ±

    5.70        12-10-49         450,000         497,447   

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2012-GC8 Class C ±144A

    4.88        9-10-45         1,000,000         1,076,846   

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust Incorporated Series 2003-HE3 Class A3 ±

    0.59        12-25-33         134,491         122,493   

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Trust Series 2006-C8 Class AM

    5.35        12-10-46         595,000         657,595   

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Trust Series 2012-CR2 Class C ±

    4.86        8-15-45         1,000,000         1,073,693   

Countrywide Asset Backed Certificates Series 2003-5 Class AF5

    5.91        2-25-34         97,099         98,468   

Countrywide Home Loans Series 2003-48 Class 2A2 ±

    0.72        10-25-33         264,050         259,507   

Credit Based Asset Servicing Series 2005-CB2 Class M1 ±

    0.65        4-25-36         370,469         347,666   

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Series 2002-AR13 Class A4 ±

    2.37        5-25-32         101,843         100,176   

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Series 2002-AR5 Class 1A1 ±

    2.28        9-25-32         689,020         650,570   

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Series 2003-AR15 Class 3A1 ±

    3.00        6-25-33         299,982         277,042   

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Series 2003-AR9 Class 2A2 ±

    2.59        3-25-33         60,739         59,625   

Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificate Series 2006 ±

    5.81        6-15-38         1,000,000         1,099,083   

Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificate Series 2006-C4 Class AM

    5.51        9-15-39         1,000,000         1,054,431   

Equity One Asset Backed Securities Series 2004-2 Class AF4 ±

    4.62        7-25-34         423,501         436,565   

First Franklin Mortgage Loan Assets Series 2005-FT9 Class A3 ±

    0.49        10-25-35         181,413         181,033   

First Horizon Mortgage Pass Through Series 2004-AR1 Class 1A1 ±

    2.59        2-25-34         495,692         488,551   

Fremont Home Loan Trust Series 2006-2 Class 2A2 ±

    0.32        2-25-36         25,611         25,555   

Global Mortgage Securitization Limited Series 2004-A Class A2 ±144A

    0.53        11-25-32         737,407         681,604   

Greenwich Capital Commercial Funding Corporation Series 2006-GG7 Class AM ±

    5.87        7-10-38         2,570,000         2,861,438   

Greenwich Capital Commercial Funding Corporation Series 2007-GG11 Class A4

    5.74        12-10-49         475,000         558,569   

GS Mortgage Securities Trust Series 2006-GG6 Class AM ±

    5.62        4-10-38         835,000         917,457   

GS Mortgage Securities Trust Series 2007-GG10 Class A4 ±

    5.79        8-10-45         1,000,000         1,148,168   

GS Mortgage Securities Trust Series 2010-C1 Class X ±144A(c)

    1.55        8-10-43         6,653,501         547,876   

GS Mortgage Securities Trust Series 2012-GCJ7 Class XA ±(c)

    2.63        5-10-45         4,984,770         766,433   

GSAA Home Equity Trust Series 2004-5 Class AF5 ±

    4.99        6-25-34         110,974         112,403   

GSMPS Mortgage Loan Trust Series 2006-1 Class A1 ±144A

    0.51        3-25-35         174,097         166,263   

GSMPS Mortgage Loan Trust Series 2006-SEA1 Class A ±144A

    0.51        5-25-36         463,290         455,515   

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2006-LDP9 Class AM

    5.37        5-15-47         1,000,000         1,041,373   

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2007-CB18 Class AM ±

    5.47        6-12-47         875,000         957,962   


 

Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     15   

      

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         
Non-Agency Mortgage Backed Securities (continued)          

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2007-CB20 Class AM ±

    5.88     2-12-51       $     785,000       $ 899,888   

JPMorgan Mortgage Trust Series 2004-A3 Class 2A1 ±

    3.00        7-25-34         166,428         165,882   

JPMorgan Mortgage Trust Series 2004-A3 Series 3A3 ±

    4.88        7-25-34         200,000         199,261   

JPMorgan Mortgage Trust Series 2005-A3 Class 11A2 ±

    4.47        6-25-35         575,000         584,074   

JPMorgan Mortgage Trust Series 2005-A5 Class 3A2 ±

    2.75        8-25-35         474,063         476,546   

JPMorgan Mortgage Trust Series 2009-7 Class 2A1 ±144A

    6.00        2-27-37         108,318         110,777   

JPMorgan Mortgage Trust Series 2009-7 Class 5A1 ±144A

    6.00        2-27-37         622,720         638,043   

LB UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2007-C1 Class AM

    5.46        2-15-40         750,000         833,554   

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2008-C1 ClassAM ±

    6.16        4-15-41         820,000         934,644   

Lehman XS Trust Series 2006-18N Class A5A ±(i)

    0.38        12-25-36         3,479,846         1,865,754   

MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgage Series 2003-6 Class 3A1 ±

    2.76        12-25-33         941,541         933,667   

MASTR Alternative Loans Trust Series 2005-1 Class 5A1

    5.50        1-25-20         143,401         146,467   

Merrill Lynch Countrywide Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2006-4 Class AM ±

    5.20        12-12-49         340,000         370,453   

Merrill Lynch Countrywide Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2007-7 Class A4 ±

    5.73        6-12-50         470,000         537,187   

Merrill Lynch Countrywide Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2007-9 Class A4

    5.70        9-12-49         829,000         972,795   

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust Series 2005-A8 Class A1B3 ±

    5.25        8-25-36         120,000         123,453   

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust Series 2006-C1 Class AM ±

    5.69        5-12-39         565,000         631,157   

Mid State Trust Series 11 Class A1

    4.86        7-15-38         296,820         306,201   

MLCC Mortgage Investors Incorporated Series 2003-G Class A2 ±

    1.42        1-25-29         259,514         243,038   

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust Series 2012-C6 Class C

    4.54        11-15-45         1,000,000         1,025,872   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust Series 2004-NC1 Class M1 ±

    1.26        12-27-33         887,669         818,723   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust Series 2005-HQ6 Class A4B

    5.04        8-13-42         650,000         700,365   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust Series 2006-HQ8 Class AM ±

    5.47        3-12-44         1,000,000         1,096,676   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust Series 2006-HQ9 Class AJ ±

    5.79        7-12-44         1,000,000         1,050,911   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust Series 2006-HQ9 Class AM ±

    5.77        7-12-44         25,000         28,058   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust Series 2006-HQ10 Class AM

    5.36        11-12-41         500,000         551,653   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust Series 2006-IQ12 Class AM

    5.37        12-15-43         500,000         548,298   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust Series 2007-HQ11 Class AM ±

    5.48        2-12-44         500,000         558,567   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust Series 2007-LQ16 Class AM ±

    6.10        12-12-49         800,000         922,719   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust Series 2010-GG10 Class A4B ±144A

    5.79        8-15-45         615,000         676,997   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust Series 2010-R5 Class 3A ±144A

    0.47        3-26-37         227,454         224,530   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust Series 2012-C4 Class C ±144A

    5.53        3-15-45         900,000         1,021,695   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust Series 2012-C5 Class XA ±144A(c)

    1.94        8-15-45         5,988,929         684,439   

New Century Home Equity Loan Series 2004-3 Class M1 ±

    1.14        11-25-34         1,165,049         880,158   

RAAC Series 2005-SP2 Class 1A3 ±

    0.61        5-25-44         175,908         175,822   

Renaissance Home Equity Loan Trust Series 2004-4 Class AF4

    4.88        2-25-35         869,763         884,576   

Residential Asset Mortgage Products Incorporated Series 2006-EFC1 Class A2 ±

    0.41        2-25-36         356,530         345,437   

Residential Asset Securities Series 2004-KS3 Class AI4 ±

    3.77        1-25-32         381,039         385,093   

Residential Funding Mortgage Securities I Series 2004-S9 Class 1A19

    5.50        12-25-34         200,000         201,874   

Saxon Asset Securities Trust Series 2002-1 Class AF5 ±

    6.76        12-25-30         211,089         206,565   

Saxon Asset Securities Trust Series 2003-1 Class AF7

    4.03        6-25-33         843,682         843,555   

Soundview Home Equity Loan Trust Series 2005-OPT2 Class A5 ±

    0.58        8-25-35         152,548         151,833   

Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust Series 2005-4 Class M1 ±

    0.61        5-25-35         78,963         78,284   

Structured Asset Securities Corporation Series 1998-8 Class A3 ±

    0.73        8-25-28         110,422         109,449   

Structured Asset Securities Corporation Series 2002-9 Class A2 ±

    0.51        10-25-27         154,408         152,626   

Terwin Mortgage Trust Series 2003-6HE Class A3 ±

    1.35        11-25-33         375,520         334,865   

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2006-C23 Class AM ±

    5.47        1-15-45         1,220,000         1,355,893   

Washington Mutual Mortgage Trust Series 2004-RA4 Class 3A

    7.50        7-25-34         420,635         440,654   

Total Non-Agency Mortgage Backed Securities (Cost $53,750,217)

            56,178,180   
         

 

 

 


 

16   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012

      

 

 

Security name   Dividend  yield            Shares      Value  
         

Preferred Stocks: 0.10%

         
Financials: 0.10%          
Diversified Financial Services: 0.10%          

GMAC Capital Trust I ±

    6.34        27,000       $ 705,780   
         

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks (Cost $675,000)

            705,780   
         

 

 

 
    Interest rate     Maturity  date      Principal         

Term Loans: 19.17%

         

ADS Waste Holdings Incorporated <(i)

    0.00        9-11-19       $     1,085,116         1,094,882   

Advantage Sales & Marketing LLC

    9.25        6-18-18         475,000         475,000   

Allison Transmission Incorporated

    2.72        8-7-14         913,769         914,455   

Allison Transmission Incorporated <

    4.25        8-30-19         2,465,929         2,476,384   

American Capital Holdings Incorporated

    5.50        7-19-16         315,167         317,137   

Ameristar Casinos Incorporated

    4.00        4-13-18         1,009,997         1,015,229   

AOT Bedding Super Holdings LLC <

    0.00        9-19-19         545,844         545,260   

Applied Systems Incorporated

    5.50        3-8-19         597,000         597,000   

Atlantic Broadband Finance LLC <

    0.00        9-20-19         203,142         204,666   

Atlantic Broadband Finance LLC

    5.25        4-3-19         1,845,375         1,850,764   

B&G Foods Incorporated

    4.50        11-18-18         769,188         774,956   

Barrington Broadcasting Group

    7.50        12-14-17         3,651,081         3,670,870   

Capital Automotive LP

    5.25        3-10-17         3,568,820         3,586,664   

CCC Information Services Incorporated

    5.75        11-11-15         192,872         192,630   

CCM Merger Incorporated

    6.00        3-1-17         3,720,963         3,758,173   

Charter Communications Operating LLC

    4.00        4-26-19         1,865,625         1,877,864   

Coinmach Corporation

    3.21        11-20-14         3,304,387         3,194,252   

Community Health Systems Incorporated

    2.71        10-25-16         1,277,927         1,273,940   

Covanta Energy Holdings

    4.00        3-23-19         2,587,000         2,588,630   

Cricket Communications Incorporated

    4.75        10-3-19         300,000         300,939   

Crown Castle International Corporation

    4.00        1-31-19         6,600,125         6,630,156   

DaVita HealthCare Partners Incorporated <

    0.00        9-2-19         1,141,112         1,141,112   

DineEquity Incorporated

    4.25        10-19-17         1,439,760         1,448,989   

Dunkin Brands Incorporated

    4.00        11-23-17         3,173,479         3,179,604   

Energy Transfer Equity LP

    3.75        3-21-17         1,000,000         995,750   

Entercom Radio LLC

    6.25        11-30-18         1,315,791         1,325,107   

Fairpoint Communications Incorporated

    6.50        1-22-16         2,628,169         2,441,385   

Federal Mogul Corporation

    2.15        12-29-14         3,420,282         3,200,802   

Federal Mogul Corporation

    2.15        12-28-15         3,951,257         3,697,705   

Fidelity National Information Services Incorporated <

    0.00        3-30-17         875,000         871,876   

First Data Corporation

    2.96        9-24-14         240,485         239,958   

Focus Brands Incorporated

    6.28        3-5-18         408,061         412,142   

Focus Brands Incorporated

    10.25        8-22-18         1,300,000         1,313,000   

Genesys Telecommunication

    6.75        1-25-19         1,965,125         1,985,385   

Getty Images Incorporated

    4.75        9-13-19         763,447         765,034   

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

    4.75        4-30-19         6,200,000         6,235,650   

Helm Holdings Corporation

    6.25        6-2-17         2,599,383         2,596,134   

HHI Holdings LLC <

    0.00        10-3-18         1,731,523         1,724,303   

Interactive Data Corporation

    4.50        2-12-18         3,349,546         3,368,772   

KAR Auction Services Incorporated

    5.00        5-19-17         4,945,299         4,967,553   

Kronos Incorporated <

    0.00        10-25-19         444,501         446,910   


 

Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     17   

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         
Term Loans (continued)          

Level 3 Financing Incorporated

    4.75     2-1-16       $     2,200,000       $ 2,221,318   

LIN Television Corporation

    5.00        12-15-18         397,000         399,978   

Local TV Finance LLC

    4.22        5-7-15         3,045,848         3,053,462   

Lord & Taylor LLC

    5.75        12-21-18         451,098         453,638   

LPL Holdings

    4.00        3-29-19         3,756,125         3,768,633   

MedAssets Incorporated

    5.25        11-16-16         542,066         545,589   

Merisant Company(i)

    7.50        1-8-14         772,982         766,219   

Mission Broadcasting Incorporated

    5.00        9-30-16         77,144         76,662   

Nexstar Broadcasting Incorporated

    5.00        9-30-16         215,365         214,019   

Nielsen Finance LLC Class C

    3.47        5-2-16         272,906         274,044   

Nielsen Finance LLC Class D

    2.47        2-7-17         219,375         217,822   

Novelis Incorporated

    4.00        3-10-17         990,000         990,990   

nTelos Incorporated

    4.00        8-7-15         993,890         991,196   

Penn National Gaming Incorporated <

    0.00        7-27-18         1,103,205         1,103,205   

Penn National Gaming Incorporated

    3.75        7-16-18         992,462         996,005   

Phillips Van Heusen Corporation

    3.50        5-6-16         124,055         124,410   

Prestige Brands International

    5.28        12-20-18         265,909         268,526   

Progressive Waste Solutions Limited <

    0.00        10-11-19         1,608,529         1,619,596   

Rexnord LLC

    4.50        4-2-18         1,091,750         1,098,115   

SBA Communications Corporation

    3.75        6-29-18         1,984,925         1,991,654   

SBA Senior Finance II LLC

    3.75        9-20-19         409,464         411,204   

Springleaf Finance Corporation

    5.50        5-5-17         700,000         690,025   

Syniverse Technologies Incorporated

    5.00        4-10-19         997,500         1,002,488   

Tallgrass Energy Partners LP <

    0.00        10-25-18         2,777,961         2,777,961   

Telesat Holdings Incorporated

    4.25        3-26-19         2,643,375         2,664,311   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings LLC

    3.75        10-10-14         20,096,983         13,632,387   

Total Safety US Incorporated

    7.50        10-27-17         893,250         900,691   

Transdigm Incorporated

    4.00        2-14-17         2,697,778         2,707,328   

Tronox Incorporated

    4.25        2-2-18         2,394,000         2,406,305   

United Surgical Partners International Incorporated

    5.25        4-19-17         1,936,576         1,941,417   

United Surgical Partners International Incorporated

    6.00        3-19-19         1,318,375         1,329,357   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Incorporated <

    0.00        9-27-19         202,587         202,953   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Incorporated Series D <

    0.00        2-27-19         1,695,750         1,700,786   

Warnaco Incorporated

    3.75        6-15-18         595,477         593,494   

Web Service Company LLC

    7.00        8-28-14         454,632         452,359   

Wendys International Incorporated

    4.75        5-3-19         2,800,000         2,823,716   

Total Term Loans (Cost $139,320,773)

            137,108,885   
         

 

 

 

Yankee Corporate Bonds and Notes: 8.31%

         
Consumer Discretionary: 0.61%          
Diversified Consumer Services: 0.11%          

Anglo American Capital Company 144A

    4.13        9-27-22         750,000         763,842   
         

 

 

 
Media: 0.50%          

Grupo Televisa SA

    6.00        5-15-18         750,000         895,674   

Myriad International Holdings BV 144A

    6.38        7-28-17         750,000         849,375   

Videotron Limited

    5.00        7-15-22         200,000         207,000   

Videotron Limited

    9.13        4-15-18         775,000         836,031   

WPP Finance 2010 Company

    3.63        9-7-22         750,000         767,901   
            3,555,981   
         

 

 

 


 

18   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         

Consumer Staples: 0.48%

         
Beverages: 0.12%          

Pernod Ricard SA 144A

    4.45     1-15-22       $ 760,000       $ 851,971   
         

 

 

 
Food Products: 0.25%          

Brasil Foods SA Company 144A

    5.88        6-6-22         750,000         843,750   

Brasil Foods SA Company

    5.88        6-6-22         850,000         956,250   
            1,800,000   
         

 

 

 
Tobacco: 0.11%          

BAT International Finance plc 144A

    3.25        6-7-22         750,000         778,326   
         

 

 

 

Energy: 1.69%

         
Energy Equipment & Services: 0.12%          

Ensco plc

    4.70        3-15-21         750,000         862,907   
         

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 1.57%          

Griffin Coal Mining Company Limited (s)

    9.50        12-1-16         237,295         197,548   

Griffin Coal Mining Company Limited 144A(s)

    9.50        12-1-16         2,902,491         2,416,323   

Lukoil International Finance Company

    7.25        11-5-19         600,000         723,252   

Petrobras International Finance Company

    5.38        1-27-21         670,000         759,202   

Petroleos Mexicanos

    4.88        1-24-22         750,000         840,000   

Petroplus Finance Limited

    5.75        1-20-20         650,000         749,223   

Ship Finance International Limited

    8.50        12-15-13             3,720,000         3,724,650   

TNK BP Finance SA

    6.63        3-20-17         1,150,000         1,295,395   

Woodside Finance Limited 144A

    8.75        3-1-19         405,000         541,693   
            11,247,286   
         

 

 

 

Financials: 1.57%

         
Commercial Banks: 0.85%          

Banco de Brasil 144A

    5.88        1-26-22         750,000         813,750   

Banco de Credito del Peru (i)

    4.75        3-16-16         1,200,000         1,281,000   

Banco del Estado de Chile 144A

    3.88        2-8-22         650,000         698,487   

Export Import Bank of Korea

    5.00        4-11-22         750,000         882,680   

Macquarie Bank Limited 144A

    5.00        2-22-17         750,000         814,313   

Royal Bank of Scotland plc

    4.38        3-16-16         750,000         815,979   

Standard Chartered Bank 144A

    6.40        9-26-17         650,000         755,866   
            6,062,075   
         

 

 

 
Consumer Finance: 0.50%          

Wind Acquisition Finance SpA 144A

    11.75        7-15-17         3,660,000         3,568,500   
         

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services: 0.22%          

BM&F Bovespa SA

    5.50        7-16-20         500,000         577,500   

Corporación Andina de Fomento

    4.38        6-15-22         958,000         1,040,719   

Preferred Term Securities XII Limited (s)(i)

    2.09        12-24-33         635,000         191   
            1,618,410   
         

 

 

 


 

Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund     19   

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         

Industrials: 0.28%

         
Airlines: 0.07%          

Aguila 3 SA

    7.88     1-31-18       $ 500,000       $ 528,750   
         

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies: 0.09%          

Tyco Electronics Group SA

    3.50        2-3-22         625,000         650,149   
         

 

 

 
Road & Rail: 0.12%          

Canadian Pacific Railway Company

    4.50        1-15-22         750,000         835,446   
         

 

 

 

Information Technology: 0.50%

         
Computers & Peripherals: 0.39%          

Seagate Technology HDD Holdings

    6.80        10-1-16         650,000         718,250   

Seagate Technology HDD Holdings

    6.88        5-1-20         300,000         312,750   

Seagate Technology HDD Holdings

    7.00        11-1-21         375,000         391,875   

Seagate Technology HDD Holdings

    7.75        12-15-18             1,225,000         1,329,125   
            2,752,000   
         

 

 

 
Internet Software & Services: 0.11%          

Tencent Holdings Limited 144A

    4.63        12-12-16         750,000         802,865   
         

 

 

 

Materials: 1.09%

         
Metals & Mining: 0.90%          

ArcelorMittal

    4.75        2-25-17         725,000         711,849   

Gold Fields Orogen Holdings Company

    4.88        10-7-20         1,300,000         1,286,414   

Novelis Incorporated

    7.25        2-15-15         1,030,000         1,042,442   

Novelis Incorporated

    8.38        12-15-17         550,000         598,125   

Novelis Incorporated

    8.75        12-15-20         725,000         799,313   

Teck Resources Limited

    10.75        5-15-19         1,025,000         1,234,248   

Vale Overseas Limited

    4.38        1-11-22         750,000         797,612   
            6,470,003   
         

 

 

 
Paper & Forest Products: 0.19%          

Sappi Limited 144A

    7.50        6-15-32         1,560,000         1,329,900   
         

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services: 1.83%

         
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 1.40%          

Ericsson LM

    4.13        5-15-22         750,000         786,577   

Intelsat Jackson Holdings Limited

    7.25        4-1-19         1,425,000         1,528,313   

Intelsat Jackson Holdings Limited

    7.50        4-1-21         525,000         563,063   

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA

    7.25        10-15-20         875,000         929,688   

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA 144A

    7.25        10-15-20         900,000         954,000   

Intelsat Luxembourg SA ¥

    11.50        2-4-17         2,675,000         2,815,438   

Qtel International Finance Limited

    5.00        10-19-25         500,000         567,500   

Sable International Finance Limited

    7.75        2-15-17         350,000         374,500   

Virgin Media Finance plc

    6.50        1-15-18         650,000         705,250   

Vivendi SA 144A

    4.75        4-12-22         750,000         780,488   
            10,004,817   
         

 

 

 


 

20   Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund   Portfolio of investments—October 31, 2012

    

 

 

Security name   Interest  rate     Maturity  date      Principal      Value  
         
Wireless Telecommunication Services: 0.43%          

Digicel Group Limited 144A

    12.00     4-1-14       $ 1,335,000       $ 1,475,175   

Globo Communicacoes Participacoes SA 144A

    4.88        4-11-22         750,000         823,125   

Telesat Canada Incorporated 144A

    6.00        5-15-17         775,000         807,938   
            3,106,238   
         

 

 

 

Utilities: 0.26%

         
Electric Utilities: 0.26%          

Comision Federal de Electricidad 144A

    4.88        5-26-21         650,000         729,625   

Eskom Holdings Limited

    5.75        1-26-21         1,000,000         1,105,000   
            1,834,625   
         

 

 

 

Total Yankee Corporate Bonds and Notes (Cost $56,103,052)

            59,424,091   
         

 

 

 
    Yield            Shares         

Short-Term Investments: 3.68%

         
Investment Companies: 3.68%          

Wells Fargo Advantage Cash Investment Money Market Fund, Select Class (l)(u)##

    0.17               26,329,441         26,329,441   
         

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $26,329,441)

            26,329,441   
         

 

 

 
Total investments in securities
(Cost $910,864,444)*
    133.38           954,174,244   

Other assets and liabilities, net

    (33.38           (238,806,452
 

 

 

         

 

 

 
Total net assets     100.00         $ 715,367,792   
 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

 

± Variable rate investment

 

144A Security that may be resold to “qualified institutional buyers” under Rule 144A or securities offered pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

%% Security issued on a when-issued basis.

 

(c) Interest-only securities entitle holders to receive only the interest payments on the underlying mortgages. The principal amount shown is the notional amount of the underlying mortgages. Interest rate disclosed represents the coupon rate.

 

Non-income-earning security

 

¥ 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.

 

(s) Security is currently in default with regards to scheduled interest and/or principal payments. The Fund has stopped accruing interest on this security.

 

(a) Security is fair valued by the Management Valuation Team, and in certain instances by the Board of Trustees, in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Trustees.

 

@ Foreign bond principal is denominated in local currency.

 

¤ Security issued in zero coupon form with no periodic interest payments.

 

< All or a portion of the position represents an unfunded loan commitment.

 

(i) Illiquid security for which the designation as illiquid is unaudited

 

(l) Investment in an affiliate.

 

(u) Rate shown is the 7-day annualized yield at period end.

 

## All or a portion of this security has been segregated for when-issued securities and unfunded loans.

 

* Cost for federal income tax purposes is $915,061,017 and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) consists of:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 56,619,185   

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (17,505,958
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 39,113,227   


 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm    

The Shareholders and Board of Trustees of

Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund:

We have audited the financial statements of the Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund (the “Fund”) as of October 31, 2012, for each of the years presented and have issued our unqualified report thereon dated December 21, 2012 (which report and financial statements are included in Item 1 of this Certified Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR). We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Boards (United States). Our audit included audits of the Fund’s portfolio of investments (the Portfolio) as of October 31, 2012 appearing in Item 6 of this Form N-CSR. This Portfolio is the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this Portfolio based on our audit.

In our opinion, the Portfolio referred to above, when read in conjunction with the financial statements of the Fund referred to above, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

LOGO

Boston, Massachusetts

December 21, 2012


ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REVISED AS OF FEBRUARY 8, 2012

1. 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, Asset Allocation Trust, Wells Fargo Advantage Global Dividend Opportunity Fund, Wells Fargo Advantage Income Opportunities Fund, Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund, and Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities & High Income Fund (the “Trusts”) except for those series that exclusively hold non-voting securities (hereafter, all such series, and all such Trusts not having separate series, holding voting securities are referred to as the “Funds”).

2. Voting Philosophy. The Funds and Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (“Funds Management”) 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. Funds Management exercises its voting responsibility, as a fiduciary, 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, the Funds support sound corporate governance practices within companies in which they invest.

3. Responsibilities

(a) 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 Funds Management. 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 proxy voting process.

(b) Funds Management Proxy Committee

 

  (i) Responsibilities. The Funds Management Proxy Voting Committee (the “Proxy Committee”) shall be responsible for overseeing the proxy voting process to ensure its implementation in conformance with these Procedures. The Proxy Committee shall monitor Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”), the proxy voting agent for Funds Management, to determine that ISS is accurately applying the Procedures as set forth herein. The Proxy Committee shall review the continuing appropriateness of the Procedures set forth herein, recommend revisions to the Board as necessary and provide an annual update to the Board on the proxy voting process.

 

  (ii)

Voting Guidelines. Appendix A hereto sets forth guidelines regarding how proxies will be voted on the issues specified. ISS will vote proxies for or against as directed by the guidelines. Where the guidelines specify a “case by case” determination for a particular issue, ISS will forward the proxy to the Proxy Committee for a vote determination by the Proxy Committee. Finally, with respect to issues for which a vote for or against is specified by the Procedures, the Proxy Committee shall have the authority to direct ISS to forward the proxy to the Proxy Committee for a discretionary vote by the Proxy Committee if the Proxy Committee determines that a case-by-case review of such matter is warranted. The Proxy Committee may also consult Fund sub-advisers on certain proxy voting issues on a case-by-case basis as the Proxy Committee deems appropriate or to the extent that a sub-adviser of a Fund makes a recommendation regarding a proxy voting


  issue. As a general matter, however, proxies are voted consistently on the same matter when securities of an issuer are held by multiple Funds.

 

  (iii) Proxy Committee. In all cases, the Proxy Committee will exercise its voting discretion in accordance with the voting philosophy of the Funds. In cases where a proxy is forwarded by ISS to the Proxy Committee, the Proxy Committee may be assisted in its voting decision through receipt of: (i) independent research and voting recommendations provided by ISS or other independent sources; (ii) input from the investment sub-adviser responsible for purchasing the security; and (iii) information provided by company management and shareholder groups.

Voting decisions made by the Proxy Committee will be reported to ISS to ensure that the vote is registered in a timely manner and included in Form N-PX reporting.

 

  (iv) Securities on Loan. As a general matter, securities on loan will not be recalled to facilitate proxy voting (in which case the borrower of the security shall be entitled to vote the proxy). However, if the Proxy Committee is aware of an item in time to recall the security and has determined in good faith that the importance of the matter to be voted upon outweighs the loss in lending revenue that would result from recalling the security (i.e., if there is a controversial upcoming merger or acquisition, or some other significant matter), the security will be recalled for voting.

 

  (v) Practical Limitations to Proxy Voting. While Funds Management uses its best efforts to vote proxies, in certain circumstances it may be impractical or impossible for Funds Management to vote proxies (e.g., limited value or unjustifiable costs). For example, in accordance with local law or business practices, many foreign companies prevent the sales of shares that have been voted for a certain period beginning prior to the shareholder meeting and ending on the day following the meeting (“share blocking”). Due to these restrictions, Funds Management must balance the benefits to its clients of voting proxies against the potentially serious portfolio management consequences of a reduced flexibility to sell the underlying shares at the most advantageous time. As a result, Funds Management will generally not vote those proxies in the absence of an unusual, significant vote or compelling economic importance. Additionally, Funds Management may not be able to vote proxies for certain foreign securities if Funds Management does not receive the proxy statement in time to vote the proxies due to custodial processing delays.

 

  (vi)

Conflicts of Interest. Funds Management may have a conflict of interest regarding a proxy to be voted upon if, for example, Funds Management or its affiliates have other relationships with the issuer of the proxy. In most instances, conflicts of interest are avoided through a strict and objective application of the voting guidelines attached hereto. However, when the Proxy Committee is aware of a material conflict of interest regarding a matter that would otherwise require a vote by the Proxy Committee, the Proxy Committee shall address the material conflict by using any of the following methods: (1) instructing ISS to vote in accordance with the recommendation ISS makes to its clients; (2) disclosing the conflict to the Board and obtaining their consent before voting; (3) submitting the matter to the Board to exercise its authority to vote on such matter; (4) engaging an independent fiduciary who will direct the Proxy Committee on voting instructions for the proxy; (5) consulting with outside legal counsel for guidance on resolution of the conflict of interest; (6) erecting information barriers around the person or persons making voting decisions; (7) voting in proportion to other shareholders (“mirror voting”); or (8) voting in other ways that are consistent with each Fund’s obligation to vote in the best interests of its shareholders. Additionally, the Proxy Committee will not permit its votes to be influenced by any conflict of interest that exists for any other affiliated person of the Fund (such as a sub-adviser or principal underwriter)


  or any affiliated persons of such affiliated persons and the Proxy Committee will vote all such matters without regard to the conflict.

Funds Management may also have a conflict of interest regarding a proxy to be voted on if a member of the Board has an affiliation, directly or indirectly, with a public or private company (an “Identified Company”). Identified Companies include a Board member’s employer, as well as any company of which the Board member is a director or officer or a 5% or more shareholder. The Proxy Committee shall address such a conflict by instructing ISS to vote in accordance with the recommendation ISS makes to its clients.

 

  (vii) Meetings. The Proxy Committee shall convene as needed and when discretionary voting determinations need to be considered, and shall have the authority to act by vote of a majority of the Proxy Committee members available at that time. The Proxy Committee shall also meet at least semi-annually to review the Procedures and the performance of ISS in exercising its proxy voting responsibilities.

 

  (viii) Membership. The voting members of the Proxy Committee shall be Tom Biwer, Travis Keshemberg, Patrick McGuinnis and Erik Sens. Andrew Owen shall be a non-voting member and serve in an advisory capacity on the Proxy Committee. Changes to the membership of the Proxy Committee will be made only with Board approval. Upon departure from Funds Management, a member’s position on the Proxy Committee will automatically terminate.

4. 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 Fund’s web site at www.wellsfargo.com/advantagefunds and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

5. 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 Trust’s 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 www.wellsfargo.com/advantagefunds or by accessing the Commission’s 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:

 

   

The name of the issuer of the portfolio security;

 

   

The exchange ticker symbol of the portfolio security;

 

   

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);

 

   

The shareholder meeting date;

 

   

A brief identification of the matter voted on;

 

   

Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder;

 

   

Whether the Fund cast its vote on the matter;

 

   

How the Fund cast its vote (e.g. for or against a proposal, or abstain; for or withhold regarding election of directors); and

 

   

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.

APPENDIX A

TO

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Funds Management will vote proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Trusts in accordance with the following proxy voting guidelines. To the extent the specific guidelines below do not address a proxy voting proposal, Funds Management will vote pursuant to ISS’ current U.S. and International proxy voting guidelines. Proxies for securities held by the Wells Fargo Advantage Social Awareness Fund related to social and environmental proposals will be voted pursuant to ISS’ current SRI Proxy Voting Guidelines. In addition, proxies related to issues not addressed by the specific guidelines below or by ISS’ current U.S. and International proxy voting guidelines will be forwarded to the Proxy Committee for a vote determination by the Proxy Committee.

 

Uncontested Election of Directors or Trustees

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote for all uncontested director or trustee nominees. The Nominating Committee is
in the best position to select nominees who are available and capable of working well together to oversee
management of the company. THE FUNDS will not require a performance test for directors.

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote for reasonably crafted shareholder proposals calling for directors to be elected
with an affirmative majority of votes cast and/or the elimination of the plurality standard for electing directors,
unless the company has adopted formal corporate governance principles that present a meaningful alternative to
the majority voting standard.

 

THE FUNDS will withhold votes for a director if the nominee fails to attend at least 75% of the board and
committee meetings without a valid excuse.

 

THE FUNDS will vote against routine election of directors if any of the following apply: company fails to
disclose adequate information in a timely manner, serious issues with the finances, questionable transactions,
conflicts of interest, record of abuses against minority shareholder interests, bundling of director elections, and/or
egregious governance practices.

 

THE FUNDS will withhold votes from the entire board (except for new nominees) where the director(s) receive
more than 50% withhold votes out of those cast and the issue that was the underlying cause of the high level of
withhold votes has not been addressed.

 

THE FUNDS will withhold votes from members of the Audit Committee and/or the full board if poor accounting
practices, which rise to a level of serious concern, such as: fraud; misapplication of GAAP; and material
weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures, are identified.

 

THE FUNDS will withhold votes from members of the Audit Committee if the company receives an adverse
opinion on the company’s financial statements from its auditor.

 

THE FUNDS will withhold votes from members of the Audit Committee if there is persuasive evidence that the
audit committee entered into an inappropriate indemnification agreement with its auditor that limits the ability of
the company, or its shareholders, to pursue legitimate legal recourse against the audit firm.

 

THE FUNDS will withhold votes from all directors (except for new nominees) if the company has adopted or
renewed a poison pill without shareholder approval since the

  

 

 

FOR

 

FOR

 

WITHHOLD

 

AGAINST

 

 

WITHHOLD

 

WITHHOLD

 

 

WITHHOLD

 

 

WITHHOLD


company’s last annual meeting, does not put the pill to a vote at the current annual meeting, and does not have a requirement or does not commit to put the pill to shareholder vote within 12 months. In addition, THE FUNDS will withhold votes on all directors at any company that responds to the majority of the shareholders voting by putting the poison pill to a shareholder vote with a recommendation other than to eliminate the pill.

 

THE FUNDS will withhold votes from compensation committee members if they fail to submit one-time transferable stock options (TSO’s) to shareholders for approval.

 

  

WITHHOLD

 

    

WITHHOLD

 

Limitation on Number of Boards a Director May Sit On

 

THE FUNDS will withhold votes from directors who sit on more than six boards.

 

THE FUNDS will withhold votes from CEO directors who sit on more than two outside boards besides their own.

  

WITHHOLD

 

 

WITHHOLD

Ratification of Auditors

 

THE FUNDS will vote against auditors and withhold votes from audit committee members if non-audit fees are greater than audit fees, audit-related fees, and permitted tax fees, combined. THE FUNDS will follow the disclosure categories being proposed by the SEC in applying the above formula.

 

With the above exception, THE FUNDS will generally vote for proposals to ratify auditors unless:

 

•       an auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent, or

 

•       there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position.

 

THE FUNDS will vote against proposals that require auditors to attend annual meetings as auditors are regularly reviewed by the board audit committee, and such attendance is unnecessary.

 

THE FUNDS will vote for shareholder proposals requesting a shareholder vote for audit firm ratification.

 

THE FUNDS will vote against shareholder proposals asking for audit firm rotation. This practice is viewed as too disruptive and too costly to implement for the benefit achieved.

 

  

 

 

AGAINST/

WITHHOLD

 

 

FOR

 

AGAINST

 

AGAINST

 

 

AGAINST

 

 

FOR

 

 

AGAINST

Company Name Change/Purpose

 

THE FUNDS will vote for proposals to change the company name as management and the board is best suited to determine if such change in company name is necessary.

 

However, where the name change is requested in connection with a reorganization of the company, the vote will be based on the merits of the reorganization.

 

  

 

 

FOR

 

 

 

CASE-BY-CASE


In addition, THE FUNDS will generally vote for proposals to amend the purpose of the company. Management is in the best position to know whether the description of what the company does is accurate, or whether it needs to be updated by deleting, adding or revising language.

 

   FOR

Employee Stock Purchase Plans/401(k) Employee Benefit Plans

 

THE FUNDS will vote for proposals to adopt, amend or increase authorized shares for employee stock purchase plans and 401(k) plans for employees as properly structured plans enable employees to purchase common stock at a slight discount and thus own a beneficial interest in the company, provided that the total cost of the company’s plan is not above the allowable cap for the company.

 

Similarly, THE FUNDS will generally vote for proposals to adopt or amend thrift and savings plans, retirement plans, pension plans and profit plans.

 

  

 

FOR

 

FOR

Anti-Hedging/Pledging/Speculative Investments Policy

 

THE FUNDS will consider proposals prohibiting named executive officers from engaging in derivative or speculative transactions involving company stock, including hedging, holding stock in a margin account, or pledging stock as collateral for a loan on a case-by-case basis. The company’s existing policies regarding responsible use of company stock will be considered.

 

  

 

CASE-BY-CASE

Approve Other Business

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote for proposals to approve other business. This transfer of authority allows the corporation to take certain ministerial steps that may arise at the annual or special meeting.

 

However, THE FUNDS retains the discretion to vote against such proposals if adequate information is not provided in the proxy statement, or the measures are significant and no further approval from shareholders is sought.

 

  

 

FOR

 

 

AGAINST

Independent Board of Directors/Board Committees

 

THE FUNDS will vote for proposals requiring that two-thirds of the board be independent directors. An independent board faces fewer conflicts and is best prepared to protect stockholders’ interests.

 

THE FUNDS will withhold votes from insiders and affiliated outsiders on boards that are not at least majority independent.

 

THE FUNDS will withhold votes from compensation committee members where there is a pay-for-performance disconnect (for Russell 3000 companies).

 

THE FUNDS will vote for proposals requesting that the board audit, compensation and/or nominating committees be composed of independent directors, only. Committees should be composed entirely of independent directors in order to avoid conflicts of interest.

 

THE FUNDS will withhold votes from any insiders or affiliated outsiders on audit, compensation or nominating committees. THE FUNDS will withhold votes from any insiders or affiliated outsiders on the board if any of these key committees has not been established.

  

 

FOR

 

WITHHOLD

 

WITHHOLD

 

FOR

 

WITHHOLD


THE FUNDS will vote against proposals from shareholders requesting an independent compensation
consultant.

 

  

AGAINST

 

Director Fees

 

THE FUNDS will vote for proposals to set director fees.

 

  

FOR

 

Minimum Stock Requirements by Directors

 

THE FUNDS will vote against proposals requiring directors to own a minimum number of shares of company stock in order to qualify as a director, or to remain on the board. Minimum stock ownership requirements can impose an across-the-board requirement that could prevent qualified individuals from serving as directors.

 

  

AGAINST

 

 

Indemnification and Liability Provisions for Directors and Officers

 

THE FUNDS will vote for proposals to allow indemnification of directors and officers, when the actions taken were on behalf of the company and no criminal violations occurred. THE FUNDS will also vote in favor of proposals to purchase liability insurance covering liability in connection with those actions. Not allowing companies to indemnify directors and officers to the degree possible under the law would limit the ability of the company to attract qualified individuals.

 

Alternatively, THE FUNDS will vote against indemnity proposals that are overly broad. For example, THE FUNDS will oppose proposals to indemnify directors for acts going beyond mere carelessness, such as gross negligence, acts taken in bad faith, acts not otherwise allowed by state law or more serious violations of fiduciary obligations.

 

  

 

FOR

 

 

AGAINST

 

Nominee Statement in the Proxy

 

THE FUNDS will vote against proposals that require board nominees to have a statement of candidacy in the proxy, since the proxy statement already provides adequate information pertaining to the election of directors.

 

  

AGAINST

 

 

Director Tenure/Retirement Age

 

THE FUNDS will vote against proposals to limit the tenure of directors as such limitations based on an arbitrary number could prevent qualified individuals from serving as directors. However, THE FUNDS is in favor of inserting cautionary language when the average director tenure on the board exceeds 15 years for the entire board.

 

The Funds will vote for proposals to establish a mandatory retirement age for directors provided that such retirement age is not less than 65.

 

  

 

AGAINST

 

 

FOR

 

Board Powers/Procedures/Qualifications

 

THE FUNDS will consider on a case-by-case basis proposals to amend the corporation’s By-laws so that the Board of Directors shall have the power, without the assent or vote of the shareholders, to make, alter, amend, or rescind the By-laws, fix the amount to be reserved as working capital, and fix the number of directors and what number shall constitute a quorum of the Board. In determining these issues, THE FUNDS will rely on the proxy voting Guidelines.

 

  

CASE-BY-CASE

 

Adjourn Meeting to Solicit Additional Votes     


   

THE FUNDS will examine proposals to adjourn the meeting to solicit additional votes on a case-by-case
basis. As additional solicitation may be costly and could result in coercive pressure on shareholders, THE
FUNDS will consider the nature of the proposal and its vote recommendations for the scheduled meeting.

 

THE FUNDS will vote for this item when:

 

THE FUNDS is supportive of the underlying merger proposal; the company provides a sufficient,
compelling reason to support the adjournment proposal; and the authority is limited to adjournment
proposals requesting the authority to adjourn solely to solicit proxies to approve a transaction THE FUNDS
supports.

 

  

CASE-BY-CASE

 

FOR

Reimbursement of Solicitation Expenses

 

THE FUNDS will consider contested elections on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors:
long-term financial performance of the target company relative to its industry; management’s track record;
background of the proxy contest; qualifications of director or trustee nominees (both slates); evaluation of
what each side is offering shareholders as well as the likelihood that the proposed objectives and goals can
be met; and stock ownership positions.

 

  

 

CASE-BY-CASE

Board Structure: Staggered vs. Annual Elections

 

THE FUNDS will consider the issue of classified boards on a case-by-case basis. In some cases, the
division of the board into classes, elected for staggered terms, can entrench the incumbent management and
make them less responsive to shareholder concerns. On the other hand, in some cases, staggered elections
may provide for the continuity of experienced directors on the Board.

 

  

 

CASE-BY-CASE

Removal of Directors

 

THE FUNDS will consider on a case-by-case basis proposals to eliminate shareholders’ rights to remove
directors with or without cause or only with approval of two-thirds or more of the shares entitled to vote.

 

However, a requirement that a 75% or greater vote be obtained for removal of directors is abusive and will
warrant a vote against the proposal.

 

  

 

CASE-BY-CASE

 

AGAINST

Board Vacancies

 

THE FUNDS will vote against proposals that allow the board to fill vacancies without shareholder approval
as these authorizations run contrary to basic shareholders’ rights.

 

Alternatively, THE FUNDS will vote for proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board
vacancies.

 

  

 

AGAINST

 

FOR

Cumulative Voting

 

THE FUNDS will vote on proposals to permit or eliminate cumulative voting on a case-by-case basis based
upon the existence of a counter balancing governance structure and company performance, in accordance
with its proxy voting guideline philosophy.

 

THE FUNDS will vote for against cumulative voting if the board is elected annually.

  

 

CASE-BY-CASE


     AGAINST

Board Size

 

THE FUNDS will vote for proposals that seek to fix the size of the board, as the ability for management to increase or decrease the size of the board in the face of a proxy contest may be used as a takeover defense.

 

However, if the company has cumulative voting, downsizing the board may decrease a minority shareholder’s chances of electing a director.

 

By increasing the size of the board, management can make it more difficult for dissidents to gain control of the board. Fixing the size of the board also prevents a reduction in the board size as a means to oust independent directors or those who cause friction within an otherwise homogenous board.

 

  

 

FOR

Shareholder Rights Plan (Poison Pills)

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote for proposals that request a company to submit its poison pill for shareholder ratification.

 

Alternatively, THE FUNDS will analyze proposals to redeem a company’s poison pill, or requesting the ratification of a poison pill on a case-by-case basis.

 

Poison pills are one of the most potent anti-takeover measures and are generally adopted by boards without shareholder approval. These plans harm shareholder value and entrench management by deterring stock acquisition offers that are not favored by the board.

 

  

 

FOR

 

 

CASE-BY-CASE

Fair Price Provisions

 

THE FUNDS will consider fair price provisions on a case-by-case basis, evaluating factors such as the vote required to approve the proposed mechanism, the vote required to approve the proposed acquisition, the vote required to repeal the fair price provision, and the mechanism for determining the fair price.

 

THE FUNDS will vote against fair price provisions with shareholder vote requirements of 75% or more of disinterested shares.

 

  

 

CASE-BY-CASE

 

 

 

AGAINST

Greenmail

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote in favor of proposals limiting the corporation’s authority to purchase shares of common stock (or other outstanding securities) from a holder of a stated interest (5% or more) at a premium unless the same offer is made to all shareholders. These are known as “anti-greenmail” provisions. Greenmail discriminates against rank-and-file shareholders and may have an adverse effect on corporate image.

 

If the proposal is bundled with other charter or bylaw amendments, THE FUNDS will analyze such proposals on a case-by-case basis. In addition, THE FUNDS will analyze restructurings that involve the payment of pale greenmail on a case-by-case basis.

 

  

 

FOR

 

CASE-BY-CASE

Voting Rights

 

THE FUNDS will vote for proposals that seek to maintain or convert to a one-share, one-vote capital structure as such a principle ensures that management is accountable to all the company’s owners.

  

 

FOR


 

Alternatively, THE FUNDS will vote against any proposals to cap the number of votes a shareholder is entitled to. Any measure that places a ceiling on voting may entrench management and lessen its interest in maximizing shareholder value.

 

  

 

AGAINST

Dual Class/Multiple-Voting Stock

 

THE FUNDS will vote against proposals that authorize, amend or increase dual class or multiple-voting stock which may be used in exchanges or recapitalizations. Dual class or multiple-voting stock carry unequal voting rights, which differ from those of the broadly traded class of common stock.

 

Alternatively, THE FUNDS will vote for the elimination of dual class or multiple-voting stock, which carry different rights than the common stock.

 

  

 

AGAINST

 

 

FOR

Confidential Voting

 

THE FUNDS will vote for proposals to adopt confidential voting.

 

  

 

FOR

Vote Tabulations

 

THE FUNDS will vote against proposals asking corporations to refrain from counting abstentions and broker non-votes in their vote tabulations and to eliminate the company’s discretion to vote unmarked proxy ballots. Vote counting procedures are determined by a number of different standards, including state law, the federal proxy rules, internal corporate policies, and mandates of the various stock exchanges.

 

  

 

AGAINST

Equal Access to the Proxy

 

THE FUNDS will evaluate Shareholder proposals requiring companies to give shareholders access to the proxy ballot for the purpose of nominating board members, on a case-by-case basis taking into account the ownership threshold proposed in the resolution and the proponent’s rationale for the proposal at the targeted company in terms of board and director conduct.

 

  

 

CASE-BY-CASE

Disclosure of Information

 

THE FUNDS will vote against shareholder proposals requesting fuller disclosure of company policies, plans, or business practices. Such proposals rarely enhance shareholder return and in many cases would require disclosure of confidential business information.

 

  

 

AGAINST

Annual Meetings

 

THE FUNDS will vote for proposals to amend procedures or change date or location of the annual meeting. Decisions as to procedures, dates or locations of meetings are best placed with management.

 

Alternatively, THE FUNDS will vote against proposals from shareholders calling for a change in the location or date of annual meetings as no date or location proposed will be acceptable to all shareholders.

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote in favor of proposals to reduce the quorum necessary for shareholders’ meetings, subject to a minimum of a simple majority of the company’s outstanding voting shares.

  

 

FOR

 

AGAINST

 

FOR


         

Shareholder Advisory Committees/Independent Inspectors

 

THE FUNDS will vote against proposals seeking to establish shareholder advisory committees or independent inspectors. The existence of such bodies dilutes the responsibility of the board for managing the affairs of the corporation.

 

  

 

AGAINST

Technical Amendments to the Charter of Bylaws

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote in favor of charter and bylaw amendments proposed solely to conform to modern business practices, for simplification, or to comply with what management’s counsel interprets as applicable law.

 

However, amendments that have a material effect on shareholder’s rights will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

  

 

FOR

 

CASE-BY-CASE

Bundled Proposals

 

THE FUNDS will vote for bundled or “conditional” proxy proposals on a case-by-case basis, as THE FUNDS will examine the benefits and costs of the packaged items, and determine if the effect of the conditioned items are in the best interests of shareholders.

 

  

 

CASE-BY-CASE

Dividends

 

THE FUNDS will vote for proposals to allocate income and set dividends.

 

THE FUNDS will also vote for proposals that authorize a dividend reinvestment program as it allows investors to receive additional stock in lieu of a cash dividend.

 

However, if a proposal for a special bonus dividend is made that specifically rewards a certain class of shareholders over another, THE FUNDS will vote against the proposal.

 

THE FUNDS will also vote against proposals from shareholders requesting management to redistribute profits or restructure investments. Management is best placed to determine how to allocate corporate earnings or set dividends.

 

  

 

FOR

 

FOR

 

AGAINST

 

AGAINST

Reduce the Par Value of the Common Stock

 

THE FUNDS will vote for proposals to reduce the par value of common stock.

 

  

 

FOR

Preferred Stock Authorization

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote for proposals to create preferred stock in cases where the company expressly states that the stock will not be used as a takeover defense or carry superior voting rights, or where the stock may be used to consummate beneficial acquisitions, combinations or financings.

 

Alternatively, THE FUNDS will vote against proposals to authorize or issue preferred stock if the board has asked for the unlimited right to set the terms and conditions for the stock and may issue it for anti-takeover purposes without shareholder approval (blank check preferred stock).

  

 

FOR

 

AGAINST


 

In addition, THE FUNDS will vote against proposals to issue preferred stock if the shares to be used have voting rights greater than those available to other shareholders.

 

THE FUNDS will vote for proposals to require shareholder approval of blank check preferred stock issues for other than general corporate purposes (white squire placements).

 

  

 

AGAINST

 

 

FOR

Preemptive Rights

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote for proposals to eliminate preemptive rights. Preemptive rights are unnecessary to protect shareholder interests due to the size of most modern companies, the number of investors and the liquidity of trading.

 

  

 

FOR

Share Repurchase Plans

 

THE FUNDS will vote for share repurchase plans, unless:

 

•       there is clear evidence of past abuse of the authority; or

 

•       the plan contains no safeguards against selective buy-backs.

 

Corporate stock repurchases are a legitimate use of corporate funds and can add to long-term shareholder returns.

 

  

 

FOR

 

AGAINST

 

AGAINST

Executive and Director Compensation Plans

 

THE FUNDS will analyze on a case-by-case basis proposals on executive or director compensation plans, with the view that viable compensation programs reward the creation of stockholder wealth by having high payout sensitivity to increases in shareholder value. Such proposals may seek shareholder approval to adopt a new plan, or to increase shares reserved for an existing plan.

 

THE FUNDS will review the potential cost and dilutive effect of the plan. After determining how much the plan will cost, ISS evaluates whether the cost is reasonable by comparing the cost to an allowable cap. The allowable cap is industry-specific, market cap-base, and pegged to the average amount paid by companies performing in the top quartile of their peer groups. If the proposed cost is below the allowable cap, THE FUNDS will vote for the plan. ISS will also apply a pay for performance overlay in assessing equity-based compensation plans for Russell 3000 companies.

 

If the proposed cost is above the allowable cap, THE FUNDS will vote against the plan.

 

Among the plan features that may result in a vote against the plan are:

 

•       plan administrators are given the authority to reprice or replace underwater options; repricing guidelines will conform to changes in the NYSE and NASDAQ listing rules.

 

THE FUNDS will vote against equity plans that have high average three-year burn rate. (The burn rate is calculated as the total number of stock awards and stock options granted any given year divided by the number of common shares outstanding.) THE FUNDS will define a high average three-year burn rate as the following: The company’s most recent three-year burn rate exceeds one standard deviation of its four-digit GICS peer group segmented by Russell 3000 index and non-Russell 3000 index; and the company’s most recent three-year burn rate exceeds 2% of common shares outstanding. For companies that grant both full value awards and stock options to their employees, THE FUNDS shall apply

  

 

CASE-BY-CASE

 

 

FOR

 

 

 

 

AGAINST

 

AGAINST

 

 

AGAINST


a premium on full value awards for the past three fiscal years.

 

Even if the equity plan fails the above burn rate, THE FUNDS will vote for the plan if the company commits in a public filing to a three-year average burn rate equal to its GICS group burn rate mean plus one standard deviation. If the company fails to fulfill its burn rate commitment, THE FUNDS will consider withholding from the members of the compensation committee.

 

THE FUNDS will calculate a higher award value for awards that have Dividend Equivalent Rights (DER’s) associated with them.

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote for shareholder proposals requiring performance-based stock options unless the proposal is overly restrictive or the company demonstrates that it is using a substantial portion of performance-based awards for its top executives.

 

THE FUNDS will vote for shareholder proposals asking the company to expense stock options, as a result of the FASB final rule on expensing stock options.

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote for shareholder proposals to exclude pension fund income in the calculation of earnings used in determining executive bonuses/compensation.

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote for TSO awards within a new equity plan if the total cost of the equity plan is less than the company’s allowable cap.

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote against shareholder proposals to ban future stock option grants to executives. This may be supportable in extreme cases where a company is a serial repricer, has a huge overhang, or has highly dilutive, broad-based (non-approved) plans and is not acting to correct the situation.

 

THE FUNDS will evaluate shareholder proposals asking companies to adopt holding periods for their executives on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the company’s current holding period or officer share ownership requirements, as well as actual officer stock ownership in the company.

 

For certain OBRA-related proposals, THE FUNDS will vote for plan provisions that (a) place a cap on annual grants or amend administrative features, and (b) add performance criteria to existing compensation plans to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

In addition, director compensation plans may also include stock plans that provide directors with the option of taking all or a portion of their cash compensation in the form of stock. THE FUNDS will consider these plans based on their voting power dilution.

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote for retirement plans for directors.

 

THE FUNDS will evaluate compensation proposals (Tax Havens) requesting share option schemes or amending an existing share option scheme on a case-by-case basis.

 

Stock options align management interests with those of shareholders by motivating executives to maintain stock price appreciation. Stock options, however, may harm shareholders by diluting each owner’s interest. In addition, exercising options can shift the balance of voting power by increasing executive ownership.

 

  

 

 

FOR

 

 

CASE-BY-CASE

 

FOR

 

 

FOR

 

FOR

 

FOR

 

AGAINST

 

 

CASE-BY-CASE

 

 

FOR

 

CASE-BY-CASE


    

FOR

 

CASE-BY-CASE

Bonus Plans

 

THE FUNDS will vote for proposals to adopt annual or long-term cash or cash-and-stock bonus plans on a case-by-case basis. These plans enable companies qualify for a tax deduction under the provisions of Section 162(m) of the IRC. Payouts under these plans may either be in cash or stock and are usually tied to the attainment of certain financial or other performance goals. THE FUNDS will consider whether the plan is comparable to plans adopted by companies of similar size in the company’s industry and whether it is justified by the company’s performance.

 

  

 

CASE-BY-CASE

Deferred Compensation Plans

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote for proposals to adopt or amend deferred compensation plans as they allow the compensation committee to tailor the plan to the needs of the executives or board of directors, unless

 

•     the proposal is embedded in an executive or director compensation plan that is contrary to guidelines

 

  

 

FOR

 

AGAINST

Disclosure on Executive or Director Compensation Cap or Restrict Executive or Director Compensation

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote for shareholder proposals requiring companies to report on their executive retirement benefits (deferred compensation, split-dollar life insurance, SERPs, and pension benefits.

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote for shareholder proposals requesting to put extraordinary benefits contained in SERP agreements to a shareholder vote, unless the company’s executive pension plans do not contain excessive benefits beyond what is offered under employee-wide plans.

 

THE FUNDS will generally vote against proposals seek to limit executive and director pay.

 

  

 

 

FOR

 

FOR

 

 

AGAINST

Tax-Gross-Up Payments

 

THE FUNDS will examine on a case-by-case basis proposals calling for companies to adopt a policy of not providing tax gross-up payments to executives.

 

  

 

CASE-BY-CASE

Relocation Benefits

 

The FUNDS will not consider relocation benefits as a problematic pay practice in connection with management say-on-pay proposals.

 

    

Exchange Offers/Re-Pricing

 

The FUNDS will not vote against option exchange programs made available to executives and directors that are otherwise found acceptable.

 

    

Golden and Tin Parachutes

 

    


THE FUNDS will vote for proposals that seek shareholder ratification of golden or tin parachutes as shareholders should have the opportunity to approve or disapprove of these severance agreements.

 

Alternatively, THE FUNDS will examine on a case-by-case basis proposals that seek to ratify or cancel golden or tin parachutes. Effective parachutes may encourage management to consider takeover bids more fully and may also enhance employee morale and productivity. Among the arrangements that will be considered on their merits are:

 

•       arrangements guaranteeing key employees continuation of base salary for more than three years or lump sum payment of more than three times base salary plus retirement benefits;

 

•       guarantees of benefits if a key employee voluntarily terminates;

 

•       guarantees of benefits to employees lower than very senior management; and

 

•       indemnification of liability for excise taxes.

 

By contrast, THE FUNDS will vote against proposals that would guarantee benefits in a management-led buyout.

 

  

FOR

 

CASE-BY-CASE

 

 

 

 

AGAINST

Stakeholder Laws

 

THE FUNDS will vote against resolutions that would allow the Board to consider stakeholder interests (local communities, employees, suppliers, creditors, etc.) when faced with a takeover offer.

 

Similarly, THE FUNDS will vote for proposals to opt out of stakeholder laws, which permit directors, when taking action, to weight the interests of constituencies other than shareholders in the process of corporate decision-making. Such laws allow directors to consider nearly any factor they deem relevant in discharging their duties.

 

  

 

AGAINST

 

FOR

Mergers/Acquisitions and Corporate Restructurings

 

THE FUNDS will consider proposals on mergers and acquisitions on a case-by-case basis. THE FUNDS will determine if the transaction is in the best economic interests of the shareholders. THE FUNDS will take into account the following factors:

 

•       anticipated financial and operating benefits;

 

•       offer price (cost versus premium);

 

•       prospects for the combined companies;

 

•       how the deal was negotiated;

 

•       changes in corporate governance and their impact on shareholder rights.

 

In addition, THE FUNDS will also consider whether current shareholders would control a minority of the combined company’s outstanding voting power, and whether a reputable financial advisor was retained in order to ensure the protection of shareholders’ interests.

 

On all other business transactions, i.e. corporate restructuring, spin-offs, asset sales, liquidations, and restructurings, THE FUNDS will analyze such proposals on a case-by-case basis and utilize the majority of the above factors in determining what is in the best interests of shareholders. Specifically, for liquidations, the cost versus premium factor may not be applicable, but THE FUNDS may also review the compensation plan for executives managing the liquidation.

 

  

 

CASE-BY-CASE

 

 

 

CASE-BY-CASE

 

 

CASE-BY-CASE

Appraisal Rights     


 

THE FUNDS will vote for proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with rights of appraisal.

 

Rights of appraisal provide shareholders who are not satisfied with the terms of certain corporate transactions (such as mergers) the right to demand a judicial review in order to determine the fair value of their shares.

 

  

 

FOR

Mutual Fund Proxies

 

THE FUNDS will vote mutual fund proxies on a case-by-case basis.

Proposals may include, and are not limited to, the following issues:

 

•       eliminating the need for annual meetings of mutual fund shareholders;

 

•       entering into or extending investment advisory agreements and management contracts;

 

•       permitting securities lending and participation in repurchase agreements;

 

•       changing fees and expenses; and

 

•       changing investment policies.

 

  

 

CASE-BY-CASE

APPENDIX B

TO

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Members of Funds Management Proxy Voting Committee

Thomas C. Biwer, CFA

Mr. Biwer has 38 years experience in finance and investments. He has served as an investment analyst, portfolio strategist, and corporate pension officer. He received B.S. and M.B.A. degrees from the University of Illinois and has earned the right to use the CFA designation.

Erik J. Sens, CFA

Mr. Sens has 22 years of investment industry experience. He has served as an investment analyst and portfolio manager. He received undergraduate degrees in Finance and Philosophy from the University of San Francisco and has earned the right to use the CFA designation.

Travis L. Keshemberg, CFA

Mr. Keshemberg has 17 years experience in the investment industry. He has served as a overlay portfolio manager and investment consultant. He holds a Masters Degree from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and Bachelors degree from Marquette University. He has earned the right to use the CFA, CIPM and CIMA designations.

Patrick E. McGuinnis, CFA

Mr. McGuinnis has 12 years of experience in the investment industry as an analyst. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Finance from the University of Wisconsin and has earned the right to use the CFA designation.

ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

Niklas Nordenfelt, CFA

Mr. Nordenfelt is jointly responsible for managing the Fund, which he has managed since 2010. Mr. Nordenfelt joined Wells Capital Management in 2003, where he is a senior portfolio manager and co-manager of the Sutter High Yield Fixed Income team. Education: B.S., Economics, University of California, Berkeley.


Philip Susser

Mr. Susser is jointly responsible for managing the Fund, which he has managed since 2010. Mr. Susser joined Wells Capital Management in 2001, where he is a senior portfolio manager and co-manager of the Sutter High Yield Fixed Income team. Education: B.A., Economics, University of Pennsylvania; J.D., University of Michigan.

Janet S. Rilling, CFA, CPA

Mr. Rilling is jointly responsible for managing the Fund, which she has managed since 2011. Ms. Rilling has been with Wells Capital Management or one of its affiliate firms since 2005. Ms Rilling has been working in the investment management field since 1995.

Michael Bray, CFA

Mr. Bray is jointly responsible for managing the Fund, which he has managed since 2011. Mr. Bray joined Wells Capital Management in 2005 as a portfolio manager on the Customized Fixed Income Team specializing in government, agency and interest rate derivative instruments. Prior to joining Wells Capital Management, Mr. Bray was a principal responsible for multi-currency yield curve arbitrage business at Windward Capital, LLC from 2004 to 2005. From 1996 to 2004, he was the managing director at State Street Research and Management, focusing on mutual fund and institutional account management. Education: B.S., Math and Actuarial Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs; M.B.A., Pennsylvania State University.

Christopher Y. Kauffman, CFA

Mr. Kauffman is jointly responsible for managing Fund, which he has managed since 2008. Mr. Kauffman has been with Wells Capital Management or an affiliate firm since 2003, where he is a senior portfolio manager with Wells Fargo affiliate Tattersall Advisory Group (TAG). Education: B.A., Finance and Economics, Master’s, Business Administration with an emphasis in finance, Washington University in St. Louis, MO.

Anthony Norris

Mr. Norris is jointly responsible for managing Fund, which he has managed since 2003. Mr. Norris is Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer, and Senior Portfolio Manager with First International Advisors. He has been with Wells Capital or one of its affiliate firms since 1990.

Peter Wilson

Mr. Wilson is jointly responsible for managing the Fund, which he has managed since 2003. Mr. Wilson is Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer, and Senior Portfolio Manager with First International Advisors in London. Mr. Wilson has been with Wells Capital or one of its affiliate firms since 1989. He was educated in Canada, Hong Kong and England.

Michael Lee

Mr. Lee is jointly responsible for managing the Fund, which he has managed since 2003. Mr. Lee joined First International Advisors in 1992, where he currently serves as a Director of Trading and Senior Portfolio Manager.

Alex Perrin

Mr. Perrin is jointly responsible for managing the Fund, which he has managed since 2003. Mr. Perrin joined First International Advisors in 1992, where he currently serves as Director of Research and Senior Portfolio Manager.

Christopher Wightman

Mr. Wightman is jointly responsible for managing the Fund, which he has managed since 2012. Mr. Wightman joined First International Advisors in 2011, where he currently serves as Senior Portfolio Manager. Prior to joining First International Advisors, he served as a senior investment manager specializing in global fixed income strategies at JP Morgan Chase.

OTHER FUNDS AND ACCOUNTS MANAGED

The following table provides information about the registered investment companies and other pooled investment vehicles and accounts managed by the portfolio manager of the Fund as of the Fund’s most recent period ended October 31, 2012.

Niklas Nordenfelt

I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     3         5         25   


Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 1,655.8       $ 597.6       $ 2,455.3   

performance based fee accounts:

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     3         5         25   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 1,655.8       $ 597.6       $ 2,455.3   

Philip Susser

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     3         5         25   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 1,655.8       $ 597.6       $ 2,455.3   

performance based fee accounts:

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     3         5         25   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 1,655.8       $ 597.6       $ 2,455.3   

Janet S. Rilling

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     1         4         31   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 542       $ 2,030       $ 3,893   

performance based fee accounts:

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     0         0         1   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 0       $ 0       $ 450   

Michael Bray

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     5         2         7   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 4,139       $ 1,730       $ 2,395   

performance based fee accounts:

        


I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     0         0         0   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 0       $ 0       $ 0   

Christopher Y. Kauffman

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     4         0         2   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 5,223       $ 0       $ 124   

performance based fee accounts:

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     0         0         0   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 0       $ 0       $ 0   

Anthony Norris

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     4         6         21   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 1,997       $ 481       $ 3,961   

performance based fee accounts:

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     0         0         0   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 0       $ 0       $ 0   

Peter Wilson

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     4         6         21   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 1,997       $ 481       $ 3,961   

performance based fee accounts:

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     0         0         0   


Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 0       $ 0       $ 0   

Michael Lee

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     4         6         21   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 1,997       $ 481       $ 3,961   

performance based fee accounts:

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     0         0         0   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 0       $ 0       $ 0   

Alex Perrin

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     4         6         21   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 1,997       $ 481       $ 3,961   

performance based fee accounts:

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     0         0         0   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 0       $ 0       $ 0   

Christopher Wightman

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     4         6         21   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 1,997       $ 481       $ 3,961   

performance based fee accounts:

        
I manage the following types of accounts:    Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Number of above accounts

     0         0         0   

Total assets of above accounts (millions)

   $ 0       $ 0       $ 0   

MATERIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST


The Portfolio Managers face inherent conflicts of interest in their day-to-day management of the Funds and other accounts because the Funds may have different investment objectives, strategies and risk profiles than the other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers. For instance, to the extent that the Portfolio Managers manage accounts with different investment strategies than the Funds, they may from time to time be inclined to purchase securities, including initial public offerings, for one account but not for a Fund. Additionally, some of the accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers may have different fee structures, including performance fees, which are or have the potential to be higher or lower, in some cases significantly higher or lower, than the fees paid by the Funds. The differences in fee structures may provide an incentive to the Portfolio Managers to allocate more favorable trades to the higher-paying accounts.

To minimize the effects of these inherent conflicts of interest, the Sub-Advisers have adopted and implemented policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, that they believe address the potential conflicts associated with managing portfolios for multiple clients and ensure that all clients are treated fairly and equitably. Additionally, some of the Sub-Advisers minimize inherent conflicts of interest by assigning the Portfolio Managers to accounts having similar objectives. Accordingly, security block purchases are allocated to all accounts with similar objectives in proportionate weightings. Furthermore, the Sub-Advisers have adopted a Code of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”) to address potential conflicts associated with managing the Funds and any personal accounts the Portfolio Managers may maintain.

First International Advisors

First International Advisors’ Portfolio Managers often provide investment management for separate accounts advised in the same or similar investment style as that provided to mutual funds. While management of multiple accounts could potentially lead to conflicts of interest over various issues such as trade allocation, fee disparities and research acquisition, First International Advisors has implemented policies and procedures for the express purpose of ensuring that clients are treated fairly and that potential conflicts of interest are minimized.

Wells Capital Management

Wells Capital Management’s Portfolio Managers often provide investment management for separate accounts advised in the same or similar investment style as that provided to mutual funds. While management of multiple accounts could potentially lead to conflicts of interest over various issues such as trade allocation, fee disparities and research acquisition, Wells Capital Management has implemented policies and procedures for the express purpose of ensuring that clients are treated fairly and that potential conflicts of interest are minimized.

COMPENSATION

The Portfolio Managers were compensated by their employing sub-adviser from the fees the Adviser paid the Sub-Adviser using the following compensation structure:

First International Advisors Compensation. The compensation structure for First International Advisors’s Portfolio Managers includes a competitive fixed base salary plus variable incentives (First International Advisors utilizes investment management compensation surveys as confirmation). Incentive bonuses are typically tied to pretax relative investment performance of all accounts under his or her management within acceptable risk parameters. Relative investment performance is generally evaluated for 1, 3, and 5 year performance results, with a predominant weighting on the 3-and 5- year time periods, versus the relevant benchmarks and/or peer groups consistent with the investment style. This evaluation takes into account relative performance of the accounts to each account’s individual benchmark and/or the relative composite performance of all accounts to one or more relevant benchmarks consistent with the overall investment style. In the case of each Fund, the benchmark(s) against which the performance of the Fund’s portfolio may be compared for these purposes generally are indicated in the Performance” sections of the Prospectuses.

Wells Capital Management Compensation. The compensation structure for Wells Capital Management’s Portfolio Managers includes a competitive fixed base salary plus variable incentives (Wells Capital Management utilizes investment management compensation surveys as confirmation). Incentive bonuses are typically tied to pretax relative investment performance of all accounts under his or her management within acceptable risk parameters. Relative investment performance is generally evaluated for 1, 3, and 5 year performance results, with a predominant weighting on the 3- and 5- year time periods, versus the relevant benchmarks and/or peer groups consistent with the investment style. This evaluation takes into account relative performance of the accounts to each account’s individual benchmark and/or the relative composite performance of all accounts to one or more relevant benchmarks consistent with the overall investment style. In the case of each Fund, the benchmark(s) against which the performance of the Fund’s portfolio may be compared for these purposes generally are indicated in the Performance” sections of the Prospectuses.

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF THE FUND


The following table shows for each Portfolio Manager the dollar value of the Fund beneficially owned by the Portfolio Manager as of October 31, 2012:

 

Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund

  

Niklas Nordenfelt

     none   

Phil Susser

     none   

Janet S. Rilling

     none   

Michael J. Bray

     none   

Christopher Kauffman

     none   

Tony Norris

     none   

Peter Wilson

     none   

Michael Lee

     none   

Alex Perrin

     none   

Christopher Wightman

     none   

ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASES

Not applicable.

ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The Governance Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Trustees of the registrant (the “Trust”) has adopted procedures by which a shareholder of any series of the Trust may submit properly a nominee recommendation for the Committee’s consideration.

The shareholder must submit any such recommendation (a “Shareholder Recommendation”) in writing to the Trust, to the attention of the Trust’s Secretary, at the address of the principal executive offices of the Trust.

The Shareholder Recommendation must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of the Trust not less than forty-five (45) calendar days nor more than seventy-five (75) calendar days prior to the date of the Committee meeting at which the nominee would be considered.

The Shareholder Recommendation must include: (i) a statement in writing setting forth (A) the name, age, date of birth, business address, residence address and nationality of the person recommended by the shareholder (the “candidate”); (B) the series (and, if applicable, class) and number of all shares of the Trust owned of record or beneficially by the candidate, as reported to such shareholder by the candidate; (C) any other information regarding the candidate called for with respect to director nominees by paragraphs (a), (d), (e) and (f) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K or paragraph (b) of Item 22 of Rule 14a-101 (Schedule 14A) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (or the corresponding provisions of any regulation or rule subsequently adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor agency applicable to the Trust); (D) any other information regarding the candidate that would be required to be disclosed if the candidate were a nominee in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitation of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and (E) whether the recommending shareholder believes that the candidate is or will be an “interested person” of the Trust (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) and, if not an “interested person,” information regarding the candidate that will be sufficient for the Trust to make such determination; (ii) the written and signed consent of the candidate to be named as a nominee and to serve as a Trustee if elected; (iii) the recommending shareholder’s name as it appears on the Trust’s books; (iv) the series (and, if applicable, class) and number of all shares of the Trust owned beneficially and of record by the recommending shareholder; and (v) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the recommending shareholder and the candidate and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the recommendation is being made by the recommending shareholder. In addition, the Committee may require the


candidate to interview in person and furnish such other information as it may reasonably require or deem necessary to determine the eligibility of such candidate to serve as a Trustee of the Trust.

ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) The President and Treasurer have concluded that the Wells Fargo Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund (the “Trust”) disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) provide reasonable assurances that material information relating to the Trust is made known to them by the appropriate persons based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report.

(b) There were no significant changes in the Trust’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the second quarter of the period covered by this report that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 12. EXHIBITS

(a)(1) Code of Ethics pursuant to Item 2 of Form N-CSR is filed and attached hereto as Exhibit 10a.

(a)(2) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) is filed and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CERT.

(a)(3) Not applicable.

(b) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) is filed and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906CERT.


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 Advantage Multi-Sector Income Fund
By:  
  /s/ Karla M. Rabusch
  Karla M. Rabusch
  President
Date:   December 26, 2012

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.

 

By:  
  /s/ Karla M. Rabusch
  Karla M. Rabusch
  President
Date:   December 26, 2012
By:  
  /s/ Jeremy DePalma
  Jeremy DePalma
  Treasurer
Date:   December 26, 2012