497K 1 discoveryfundsummaryprospec.htm DISCOVERY FUND SUMMARY PROSPECTUSES

Summary Prospectus

September 12, 2016

Wells Fargo Discovery Fund

Class/Ticker: Class A - WFDAX; Class C - WDSCX

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI

Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund's prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund's prospectus and other information about the Fund online at wellsfargofunds.com/reports. You can also get information at no cost by calling 1-800-222-8222, or by sending an email request to fundservice@wellsfargo.com. The current prospectus ("Prospectus") and statement of additional information ("SAI") dated February 1, 2016, as supplemented from time to time, are incorporated by reference into this summary prospectus. The Fund's SAI may be obtained, free of charge, in the same manner as the Prospectus.

Investment Objective

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the aggregate in specified classes of certain Wells Fargo Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in "Share Class Features" and "Reductions and Waivers of Sales Charges" on pages 38 and 39 of the Prospectus and "Additional Purchase and Redemption Information" on page 55 of the Statement of Additional Information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Class A

Class C

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

5.75%

None

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

None1

1.00%

1.

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

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)1

Class A

Class C

Management Fees

0.71%

0.71%

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

0.00%

0.75%

Other Expenses

0.48%

0.48%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

1.19%

1.94%

Fee Waivers

0.00%

0.00%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver2

1.19%

1.94%

1.

Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses.

2.

The Manager has contractually committed through January 31, 2017, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 1.22% for Class A and 1.97% for Class C. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees.

Example of Expenses

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

 

Assuming Redemption at End of Period

Assuming No Redemption

After:

Class A

Class C

Class C

1 Year

$689

$297

$197

3 Years

$931

$609

$609

5 Years

$1,192

$1,047

$1,047

10 Years

$1,935

$2,264

$2,264

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 87% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, we invest:

  • at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies; and

  • up to 25% of the Fund's total assets in equity securities of foreign issuers through ADRs and similar investments.

We invest in equity securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies that we believe offer favorable opportunities for growth. We define small- and medium capitalization companies as those with market capitalizations at the time of purchase equal to or lower than the company with the largest market capitalization in the Russell Midcap® Index, which was approximately $30.2 billion as of December 31, 2015, and is expected to change frequently. We may also invest in equity securities of foreign issuers through ADRs and similar investments.

We seek to identify companies that have the prospect for improving sales and earnings growth rates, enjoy a competitive advantage (for example, dominant market share) and that we believe have effective management with a history of making investments that are in the best interests of shareholders (for example, companies with a history of earnings and sales growth that are in excess of total asset growth). We pay particular attention to balance sheet metrics such as changes in working capital, property, plant and equipment growth, inventory levels, accounts receivable, and acquisitions. We also look at how management teams allocate capital in order to drive future cash flow. Price objectives are determined based on industry specific valuation methodologies including relative price-to-earnings multiples, price-to-book value, operating profit margin trends, enterprise value to EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) and free cash flow yield. In addition to meeting with management, we take a surround the company approach by surveying a company's vendors, distributors, competitors and customers to obtain multiple perspectives that help us make better investment decisions. Portfolio holdings are continuously monitored for changes in fundamentals. The team seeks a favorable risk/reward relationship to fair valuation, which we define as the value of the company (i.e. our price target for the stock) relative to where the stock is currently trading. We may invest in any sector, and at times we may emphasize one or more particular sectors. We may choose to sell a holding when it no longer offers favorable growth prospects, reaches our target price, or to take advantage of a better investment opportunity.

Principal Investment Risks

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

Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.

Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.

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

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

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

Performance

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

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

Highest Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2009

+17.55%

Lowest Quarter: 4th Quarter 2008

-29.33%

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended 12/31/2015 (Returns reflect applicable sales charges)

Inception Date of Share Class

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Class A (before taxes)

7/31/2007

-7.15%

9.20%

8.48%

Class A (after taxes on distributions)

7/31/2007

-9.02%

7.64%

7.27%

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

7/31/2007

-2.54%

7.24%

6.81%

Class C (before taxes)

7/31/2007

-3.24%

9.67%

8.30%

Russell 2500™ Growth Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

-0.19%

11.43%

8.49%

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

Fund Management

 

Adviser

Sub-Adviser

Portfolio Manager, Title / Managed Since

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

Thomas J. Pence, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2001
Michael T. Smith, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2011
Christopher J. Warner, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2012

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

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

 

Minimum Investments

To Buy or Sell Shares

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

Minimum Additional Investment

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

Mail: Wells Fargo Funds
P.O. Box 8266
Boston, MA 02266-8266
Online: wellsfargofunds.com
Phone or Wire: 1-800-222-8222

Contact your financial professional.

Tax Information

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

Payments to Intermediaries

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

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI

Summary Prospectus

September 12, 2016

Wells Fargo Discovery Fund

Class/Ticker: Administrator Class - WFDDX

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI

Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund's prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund's prospectus and other information about the Fund online at wellsfargofunds.com/reports. You can also get information at no cost by calling 1-800-222-8222, or by sending an email request to fundservice@wellsfargo.com. The current prospectus ("Prospectus") and statement of additional information ("SAI") dated February 1, 2016, as supplemented from time to time, are incorporated by reference into this summary prospectus. The Fund's SAI may be obtained, free of charge, in the same manner as the Prospectus.

Investment Objective

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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

None

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

None

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)1

Management Fees

0.71%

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

0.00%

Other Expenses

0.40%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

1.11%

Fee Waivers

0.00%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver2

1.11%

1.

Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses.

2.

The Manager has contractually committed through January 31, 2017, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 1.15% for Administrator Class. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees.

Example of Expenses

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

 

After:

1 Year

$113

3 Years

$353

5 Years

$612

10 Years

$1,352

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 87% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, we invest:

  • at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies; and

  • up to 25% of the Fund's total assets in equity securities of foreign issuers through ADRs and similar investments.

We invest in equity securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies that we believe offer favorable opportunities for growth. We define small- and medium capitalization companies as those with market capitalizations at the time of purchase equal to or lower than the company with the largest market capitalization in the Russell Midcap® Index, which was approximately $30.2 billion as of December 31, 2015, and is expected to change frequently. We may also invest in equity securities of foreign issuers through ADRs and similar investments.

We seek to identify companies that have the prospect for improving sales and earnings growth rates, enjoy a competitive advantage (for example, dominant market share) and that we believe have effective management with a history of making investments that are in the best interests of shareholders (for example, companies with a history of earnings and sales growth that are in excess of total asset growth). We pay particular attention to balance sheet metrics such as changes in working capital, property, plant and equipment growth, inventory levels, accounts receivable, and acquisitions. We also look at how management teams allocate capital in order to drive future cash flow. Price objectives are determined based on industry specific valuation methodologies including relative price-to-earnings multiples, price-to-book value, operating profit margin trends, enterprise value to EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) and free cash flow yield. In addition to meeting with management, we take a surround the company approach by surveying a company's vendors, distributors, competitors and customers to obtain multiple perspectives that help us make better investment decisions. Portfolio holdings are continuously monitored for changes in fundamentals. The team seeks a favorable risk/reward relationship to fair valuation, which we define as the value of the company (i.e. our price target for the stock) relative to where the stock is currently trading. We may invest in any sector, and at times we may emphasize one or more particular sectors. We may choose to sell a holding when it no longer offers favorable growth prospects, reaches our target price, or to take advantage of a better investment opportunity.

Principal Investment Risks

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

Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.

Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.

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

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

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

Performance

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

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

Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2008

+17.58%

Lowest Quarter: 4th Quarter 2008

-29.30%

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended 12/31/2015

Inception Date of Share Class

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Administrator Class (before taxes)

4/8/2005

-1.38%

10.63%

9.28%

Administrator Class (after taxes on distributions)

4/8/2005

-3.33%

9.08%

8.07%

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

4/8/2005

0.78%

8.40%

7.49%

Russell 2500™ Growth Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

-0.19%

11.43%

8.49%

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

Fund Management

 

Adviser

Sub-Adviser

Portfolio Manager, Title / Managed Since

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

Thomas J. Pence, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2001
Michael T. Smith, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2011
Christopher J. Warner, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2012

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

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

 

Minimum Investments

To Buy or Sell Shares

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

Minimum Additional Investment
Administrator Class: None

Mail: Wells Fargo Funds
P.O. Box 8266
Boston, MA 02266-8266
Online: wellsfargofunds.com
Phone or Wire: 1-800-222-8222

Contact your financial professional.

Tax Information

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

Payments to Intermediaries

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

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI

Summary Prospectus

September 12, 2016

Wells Fargo Discovery Fund

Class/Ticker: Institutional Class - WFDSX

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI

Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund's prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund's prospectus and other information about the Fund online at wellsfargofunds.com/reports. You can also get information at no cost by calling 1-800-222-8222, or by sending an email request to fundservice@wellsfargo.com. The current prospectus ("Prospectus") and statement of additional information ("SAI") dated February 1, 2016, as supplemented from time to time, are incorporated by reference into this summary prospectus. The Fund's SAI may be obtained, free of charge, in the same manner as the Prospectus.

Investment Objective

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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

None

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

None

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)1

Management Fees

0.71%

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

0.00%

Other Expenses

0.15%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

0.86%

Fee Waivers

0.00%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver2

0.86%

1.

Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses.

2.

The Manager has contractually committed through January 31, 2017, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 0.89% for Institutional Class. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees.

Example of Expenses

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

 

After:

1 Year

$88

3 Years

$274

5 Years

$477

10 Years

$1,061

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 87% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, we invest:

  • at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies; and

  • up to 25% of the Fund's total assets in equity securities of foreign issuers through ADRs and similar investments.

We invest in equity securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies that we believe offer favorable opportunities for growth. We define small- and medium capitalization companies as those with market capitalizations at the time of purchase equal to or lower than the company with the largest market capitalization in the Russell Midcap® Index, which was approximately $30.2 billion as of December 31, 2015, and is expected to change frequently. We may also invest in equity securities of foreign issuers through ADRs and similar investments.

We seek to identify companies that have the prospect for improving sales and earnings growth rates, enjoy a competitive advantage (for example, dominant market share) and that we believe have effective management with a history of making investments that are in the best interests of shareholders (for example, companies with a history of earnings and sales growth that are in excess of total asset growth). We pay particular attention to balance sheet metrics such as changes in working capital, property, plant and equipment growth, inventory levels, accounts receivable, and acquisitions. We also look at how management teams allocate capital in order to drive future cash flow. Price objectives are determined based on industry specific valuation methodologies including relative price-to-earnings multiples, price-to-book value, operating profit margin trends, enterprise value to EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) and free cash flow yield. In addition to meeting with management, we take a surround the company approach by surveying a company's vendors, distributors, competitors and customers to obtain multiple perspectives that help us make better investment decisions. Portfolio holdings are continuously monitored for changes in fundamentals. The team seeks a favorable risk/reward relationship to fair valuation, which we define as the value of the company (i.e. our price target for the stock) relative to where the stock is currently trading. We may invest in any sector, and at times we may emphasize one or more particular sectors. We may choose to sell a holding when it no longer offers favorable growth prospects, reaches our target price, or to take advantage of a better investment opportunity.

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

Principal Investment Risks

Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.

Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.

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

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

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

Performance

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

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

Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2008

+17.61%

Lowest Quarter: 4th Quarter 2008

-29.25%

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended 12/31/2015

Inception Date of Share Class

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Institutional Class (before taxes)

8/31/2006

-1.10%

10.92%

9.53%

Institutional Class (after taxes on distributions)

8/31/2006

-3.00%

9.40%

8.34%

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

8/31/2006

0.90%

8.64%

7.71%

Russell 2500™ Growth Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

-0.19%

11.43%

8.49%

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

Fund Management

 

Adviser

Sub-Adviser

Portfolio Manager, Title / Managed Since

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

Thomas J. Pence, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2001
Michael T. Smith, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2011
Christopher J. Warner, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2012

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

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

 

Minimum Investments

To Buy or Sell Shares

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

Minimum Additional Investment
Institutional Class: None

Mail: Wells Fargo Funds
P.O. Box 8266
Boston, MA 02266-8266
Online: wellsfargofunds.com
Phone or Wire: 1.800.222.8222

Contact your financial professional.

Tax Information

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

Payments to Intermediaries

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

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI

Summary Prospectus

September 12, 2016

Wells Fargo Discovery Fund

Class/Ticker: Class R6 - WFDRX

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI

Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund's prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund's prospectus and other information about the Fund online at wellsfargofunds.com/reports. You can also get information at no cost by calling 1-800-222-8222, or by sending an email request to fundservice@wellsfargo.com. The current prospectus ("Prospectus") and statement of additional information ("SAI") dated February 1, 2016, as supplemented from time to time, are incorporated by reference into this summary prospectus. The Fund's SAI may be obtained, free of charge, in the same manner as the Prospectus.

Investment Objective

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

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

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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

None

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

None

 

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

Management Fees

0.71%

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

0.00%

Other Expenses

0.05%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

0.76%

Fee Waivers

0.00%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver1

0.76%

1.

The Manager has contractually committed through January 31, 2017, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 0.84% for Class R6. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the cap. After this time, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees.

Example of Expenses

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

 

After:

1 Year

$78

3 Years

$243

5 Years

$422

10 Years

$942

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 87% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, we invest:

  • at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in equity securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies; and

  • up to 25% of the Fund's total assets in equity securities of foreign issuers through ADRs and similar investments.

We invest in equity securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies that we believe offer favorable opportunities for growth. We define small- and medium capitalization companies as those with market capitalizations at the time of purchase equal to or lower than the company with the largest market capitalization in the Russell Midcap® Index, which was approximately $30.2 billion as of December 31, 2015, and is expected to change frequently. We may also invest in equity securities of foreign issuers through ADRs and similar investments.

We seek to identify companies that have the prospect for improving sales and earnings growth rates, enjoy a competitive advantage (for example, dominant market share) and that we believe have effective management with a history of making investments that are in the best interests of shareholders (for example, companies with a history of earnings and sales growth that are in excess of total asset growth). We pay particular attention to balance sheet metrics such as changes in working capital, property, plant and equipment growth, inventory levels, accounts receivable, and acquisitions. We also look at how management teams allocate capital in order to drive future cash flow. Price objectives are determined based on industry specific valuation methodologies including relative price-to-earnings multiples, price-to-book value, operating profit margin trends, enterprise value to EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) and free cash flow yield. In addition to meeting with management, we take a surround the company approach by surveying a company's vendors, distributors, competitors and customers to obtain multiple perspectives that help us make better investment decisions. Portfolio holdings are continuously monitored for changes in fundamentals. The team seeks a favorable risk/reward relationship to fair valuation, which we define as the value of the company (i.e. our price target for the stock) relative to where the stock is currently trading. We may invest in any sector, and at times we may emphasize one or more particular sectors. We may choose to sell a holding when it no longer offers favorable growth prospects, reaches our target price, or to take advantage of a better investment opportunity.

Principal Investment Risks

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

Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments may be subject to lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign investments may involve exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be subject to higher withholding and other taxes.

Investment Style Risk. Securities of a particular investment style, such as a growth style or value style, tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions.

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

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

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

Performance

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

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

Highest Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2008

+17.61%

Lowest Quarter: 4th Quarter 2008

-29.25%

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended 12/31/2015

Inception Date of Share Class

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

R6 Class

6/28/2013

-1.04%

10.95%

9.54%

Russell 2500™ Growth Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

-0.19%

11.43%

8.49%

Fund Management

 

Adviser

Sub-Adviser

Portfolio Manager, Title / Managed Since

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

Thomas J. Pence, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2001
Michael T. Smith, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2011
Christopher J. Warner, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2012

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Class R6 shares generally are available only to certain retirement plans, including: 401(k) plans, 457 plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, target benefit plans, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Class R6 shares also are generally available only to retirement plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the Fund. Class R6 shares also are available to Funds of Funds managed by Funds Management. Class R6 shares generally are not available to retail accounts.

 

Institutions Purchasing Fund Shares

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

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

Tax Information

By investing in a Fund through a tax-deferred retirement account, you will not be subject to tax on dividends and capital gains distributions from the Fund or the sale of Fund shares if those amounts remain in the tax-deferred account. Distributions taken from retirement plan accounts generally are taxable as ordinary income. For special rules concerning tax-deferred retirement accounts, including applications, restrictions, tax advantages, and potential sales charge waivers, contact your investment professional. To determine if a retirement plan may be appropriate for you and to obtain further information, consult your tax adviser.

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI