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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: 811-21507

 

 

Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and

High Income Fund

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

525 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94105

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

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: August 31

Date of reporting period: August 31, 2015

 

 

 

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ITEM 1.

REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS

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Wells Fargo Advantage

Utilities and High Income Fund

 

 

Annual Report

August 31, 2015

 

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*			7
Financial statements
Statement of assets and liabilities			15
Statement of operations			16
Statement of changes in net assets			17
Statement of cash flows			18
Financial highlights			19
Notes to financial statements			20
Report of independent registered public accounting firm			25
Other information			26
Automatic dividend reinvestment plan			32
List of abbreviations			33

 

*

A complete schedule of portfolio holdings as of the report date may be obtained, free of charge, by accessing the following website: https://www.wellsfargoadvantagefunds.com/assets/edocs/regulatory/holdings/utilities-and-high-income-ann.pdf or by calling Wells Fargo Advantage Funds at 1-800-222-8222. This complete schedule, filed on Form N-CSR, is also available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.

The views expressed and any forward-looking statements are as of August 31, 2015, 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 and the Fund disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any views expressed or forward-looking statements.

 

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2		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

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Letter to shareholders (unaudited)		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			3

materials sector’s metals and mining industry, which comprises a much lower 4% of the overall market, fell more than 25%.

As concerns heightened about credit risk among borrowers, investor preferences for higher-rated bonds within the high-yield sector increased, and higher-rated bonds tended to outperform lower-rated bonds.

Credit concerns and uncertainty about the future direction of investment markets also supported increased investor interest in shorter duration bonds, which escalated demand for those bonds compared with intermediate issues and benefited the performance of the shorter-duration segment of the market.

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

Periods of investment uncertainty can present challenges, but experience has taught us that maintaining long-term investment goals can be an effective way to plan for the future. Although diversification cannot guarantee an investment profit or prevent losses, we believe it can be an effective way to manage investment risk and potentially smooth out overall portfolio performance. We encourage investors to know their investments and to understand that appropriate levels of risk-taking may unlock opportunities.

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.

Sincerely,

 

Karla M. Rabusch

President

Wells Fargo Advantage Funds

 

Notice to shareholders

At a meeting held on August 11–12, 2015, the Board of Trustees of the Fund approved a change in the name of the Fund whereby the word “Advantage” will be removed from its name, effective December 15, 2015.

 

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.

 

 

 

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

 

2	The S&P 500 Utilities Index is a market-value-weighted index that measures the performance of all stocks within the utilities sector of the S&P 500 Index. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

3	The S&P 500 Energy Index is a market-value-weighted index that measures the performance of all stocks within the energy sector of the S&P 500 Index. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

4	The S&P 500 Materials Index is a market-value-weighted index that measures the performance of all stocks within the materials sector of the S&P 500 Index. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

5

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country World Index ex USA Index (Net) includes large-, mid-, small-, and micro-cap segments for all developed markets countries in the index together with large-, mid-, and small-cap segments for the emerging markets countries. You cannot invest directly in an index. Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed, or produced by MSCI.

 

6

The Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index is an unmanaged, U.S. dollar-denominated, nonconvertible, non-investment-grade debt index. The index consists of domestic and corporate bonds rated Ba and below with a minimum outstanding amount of $150 million. You cannot invest directly in an index.

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4		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Performance highlights (unaudited)

High-yield, lower-rated bonds may contain more risk due to the increased possibility of default. Foreign investments may contain more risk due to the inherent risks associated with changing political climates, foreign market instability, and foreign currency fluctuations. Risks of international investing are magnified in emerging or developing markets. Funds that concentrate their investments in a single industry or sector may face increased risk of price fluctuation due to adverse developments within that industry or sector. Small- and midcap securities may be subject to special risks associated with narrower product lines and limited financial resources compared with their large-cap counterparts. The use of leverage results in certain risks including, among others, the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and the market price of common shares. Derivatives involve additional risks, including interest-rate risk, credit risk, the risk of improper valuation, and the risk of noncorrelation to the relevant instruments they are designed to hedge or to closely track. There are numerous risks associated with transactions in options on securities. Illiquid securities may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value and may be difficult to sell.

 

 

1

Total returns based on market value are calculated assuming a purchase of common stock on the first day and sale on the last day of the period reported. Total returns based on NAV are calculated based on the NAV at the beginning of the period and end of the period. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed for the purposes of these calculations to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

 

2	This chart does not reflect any brokerage commissions charged on the purchase and sale of the Fund’s common stock. Dividends and distributions paid by the Fund are included in the Fund’s average annual total returns but have the effect of reducing the Fund’s NAV.

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Performance highlights (unaudited)		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			5

MANAGERS’ DISCUSSION

The Fund’s return, based on market value, was -9.11% for the 12-month period that ended August 31, 2015. During the same period, the Fund’s return based on net asset value was -3.38%.

Overview

Interest rates declined during the first six months, which positively influenced equity performance. Later in the period, despite a low-interest-rate environment, the advent of higher equity market volatility and a related increase in the equity-risk premium caused a shift in investor sentiment that led to some weakness in the performance of some stock holdings. The Fund’s cash position as a percentage of net assets increased.

High-yield bonds, as measured by the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Constrained Index,⁵ fell in price, driven primarily by the energy sector and the metals and mining industry. Oil prices fell from over $90 per barrel to below $50 per barrel, and other commodity prices, including natural gas, came under pressure. Energy-related issues, which comprised approximately 15% of the high-yield bond market, had a negative total return of nearly 20%, on average. Similarly, while metals and mining industry stocks comprised a much smaller 4% of the high-yield bond market, they suffered a negative total return of more than 25%.

 

 

 

 

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

 

4

The credit quality distribution of portfolio holdings reflected in the chart is based on ratings from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Service, and/or Fitch Ratings Ltd. Credit quality ratings apply to the underlying holdings of the Fund and not to the Fund itself. The percentages of the Fund’s portfolio with the ratings depicted in the chart are calculated based on the total market value of fixed income securities held by the Fund. If a security was rated by all three rating agencies, the middle rating was utilized. If rated by two of three rating agencies, the lower rating was utilized, and if rated by one of the rating agencies, that rating was utilized. Standard & 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). 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). Fitch rates the creditworthiness of bonds, ranging from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). Credit quality distribution is subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.

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6		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Performance highlights (unaudited)

 

Among high-yield investments in the Fund, holdings of bonds issued by oil-field services companies detracted, although favorable security selection tempered those losses.

Management outlook

From an equity perspective, we are now seeing what appears to be a more solid and accelerating economic recovery in the U.S. In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) continues to signal that it is moving closer to the time when it will increase interest rates off of the historic low levels it has maintained since 2008. Stronger economic growth may be positive for utilities suffering from weak sales, while higher interest rates could be a near-term headwind for utilities stocks. Over the longer term, fundamentals for regulated network operators remain robust, while the outlook for utilities with significant commodity price exposure remains challenging.

In our base-case scenario for the high-yield bond market, we are of the opinion that the economy is likely to improve at a consistent or slightly increasing pace while Treasury yields could rise as the Fed increases interest rates. In this environment, we would expect high-yield bonds to be relatively stable, potentially outperforming other fixed-income assets such as government bonds—particularly intermediate-term U.S. Treasury securities—and investment-grade corporate credits. Historically, these two asset classes tended to be influenced by rising interest rates to a higher degree than high-yield bonds. We expect the performance of high-yield bonds going forward to be driven primarily by corporate fundamentals and defaults. In the near term, with the exception of the energy and other commodity-related sectors and industries, our outlook for default rates remains benign and supportive of high-yield bonds. With respect to energy exploration and development companies, if oil and natural gas prices do not rise, there could be an increasing number of defaults starting in 2015 and growing in 2016 and 2017. In our view, a potential default rate increase already has been priced in somewhat in the higher yields and lower prices of bonds offered by issuers in these sectors and industries. Over a full cycle, we believe the best way to protect the Fund’s high-yield investments from periodic bouts of systemic fears and rebalancing will be our continued focus on a bottom-up research approach that attempts to minimize downside risk while capturing the return potential of high-yield issuers.

 

 

 

5

The BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Constrained Index is a market-value-weighted index of all domestic and yankee high-yield bonds, including deferred interest bonds and payment-in-kind securities. Issues included in the index have maturities of one year or more and have a credit rating lower than BBB-/Baa3 but are not in default. The BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Constrained Index limits any individual issuer to a maximum of 2% benchmark exposure. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

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

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Summary portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			7

    

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Security name						Shares				Value				Percent of net assets
Common Stocks: 61.68%
Consumer Discretionary: 4.31%
Media: 4.31%
Vivendi SA							200,000			$	4,947,562				4.31	%
Energy: 7.78%
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 7.78%
EQT Corporation							15,000				1,167,300				1.01
Spectra Energy Corporation							75,000				2,180,250				1.90
The Williams Companies Incorporated							100,000				4,820,000				4.20
Veresen Incorporated							75,000				774,742				0.67
											8,942,292				7.78
Industrials: 3.64%
Air Freight & Logistics: 3.60%
Deutsche Post AG							150,000				4,133,161				3.60
Construction & Engineering: 0.04%
Other securities											51,030				0.04
Information Technology: 1.97%
IT Services: 1.97%
Convergys Corporation							100,000				2,260,000				1.97
Telecommunication Services: 4.20%
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 2.68%
BCE Incorporated							16,000				647,040				0.56
Verizon Communications Incorporated							41,291				1,899,799				1.66
Other securities											532,136				0.46
											3,078,975				2.68
Wireless Telecommunication Services: 1.52%
Shenandoah Telecommunications Company							45,000				1,741,050				1.52
Utilities: 39.78%
Electric Utilities: 31.33%
American Electric Power Company Incorporated							100,000				5,429,000				4.73
Duke Energy Corporation							30,514				2,163,748				1.88
Edison International							75,000				4,386,000				3.82
Endesa SA							80,000				1,660,783				1.45
Enel SpA							400,000				1,802,623				1.57
Eversource Energy							90,000				4,251,600				3.70
Exelon Corporation							16,000				492,160				0.43
Great Plains Energy Incorporated							175,000				4,361,000				3.80
IDACORP Incorporated							25,000				1,484,250				1.29

 

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

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8		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Summary portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015

    

 

 

Security name										Shares				Value				Percent of net assets
Electric Utilities (continued)
NextEra Energy Incorporated											50,000			$	4,920,500				4.28	%
PNM Resources Incorporated											75,000				1,920,750				1.67
Terna SpA											650,000				3,031,378				2.64
Other securities															82,409				0.07
															35,986,201				31.33
Gas Utilities: 0.45%
Snam SpA											100,000				489,482				0.43
Other securities															20,948				0.02
															510,430				0.45
Multi-Utilities: 5.74%
CenterPoint Energy Incorporated											50,000				931,000				0.81
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated											50,000				2,012,500				1.75
Sempra Energy											19,900				1,887,515				1.64
Suez Environnement Company SA											25,000				451,245				0.39
TECO Energy Incorporated											50,000				1,053,500				0.92
Other securities															256,560				0.23
															6,592,320				5.74
Water Utilities: 2.26%
American Water Works Company Incorporated											50,000				2,597,000				2.26
Total Common Stocks (Cost $55,608,262)															70,840,021				61.68
Corporate Bonds and Notes: 31.36%
Consumer Discretionary: 5.09%
Auto Components: 0.20%
Other securities															227,013				0.20
Distributors: 0.06%
Other securities															71,906				0.06
Diversified Consumer Services: 0.55%
Other securities															633,497				0.55
		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 1.37%
CCM Merger Incorporated 144A			9.13	%			5-1-2019			$	465,000				495,225				0.43
Greektown Holdings LLC 144A			8.88				3-15-2019				565,000				590,425				0.51
Other securities															490,051				0.43
															1,575,701				1.37
Household Durables: 0.16%
Other securities															184,625				0.16

 

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

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Summary portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			9

    

 

 

Security name		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal				Value				Percent of net assets
Leisure Products: 0.01%
Other securities														$	15,263				0.01	%
Media: 2.37%
Gray Television Incorporated			7.50	%			10-1-2020			$	500,000				517,025				0.45
Other securities															2,198,678				1.92
															2,715,703				2.37
Specialty Retail: 0.37%
Other securities															418,534				0.37
Consumer Staples: 0.33%
Beverages: 0.07%
Other securities															86,813				0.07
Food Products: 0.26%
Other securities															293,914				0.26
Energy: 6.11%
Energy Equipment & Services: 2.45%
NGPL PipeCo LLC 144A			7.77				12-15-2037				825,000				709,500				0.62
Other securities															2,110,686				1.83
															2,820,186				2.45
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 3.66%
Other securities															4,199,617				3.66
Financials: 5.78%
Banks: 0.31%
Other securities															352,295				0.31
Capital Markets: 0.55%
Other securities															625,679				0.55
Consumer Finance: 1.80%
Other securities															2,072,586				1.80
Diversified Financial Services: 0.61%
Other securities															706,025				0.61
Insurance: 0.32%
Other securities															370,125				0.32
Real Estate Management & Development: 0.21%
Other securities															242,500				0.21
REITs: 1.98%
Iron Mountain Incorporated			5.75				8-15-2024				450,000				451,688				0.39
Other securities															1,819,795				1.59
															2,271,483				1.98

 

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

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10		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Summary portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015

    

 

 

Security name		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal				Value				Percent of net assets
Health Care: 2.86%
Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 0.35%
Other securities														$	403,576				0.35	%
Health Care Providers & Services: 1.79%
Capella Healthcare Incorporated			9.25	%			7-1-2017			$	435,000				446,963				0.39
Select Medical Corporation			6.38				6-1-2021				455,000				461,825				0.40
Other securities															1,140,077				1.00
															2,048,865				1.79
Health Care Technology: 0.33%
Other securities															381,181				0.33
Life Sciences Tools & Services: 0.03%
Other securities															35,700				0.03
Pharmaceuticals: 0.36%
Other securities															416,113				0.36
Industrials: 1.98%
Airlines: 0.10%
Other securities															113,250				0.10
Commercial Services & Supplies: 0.75%
Other securities															858,919				0.75
Construction & Engineering: 0.19%
Other securities															216,575				0.19
Trading Companies & Distributors: 0.94%
H&E Equipment Services Incorporated			7.00				9-1-2022				450,000				447,750				0.39
Other securities															638,315				0.55
															1,086,065				0.94
Information Technology: 2.63%
Communications Equipment: 0.04%
Other securities															48,625				0.04
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components: 0.73%
Jabil Circuit Incorporated			8.25				3-15-2018				620,000				696,701				0.61
Other securities															144,450				0.12
															841,151				0.73
Internet Software & Services: 0.10%
Other securities															114,844				0.10
IT Services: 1.13%
Other securities															1,300,699				1.13

 

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

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Summary portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			11

    

 

 

Security name														Value				Percent of net assets
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment: 0.10%
Other securities														$	112,025				0.10	%
Software: 0.17%
Other securities															192,712				0.17
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals: 0.36%
Other securities															408,317				0.36
Materials: 0.53%
Chemicals: 0.02%
Other securities															20,950				0.02
Containers & Packaging: 0.31%
Other securities															358,917				0.31
Metals & Mining: 0.04%
Other securities															45,500				0.04
Paper & Forest Products: 0.16%
Other securities															179,741				0.16
		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal
Telecommunication Services: 3.79%
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 1.69%
Syniverse Holdings Incorporated			9.13	%			1-15-2019			$	600,000				520,500				0.45
Other securities															1,420,108				1.24
															1,940,608				1.69
Wireless Telecommunication Services: 2.10%
Sprint Capital Corporation			6.88				11-15-2028				1,100,000				946,000				0.82
Other securities															1,467,969				1.28
															2,413,969				2.10
Utilities: 2.26%
Electric Utilities: 1.42%
ComEd Financing III			6.35				3-15-2033				1,340,000				1,395,492				1.22
Other securities															234,571				0.20
															1,630,063				1.42
Gas Utilities: 0.27%
Other securities															310,376				0.27
Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers: 0.57%
Other securities															650,878				0.57
Total Corporate Bonds and Notes (Cost $36,302,227)															36,013,084				31.36

 

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

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12		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Summary portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015

    

 

 

Security name														Value				Percent of net assets
Loans: 1.88%
Consumer Discretionary: 0.75%
Diversified Consumer Services: 0.04%
Other securities														$	41,175				0.04	%
Media: 0.56%
Other securities															637,159				0.56
Specialty Retail: 0.15%
Other securities															177,377				0.15
Financials: 0.06%
Diversified Financial Services: 0.04%
Other securities															49,750				0.04
Insurance: 0.02%
Other securities															24,458				0.02
Industrials: 0.32%
Airlines: 0.01%
Other securities															9,863				0.01
Commercial Services & Supplies: 0.17%
Other securities															193,925				0.17
Transportation Infrastructure: 0.14%
Other securities															158,832				0.14
Information Technology: 0.06%
Internet Software & Services: 0.03%
Other securities															35,190				0.03
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals: 0.03%
Other securities															28,500				0.03
Telecommunication Services: 0.13%
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 0.13%
Other securities															153,436				0.13
		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal
Utilities: 0.56%
Electric Utilities: 0.56%
Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Company LLC ±(s)			4.66	%			10-10-2016			$	1,471,940				648,699				0.56
Total Loans (Cost $2,999,951)															2,158,364				1.88
Preferred Stocks: 13.14%
Financials: 0.08%
Banks: 0.08%
Other securities															88,257				0.08

 

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

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Summary portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			13

    

 

 

Security name		Dividend yield						Shares				Value				Percent of net assets
Utilities: 13.06%
Electric Utilities: 13.06%
Alabama Power Company			6.45	%					50,000			$	1,325,000				1.15	%
Entergy Arkansas Incorporated			4.90						44,335				1,074,680				0.94
Entergy Louisiana LLC			4.70						270,483				6,340,122				5.52
Entergy Louisiana LLC			6.95						21,050				2,106,316				1.83
Indianapolis Power & Light Company			5.65						24,345				2,511,340				2.19
NextEra Energy Capital Holding Incorporated Series I			5.13						44,000				1,056,000				0.92
The Connecticut Light & Power Company			5.28						12,000				588,750				0.51
													15,002,208				13.06
Total Preferred Stocks (Cost $14,356,211)													15,090,465				13.14
Warrants: 0.02%
Utilities: 0.02%
Gas Utilities: 0.02%
Other securities													21,280				0.02
Total Warrants (Cost $30,480)													21,280				0.02
Yankee Corporate Bonds and Notes: 2.66%
Energy: 0.05%
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 0.05%
Other securities													58,110				0.05
Financials: 0.35%
Banks: 0.35%
Other securities													403,088				0.35
Health Care: 0.47%
Pharmaceuticals: 0.47%
Other securities													536,795				0.47
Industrials: 0.14%
Commercial Services & Supplies: 0.13%
Other securities													147,900				0.13
Machinery: 0.01%
Other securities													19,400				0.01
Materials: 0.60%
Containers & Packaging: 0.20%
Other securities													224,841				0.20
Metals & Mining: 0.32%
Other securities													364,939				0.32

 

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

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14		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Summary portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015

    

 

 

Security name		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal				Value				Percent of net assets
Paper & Forest Products: 0.08%
Other securities														$	94,500				0.08	%
Telecommunication Services: 1.05%
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 1.00%
Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA			5.50	%			8-1-2023			$	545,000				479,600				0.42
Other securities															672,554				0.58
															1,152,154				1.00
Wireless Telecommunication Services: 0.05%
Other securities															50,625				0.05
Total Yankee Corporate Bonds and Notes (Cost $3,307,631)															3,052,352				2.66
		Yield								Shares
Short-Term Investments: 7.99%
Investment Companies: 7.99%
Wells Fargo Advantage Cash Investment Money Market Fund, Select Class (l)(u)##			0.15								9,179,571				9,179,571				7.99
Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $9,179,571)															9,179,571				7.99
Total investments in securities (Cost $121,784,333) *															136,355,137				118.73	%
Other assets and liabilities, net															(21,506,954	)			(18.73	)
Total net assets														$	114,848,183				100.00	%

 

 

 

±	Variable rate investment. The rate shown is the rate in effect at period end.

 

144A	The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers, pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

(l)	The security represents an affiliate of the Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

(s)	The security is currently in default with regards to scheduled interest and/or principal payments. The Fund has stopped accruing interest on the security.

 

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

 

##	All or a portion of this security is segregated for when-issued securities.

 

*	Cost for federal income tax purposes is $122,506,173 and unrealized gains (losses) consists of:

 

Gross unrealized gains		$	20,508,332
Gross unrealized losses			(6,659,368	)
Net unrealized gains		$	13,848,964

 

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

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Statement of assets and liabilities—August 31, 2015		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			15

Assets
Investments
In unaffiliated securities, at value (cost $112,604,762)		$	127,175,566
In affiliated securities, at value (cost $9,179,571)			9,179,571
Total investments, at value (cost $121,784,333)			136,355,137
Foreign currency, at value (cost $65,790)			66,287
Receivable for investments sold			251,270
Receivable for dividends and interest			1,243,903
Prepaid expenses and other assets			8,816
Total assets			137,925,413
Liabilities
Dividends payable			712,783
Payable for investments purchased			162,254
Secured borrowing payable			22,014,564
Advisory fee payable			71,396
Administration fee payable			5,950
Accrued expenses and other liabilities			110,283
Total liabilities			23,077,230
Total net assets		$	114,848,183
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
Paid-in capital		$	151,460,387
Undistributed net investment income			155,876
Accumulated net realized losses on investments			(51,336,598	)
Net unrealized gains on investments			14,568,518
Total net assets		$	114,848,183
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
Based on $114,848,183 divided by 9,232,832 shares issued and outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized)			$12.44

 

 

 

 

 

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

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16		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Statement of operations—year ended August 31, 2015

Investment income
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $508,835)		$	6,920,396
Interest			2,954,012
Income from affiliated securities			8,416
Total investment income			9,882,824
Expenses
Advisory fee			866,645
Administration fee			72,220
Custody and accounting fees			25,874
Professional fees			163,551
Shareholder report expenses			67,410
Trustees’ fees and expenses			23,255
Transfer agent fees			29,530
Interest expense			198,189
Secured borrowing fees			2,271
Other fees and expenses			11,294
Total expenses			1,460,239
Net investment income			8,422,585
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized gains on investments			319,865
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments			(13,285,652	)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments			(12,965,787	)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations		$	(4,543,202	)

 

 

 

 

 

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

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Statement of changes in net assets		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			17

		Year ended August 31, 2015				Year ended August 31, 2014
Operations
Net investment income		$	8,422,585			$	8,968,521
Net realized gains on investments			319,865				1,474,455
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments			(13,285,652	)			12,542,009
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			(4,543,202	)			22,984,985
Distributions to shareholders from
Net investment income			(8,308,807	)			(8,308,065	)
Capital share transactions
Net asset value of shares issued under the Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan			22,151				0
Total increase (decrease) in net assets			(12,829,858	)			14,676,920
Net assets
Beginning of period			127,678,041				113,001,121
End of period		$	114,848,183			$	127,678,041
Undistributed net investment income		$	155,876			$	105,977

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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18		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Statement of cash flows—year ended August 31, 2015

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations		$	(4,543,202	)
Adjustments to reconcile net decrease in net assets from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Purchase of securities			(85,564,199	)
Proceeds from sale of securities			87,653,486
Amortization			(33,508	)
Proceeds from short-term securities, net			(3,886,659	)
Increase in receivable for investments sold			(241,270	)
Increase in dividends and interest receivable			(3,861	)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets			(5,609	)
Decrease in payable for investments purchased			(3,102	)
Decrease in advisory fee payable			(5,840	)
Decrease in administration fee payable			(486	)
Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities			(39,724	)
Litigation payments received			1,273
Net realized gains on investments			(319,865	)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments			13,285,652
Net cash provided by operating activities			6,293,086
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash distributions paid			(8,265,951	)
Increase in secured borrowing payable			16,856
Net cash used in financing activities			(8,249,095	)
Net decrease in cash			(1,956,009	)
Cash (including foreign currency):
Beginning of period		$	2,022,296
End of period		$	66,287
Supplemental cash disclosure
Cash paid for interest		$	181,333
Supplemental non-cash financing disclosure
Reinvestment of dividends		$	22,151

 

 

 

 

 

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

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Financial highlights		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			19

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

		Year ended August 31
		2015				2014				2013				2012				2011
Net asset value, beginning of period			$13.83				$12.24				$11.74				$11.75				$11.23
Net investment income			0.91				0.97	1			0.87	1			0.87	1			0.99	1
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments			(1.40	)			1.52				0.53				0.02				0.43
Total from investment operations			(0.49	)			2.49				1.40				0.89				1.42
Distributions to shareholders from
Net investment income			(0.90	)			(0.90	)			(0.90	)			(0.90	)			(0.90	)
Net asset value, end of period			$12.44				$13.83				$12.24				$11.74				$11.75
Market value, end of period			$10.89				$12.87				$12.04				$11.92				$11.03
Total return based on market value2			(9.11	)%			14.89	%			8.93	%			17.03	%			5.99	%
Ratios to average net assets (annualized)
Gross expenses3			1.19	%			1.11	%			1.25	%			1.20	%			1.24	%
Net expenses3			1.19	%			1.11	%			1.25	%			1.20	%			1.24	%
Net investment income			6.88	%			7.38	%			7.11	%			7.48	%			8.14	%
Supplemental data
Portfolio turnover rate			61	%			29	%			65	%			48	%			64	%
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)			$114,848				$127,678				$113,001				$108,327				$108,146
Borrowings outstanding, end of period (000s omitted)			$22,000				$22,000				$22,000				$22,000				$22,000
Asset coverage per $1,000 of borrowing, end of period			$6,220				$6,804				$6,136				$5,866				$5,916

 

 

 

 

1	Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2

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

 

3	Ratios include interest expense relating to interest associated with borrowings and/or leverage transactions as follows:

 

Year ended August 31, 2015			0.16	%
Year ended August 31, 2014			0.19	%
Year ended August 31, 2013			0.21	%
Year ended August 31, 2012			0.25	%
Year ended August 31, 2011			0.25	%

 

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

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20		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Notes to financial statements

1. ORGANIZATION

The Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund (the “Fund”) was organized as a statutory trust under the laws of the state of Delaware on February 4, 2004. Originally classified as non-diversified, the Fund now is classified as a diversified closed-end management investment company and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. As an investment company, the Fund follows the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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

Securities valuation

All investments are valued each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m. Eastern Time).

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

Equity securities that are not listed on a foreign or domestic exchange or market, but have a public trading market, are valued at the quoted bid price from an independent broker-dealer that the Management Valuation Team of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (“Funds Management”) has determined is an acceptable source.

Non-listed OTC options are valued at the evaluated price provided by an independent pricing service or, if a reliable price is not available, the quoted bid price from an independent broker-dealer.

The values of securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at rates provided by an independent foreign currency pricing source at a time each business day specified by the Management Valuation Team.

Many securities markets and exchanges outside the U.S. close prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange and therefore may not fully reflect trading or events that occur after the close of the principal exchange in which the foreign securities are traded, but before the close of the New York Stock Exchange. If such trading or events are expected to materially affect the value of such securities, then fair value pricing procedures approved by the Board of Trustees of the Fund are applied. These procedures take into account multiple factors including movements in U.S. securities markets after foreign exchanges close. Foreign securities that are fair valued under these procedures are categorized as Level 2 and the application of these procedures may result in transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. Depending on market activity, such fair valuations may be frequent. Such fair value pricing may result in net asset values that are higher or lower than net asset values based on the last reported sales price or latest quoted bid price. On August 31, 2015, such fair value pricing was not used in pricing foreign securities.

Debt securities are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing service or, if a reliable price is not available, the quoted bid price from an independent broker-dealer.

Investments in registered open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value.

Investments which are not valued using any of the methods discussed above are valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees . The Board of Trustees has established a Valuation Committee comprised of the Trustees and has delegated to it the authority to take any actions regarding the valuation of portfolio securities that the Valuation Committee deems necessary or appropriate, including determining the fair value of portfolio securities, unless the determination has been delegated to the 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 values, to assess the continued appropriateness of the fair valuation methodologies used. These securities are fair

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Notes to financial statements		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			21

valued on a day-to-day basis, taking into consideration changes to appropriate market information and any significant changes to the inputs considered in the valuation process until there is a readily available price provided on an exchange or by an independent pricing service. Valuations received from an independent pricing service or independent broker-dealer 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.

Foreign currency translation

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

When-issued transactions

The Fund may purchase securities on a forward commitment or when-issued basis. The Fund records a when-issued transaction on the trade date and will segregate assets in an amount at least equal in value to the 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.

Loans

The Fund may invest in direct debt instruments which are interests in amounts owed to lenders by corporate or other borrowers. The loans pay interest at rates which are periodically reset by reference to a base lending rate plus a spread. Investments in loans may be in the form of participations in loans or assignments of all or a portion of loans from third parties. When the Fund purchases participations, it generally has no rights to enforce compliance with terms of the loan agreement with the borrower. As a result, the Fund assumes the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. When the Fund purchases assignments from lenders, it acquires direct rights against the borrower on the loan and may enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement. Loans may include fully funded term loans or unfunded loan commitments, which are contractual obligations for future funding.

Options

The Fund is subject to interest rate and equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The Fund may write covered call options or secured put options on individual securities and/or indexes. When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the written option. Premiums received from written options that expire unexercised are recognized as realized gains on the expiration date. For exercised options, the difference between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is treated as a realized gain or loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in calculating the realized gain or loss on the sale. If a put option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost of the security purchased. The Fund, as a writer of an option, bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security and/or index underlying the written option.

The Fund may also purchase call or put options. The premium is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an investment, the value of which is subsequently adjusted based on the current market value of the option. Premiums paid for purchased options that expire are recognized as realized losses on the expiration date. Premiums paid for purchased options that are exercised or closed are added to the amount paid or offset against the proceeds received for the underlying security to determine the realized gain or loss. The risk of loss associated with purchased options is limited to the premium paid.

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22		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Notes to financial statements

Options traded on an exchange are regulated and terms of the options are standardized. Purchased options traded over-the-counter expose the Fund to counterparty risk in the event the counterparty does not perform. This risk can be mitigated by having a master netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty and by having the counterparty post collateral to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty.

Security transactions and income recognition

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

Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, except for certain dividends from foreign securities, which are recorded as soon as the custodian verifies the ex-dividend date. Dividend income from foreign securities is recorded net of foreign taxes withheld where recovery of such taxes is not assured.

Interest income is accrued daily and bond discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized daily 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.

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 require 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 value per share. The primary permanent difference causing such reclassifications is due to bond premiums. At August 31, 2015, as a result of permanent book-to-tax differences, the following reclassification adjustments were made on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

Undistributed net investment income		Accumulated net realized losses on investments
$(63,879)		$63,879

As of August 31, 2015, the Fund had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future net realized capital gains in the amount of $47,268,666 with $19,833,087 expiring in 2017; and $27,435,579 expiring in 2018.

As of August 31, 2015, the Fund had current year deferred post-October capital losses consisting of $3,364,114 in short-term losses which will be recognized on the first day of the following fiscal year.

3. FAIR VALUATION MEASUREMENTS

Fair value measurements of investments are determined within a framework that has established a fair value hierarchy based upon the various data inputs utilized in determining the value of the 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

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Notes to financial statements		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			23

n

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

 

n

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

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

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities as of August 31, 2015:

 

		Quoted prices (Level 1)				Other significant observable inputs (Level 2)				Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)				Total
Assets
Investments in:
Common stocks
Consumer discretionary		$	4,947,562			$	0			$	0			$	4,947,562
Energy			8,942,292				0				0				8,942,292
Industrials			4,184,191				0				0				4,184,191
Information technology			2,260,000				0				0				2,260,000
Telecommunication services			4,820,025				0				0				4,820,025
Utilities			45,685,951				0				0				45,685,951
Corporate bonds and notes			0				36,013,084				0				36,013,084
Loans			0				1,489,428				668,936				2,158,364
Preferred stocks
Financials			88,257				0				0				88,257
Utilities			9,795,802				5,206,406				0				15,002,208
Warrants
Utilities			0				21,280				0				21,280
Yankee corporate bonds and notes			0				3,015,105				37,247				3,052,352
Short-term investments
Investment companies			9,179,571				0				0				9,179,571
Total assets		$	89,903,651			$	45,745,303			$	706,183			$	136,355,137

The Fund recognizes transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period. At August 31, 2015, the Fund did not have any transfers into/out of Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3.

4. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND OTHER EXPENSES

Advisory fee

Funds Management, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company (“Wells Fargo”) is the adviser to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee at an annual rate of 0.60% of the 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 investment subadvisers to provide daily portfolio management to the Fund. The fees for subadvisory services are borne by Funds Management. Wells Capital Management Incorporated (an affiliate of Funds Management and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo) and Crow Point Partners, LLC are each investment subadvisers to the Fund and are each entitled to receive a fee from Funds Management at an annual rate of 0.20% of the Fund’s average daily total assets.

Administration fee

Funds Management also serves as the administrator to the Fund, providing the Fund with a wide range of administrative services necessary to the operation of the Fund. Funds Management is entitled to receive an annual administration fee from the Fund equal to 0.05% of the Fund’s average daily total assets.

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24		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Notes to financial statements

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

The Fund has authorized an unlimited number of shares with no par value. For the year ended August 31, 2015 the Fund issued 1,649 shares. For the year ended August 31, 2014, the Fund did not issue any shares.

6. BORROWINGS

The Fund has borrowed $22 million through a revolving credit facility administered by a major financial institution (the “Facility”). The Facility has a commitment amount of $25 million with no specific contract expiration date but the Facility can be terminated upon 180 days’ notice. The Fund is charged interest at London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 0.70% and a commitment fee of 0.30% of the average daily unutilized amount of the commitment which may be waived if the amount drawn on the Facility is over 75% of the committed amount.

Prior to March 6, 2015, the Fund borrowed under a secured debt financing agreement and was charged interest at a rate determined by the type of loan elected by the Fund. The Fund had pledged all of its assets to secure the borrowings and paid a commitment fee at an annual rate equal to 0.15% of average daily unutilized commitment amount.

At August 31, 2015, the Fund had borrowings outstanding in the amount of $22,014,564 (including accrued interest and commitment fees payable). The borrowing fees on the Statement of Operations of $2,271 represents commitment fees. During the year ended August 31, 2015, an effective interest rate of 0.90% was incurred on the borrowings and the Fund incurred interest expense in the amount of $198,189, representing 0.16% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

7. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding U.S. government obligations (if any) and short-term securities, for the year ended August 31, 2015 were $82,452,560 and $82,409,730, respectively.

8. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

The tax character of distributions paid was $8,308,807 and $8,308,065 of ordinary income for the years ended August 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively.

As of August 31, 2015, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income		Unrealized gains		Post-October capital losses deferred		Capital loss carryforward
$930,749		$13,846,679		$(3,364,114)		$(47,268,666)

9. CONCENTRATION RISK

The Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in utilities companies and, therefore, would be more affected by changes in that industry than would be a fund whose investments are not heavily weighted in the industry.

10. INDEMNIFICATION

Under the Fund’s organizational documents, the officers and Trustees have been granted certain indemnification rights against certain liabilities that may arise out of performance of their duties to the 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. SUBSEQUENT DISTRIBUTIONS

The Fund declared the following distributions to shareholders:

 

Declaration date		Record date		Payable date		Per share amount
August 12, 2015		September 15, 2015		October 1, 2015		$0.075
September 25, 2015		October 15, 2015		November 2, 2015		$0.075
October 30, 2015		November 12, 2015		December 1, 2015		$0.075

These distributions are not reflected in the accompanying financial statements. The final determination of the source of all distributions is subject to change and made after the Fund’s tax year-end.

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Report of independent registered public accounting firm		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			25

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND SHAREHOLDERS OF WELLS FARGO ADVANTAGE UTILITIES AND HIGH 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 Utilities and High Income Fund (the “Fund”), as of August 31, 2015, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, the 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 August 31, 2015, 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 Utilities and High Income Fund as of August 31, 2015, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the 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.

 

Boston, Massachusetts

October 26, 2015

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26		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Other information (unaudited)

TAX INFORMATION

For corporate shareholders, pursuant to Section 854 of the Internal Revenue Code, 37.69% of ordinary income dividends qualify for the corporate dividends-received deduction for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015.

Pursuant to Section 854 of the Internal Revenue Code, $5,528,190 of income dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015 has been designated as qualified dividend income (QDI).

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015, $2,254,611 has been designated as interest-related dividends for nonresident alien shareholders pursuant to Section 871 of the Internal Revenue Code.

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, 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 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 monthly on the Fund’s website (wellsfargoadvantagefunds.com), on a one-month delayed basis. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which is available by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. In addition, the 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.

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Other information (unaudited)		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			27

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

The following table provides basic information about the Board of Trustees (the “Trustees”) and Officers of the Fund. Each of the Trustees and Officers¹ listed below acts in identical capacities for each fund in the Wells Fargo Advantage family of funds, which consists of 133 mutual funds comprising the Wells Fargo Funds Trust, Wells Fargo Variable Trust, Wells Fargo Master Trust, and four closed-end funds, including the Fund (collectively the “Fund Complex”). The mailing address of each Trustee and Officer is 525 Market Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. The Board of Trustees is classified into three classes of which one is elected annually. Each Trustee serves a three-year term concurrent with the class from which the Trustee is elected. Each Officer serves an indefinite term.

Independent Trustees

 

Name and year of birth		Position held and length of service		Principal occupations during past five years or longer		Other public company or investment company directorships during past 5 years
William R. Ebsworth (Born 1957)		Trustee, since 2015*		Retired. From 1984 to 2013, equities analyst, portfolio manager, research director at Fidelity Management and Research Company and retired in 2013 as Chief Investment Officer of Fidelity Strategic Advisers, Inc. in Boston, Tokyo, and Hong Kong where he led a team of investment professionals managing client assets. Prior thereto, Board member of Hong Kong Securities Clearing Co., Hong Kong Options Clearing Corp., the Thailand International Fund, Ltd., Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company, and Empire Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company. Mr. Ebsworth is a CFA® charterholder and an Adjunct Lecturer, Finance, at Babson College.		Asset Allocation Trust
Jane A. Freeman (Born 1953)		Trustee, since 2015*		Retired. From 2012 to 2014 and 1999 to 2008, Chief Financial Officer of Scientific Learning Corporation. From 2008 to 2012, Ms. Freeman provided consulting services related to strategic business projects. Prior to 1999, Portfolio Manager at Rockefeller & Co. and Scudder, Stevens & Clark. Board member of the Harding Loevner Funds from 1996 to 2014, serving as both Lead Independent Director and chair of the Audit Committee. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Funds Trust from 2011 to 2012 and the chair of the Audit Committee. Ms. Freeman is Chair of Taproot Foundation (non-profit organization), a Board Member of Ruth Bancroft Garden (non-profit organization) and an inactive chartered financial analyst.		Asset Allocation Trust; Harding Loevner Funds; Russell Exchange Traded Funds Trust
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. Chairman of the Board of CIGNA Corporation since 2009, and Director since 2005. From 2003 to 2011, Director of Deluxe Corporation. Prior thereto, President and CEO of BellSouth Advertising and Publishing Corp. from 2005 to 2007, President and CEO of BellSouth Enterprises from 2004 to 2005 and President of BellSouth Consumer Services from 2000 to 2003. Emeritus member of the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors. Emeritus Member of the Advisory Board of Iowa State University School of Business. Advisory Board Member, Palm Harbor Academy (charter school). Mr. Harris is a certified public accountant.		CIGNA 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
David F. Larcker (Born 1950)		Trustee, since 2010		James Irvin Miller Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Morgan Stanley Director of the Center for Leadership Development and Research and Senior Faculty of The Rock Center for Corporate Governance since 2006. From 2005 to 2008, Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. Prior thereto, Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania from 1985 to 2005.		Asset Allocation Trust
Olivia S. Mitchell (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. Previously, Cornell University Professor from 1978 to 1993.		Asset Allocation Trust

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28		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Other information (unaudited)

Name and year of birth		Position held and length of service		Principal occupations during past five years or longer		Other public company or investment company directorships during past 5 years
Timothy J. Penny (Born 1951)		Trustee, since 2010		President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a non-profit organization, since 2007 and Senior Fellow at the Humphrey Institute Policy Forum at the University of Minnesota since 1995. Member of the Board of Trustees of NorthStar Education Finance, Inc., a non-profit organization, since 2007.		Asset Allocation Trust
Michael S. Scofield (Born 1943)		Trustee, since 2004		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 Fund complex (and its predecessors) from 1984 to 2010. Chairman of the Evergreen Fund 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 and Vice Chair of The Tree Trust (non-profit corporation). Director of the American Chestnut Foundation (non-profit corporation).		Asset Allocation Trust

 

*	William R. Ebsworth and Jane A. Freeman each became a Trustee effective January 1, 2015.

Officers

 

Name and year of birth		Position held and length of service		Principal occupations during past five years or longer
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.
Nancy Wiser1 (Born 1967)		Treasurer, since 2012		Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2011. Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer at LightBox Capital Management LLC, from 2008 to 2011.
C. David Messman (Born 1960)		Secretary, since 2010; Chief Legal Officer, since 2010		Senior Vice President and Secretary of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2001. Assistant General Counsel of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. since 2013 and Vice President and Managing Counsel of Wells Fargo Bank N.A. from 1996 to 2013.
Debra Ann Early (Born 1964)		Chief Compliance Officer, since 2010		Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2007 and Chief Compliance Officer from 2007 to 2014.
David Berardi (Born 1975)		Assistant Treasurer, since 2009		Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010. Manager of Fund Reporting and Control for Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2004 to 2010.
Jeremy DePalma1 (Born 1974)		Assistant Treasurer, since 2005		Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Senior Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010 and head of the Fund Reporting and Control Team within Fund Administration from 2005 to 2010.

 

 

1	Nancy Wiser acts as Treasurer of 72 funds in the Fund Complex. Jeremy DePalma acts as Treasurer of 61 funds and Assistant Treasurer of 72 funds in the Fund Complex.

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Other information (unaudited)		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			29

BOARD CONSIDERATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS

Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund (the “Fund”) must determine whether to approve the continuation of the Fund’s investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements. In this regard, at an in-person meeting held on May 19-20, 2015 (the “Meeting”), the Board, all the members of which have no direct or indirect interest in the investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements and are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”), reviewed and approved: (i) an investment advisory agreement with Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (“Funds Management”), (ii) an investment sub-advisory agreement with Wells Capital Management Incorporated (“WellsCap”), an affiliate of Funds Management; and (iii) an investment sub-advisory agreement with Crow Point Partners, LLC (“Crow Point”). The investment advisory agreement with Funds Management and the investment sub-advisory agreements with WellsCap and Crow Point (each, a “Sub-Adviser” and together, the “Sub-Advisers”) are collectively referred to as the “Advisory Agreements.”

At the Meeting, the Board considered the factors and reached the conclusions described below relating to the selection of Funds Management and the Sub-Advisers and the continuation of the Advisory Agreements. Prior to the Meeting, including at an in-person meeting in March 2015, the Trustees conferred extensively among themselves and with representatives of Funds Management about these matters. Also, the Board has adopted a team-based approach, with each team consisting of a sub-set of Trustees, to assist the full Board in the discharge of its duties in reviewing performance and other matters throughout the year. The Independent Trustees were assisted in their evaluation of the Advisory Agreements by independent legal counsel, from whom they received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately.

In providing information to the Board, Funds Management and the Sub-Advisers were guided by a detailed set of requests for information submitted to them by independent legal counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees at the start of the Board’s annual contract renewal process earlier in 2015. In considering and approving the Advisory Agreements, the Trustees considered the information they believed relevant, including but not limited to the information discussed below. The Board considered not only the specific information presented in connection with the Meeting, but also the knowledge gained over time through interaction with Funds Management and the Sub-Advisers about various topics. In this regard, the Board reviewed reports of Funds Management at each of its quarterly meetings, which included, among other things, portfolio reviews and performance reports. In addition, the Board and the teams mentioned above confer with portfolio managers at various times throughout the year. The Board did not identify any particular information or consideration that was all-important or controlling, and each individual Trustee may have attributed different weights to various factors.

After its deliberations, the Board unanimously approved the continuation of the Advisory Agreements and determined that the compensation payable to Funds Management and the Sub-Advisers is reasonable. The Board considered the continuation of the Advisory Agreements for the Fund as part of its consideration of agreements for funds across the complex, but its approvals were made on a fund-by-fund basis. The following summarizes a number of important, but not necessarily all, factors considered by the Board in support of its approvals.

Nature, extent and quality of services

The Board received and considered various information regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund by Funds Management and the Sub-Advisers under the Advisory Agreements. This information included, among other things, a summary of the background and experience of senior management of Funds Management, and the qualifications, background, tenure and responsibilities of each of the portfolio managers primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund.

The Board evaluated the ability of Funds Management and the Sub-Advisers to attract and retain qualified investment professionals, including research, advisory and supervisory personnel. The Board further considered the compliance programs and compliance records of Funds Management and the Sub-Advisers. In addition, the Board took into account the full range of services provided to the Fund by Funds Management and its affiliates.

Fund performance and expenses

The Board considered the performance results for the Fund over various time periods ended March 31, 2015. The Board considered these results in comparison to the performance of funds in a custom peer group that included funds selected by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”) and additional funds that were determined by Funds Management to be similar to the Fund (the “Custom Peer Group”), and in comparison to the Fund’s benchmark index and to other comparative data. The Board received a description of the methodology used by Lipper and Funds Management to select the funds in the Custom

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30		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Other information (unaudited)

Peer Group and discussed the limitations inherent in the use of other peer groups. The Board noted that the performance of the Fund was lower than the average performance of the Custom Peer Group for all periods under review except the first quarter of 2015. The Board also noted that the performance of the Fund was lower than its benchmark, the ERH Blended Index, which is a proprietary index used by the Board to help it assess the Fund’s relative performance, for all periods under review except the first quarter of 2015 and the three-year period.

The Board received information concerning, and discussed factors contributing to, the underperformance of the Fund relative to the Custom Peer Group and benchmark for the periods noted above. The Board took note of the explanations for the relative underperformance in these periods, including with respect to overall investment approach, sector allocations and investment decisions that affected the Fund’s performance.

The Board also received and considered information regarding the Fund’s net operating expense ratio and its various components, including actual management fees (which reflect fee waivers, if any, and include advisory and administration fees), and custodian and other non-management fees. The Board considered this ratio in comparison to the median ratio of funds in an expense group that was determined by Lipper to be similar to the Fund (the “Group”). Lipper is an independent provider of investment company data. The Board received a description of the methodology used by Lipper to select the funds in the expense Group and an explanation of how funds comprising expense groups and their expense ratios may vary from year-to-year. Based on the Lipper reports, the Board noted that the net operating expense ratio of the Fund was lower than the median net operating expense ratio of the expense Group.

The Board took into account the Fund performance and expense information provided to it among the factors considered in deciding to re-approve the Advisory Agreements.

Investment advisory and sub-advisory fee rates

The Board reviewed and considered the contractual investment advisory fee rate that is payable by the Fund to Funds Management for investment advisory services (the “Advisory Agreement Rate”), both on a stand-alone basis and on a combined basis with the Fund’s contractual administration fee rate (the “Management Rate”). The Board also reviewed and considered the contractual investment sub-advisory fee rates that are payable by Funds Management to each of the Sub-Advisers for investment sub-advisory services (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement Rate”).

Among other information reviewed by the Board was a comparison of the Management Rate of the Fund with those of other funds in the expense Group at a common asset level. The Board noted that the Management Rate of the Fund was lower than the average rate for the Fund’s expense Group.

The Board also received and considered information about the portion of the total advisory fee that was retained by Funds Management after payment of the fee to the Sub-Advisers for sub-advisory services. In assessing the reasonableness of this amount, the Board received and evaluated information about the nature and extent of responsibilities retained and risks assumed by Funds Management and not delegated to or assumed by the Sub-Advisers, and about Funds Management’s on-going oversight services. However, given the affiliation between Funds Management and WellsCap, the Board ascribed limited relevance to the allocation of the advisory fee between them. The Board also considered that the sub-advisory fees paid to Crow Point had been negotiated by Funds Management on an arm’s-length basis.

Based on its consideration of the factors and information it deemed relevant, including those described here, the Board determined that the Advisory Agreement Rate and each Sub-Advisory Agreement Rate was reasonable, in light of the services covered by the Advisory Agreements.

Profitability

The Board received and considered information concerning the profitability of Funds Management, as well as the profitability of Wells Fargo as a whole, from providing services to the Fund and the fund family as a whole. The Board also received and considered information concerning the profitability of WellsCap from providing services to the fund family as a whole, noting that WellsCap’s profitability information with respect to providing services to the Fund was subsumed in the Wells Fargo profitability analysis. The Board did not consider profitability with respect to Crow Point, as the sub-advisory fees paid to Crow Point had been negotiated by Funds Management on an arm’s-length basis.

Funds Management reported on the methodologies and estimates used in calculating profitability. Among other things, the Board noted that the levels of profitability reported on a fund-by-fund basis varied widely, depending on factors such as the size and type of fund. Based on its review, the Board did not deem the profits reported by Funds Management or Wells Fargo from its services to the Fund to be at a level that would prevent it from approving the continuation of the Advisory Agreements.

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Other information (unaudited)		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			31

Economies of scale

The Board considered the extent to which there may be sharing with the Fund of potential economies of scale in the provision of advisory services to the Fund. The Board noted that, as is typical of closed-end funds, there are no breakpoints in the Management Rate. Although the Fund would not share in any potential economies of scale through contractual breakpoints, the Board noted that fee waiver and expense reimbursement arrangements and competitive fee rates at the outset are means of sharing potential economies of scale with shareholders of the Fund and the fund family as a whole. The Board concluded that the Fund’s fee waiver and expense arrangements constituted a reasonable approach to sharing potential economies of scale with the Fund and its shareholders. The Board also noted that it would have opportunities to revisit the Management Rate as part of future contract reviews.

Other benefits to Funds Management and the Sub-Advisers

The Board received and considered information regarding potential “fall-out” or ancillary benefits received by Funds Management and its affiliates, including WellsCap, and Crow Point as a result of their relationships with the Fund. Ancillary benefits could include, among others, benefits directly attributable to other relationships with the Fund and benefits potentially derived from an increase in Funds Management’s and the Sub-Advisers’ business as a result of their relationships with the Fund. The Board also reviewed information about soft dollar credits earned and utilized by the Sub-Advisers and commissions earned by affiliated brokers from portfolio transactions.

Based on its consideration of the factors and information it deemed relevant, including those described here, the Board did not find that any ancillary benefits received by Funds Management and its affiliates, including WellsCap, or Crow Point were unreasonable.

Conclusion

At the Meeting, after considering the above-described factors and based on its deliberations and its evaluation of the information described above, the Board unanimously approved the continuation of the Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year period and determined that the compensation payable to Funds Management and the Sub-Advisers is reasonable.

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32		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Automatic dividend reinvestment plan

AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

All common shareholders are eligible to participate in the Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“the Plan”). Pursuant to the Plan, unless a common shareholder is ineligible or elects otherwise, all cash dividends and capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as agent for shareholders in administering the Plan (“Plan Agent”), in additional common shares of the Fund. Whenever the Fund declares an ordinary income dividend or a capital gain dividend (collectively referred to as “dividends”) payable either in shares or in cash, nonparticipants in the Plan will receive cash, and participants in the Plan will receive the equivalent in common shares. The shares are acquired by the Plan Agent for the 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 (“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 30170, College Station, Texas 77842-3170 or by calling 1-800-730-6001.

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List of abbreviations		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			33

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

 

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Transfer Agent, Registrar, Shareholder Servicing

Agent & Dividend Disbursing Agent

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

P.O. Box 30170

College Station, TX 77842-3170

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. Certain material contained in this report may be considered marketing material and has been reviewed by Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, an affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

NOT FDIC INSURED  ¡  NO BANK GUARANTEE  ¡   MAY LOSE VALUE

© 2015 Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

		236799 10-15 AUHIF/AR134 08-15

 

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ITEM 2.

CODE OF ETHICS

(a) As of the end of the period, covered by the report, Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its President and Treasurer. A copy of the code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR.

(c) During the period covered by this report, there were no amendments to the provisions of the code of ethics adopted in Item 2(a) above.

(d) During the period covered by this report, there were no implicit or explicit waivers to the provisions of the code of ethics adopted in Item 2(a) above.

 

ITEM 3.

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

The Board of Trustees of Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High 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), (b), (c), (d) The following table presents aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for services rendered to the Registrant by the Registrant’s principal accountant. These fees were billed to the registrant and were approved by the Registrant’s audit committee.

 

		Fiscal				Fiscal
		year ended				year ended
		August 31, 2015				August 31, 2014
Audit fees		$	49,900			$	49,900
Audit-related fees			—				—
Tax fees (1)			4, 030				3,830
All other fees			—				—
		$	53,930			$	53,730

 

(1)	Tax fees consist of fees for tax compliance, tax advice, tax planning and excise tax.

(e) The Chairman of the Audit Committees is authorized to pre-approve: (1) audit services for the Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund; (2) non-audit tax or compliance consulting or training services provided to the Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income 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 a Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income 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 Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income 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.

(f) Not applicable

(g) Not applicable

(h) Not applicable

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ITEM 5.

AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 6.

INVESTMENTS

Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund included a Summary Portfolio of Investments under Item 1. A Portfolio of Investments is filed under this Item.

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Portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			1

      

 

 

Security name						Shares				Value
Common Stocks: 61.68%
Consumer Discretionary: 4.31%
Media: 4.31%
Vivendi SA							200,000			$	4,947,562
Energy: 7.78%
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 7.78%
EQT Corporation							15,000				1,167,300
Spectra Energy Corporation							75,000				2,180,250
The Williams Companies Incorporated							100,000				4,820,000
Veresen Incorporated							75,000				774,742
											8,942,292
Industrials: 3.64%
Air Freight & Logistics: 3.60%
Deutsche Post AG							150,000				4,133,161
Construction & Engineering: 0.04%
Ameresco Incorporated Class A †							9,000				51,030
Information Technology: 1.97%
IT Services: 1.97%
Convergys Corporation							100,000				2,260,000
Telecommunication Services: 4.20%
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 2.68%
Alteva Incorporated							100,000				380,000
BCE Incorporated							16,000				647,040
Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG							25,000				152,136
Verizon Communications Incorporated							41,291				1,899,799
											3,078,975
Wireless Telecommunication Services: 1.52%
Shenandoah Telecommunications Company							45,000				1,741,050
Utilities: 39.78%
Electric Utilities: 31.33%
American Electric Power Company Incorporated							100,000				5,429,000
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation							300				14,781
Duke Energy Corporation							30,514				2,163,748
Edison International							75,000				4,386,000
Endesa SA							80,000				1,660,783
Enel SpA							400,000				1,802,623
Entergy Corporation							1,000				65,330
Eversource Energy							90,000				4,251,600
Exelon Corporation							16,000				492,160
Great Plains Energy Incorporated							175,000				4,361,000
IDACORP Incorporated							25,000				1,484,250

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2		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015

      

 

 

Security name										Shares				Value
Electric Utilities (continued)
NextEra Energy Incorporated											50,000			$	4,920,500
Pepco Holdings Incorporated											100				2,298
PNM Resources Incorporated											75,000				1,920,750
Terna SpA											650,000				3,031,378
															35,986,201
Gas Utilities: 0.45%
New Jersey Resources Corporation											400				11,308
Snam SpA											100,000				489,482
South Jersey Industries Incorporated											400				9,640
															510,430
Multi-Utilities: 5.74%
Alliant Energy Corporation											4,000				226,680
CenterPoint Energy Incorporated											50,000				931,000
Dominion Resources Incorporated											300				20,925
MDU Resources Group Incorporated											500				8,955
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated											50,000				2,012,500
Sempra Energy											19,900				1,887,515
Suez Environnement Company SA											25,000				451,245
TECO Energy Incorporated											50,000				1,053,500
															6,592,320
Water Utilities: 2.26%
American Water Works Company Incorporated											50,000				2,597,000
Total Common Stocks (Cost $55,608,262)															70,840,021
		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal
Corporate Bonds and Notes: 31.36%
Consumer Discretionary: 5.09%
Auto Components: 0.20%
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company (i)			7.63	%			3-15-2027			$	190,000				200,450
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company			7.00				5-15-2022				25,000				26,563
															227,013
Distributors: 0.06%
LKQ Corporation			4.75				5-15-2023				75,000				71,906
Diversified Consumer Services: 0.55%
Monitronics International			9.13				4-1-2020				25,000				23,375
Service Corporation International			6.75				4-1-2016				100,000				103,410
Service Corporation International			7.00				6-15-2017				25,000				26,875
Service Corporation International			7.50				4-1-2027				351,000				405,237
Service Corporation International			7.63				10-1-2018				25,000				28,000
Service Corporation International			8.00				11-15-2021				40,000				46,600
															633,497

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Portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			3

      

 

 

Security name		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal				Value
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 1.37%
CCM Merger Incorporated 144A			9.13	%			5-1-2019			$	465,000			$	495,225
Greektown Holdings LLC 144A			8.88				3-15-2019				565,000				590,425
Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC			5.63				10-15-2021				15,000				15,638
Pinnacle Entertainment Incorporated			7.50				4-15-2021				355,000				375,413
Speedway Motorsports Incorporated			5.13				2-1-2023				100,000				99,000
															1,575,701
Household Durables: 0.16%
American Greetings Corporation			7.38				12-1-2021				150,000				157,875
Tempur Sealy International Incorporated			6.88				12-15-2020				25,000				26,750
															184,625
Leisure Products: 0.01%
Vista Outdoor Incorporated 144A			5.88				10-1-2023				15,000				15,263
Media: 2.37%
Altice US Finance II Corporation 144A			7.75				7-15-2025				75,000				72,938
Cable One Inccorporated 144A			5.75				6-15-2022				25,000				25,250
Cablevision Systems Corporation			8.63				9-15-2017				145,000				158,413
CCO Holdings LLC			5.13				2-15-2023				50,000				49,875
CCO Holdings LLC 144A			5.13				5-1-2023				35,000				35,000
CCO Holdings LLC			5.25				9-30-2022				90,000				90,720
CCO Holdings LLC 144A			5.38				5-1-2025				210,000				203,963
CCO Holdings LLC 144A			5.88				5-1-2027				50,000				49,000
CCO Holdings LLC			6.63				1-31-2022				50,000				52,625
CCO Holdings LLC			7.38				6-1-2020				125,000				130,313
CCO Safari II LLC 144A			4.91				7-23-2025				100,000				99,314
Cequel Communications Holdings I LLC 144A			5.13				12-15-2021				100,000				91,625
Cinemark USA Incorporated			7.38				6-15-2021				75,000				79,313
CSC Holdings LLC			7.88				2-15-2018				75,000				81,938
CSC Holdings LLC			8.63				2-15-2019				125,000				140,625
DISH DBS Corporation			7.88				9-1-2019				115,000				124,649
EchoStar DBS Corporation			7.13				2-1-2016				50,000				50,750
Gray Television Incorporated			7.50				10-1-2020				500,000				517,025
Lamar Media Corporation			5.88				2-1-2022				75,000				78,375
LIN Television Corporation			6.38				1-15-2021				25,000				25,313
Live Nation Entertainment Incorporated 144A			7.00				9-1-2020				35,000				37,100
National CineMedia LLC			6.00				4-15-2022				155,000				158,488
National CineMedia LLC			7.88				7-15-2021				100,000				104,250
Nexstar Broadcasting Group Incorporated 144A			6.13				2-15-2022				25,000				25,188
Nexstar Broadcasting Group Incorporated			6.88				11-15-2020				145,000				152,250
Outfront Media Capital Corporation			5.25				2-15-2022				15,000				15,103
Outfront Media Capital Corporation			5.88				3-15-2025				65,000				66,300
															2,715,703
Specialty Retail: 0.37%
ABC Supply Company Incorporated 144A			5.63				4-15-2021				40,000				39,900
Century Intermediate Holding Company (PIK at 10.50%) 144A¥(i)			9.75				2-15-2019				15,000				15,563

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4		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015

      

 

 

Security name		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal				Value
Specialty Retail (continued)
Penske Auto Group Incorporated			5.38	%			12-1-2024			$	85,000			$	85,213
Penske Auto Group Incorporated			5.75				10-1-2022				94,000				96,820
Sonic Automotive Incorporated			5.00				5-15-2023				70,000				68,425
Sonic Automotive Incorporated			7.00				7-15-2022				105,000				112,613
															418,534
Consumer Staples: 0.33%
Beverages: 0.07%
Cott Beverages Incorporated			6.75				1-1-2020				60,000				62,250
Cott Beverages Incorporated			5.38				7-1-2022				25,000				24,563
															86,813
Food Products: 0.26%
B&G Foods Incorporated			4.63				6-1-2021				30,000				29,213
Darling Ingredients Incorporated			5.38				1-15-2022				15,000				14,813
Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation 144A			5.75				3-15-2025				85,000				86,700
Simmons Foods Incorporated 144A			7.88				10-1-2021				175,000				163,188
															293,914
Energy: 6.11%
Energy Equipment & Services: 2.45%
Bristow Group Incorporated			6.25				10-15-2022				380,000				334,400
Cleaver Brooks Incorporated 144A			8.75				12-15-2019				40,000				38,450
CSI Compressco LP			7.25				8-15-2022				95,000				77,900
Era Group Incorporated			7.75				12-15-2022				334,000				320,640
Forum Energy Technologies Incorporated			6.25				10-1-2021				15,000				13,500
Gulfmark Offshore Incorporated			6.38				3-15-2022				450,000				288,000
Hilcorp Energy Company 144A			5.00				12-1-2024				50,000				43,255
Hilcorp Energy Company 144A			5.75				10-1-2025				75,000				67,500
Hornbeck Offshore Services Incorporated			5.00				3-1-2021				230,000				171,350
Hornbeck Offshore Services Incorporated			5.88				4-1-2020				235,000				188,000
NGPL PipeCo LLC 144A			7.12				12-15-2017				190,000				176,700
NGPL PipeCo LLC 144A			7.77				12-15-2037				825,000				709,500
NGPL PipeCo LLC 144A			9.63				6-1-2019				35,000				32,550
PHI Incorporated			5.25				3-15-2019				405,000				347,288
Pride International Incorporated			8.50				6-15-2019				10,000				11,153
															2,820,186
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 3.66%
Alpha Natural Resources Incorporated			6.25				6-1-2021				50,000				1,375
Arch Coal Incorporated			7.00				6-15-2019				100,000				13,000
Arch Coal Incorporated			7.25				6-15-2021				50,000				6,875
Chesapeake Energy Corporation			6.13				2-15-2021				70,000				54,207
CVR Refining LLC			6.50				11-1-2022				93,000				91,121
Denbury Resources Incorporated			4.63				7-15-2023				25,000				16,750
Denbury Resources Incorporated			5.50				5-1-2022				30,000				21,375
Denbury Resources Incorporated			6.38				8-15-2021				160,000				127,634
Exterran Partners LP			6.00				4-1-2021				225,000				180,000

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Portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			5

      

 

 

Security name		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal				Value
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)
Kinder Morgan Incorporated			6.50	%			9-15-2020			$	45,000			$	49,629
Kinder Morgan Incorporated			7.00				6-15-2017				50,000				53,720
Kinder Morgan Incorporated (i)			7.42				2-15-2037				90,000				88,361
Kinder Morgan Incorporated			7.80				8-1-2031				100,000				108,475
Northern Tier Energy LLC			7.13				11-15-2020				300,000				303,000
Overseas Shipholding Group Incorporated			7.50				2-15-2021				150,000				149,250
Overseas Shipholding Group Incorporated			8.13				3-30-2018				200,000				204,500
Pioneer Natural Resources Company			7.50				1-15-2020				145,000				164,291
Rockies Express Pipeline LLC 144A			5.63				4-15-2020				260,000				250,900
Rockies Express Pipeline LLC 144A			6.00				1-15-2019				50,000				50,000
Rockies Express Pipeline LLC 144A			6.88				4-15-2040				290,000				275,500
Rockies Express Pipeline LLC 144A			7.50				7-15-2038				205,000				210,638
Sabine Oil & Gas Corporation (s)			7.25				6-15-2019				50,000				7,750
Sabine Oil & Gas Corporation (s)			7.50				9-15-2020				260,000				39,000
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC			5.63				2-1-2021				75,000				73,875
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC			5.63				4-15-2023				90,000				87,413
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC			5.75				5-15-2024				50,000				48,875
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC			6.25				3-15-2022				200,000				201,000
Sabine Pass LNG LP			6.50				11-1-2020				395,000				398,950
Sabine Pass LNG LP			7.50				11-30-2016				370,000				381,100
SemGroup Corporation			7.50				6-15-2021				220,000				217,800
Suburban Propane Partners LP			5.50				6-1-2024				20,000				18,950
Suburban Propane Partners LP			7.38				8-1-2021				26,000				27,235
Swift Energy Company			7.13				6-1-2017				422,000				122,380
Swift Energy Company			8.88				1-15-2020				75,000				21,000
Ultra Petroleum Corporation 144A			5.75				12-15-2018				35,000				28,088
Ultra Petroleum Corporation 144A			6.13				10-1-2024				160,000				105,600
															4,199,617
Financials: 5.78%
Banks: 0.31%
CIT Group Incorporated 144A			5.50				2-15-2019				100,000				105,125
CIT Group Incorporated 144A			6.63				4-1-2018				231,000				247,170
															352,295
Capital Markets: 0.55%
Jefferies Finance LLC 144A			6.88				4-15-2022				350,000				328,650
Jefferies Finance LLC 144A			7.38				4-1-2020				80,000				78,216
Jefferies Finance LLC 144A			7.50				4-15-2021				225,000				218,813
															625,679
Consumer Finance: 1.80%
Ally Financial Incorporated			8.00				12-31-2018				100,000				111,000
Ally Financial Incorporated			8.00				3-15-2020				178,000				208,705
Ford Motor Credit Company LLC			8.00				12-15-2016				25,000				26,956
Homer City Generation (PIK at 9.23%) LLC ¥			8.73				10-1-2026				143,213				141,781
Navient Corporation			5.88				3-25-2021				40,000				35,900
Navient Corporation			8.00				3-25-2020				355,000				358,763

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6		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015

      

 

 

Security name		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal				Value
Consumer Finance (continued)
SLM Corporation			6.13	%			3-25-2024			$	140,000			$	119,000
SLM Corporation			7.25				1-25-2022				70,000				65,975
SLM Corporation			8.45				6-15-2018				125,000				133,125
Springleaf Finance Corporation			5.40				12-1-2015				140,000				140,350
Springleaf Finance Corporation			5.75				9-15-2016				50,000				51,188
Springleaf Finance Corporation			6.00				6-1-2020				175,000				177,625
Springleaf Finance Corporation			6.50				9-15-2017				50,000				52,500
Springleaf Finance Corporation			6.90				12-15-2017				243,000				258,188
Springleaf Finance Corporation			7.75				10-1-2021				37,000				40,330
Springleaf Finance Corporation			8.25				10-1-2023				135,000				151,200
															2,072,586
Diversified Financial Services: 0.61%
Denali Borrower LLC 144A			5.63				10-15-2020				330,000				338,250
Infinity Acquisition LLC 144A			7.25				8-1-2022				185,000				169,275
NewStar Financial Incorporated 144A			7.25				5-1-2020				200,000				198,500
															706,025
Insurance: 0.32%
Hub Holdings LLC (PIK at 8.88%) 144A¥			8.13				7-15-2019				225,000				220,500
Hub International Limited 144A			7.88				10-1-2021				150,000				149,625
															370,125
Real Estate Management & Development: 0.21%
Onex Corporation 144A			7.75				1-15-2021				250,000				242,500
REITs: 1.98%
Crown Castle International Corporation			4.88				4-15-2022				35,000				35,919
Crown Castle International Corporation			5.25				1-15-2023				70,000				73,238
DuPont Fabros Technology Incorporated LP			5.63				6-15-2023				225,000				221,625
DuPont Fabros Technology Incorporated LP			5.88				9-15-2021				340,000				350,200
ESH Hospitality Incorporated 144A			5.25				5-1-2025				200,000				194,000
Iron Mountain Incorporated			5.75				8-15-2024				450,000				451,688
Iron Mountain Incorporated			6.00				8-15-2023				205,000				209,613
Iron Mountain Incorporated			7.75				10-1-2019				30,000				31,200
Iron Mountain Incorporated			8.38				8-15-2021				64,000				65,824
Omega Healthcare Investors Incorporated			6.75				10-15-2022				125,000				129,688
Sabra Health Care Incorporated			5.38				6-1-2023				50,000				51,750
Sabra Health Care Incorporated			5.50				2-1-2021				105,000				109,725
The Geo Group Incorporated			5.13				4-1-2023				25,000				24,875
The Geo Group Incorporated			5.88				1-15-2022				205,000				213,200
The Geo Group Incorporated			5.88				10-15-2024				35,000				35,963
The Geo Group Incorporated			6.63				2-15-2021				70,000				72,975
															2,271,483
Health Care: 2.86%
Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 0.35%
Crimson Merger Sub Incorporated 144A			6.63				5-15-2022				320,000				286,000

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Portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			7

      

 

 

Security name		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal				Value
Health Care Equipment & Supplies (continued)
Hill-Rom Holdings Incorporated 144A%%			5.75	%			9-1-2023			$	25,000			$	25,438
Hologic Incorporated 144A			5.25				7-15-2022				90,000				92,138
															403,576
Health Care Providers & Services: 1.79%
Acadia Healthcare Company Incorporated			5.63				2-15-2023				15,000				15,292
Capella Healthcare Incorporated			9.25				7-1-2017				435,000				446,963
Centene Corporation			5.75				6-1-2017				75,000				78,656
Community Health Systems Incorporated			6.88				2-1-2022				5,000				5,319
DaVita HealthCare Partners Incorporated			5.00				5-1-2025				35,000				34,300
DaVita HealthCare Partners Incorporated			5.75				8-15-2022				170,000				180,880
HCA Incorporated			5.88				3-15-2022				25,000				27,188
HCA Incorporated			6.50				2-15-2020				325,000				359,125
HealthSouth Corporation 144A			5.75				11-1-2024				25,000				25,348
HealthSouth Corporation			5.13				3-15-2023				45,000				44,550
HealthSouth Corporation			5.75				11-1-2024				25,000				25,348
HealthSouth Corporation			7.75				9-15-2022				82,000				85,383
MPT Operating Partnership LP			6.38				2-15-2022				70,000				73,938
MPT Operating Partnership LP			6.88				5-1-2021				125,000				131,250
Select Medical Corporation			6.38				6-1-2021				455,000				461,825
Tenet Healthcare Corporation			6.00				10-1-2020				50,000				53,500
															2,048,865
Health Care Technology: 0.33%
Emdeon Incorporated			11.00				12-31-2019				355,000				381,181
Life Sciences Tools & Services: 0.03%
Quintiles Transnational Corporation 144A			4.88				5-15-2023				35,000				35,700
Pharmaceuticals: 0.36%
Endo Finance LLC 144A			5.38				1-15-2023				50,000				50,375
Endo Finance LLC 144A			5.75				1-15-2022				65,000				66,463
Endo Finance LLC 144A			6.00				2-1-2025				50,000				51,375
Endo Finance LLC 144A			7.75				1-15-2022				180,000				192,150
Pinnacle Incorporated 144A			9.50				10-1-2023				50,000				55,750
															416,113
Industrials: 1.98%
Airlines: 0.10%
Aviation Capital Group Corporation 144A			6.75				4-6-2021				100,000				113,250
Commercial Services & Supplies: 0.75%
ADT Corporation			4.13				6-15-2023				85,000				77,988
ADT Corporation			6.25				10-15-2021				300,000				309,750
Covanta Holding Corporation			5.88				3-1-2024				160,000				156,000
Covanta Holding Corporation			6.38				10-1-2022				195,000				200,363
Covanta Holding Corporation			7.25				12-1-2020				110,000				114,818
															858,919

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8		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015

      

 

 

Security name		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal				Value
Construction & Engineering: 0.19%
AECOM 144A			5.75	%			10-15-2022			$	15,000			$	15,075
AECOM 144A			5.88				10-15-2024				200,000				201,500
															216,575
Trading Companies & Distributors: 0.94%
Ashtead Capital Incorporated 144A			6.50				7-15-2022				350,000				364,000
H&E Equipment Services Incorporated			7.00				9-1-2022				450,000				447,750
International Lease Finance Corporation 144A			7.13				9-1-2018				35,000				38,681
International Lease Finance Corporation			8.63				9-15-2015				75,000				75,096
United Rentals North America Incorporated			4.63				7-15-2023				90,000				88,538
United Rentals North America Incorporated			5.50				7-15-2025				75,000				72,000
															1,086,065
Information Technology: 2.63%
Communications Equipment: 0.04%
CommScope Technologies Finance LLC 144A			6.00				6-15-2025				50,000				48,625
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components: 0.73%
Jabil Circuit Incorporated			8.25				3-15-2018				620,000				696,701
Zebra Technologies Corporation 144A			7.25				10-15-2022				135,000				144,450
															841,151
Internet Software & Services: 0.10%
Infor Software Parent LLC (PIK at 7.88%) 144A¥			7.13				5-1-2021				75,000				67,969
Infor US Incorporated 144A			6.50				5-15-2022				50,000				46,875
															114,844
IT Services: 1.13%
Audatex North America Incorporated 144A			6.00				6-15-2021				225,000				219,704
Audatex North America Incorporated 144A			6.13				11-1-2023				140,000				138,760
First Data Corporation 144A			6.75				11-1-2020				152,000				160,360
First Data Corporation			11.75				8-15-2021				375,000				422,438
SunGard Data Systems Incorporated			6.63				11-1-2019				35,000				36,313
SunGard Data Systems Incorporated			7.38				11-15-2018				253,000				260,274
SunGard Data Systems Incorporated			7.63				11-15-2020				60,000				62,850
															1,300,699
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment: 0.10%
Micron Technology Incorporated 144A			5.25				8-1-2023				25,000				23,375
Micron Technology Incorporated			5.88				2-15-2022				90,000				88,650
															112,025
Software: 0.17%
Activision Blizzard Incorporated 144A			5.63				9-15-2021				45,000				47,306
Activision Blizzard Incorporated 144A			6.13				9-15-2023				10,000				10,750
Boxer Parent Company Incorporated (PIK at 9.75%) 144A¥			9.00				10-15-2019				175,000				129,500
SS&C Technologies Incorporated 144A			5.88				7-15-2023				5,000				5,156
															192,712

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Portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			9

      

 

 

Security name		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal				Value
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals: 0.36%
NCR Corporation			5.88	%			12-15-2021			$	15,000			$	15,263
NCR Corporation			6.38				12-15-2023				383,000				393,054
															408,317
Materials: 0.53%
Chemicals: 0.02%
Celanese US Holdings LLC			5.88				6-15-2021				20,000				20,950
Containers & Packaging: 0.31%
Ball Corporation			5.25				7-1-2025				15,000				14,925
Crown Americas LLC			6.25				2-1-2021				20,000				20,825
Crown Cork & Seal Company Incorporated			7.38				12-15-2026				5,000				5,538
Crown Cork & Seal Company Incorporated (i)			7.50				12-15-2096				50,000				47,766
Owens-Brockway Glass Container Incorporated 144A			5.88				8-15-2023				50,000				50,875
Owens-Brockway Glass Container Incorporated 144A			6.38				8-15-2025				25,000				25,563
Owens-Illinois Incorporated			7.80				5-15-2018				60,000				66,300
Sealed Air Corporation 144A			5.13				12-1-2024				75,000				75,890
Silgan Holdings Incorporated			5.00				4-1-2020				50,000				51,235
															358,917
Metals & Mining: 0.04%
Cliffs Natural Resources Incorporated 144A			8.25				3-31-2020				50,000				45,500
Paper & Forest Products: 0.16%
Georgia-Pacific LLC			8.88				5-15-2031				125,000				179,741
Telecommunication Services: 3.79%
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 1.69%
Citizens Communications Company			7.88				1-15-2027				200,000				170,000
Frontier Communications Corporation			8.13				10-1-2018				60,000				64,800
GCI Incorporated			6.75				6-1-2021				170,000				174,675
GCI Incorporated			6.88				4-15-2025				100,000				102,750
Level 3 Financing Incorporated			5.63				2-1-2023				65,000				65,569
Level 3 Financing Incorporated 144A			5.13				5-1-2023				75,000				73,125
Level 3 Financing Incorporated			5.38				8-15-2022				125,000				125,443
Level 3 Financing Incorporated 144A			5.38				5-1-2025				75,000				72,469
Level 3 Financing Incorporated			6.13				1-15-2021				80,000				83,800
Level 3 Financing Incorporated			7.00				6-1-2020				15,000				15,788
Qwest Corporation			7.25				9-15-2025				125,000				137,573
Qwest Corporation			7.63				8-3-2021				20,000				21,000
Syniverse Holdings Incorporated			9.13				1-15-2019				600,000				520,500
Windstream Corporation			6.38				8-1-2023				50,000				36,853
Windstream Corporation			7.88				11-1-2017				265,000				276,263
															1,940,608
Wireless Telecommunication Services: 2.10%
MetroPCS Wireless Incorporated			6.63				11-15-2020				240,000				248,400
SBA Communications Corporation			4.88				7-15-2022				85,000				84,256
SBA Communications Corporation			5.63				10-1-2019				10,000				10,438

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10		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015

      

 

 

Security name		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal				Value
Wireless Telecommunication Services (continued)
SBA Communications Corporation			5.75	%			7-15-2020			$	100,000			$	104,375
Sprint Capital Corporation			6.88				11-15-2028				1,100,000				946,000
Sprint Capital Corporation			8.75				3-15-2032				105,000				99,356
Sprint Communications Incorporated 144A			9.00				11-15-2018				25,000				27,844
Sprint Communications Incorporated			11.50				11-15-2021				25,000				28,563
Sprint Corporation			7.13				6-15-2024				70,000				64,925
Sprint Corporation			7.63				2-15-2025				25,000				23,328
Sprint Corporation			7.88				9-15-2023				50,000				48,063
T-Mobile USA Incorporated			6.00				3-1-2023				25,000				25,487
T-Mobile USA Incorporated			6.13				1-15-2022				5,000				5,156
T-Mobile USA Incorporated			6.25				4-1-2021				30,000				30,984
T-Mobile USA Incorporated			6.38				3-1-2025				135,000				137,700
T-Mobile USA Incorporated			6.46				4-28-2019				10,000				10,288
T-Mobile USA Incorporated			6.50				1-15-2024				5,000				5,138
T-Mobile USA Incorporated			6.54				4-28-2020				10,000				10,425
T-Mobile USA Incorporated			6.63				4-1-2023				35,000				36,505
T-Mobile USA Incorporated			6.63				4-28-2021				65,000				67,925
T-Mobile USA Incorporated			6.73				4-28-2022				305,000				320,250
T-Mobile USA Incorporated			6.84				4-28-2023				75,000				78,563
															2,413,969
Utilities: 2.26%
Electric Utilities: 1.42%
ComEd Financing III			6.35				3-15-2033				1,340,000				1,395,492
Otter Tail Corporation (i)			9.00				12-15-2016				215,000				234,571
															1,630,063
Gas Utilities: 0.27%
AmeriGas Finance LLC			6.75				5-20-2020				175,000				180,688
AmeriGas Finance LLC			7.00				5-20-2022				125,000				129,688
															310,376
Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers: 0.57%
Calpine Corporation 144A			5.88				1-15-2024				20,000				21,000
Calpine Corporation 144A			6.00				1-15-2022				40,000				42,550
Calpine Corporation 144A			7.88				1-15-2023				48,000				51,480
NSG Holdings LLC 144A			7.75				12-15-2025				328,050				361,676
Reliant Energy Incorporated			9.24				7-2-2017				34,985				36,472
Reliant Energy Incorporated			9.68				7-2-2026				10,000				10,200
TerraForm Power Operating LLC 144A			5.88				2-1-2023				35,000				33,250
TerraForm Power Operating LLC 144A			6.13				6-15-2025				100,000				94,250
															650,878
Total Corporate Bonds and Notes (Cost $36,302,227)															36,013,084
Loans: 1.88%
Consumer Discretionary: 0.75%
Diversified Consumer Services: 0.04%
CCM Merger Incorporated ±			4.50				8-8-2021				41,214				41,175

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Portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			11

      

 

 

Security name		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal				Value
Media: 0.56%
Learfield Communications Incorporated ±			8.75	%			10-9-2021			$	212,434			$	210,310
TWCC Holdings Corporation ±			7.00				6-26-2020				455,000				426,849
															637,159
Specialty Retail: 0.15%
Focus Brands Incorporated ±(i)			10.25				8-21-2018				176,935				177,377
Financials: 0.06%
Diversified Financial Services: 0.04%
American Beacon Advisors Incorporated ±			9.75				3-3-2023				50,000				49,750
Insurance: 0.02%
Asurion LLC ±			8.50				3-3-2021				25,000				24,458
Industrials: 0.32%
Airlines: 0.01%
LM U.S. Corp Acquisition Incorporated ±			8.25				1-25-2021				10,000				9,863
Commercial Services & Supplies: 0.17%
Interactive Data Corporation ±			4.75				5-2-2021				138,600				138,398
W3 Company ±(i)			9.25				9-13-2020				19,950				15,827
WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems LLC ±			4.25				5-14-2022				25,529				25,274
WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems LLC ±			4.25				5-14-2022				4,471				4,426
WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems LLC ±			8.00				5-12-2023				1,490				1,490
WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems LLC ±			8.00				5-14-2023				8,510				8,510
															193,925
Transportation Infrastructure: 0.14%
HGIM Corporation ±			5.50				6-18-2020				227,988				158,832
Information Technology: 0.06%
Internet Software & Services: 0.03%
Vertafore Incorporated ±			9.75				10-29-2017				35,000				35,190
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals: 0.03%
Peak 10 Incorporated ±			8.25				6-17-2022				30,000				28,500
Telecommunication Services: 0.13%
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 0.13%
nTelos Incorporated ±			5.75				11-9-2019				154,207				153,436
Utilities: 0.56%
Electric Utilities: 0.56%
Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Company LLC ±(s)			4.66				10-10-2016				1,471,940				648,699
Total Loans (Cost $2,999,951)															2,158,364

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12		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015

      

 

 

Security name		Dividend yield								Shares				Value
Preferred Stocks: 13.14%
Financials: 0.08%
Banks: 0.08%
GMAC Capital Trust I ±			7.96	%							3,457			$	88,257
Utilities: 13.06%
Electric Utilities: 13.06%
Alabama Power Company			6.45								50,000				1,325,000
Entergy Arkansas Incorporated			4.90								44,335				1,074,680
Entergy Louisiana LLC			4.70								270,483				6,340,122
Entergy Louisiana LLC			6.95								21,050				2,106,316
Indianapolis Power & Light Company			5.65								24,345				2,511,340
NextEra Energy Capital Holding Incorporated Series I			5.13								44,000				1,056,000
The Connecticut Light & Power Company			5.28								12,000				588,750
															15,002,208
Total Preferred Stocks (Cost $14,356,211)															15,090,465
						Expiration date
Warrants: 0.02%
Utilities: 0.02%
Gas Utilities: 0.02%
Kinder Morgan Incorporated †							5-25-2017				16,000				21,280
Total Warrants (Cost $30,480)															21,280
		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal
Yankee Corporate Bonds and Notes: 2.66%
Energy: 0.05%
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 0.05%
Baytex Energy Corporation 144A			5.63				6-1-2024			$	25,000				20,863
Griffin Coal Mining Company Limited 144A(a)(i)(s)			9.50				12-1-2016				93,118				37,247
															58,110
Financials: 0.35%
Banks: 0.35%
Nielsen Holding and Finance BV 144A			5.50				10-1-2021				30,000				30,488
Teekay Corporation			8.50				1-15-2020				360,000				372,600
															403,088
Health Care: 0.47%
Pharmaceuticals: 0.47%
Mallinckrodt plc 144A			5.50				4-15-2025				50,000				49,563
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Incorporated 144A			5.63				12-1-2021				5,000				5,113
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Incorporated 144A			5.88				5-15-2023				75,000				76,781
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Incorporated 144A			6.13				4-15-2025				30,000				30,900
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Incorporated 144A			6.75				8-15-2018				50,000				52,313
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Incorporated 144A			7.50				7-15-2021				300,000				322,125
															536,795

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Portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund			13

      

 

 

Security name		Interest rate				Maturity date				Principal				Value
Industrials: 0.14%
Commercial Services & Supplies: 0.13%
GFL Environmental Incorporated 144A			7.88	%			4-1-2020			$	145,000			$	147,900
Machinery: 0.01%
Sensata Technologies BV 144A			5.00				10-1-2025				20,000				19,400
Materials: 0.60%
Containers & Packaging: 0.20%
Ardagh Finance Holdings SA (PIK at 8.63%) 144A¥			8.63				6-15-2019				4,115				4,341
Ardagh Packaging Finance plc 144A			9.13				10-15-2020				210,000				220,500
															224,841
Metals & Mining: 0.32%
ArcelorMittal SA			7.00				2-25-2022				25,000				24,938
FMG Resources (August 2006) Proprietary Limited 144A			6.88				4-1-2022				25,000				15,438
Novelis Incorporated			8.38				12-15-2017				100,000				100,125
Novelis Incorporated			8.75				12-15-2020				225,000				224,438
															364,939
Paper & Forest Products: 0.08%
Sappi Limited 144A			7.50				6-15-2032				100,000				94,500
Telecommunication Services: 1.05%
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 1.00%
Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA			5.50				8-1-2023				545,000				479,600
Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA			7.25				10-15-2020				50,000				48,063
Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA			7.50				4-1-2021				150,000				145,313
Intelsat Luxembourg SA			7.75				6-1-2021				125,000				93,656
Intelsat Luxembourg SA			8.13				6-1-2023				475,000				350,313
Virgin Media Finance plc 144A			5.38				4-15-2021				9,000				9,225
Virgin Media Finance plc 144A			6.38				4-15-2023				25,000				25,984
															1,152,154
Wireless Telecommunication Services: 0.05%
Telesat Canada Incorporated 144A			6.00				5-15-2017				50,000				50,625
Total Yankee Corporate Bonds and Notes (Cost $3,307,631)															3,052,352
Short-Term Investments: 7.99%
		Yield								Shares
Investment Companies: 7.99%
Wells Fargo Advantage Cash Investment Money Market Fund, Select Class (l)(u)##			0.15								9,179,571				9,179,571
Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $9,179,571)															9,179,571

 

Total investments in securities (Cost $121,784,333) *			118.73	%			136,355,137
Other assets and liabilities, net			(18.73	)			(21,506,954	)
Total net assets			100.00	%		$	114,848,183

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14		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund		Portfolio of investments—August 31, 2015

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(i)	Illiquid security for which the designation as illiquid is unaudited.

 

±	Variable rate investment. The rate shown is the rate in effect at period end.

 

†	Non-income-earning security

 

(s)	The security is currently in default with regards to scheduled interest and/or principal payments. The Fund has stopped accruing interest on the security.

 

144A	The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers, pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

¥	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.

 

%%	The security is issued on a when-issued basis.

 

(a)	The security is fair valued in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Trustees.

 

(l)	The security represents an affiliate of the Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

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

 

##	All or a portion of this security is segregated for when-issued securities.

 

*	Cost for federal income tax purposes is $122,506,173 and unrealized gains (losses) consists of:

 

Gross unrealized gains		$	20,508,332
Gross unrealized losses			(6,659,368	)
Net unrealized gains		$	13,848,964

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Trustees of

Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund:

We have audited the financial statements of the Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund (the “Fund”) as of August 31, 2015, and for each of the years presented and have issued our unqualified report thereon dated October 26, 2015 (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 Board (United States). Our audit included an audit of the Fund’s portfolio of investments (the “Portfolio”) as of August 31, 2015 appearing in Item 6 of this Form N-CSR. This Portfolio is the responsibility of 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, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

Boston, Massachusetts

October 26, 2015

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ITEM 7.

DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

REVISED AS OF AUGUST 13, 2014

 

•

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”).

 

•

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.

 

•

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 Funds Management on the proxy voting process.

(b) Funds Management Proxy Committee

 

•

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.

 

•

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.

 

1

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•

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:

 

•

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.

 

•

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.

 

•

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.

 

•

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

 

2

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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.

 

•

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.

 

•

Membership. The voting members of the Proxy Committee shall be Tom Biwer, Travis Keshemberg, Erik Sens, Aldo Ceccarelli and Melissa Duller. 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.

 

•

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.

 

•

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:

 

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The name of the issuer of the portfolio security;

 

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The exchange ticker symbol of the portfolio security;

 

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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);

 

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The shareholder meeting date;

 

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A brief identification of the matter voted on;

 

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Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder;

 

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Whether the Fund cast its vote on the matter;

 

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How the Fund cast its vote (e.g. for or against a proposal, or abstain; for or withhold regarding election of directors); and

 

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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.

 

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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 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.		FOR
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.		FOR
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.		WITHHOLD
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.		AGAINST
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.		WITHHOLD
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.		WITHHOLD

 

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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.		WITHHOLD
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.		WITHHOLD
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 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.		WITHHOLD
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
Limitation on Number of Boards a Director May Sit On
THE FUNDS will withhold votes from directors who sit on more than six boards.		WITHHOLD
THE FUNDS will withhold votes from CEO directors who sit on more than two outside boards besides their own.		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.		AGAINST/ WITHHOLD
With the above exception, THE FUNDS will generally vote for proposals to ratify auditors unless:		FOR
•    an auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent, or		AGAINST
•    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.		AGAINST

 

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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.		AGAINST
THE FUNDS will vote for shareholder proposals requesting a shareholder vote for audit firm ratification.		FOR
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
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.		FOR
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.		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.		FOR
Similarly, THE FUNDS will generally vote for proposals to adopt or amend thrift and savings plans, retirement plans, pension plans and profit plans.		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

 

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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.		FOR
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.		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.		FOR
THE FUNDS will withhold votes from insiders and affiliated outsiders on boards that are not at least majority independent.		WITHHOLD
THE FUNDS will withhold votes from compensation committee members where there is a pay-for-performance disconnect (for Russell 3000 companies).		WITHHOLD
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.		FOR
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.		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

 

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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.		FOR
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.		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.		AGAINST
The Funds will vote for proposals to establish a mandatory retirement age for directors provided that such retirement age is not less than 65.		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

 

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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.		CASE-BY-CASE
THE FUNDS will vote for this item when:		FOR
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.
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.		CASE-BY-CASE
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.		AGAINST

 

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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.		AGAINST
Alternatively, THE FUNDS will vote for proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies.		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.		CASE-BY-CASE
THE FUNDS will vote for against cumulative voting if the board is elected annually.		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.		FOR
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.
Shareholder Rights Plan (Poison Pills)
THE FUNDS will generally vote for proposals that request a company to submit its poison pill for shareholder ratification.		FOR CASE-BY-CASE
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.

 

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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.		CASE-BY-CASE
THE FUNDS will vote against fair price provisions with shareholder vote requirements of 75% or more of disinterested shares.		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.		FOR
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.		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.		AGAINST
Alternatively, THE FUNDS will vote for the elimination of dual class or multiple-voting stock, which carry different rights than the common stock.		FOR

 

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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.		FOR
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.		AGAINST
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
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

 

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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.		FOR
However, amendments that have a material effect on shareholder’s rights will be considered on a case-by-case basis.		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.		FOR
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.		FOR
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.		AGAINST
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.		AGAINST
Reduce the Par Value of the Common Stock
THE FUNDS will vote for proposals to reduce the par value of common stock.		FOR

 

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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.		FOR
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).		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.		AGAINST
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).		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:		FOR
•    there is clear evidence of past abuse of the authority; or		AGAINST
•    the plan contains no safeguards against selective buy-backs.		AGAINST
Corporate stock repurchases are a legitimate use of corporate funds and can add to long-term shareholder returns.
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 increase shares reserved for an existing plan.		CASE-BY-CASE

 

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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.		FOR
If the proposed cost is above the allowable cap, THE FUNDS will vote against the plan.		AGAINST
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.		AGAINST   AGAINST
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 a premium on full value awards for the past three fiscal years.		FOR
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.		CASE-BY-CASE
THE FUNDS will calculate a higher award value for awards that have Dividend Equivalent Rights (DER’s) associated with them.		FOR
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.

 

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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.		FOR
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.		FOR
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.		FOR
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.		AGAINST
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.		CASE-BY-CASE
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.		FOR
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, the exercising options can shift the balance of voting power by increasing executive ownership.		CASE-BY-CASE     FOR  CASE-BY-CASE

 

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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		FOR
•    the proposal is embedded in an executive or director compensation plan that is contrary to guidelines		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.		FOR
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.		FOR
THE FUNDS will generally vote against proposals seek to limit executive and director pay.		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

 

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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.		FOR
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:		CASE-BY-CASE
•    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.		AGAINST
By contrast, THE FUNDS will vote against proposals that would guarantee benefits in a management-led buyout.
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.		AGAINST
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.		FOR

 

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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.		CASE-BY-CASE
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.		CASE-BY-CASE
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.		CASE-BY-CASE
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.
Appraisal Rights
THE FUNDS will vote for proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with rights of appraisal.		FOR
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.
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

 

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APPENDIX B

TO

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Members of Funds Management Proxy Voting Committee

Thomas C. Biwer, CFA

Mr. Biwer has over 38 years of investment industry experience. 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 over 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 over 17 years of investment industry experience. He has served as an overlay portfolio manager and investment consultant. He holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and Bachelor’s degree from Marquette University. He has earned the right to use the CFA, CIPM and CIMA designations.

Aldo Ceccarelli, CFA

Mr. Ceccarelli has over 14 years of investment industry experience. He has served as Fixed Income Analyst with responsibilities including portfolio manager selection and performance. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in economics from Santa Clara University. He has earned the right to use the CFA designation and is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA society of San Francisco.

Melissa Duller, CIMA, CFA

Ms. Duller has over 16 years of experience in the investment industry. She has served as an investment analyst, provides oversight for domestic equity strategies and assists with investment communications for core equity mutual funds, sector specific mutual funds, and closed-end funds. She has also provided research and communications for growth equity and international equity strategies as well as short-term and tax advantaged fixed income products. In addition, she has served as a regional investment manager for high net worth individuals, personal trusts, and charitable foundations.

 

ITEM 8.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

Timothy O’Brien

Mr. O’Brien is a managing partner at Crow Point Partners LLC. Prior to founding Crow Point in 2006, he was a managing director and senior portfolio manager with the Value Equity team of Evergreen Investments’ Equity Management group. Mr. O’Brien has been in the investment management industry since 1983.

Niklas Nordenfelt, CFA

Mr. Nordenfelt has been with Wells Capital Management since 2003. He is currently a senior portfolio manager and co-manager of the Sutter High Yield Fixed Income team at Wells Capital Management. He began his investment career in 1991.

Philip Susser

Mr. Susser is currently a senior portfolio manager and co-manager of the Sutter High Yield Fixed Income team at Wells Capital Management. He began his investment career in 1995

 

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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 year ended August 31, 2015.

Timothy O’Brien

 

		Other Registered Investment Companies				Other Pooled Investment Vehicles				Other Accounts
I manage the following types of accounts:
Number of above accounts			2				0				0
Total assets of above accounts (millions)		$	750			$	0			$	0
performance based fee accounts:
		Other Registered Investment Companies				Other Pooled Investment Vehicles				Other Accounts
I manage the following types of accounts:
Number of above accounts			0				0				0
Total assets of above accounts (millions)		$	0.0			$	0.0			$	0.0

Niklas Nordenfelt

 

		Other Registered Investment Companies				Other Pooled Investment Vehicles				Other Accounts
I manage the following types of accounts:
Number of above accounts			4				5				14
Total assets of above accounts (millions)		$	1,780.1			$	264.0			$	1409.3
performance based fee accounts:
		Other Registered Investment Companies				Other Pooled Investment Vehicles				Other Accounts
I manage the following types of accounts:
Number of above accounts			0				0				0
Total assets of above accounts (millions)		$	0.0			$	0.0			$	0.0

Philip Susser

 

		Other Registered Investment Companies				Other Pooled Investment Vehicles				Other Accounts
I manage the following types of accounts:
Number of above accounts			4				5				14
Total assets of above accounts (millions)		$	1,780.1			$	264.0			$	1409.3
performance based fee accounts:
		Other Registered Investment Companies				Other Pooled Investment Vehicles				Other Accounts
I manage the following types of accounts:
Number of above accounts			0				0				0
Total assets of above accounts (millions)		$	0.0			$	0.0			$	0.0

 

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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.

Crow Point.

Crow Point manages other investment vehicles, including some that may have investment objectives and strategies similar to the Fund’s. The management of multiple funds and other accounts may require the portfolio manager to devote less than all of his or her time to the Fund, particularly if the other funds and accounts have different objectives, benchmarks and time horizons. The portfolio manager may also be required to allocate his or her investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. In addition, if a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity, such as an initial public offering, that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, the Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to, for example, an allocation of that investment across all eligible funds and accounts. Further, security purchase and sale orders for multiple accounts often are aggregated for purpose of execution. Although such aggregation generally benefits clients, it may cause the price or brokerage costs to be less favorable to a particular client than if similar transactions were not being executed concurrently for other accounts. It may also happen that the Fund’s advisor or subadvisor will determine that it would be in the best interest, and consistent with the investment policies, of another account to sell a security (including by means of a short sale) that the Fund holds long, potentially resulting in a decrease in the market value of the security held by the Fund.

The structure of a portfolio manager’s or an investment advisor’s compensation may create an incentive for the portfolio manager or investment advisor to favor accounts whose performance has a greater impact on such compensation. The portfolio manager may, for example, have an incentive to allocate favorable or limited opportunity investments or structure the timing of investments to favor such accounts. Similarly, if a portfolio manager holds a larger personal investment in one fund than he or she does in another, the portfolio manager may have an incentive to favor the fund in which he or she holds a larger stake.

In general, Crow Point has policies and procedures that attempt to address the various potential conflicts of interest described above. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect or address each and every situation where a conflict arises.

 

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All employees of Crow Point are bound by the company’s Code of Ethics and compliance policies and procedures. Crow Point’s chief compliance officer monitors and reviews compliance regularly. Crow Point’s Code of Ethics and compliance procedures have been reviewed and accepted by Wells Fargo Funds Management. In addition, side-by-side trading rules have been agreed between Wells Fargo Funds Management and Crow Point as part of existing sub-advisory arrangements which are intended to ensure that shareholders of the sub-advised Wells Fargo funds are treated equitably by Crow Point with respect to investments, trading and allocations.

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:

Crow Point. Portfolio managers at Crow Point are paid a fixed salary and participate in the profits of the firm in proportion to their equity ownership in the firm.

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 August 31, 2015:

 

Timothy O’Brien		$	10,000-50,000
Niklas Nordenfelt			none
Phil Susser			none

 

ITEM 9.

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 10.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board of Trustees that have been implemented since the registrant’s last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of this Item.

 

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ITEM 11.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) The President and Treasurer have concluded that the Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund (the “Fund”) disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) provide reasonable assurances that material information relating to the Fund 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 Fund’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 12.

EXHIBITS

(a)(1) Code of Ethics pursuant to Item 2 of Form N-CSR is filed and attached hereto as Exhibit COE.

(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.

 

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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 Utilities and High Income Fund
		By:
				/S/ Karla M. Rabusch
				Karla M. Rabusch
				President
		Date: October 26, 2015

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

		Wells Fargo Advantage Utilities and High Income Fund
		By:
				/S/ Karla M. Rabusch
				Karla M. Rabusch
				President
		Date: October 26, 2015
		By:
				/S/ Nancy Wiser
				Nancy Wiser
				Treasurer
		Date: October 26, 2015