8-KExhibits & Filings

WELLS FARGO & COMPANY/MN 8-K Report, Exhibit Filing (Jan 31, 2018)

Filed January 31, 2018For Securities:WFCWFC-PDWFC-PCWFC-PYWFC-PAWFC-PLWFCNPWFC-PZ

Summary

Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) filed an 8-K report on January 31, 2018, primarily to disclose the issuance of several series of Medium-Term Notes. These notes, issued on January 30, 2018, fall into two main categories: Series K Principal at Risk Securities and Series P Notes. The Series K notes are structured to be linked to the performance of specific equity indices or baskets of individual stocks, carrying principal at risk features. The Series P notes are linked to interest rate swaps, specifically the 20-Year and 10-Year Constant Maturity Swap Rates. This filing's main purpose is to provide the forms of these new debt instruments and the legal opinion from Faegre Baker Daniels LLP regarding their issuance, as required for registration statement filings. Investors should note that these are structured financial products, and their returns are contingent on the performance of underlying assets or rates, with potential for principal loss in the case of the Series K notes. The specific terms and risks associated with each note series are detailed in the filed exhibits.

Key Highlights

  • 1Wells Fargo issued five distinct series of Medium-Term Notes on January 30, 2018.
  • 2Series K notes are 'Principal at Risk Securities' linked to equity indices (S&P 500, Russell 2000, EURO STOXX 50) or specific company stocks (Allergan, Micron, Caterpillar, Nike, General Motors, Applied Materials, MGM Resorts).
  • 3Series P notes are linked to interest rate swap rates, specifically the 20-Year Constant Maturity Swap Rate and the 10-Year Constant Maturity Swap Rate.
  • 4The filing serves to provide the official forms of these notes as exhibits.
  • 5A legal opinion from Faegre Baker Daniels LLP concerning the Notes has also been filed.
  • 6These issuances are related to a previously filed Registration Statement on Form S-3.
  • 7The 'Principal at Risk' nature of Series K notes implies potential loss of invested principal if underlying assets perform poorly.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to publicly disclose the forms of several newly issued Medium-Term Notes and to file a legal opinion from Faegre Baker Daniels LLP regarding these issuances. This is often done in conjunction with a company's registration statement to provide necessary documentation for investors.

Wells Fargo issued two main types of Medium-Term Notes: Series K, which are 'Principal at Risk Securities' tied to the performance of equity indices or individual stocks, and Series P, which are notes linked to interest rate swap rates (20-Year and 10-Year Constant Maturity Swap Rates).

For the Series K notes, 'Principal at Risk' means that the investor could lose a portion or all of their initial investment. The return and repayment of principal are contingent on the performance of the underlying equity indices or individual stocks referenced in the note. If the performance is negative beyond a certain threshold, the principal amount may be reduced.

These notes, particularly the 'Principal at Risk Securities' (Series K), are complex structured products and are generally suitable for investors who understand the associated risks, including the potential loss of principal, and who are seeking specific investment exposures. They are not typically recommended for risk-averse investors.