Wells Fargo is one of the four largest banks in the US and has a legacy spanning 150 years in the financial services sector. A highly diversified financial services company with operations spanning the globe, it manages over $1.3 trillion in assets. The company offers banking, insurance, investments and mortgage products through a large network of stores and other distribution channels. This wide and extensive financial network, spanning more than 80 businesses is run by a team consisting of 278,000 members.

Below we will share with you 5 top rated Wells Fargo mutual funds. Each has earned a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) as we expect these mutual funds to outperform their peers in the future. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all Wells Fargo funds, then click here.

Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth A ( EKJAX - MF report ) invests a large share of its assets in large-cap companies. The fund focuses on acquiring equity securities of large firms whose market capitalizations are within the range of the Russell 1000 Index. The fund returned 9.32% in the last one year period.

The Wells Fargo mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 1.12% compared to a category average of 1.29%.

Wells Fargo Advantage Growth A ( SGRAX - MF report ) seeks long term capital growth. Equity securities of with the potential for above average growth constitute the fund’s principal investments. The fund invests in companies regardless of their size and may utilize derivatives to manage risk. The fund has a ten year annualized return of 7.34%.

Thomas Ognar is the fund manager and has managed this Wells Fargo mutual fund since 2002.

Wells Fargo Advantage Utility &Telecom A ( EVUAX - MF report ) invests the majority of its assets in utility and telecomm companies. Not more than 35% of its assets may be utilized to purchase convertible debentures. Up to 30% of its assets may be invested in foreign securities, including ADRs. The fund returned 17.61% in the last one year period.

As of October 2011, this Wells Fargo mutual fund held 66 issues, with 5.20% of its total assets invested in El Paso Corporation.

Wells Fargo Advantage Income Plus A ( STYAX - MF report ) seeks total return by investing the majority of its assets in income generating securities. Up to 35% of its assets are utilized to purchase in debt securities rated below investment grade. The fund has a five year annualized return of 6.96%.

The Wells Fargo mutual fund has a minimum initial investment of $1,000 and an expense ratio of 0.88% compared to a category average of 0.91%.

Wells Fargo Intrinsic Small Cap Value ( SCOVX - MF report ) invests heavily in equity securities of small-cap companies. These firms must have market capitalizations within the range of the Russell 2500 Index. The funds may utilize synthetic instruments to lower risk or provide higher returns. The fund has a three year annualized return of 12.45%.

Samir Sikka is the fund manager and he has managed this Wells Fargo mutual fund since 2010.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all Wells Fargo mutual funds, then click here.

About Zacks Mutual Fund Rank

By applying the Zacks Rank to mutual funds, investors can find funds that not only outpaced the market in the past but are also expected to outperform going forward. Learn more about the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank at http://www.zacks.com/funds.