UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
Investment Company Act file number: 811-00642
Deutsche DWS International Fund, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
875 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022-6225
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 454-4500
Diane Kenneally
100 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02110
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
| Date of fiscal year end: | 10/31 |
| Date of reporting period: | 10/31/2023 |
| ITEM 1. | REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS |
| (a) |
Contents
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. To obtain a summary prospectus, if available, or prospectus for any of our funds, refer to the Account Management Resources information provided in the back of this booklet. We advise you to consider the Fund’s objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The summary prospectus and prospectus contain this and other important information about the Fund. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.
Stocks may decline in value. Investing in foreign securities presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Emerging markets tend to be more volatile and less liquid than the markets of more mature economies, and generally have less diverse and less mature economic structures and less stable political systems than those of developed countries. The Fund may lend securities to approved institutions. Please read the prospectus for details.
War, terrorism, sanctions, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, public health crises, natural disasters, climate change and related geopolitical events have led and, in the future, may lead to significant disruptions in U.S. and world economies and markets, which may lead to increased market volatility and may have significant adverse effects on the Fund and its investments.
The brand DWS represents DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA and any of its subsidiaries such as DWS Distributors, Inc. which offers investment products or DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. and RREEF America L.L.C. which offer advisory services.
NOT FDIC/NCUA INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE
NOT A DEPOSIT NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY2 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Letter to Shareholders
Dear Shareholder:
This past year can be described as one where there were major structural disruptions and challenges impacting financial markets: record high inflation; end of substantial tightening of monetary policy; impact of slower growth in China; and geo-political volatility given the ongoing war in Ukraine and the recent war between Israel and Hamas, the future course of which continues to be highly unpredictable.
It is therefore apparent that there will be no lack of challenges for investors in 2023 and into 2024. With looming recession concerns in the U.S. and Europe, we believe the prospects for equity returns will be challenging into 2024. The aggressive tightening by the Federal Reserve and international monetary authorities, which began in 2022, has increased pressure on banks and their ability to lend, and also negatively impacted the performance of fixed income securities. Inflation continues to remain above monetary authority targets, however there is evidence that rate hikes by the Federal Reserve are helping to cool the pace of rising prices.
Consequently, we believe that it is important for investors to diversify their investments given the level of volatility in markets. While investment objectives are unique to each investor, we do believe there may be benefits to owning corporate and government bonds given their potential for yield as well as holding equities for their ability to counter the negative effects of persistent inflation.
In our view, these factors of market volatility, unpredictable economic events, and complex geo-political forces strongly underscore the value add of active portfolio management. The partnership between our portfolio managers and our CIO Office — which synthesizes the views of more than 900 DWS economists, analysts and investment professionals around the world — makes an important difference in making strategic and tactical decisions for the DWS Funds. Thank you for your trust. For ongoing updates to our market and economic outlook, please visit the “Insights” section of dws.com.
Best regards,
Hepsen Uzcan
President, DWS Funds
Assumptions, estimates and opinions contained in this document constitute our judgment as of the date of the document and are subject to change without notice. Any projections are based on a number of assumptions as to market conditions and there can be no guarantee that any projected results will be achieved. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 3 |
Portfolio Management Review(Unaudited)
Market Overview and Fund Performance
All performance information below is historical and does not guarantee future results. Returns shown are for Class A shares, unadjusted for sales charges. Investment return and principal fluctuate, so your shares may be worth more or less when redeemed. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Please visit dws.com for the most recent month-end performance of all share classes. Fund performance includes reinvestment of all distributions. Unadjusted returns do not reflect sales charges and would have been lower if they had. Please refer to pages 9 through 11 for more complete performance information.
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund returned 7.12% in the 12-month period that ended on October 31, 2023, underperforming the 10.80% gain for its benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
Management Process
Portfolio management generally uses a four step management process. In the first step, using a macroeconomic outlook, portfolio management assesses the general outlook for emerging market equities. The key drivers of this outlook are growth, valuation, and market sentiment. This process is then applied at individual country and sector levels to determine country and sector weightings.
In the second step, portfolio management performs a bottom-up fundamental analysis of the companies in the designated countries and sectors (i.e., an analysis of the salient attributes of the various individual companies), resulting in recommended stocks for the designated countries and sectors and corresponding target prices for those stocks. Salient company attributes that portfolio management may consider include attractiveness of valuation relative to earnings, sustainability of business model, the presence of clearly identifiable catalysts, such as a specific corporate event, and positive share price momentum. Portfolio management may also consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors, that it believes to be financially material, in its fundamental analysis. In evaluating ESG issues, portfolio management refers to internal securities specific ESG ratings, internal and external ESG research and other factors.
In the third step, portfolio management constructs the Fund’s portfolio, weighting individual stocks based on management’s assessments and setting individual country and sector market exposure based on management’s outlook.
In the fourth and final step, portfolio management actively monitors the Fund’s portfolio, including an ongoing assessment of the portfolio’s risks. Portfolio management will typically sell a security if it no longer represents good value relative to fundamentals and/or if it lacks positive catalysts.
4 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Although emerging-market equities posted a solid total return in the period, the bulk of the advance occurred in the span from October 2022 through January 2023. During this time, risk assets moved sharply higher on hopes that the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) and other major world central banks were nearing the end of their long series of interest-rate hikes. In addition, the markets were buoyed by optimism that China’s reopening from its COVID-19 lockdowns would fuel improved growth in both the country and the world economy as a whole.
The MSCI Emerging Markets Index trended lower from its late January high over the remainder of the period, and it ultimately closed at its lowest level since late October 2022. The poor performance in this time reflected a reversal of the earlier optimism. First, investors pushed out expectations for the Fed’s first rate cut from late 2023 to the end of 2024 (based on the futures markets) as it became apparent rates were likely to remain “higher for longer.” Second, China’s reopening was much weaker than anticipated, and the government’s stimulus measures proved disappointing. Still, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index finished the 12-month period slightly ahead of the 10.48% return for the developed markets, as gauged by the MSCI World Index.
Eastern Europe was the top performer at the regional level, with sizable outperformance for Poland, Hungary, Greece, and the Czech Republic. Economic growth in Europe held up better than expected through the conflict in Ukraine, and the energy crisis many investors had feared would occur in the 2022–2023 winter did not come to fruition. China also outperformed despite the headwind from slower-than-expected growth, due in part to the more supportive regulatory policy adopted by the nation’s government. Taiwan was another top performer in Asia thanks to strength in the global semiconductor cycle. The region’s smaller markets lagged, however, and both South Korea and India — while posting gains — did not keep pace with the broader asset class. Latin America trailed the index. Although Mexico generated a solid, double-digit gain, Brazil finished just above the break-even mark. The Middle East region also lagged despite robust gains for Turkey and Egypt. Most other markets in the region gave back ground from their strong showing in the eight months prior to the beginning of the reporting period, when crude oil moved sharply following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 5 |
Currency translation had a positive effect on performance for U.S.-based investors. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index returned 9.79% in local currency terms, indicating that strength in currencies against the U.S. dollar added 1.01 percentage points to its total return.
Fund Performance
The Fund’s cash position, while smaller than it was at the beginning of the period, was nonetheless a key detractor from relative performance given the 10.80% gain for the Index. Other allocation factors combined to have a neutral effect overall. While the Fund was hurt by underweights in China and Taiwan, as well as by an overweight in South Korea, it benefited from an overweight in Hungary and its zero weightings in United Arab Emirates and Thailand.
Stock selection was also a net detractor. The bulk of the shortfall occurred in China, where the technology-related retailers Baidu, Inc., Pinduoduo, Inc.,* and JD.com, Inc.* were among the key detractors. Positions in the travel-related companies H World Group Ltd.,* China Tourism Group Co. Ltd.,* and Air China Ltd.* further pressured relative performance in the country. With this said, China was also home to a number of the Fund’s leading contributors. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Trip.com Group Ltd., and Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China Ltd., among others, helped the Fund’s results.
Selection in South Korea also detracted, primarily as a result of a position in the battery and electronic materials manufacturer Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. The stock lagged as falling lithium prices put downward pressure on companies across the industry.
"We believe the combination of stronger growth and lower valuations should translate to positive relative performance for the emerging markets.”
On the other hand, the Fund’s holdings in India strongly outperformed thanks to a position in the industrial conglomerate Larsen & Toubro Ltd., as well as zero weightings in the various entities under the umbrella of the Adani Group. Outside of India, overweight positions in Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV (Femsa) and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. were among the leading contributors to relative performance.
6 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Outlook and Positioning
The Fund’s management team changed on October 1, 2023. Following the change, the team began to implement changes to the portfolio based on its views on individual companies, countries, and the emerging markets more broadly.
At the close of the period, India and Indonesia were the Fund’s largest overweights at the country level. It was also slightly overweight in Mexico and Brazil. On the other hand, its most notable underweights were in China, Taiwan, Thailand, and South Korea. With respect to sectors, the Fund was overweight in financials, consumer discretionary, communication services, and information technology. Materials, healthcare, utilities, and real estate were its largest underweights.
We had a constructive view on emerging-market stocks as of the end of October. Economic growth for countries in the asset class remained above that of the developed markets, particularly the United States. Nevertheless, the emerging markets continued to trade at a large valuation discount following their considerable underperformance in recent years. While headline risk remains a key factor, as it does for global equities more broadly, we believe the combination of stronger growth and lower valuations should translate to positive relative performance for the emerging markets.
*
Not held at October 31, 2023
Portfolio Management Team
Effective October 1, 2023, the portfolio management team is as follows:
Sebastian Kahlfeld, Senior Portfolio Manager Equity
Lead Portfolio Manager of the Fund. Began managing the Fund in 2023.
—Senior Portfolio Manager — Equity: Frankfurt.
—Joined DWS in 2005 with two years of industry experience. Prior to joining, he served as a Sales Assistant at HVBPrivate Banking and at HypoVereinsbank.
—Bank Training Program (“Bankkaufmann” ) at HypoVereinsbank; BA from Birmingham City University; Master’s Degree in Business Administration (“Diplom-Kaufmann” ) from Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences.
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 7 |
Prior to October 1, 2023, the portfolio management team was as follows:
Sean Taylor, Chief Investment Officer APAC
Lead Portfolio Manager of the Fund through June 30, 2023. Began managing the Fund in 2014.
—Global Head of Emerging Markets Equities: Hong Kong.
—Joined DWS in 2013 with 21 years of industry experience. Prior to his current role, he served as Investment Director at GAM, based in London and Dubai, and Head of International & Emerging Markets at Societe Generale.
—MBA, Manchester Business School.
Linus Kwan, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager and Team Lead Equity
Portfolio Manager of the Fund. Began managing the Fund in 2023.
—Senior Portfolio Manager — Equity: Hong Kong.
—Joined DWS in 2016 with 16 years of industry experience. Prior to joining, he served as portfolio manager of various Asian and emerging markets funds at DNB Asset Management (Asia). Before this, he managed a regional long/short portfolio at Calypso Capital. Previously, he managed a pacific rim fund and had been a research analyst for China equities at Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch.
—BA in English &Translation and MBA from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Cecilia Lau, Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst
Portfolio Manager of the Fund. Began managing the Fund in 2023.
—Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst — Equity: Hong Kong.
—Joined DWS in 2019. Prior to her current role, she completed the DWS graduate training program.
—BSc in Risk Management and Business Intelligence from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
The views expressed reflect those of the portfolio management team only through the end of the period of the report as stated on the cover. The management team’s views are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions and should not be construed as a recommendation. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.
Terms to Know
MSCI Emerging Markets Index is an unmanaged equity index which captures large and mid-capitalization representation across 24 emerging markets countries. It covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.
MSCI All Country World Index is an unmanaged equity index which captures large and mid-capitalization representation across 23 developed markets and 24 emerging markets countries. It covers approximately 85% of the global investable equity opportunity set.
Index returns do not reflect any fees or expenses and it is not possible to invest directly into an index.
Overweight means a fund holds a higher weighting in a given sector or security compared with its benchmark index.
Underweight means a fund holds a lower weighting in a given sector or security.
Contribution incorporates both an investment’s total return and its weighting in the fund.
8 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Performance SummaryOctober 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
Class A | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
Average Annual Total Returns as of 10/31/23 | |||
Unadjusted for Sales Charge | 7.12% | –1.47% | 0.23% |
Adjusted for the Maximum Sales Charge (max 5.75% load) | 0.96% | –2.63% | –0.36% |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index† | 10.80% | 1.59% | 1.19% |
Class C | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
Average Annual Total Returns as of 10/31/23 | |||
Unadjusted for Sales Charge | 6.42% | –2.20% | –0.52% |
Adjusted for the Maximum Sales Charge (max 1.00% CDSC) | 6.42% | –2.20% | –0.52% |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index† | 10.80% | 1.59% | 1.19% |
Class R6 | 1-Year | 5-Year | Life of Class* |
Average Annual Total Returns as of 10/31/23 | |||
No Sales Charges | 7.46% | –1.21% | –1.89% |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index† | 10.80% | 1.59% | 0.36% |
Class S | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
Average Annual Total Returns as of 10/31/23 | |||
No Sales Charges | 7.30% | –1.31% | 0.43% |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index† | 10.80% | 1.59% | 1.19% |
Institutional Class | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
Average Annual Total Returns as of 10/31/23 | |||
No Sales Charges | 7.47% | –1.23% | 0.48% |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index† | 10.80% | 1.59% | 1.19% |
Performance in the Average Annual Total Returns table(s) above and the Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment line graph that follows is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal fluctuate, so your shares may be worth more or less when redeemed. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Please visit dws.com for the Fund’s most recent month-end performance. Fund performance includes reinvestment of all distributions. Unadjusted returns do not reflect sales charges and would have been lower if they had.
The gross expense ratios of the Fund, as stated in the fee table of the prospectus dated March 1, 2023 are 1.36%, 2.05%, 0.98%, 1.13% and 1.02% for Class A,
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 9 |
Class C, Class R6, Class S and Institutional Class shares, respectively, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report.
Index returns do not reflect any fees or expenses and it is not possible to invest directly into an index.
Performance figures do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares.
Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only, and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights.
Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment
(Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge)
Yearly periods ended October 31
Yearly periods ended October 31The Fund’s growth of an assumed $10,000 investment is adjusted for the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. This results in a net initial investment of $9,425.
The growth of $10,000 is cumulative.
Performance of other share classes will vary based on the sales charges and the fee structure of those classes.
* | Class R6 shares commenced operations on September 7, 2018. |
† | The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is an unmanaged equity index which captures large and mid-capitalization representation across 24 emerging markets countries. It covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. |
10 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Class A | Class C | Class R6 | Class S | Institutional Class | |
Net Asset Value | |||||
10/31/23 | $15.38 | $13.65 | $15.61 | $15.60 | $15.59 |
10/31/22 | $14.64 | $12.99 | $14.85 | $14.85 | $14.83 |
Distribution Information as of 10/31/23 | |||||
Income Dividends, Twelve Months | $.32 | $.17 | $.37 | $.35 | $.37 |
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 11 |
Portfolio Summary(Unaudited)
Asset Allocation (As a % of Net Assets) | 10/31/23 | 10/31/22 |
Equity Securities | 98% | 85% |
Exchange-Traded Funds | 4% | 4% |
Cash Equivalents and Other Assets and Liabilities, Net | -2% | 11% |
100% | 100% |
Sector Diversification (As a % of Equity Securities) | 10/31/23 | 10/31/22 |
Financials | 25% | 33% |
Information Technology | 23% | 19% |
Consumer Discretionary | 18% | 18% |
Communication Services | 11% | 7% |
Industrials | 6% | 5% |
Consumer Staples | 6% | 6% |
Energy | 5% | 7% |
Materials | 5% | 4% |
Health Care | 1% | — |
Utilities | 0% | — |
Real Estate | — | 1% |
100% | 100% |
Geographical Diversification (As a % of Equity Securities and Exchange-Traded Funds) | 10/31/23 | 10/31/22 |
China | 24% | 27% |
India | 21% | 21% |
Taiwan | 13% | 10% |
Korea | 11% | 11% |
Brazil | 6% | 7% |
Saudi Arabia | 4% | 4% |
Indonesia | 4% | 5% |
South Africa | 4% | 4% |
Mexico | 3% | 2% |
Poland | 2% | — |
Uruguay | 2% | — |
Hong Kong | 2% | 6% |
Chile | 2% | 1% |
Other | 2% | 2% |
100% | 100% |
12 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Ten Largest Equity Holdings at October 31, 2023 (49.8% of Net Assets) | Country | Percent | |
1Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Taiwan | 9.9% | |
Manufacturer of integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices | |||
2Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Korea | 7.5% | |
Manufacturer of electronic parts | |||
3Tencent Holdings Ltd. | China | 7.0% | |
Provider of Internet, mobile, and telecommunication value-added services | |||
4ICICI Bank Ltd. | India | 5.0% | |
Specializes in retail and corporate banking | |||
5Larsen & Toubro Ltd. | India | 4.8% | |
Manufacturer of engineering equipment | |||
6HDFC Bank Ltd. | India | 4.2% | |
Provider of retail, corporate banking, custodial, treasury and capital markets services | |||
7Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. | China | 3.7% | |
Provider of internet infrastructure, electronic commerce, online financial, and internet content services through its subsidiaries | |||
8Bharti Airtel Ltd. | India | 2.8% | |
Provider of global telecommunications services | |||
9PT Bank Central Asia Tbk | Indonesia | 2.6% | |
Provider of commercial and personal banking services | |||
10Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd. | China | 2.3% | |
Manufacturer and distributor of Moutai liquor series products | |||
Portfolio holdings and characteristics are subject to change.
For more complete details about the Fund’s investment portfolio, see page 14. A quarterly Fact Sheet is available on dws.com or upon request. Please see the Account Management Resources section on page 58 for contact information.
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 13 |
Investment Portfolioas of October 31, 2023
Shares | Value ($) | ||
Equity Securities 98.0% | |||
Brazil 6.0% | |||
Banco Bradesco SA (ADR) | 644,218 | 1,797,367 | |
Itaú Unibanco Holding SA (ADR) (Preferred) | 335,999 | 1,784,155 | |
Petroleo Brasileiro SA (ADR) | 78,271 | 1,174,065 | |
Vale SA “B” (ADR) | 90,000 | 1,233,900 | |
(Cost $4,361,822) | 5,989,487 | ||
Chile 2.1% | |||
Antofagasta PLC (Cost $1,941,628) | 125,000 | 2,048,793 | |
China 24.7% | |||
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.* | 200,000 | 2,059,426 | |
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (ADR)* | 20,000 | 1,650,800 | |
ANTA Sports Products Ltd. | 50,000 | 563,900 | |
Baidu, Inc. “A” * | 78,550 | 1,034,157 | |
BYD Co., Ltd. “H” | 60,500 | 1,838,286 | |
CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. | 720,000 | 628,504 | |
Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd. “A” | 10,000 | 2,305,037 | |
Meituan “B” 144A* | 99,980 | 1,417,456 | |
PetroChina Co., Ltd. “H” | 2,900,000 | 1,890,079 | |
Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China Ltd. “H” | 150,000 | 767,433 | |
Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co.,Ltd. “A” | 17,500 | 285,429 | |
Tencent Holdings Ltd. | 188,000 | 6,966,451 | |
Trip.com Group Ltd.* | 42,500 | 1,451,913 | |
Yum China Holdings, Inc. (a) | 34,432 | 1,809,746 | |
(Cost $22,623,879) | 24,668,617 | ||
Hong Kong 2.2% | |||
AIA Group Ltd. | 150,000 | 1,301,965 | |
Budweiser Brewing Co. APAC Ltd. 144A | 275,000 | 521,916 | |
China Resources Beer Holdings Co., Ltd. | 40,000 | 211,645 | |
Kunlun Energy Co., Ltd. | 174,000 | 144,951 | |
(Cost $2,268,136) | 2,180,477 | ||
India 21.9% | |||
Axis Bank Ltd. | 175,000 | 2,064,587 | |
Bharti Airtel Ltd. | 250,000 | 2,748,534 | |
HDFC Bank Ltd. | 125,000 | 2,217,093 | |
HDFC Bank Ltd. (ADR) | 34,694 | 1,961,946 | |
ICICI Bank Ltd. | 398,026 | 4,384,073 | |
ICICI Bank Ltd. (ADR) | 27,500 | 610,225 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
14 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Shares | Value ($) | ||
Jio Financial Services Ltd.* | 55,498 | 146,127 | |
Larsen & Toubro Ltd. | 136,718 | 4,810,563 | |
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. | 10,094 | 1,261,659 | |
Max Healthcare Institute Ltd. | 15,000 | 103,484 | |
Reliance Industries Ltd. | 55,498 | 1,528,202 | |
(Cost $15,607,746) | 21,836,493 | ||
Indonesia 3.7% | |||
PT Bank Central Asia Tbk | 4,728,100 | 2,609,215 | |
PT Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk | 1,400,000 | 502,783 | |
PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk | 1,750,000 | 547,797 | |
(Cost $3,036,518) | 3,659,795 | ||
Ireland 1.0% | |||
PDD Holdings, Inc. (ADR)* (Cost $1,052,226) | 10,000 | 1,014,200 | |
Korea 11.2% | |||
Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. | 1,623 | 251,613 | |
NAVER Corp. | 2,665 | 372,876 | |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | 150,000 | 7,500,983 | |
Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. | 6,494 | 2,062,335 | |
SK Hynix, Inc. | 10,875 | 949,648 | |
(Cost $8,692,083) | 11,137,455 | ||
Mexico 2.9% | |||
Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV (ADR) | 20,000 | 2,268,200 | |
Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV | 175,000 | 627,045 | |
(Cost $1,931,503) | 2,895,245 | ||
Poland 2.5% | |||
Bank Polska Kasa Opieki SA | 20,000 | 607,811 | |
InPost SA* | 115,000 | 1,137,533 | |
Powszechna Kasa Oszczednosci Bank Polski SA* | 75,000 | 776,494 | |
(Cost $2,559,081) | 2,521,838 | ||
South Africa 3.6% | |||
Absa Group Ltd. | 75,000 | 683,835 | |
FirstRand Ltd. | 400,000 | 1,318,475 | |
Naspers Ltd. “N” * | 10,500 | 1,639,936 | |
(Cost $3,780,663) | 3,642,246 | ||
Taiwan 12.9% | |||
Alchip Technologies Ltd. | 5,000 | 409,661 | |
Delta Electronics, Inc. | 59,000 | 532,229 | |
Fubon Financial Holding Co., Ltd. | 349,686 | 649,690 | |
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | 255,000 | 764,395 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 15 |
Shares | Value ($) | ||
MediaTek, Inc. | 25,000 | 651,922 | |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | 599,803 | 9,832,198 | |
(Cost $6,610,734) | 12,840,095 | ||
United Kingdom 1.1% | |||
Rio Tinto PLC (Cost $1,160,886) | 17,207 | 1,098,728 | |
Uruguay 2.2% | |||
MercadoLibre, Inc.* (Cost $2,178,126) | 1,800 | 2,233,332 | |
Total Equity Securities (Cost $77,805,031) | 97,766,801 | ||
Exchange-Traded Funds 4.2% | |||
iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF (b) (Cost $4,515,159) | 110,000 | 4,167,900 | |
Securities Lending Collateral 4.2% | |||
DWS Government & Agency Securities Portfolio “DWS Government Cash Institutional Shares” , 5.25% (c) (d) (Cost $4,203,675) | 4,203,675 | 4,203,675 | |
% of Net Assets | Value ($) | ||
Total Investment Portfolio (Cost $86,523,865) | 106.4 | 106,138,376 | |
Other Assets and Liabilities, Net | (6.4 ) | (6,387,245 ) | |
Net Assets | 100.0 | 99,751,131 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
16 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
A summary of the Fund’s transactions with affiliated investments during the year ended October 31, 2023 are as follows:
Value ($) at 10/31/2022 | Pur- chases Cost ($) | Sales Proceeds ($) | Net Real- ized Gain/ (Loss) ($) | Net Change in Unreal- ized Appreci- ation (Depreci- ation) ($) | Income ($) | Capital Gain Distri- butions ($) | Number of Shares at 10/31/2023 | Value ($) at 10/31/2023 |
Securities Lending Collateral 4.2% | ||||||||
DWS Government & Agency Securities Portfolio “DWS Government Cash Institutional Shares” , 5.25% (c) (d) | ||||||||
3,430,908 | 772,767 (e) | — | — | — | 20,096 | — | 4,203,675 | 4,203,675 |
Cash Equivalents 0.0% | ||||||||
DWS Central Cash Management Government Fund, 5.36% (c) | ||||||||
7,794,443 | 103,351,457 | 111,145,900 | — | — | 153,782 | — | — | — |
11,225,351 | 104,124,224 | 111,145,900 | — | — | 173,878 | — | 4,203,675 | 4,203,675 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | Listed on the New York Stock Exchange. |
(b) | All or a portion of these securities were on loan. In addition, “Other Assets and Liabilities, Net” may include pending sales that are also on loan. The value of securities loaned at October 31, 2023 amounted to $4,164,111, which is 4.2% of net assets. |
(c) | Affiliated fund managed by DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. The rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield at period end. |
(d) | Represents cash collateral held in connection with securities lending. Income earned by the Fund is net of borrower rebates. |
(e) | Represents the net increase (purchase cost) or decrease (sales proceeds) in the amount invested in cash collateral for the year ended October 31, 2023. |
144A: Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. |
ADR: American Depositary Receipt |
MSCI: Morgan Stanley Capital International |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 17 |
Fair Value Measurements
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels. Level 1 includes quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Level 2 includes other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds and credit risk). Level 3 includes significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). The level assigned to the securities valuations may not be an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with investing in those securities.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of October 31, 2023 in valuing the Fund’s investments. For information on the Fund’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Security Valuation section of Note A in the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
Assets | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Equity Securities | ||||
Brazil | $5,989,487 | $— | $— | $5,989,487 |
Chile | — | 2,048,793 | — | 2,048,793 |
China | 3,460,546 | 21,208,071 | — | 24,668,617 |
Hong Kong | — | 2,180,477 | — | 2,180,477 |
India | 2,572,171 | 19,264,322 | — | 21,836,493 |
Indonesia | — | 3,659,795 | — | 3,659,795 |
Ireland | 1,014,200 | — | — | 1,014,200 |
Korea | — | 11,137,455 | — | 11,137,455 |
Mexico | 2,895,245 | — | — | 2,895,245 |
Poland | — | 2,521,838 | — | 2,521,838 |
South Africa | — | 3,642,246 | — | 3,642,246 |
Taiwan | — | 12,840,095 | — | 12,840,095 |
United Kingdom | — | 1,098,728 | — | 1,098,728 |
Uruguay | 2,233,332 | — | — | 2,233,332 |
Exchange-Traded Funds | 4,167,900 | — | — | 4,167,900 |
Short-Term Investments | 4,203,675 | — | — | 4,203,675 |
Total | $26,536,556 | $79,601,820 | $— | $106,138,376 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
18 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
as of October 31, 2023
Assets | |
Investments in non-affiliated securities, at value (cost $82,320,190) — including $4,164,111 of securities loaned | $101,934,701 |
Investment in DWS Government & Agency Securities Portfolio (cost $4,203,675)* | 4,203,675 |
Cash | 36,685 |
Foreign currency, at value (cost $314,879) | 304,657 |
Receivable for investments sold | 2,235,996 |
Receivable for Fund shares sold | 86,404 |
Dividends receivable | 150,513 |
Interest receivable | 7,951 |
Other assets | 18,225 |
Total assets | 108,978,807 |
Liabilities | |
Payable upon return of securities loaned | 4,203,675 |
Payable for investments purchased | 162,869 |
Line of credit loan payable | 3,900,000 |
Payable for Fund shares redeemed | 203,806 |
Deferred foreign taxes payable | 539,676 |
Accrued management fee | 47,666 |
Accrued Directors' fees | 2,073 |
Other accrued expenses and payables | 167,911 |
Total liabilities | 9,227,676 |
Net assets, at value | $99,751,131 |
Net Assets Consist of | |
Distributable earnings (loss) | (73,746,372 ) |
Paid-in capital | 173,497,503 |
Net assets, at value | $99,751,131 |
*
Represents collateral on securities loaned.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 19 |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of October 31, 2023 (continued)
Net Asset Value | |
Class A | |
Net Asset Value and redemption price per share ($7,174,228 ÷ 466,359 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized) | $15.38 |
Maximum offering price per share (100 ÷ 94.25 of $15.38) | $16.32 |
Class C | |
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price (subject to contingent deferred sales charge) per share ($4,493,978 ÷ 329,231 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized) | $13.65 |
Class R6 | |
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share ($636,820 ÷ 40,794 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized) | $15.61 |
Class S | |
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share ($33,834,149 ÷ 2,168,400 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized) | $15.60 |
Institutional Class | |
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share ($53,611,956 ÷ 3,439,043 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized) | $15.59 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
20 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Statement of Operations
for the year ended October 31, 2023
Investment Income | |
Income: | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $363,014) | $3,126,419 |
Interest | 59,999 |
Income distributions — DWS Central Cash Management Government Fund | 153,782 |
Securities lending income, net of borrower rebates | 20,096 |
Total income | 3,360,296 |
Expenses: | |
Management fee | 1,044,256 |
Administration fee | 144,704 |
Services to shareholders | 206,935 |
Distribution and service fees | 65,872 |
Custodian fee | 31,787 |
Professional fees | 97,023 |
Reports to shareholders | 58,580 |
Registration fees | 74,407 |
Directors' fees and expenses | 7,634 |
Interest expense | 10,033 |
Other | 24,799 |
Total expenses before expense reductions | 1,766,030 |
Expense reductions | (312,394 ) |
Total expenses after expense reductions | 1,453,636 |
Net investment income | 1,906,660 |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | |
Net realized gain (loss) from: | |
Investments (including foreign taxes of $266,116) | (15,355,507 ) |
Foreign currency | (340,793 ) |
(15,696,300 ) | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | |
Investments (including deferred foreign taxes of $9,129) | 31,686,563 |
Foreign currency | 223,279 |
31,909,842 | |
Net gain (loss) | 16,213,542 |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | $18,120,202 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 21 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years Ended October 31, | ||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 2023 | 2022 |
Operations: | ||
Net investment income | $1,906,660 | $6,665,661 |
Net realized gain (loss) | (15,696,300 ) | (43,818,698 ) |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 31,909,842 | (78,273,241 ) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 18,120,202 | (115,426,278 ) |
Distributions to shareholders: | ||
Class A | (174,555 ) | (328,662 ) |
Class T | — | (193 ) |
Class C | (40,853 ) | (41,960 ) |
Class R6 | (11,079 ) | (14,706 ) |
Class S | (1,078,991 ) | (1,823,803 ) |
Institutional Class | (2,371,479 ) | (5,056,645 ) |
Total distributions | (3,676,957 ) | (7,265,969 ) |
Fund share transactions: | ||
Proceeds from shares sold | 30,520,829 | 80,172,889 |
Reinvestment of distributions | 3,551,855 | 7,088,647 |
Payments for shares redeemed | (123,456,862 ) | (255,894,365 ) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share transactions | (89,384,178 ) | (168,632,829 ) |
Increase (decrease) in net assets | (74,940,933 ) | (291,325,076 ) |
Net assets at beginning of period | 174,692,064 | 466,017,140 |
Net assets at end of period | $99,751,131 | $174,692,064 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
22 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Financial Highlights
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund — Class A | |||||
Years Ended October 31, | |||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
Selected Per Share Data | |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $14.64 | $22.37 | $21.32 | $19.59 | $17.74 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment incomea | .18 | .37 | .17 | .14 | .48 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | .88 | (7.77 ) | 1.14 | 1.96 | 1.47 |
Total from investment operations | 1.06 | (7.40 ) | 1.31 | 2.10 | 1.95 |
Less distributions from: | |||||
Net investment income | (.32 ) | (.33 ) | (.26 ) | (.37 ) | (.10 ) |
Net asset value, end of period | $15.38 | $14.64 | $22.37 | $21.32 | $19.59 |
Total Return (%)b,c | 7.12 | (33.54 ) | 6.07 | 10.75 | 11.04 |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | |||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 7 | 8 | 23 | 18 | 23 |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | 1.47 | 1.33 | 1.28 | 1.31 | 1.36 |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | 1.16 | 1.15 | 1.15 | 1.15 | 1.15 |
Ratio of net investment income (%) | 1.07 | 1.94 | .68 | .73 | 2.49 |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 64 | 51 | 94 | 57 | 32 |
a | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
b | Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges. |
c | Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 23 |
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund — Class C | |||||
Years Ended October 31, | |||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
Selected Per Share Data | |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $12.99 | $19.85 | $18.92 | $17.38 | $15.77 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment income (loss)a | .05 | .21 | (.01 ) | (.00 )* | .26 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | .78 | (6.92 ) | 1.01 | 1.72 | 1.35 |
Total from investment operations | .83 | (6.71 ) | 1.00 | 1.72 | 1.61 |
Less distributions from: | |||||
Net investment income | (.17 ) | (.15 ) | (.07 ) | (.18 ) | — |
Net asset value, end of period | $13.65 | $12.99 | $19.85 | $18.92 | $17.38 |
Total Return (%)b,c | 6.42 | (34.09 ) | 5.32 | 9.89 | 10.21 |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | |||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 4 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | 2.11 | 2.02 | 1.99 | 2.02 | 2.08 |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | 1.91 | 1.90 | 1.90 | 1.90 | 1.90 |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%) | .32 | 1.28 | (.05 ) | (.00 )** | 1.55 |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 64 | 51 | 94 | 57 | 32 |
a | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
b | Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges. |
c | Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. |
* | Amount is less than $.005. |
** | Amount is less than .005%. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
24 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund — Class R6 | |||||
Years Ended October 31, | |||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
Selected Per Share Data | |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $14.85 | $22.70 | $21.63 | $19.87 | $17.99 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment incomea | .21 | .45 | .27 | .19 | .48 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | .92 | (7.92 ) | 1.12 | 2.00 | 1.54 |
Total from investment operations | 1.13 | (7.47 ) | 1.39 | 2.19 | 2.02 |
Less distributions from: | |||||
Net investment income | (.37 ) | (.38 ) | (.32 ) | (.43 ) | (.14 ) |
Net asset value, end of period | $15.61 | $14.85 | $22.70 | $21.63 | $19.87 |
Total Return (%)b | 7.46 | (33.40 ) | 6.36 | 11.06 | 11.32 |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | |||||
Net assets, end of period ($ thousands) | 637 | 460 | 846 | 126 | 25 |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | 1.05 | .95 | .90 | 1.26 | 1.21 |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | .91 | .90 | .90 | .90 | .90 |
Ratio of net investment income (%) | 1.27 | 2.34 | 1.11 | .95 | 2.51 |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 64 | 51 | 94 | 57 | 32 |
a | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
b | Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 25 |
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund — Class S | |||||
Years Ended October 31, | |||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
Selected Per Share Data | |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $14.85 | $22.69 | $21.63 | $19.87 | $18.00 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment incomea | .21 | .41 | .19 | .19 | .48 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | .89 | (7.88 ) | 1.17 | 1.98 | 1.52 |
Total from investment operations | 1.10 | (7.47 ) | 1.36 | 2.17 | 2.00 |
Less distributions from: | |||||
Net investment income | (.35 ) | (.37 ) | (.30 ) | (.41 ) | (.13 ) |
Net asset value, end of period | $15.60 | $14.85 | $22.69 | $21.63 | $19.87 |
Total Return (%)b | 7.30 | (33.43 ) | 6.27 | 10.92 | 11.19 |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | |||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 34 | 47 | 128 | 191 | 203 |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | 1.22 | 1.10 | 1.04 | 1.09 | 1.12 |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | .99 | .98 | .98 | .98 | .98 |
Ratio of net investment income (%) | 1.28 | 2.13 | .75 | .99 | 2.46 |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 64 | 51 | 94 | 57 | 32 |
a | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
b | Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
26 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund — Institutional Class | |||||
Years Ended October 31, | |||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
Selected Per Share Data | |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $14.83 | $22.67 | $21.61 | $19.86 | $17.99 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment incomea | .23 | .43 | .24 | .21 | .55 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | .90 | (7.89 ) | 1.14 | 1.97 | 1.46 |
Total from investment operations | 1.13 | (7.46 ) | 1.38 | 2.18 | 2.01 |
Less distributions from: | |||||
Net investment income | (.37 ) | (.38 ) | (.32 ) | (.43 ) | (.14 ) |
Net asset value, end of period | $15.59 | $14.83 | $22.67 | $21.61 | $19.86 |
Total Return (%)b | 7.47 | (33.43 ) | 6.36 | 11.02 | 11.29 |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | |||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 54 | 117 | 308 | 216 | 208 |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | 1.10 | .99 | .98 | 1.00 | 1.05 |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | .91 | .90 | .90 | .90 | .90 |
Ratio of net investment income (%) | 1.34 | 2.25 | .96 | 1.05 | 2.82 |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 64 | 51 | 94 | 57 | 32 |
a | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
b | Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 27 |
Notes to Financial Statements
A.
Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund (the “Fund” ) is a diversified series of Deutsche DWS International Fund, Inc. (the “Corporation” ), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the ���1940 Act” ), as an open-end management investment company organized as a Maryland corporation.
The Fund offers multiple classes of shares which provide investors with different purchase options. Class A shares are subject to an initial sales charge. Class C shares are not subject to an initial sales charge but are subject to higher ongoing expenses than Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions within one year of purchase. Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares in the same fund after 8 years, provided that the Fund or the financial intermediary through which the shareholder purchased the Class C shares has records verifying that the Class C shares have been held for at least 8 years. Class R6 shares are not subject to initial or contingent deferred sales charges and are generally available only to certain qualifying plans and programs. Class S shares are not subject to initial or contingent deferred sales charges and are available through certain intermediary relationships with financial services firms, or can be purchased by establishing an account directly with the Fund’s transfer agent. Institutional Class shares are not subject to initial or contingent deferred sales charges and are generally available only to qualified institutions.
Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and certain fund-level expenses and expense reductions, if any, are borne pro rata on the basis of relative net assets by the holders of all classes of shares, except that each class bears certain expenses unique to that class such as distribution and service fees, services to shareholders and certain other class-specific expenses. Differences in class-level expenses may result in payment of different per share dividends by class. All shares of the Fund have equal rights with respect to voting subject to class-specific arrangements.
The Fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP” ) which require the use of management estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund qualifies as an investment company under Topic 946 of Accounting Standards Codification of U.S. GAAP. The policies described below are followed consistently by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
Security Valuation. Investments are stated at value determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each day the exchange is open for trading.
28 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
The Fund’s Board has designated DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (the “Advisor” ) as the valuation designee for the Fund pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act. The Advisor’s Pricing Committee (the “Pricing Committee” ) typically values securities using readily available market quotations or prices supplied by independent pricing services (which are considered fair values under Rule 2a-5). The Advisor has adopted fair valuation procedures that provide methodologies for fair valuing securities.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels. Level 1 includes quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Level 2 includes other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds and credit risk). Level 3 includes significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). The level assigned to the securities valuations may not be an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with investing in those securities.
Equity securities and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs” ) are valued at the most recent sale price or official closing price reported on the exchange (U.S. or foreign) or over-the-counter market on which they trade. Equity securities or ETFs for which no sales are reported are valued at the calculated mean between the most recent bid and asked quotations on the relevant market or, if a mean cannot be determined, at the most recent bid quotation. Equity securities and ETFs are generally categorized as Level 1. For certain international equity securities, in order to adjust for events which may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the New York Stock Exchange, a fair valuation model may be used. This fair valuation model takes into account comparisons to the valuation of American Depository Receipts (ADRs), exchange-traded funds, futures contracts and certain indices and these securities are categorized as Level 2.
Investments in open-end investment companies are valued at their net asset value each business day and are categorized as Level 1.
Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or for which the above valuation procedures are deemed not to reflect fair value are valued in a manner that is intended to reflect their fair value as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Pricing Committee and are generally categorized as Level 3. In accordance with the Fund’s valuation procedures, factors considered in determining value may include, but are not limited to, the type of the security; the size of the holding; the initial cost of the security; the existence of any contractual restrictions on the security’s disposition; the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or of comparable companies; quotations or evaluated prices from broker-dealers and/or
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 29 |
pricing services; information obtained from the issuer, analysts, and/or the appropriate stock exchange (for exchange-traded securities); an analysis of the company’s or issuer’s financial statements; an evaluation of the forces that influence the issuer and the market(s) in which the security is purchased and sold; and with respect to debt securities, the maturity, coupon, creditworthiness, currency denomination and the movement of the market in which the security is normally traded. The value determined under these procedures may differ from published values for the same securities.
Disclosure about the classification of fair value measurements is included in a table following the Fund’s Investment Portfolio.
Foreign Currency Translations. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rates at period end. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rates on the respective dates of the transactions.
Net realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency transactions represent net gains and losses between trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, the acquisition and disposition of foreign currencies, and the difference between the amount of net investment income accrued and the U.S. dollar amount actually received. The portion of both realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments that results from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed but is included with net realized and unrealized gain/appreciation and loss/depreciation on investments.
Securities Lending. Prior to May 1, 2023, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., served as securities lending agent for the Fund. Effective May 1, 2023, National Financial Services LLC (Fidelity Agency Lending), as securities lending agent, lends securities of the Fund to certain financial institutions under the terms of its securities lending agreement. During the term of the loans, the Fund continues to receive interest and dividends generated by the securities and to participate in any changes in their market value. The Fund requires the borrowers of the securities to maintain collateral with the Fund consisting of either cash or liquid, unencumbered assets having a value at least equal to the value of the securities loaned. When the collateral falls below specified amounts, the securities lending agent will use its best efforts to obtain additional collateral on the next business day to meet required amounts under the securities lending agreement. During the year ended October 31, 2023, the Fund invested the cash collateral, if any, into a joint trading account in affiliated money market funds, including DWS Government & Agency Securities Portfolio, managed by DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. DWS
30 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Investment Management Americas, Inc. receives a management/administration fee (0.10% annualized effective rate as of October 31, 2023) on the cash collateral invested in DWS Government & Agency Securities Portfolio. The Fund receives compensation for lending its securities either in the form of fees or by earning interest on invested cash collateral net of borrower rebates and fees paid to a securities lending agent. Either the Fund or the borrower may terminate the loan at any time, and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within a standard time period. There may be risks of delay and costs in recovery of securities or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. If the Fund is not able to recover securities lent, the Fund may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement investment in the market, incurring the risk that the value of the replacement security is greater than the value of the collateral. The Fund is also subject to all investment risks associated with the reinvestment of any cash collateral received, including, but not limited to, interest rate, credit and liquidity risk associated with such investments.
As of October 31, 2023, the Fund had securities on loan, which were classified as exchange-traded funds in the Investment Portfolio. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the securities loaned at period end. As of period end, the remaining contractual maturity of the collateral agreements was overnight and continuous.
Taxes. The Fund’s policy is to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which are applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute all of its taxable income to its shareholders.
Additionally, the Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by the governments of countries in which it invests and are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Estimated tax liabilities on certain foreign securities are recorded on an accrual basis and are reflected as components of interest income or net change in unrealized gain/loss on investments. Tax liabilities realized as a result of security sales are reflected as a component of net realized gain/loss on investments.
At October 31, 2023, the Fund had net tax basis capital loss carryforwards of $92,265,348, including short-term losses ($79,240,672) and long-term losses ($13,024,676), which may be applied against realized net taxable capital gains indefinitely.
The Fund has reviewed the tax positions for the open tax years as of October 31, 2023 and has determined that no provision for income tax and/or uncertain tax positions is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain open subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.
Distribution of Income and Gains. Distributions from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared and distributed to shareholders
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 31 |
annually. Net realized gains from investment transactions, in excess of available capital loss carryforwards, would be taxable to the Fund if not distributed, and, therefore, will be distributed to shareholders at least annually. The Fund may also make additional distributions for tax purposes if necessary.
The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gain distributions are determined annually in accordance with federal tax regulations which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences primarily relate to certain securities sold at a loss, income received from passive foreign investment companies and income related to restructuring of certain securities. The Fund may utilize a portion of the proceeds from capital shares redeemed as a distribution from net investment income and realized capital gains. As a result, net investment income (loss) and net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions for a reporting period may differ significantly from distributions during such period. Accordingly, the Fund may periodically make reclassifications among certain of its capital accounts without impacting the net asset value of the Fund.
At October 31, 2023, the Fund’s components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a net tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed ordinary income* | $1,908,700 |
Capital loss carryforwards | $(92,265,348 ) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | $17,160,232 |
At October 31, 2023, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $88,978,144. The net unrealized appreciation for all investments based on tax cost was $17,160,232. This consisted of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost of $24,867,191 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value of $7,706,959.
In addition, the tax character of distributions paid to shareholders by the Fund is summarized as follows:
Years Ended October 31, | ||
2023 | 2022 | |
Distributions from ordinary income* | $3,676,957 | $7,265,969 |
* | For tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are considered ordinary income distributions. |
Expenses. Expenses of the Corporation arising in connection with a specific fund are allocated to that fund. Other Corporation expenses which cannot be directly attributed to a fund are apportioned among the funds in
32 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
the Corporation based upon the relative net assets or other appropriate measures.
Contingencies. In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet been made. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
Other. Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date plus one basis for daily net asset value calculations. However, for financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are reported on trade date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date net of foreign withholding taxes. Certain dividends from foreign securities may be recorded subsequent to the ex-dividend date as soon as the Fund is informed of such dividends. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are recorded on an identified cost basis. Proceeds from litigation payments, if any, are included in net realized gain (loss) from investments.
B.
Purchases and Sales of Securities
During the year ended October 31, 2023, purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) aggregated $89,319,977 and $157,865,010, respectively.
C.
Related Parties
Management Agreement. Under the Investment Management Agreement with DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (“DIMA” or the “Advisor” ), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA (“DWS Group” ), the Advisor directs the investments of the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives, policies and restrictions. The Advisor determines the securities, instruments and other contracts relating to investments to be purchased, sold or entered into by the Fund or delegates such responsibility to the Fund’s subadvisor.
Prior to October 1, 2023, DWS Investments Hong Kong Limited, an affiliate of DIMA, served as subadvisor with respect to the investments and reinvestment of assets of the Fund, and was paid by the Advisor for its services. Effective October 1, 2023, DWS International GmbH a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of DWS Group, was appointed to serve as subadvisor to the Fund. Pursuant to a subadvisory agreement between DIMA and DWS International GmbH, DIMA, not the Fund, compensates DWS International GmbH for the services it provides to the Fund.
Under the Investment Management Agreement with the Advisor, the Fund pays a monthly management fee based on the average daily net
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 33 |
assets of the Fund, computed and accrued daily and payable monthly at the annual rate (exclusive of any applicable waivers/reimbursements) of 0.70%.
For the period from November 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or reimburse certain operating expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to maintain the total annual operating expenses (excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes, brokerage, interest expense and acquired fund fees and expenses) of each class as follows:
Class A | 1.15% |
Class C | 1.90% |
Class R6 | .90% |
Class S | .98% |
Institutional Class | .90% |
For the year ended October 31, 2023, fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed for each class are as follows:
Class A | $26,840 |
Class C | 9,056 |
Class R6 | 954 |
Class S | 101,783 |
Institutional Class | 173,761 |
$312,394 |
Administration Fee. Pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement, DIMA provides most administrative services to the Fund. For all services provided under the Administrative Services Agreement, the Fund pays the Advisor an annual fee (“Administration Fee” ) of 0.097% of the Fund’s average daily net assets, computed and accrued daily and payable monthly. For the year ended October 31, 2023, the Administration Fee was $144,704, of which $8,954 is unpaid.
Service Provider Fees. DWS Service Company (“DSC” ), an affiliate of the Advisor, is the transfer agent, dividend-paying agent and shareholder service agent for the Fund. Pursuant to a sub-transfer agency agreement between DSC and SS&C GIDS, Inc. (“SS&C” ), DSC has delegated certain transfer agent, dividend-paying agent and shareholder service agent functions to SS&C. DSC compensates SS&C out of the shareholder
34 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
servicing fee it receives from the Fund. For the year ended October 31, 2023, the amounts charged to the Fund by DSC were as follows:
Services to Shareholders | Total Aggregated | Unpaid at October 31, 2023 |
Class A | $8,531 | $1,399 |
Class C | 464 | 73 |
Class R6 | 182 | 26 |
Class S | 43,765 | 7,200 |
Institutional Class | 915 | 127 |
$53,857 | $8,825 |
In addition, for the year ended October 31, 2023, the amounts charged to the Fund for recordkeeping and other administrative services provided by unaffiliated third parties, included in the Statement of Operations under “Services to shareholders,” were as follows:
Sub-Recordkeeping | Total Aggregated |
Class A | $9,281 |
Class C | 3,742 |
Class S | 46,923 |
Institutional Class | 76,102 |
$136,048 |
Distribution and Service Fees. Under the Fund’s Class C 12b-1 Plan, DWS Distributors, Inc. (“DDI” ), an affiliate of the Advisor, receives a fee (“Distribution Fee” ) of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of Class C shares. In accordance with the Fund’s Underwriting and Distribution Services Agreement, DDI enters into related selling group agreements with various firms at various rates for sales of Class C shares. For the year ended October 31, 2023, the Distribution Fee was as follows:
Distribution Fee | Total Aggregated | Unpaid at October 31, 2023 |
Class C | $33,354 | $2,897 |
In addition, DDI provides information and administrative services for a fee (“Service Fee” ) to Class A and C shareholders at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets for each such class. DDI in turn has various agreements with financial services firms that provide these services and pays these fees based upon the assets of shareholder
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 35 |
accounts the firms service. For the year ended October 31, 2023, the Service Fee was as follows:
Service Fee | Total Aggregated | Unpaid at October 31, 2023 | Annual Rate |
Class A | $21,426 | $3,237 | .25% |
Class C | 11,092 | 1,492 | .25% |
$32,518 | $4,729 |
Underwriting Agreement and Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. DDI is the principal underwriter for the Fund. Underwriting commissions paid in connection with the distribution of Class A shares for the year ended October 31, 2023 aggregated $106.
In addition, DDI receives any contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC” ) from Class C share redemptions occurring within one year of purchase. There is no such charge upon redemption of any share appreciation or reinvested dividends. The CDSC is 1% of the value of the shares redeemed for Class C. For the year ended October 31, 2023, there was no CDSC for Class C Shares. A deferred sales charge of up to 1% is assessed on certain redemptions of Class A shares.
Other Service Fees. Under an agreement with the Fund, DIMA is compensated for providing regulatory filing services to the Fund. For the year ended October 31, 2023, the amount charged to the Fund by DIMA included in the Statement of Operations under “Reports to shareholders” aggregated $2,050, of which $670 is unpaid.
Directors' Fees and Expenses. The Fund paid retainer fees to each Director not affiliated with the Advisor, plus specified amounts to the Board Chairperson and to each committee Chairperson.
Affiliated Cash Management Vehicles. The Fund may invest uninvested cash balances in DWS Central Cash Management Government Fund and DWS ESG Liquidity Fund, affiliated money market funds which are managed by the Advisor. Each affiliated money market fund is managed in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, which governs the quality, maturity, diversity and liquidity of instruments in which a money market fund may invest. DWS Central Cash Management Government Fund seeks to maintain a stable net asset value, and DWS ESG Liquidity Fund maintains a floating net asset value. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of the expenses of each affiliated money market fund in which it invests. DWS Central Cash Management Government Fund does not pay the Advisor an investment management fee. To the extent that DWS ESG Liquidity Fund pays an investment management fee to the Advisor, the Advisor will waive an amount of the investment management fee payable to the Advisor by the Fund equal to the amount of the investment management fee payable on the Fund’s assets invested in DWS ESG Liquidity Fund.
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D.
Investing in Emerging Markets
Investing in emerging markets may involve special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in developed markets. These risks include revaluation of currencies, high rates of inflation or deflation, repatriation restrictions on income and capital, and future adverse political, social and economic developments. Moreover, securities issued in these markets may be less liquid, subject to government ownership controls or delayed settlements, and may have prices that are more volatile or less easily assessed than those of comparable securities of issuers in developed markets. There is also substantially less publicly available information about emerging market issuers than there is about issuers in developed countries. Therefore, disclosure of certain material information may not be made, and less information may be available to the Fund and other investors than would be the case if the Fund’s investments were restricted to securities of issuers in developed countries. Investments in emerging markets are often considered speculative.
E.
Line of Credit
The Fund and other affiliated funds (the “Participants” ) share in a $375 million revolving credit facility provided by a syndication of banks. The Fund may borrow for temporary or emergency purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that otherwise might require the untimely disposition of securities. The Participants are charged an annual commitment fee, which is allocated based on net assets, among each of the Participants. Interest is calculated at a daily fluctuating rate per annum equal to the sum of 0.10% plus the higher of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and the Overnight Bank Funding Rate, plus 1.25%. The Fund may borrow up to a maximum of 25 percent of its net assets under the agreement.
At October 31, 2023, the Fund had a $3,900,000 outstanding loan. Interest expense incurred on the borrowings was $10,033 for the year ended October 31, 2023. The average dollar amount of the borrowings was $1,278,723, the weighted average interest rate on these borrowings was 6.09%, and the Fund had a loan outstanding for 47 days throughout the period. The borrowings were valued at cost, which approximates fair value.
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 37 |
F.
Fund Share Transactions
The following table summarizes share and dollar activity in the Fund:
Year Ended October 31, 2023 | Year Ended October 31, 2022 | |||
Shares | Dollars | Shares | Dollars | |
Shares sold | ||||
Class A | 115,916 | $2,002,573 | 111,734 | $2,229,212 |
Class C | 223,447 | 3,318,433 | 54,450 | 996,060 |
Class R6 | 72,387 | 1,230,787 | 23,151 | 479,863 |
Class S | 109,926 | 1,866,529 | 607,586 | 11,508,911 |
Institutional Class | 1,298,341 | 22,102,507 | 3,370,954 | 64,958,843 |
$30,520,829 | $80,172,889 | |||
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions | ||||
Class A | 10,443 | $170,221 | 15,359 | $324,111 |
Class T | — | — | 10 * | 193 * |
Class C | 2,803 | 40,782 | 2,187 | 41,210 |
Class R6 | 671 | 11,079 | 688 | 14,706 |
Class S | 62,224 | 1,027,324 | 82,444 | 1,761,852 |
Institutional Class | 139,712 | 2,302,449 | 231,777 | 4,946,575 |
$3,551,855 | $7,088,647 | |||
Shares redeemed | ||||
Class A | (209,027 ) | $(3,449,075 ) | (600,366 ) | $(11,322,355 ) |
Class T | — | — | (602 )* | (9,413 )* |
Class C | (113,980 ) | (1,649,633 ) | (137,425 ) | (2,206,533 ) |
Class R6 | (63,210 ) | (1,033,122 ) | (30,185 ) | (552,641 ) |
Class S | (1,141,418 ) | (19,413,573 ) | (3,202,823 ) | (63,127,097 ) |
Institutional Class | (5,873,385 ) | (97,911,459 ) | (9,319,303 ) | (178,676,326 ) |
$(123,456,862 ) | $(255,894,365 ) | |||
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Year Ended October 31, 2023 | Year Ended October 31, 2022 | |||
Shares | Dollars | Shares | Dollars | |
Net increase (decrease) | ||||
Class A | (82,668 ) | $(1,276,281 ) | (473,273 ) | $(8,769,032 ) |
Class T | — | — | (592 )* | (9,220 )* |
Class C | 112,270 | 1,709,582 | (80,788 ) | (1,169,263 ) |
Class R6 | 9,848 | 208,744 | (6,346 ) | (58,072 ) |
Class S | (969,268 ) | (16,519,720 ) | (2,512,793 ) | (49,856,334 ) |
Institutional Class | (4,435,332 ) | (73,506,503 ) | (5,716,572 ) | (108,770,908 ) |
$(89,384,178 ) | $(168,632,829 ) | |||
* | For the period from November 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022 (Class T liquidation date). |
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 39 |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors of Deutsche DWS International Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund (the “Fund” ) (one of the funds constituting Deutsche DWS International Fund, Inc.) (the “Corporation” ), including the investment portfolio, as of October 31, 2023, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements” ). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Deutsche DWS International Fund, Inc.) at October 31, 2023, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB” ) and are required to be independent with respect to the Corporation in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Corporation is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
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Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers, and others; when replies were not received from brokers and others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the DWS family of funds since at least 1979, but we are unable to determine the specific year.
Boston, Massachusetts
December 19, 2023
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 41 |
Other Information (Unaudited)
Regulatory Update — Tailored Shareholder Report
Effective January 24, 2023, the SEC amended the rules for mutual fund and exchange-traded fund (“ETF” ) annual and semi-annual shareholder reports. The amended rules apply to mutual funds and ETFs that are registered on Form N-1A (i.e., open-end funds) and implement a new streamlined disclosure framework requiring “concise and visually engaging” shareholder reports highlighting key information, including a simplified expense presentation, performance information, portfolio holdings and certain fund statistics. The amended rules seek to simplify shareholder reporting by consolidating investor friendly data in one report and moving other data to Form N-CSR, creating a layered disclosure framework. Certain information from the Fund’s current shareholder reports, including the Fund’s investment portfolio, financial statements and financial highlights, will move to Form N-CSR. This information must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. Notably, the amended rules will require mutual funds and ETFs to prepare separate individual shareholder reports for each fund share class. The amendments also include a revised definition of “appropriate broad-based securities market index” that will affect performance presentations in the new streamlined reports and mutual fund and ETF prospectuses. The amended rules and related form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of the amended rules and form amendments on the content of the Fund’s current shareholder reports.
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Information About Your Fund’s Expenses
As an investor of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: ongoing expenses and transaction costs. Ongoing expenses include management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. Examples of transaction costs include sales charges (loads) and account maintenance fees, which are not shown in this section. The following tables are intended to help you understand your ongoing expenses (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to help you compare these expenses
with the ongoing expenses of investing in other mutual funds. In the most recent six-month period, the Fund limited these expenses; had it not done
so, expenses would have been higher. The example in the table is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the entire period (May 1, 2023 to October 31, 2023).
The tables illustrate your Fund’s expenses in two ways:
—
Actual Fund Return. This helps you estimate the actual dollar amount of ongoing expenses (but not transaction costs) paid on a $1,000 investment in the Fund using the Fund’s actual return during the period. To estimate the expenses you paid over the period, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the “Expenses Paid per $1,000” line under the share class you hold.
—
Hypothetical 5% Fund Return. This helps you to compare your Fund’s ongoing expenses (but not transaction costs) with those of other mutual funds using the Fund’s actual expense ratio and a hypothetical rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. Examples using a 5% hypothetical fund return may be found in the shareholder reports of other mutual funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period.
Please note that the expenses shown in these tables are meant to highlight your ongoing expenses only and do not reflect any transaction costs. The “Expenses Paid per $1,000” line of the tables is useful in comparing ongoing expenses only and will not help you determine the
relative total expense of owning different funds. Subject to certain exceptions, an account maintenance fee of $20.00 assessed once per calendar year for Classes A, C and S shares may apply for accounts with balances less than $10,000. This fee is not included in these tables. If it was, the estimate of expenses paid for Classes A, C and S shares during the period would be higher, and account value during the period would be lower, by this amount.
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 43 |
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment
for the six months ended October 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
Actual Fund Return | Class A | Class C | Class R6 | Class S | Institutional Class |
Beginning Account Value 5/1/23 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
Ending Account Value 10/31/23 | $934.40 | $931.10 | $935.90 | $935.30 | $935.80 |
Expenses Paid per $1,000* | $5.66 | $9.30 | $4.44 | $4.83 | $4.44 |
Hypothetical 5% Fund Return | Class A | Class C | Class R6 | Class S | Institutional Class |
Beginning Account Value 5/1/23 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
Ending Account Value 10/31/23 | $1,019.36 | $1,015.58 | $1,020.62 | $1,020.21 | $1,020.62 |
Expenses Paid per $1,000* | $5.90 | $9.70 | $4.63 | $5.04 | $4.63 |
* | Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for each share class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184 (the number of days in the most recent six-month period), then divided by 365. |
Annualized Expense Ratios | Class A | Class C | Class R6 | Class S | Institutional Class |
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | 1.16% | 1.91% | .91% | .99% | .91% |
For more information, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus.
For an analysis of the fees associated with an investment in the Fund or similar funds, please refer to tools.finra.org/fund_analyzer/.
Tax Information (Unaudited)
For corporate shareholders, 4% of the ordinary dividends (i.e., income dividends plus short-term capital gains) paid during the Fund’s fiscal year ended October 31, 2023, qualified for the dividends received deduction.
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund designates approximately $4,543,000, or the maximum amount allowable under tax law, as qualified dividend income.
The Fund paid foreign taxes of $540,410 and earned $2,385,569 of foreign source income during the year ended October 31, 2023. Pursuant to Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund designates $0.08 per share as foreign taxes paid and $0.37 per share as income earned from foreign sources for the year ended October 31, 2023.
44 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Please consult a tax advisor if you have questions about federal or state income tax laws, or on how to prepare your tax returns. If you have specific questions about your account, please call (800) 728-3337.
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 45 |
Advisory Agreement Board Considerations and Fee Evaluation
The Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as the “Board” or “Directors” ) approved the renewal of DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund’s (the “Fund” ) investment management agreement (the “Agreement” ) with DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (“DIMA” ) in September 2023. DIMA has also entered into a sub-advisory agreement with DWS International GmbH (“DWS International” ), an affiliate of DIMA, that has an initial term through September 30, 2024. In connection with changes to the Fund’s portfolio management team, DWS International replaced DWS Investments Hong Kong Limited (“DWS HK” ), an affiliate of DIMA, as sub-advisor to the Fund effective October 1, 2023.
In terms of the process that the Board followed prior to approving the Agreement, shareholders should know that:
—
During the entire process, all of the Fund’s Directors were independent of DIMA and its affiliates (the “Independent Directors” ).
—
The Board met frequently during the past year to discuss fund matters and dedicated a substantial amount of time to contract review matters. Over the course of several months, the Board reviewed extensive materials received from DIMA, independent third parties and independent counsel. These materials included an analysis of the Fund’s performance, fees and expenses, profitability, economies of scale, and fall-out benefits from a fee consultant retained by the Fund’s Independent Directors (the “Fee Consultant” ).
—
The Board also received extensive information throughout the year regarding performance of the Fund.
—
The Independent Directors regularly met privately with counsel to discuss contract review and other matters. In addition, the Independent Directors were advised by the Fee Consultant as part of their review of the Fund’s contractual arrangements and considered a comprehensive report prepared by the Fee Consultant in connection with their deliberations.
—
In connection with reviewing the Agreement, the Board also reviewed the terms of the Fund’s Rule 12b-1 plan, distribution agreement, administrative services agreement, transfer agency agreement and other material service agreements.
In connection with the contract review process, the Board considered the factors discussed below, among others. The Board also considered that DIMA and its predecessors have managed the Fund since its inception, and the Board believes that a long-term relationship with a capable, conscientious advisor is in the best interests of the Fund. The Board considered, generally, that shareholders chose to invest or remain
46 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
invested in the Fund knowing that DIMA managed the Fund. DIMA and DWS International are part of DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA (“DWS Group” ). DWS Group is a global asset management business that offers a wide range of investing expertise and resources, including research capabilities in many countries throughout the world. DWS Group is majority-owned by Deutsche Bank AG, with approximately 20% of its shares publicly traded.
As part of the contract review process, the Board carefully considered the fees and expenses of each DWS fund overseen by the Board in light of the fund’s performance. In many cases, this led to the negotiation and implementation of expense caps.
While shareholders may focus primarily on fund performance and fees, the Fund’s Board considers these and many other factors, including the quality and integrity of DIMA’s and DWS International’s personnel and administrative support services provided by DIMA, such as back-office operations, fund valuations, and compliance policies and procedures.
Nature, Quality and Extent of Services. The Board considered the terms of the Agreement, including the scope of advisory services provided under the Agreement. The Board noted that, under the Agreement and sub-advisory agreements, DIMA and DWS International provide and DWS HK provided portfolio management services to the Fund and that, pursuant to a separate administrative services agreement, DIMA provides administrative services to the Fund. The Board considered the experience and skills of senior management and investment personnel and the resources made available to such personnel. The Board also considered the risks to DIMA in sponsoring or managing the Fund, including financial, operational and reputational risks, the potential economic impact to DIMA from such risks and DIMA’s approach to addressing such risks. Throughout the course of the year, the Board also received information regarding DIMA’s oversight of fund sub-advisors, including DWS HK. The Board reviewed the Fund’s performance over short-term and long-term periods and compared those returns to various agreed-upon performance measures, including market index(es) and a peer universe compiled using information supplied by Morningstar Direct (“Morningstar” ), an independent fund data service. The Board also noted that it has put into place a process of identifying “Funds in Review” (e.g., funds performing poorly relative to a peer universe), and receives additional reporting from DIMA regarding such funds and, where appropriate, DIMA’s plans to address underperformance. The Board believes this process is an effective manner of identifying and addressing underperforming funds. Based on the information provided, the Board noted that, for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2022, the Fund’s performance (Class A shares) was in the 2nd quartile, 4th quartile and 4th quartile, respectively, of the applicable Morningstar universe (the 1st quartile being the best performers and the 4th quartile being the worst performers). The
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 47 |
Board also observed that the Fund has underperformed its benchmark in the one-, three- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2022.
Fees and Expenses. The Board considered the Fund’s investment management fee schedule, sub-advisory fee schedule, operating expenses and total expense ratios, and comparative information provided by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge” ) and the Fee Consultant regarding investment management fee rates paid to other investment advisors by similar funds (1st quartile being the most favorable and 4th quartile being the least favorable). With respect to management fees paid to other investment advisors by similar funds, the Board noted that the contractual fee rates paid by the Fund, which include a 0.097% fee paid to DIMA under the Fund’s administrative services agreement, were lower than the median (1st quartile) of the applicable Broadridge peer group (based on Broadridge data provided as of December 31, 2022). The Board noted that DIMA pays the sub-advisory fee out of its fee.The Board noted that the Fund’s Class A shares total (net) operating expenses (excluding 12b-1 fees) were expected to be lower than the median of the applicable Broadridge expense universe (based on Broadridge data provided as of December 31, 2022, and analyzing Broadridge expense universe Class A (net) expenses less any applicable 12b-1 fees) (“Broadridge Universe Expenses” ). The Board also reviewed data comparing each other operational share class’s total (net) operating expenses to the applicable Broadridge Universe Expenses. The Board noted that the expense limitations agreed to by DIMA were expected to help the Fund’s total (net) operating expenses remain competitive. The Board considered the Fund’s management fee rate as compared to fees charged by DIMA to a comparable DWS U.S. registered fund (“DWS Funds” ) and considered differences between the Fund and the comparable DWS Fund. The information requested by the Board as part of its review of fees and expenses also included information about institutional accounts (including any sub-advised funds and accounts) and funds offered primarily to European investors (“DWS Europe Funds” ) managed by DWS Group. The Board noted that DIMA indicated that DWS Group manages DWS Europe Funds comparable to the Fund, but does not manage any comparable institutional accounts. The Board took note of the differences in services provided to DWS Funds as compared to DWS Europe Funds and that such differences made comparison difficult.
On the basis of the information provided, the Board concluded that management fees were reasonable and appropriate in light of the nature, quality and extent of services provided.
Profitability. The Board reviewed detailed information regarding revenues received by DIMA under the Agreement. The Board considered the estimated costs to DIMA, and pre-tax profits realized by DIMA, from advising the DWS Funds, as well as estimates of the pre-tax profits
48 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
attributable to managing the Fund in particular. The Board also received information regarding the estimated enterprise-wide profitability of DIMA and its affiliates with respect to all fund services in totality and by fund. The Board and the Fee Consultant reviewed DIMA’s methodology in allocating its costs to the management of the Fund. Based on the information provided, the Board concluded that the pre-tax profits realized by DIMA in connection with the management of the Fund were not unreasonable. The Board also reviewed certain publicly available information regarding the profitability of certain similar investment management firms. The Board noted that, while information regarding the profitability of such firms is limited (and in some cases is not necessarily prepared on a comparable basis), DIMA and its affiliates’ overall profitability with respect to the DWS Funds (after taking into account distribution and other services provided to the funds by DIMA and its affiliates) was lower than the overall profitability levels of most comparable firms for which such data was available.
Economies of Scale. The Board considered whether there are economies of scale with respect to the management of the Fund and whether the Fund benefits from any economies of scale. In this regard, the Board observed that while the Fund’s current investment management fee schedule does not include breakpoints, the Fund’s fee schedule represents an appropriate sharing between the Fund and DIMA of such economies of scale as may exist in the management of the Fund at current asset levels.
Other Benefits to DIMA and Its Affiliates. The Board also considered the character and amount of other incidental or “fall-out” benefits received by DIMA and its affiliates, including any fees received by DIMA for administrative services provided to the Fund, any fees received by an affiliate of DIMA for transfer agency services provided to the Fund and any fees received by an affiliate of DIMA for distribution services. The Board also considered benefits to DIMA related to brokerage and soft-dollar allocations, including allocating brokerage to pay for research generated by parties other than the executing broker dealers, which pertain primarily to funds investing in equity securities. In addition, the Board considered the incidental public relations benefits to DIMA related to DWS Funds advertising and cross-selling opportunities among DIMA products and services. The Board considered these benefits in reaching its conclusion that the Fund’s management fees were reasonable.
Compliance. The Board considered the significant attention and resources dedicated by DIMA to its compliance processes in recent years. The Board noted in particular (i) the experience, seniority and time commitment of the individuals serving as DIMA’s and the Fund’s chief compliance officers; (ii) the substantial commitment of resources by DIMA and its affiliates to
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 49 |
compliance matters, including the retention of compliance personnel; and (iii) ongoing efforts to enhance the compliance program.
Based on all of the information considered and the conclusions reached, the Board determined that the continuation of the Agreement is in the best interests of the Fund. In making this determination, the Board did not give particular weight to any single factor identified above. The Board considered these factors over the course of numerous meetings, certain of which were in executive session with only the Independent Directors and counsel present. It is possible that individual Independent Directors may have weighed these factors differently in reaching their individual decisions to approve the continuation of the Agreement.
Sub-Advisory Agreement Board Considerations
The Board of Directors of Deutsche DWS International Fund, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as the “Board” or “Directors” ) approved a sub-advisory agreement (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement” ) between DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (“DIMA” ) and DWS International GmbH (“DWS International” ), an affiliate of DIMA and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA, on behalf of DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund (the “Fund” ) at a meeting held in July 2023. In July 2023, all of the Fund’s Directors were independent of DIMA and its affiliates. DIMA relied on a manager of managers exemptive order granted to DIMA and the Fund by the SEC that permits DIMA, subject to the approval of the Board, to select sub-advisors that are affiliated with DIMA to manage all or a portion of the Fund’s assets without obtaining shareholder approval. The Sub-Advisory Agreement is expected to become effective on or about October 1, 2023.
In determining to approve the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board considered the capabilities of DWS International and the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the sub-advisory fee schedule. The Board considered that the Sub-Advisory Agreement was proposed by DIMA in connection with changes to the Fund’s portfolio management team, specifically the appointment of a new portfolio manager located in Frankfurt, Germany to succeed the current portfolio management team. The Board also noted that DWS International serves as sub-advisor for DWS Emerging Markets Fixed Income Fund and DWS Global Macro Fund. The Board considered that the appointment of DWS International was not expected to impact the Fund’s expenses, and that pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, DWS International would be paid for its services by DIMA from its fees as investment advisor to the Fund. The Board noted DIMA’s representation that its profitability in connection with the management of the Fund would not change because of the new sub-advisory arrangement, as DWS International would replace the current sub-advisor, also affiliated with DIMA, and would be paid the same sub-advisory fee as the current sub-advisor.
50 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Given that DWS International is an affiliate of DIMA, the Board additionally took into account the factors that it considered as part of the process that it followed in approving the annual renewal of the Fund’s investment management agreement with DIMA in September 2022.
Based on all of the information considered and the conclusions reached, the Board determined that the approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund. In making this determination the Board did not give particular weight to any single factor. It is possible that individual Directors may have weighed these factors differently in reaching their individual decisions to approve the Sub-Advisory Agreement.
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 51 |
Board Members and Officers
The following table presents certain information regarding the Board Members and Officers of the Trust/Corporation. Each Board Member’s year of birth is set forth in parentheses after his or her name. Unless otherwise noted, (i) each Board Member has engaged in the principal occupation(s) noted in the table for at least the most recent five years, although not necessarily in the same capacity; and (ii) the address of each Independent Board Member is c/o Keith R. Fox, DWS Funds Board Chair, c/o Thomas R. Hiller, Ropes & Gray LLP, Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston
Street, Boston, MA 02199-3600. Except as otherwise noted below, the term of office for each Board Member is until the election and qualification of a successor, or until such Board Member sooner dies, resigns, is removed or as otherwise provided in the governing documents of the Trust/Corporation. Because the Fund does not hold an annual meeting of shareholders, each Board Member will hold office for an indeterminate period.
The Board Members may also serve in similar capacities with other funds in the fund complex. The number of funds in the DWS fund complex shown in the table below includes all registered open- and closed-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by the Advisor and any registered funds that have an investment advisor that is an affiliated person of the Advisor.
Independent Board Members/Independent Advisory Board Members
Name, Year of Birth, Position with the Trust/ Corporation and Length of Time Served1 | Business Experience and Directorships During the Past Five Years | Number of Funds in DWS Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Board Member |
Keith R. Fox, CFA (1954) Chairperson since 2017, and Board Member since 1996 | Managing General Partner, Exeter Capital Partners (a series of private investment funds) (since 1986); Former Chairman, National Association of Small Business Investment Companies; Former Directorships: ICI Mutual Insurance Company; BoxTop Media Inc. (advertising); Sun Capital Advisers Trust (mutual funds); Progressive International Corporation (kitchen goods designer and distributor) | 69 | — |
52 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Name, Year of Birth, Position with the Trust/ Corporation and Length of Time Served1 | Business Experience and Directorships During the Past Five Years | Number of Funds in DWS Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Board Member |
John W. Ballantine (1946) Board Member since 1999 | Retired; formerly: Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Management Officer, First Chicago NBD Corporation/The First National Bank of Chicago (1996–1998); Executive Vice President and Head of International Banking (1995–1996); Not-for-Profit Directorships: Window to the World Communications (public media); Life Director of Harris Theater for Music and Dance (Chicago); Life Director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago; Former Directorships: Director and Chairman of the Board, Healthways Inc.2(population well-being and wellness services) (2003–2014); Stockwell Capital Investments PLC (private equity); Enron Corporation; FNB Corporation; Tokheim Corporation; First Oak Brook Bancshares, Inc.; Oak Brook Bank; Portland General Electric2 (utility company) (2003–2021); and Prisma Energy International; Former Not-for-Profit Directorships: Public Radio International; Palm Beach Civic Assn. | 69 | — |
Mary Schmid Daugherty, NACD.DC, PHD, CFA (1958) Board Member or Advisory Board Member since 20233 | Senior Fellow in Applied Finance, Department of Finance, Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas (1987–present); Directorships: The Meritex Company (2017–present); Driessen Water, Inc. (2016–present); and The Hardenbergh Foundation (2021–present); Former Directorships: Mairs & Power Funds Trust (mutual funds) (2010–2022); and Crescent Electric Supply Company (2010–2019) | 214 | — |
Dawn-Marie Driscoll (1946) Board Member since 1987 | Emeritus Advisory Board and former Executive Fellow, Hoffman Center for Business Ethics, Bentley University; formerly: Partner, Palmer & Dodge (law firm) (1988–1990); Vice President of Corporate Affairs and General Counsel, Filene’s (retail) (1978–1988); Directorships: Trustee and former Chairman of the Board, Southwest Florida Community Foundation (charitable organization); Former Directorships: ICI Mutual Insurance Company (2007–2015); Sun Capital Advisers Trust (mutual funds) (2007–2012); Investment Company Institute (audit, executive, nominating committees) and Independent Directors Council (governance, executive committees) | 69 | — |
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 53 |
Name, Year of Birth, Position with the Trust/ Corporation and Length of Time Served1 | Business Experience and Directorships During the Past Five Years | Number of Funds in DWS Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Board Member |
Richard J. Herring (1946) Board Member since 1990 | Jacob Safra Professor of International Banking and Professor of Finance, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (1972–present); formerly: Director, The Wharton Financial Institutions Center (1994–2020); Vice Dean and Director, Wharton Undergraduate Division (1995–2000) and Director, The Lauder Institute of International Management Studies (2000–2006); Member FDIC Systemic Risk Advisory Committee (2011–present), member Systemic Risk Council (2012–present) and member of the Advisory Board of the Yale Program on Financial Stability (2013–present); Former Directorships: Co-Chair of the Shadow Financial Regulatory Committee (2003–2015), Executive Director of The Financial Economists Roundtable (2008–2015), Director of The Thai Capital Fund (2007–2013), Director of The Aberdeen Singapore Fund (2007–2018), Director, The Aberdeen Japan Fund (2007–2021) and Nonexecutive Director of Barclays Bank DE (2010–2018) | 69 | — |
Chad D. Perry (1972) Board Member or Advisory Board Member since 20213 | Executive Vice President and General Counsel, RLJ Lodging Trust2 (since 2023); formerly Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.2 (2011–2023); Executive Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, LPL Financial Holdings Inc.2 (2006–2011); Senior Corporate Counsel, EMC Corporation (2005–2006); Associate, Ropes & Gray LLP (1997–2005) | 214 | Director, Great Elm Capital Corp. (business development company) (since 2022) |
Rebecca W. Rimel (1951) Board Member since 1995 | Directorships: Washington College (since July 2023); Formerly: Executive Vice President, The Glenmede Trust Company (investment trust and wealth management) (1983–2004); Board Member, Investor Education (charitable organization) (2004–2005); Former Directorships: Trustee, Executive Committee, Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce (2001–2007); Director, Viasys Health Care2 (January 2007–June 2007); Trustee, Thomas Jefferson Foundation (charitable organization) (1994–2012); President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (1994–2020) and Senior Advisor (2020–2021), The Pew Charitable Trusts (charitable organization); Director, BioTelemetry Inc.2 (acquired by Royal Philips in 2021) (healthcare) (2009–2021); Director, Becton Dickinson and Company2 (medical technology company) (2012–2022) | 69 | Director, The Bridgespan Group (nonprofit organization) (since October 2020) |
54 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Name, Year of Birth, Position with the Trust/ Corporation and Length of Time Served1 | Business Experience and Directorships During the Past Five Years | Number of Funds in DWS Fund Complex Overseen | Other Directorships Held by Board Member |
Catherine Schrand (1964) Board Member since 2021 | Celia Z. Moh Professor of Accounting (2016–present) and Professor of Accounting (1994–present); Directorships: Director, the Jacobs Levy Center, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (since 2023); Former positions: Vice Dean, Wharton Doctoral Programs, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (2016–2019) | 69 | — |
William N. Searcy, Jr. (1946) Board Member since 1993 | Private investor since October 2003; formerly: Pension & Savings Trust Officer, Sprint Corporation2 (telecommunications) (November 1989–September 2003); Former Directorships: Trustee, Sun Capital Advisers Trust (mutual funds) (1998–2012) | 69 | — |
Officers5
Name, Year of Birth, Position with the Trust/Corporation and Length of Time Served6 | Business Experience and Directorships During the Past Five Years |
Hepsen Uzcan7 (1974) President and Chief Executive Officer, 2017–present | Head of Americas CEO Office, DWS (2023–present), Head of Fund Administration, Head of Product Americas and Head of U.S. Mutual Funds, DWS (2017–present); Vice President, DWS Service Company (2018–present); President, DB Investment Managers, Inc. (2018–present); President and Chief Executive Officer, The European Equity Fund, Inc., The New Germany Fund, Inc. and The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (2017–present); Vice President, DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (2023–present); formerly: Vice President for the Deutsche funds (2016–2017); Assistant Secretary for the DWS funds (2013–2019); Secretary, DWS USA Corporation (2018–2023); Assistant Secretary, DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (2018–2023); Assistant Secretary, DWS Trust Company (2018–2023); Assistant Secretary, The European Equity Fund, Inc., The New Germany Fund, Inc. and The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (2013–2020); Assistant Secretary, DWS Distributors, Inc. (2018–2023); Directorships: Director of DWS Service Company (2018–present); Director of DB Investment Managers, Inc. (2018–present); Director of Episcopalian Charities of New York (2018–present); Interested Director of The European Equity Fund, Inc., The New Germany Fund, Inc. and The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (2020–present); Director of ICI Mutual Insurance Company (2020–present); Director of DWS USA Corporation (2023–present); Director of DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (2023–present); and Manager of DBX Advisors LLC. (2023–present) |
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 55 |
Name, Year of Birth, Position with the Trust/Corporation and Length of Time Served6 | Business Experience and Directorships During the Past Five Years |
John Millette8 (1962) Vice President and Secretary, 1999–present | Legal (Associate General Counsel), DWS; Chief Legal Officer, DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (2015–present); Director and Vice President, DWS Trust Company (2016–present); Secretary, DBX ETF Trust (2020–present); Vice President, DBX Advisors LLC (2021–present); Secretary, The European Equity Fund, Inc., The New Germany Fund, Inc. and The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (2011–present); formerly: Secretary, Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. (2015–2017); and Assistant Secretary, DBX ETF Trust (2019–2020) |
Ciara Crawford9 (1984) Assistant Secretary, 2019–present | Fund Administration (Specialist), DWS (2015–present); Assistant Secretary, DWS Service Company (2018–present); Assistant Secretary of U.S. Mutual Funds, DWS (2019–present); Assistant Secretary, DWS USA Corporation (2023–present); Assistant Secretary, DBX Advisors, LLC (2023–present); Assistant Secretary, DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (2023–present); Assistant Clerk, DWS Trust Company (2023–present); formerly, Legal Assistant at Accelerated Tax Solutions |
Diane Kenneally8 (1966) Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, 2018–present | Fund Administration Treasurer’s Office (Co-Head since 2018), DWS; Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller, DBX ETF Trust (2019–present); Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, The European Equity Fund, Inc., The New Germany Fund, Inc. and The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (2018–present); formerly: Assistant Treasurer for the DWS funds (2007–2018) |
Sheila Cadogan8 (1966) Assistant Treasurer, 2017–present | Fund Administration Treasurer’s Office (Co-Head since 2018), DWS; Director and Vice President, DWS Trust Company (2018–present); Assistant Treasurer, DBX ETF Trust (2019–present); Assistant Treasurer, The European Equity Fund, Inc., The New Germany Fund, Inc. and The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (2018–present) |
Scott D. Hogan8 (1970) Chief Compliance Officer, 2016–present | Anti-Financial Crime & Compliance US (Senior Team Lead), DWS; Chief Compliance Officer, The European Equity Fund, Inc., The New Germany Fund, Inc. and The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (2016–present) |
Caroline Pearson8 (1962) Chief Legal Officer, 2010–present | Legal (Senior Team Lead), DWS; Assistant Secretary, DBX ETF Trust (2020–present); Chief Legal Officer, DBX Advisors LLC (2020–present); Chief Legal Officer, The European Equity Fund, Inc., The New Germany Fund, Inc. and The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (2012–present); formerly: Secretary, Deutsche AM Distributors, Inc. (2002–2017); Secretary, Deutsche AM Service Company (2010–2017); and Chief Legal Officer, DBX Strategic Advisors LLC (2020–2021) |
Christian Rijs7 (1980) Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, 2021–present | Senior Team Lead Anti-Financial Crime and Compliance, DWS; AML Officer, DWS Trust Company (2021–present); AML Officer, DBX ETF Trust (2021–present); AML Officer, The European Equity Fund, Inc., The New Germany Fund, Inc. and The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (2021–present); formerly: DWS UK & Ireland Head of Anti-Financial Crime and MLRO |
1 | The length of time served represents the year in which the Board Member joined the board of one or more DWS funds currently overseen by the Board. |
56 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
2 | A publicly held company with securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
3 | Mr. Perry and Ms. Daugherty are each an Advisory Board Member of Deutsche DWS Asset Allocation Trust, Deutsche DWS Equity 500 Index Portfolio, Deutsche DWS Global/International Fund, Inc., Deutsche DWS Income Trust, Deutsche DWS Institutional Funds, Deutsche DWS International Fund, Inc., Deutsche DWS Investment Trust, Deutsche DWS Investments VIT Funds, Deutsche DWS Money Market Trust, Deutsche DWS Municipal Trust, Deutsche DWS Portfolio Trust, Deutsche DWS Securities Trust, Deutsche DWS Tax Free Trust, Deutsche DWS Variable Series I and Government Cash Management Portfolio. Mr. Perry and Ms. Daugherty are each a Board Member of each other Trust. |
4 | Mr. Perry and Ms. Daugherty each oversees 21 funds in the DWS Fund Complex as a Board Member of various Trusts. Mr. Perry and Ms. Daugherty are each an Advisory Board Member of various Trusts/Corporations comprised of 48 funds in the DWS Fund Complex. |
5 | As a result of their respective positions held with the Advisor or its affiliates, these individuals are considered “interested persons” of the Advisor within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Interested persons receive no compensation from the Fund. |
6 | The length of time served represents the year in which the officer was first elected in such capacity for one or more DWS funds. |
7 | Address: 875 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022. |
8 | Address: 100 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110. |
9 | Address: 5201 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256. |
Certain officers hold similar positions for other investment companies for which DIMA or an affiliate serves as the Advisor.
The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI” ) includes additional information about the Board Members. The SAI is available, without charge, upon request. If you would like to request a copy of the SAI, you may do so by calling the following toll-free number: (800) 728-3337.
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 57 |
Account Management Resources
For More Information | The automated telephone system allows you to access personalized account information and obtain information on other DWS funds using either your voice or your telephone keypad. Certain account types within Classes A, C and S also have the ability to purchase, exchange or redeem shares using this system. |
For more information, contact your financial representative. You may also access our automated telephone system or speak with a Shareholder Service representative by calling: (800) 728-3337 | |
Web Site | dws.com View your account transactions and balances, trade shares, monitor your asset allocation, subscribe to fund and account updates by e-mail, and change your address, 24 hours a day. |
Obtain prospectuses and applications, news about DWS funds, insight from DWS economists and investment specialists and access to DWS fund account information. | |
Written Correspondence | DWS PO Box 219151 Kansas City, MO 64121-9151 |
Proxy Voting | The Fund’s policies and procedures for voting proxies for portfolio securities and information about how the Fund voted proxies related to its portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 are available on our Web site — dws.com/en-us/resources/proxy-voting — or on the SEC’s Web site — sec.gov. To obtain a written copy of the Fund’s policies and procedures without charge, upon request, call us toll free at (800) 728-3337. |
Portfolio Holdings | Following the Fund’s fiscal first and third quarter-end, a complete portfolio holdings listing is posted on dws.com and is available free of charge by contacting your financial intermediary or, if you are a direct investor, by calling (800) 728-3337. In addition, the portfolio holdings listing is filed with the SEC on the Fund’s Form N-PORT and will be available on the SEC’s Web site at sec.gov. Additional portfolio holdings for the Fund are also posted on dws.com from time to time. Please see the Fund’s current prospectus for more information. |
Principal Underwriter | If you have questions, comments or complaints, contact: DWS Distributors, Inc. 222 South Riverside Plaza Chicago, IL 60606-5808 (800) 621-1148 |
58 | | | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Investment Management | DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (“DIMA” or the “Advisor” ), which is part of the DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA (“DWS Group” ), is the investment advisor for the Fund. DIMA and its predecessors have more than 90 years of experience managing mutual funds and DIMA provides a full range of investment advisory services to both institutional and retail clients. DIMA is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of DWS Group. |
DWS Group is a global organization that offers a wide range of investing expertise and resources, including hundreds of portfolio managers and analysts and an office network that reaches the world’s major investment centers. This well-resourced global investment platform brings together a wide variety of experience and investment insight across industries, regions, asset classes and investing styles. |
Class A | Class C | Class S | Institutional Class | |
Nasdaq Symbol | SEKAX | SEKCX | SEMGX | SEKIX |
CUSIP Number | 25156G 103 | 25156G 301 | 25156G 400 | 25156G 780 |
Fund Number | 479 | 779 | 2079 | 1479 |
For shareholders of Class R6 | |
Automated Information Line | DWS/Ascensus Plan Access (800) 728-3337 |
24-hour access to your retirement plan account. | |
Web Site | dws.com |
Obtain prospectuses and applications, news about DWS funds, insight from DWS economists and investment specialists and access to DWS fund account information. | |
Log in/register to manage retirement account assets at https://www.mykplan.com/participantsecure_net/login.aspx. | |
For More Information | (800) 728-3337 |
To speak with a service representative. | |
Written Correspondence | DWS Service Company 222 South Riverside Plaza Chicago, IL 60606-5806 |
Class R6 | |
Nasdaq Symbol | SEKRX |
CUSIP Number | 25156G 426 |
Fund Number | 1679 |
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | | | 59 |
| (b) Not applicable | |
| ITEM 2. | CODE OF ETHICS |
As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 2 of Form N-CSR that applies to its Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer.
There have been no amendments to, or waivers from, a provision of the code of ethics during the period covered by this report that would require disclosure under Item 2.
A copy of the code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR. | |
| ITEM 3. | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT |
| The fund’s audit committee is comprised solely of trustees who are "independent" (as such term has been defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") in regulations implementing Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (the "Regulations")). The fund’s Board of Trustees has determined that there are several "audit committee financial experts" (as such term has been defined by the Regulations) serving on the fund’s audit committee including Ms. Catherine Schrand, the chair of the fund’s audit committee. An “audit committee financial expert” is not an “expert” for any purpose, including for purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 and the designation or identification of a person as an “audit committee financial expert” does not impose on such person any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations and liability imposed on such person as a member of the audit committee and board of directors in the absence of such designation or identification. | |
| ITEM 4. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES |
DWS emerging markets equity Fund
form n-csr disclosure re: AUDIT FEES
The following table shows the amount of fees that Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”), the Fund’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, billed to the Fund during the Fund’s last two fiscal years. The Audit Committee approved in advance all audit services and non-audit services that EY provided to the Fund.
Services that the Fund’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Billed to the Fund
| Fiscal Year Ended October 31, | Audit Fees Billed to Fund | Audit-Related Fees Billed to Fund | Tax Fees Billed to Fund | All Other Fees Billed to Fund |
| 2023 | $59,311 | $0 | $5,969 | $0 |
| 2022 | $59,311 | $0 | $7,879 | $0 |
The above “Tax Fees” were billed for professional services rendered for tax preparation.
Services that the Fund’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Billed to the Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers
The following table shows the amount of fees billed by EY to DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (“DIMA” or the “Adviser”), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with DIMA (“Control Affiliate”) that provides ongoing services to the Fund (“Affiliated Fund Service Provider”), for engagements directly related to the Fund’s operations and financial reporting, during the Fund’s last two fiscal years.
| Fiscal Year Ended October 31, | Audit-Related Fees Billed to Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers | Tax Fees Billed to Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers | All Other Fees Billed to Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers |
| 2023 | $0 | $539,907 | $0 |
| 2022 | $0 | $32,448 | $0 |
The above “Tax Fees” were billed in connection with tax compliance services and agreed upon procedures.
Non-Audit Services
The following table shows the amount of fees that EY billed during the Fund’s last two fiscal years for non-audit services. The Audit Committee pre-approved all non-audit services that EY provided to the Adviser and any Affiliated Fund Service Provider that related directly to the Fund’s operations and financial reporting. The Audit Committee requested and received information from EY about any non-audit services that EY rendered during the Fund’s last fiscal year to the Adviser and any Affiliated Fund Service Provider. The Committee considered this information in evaluating EY’s independence.
| Fiscal Year Ended October 31, | Total Non-Audit Fees Billed to Fund (A) | Total Non-Audit Fees billed to Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers (engagements related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund) (B) | Total Non-Audit Fees billed to Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers (all other engagements) (C) | Total of (A), (B) and (C) |
| 2023 | $5,969 | $539,907 | $0 | $545,876 |
| 2022 | $7,879 | $32,448 | $0 | $40,327 |
All other engagement fees were billed for services in connection with agreed upon procedures and tax compliance for DIMA and other related entities.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. Generally, each Fund’s Audit Committee must pre approve (i) all services to be performed for a Fund by a Fund’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and (ii) all non-audit services to be performed by a Fund’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the DIMA Entities with respect to operations and financial reporting of the Fund, except that the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson of each Fund’s Audit Committee may grant the pre-approval for non-audit services described in items (i) and (ii) above for non-prohibited services for engagements of less than $100,000. All such delegated pre approvals shall be presented to each Fund’s Audit Committee no later than the next Audit Committee meeting.
There were no amounts that were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
According to the registrant’s principal Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, substantially all of the principal Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm's hours spent on auditing the registrant's financial statements were attributed to work performed by full-time permanent employees of the principal Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and (i) and (j) are not applicable.
***
In connection with the audit of the 2022 and 2023 financial statements, the Fund entered into an engagement letter with EY. The terms of the engagement letter required by EY, and agreed to by the Audit Committee, include a provision mandating the use of mediation and arbitration to resolve any controversy or claim between the parties arising out of or relating to the engagement letter or services provided thereunder.
***
Pursuant to PCAOB Rule 3526, EY is required to describe in writing to the Fund’s Audit Committee, on at least an annual basis, all relationships between EY, or any of its affiliates, and the DWS Funds, including the Fund, or persons in financial reporting oversight roles at the DWS Funds that, as of the date of the communication, may reasonably be thought to bear on EY’s independence. Pursuant to PCAOB Rule 3526, EY has reported the matters set forth below that may reasonably be thought to bear on EY’s independence. With respect to each reported matter in the aggregate, EY advised the Audit Committee that, after careful consideration of the facts and circumstances and the applicable independence rules, it concluded that the matters do not and will not impair EY’s ability to exercise objective and impartial judgement in connection with the audits of the financial statements for the Fund and a reasonable investor with knowledge of all relevant facts and circumstances would conclude that EY has been and is capable of exercising objective and impartial judgment on all issues encompassed within EY’s audit engagements. EY also confirmed to the Audit Committee that it can continue to act as the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the Fund.
| · | EY advised the Fund’s Audit Committee that various covered persons within EY and EY’s affiliates held investments in, or had other financial relationships with, entities within the DWS Funds “investment company complex” (as defined in Regulation S-X) (the “DWS Funds Complex”). EY informed the Audit Committee that these investments and financial relationships were inconsistent with Rule 2-01(c)(1) of Regulation S-X. EY reported that all breaches have been resolved and that none of the breaches involved any professionals who were part of the audit engagement team for the Fund or in the position to influence the audit engagement team for the Fund. |
| ITEM 5. | AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS | |
| Not applicable | ||
| ITEM 6. | INVESTMENTS | |
| Not applicable | ||
| ITEM 7. | DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES | |
| Not applicable | ||
| ITEM 8. | PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES | |
| Not applicable | ||
| 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 were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Fund’s Board. The primary function of the Nominating and Governance Committee is to identify and recommend individuals for membership on the Board and oversee the administration of the Board Governance Guidelines. Shareholders may recommend candidates for Board positions by forwarding their correspondence by U.S. mail or courier service to Keith R. Fox, DWS Funds Board Chair, c/o Thomas R. Hiller, Ropes & Gray LLP, Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199-3600. | ||
| ITEM 11. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES | |
| (a) | The Chief Executive and Financial Officers concluded that the Registrant’s Disclosure Controls and Procedures are effective based on the evaluation of the Disclosure Controls and Procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report. | |
| (b) | There have been no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting. | |
| ITEM 12. | Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies | |
| Not applicable | ||
| ITEM 13. | EXHIBITS | |
| (a)(1) | Code of Ethics pursuant to Item 2 of Form N-CSR is filed and attached hereto as EX-99.CODE ETH. | |
| (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. | |
| (b) | Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) is furnished and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906CERT. | |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| Registrant: | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund, a series of Deutsche DWS International Fund, Inc. |
| By: | /s/Hepsen Uzcan Hepsen Uzcan President |
| Date: | 12/29/2023 |
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 dates indicated.
| By: | /s/Hepsen Uzcan Hepsen Uzcan President |
| Date: | 12/29/2023 |
| By: | /s/Diane Kenneally Diane Kenneally Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
| Date: | 12/29/2023 |