UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF
REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number: 811-00642
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: | 8/31 |
Date of reporting period: | 8/31/2024 |
Item 1. | Reports to Stockholders. |
(a) |
DWS CROCI International Fund
Class A: SUIAX
Annual Shareholder Report—August 31, 2024
This annual shareholder report contains important information about DWS CROCI International Fund ("the Fund") for the period September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund on the Fund's website at dws.com/mutualreports. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 728-3337.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment | |
---|---|---|
Class A | $131 | 1.22% |
Gross expense ratio as of the latest prospectus: 1.21%. See prospectus for any contractual or voluntary waivers; without a waiver, costs would have been higher.
How did the Fund perform last year and what affected its performance?
Class A shares of the Fund returned 15.16% (unadjusted for sales charges) for the period ended August 31, 2024. The Fund's broad-based index, the MSCI EAFE Index, returned 19.40% for the same period, while the Fund's additional, more narrowly based index, the MSCI EAFE® Value Index, returned 20.38%.
Stock selection was the primary reason for the Fund’s underperformance. The weakest results occurred in the information technology sector, primarily due to poor performance for the Netherlands-based semiconductor producer STMicroelectronics NV.* The stock lagged its industry peers for much of the period due to weakness in its auto and industrial end markets, and it further declined in August 2024 after missing earnings expectations and reducing its forward guidance. Infineon Technologies AG (3.0%), which was hurt by a slow inventory recovery cycle, weakening electric vehicle sales, and declining market share, was also a notable laggard in technology.
The industrials sector was another area of weakness. The German chemicals producer Brenntag SE (1.4%) was the largest detractor. Profits came in below expectations due to the combination of weaker demand and intensifying pricing headwinds, and management reduced guidance to the low end of the previous range. The Dutch human resources consulting firm Randstad NV,* which was hurt by a slowdown in hiring trends, was a further detractor in industrials. The Fund’s stock picks in healthcare underperformed, as well. Japan-based Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (3.4%), which announced the acquisition of a company without meaningful current revenues, was the largest detractor. Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (4.6%) also lost ground after the trial results of its anti-obesity drug did not meet expectations. In addition, its pill-based COVID-19 treatment did not clear a late stage trial.
On the other hand, the Fund outperformed in the materials sector. Shares of the Swiss building materials producer Holcim AG (3.2%) rose on the strength of robust cash flows, growth related to the global decarbonization trend, and a cyclical recovery in its U.S. roofing business. Nitto Denko Corp. (0.7%), a Japanese maker of adhesives and building products, was also a top contributor in materials. The stock was boosted by improving earnings growth visibility and the company’s proactive stance on shareholder returns. Shin Etsu Chemical, Ltd.,* whose products are used in the fabrication of semiconductors, was another contributor of note. Stock selection in the consumer discretionary sector also added value, led by positions in Sekisui House Ltd. (2.8%) and Pandora A/S (0.3%).
* Not held at August 31, 2024
Percentages in parentheses are based on the Fund's net assets as of August 31, 2024.
Fund Performance
Cumulative Growth of an Assumed $10,000Investment
(Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge)
MSCI EAFE Index is an equity index which captures large and mid-cap representation across Developed Markets countries around the world, excluding the US and Canada. The index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.
The MSCI EAFE Index is a broad-based index that represents the fund’s overall equity market.
MSCI EAFE® Value Index captures large and mid-capitalization securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across developed markets countries around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, 12-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.
The MSCI EAFE® Value Index is a more narrowly based index that reflects the market sector in which the fund invests.
Index returns do not reflect any fees or expenses and it is not possible to invest directly into an index.
Class A | MSCI EAFE Index | MSCI EAFE® Value Index | |
---|---|---|---|
'14 | $9,425 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
'14 | $9,336 | $9,616 | $9,588 |
'14 | $9,233 | $9,476 | $9,394 |
'14 | $9,309 | $9,605 | $9,447 |
'14 | $9,127 | $9,272 | $9,122 |
'15 | $9,285 | $9,317 | $9,097 |
'15 | $9,921 | $9,874 | $9,666 |
'15 | $9,915 | $9,724 | $9,477 |
'15 | $10,049 | $10,122 | $9,896 |
'15 | $10,273 | $10,070 | $9,800 |
'15 | $9,725 | $9,784 | $9,497 |
'15 | $9,711 | $9,988 | $9,662 |
'15 | $8,983 | $9,253 | $8,936 |
'15 | $8,372 | $8,783 | $8,379 |
'15 | $8,802 | $9,470 | $8,996 |
'15 | $8,838 | $9,322 | $8,773 |
'15 | $8,649 | $9,197 | $8,604 |
'16 | $8,344 | $8,532 | $7,904 |
'16 | $8,118 | $8,375 | $7,751 |
'16 | $8,296 | $8,920 | $8,262 |
'16 | $8,240 | $9,179 | $8,588 |
'16 | $8,418 | $9,095 | $8,451 |
'16 | $7,945 | $8,790 | $8,032 |
'16 | $8,292 | $9,235 | $8,454 |
'16 | $8,395 | $9,242 | $8,591 |
'16 | $8,397 | $9,355 | $8,674 |
'16 | $8,337 | $9,164 | $8,694 |
'16 | $8,403 | $8,982 | $8,640 |
'16 | $8,725 | $9,289 | $9,036 |
'17 | $8,787 | $9,558 | $9,258 |
'17 | $9,139 | $9,695 | $9,322 |
'17 | $9,417 | $9,962 | $9,583 |
'17 | $9,736 | $10,215 | $9,784 |
'17 | $10,059 | $10,590 | $10,010 |
'17 | $9,990 | $10,571 | $10,040 |
'17 | $10,029 | $10,876 | $10,376 |
'17 | $10,072 | $10,872 | $10,311 |
'17 | $10,364 | $11,143 | $10,630 |
'17 | $10,570 | $11,312 | $10,712 |
'17 | $10,563 | $11,431 | $10,808 |
'17 | $10,621 | $11,614 | $10,974 |
'18 | $11,028 | $12,197 | $11,566 |
'18 | $10,512 | $11,646 | $11,016 |
'18 | $10,582 | $11,436 | $10,751 |
'18 | $10,612 | $11,697 | $11,082 |
'18 | $10,416 | $11,434 | $10,602 |
'18 | $10,221 | $11,295 | $10,467 |
'18 | $10,470 | $11,573 | $10,768 |
'18 | $10,267 | $11,349 | $10,376 |
'18 | $10,210 | $11,448 | $10,591 |
'18 | $9,495 | $10,537 | $9,888 |
'18 | $9,375 | $10,523 | $9,833 |
'18 | $9,066 | $10,012 | $9,352 |
'19 | $9,670 | $10,670 | $9,978 |
'19 | $9,905 | $10,942 | $10,144 |
'19 | $9,765 | $11,011 | $10,092 |
'19 | $10,082 | $11,321 | $10,327 |
'19 | $9,303 | $10,777 | $9,729 |
'19 | $9,808 | $11,417 | $10,248 |
'19 | $9,679 | $11,272 | $10,017 |
'19 | $9,369 | $10,980 | $9,606 |
'19 | $9,883 | $11,294 | $10,069 |
'19 | $10,351 | $11,700 | $10,433 |
'19 | $10,566 | $11,832 | $10,474 |
'19 | $10,982 | $12,217 | $10,856 |
'20 | $10,797 | $11,961 | $10,464 |
'20 | $9,929 | $10,880 | $9,474 |
'20 | $8,160 | $9,428 | $7,795 |
'20 | $8,844 | $10,037 | $8,212 |
'20 | $9,285 | $10,474 | $8,462 |
'20 | $9,663 | $10,831 | $8,764 |
'20 | $9,700 | $11,083 | $8,781 |
'20 | $10,144 | $11,653 | $9,295 |
'20 | $9,833 | $11,350 | $8,868 |
'20 | $9,327 | $10,897 | $8,511 |
'20 | $10,725 | $12,586 | $10,123 |
'20 | $11,278 | $13,171 | $10,571 |
'21 | $11,046 | $13,031 | $10,489 |
'21 | $11,337 | $13,323 | $10,988 |
'21 | $11,804 | $13,630 | $11,358 |
'21 | $12,015 | $14,040 | $11,575 |
'21 | $12,565 | $14,498 | $11,976 |
'21 | $12,271 | $14,335 | $11,700 |
'21 | $12,250 | $14,442 | $11,671 |
'21 | $12,318 | $14,697 | $11,804 |
'21 | $11,761 | $14,271 | $11,587 |
'21 | $11,915 | $14,622 | $11,772 |
'21 | $11,515 | $13,941 | $11,064 |
'21 | $12,289 | $14,655 | $11,723 |
'22 | $12,095 | $13,947 | $11,845 |
'22 | $11,704 | $13,700 | $11,684 |
'22 | $11,670 | $13,788 | $11,762 |
'22 | $10,869 | $12,896 | $11,167 |
'22 | $11,245 | $12,993 | $11,441 |
'22 | $10,054 | $11,787 | $10,302 |
'22 | $10,376 | $12,375 | $10,517 |
'22 | $9,767 | $11,787 | $10,162 |
'22 | $8,885 | $10,684 | $9,251 |
'22 | $9,460 | $11,259 | $9,848 |
'22 | $10,800 | $12,527 | $10,930 |
'22 | $10,628 | $12,537 | $11,068 |
'23 | $11,573 | $13,552 | $11,922 |
'23 | $11,322 | $13,269 | $11,755 |
'23 | $11,629 | $13,598 | $11,725 |
'23 | $11,669 | $13,982 | $12,103 |
'23 | $11,124 | $13,391 | $11,451 |
'23 | $11,664 | $14,000 | $12,095 |
'23 | $12,128 | $14,453 | $12,645 |
'23 | $11,743 | $13,899 | $12,270 |
'23 | $11,413 | $13,424 | $12,166 |
'23 | $10,949 | $12,880 | $11,631 |
'23 | $11,824 | $14,076 | $12,552 |
'23 | $12,588 | $14,824 | $13,165 |
'24 | $12,460 | $14,909 | $13,157 |
'24 | $12,695 | $15,182 | $13,181 |
'24 | $13,085 | $15,681 | $13,755 |
'24 | $12,653 | $15,280 | $13,615 |
'24 | $13,282 | $15,871 | $14,151 |
'24 | $12,577 | $15,615 | $13,757 |
'24 | $13,088 | $16,073 | $14,402 |
'24 | $13,522 | $16,596 | $14,771 |
Yearly periods ended August 31
The 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 invesment of $9,425.
Average Annual Total Returns
Class/Index | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
---|---|---|---|
Class A Unadjusted for Sales Charge | 15.16% | 7.62% | 3.68% |
Class A Adjusted for the Maximum Sales Charge (max 5.75% load) | 8.54% | 6.35% | 3.06% |
MSCI EAFE Index | 19.40% | 8.61% | 5.20% |
MSCI EAFE® Value Index | 20.38% | 8.99% | 3.98% |
Performance shown is historical. The Fund's past performance is not a good predictor or guarantee of the Fund's future performance. Investment return and principal fluctuate, so your shares may be worth more or less when redeemed. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The performance graph and returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.Please visit dws.com/en-us/products/mutual-funds for the Fund’s most recent month-end performance. Fund performance includes reinvestment of all distributions. Unadjusted returns do not reflect sales charges and would have been lower if they had reflected sales charges.
Key Fund Statistics
Net Assets ($) | 438,521,810 |
Number of Portfolio Holdings | 61 |
Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 60 |
Total Net Advisory Fees Paid ($) | 2,409,224 |
What did the Fund invest in?
Asset Allocation
Asset Type | % of Net Assets |
Common Stocks | 99% |
Preferred Stocks | 0% |
Cash Equivalents | 0% |
Other Assets and Liabilities, Net | 1% |
Total | 100% |
Holdings-based data is subject to change.
Sector Allocation
Sector | % of Net Assets |
Health Care | 23% |
Financials | 23% |
Consumer Discretionary | 14% |
Materials | 10% |
Industrials | 8% |
Communication Services | 6% |
Information Technology | 5% |
Utilities | 4% |
Consumer Staples | 4% |
Energy | 2% |
Ten Largest Equity Holdings
Holdings | 35.9% of Net Assets |
---|---|
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd. | 4.8% |
Shionogi & Co., Ltd | 4.6% |
Lloyds Banking Group PLC | 3.8% |
ArcelorMittal SA | 3.7% |
Volvo AB | 3.4% |
Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | 3.4% |
Holcim AG | 3.2% |
Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. | 3.0% |
Infineon Technologies AG | 3.0% |
Nintendo Co., Ltd. | 3.0% |
Geographical Diversification
Country | % of Net Assets |
Japan | 27% |
United Kingdom | 15% |
Switzerland | 10% |
France | 9% |
Singapore | 9% |
Germany | 6% |
Luxembourg | 5% |
Sweden | 3% |
Spain | 3% |
Netherlands | 3% |
Other | 10% |
Additional Information
If you wish to view additional information about the Fund, including, but not limited to, its prospectus, quarterly holdings, Board fee evaluation reports, and financial statements and other information, please visit dws.com/mutualreports. For information about the Fund's proxy voting policies and procedures and how the Fund voted proxies related to its portfolio securities, please visit dws.com/en-us/resources/proxy-voting. This additional information is also available free of charge by contacting us at (800) 728-3337.
Householding
In order to reduce the amount of mail you receive and to help reduce expenses, we generally send a single copy of any shareholder report and prospectus to each household. If you do not want the mailing of these documents to be combined with those for other members of your household, please contact your financial representative or call DWS toll free at (800) 728-3337.
Investing in foreign securities presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Stocks may decline in value. The Fund will be managed using the CROCI® Investment Process, which is based on portfolio management’s belief that, over time, stocks which display more favorable financial metrics (for example, the CROCI® Economic P/E Ratio) as generated by this process may outperform stocks which display less favorable metrics. This premise may not prove to be correct and prospective investors should evaluate this assumption prior to investing in the Fund. The Fund may lend securities to approved institutions. Please read the prospectus for details.
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. We advise you to consider the Fund's objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund, which can be requested by calling (800) 728-3337, contacting your financial representative, or visit dws.com/mutualreports to view or download a prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.
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.
©2024 DWS Group GmbH&Co. KGaA. All rights reserved
DCIF-TSRA-A
R-102572-1 (10/24)
DWS CROCI International Fund
Class C: SUICX
Annual Shareholder Report—August 31, 2024
This annual shareholder report contains important information about DWS CROCI International Fund ("the Fund") for the period September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund on the Fund's website at dws.com/mutualreports. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 728-3337.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment | |
---|---|---|
Class C | $210 | 1.96% |
Gross expense ratio as of the latest prospectus: 1.98%. See prospectus for any contractual or voluntary waivers; without a waiver, costs would have been higher.
How did the Fund perform last year and what affected its performance?
Class C shares of the Fund returned 14.30% (unadjusted for sales charges) for the period ended August 31, 2024. The Fund's broad-based index, the MSCI EAFE Index, returned 19.40% for the same period, while the Fund's additional, more narrowly based index, the MSCI EAFE® Value Index, returned 20.38%.
Stock selection was the primary reason for the Fund’s underperformance. The weakest results occurred in the information technology sector, primarily due to poor performance for the Netherlands-based semiconductor producer STMicroelectronics NV.* The stock lagged its industry peers for much of the period due to weakness in its auto and industrial end markets, and it further declined in August 2024 after missing earnings expectations and reducing its forward guidance. Infineon Technologies AG (3.0%), which was hurt by a slow inventory recovery cycle, weakening electric vehicle sales, and declining market share, was also a notable laggard in technology.
The industrials sector was another area of weakness. The German chemicals producer Brenntag SE (1.4%) was the largest detractor. Profits came in below expectations due to the combination of weaker demand and intensifying pricing headwinds, and management reduced guidance to the low end of the previous range. The Dutch human resources consulting firm Randstad NV,* which was hurt by a slowdown in hiring trends, was a further detractor in industrials. The Fund’s stock picks in healthcare underperformed, as well. Japan-based Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (3.4%), which announced the acquisition of a company without meaningful current revenues, was the largest detractor. Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (4.6%) also lost ground after the trial results of its anti-obesity drug did not meet expectations. In addition, its pill-based COVID-19 treatment did not clear a late stage trial.
On the other hand, the Fund outperformed in the materials sector. Shares of the Swiss building materials producer Holcim AG (3.2%) rose on the strength of robust cash flows, growth related to the global decarbonization trend, and a cyclical recovery in its U.S. roofing business. Nitto Denko Corp. (0.7%), a Japanese maker of adhesives and building products, was also a top contributor in materials. The stock was boosted by improving earnings growth visibility and the company’s proactive stance on shareholder returns. Shin Etsu Chemical, Ltd.,* whose products are used in the fabrication of semiconductors, was another contributor of note. Stock selection in the consumer discretionary sector also added value, led by positions in Sekisui House Ltd. (2.8%) and Pandora A/S (0.3%).
* Not held at August 31, 2024
Percentages in parentheses are based on the Fund's net assets as of August 31, 2024.
Fund Performance
Cumulative Growth of an Assumed $10,000Investment
MSCI EAFE Index is an equity index which captures large and mid-cap representation across Developed Markets countries around the world, excluding the US and Canada. The index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.
The MSCI EAFE Index is a broad-based index that represents the fund’s overall equity market.
MSCI EAFE® Value Index captures large and mid-capitalization securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across developed markets countries around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, 12-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.
The MSCI EAFE® Value Index is a more narrowly based index that reflects the market sector in which the fund invests.
Index returns do not reflect any fees or expenses and it is not possible to invest directly into an index.
Class C | MSCI EAFE Index | MSCI EAFE® Value Index | |
---|---|---|---|
'14 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
'14 | $9,901 | $9,616 | $9,588 |
'14 | $9,784 | $9,476 | $9,394 |
'14 | $9,860 | $9,605 | $9,447 |
'14 | $9,663 | $9,272 | $9,122 |
'15 | $9,825 | $9,317 | $9,097 |
'15 | $10,491 | $9,874 | $9,666 |
'15 | $10,478 | $9,724 | $9,477 |
'15 | $10,612 | $10,122 | $9,896 |
'15 | $10,842 | $10,070 | $9,800 |
'15 | $10,257 | $9,784 | $9,497 |
'15 | $10,235 | $9,988 | $9,662 |
'15 | $9,465 | $9,253 | $8,936 |
'15 | $8,814 | $8,783 | $8,379 |
'15 | $9,261 | $9,470 | $8,996 |
'15 | $9,293 | $9,322 | $8,773 |
'15 | $9,089 | $9,197 | $8,604 |
'16 | $8,762 | $8,532 | $7,904 |
'16 | $8,522 | $8,375 | $7,751 |
'16 | $8,703 | $8,920 | $8,262 |
'16 | $8,640 | $9,179 | $8,588 |
'16 | $8,819 | $9,095 | $8,451 |
'16 | $8,317 | $8,790 | $8,032 |
'16 | $8,677 | $9,235 | $8,454 |
'16 | $8,777 | $9,242 | $8,591 |
'16 | $8,775 | $9,355 | $8,674 |
'16 | $8,708 | $9,164 | $8,694 |
'16 | $8,771 | $8,982 | $8,640 |
'16 | $9,101 | $9,289 | $9,036 |
'17 | $9,160 | $9,558 | $9,258 |
'17 | $9,518 | $9,695 | $9,322 |
'17 | $9,803 | $9,962 | $9,583 |
'17 | $10,128 | $10,215 | $9,784 |
'17 | $10,455 | $10,590 | $10,010 |
'17 | $10,379 | $10,571 | $10,040 |
'17 | $10,413 | $10,876 | $10,376 |
'17 | $10,446 | $10,872 | $10,311 |
'17 | $10,744 | $11,143 | $10,630 |
'17 | $10,948 | $11,312 | $10,712 |
'17 | $10,935 | $11,431 | $10,808 |
'17 | $10,988 | $11,614 | $10,974 |
'18 | $11,402 | $12,197 | $11,566 |
'18 | $10,863 | $11,646 | $11,016 |
'18 | $10,929 | $11,436 | $10,751 |
'18 | $10,954 | $11,697 | $11,082 |
'18 | $10,745 | $11,434 | $10,602 |
'18 | $10,538 | $11,295 | $10,467 |
'18 | $10,788 | $11,573 | $10,768 |
'18 | $10,575 | $11,349 | $10,376 |
'18 | $10,509 | $11,448 | $10,591 |
'18 | $9,767 | $10,537 | $9,888 |
'18 | $9,636 | $10,523 | $9,833 |
'18 | $9,311 | $10,012 | $9,352 |
'19 | $9,928 | $10,670 | $9,978 |
'19 | $10,164 | $10,942 | $10,144 |
'19 | $10,014 | $11,011 | $10,092 |
'19 | $10,334 | $11,321 | $10,327 |
'19 | $9,528 | $10,777 | $9,729 |
'19 | $10,040 | $11,417 | $10,248 |
'19 | $9,905 | $11,272 | $10,017 |
'19 | $9,580 | $10,980 | $9,606 |
'19 | $10,098 | $11,294 | $10,069 |
'19 | $10,573 | $11,700 | $10,433 |
'19 | $10,785 | $11,832 | $10,474 |
'19 | $11,202 | $12,217 | $10,856 |
'20 | $11,006 | $11,961 | $10,464 |
'20 | $10,116 | $10,880 | $9,474 |
'20 | $8,308 | $9,428 | $7,795 |
'20 | $8,999 | $10,037 | $8,212 |
'20 | $9,442 | $10,474 | $8,462 |
'20 | $9,822 | $10,831 | $8,764 |
'20 | $9,853 | $11,083 | $8,781 |
'20 | $10,298 | $11,653 | $9,295 |
'20 | $9,977 | $11,350 | $8,868 |
'20 | $9,459 | $10,897 | $8,511 |
'20 | $10,867 | $12,586 | $10,123 |
'20 | $11,422 | $13,171 | $10,571 |
'21 | $11,181 | $13,031 | $10,489 |
'21 | $11,468 | $13,323 | $10,988 |
'21 | $11,935 | $13,630 | $11,358 |
'21 | $12,140 | $14,040 | $11,575 |
'21 | $12,690 | $14,498 | $11,976 |
'21 | $12,384 | $14,335 | $11,700 |
'21 | $12,355 | $14,442 | $11,671 |
'21 | $12,417 | $14,697 | $11,804 |
'21 | $11,848 | $14,271 | $11,587 |
'21 | $11,995 | $14,622 | $11,772 |
'21 | $11,586 | $13,941 | $11,064 |
'21 | $12,356 | $14,655 | $11,723 |
'22 | $12,153 | $13,947 | $11,845 |
'22 | $11,756 | $13,700 | $11,684 |
'22 | $11,714 | $13,788 | $11,762 |
'22 | $10,903 | $12,896 | $11,167 |
'22 | $11,273 | $12,993 | $11,441 |
'22 | $10,072 | $11,787 | $10,302 |
'22 | $10,387 | $12,375 | $10,517 |
'22 | $9,772 | $11,787 | $10,162 |
'22 | $8,885 | $10,684 | $9,251 |
'22 | $9,455 | $11,259 | $9,848 |
'22 | $10,789 | $12,527 | $10,930 |
'22 | $10,607 | $12,537 | $11,068 |
'23 | $11,544 | $13,552 | $11,922 |
'23 | $11,285 | $13,269 | $11,755 |
'23 | $11,585 | $13,598 | $11,725 |
'23 | $11,618 | $13,982 | $12,103 |
'23 | $11,069 | $13,391 | $11,451 |
'23 | $11,598 | $14,000 | $12,095 |
'23 | $12,052 | $14,453 | $12,645 |
'23 | $11,661 | $13,899 | $12,270 |
'23 | $11,326 | $13,424 | $12,166 |
'23 | $10,859 | $12,880 | $11,631 |
'23 | $11,720 | $14,076 | $12,552 |
'23 | $12,470 | $14,824 | $13,165 |
'24 | $12,335 | $14,909 | $13,157 |
'24 | $12,561 | $15,182 | $13,181 |
'24 | $12,939 | $15,681 | $13,755 |
'24 | $12,504 | $15,280 | $13,615 |
'24 | $13,116 | $15,871 | $14,151 |
'24 | $12,413 | $15,615 | $13,757 |
'24 | $12,907 | $16,073 | $14,402 |
'24 | $13,329 | $16,596 | $14,771 |
Yearly periods ended August 31
Average Annual Total Returns
Class/Index | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
---|---|---|---|
Class C Unadjusted for Sales Charge | 14.30% | 6.83% | 2.92% |
Class C Adjusted for the Maximum Sales Charge (max 1.00% CDSC) | 13.30% | 6.83% | 2.92% |
MSCI EAFE Index | 19.40% | 8.61% | 5.20% |
MSCI EAFE® Value Index | 20.38% | 8.99% | 3.98% |
Performance shown is historical. The Fund's past performance is not a good predictor or guarantee of the Fund's future performance. Investment return and principal fluctuate, so your shares may be worth more or less when redeemed. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The performance graph and returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.Please visit dws.com/en-us/products/mutual-funds for the Fund’s most recent month-end performance. Fund performance includes reinvestment of all distributions.
Key Fund Statistics
Net Assets ($) | 438,521,810 |
Number of Portfolio Holdings | 61 |
Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 60 |
Total Net Advisory Fees Paid ($) | 2,409,224 |
What did the Fund invest in?
Asset Allocation
Asset Type | % of Net Assets |
Common Stocks | 99% |
Preferred Stocks | 0% |
Cash Equivalents | 0% |
Other Assets and Liabilities, Net | 1% |
Total | 100% |
Holdings-based data is subject to change.
Sector Allocation
Sector | % of Net Assets |
Health Care | 23% |
Financials | 23% |
Consumer Discretionary | 14% |
Materials | 10% |
Industrials | 8% |
Communication Services | 6% |
Information Technology | 5% |
Utilities | 4% |
Consumer Staples | 4% |
Energy | 2% |
Ten Largest Equity Holdings
Holdings | 35.9% of Net Assets |
---|---|
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd. | 4.8% |
Shionogi & Co., Ltd | 4.6% |
Lloyds Banking Group PLC | 3.8% |
ArcelorMittal SA | 3.7% |
Volvo AB | 3.4% |
Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | 3.4% |
Holcim AG | 3.2% |
Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. | 3.0% |
Infineon Technologies AG | 3.0% |
Nintendo Co., Ltd. | 3.0% |
Geographical Diversification
Country | % of Net Assets |
Japan | 27% |
United Kingdom | 15% |
Switzerland | 10% |
France | 9% |
Singapore | 9% |
Germany | 6% |
Luxembourg | 5% |
Sweden | 3% |
Spain | 3% |
Netherlands | 3% |
Other | 10% |
Additional Information
If you wish to view additional information about the Fund, including, but not limited to, its prospectus, quarterly holdings, Board fee evaluation reports, and financial statements and other information, please visit dws.com/mutualreports. For information about the Fund's proxy voting policies and procedures and how the Fund voted proxies related to its portfolio securities, please visit dws.com/en-us/resources/proxy-voting. This additional information is also available free of charge by contacting us at (800) 728-3337.
Householding
In order to reduce the amount of mail you receive and to help reduce expenses, we generally send a single copy of any shareholder report and prospectus to each household. If you do not want the mailing of these documents to be combined with those for other members of your household, please contact your financial representative or call DWS toll free at (800) 728-3337.
Investing in foreign securities presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Stocks may decline in value. The Fund will be managed using the CROCI® Investment Process, which is based on portfolio management’s belief that, over time, stocks which display more favorable financial metrics (for example, the CROCI® Economic P/E Ratio) as generated by this process may outperform stocks which display less favorable metrics. This premise may not prove to be correct and prospective investors should evaluate this assumption prior to investing in the Fund. The Fund may lend securities to approved institutions. Please read the prospectus for details.
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. We advise you to consider the Fund's objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund, which can be requested by calling (800) 728-3337, contacting your financial representative, or visit dws.com/mutualreports to view or download a prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.
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.
©2024 DWS Group GmbH&Co. KGaA. All rights reserved
DCIF-TSRA-C
R-102572-1 (10/24)
DWS CROCI International Fund
Class R6: SUIRX
Annual Shareholder Report—August 31, 2024
This annual shareholder report contains important information about DWS CROCI International Fund ("the Fund") for the period September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund on the Fund's website at dws.com/mutualreports. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 728-3337.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment | |
---|---|---|
Class R6 | $85 | 0.79% |
Gross expense ratio as of the latest prospectus: 0.79%. See prospectus for any contractual or voluntary waivers; without a waiver, costs would have been higher.
How did the Fund perform last year and what affected its performance?
Class R6 shares of the Fund returned 15.67% for the period ended August 31, 2024. The Fund's broad-based index, the MSCI EAFE Index, returned 19.40% for the same period, while the Fund's additional, more narrowly based index, the MSCI EAFE® Value Index, returned 20.38%.
Stock selection was the primary reason for the Fund’s underperformance. The weakest results occurred in the information technology sector, primarily due to poor performance for the Netherlands-based semiconductor producer STMicroelectronics NV.* The stock lagged its industry peers for much of the period due to weakness in its auto and industrial end markets, and it further declined in August 2024 after missing earnings expectations and reducing its forward guidance. Infineon Technologies AG (3.0%), which was hurt by a slow inventory recovery cycle, weakening electric vehicle sales, and declining market share, was also a notable laggard in technology.
The industrials sector was another area of weakness. The German chemicals producer Brenntag SE (1.4%) was the largest detractor. Profits came in below expectations due to the combination of weaker demand and intensifying pricing headwinds, and management reduced guidance to the low end of the previous range. The Dutch human resources consulting firm Randstad NV,* which was hurt by a slowdown in hiring trends, was a further detractor in industrials. The Fund’s stock picks in healthcare underperformed, as well. Japan-based Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (3.4%), which announced the acquisition of a company without meaningful current revenues, was the largest detractor. Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (4.6%) also lost ground after the trial results of its anti-obesity drug did not meet expectations. In addition, its pill-based COVID-19 treatment did not clear a late stage trial.
On the other hand, the Fund outperformed in the materials sector. Shares of the Swiss building materials producer Holcim AG (3.2%) rose on the strength of robust cash flows, growth related to the global decarbonization trend, and a cyclical recovery in its U.S. roofing business. Nitto Denko Corp. (0.7%), a Japanese maker of adhesives and building products, was also a top contributor in materials. The stock was boosted by improving earnings growth visibility and the company’s proactive stance on shareholder returns. Shin Etsu Chemical, Ltd.,* whose products are used in the fabrication of semiconductors, was another contributor of note. Stock selection in the consumer discretionary sector also added value, led by positions in Sekisui House Ltd. (2.8%) and Pandora A/S (0.3%).
* Not held at August 31, 2024
Percentages in parentheses are based on the Fund's net assets as of August 31, 2024.
Fund Performance
Cumulative Growth of an Assumed $10,000Investment
MSCI EAFE Index is an equity index which captures large and mid-cap representation across Developed Markets countries around the world, excluding the US and Canada. The index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.
The MSCI EAFE Index is a broad-based index that represents the fund’s overall equity market.
MSCI EAFE® Value Index captures large and mid-capitalization securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across developed markets countries around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, 12-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.
The MSCI EAFE® Value Index is a more narrowly based index that reflects the market sector in which the fund invests.
Index returns do not reflect any fees or expenses and it is not possible to invest directly into an index.
Class R6 | MSCI EAFE Index | MSCI EAFE® Value Index | |
---|---|---|---|
12/1/14 | $9,870 | $9,654 | $9,694 |
1/31/15 | $10,041 | $9,701 | $9,667 |
2/28/15 | $10,728 | $10,281 | $10,272 |
3/31/15 | $10,722 | $10,125 | $10,071 |
4/30/15 | $10,867 | $10,538 | $10,516 |
5/31/15 | $11,109 | $10,484 | $10,414 |
6/30/15 | $10,518 | $10,187 | $10,092 |
7/31/15 | $10,505 | $10,399 | $10,268 |
8/31/15 | $9,723 | $9,634 | $9,496 |
9/30/15 | $9,062 | $9,145 | $8,904 |
10/31/15 | $9,530 | $9,860 | $9,560 |
11/30/15 | $9,571 | $9,706 | $9,323 |
12/31/15 | $9,372 | $9,575 | $9,143 |
1/31/16 | $9,044 | $8,883 | $8,399 |
2/29/16 | $8,804 | $8,720 | $8,237 |
3/31/16 | $8,999 | $9,288 | $8,780 |
4/30/16 | $8,943 | $9,557 | $9,126 |
5/31/16 | $9,136 | $9,470 | $8,981 |
6/30/16 | $8,626 | $9,152 | $8,535 |
7/31/16 | $9,006 | $9,616 | $8,984 |
8/31/16 | $9,120 | $9,622 | $9,129 |
9/30/16 | $9,125 | $9,741 | $9,218 |
10/31/16 | $9,064 | $9,541 | $9,239 |
11/30/16 | $9,140 | $9,351 | $9,182 |
12/31/16 | $9,493 | $9,671 | $9,602 |
1/31/17 | $9,563 | $9,952 | $9,839 |
2/28/17 | $9,948 | $10,094 | $9,906 |
3/31/17 | $10,256 | $10,372 | $10,183 |
4/30/17 | $10,606 | $10,636 | $10,397 |
5/31/17 | $10,961 | $11,026 | $10,638 |
6/30/17 | $10,891 | $11,007 | $10,670 |
7/31/17 | $10,938 | $11,324 | $11,027 |
8/31/17 | $10,982 | $11,320 | $10,958 |
9/30/17 | $11,306 | $11,602 | $11,296 |
10/31/17 | $11,533 | $11,778 | $11,383 |
11/30/17 | $11,528 | $11,901 | $11,485 |
12/31/17 | $11,598 | $12,092 | $11,661 |
1/31/18 | $12,046 | $12,699 | $12,291 |
2/28/18 | $11,485 | $12,126 | $11,707 |
3/31/18 | $11,567 | $11,907 | $11,425 |
4/30/18 | $11,603 | $12,179 | $11,777 |
5/31/18 | $11,390 | $11,905 | $11,266 |
6/30/18 | $11,184 | $11,760 | $11,124 |
7/31/18 | $11,459 | $12,049 | $11,443 |
8/31/18 | $11,241 | $11,817 | $11,027 |
9/30/18 | $11,181 | $11,919 | $11,255 |
10/31/18 | $10,405 | $10,970 | $10,507 |
11/30/18 | $10,276 | $10,957 | $10,449 |
12/31/18 | $9,940 | $10,425 | $9,938 |
1/31/19 | $10,605 | $11,110 | $10,603 |
2/28/19 | $10,866 | $11,393 | $10,779 |
3/31/19 | $10,719 | $11,465 | $10,725 |
4/30/19 | $11,071 | $11,787 | $10,975 |
5/31/19 | $10,216 | $11,221 | $10,339 |
6/30/19 | $10,774 | $11,887 | $10,890 |
7/31/19 | $10,637 | $11,736 | $10,645 |
8/31/19 | $10,298 | $11,432 | $10,208 |
9/30/19 | $10,866 | $11,760 | $10,701 |
10/31/19 | $11,387 | $12,182 | $11,087 |
11/30/19 | $11,626 | $12,319 | $11,130 |
12/31/19 | $12,088 | $12,720 | $11,537 |
1/31/20 | $11,887 | $12,454 | $11,120 |
2/29/20 | $10,938 | $11,328 | $10,067 |
3/31/20 | $8,991 | $9,816 | $8,284 |
4/30/20 | $9,749 | $10,450 | $8,727 |
5/31/20 | $10,239 | $10,905 | $8,993 |
6/30/20 | $10,660 | $11,277 | $9,313 |
7/31/20 | $10,703 | $11,540 | $9,331 |
8/31/20 | $11,196 | $12,133 | $9,878 |
9/30/20 | $10,856 | $11,818 | $9,424 |
10/31/20 | $10,301 | $11,346 | $9,044 |
11/30/20 | $11,849 | $13,105 | $10,757 |
12/31/20 | $12,465 | $13,714 | $11,234 |
1/31/21 | $12,213 | $13,568 | $11,146 |
2/28/21 | $12,539 | $13,872 | $11,677 |
3/31/21 | $13,062 | $14,191 | $12,070 |
4/30/21 | $13,299 | $14,618 | $12,301 |
5/31/21 | $13,911 | $15,095 | $12,727 |
6/30/21 | $13,591 | $14,925 | $12,433 |
7/31/21 | $13,572 | $15,037 | $12,403 |
8/31/21 | $13,654 | $15,302 | $12,544 |
9/30/21 | $13,041 | $14,858 | $12,313 |
10/31/21 | $13,217 | $15,224 | $12,510 |
11/30/21 | $12,775 | $14,515 | $11,757 |
12/31/21 | $13,641 | $15,259 | $12,457 |
1/31/22 | $13,428 | $14,521 | $12,587 |
2/28/22 | $13,001 | $14,264 | $12,416 |
3/31/22 | $12,965 | $14,356 | $12,499 |
4/30/22 | $12,081 | $13,427 | $11,867 |
5/31/22 | $12,505 | $13,528 | $12,159 |
6/30/22 | $11,183 | $12,273 | $10,948 |
7/31/22 | $11,545 | $12,884 | $11,176 |
8/31/22 | $10,871 | $12,272 | $10,799 |
9/30/22 | $9,894 | $11,124 | $9,831 |
10/31/22 | $10,537 | $11,723 | $10,465 |
11/30/22 | $12,034 | $13,043 | $11,615 |
12/31/22 | $11,845 | $13,053 | $11,762 |
1/31/23 | $12,906 | $14,110 | $12,670 |
2/28/23 | $12,628 | $13,816 | $12,492 |
3/31/23 | $12,977 | $14,158 | $12,460 |
4/30/23 | $13,025 | $14,558 | $12,861 |
5/31/23 | $12,421 | $13,942 | $12,169 |
6/30/23 | $13,028 | $14,577 | $12,853 |
7/31/23 | $13,550 | $15,048 | $13,437 |
8/31/23 | $13,125 | $14,472 | $13,039 |
9/30/23 | $12,762 | $13,977 | $12,928 |
10/31/23 | $12,248 | $13,411 | $12,360 |
11/30/23 | $13,232 | $14,655 | $13,339 |
12/31/23 | $14,092 | $15,434 | $13,991 |
1/31/24 | $13,954 | $15,523 | $13,981 |
2/29/24 | $14,219 | $15,807 | $14,007 |
3/31/24 | $14,663 | $16,327 | $14,618 |
4/30/24 | $14,186 | $15,909 | $14,468 |
5/31/24 | $14,893 | $16,525 | $15,038 |
6/30/24 | $14,107 | $16,258 | $14,620 |
7/31/24 | $14,687 | $16,735 | $15,305 |
8/31/24 | $15,181 | $17,279 | $15,697 |
Yearly periods ended August 31
Average Annual Total Returns
Class/Index | 1-Year | 5-Year | Since Inception 12/1/14 |
---|---|---|---|
Class R6 No Sales Charge | 15.67% | 8.07% | 4.38% |
MSCI EAFE Index | 19.40% | 8.61% | 5.77% |
MSCI EAFE® Value Index | 20.38% | 8.99% | 4.73% |
Performance shown is historical. The Fund's past performance is not a good predictor or guarantee of the Fund's future performance. Investment return and principal fluctuate, so your shares may be worth more or less when redeemed. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The performance graph and returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.Please visit dws.com/en-us/products/mutual-funds for the Fund’s most recent month-end performance. Fund performance includes reinvestment of all distributions.
Key Fund Statistics
Net Assets ($) | 438,521,810 |
Number of Portfolio Holdings | 61 |
Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 60 |
Total Net Advisory Fees Paid ($) | 2,409,224 |
What did the Fund invest in?
Asset Allocation
Asset Type | % of Net Assets |
Common Stocks | 99% |
Preferred Stocks | 0% |
Cash Equivalents | 0% |
Other Assets and Liabilities, Net | 1% |
Total | 100% |
Holdings-based data is subject to change.
Sector Allocation
Sector | % of Net Assets |
Health Care | 23% |
Financials | 23% |
Consumer Discretionary | 14% |
Materials | 10% |
Industrials | 8% |
Communication Services | 6% |
Information Technology | 5% |
Utilities | 4% |
Consumer Staples | 4% |
Energy | 2% |
Ten Largest Equity Holdings
Holdings | 35.9% of Net Assets |
---|---|
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd. | 4.8% |
Shionogi & Co., Ltd | 4.6% |
Lloyds Banking Group PLC | 3.8% |
ArcelorMittal SA | 3.7% |
Volvo AB | 3.4% |
Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | 3.4% |
Holcim AG | 3.2% |
Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. | 3.0% |
Infineon Technologies AG | 3.0% |
Nintendo Co., Ltd. | 3.0% |
Geographical Diversification
Country | % of Net Assets |
Japan | 27% |
United Kingdom | 15% |
Switzerland | 10% |
France | 9% |
Singapore | 9% |
Germany | 6% |
Luxembourg | 5% |
Sweden | 3% |
Spain | 3% |
Netherlands | 3% |
Other | 10% |
Additional Information
If you wish to view additional information about the Fund, including, but not limited to, its prospectus, quarterly holdings, Board fee evaluation reports, and financial statements and other information, please visit dws.com/mutualreports. For information about the Fund's proxy voting policies and procedures and how the Fund voted proxies related to its portfolio securities, please visit dws.com/en-us/resources/proxy-voting. This additional information is also available free of charge by contacting us at (800) 728-3337.
Householding
In order to reduce the amount of mail you receive and to help reduce expenses, we generally send a single copy of any shareholder report and prospectus to each household. If you do not want the mailing of these documents to be combined with those for other members of your household, please contact your financial representative or call DWS toll free at (800) 728-3337.
Investing in foreign securities presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Stocks may decline in value. The Fund will be managed using the CROCI® Investment Process, which is based on portfolio management’s belief that, over time, stocks which display more favorable financial metrics (for example, the CROCI® Economic P/E Ratio) as generated by this process may outperform stocks which display less favorable metrics. This premise may not prove to be correct and prospective investors should evaluate this assumption prior to investing in the Fund. The Fund may lend securities to approved institutions. Please read the prospectus for details.
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. We advise you to consider the Fund's objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund, which can be requested by calling (800) 728-3337, contacting your financial representative, or visit dws.com/mutualreports to view or download a prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.
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.
©2024 DWS Group GmbH&Co. KGaA. All rights reserved
DCIF-TSRA-R6
R-102572-1 (10/24)
DWS CROCI International Fund
Class S: SCINX
Annual Shareholder Report—August 31, 2024
This annual shareholder report contains important information about DWS CROCI International Fund ("the Fund") for the period September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund on the Fund's website at dws.com/mutualreports. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 728-3337.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment | |
---|---|---|
Class S | $100 | 0.93% |
Gross expense ratio as of the latest prospectus: 0.93%. See prospectus for any contractual or voluntary waivers; without a waiver, costs would have been higher.
How did the Fund perform last year and what affected its performance?
Class S shares of the Fund returned 15.50% for the period ended August 31, 2024. The Fund's broad-based index, the MSCI EAFE Index, returned 19.40% for the same period, while the Fund's additional, more narrowly based index, the MSCI EAFE® Value Index, returned 20.38%.
Stock selection was the primary reason for the Fund’s underperformance. The weakest results occurred in the information technology sector, primarily due to poor performance for the Netherlands-based semiconductor producer STMicroelectronics NV.* The stock lagged its industry peers for much of the period due to weakness in its auto and industrial end markets, and it further declined in August 2024 after missing earnings expectations and reducing its forward guidance. Infineon Technologies AG (3.0%), which was hurt by a slow inventory recovery cycle, weakening electric vehicle sales, and declining market share, was also a notable laggard in technology.
The industrials sector was another area of weakness. The German chemicals producer Brenntag SE (1.4%) was the largest detractor. Profits came in below expectations due to the combination of weaker demand and intensifying pricing headwinds, and management reduced guidance to the low end of the previous range. The Dutch human resources consulting firm Randstad NV,* which was hurt by a slowdown in hiring trends, was a further detractor in industrials. The Fund’s stock picks in healthcare underperformed, as well. Japan-based Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (3.4%), which announced the acquisition of a company without meaningful current revenues, was the largest detractor. Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (4.6%) also lost ground after the trial results of its anti-obesity drug did not meet expectations. In addition, its pill-based COVID-19 treatment did not clear a late stage trial.
On the other hand, the Fund outperformed in the materials sector. Shares of the Swiss building materials producer Holcim AG (3.2%) rose on the strength of robust cash flows, growth related to the global decarbonization trend, and a cyclical recovery in its U.S. roofing business. Nitto Denko Corp. (0.7%), a Japanese maker of adhesives and building products, was also a top contributor in materials. The stock was boosted by improving earnings growth visibility and the company’s proactive stance on shareholder returns. Shin Etsu Chemical, Ltd.,* whose products are used in the fabrication of semiconductors, was another contributor of note. Stock selection in the consumer discretionary sector also added value, led by positions in Sekisui House Ltd. (2.8%) and Pandora A/S (0.3%).
* Not held at August 31, 2024
Percentages in parentheses are based on the Fund's net assets as of August 31, 2024.
Fund Performance
Cumulative Growth of an Assumed $10,000Investment
MSCI EAFE Index is an equity index which captures large and mid-cap representation across Developed Markets countries around the world, excluding the US and Canada. The index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.
The MSCI EAFE Index is a broad-based index that represents the fund’s overall equity market.
MSCI EAFE® Value Index captures large and mid-capitalization securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across developed markets countries around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, 12-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.
The MSCI EAFE® Value Index is a more narrowly based index that reflects the market sector in which the fund invests.
Index returns do not reflect any fees or expenses and it is not possible to invest directly into an index.
Class S | MSCI EAFE Index | MSCI EAFE® Value Index | |
---|---|---|---|
'14 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
'14 | $9,908 | $9,616 | $9,588 |
'14 | $9,802 | $9,476 | $9,394 |
'14 | $9,884 | $9,605 | $9,447 |
'14 | $9,694 | $9,272 | $9,122 |
'15 | $9,864 | $9,317 | $9,097 |
'15 | $10,541 | $9,874 | $9,666 |
'15 | $10,536 | $9,724 | $9,477 |
'15 | $10,680 | $10,122 | $9,896 |
'15 | $10,921 | $10,070 | $9,800 |
'15 | $10,340 | $9,784 | $9,497 |
'15 | $10,325 | $9,988 | $9,662 |
'15 | $9,553 | $9,253 | $8,936 |
'15 | $8,903 | $8,783 | $8,379 |
'15 | $9,362 | $9,470 | $8,996 |
'15 | $9,402 | $9,322 | $8,773 |
'15 | $9,203 | $9,197 | $8,604 |
'16 | $8,881 | $8,532 | $7,904 |
'16 | $8,642 | $8,375 | $7,751 |
'16 | $8,833 | $8,920 | $8,262 |
'16 | $8,776 | $9,179 | $8,588 |
'16 | $8,966 | $9,095 | $8,451 |
'16 | $8,462 | $8,790 | $8,032 |
'16 | $8,837 | $9,235 | $8,454 |
'16 | $8,949 | $9,242 | $8,591 |
'16 | $8,951 | $9,355 | $8,674 |
'16 | $8,889 | $9,164 | $8,694 |
'16 | $8,962 | $8,982 | $8,640 |
'16 | $9,307 | $9,289 | $9,036 |
'17 | $9,375 | $9,558 | $9,258 |
'17 | $9,750 | $9,695 | $9,322 |
'17 | $10,050 | $9,962 | $9,583 |
'17 | $10,393 | $10,215 | $9,784 |
'17 | $10,741 | $10,590 | $10,010 |
'17 | $10,671 | $10,571 | $10,040 |
'17 | $10,714 | $10,876 | $10,376 |
'17 | $10,757 | $10,872 | $10,311 |
'17 | $11,073 | $11,143 | $10,630 |
'17 | $11,293 | $11,312 | $10,712 |
'17 | $11,289 | $11,431 | $10,808 |
'17 | $11,355 | $11,614 | $10,974 |
'18 | $11,790 | $12,197 | $11,566 |
'18 | $11,243 | $11,646 | $11,016 |
'18 | $11,320 | $11,436 | $10,751 |
'18 | $11,353 | $11,697 | $11,082 |
'18 | $11,145 | $11,434 | $10,602 |
'18 | $10,940 | $11,295 | $10,467 |
'18 | $11,208 | $11,573 | $10,768 |
'18 | $10,994 | $11,349 | $10,376 |
'18 | $10,936 | $11,448 | $10,591 |
'18 | $10,172 | $10,537 | $9,888 |
'18 | $10,046 | $10,523 | $9,833 |
'18 | $9,717 | $10,012 | $9,352 |
'19 | $10,367 | $10,670 | $9,978 |
'19 | $10,621 | $10,942 | $10,144 |
'19 | $10,474 | $11,011 | $10,092 |
'19 | $10,817 | $11,321 | $10,327 |
'19 | $9,983 | $10,777 | $9,729 |
'19 | $10,527 | $11,417 | $10,248 |
'19 | $10,391 | $11,272 | $10,017 |
'19 | $10,060 | $10,980 | $9,606 |
'19 | $10,612 | $11,294 | $10,069 |
'19 | $11,119 | $11,700 | $10,433 |
'19 | $11,354 | $11,832 | $10,474 |
'19 | $11,802 | $12,217 | $10,856 |
'20 | $11,607 | $11,961 | $10,464 |
'20 | $10,677 | $10,880 | $9,474 |
'20 | $8,774 | $9,428 | $7,795 |
'20 | $9,514 | $10,037 | $8,212 |
'20 | $9,989 | $10,474 | $8,462 |
'20 | $10,399 | $10,831 | $8,764 |
'20 | $10,442 | $11,083 | $8,781 |
'20 | $10,922 | $11,653 | $9,295 |
'20 | $10,589 | $11,350 | $8,868 |
'20 | $10,046 | $10,897 | $8,511 |
'20 | $11,554 | $12,586 | $10,123 |
'20 | $12,154 | $13,171 | $10,571 |
'21 | $11,907 | $13,031 | $10,489 |
'21 | $12,223 | $13,323 | $10,988 |
'21 | $12,732 | $13,630 | $11,358 |
'21 | $12,961 | $14,040 | $11,575 |
'21 | $13,557 | $14,498 | $11,976 |
'21 | $13,244 | $14,335 | $11,700 |
'21 | $13,223 | $14,442 | $11,671 |
'21 | $13,302 | $14,697 | $11,804 |
'21 | $12,701 | $14,271 | $11,587 |
'21 | $12,872 | $14,622 | $11,772 |
'21 | $12,442 | $13,941 | $11,064 |
'21 | $13,282 | $14,655 | $11,723 |
'22 | $13,073 | $13,947 | $11,845 |
'22 | $12,655 | $13,700 | $11,684 |
'22 | $12,621 | $13,788 | $11,762 |
'22 | $11,758 | $12,896 | $11,167 |
'22 | $12,168 | $12,993 | $11,441 |
'22 | $10,880 | $11,787 | $10,302 |
'22 | $11,229 | $12,375 | $10,517 |
'22 | $10,575 | $11,787 | $10,162 |
'22 | $9,623 | $10,684 | $9,251 |
'22 | $10,247 | $11,259 | $9,848 |
'22 | $11,702 | $12,527 | $10,930 |
'22 | $11,519 | $12,537 | $11,068 |
'23 | $12,546 | $13,552 | $11,922 |
'23 | $12,275 | $13,269 | $11,755 |
'23 | $12,611 | $13,598 | $11,725 |
'23 | $12,658 | $13,982 | $12,103 |
'23 | $12,069 | $13,391 | $11,451 |
'23 | $12,658 | $14,000 | $12,095 |
'23 | $13,165 | $14,453 | $12,645 |
'23 | $12,748 | $13,899 | $12,270 |
'23 | $12,395 | $13,424 | $12,166 |
'23 | $11,894 | $12,880 | $11,631 |
'23 | $12,847 | $14,076 | $12,552 |
'23 | $13,683 | $14,824 | $13,165 |
'24 | $13,547 | $14,909 | $13,157 |
'24 | $13,802 | $15,182 | $13,181 |
'24 | $14,230 | $15,681 | $13,755 |
'24 | $13,765 | $15,280 | $13,615 |
'24 | $14,452 | $15,871 | $14,151 |
'24 | $13,689 | $15,615 | $13,757 |
'24 | $14,247 | $16,073 | $14,402 |
'24 | $14,724 | $16,596 | $14,771 |
Yearly periods ended August 31
Average Annual Total Returns
Class/Index | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
---|---|---|---|
Class S No Sales Charge | 15.50% | 7.92% | 3.94% |
MSCI EAFE Index | 19.40% | 8.61% | 5.20% |
MSCI EAFE® Value Index | 20.38% | 8.99% | 3.98% |
Performance shown is historical. The Fund's past performance is not a good predictor or guarantee of the Fund's future performance. Investment return and principal fluctuate, so your shares may be worth more or less when redeemed. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The performance graph and returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.Please visit dws.com/en-us/products/mutual-funds for the Fund’s most recent month-end performance. Fund performance includes reinvestment of all distributions.
Key Fund Statistics
Net Assets ($) | 438,521,810 |
Number of Portfolio Holdings | 61 |
Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 60 |
Total Net Advisory Fees Paid ($) | 2,409,224 |
What did the Fund invest in?
Asset Allocation
Asset Type | % of Net Assets |
Common Stocks | 99% |
Preferred Stocks | 0% |
Cash Equivalents | 0% |
Other Assets and Liabilities, Net | 1% |
Total | 100% |
Holdings-based data is subject to change.
Sector Allocation
Sector | % of Net Assets |
Health Care | 23% |
Financials | 23% |
Consumer Discretionary | 14% |
Materials | 10% |
Industrials | 8% |
Communication Services | 6% |
Information Technology | 5% |
Utilities | 4% |
Consumer Staples | 4% |
Energy | 2% |
Ten Largest Equity Holdings
Holdings | 35.9% of Net Assets |
---|---|
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd. | 4.8% |
Shionogi & Co., Ltd | 4.6% |
Lloyds Banking Group PLC | 3.8% |
ArcelorMittal SA | 3.7% |
Volvo AB | 3.4% |
Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | 3.4% |
Holcim AG | 3.2% |
Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. | 3.0% |
Infineon Technologies AG | 3.0% |
Nintendo Co., Ltd. | 3.0% |
Geographical Diversification
Country | % of Net Assets |
Japan | 27% |
United Kingdom | 15% |
Switzerland | 10% |
France | 9% |
Singapore | 9% |
Germany | 6% |
Luxembourg | 5% |
Sweden | 3% |
Spain | 3% |
Netherlands | 3% |
Other | 10% |
Additional Information
If you wish to view additional information about the Fund, including, but not limited to, its prospectus, quarterly holdings, Board fee evaluation reports, and financial statements and other information, please visit dws.com/mutualreports. For information about the Fund's proxy voting policies and procedures and how the Fund voted proxies related to its portfolio securities, please visit dws.com/en-us/resources/proxy-voting. This additional information is also available free of charge by contacting us at (800) 728-3337.
Householding
In order to reduce the amount of mail you receive and to help reduce expenses, we generally send a single copy of any shareholder report and prospectus to each household. If you do not want the mailing of these documents to be combined with those for other members of your household, please contact your financial representative or call DWS toll free at (800) 728-3337.
Investing in foreign securities presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Stocks may decline in value. The Fund will be managed using the CROCI® Investment Process, which is based on portfolio management’s belief that, over time, stocks which display more favorable financial metrics (for example, the CROCI® Economic P/E Ratio) as generated by this process may outperform stocks which display less favorable metrics. This premise may not prove to be correct and prospective investors should evaluate this assumption prior to investing in the Fund. The Fund may lend securities to approved institutions. Please read the prospectus for details.
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. We advise you to consider the Fund's objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund, which can be requested by calling (800) 728-3337, contacting your financial representative, or visit dws.com/mutualreports to view or download a prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.
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.
©2024 DWS Group GmbH&Co. KGaA. All rights reserved
DCIF-TSRA-S
R-102572-1 (10/24)
DWS CROCI International Fund
Institutional Class: SUIIX
Annual Shareholder Report—August 31, 2024
This annual shareholder report contains important information about DWS CROCI International Fund ("the Fund") for the period September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund on the Fund's website at dws.com/mutualreports. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 728-3337.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment | |
---|---|---|
Institutional Class | $95 | 0.88% |
Gross expense ratio as of the latest prospectus: 0.87%. See prospectus for any contractual or voluntary waivers; without a waiver, costs would have been higher.
How did the Fund perform last year and what affected its performance?
Institutional Class shares of the Fund returned 15.55% for the period ended August 31, 2024. The Fund's broad-based index, the MSCI EAFE Index, returned 19.40% for the same period, while the Fund's additional, more narrowly based index, the MSCI EAFE® Value Index, returned 20.38%.
Stock selection was the primary reason for the Fund’s underperformance. The weakest results occurred in the information technology sector, primarily due to poor performance for the Netherlands-based semiconductor producer STMicroelectronics NV.* The stock lagged its industry peers for much of the period due to weakness in its auto and industrial end markets, and it further declined in August 2024 after missing earnings expectations and reducing its forward guidance. Infineon Technologies AG (3.0%), which was hurt by a slow inventory recovery cycle, weakening electric vehicle sales, and declining market share, was also a notable laggard in technology.
The industrials sector was another area of weakness. The German chemicals producer Brenntag SE (1.4%) was the largest detractor. Profits came in below expectations due to the combination of weaker demand and intensifying pricing headwinds, and management reduced guidance to the low end of the previous range. The Dutch human resources consulting firm Randstad NV,* which was hurt by a slowdown in hiring trends, was a further detractor in industrials. The Fund’s stock picks in healthcare underperformed, as well. Japan-based Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (3.4%), which announced the acquisition of a company without meaningful current revenues, was the largest detractor. Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (4.6%) also lost ground after the trial results of its anti-obesity drug did not meet expectations. In addition, its pill-based COVID-19 treatment did not clear a late stage trial.
On the other hand, the Fund outperformed in the materials sector. Shares of the Swiss building materials producer Holcim AG (3.2%) rose on the strength of robust cash flows, growth related to the global decarbonization trend, and a cyclical recovery in its U.S. roofing business. Nitto Denko Corp. (0.7%), a Japanese maker of adhesives and building products, was also a top contributor in materials. The stock was boosted by improving earnings growth visibility and the company’s proactive stance on shareholder returns. Shin Etsu Chemical, Ltd.,* whose products are used in the fabrication of semiconductors, was another contributor of note. Stock selection in the consumer discretionary sector also added value, led by positions in Sekisui House Ltd. (2.8%) and Pandora A/S (0.3%).
* Not held at August 31, 2024
Percentages in parentheses are based on the Fund's net assets as of August 31, 2024.
Fund Performance
Cumulative Growth of an Assumed $1,000,000Investment
MSCI EAFE Index is an equity index which captures large and mid-cap representation across Developed Markets countries around the world, excluding the US and Canada. The index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.
The MSCI EAFE Index is a broad-based index that represents the fund’s overall equity market.
MSCI EAFE® Value Index captures large and mid-capitalization securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across developed markets countries around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, 12-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.
The MSCI EAFE® Value Index is a more narrowly based index that reflects the market sector in which the fund invests.
Index returns do not reflect any fees or expenses and it is not possible to invest directly into an index.
Institutional Class | MSCI EAFE Index | MSCI EAFE® Value Index | |
---|---|---|---|
'14 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
'14 | $990,991 | $961,559 | $958,756 |
'14 | $980,257 | $947,597 | $939,350 |
'14 | $988,691 | $960,486 | $944,675 |
'14 | $969,878 | $927,214 | $912,222 |
'15 | $986,890 | $931,747 | $909,675 |
'15 | $1,054,724 | $987,448 | $966,648 |
'15 | $1,054,299 | $972,447 | $947,671 |
'15 | $1,068,759 | $1,012,151 | $989,575 |
'15 | $1,092,788 | $1,006,970 | $980,009 |
'15 | $1,034,735 | $978,439 | $949,709 |
'15 | $1,033,460 | $998,755 | $966,233 |
'15 | $956,269 | $925,284 | $893,597 |
'15 | $891,199 | $878,302 | $837,917 |
'15 | $937,344 | $946,958 | $899,588 |
'15 | $941,171 | $932,226 | $877,268 |
'15 | $921,191 | $919,665 | $860,369 |
'16 | $889,031 | $853,160 | $790,381 |
'16 | $865,461 | $837,530 | $775,100 |
'16 | $884,405 | $892,026 | $826,221 |
'16 | $878,898 | $917,851 | $858,800 |
'16 | $898,062 | $909,513 | $845,145 |
'16 | $847,839 | $878,983 | $803,191 |
'16 | $885,066 | $923,531 | $845,399 |
'16 | $896,300 | $924,187 | $859,082 |
'16 | $896,741 | $935,540 | $867,387 |
'16 | $890,573 | $916,404 | $869,412 |
'16 | $898,062 | $898,153 | $864,045 |
'16 | $932,412 | $928,865 | $903,599 |
'17 | $939,274 | $955,809 | $925,849 |
'17 | $977,019 | $969,477 | $932,179 |
'17 | $1,007,215 | $996,165 | $958,251 |
'17 | $1,041,529 | $1,021,512 | $978,356 |
'17 | $1,076,300 | $1,059,006 | $1,001,013 |
'17 | $1,069,437 | $1,057,133 | $1,004,037 |
'17 | $1,074,012 | $1,087,627 | $1,037,622 |
'17 | $1,078,130 | $1,087,217 | $1,031,148 |
'17 | $1,109,927 | $1,114,268 | $1,062,950 |
'17 | $1,132,116 | $1,131,188 | $1,071,182 |
'17 | $1,131,659 | $1,143,053 | $1,080,783 |
'17 | $1,138,320 | $1,161,400 | $1,097,350 |
'18 | $1,182,201 | $1,219,655 | $1,156,601 |
'18 | $1,127,291 | $1,164,605 | $1,101,640 |
'18 | $1,135,035 | $1,143,614 | $1,075,098 |
'18 | $1,138,320 | $1,169,726 | $1,108,218 |
'18 | $1,117,436 | $1,143,433 | $1,060,187 |
'18 | $1,097,021 | $1,129,463 | $1,046,743 |
'18 | $1,124,006 | $1,157,265 | $1,076,792 |
'18 | $1,102,652 | $1,134,915 | $1,037,625 |
'18 | $1,096,786 | $1,144,765 | $1,059,077 |
'18 | $1,020,288 | $1,053,651 | $988,758 |
'18 | $1,007,616 | $1,052,323 | $983,256 |
'18 | $974,583 | $1,001,239 | $935,182 |
'19 | $1,039,896 | $1,067,041 | $997,773 |
'19 | $1,065,486 | $1,094,241 | $1,014,366 |
'19 | $1,050,863 | $1,101,141 | $1,009,208 |
'19 | $1,085,226 | $1,132,100 | $1,032,722 |
'19 | $1,001,635 | $1,077,730 | $972,942 |
'19 | $1,055,981 | $1,141,667 | $1,024,779 |
'19 | $1,042,334 | $1,127,171 | $1,001,733 |
'19 | $1,008,946 | $1,097,971 | $960,582 |
'19 | $1,064,267 | $1,129,434 | $1,006,936 |
'19 | $1,115,202 | $1,170,014 | $1,043,264 |
'19 | $1,138,598 | $1,183,204 | $1,047,392 |
'19 | $1,183,546 | $1,221,658 | $1,085,639 |
'20 | $1,163,883 | $1,196,140 | $1,046,382 |
'20 | $1,070,611 | $1,088,012 | $947,358 |
'20 | $880,034 | $942,797 | $779,511 |
'20 | $954,399 | $1,003,704 | $821,233 |
'20 | $1,002,296 | $1,047,410 | $846,214 |
'20 | $1,043,386 | $1,083,074 | $876,386 |
'20 | $1,047,671 | $1,108,319 | $878,087 |
'20 | $1,096,324 | $1,165,299 | $929,490 |
'20 | $1,063,049 | $1,135,021 | $886,809 |
'20 | $1,008,598 | $1,089,701 | $851,099 |
'20 | $1,159,850 | $1,258,619 | $1,012,275 |
'20 | $1,220,190 | $1,317,140 | $1,057,115 |
'21 | $1,195,278 | $1,303,107 | $1,048,873 |
'21 | $1,227,124 | $1,332,335 | $1,098,840 |
'21 | $1,278,233 | $1,362,970 | $1,135,817 |
'21 | $1,301,605 | $1,403,981 | $1,157,504 |
'21 | $1,361,445 | $1,449,766 | $1,197,591 |
'21 | $1,329,856 | $1,433,451 | $1,170,003 |
'21 | $1,328,058 | $1,444,244 | $1,167,146 |
'21 | $1,336,020 | $1,469,719 | $1,180,365 |
'21 | $1,275,922 | $1,427,066 | $1,158,700 |
'21 | $1,292,872 | $1,462,165 | $1,177,178 |
'21 | $1,249,725 | $1,394,110 | $1,106,353 |
'21 | $1,334,054 | $1,465,494 | $1,172,250 |
'22 | $1,313,489 | $1,394,676 | $1,184,466 |
'22 | $1,271,291 | $1,370,016 | $1,168,367 |
'22 | $1,267,819 | $1,378,822 | $1,176,162 |
'22 | $1,181,285 | $1,289,620 | $1,116,657 |
'22 | $1,222,415 | $1,299,288 | $1,144,146 |
'22 | $1,093,150 | $1,178,730 | $1,030,224 |
'22 | $1,128,404 | $1,237,466 | $1,051,680 |
'22 | $1,062,436 | $1,178,693 | $1,016,194 |
'22 | $966,822 | $1,068,430 | $925,089 |
'22 | $1,029,852 | $1,125,884 | $984,757 |
'22 | $1,175,944 | $1,252,699 | $1,092,994 |
'22 | $1,157,333 | $1,253,706 | $1,106,802 |
'23 | $1,260,735 | $1,355,227 | $1,192,236 |
'23 | $1,233,641 | $1,326,948 | $1,175,529 |
'23 | $1,267,647 | $1,359,835 | $1,172,487 |
'23 | $1,272,347 | $1,398,227 | $1,210,269 |
'23 | $1,213,181 | $1,339,057 | $1,145,095 |
'23 | $1,272,624 | $1,399,997 | $1,209,473 |
'23 | $1,323,496 | $1,445,296 | $1,264,470 |
'23 | $1,281,748 | $1,389,923 | $1,226,981 |
'23 | $1,246,082 | $1,342,446 | $1,216,570 |
'23 | $1,195,763 | $1,288,021 | $1,163,062 |
'23 | $1,291,701 | $1,407,572 | $1,255,230 |
'23 | $1,375,613 | $1,482,355 | $1,316,547 |
'24 | $1,362,143 | $1,490,886 | $1,315,662 |
'24 | $1,387,936 | $1,518,176 | $1,318,054 |
'24 | $1,431,210 | $1,568,108 | $1,375,539 |
'24 | $1,384,210 | $1,527,951 | $1,361,472 |
'24 | $1,453,277 | $1,587,136 | $1,415,116 |
'24 | $1,376,472 | $1,561,514 | $1,375,721 |
'24 | $1,432,930 | $1,607,323 | $1,440,212 |
'24 | $1,481,076 | $1,659,587 | $1,477,080 |
Yearly periods ended August 31
Average Annual Total Returns
Class/Index | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
---|---|---|---|
Institutional Class No Sales Charge | 15.55% | 7.98% | 4.01% |
MSCI EAFE Index | 19.40% | 8.61% | 5.20% |
MSCI EAFE® Value Index | 20.38% | 8.99% | 3.98% |
Performance shown is historical. The Fund's past performance is not a good predictor or guarantee of the Fund's future performance. Investment return and principal fluctuate, so your shares may be worth more or less when redeemed. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The performance graph and returns table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.Please visit dws.com/en-us/products/mutual-funds for the Fund’s most recent month-end performance. Fund performance includes reinvestment of all distributions.
Key Fund Statistics
Net Assets ($) | 438,521,810 |
Number of Portfolio Holdings | 61 |
Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 60 |
Total Net Advisory Fees Paid ($) | 2,409,224 |
What did the Fund invest in?
Asset Allocation
Asset Type | % of Net Assets |
Common Stocks | 99% |
Preferred Stocks | 0% |
Cash Equivalents | 0% |
Other Assets and Liabilities, Net | 1% |
Total | 100% |
Holdings-based data is subject to change.
Sector Allocation
Sector | % of Net Assets |
Health Care | 23% |
Financials | 23% |
Consumer Discretionary | 14% |
Materials | 10% |
Industrials | 8% |
Communication Services | 6% |
Information Technology | 5% |
Utilities | 4% |
Consumer Staples | 4% |
Energy | 2% |
Ten Largest Equity Holdings
Holdings | 35.9% of Net Assets |
---|---|
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd. | 4.8% |
Shionogi & Co., Ltd | 4.6% |
Lloyds Banking Group PLC | 3.8% |
ArcelorMittal SA | 3.7% |
Volvo AB | 3.4% |
Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | 3.4% |
Holcim AG | 3.2% |
Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. | 3.0% |
Infineon Technologies AG | 3.0% |
Nintendo Co., Ltd. | 3.0% |
Geographical Diversification
Country | % of Net Assets |
Japan | 27% |
United Kingdom | 15% |
Switzerland | 10% |
France | 9% |
Singapore | 9% |
Germany | 6% |
Luxembourg | 5% |
Sweden | 3% |
Spain | 3% |
Netherlands | 3% |
Other | 10% |
Additional Information
If you wish to view additional information about the Fund, including, but not limited to, its prospectus, quarterly holdings, Board fee evaluation reports, and financial statements and other information, please visit dws.com/mutualreports. For information about the Fund's proxy voting policies and procedures and how the Fund voted proxies related to its portfolio securities, please visit dws.com/en-us/resources/proxy-voting. This additional information is also available free of charge by contacting us at (800) 728-3337.
Householding
In order to reduce the amount of mail you receive and to help reduce expenses, we generally send a single copy of any shareholder report and prospectus to each household. If you do not want the mailing of these documents to be combined with those for other members of your household, please contact your financial representative or call DWS toll free at (800) 728-3337.
Investing in foreign securities presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Stocks may decline in value. The Fund will be managed using the CROCI® Investment Process, which is based on portfolio management’s belief that, over time, stocks which display more favorable financial metrics (for example, the CROCI® Economic P/E Ratio) as generated by this process may outperform stocks which display less favorable metrics. This premise may not prove to be correct and prospective investors should evaluate this assumption prior to investing in the Fund. The Fund may lend securities to approved institutions. Please read the prospectus for details.
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. We advise you to consider the Fund's objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund, which can be requested by calling (800) 728-3337, contacting your financial representative, or visit dws.com/mutualreports to view or download a prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.
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.
©2024 DWS Group GmbH&Co. KGaA. All rights reserved
DCIF-TSRA-I
R-102572-1 (10/24)
(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 CROCI international 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 August 31, | Audit Fees Billed to Fund | Audit-Related Fees Billed to Fund | Tax Fees Billed to Fund | All Other Fees Billed to Fund |
2024 | $61,312 | $0 | $7,629 | $0 |
2023 | $58,361 | $0 | $7,629 | $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 August 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 |
2024 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
2023 | $0 | $539,907 | $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 August 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) |
2024 | $7,629 | $0 | $0 | $7,629 |
2023 | $7,629 | $539,907 | $0 | $547,536 |
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 $100,000. All such delegated pre approvals shall be presented to each Fund’s Audit Committee no later than the next Audit Committee meeting.
There were no amounts that were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
According to the registrant’s principal Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, substantially all of the principal Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm's hours spent on auditing the registrant's financial statements were attributed to work performed by full-time permanent employees of the principal Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and (i) and (j) are not applicable.
***
In connection with the audit of the 2023 and 2024 financial statements, the Fund entered into an engagement letter with EY. The terms of the engagement letter required by EY, and agreed to by the Audit Committee, include a provision mandating the use of mediation and arbitration to resolve any controversy or claim between the parties arising out of or relating to the engagement letter or services provided thereunder.
***
Item 5. | Audit Committee of Listed Registrants |
Not applicable | |
Item 6. | Investments. |
Not applicable | |
Item 7. | Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management Investment Companies. |
(a) |
3 | |
8 | |
10 | |
11 | |
12 | |
17 | |
28 | |
30 | |
31 |
2 | | | DWS CROCI® International Fund |
Shares | Value ($) | ||
Common Stocks 98.7% | |||
Australia 2.8% | |||
BHP Group Ltd. | 315,816 | 8,743,994 | |
BlueScope Steel Ltd. | 247,545 | 3,475,772 | |
(Cost $11,387,006) | 12,219,766 | ||
Denmark 0.3% | |||
Pandora A/S (Cost $1,050,519) | 6,741 | 1,182,451 | |
Finland 1.6% | |||
Fortum Oyj | 93,595 | 1,499,830 | |
Nokia Oyj | 1,283,737 | 5,666,340 | |
(Cost $6,226,508) | 7,166,170 | ||
France 9.2% | |||
Cie de Saint-Gobain SA | 32,945 | 2,885,610 | |
Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA | 54,431 | 2,138,489 | |
Credit Agricole SA | 665,423 | 10,438,245 | |
Engie SA | 80,596 | 1,421,069 | |
Sanofi SA | 82,771 | 9,277,438 | |
Television Francaise 1 SA | 950,748 | 8,496,672 | |
TotalEnergies SE | 38,137 | 2,631,702 | |
Vivendi SE | 292,809 | 3,285,324 | |
(Cost $33,482,637) | 40,574,549 | ||
Germany 5.2% | |||
Brenntag SE | 81,899 | 6,089,179 | |
Deutsche Post AG | 89,962 | 3,902,153 | |
Infineon Technologies AG | 354,669 | 13,012,530 | |
(Cost $20,064,271) | 23,003,862 | ||
Hong Kong 1.8% | |||
Hong Kong & China Gas Co., Ltd. | 6,627,000 | 5,380,168 | |
Yue Yuen Industrial Holdings Ltd. | 1,344,000 | 2,316,211 | |
(Cost $7,813,064) | 7,696,379 | ||
Israel 1.0% | |||
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (ADR)* (Cost $1,898,297) | 228,854 | 4,318,475 | |
Italy 2.4% | |||
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA | 979,031 | 4,087,770 | |
UniCredit SpA | 152,318 | 6,323,318 | |
(Cost $5,075,311) | 10,411,088 |
DWS CROCI® International Fund | | | 3 |
Shares | Value ($) | ||
Japan 27.4% | |||
Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. | 180,100 | 3,198,396 | |
Komatsu Ltd. | 182,700 | 5,106,287 | |
Nintendo Co., Ltd. | 238,800 | 12,974,667 | |
Nitto Denko Corp. | 34,300 | 2,865,861 | |
Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | 1,009,100 | 14,885,203 | |
Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. | 221,900 | 13,071,965 | |
Sekisui House Ltd. | 471,300 | 12,162,814 | |
Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. (a) | 432,500 | 6,257,513 | |
Shionogi & Co., Ltd. | 436,200 | 20,355,472 | |
Sony Group Corp. | 115,800 | 11,341,247 | |
Subaru Corp. | 321,200 | 6,169,401 | |
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | 395,900 | 11,778,262 | |
(Cost $112,216,945) | 120,167,088 | ||
Luxembourg 5.2% | |||
ArcelorMittal SA | 679,020 | 16,015,285 | |
Tenaris SA | 450,924 | 6,623,829 | |
(Cost $24,857,960) | 22,639,114 | ||
Netherlands 2.8% | |||
Stellantis NV (Cost $13,184,419) | 727,790 | 12,251,869 | |
Singapore 8.8% | |||
DBS Group Holdings Ltd. | 234,250 | 6,539,432 | |
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd. | 1,887,900 | 21,053,362 | |
United Overseas Bank Ltd. | 380,700 | 9,158,808 | |
Venture Corp., Ltd. | 165,300 | 1,777,979 | |
(Cost $33,989,773) | 38,529,581 | ||
Spain 2.8% | |||
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA | 289,827 | 3,076,443 | |
Banco Santander SA | 1,858,857 | 9,237,986 | |
(Cost $8,401,556) | 12,314,429 | ||
Sweden 3.4% | |||
Volvo AB “B” (Cost $13,945,915) | 566,648 | 15,081,887 | |
Switzerland 9.5% | |||
Cie Financiere Richemont SA “A” , (Registered) | 74,228 | 11,655,395 | |
Holcim AG | 146,408 | 14,127,917 | |
Novartis AG (Registered) | 100,519 | 12,139,037 | |
Roche Holding AG (Genusschein) | 11,383 | 3,844,873 | |
(Cost $32,253,046) | 41,767,222 |
4 | | | DWS CROCI® International Fund |
Shares | Value ($) | ||
United Kingdom 14.5% | |||
AstraZeneca PLC | 7,182 | 1,257,810 | |
British American Tobacco PLC | 153,417 | 5,744,961 | |
Centrica PLC | 3,996,251 | 6,777,768 | |
easyJet PLC | 248,253 | 1,550,557 | |
GSK PLC | 543,995 | 11,870,584 | |
HSBC Holdings PLC | 1,187,046 | 10,430,238 | |
Imperial Brands PLC | 101,280 | 2,907,158 | |
ITV PLC | 3,523,624 | 3,687,884 | |
Lloyds Banking Group PLC | 21,591,505 | 16,660,150 | |
NatWest Group PLC | 286,016 | 1,300,570 | |
Standard Chartered PLC | 141,518 | 1,454,850 | |
(Cost $53,955,772) | 63,642,530 | ||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $379,802,999) | 432,966,460 | ||
Preferred Stocks 0.4% | |||
Germany | |||
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Cost $1,203,058) | 16,790 | 1,537,465 | |
Securities Lending Collateral 1.4% | |||
DWS Government & Agency Securities Portfolio “DWS Government Cash Institutional Shares” , 5.22% (b) (c) (Cost $5,890,000) | 5,890,000 | 5,890,000 | |
Cash Equivalents 0.3% | |||
DWS Central Cash Management Government Fund, 5.34% (b) (Cost $1,477,627) | 1,477,627 | 1,477,627 |
% of Net Assets | Value ($) | ||
Total Investment Portfolio (Cost $388,373,684) | 100.8 | 441,871,552 | |
Other Assets and Liabilities, Net | (0.8 ) | (3,349,742 ) | |
Net Assets | 100.0 | 438,521,810 |
DWS CROCI® International Fund | | | 5 |
Value ($) at 8/31/2023 | 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 8/31/2024 | Value ($) at 8/31/2024 |
Securities Lending Collateral 1.4% | ||||||||
DWS Government & Agency Securities Portfolio “DWS Government Cash Institutional Shares” , 5.22% (b) (c) | ||||||||
— | 5,890,000 (d) | — | — | — | 64,401 | — | 5,890,000 | 5,890,000 |
Cash Equivalents 0.3% | ||||||||
DWS Central Cash Management Government Fund, 5.34% (b) | ||||||||
2,030,447 | 54,351,210 | 54,904,030 | — | — | 97,388 | — | 1,477,627 | 1,477,627 |
2,030,447 | 60,241,210 | 54,904,030 | — | — | 161,789 | — | 7,367,627 | 7,367,627 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | 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 August 31, 2024 amounted to $5,497,916, which is 1.3% of net assets. |
(b) | Affiliated fund managed by DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. The rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield at period end. |
(c) | Represents cash collateral held in connection with securities lending. Income earned by the Fund is net of borrower rebates. |
(d) | Represents the net increase (purchase cost) or decrease (sales proceeds) in the amount invested in cash collateral for the year ended August 31, 2024. |
ADR: American Depositary Receipt |
6 | | | DWS CROCI® International Fund |
Assets | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Common Stocks | ||||
Australia | $— | $12,219,766 | $— | $12,219,766 |
Denmark | — | 1,182,451 | — | 1,182,451 |
Finland | — | 7,166,170 | — | 7,166,170 |
France | — | 40,574,549 | — | 40,574,549 |
Germany | — | 23,003,862 | — | 23,003,862 |
Hong Kong | — | 7,696,379 | — | 7,696,379 |
Israel | 4,318,475 | — | — | 4,318,475 |
Italy | — | 10,411,088 | — | 10,411,088 |
Japan | — | 120,167,088 | — | 120,167,088 |
Luxembourg | — | 22,639,114 | — | 22,639,114 |
Netherlands | — | 12,251,869 | — | 12,251,869 |
Singapore | — | 38,529,581 | — | 38,529,581 |
Spain | — | 12,314,429 | — | 12,314,429 |
Sweden | — | 15,081,887 | — | 15,081,887 |
Switzerland | — | 41,767,222 | — | 41,767,222 |
United Kingdom | — | 63,642,530 | — | 63,642,530 |
Preferred Stocks | — | 1,537,465 | — | 1,537,465 |
Short-Term Investments (a) | 7,367,627 | — | — | 7,367,627 |
Total | $11,686,102 | $430,185,450 | $— | $441,871,552 |
(a) | See Investment Portfolio for additional detailed categorizations. |
DWS CROCI® International Fund | | | 7 |
Assets | |
Investments in non-affiliated securities, at value (cost $381,006,057) — including $5,497,916 of securities loaned | $434,503,925 |
Investment in DWS Government & Agency Securities Portfolio (cost $5,890,000)* | 5,890,000 |
Investment in DWS Central Cash Management Government Fund (cost $1,477,627) | 1,477,627 |
Cash | 10 |
Foreign currency, at value (cost $111,900) | 113,543 |
Receivable for Fund shares sold | 7,878 |
Dividends receivable | 1,070,942 |
Affiliated securities lending income receivable | 3,278 |
Foreign taxes recoverable | 2,039,859 |
Other assets | 28,228 |
Total assets | 445,135,290 |
Liabilities | |
Payable upon return of securities loaned | 5,890,000 |
Payable for Fund shares redeemed | 192,263 |
Accrued management fee | 201,065 |
Accrued Directors' fees | 5,666 |
Other accrued expenses and payables | 324,486 |
Total liabilities | 6,613,480 |
Net assets, at value | $438,521,810 |
Net Assets Consist of | |
Distributable earnings (loss) | (405,856,326 ) |
Paid-in capital | 844,378,136 |
Net assets, at value | $438,521,810 |
8 | | | DWS CROCI® International Fund |
Net Asset Value | |
Class A | |
Net Asset Value and redemption price per share ($56,175,291 ÷ 1,087,370 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized) | $51.66 |
Maximum offering price per share (100 ÷ 94.25 of $51.66) | $54.81 |
Class C | |
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price (subject to contingent deferred sales charge) per share ($1,701,653 ÷ 33,227 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized) | $51.21 |
Class R6 | |
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share ($319,717 ÷ 6,198 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized)** | $51.59 |
Class S | |
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share ($360,493,380 ÷ 6,944,276 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.01 par value, 200,595,597 shares authorized) | $51.91 |
Institutional Class | |
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share ($19,831,769 ÷ 383,760 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized) | $51.68 |
DWS CROCI® International Fund | | | 9 |
Investment Income | |
Income: | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $1,486,377) | $15,603,802 |
Income distributions — DWS Central Cash Management Government Fund | 97,388 |
Affiliated securities lending income | 64,401 |
Total income | 15,765,591 |
Expenses: | |
Management fee | 2,409,224 |
Administration fee | 413,619 |
Services to shareholders | 809,039 |
Distribution and service fees | 152,058 |
Custodian fee | 53,671 |
Professional fees | 86,640 |
Reports to shareholders | 72,785 |
Registration fees | 85,668 |
Directors' fees and expenses | 20,659 |
Other | 40,087 |
Total expenses before expense reductions | 4,143,450 |
Expense reductions | (214 ) |
Total expenses after expense reductions | 4,143,236 |
Net investment income | 11,622,355 |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | |
Net realized gain (loss) from: | |
Investments | 13,648,860 |
Foreign currency | (132,265 ) |
Payments by affiliates (see Note F) | 72,125 |
13,588,720 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | |
Investments | 36,177,859 |
Foreign currency | 106,893 |
36,284,752 | |
Net gain (loss) | 49,873,472 |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | $61,495,827 |
10 | | | DWS CROCI® International Fund |
Years Ended August 31, | ||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 2024 | 2023 |
Operations: | ||
Net investment income | $11,622,355 | $16,427,033 |
Net realized gain (loss) | 13,588,720 | (4,128,679 ) |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 36,284,752 | 64,447,031 |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 61,495,827 | 76,745,385 |
Distributions to shareholders: | ||
Class A | (1,867,729 ) | (1,639,026 ) |
Class C | (48,809 ) | (140,178 ) |
Class R6 | (48,103 ) | (59,498 ) |
Class S | (12,327,719 ) | (11,149,753 ) |
Institutional Class | (698,400 ) | (705,692 ) |
Total distributions | (14,990,760 ) | (13,694,147 ) |
Fund share transactions: | ||
Proceeds from shares sold | 9,835,500 | 12,901,839 |
Reinvestment of distributions | 14,111,471 | 12,817,833 |
Payments for shares redeemed | (58,156,425 ) | (58,411,554 ) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share transactions | (34,209,454 ) | (32,691,882 ) |
Increase (decrease) in net assets | 12,295,613 | 30,359,356 |
Net assets at beginning of period | 426,226,197 | 395,866,841 |
Net assets at end of period | $438,521,810 | $426,226,197 |
DWS CROCI® International Fund | | | 11 |
DWS CROCI® International Fund — Class A | |||||
Years Ended August 31, | |||||
2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
Selected Per Share Data | |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $46.34 | $39.77 | $51.98 | $43.46 | $41.41 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment incomea | 1.18 | 1.62 | 1.49 | 1.09 | .76 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 5.71 | 6.28 | (11.90 ) | 8.15 | 2.76 |
Total from investment operations | 6.89 | 7.90 | (10.41 ) | 9.24 | 3.52 |
Less distributions from: | |||||
Net investment income | (1.57 ) | (1.33 ) | (1.80 ) | (.72 ) | (1.47 ) |
Net asset value, end of period | $51.66 | $46.34 | $39.77 | $51.98 | $43.46 |
Total Return (%)b | 15.16 | 20.23 c | (20.71 ) | 21.44 | 8.27 c |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | |||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 56 | 57 | 51 | 69 | 64 |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | 1.22 | 1.21 | 1.19 | 1.19 | 1.19 |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | 1.22 | 1.21 | 1.19 | 1.19 | 1.19 |
Ratio of net investment income (%) | 2.47 | 3.71 | 3.18 | 2.25 | 1.78 |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 60 | 68 | 65 | 61 | 68 |
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. |
12 | | | DWS CROCI® International Fund |
DWS CROCI® International Fund — Class C | |||||
Years Ended August 31, | |||||
2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
Selected Per Share Data | |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $45.92 | $39.41 | $51.50 | $43.06 | $41.02 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment incomea | .75 | 1.24 | 1.14 | .71 | .45 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 5.72 | 6.27 | (11.81 ) | 8.10 | 2.70 |
Total from investment operations | 6.47 | 7.51 | (10.67 ) | 8.81 | 3.15 |
Less distributions from: | |||||
Net investment income | (1.18 ) | (1.00 ) | (1.42 ) | (.37 ) | (1.11 ) |
Net asset value, end of period | $51.21 | $45.92 | $39.41 | $51.50 | $43.06 |
Total Return (%)b | 14.30 c | 19.33 c | (21.30 ) | 20.58 | 7.50 |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | |||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 2 | 3 | 7 | 13 | 16 |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | 1.97 | 1.98 | 1.92 | 1.91 | 1.91 |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | 1.96 | 1.98 | 1.92 | 1.91 | 1.91 |
Ratio of net investment income (%) | 1.58 | 2.91 | 2.43 | 1.48 | 1.06 |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 60 | 68 | 65 | 61 | 68 |
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. |
DWS CROCI® International Fund | | | 13 |
DWS CROCI® International Fund — Class R6 | |||||
Years Ended August 31, | |||||
2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
Selected Per Share Data | |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $46.27 | $39.72 | $51.92 | $43.41 | $41.35 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment incomea | 1.38 | 1.87 | 1.76 | 1.26 | .94 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 5.71 | 6.20 | (11.94 ) | 8.17 | 2.78 |
Total from investment operations | 7.09 | 8.07 | (10.18 ) | 9.43 | 3.72 |
Less distributions from: | |||||
Net investment income | (1.77 ) | (1.52 ) | (2.02 ) | (.92 ) | (1.66 ) |
Net asset value, end of period | $51.59 | $46.27 | $39.72 | $51.92 | $43.41 |
Total Return (%) | 15.67 | 20.73 | (20.38 ) | 21.95 | 8.72 |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | |||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | .3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Ratio of expenses (%) | .79 | .79 | .77 | .77 | .77 |
Ratio of net investment income (%) | 2.90 | 4.29 | 3.81 | 2.61 | 2.19 |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 60 | 68 | 65 | 61 | 68 |
a | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
14 | | | DWS CROCI® International Fund |
DWS CROCI® International Fund — Class S | |||||
Years Ended August 31, | |||||
2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
Selected Per Share Data | |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $46.56 | $39.97 | $52.24 | $43.68 | $41.61 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment incomea | 1.33 | 1.75 | 1.63 | 1.23 | .88 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 5.73 | 6.30 | (11.95 ) | 8.19 | 2.79 |
Total from investment operations | 7.06 | 8.05 | (10.32 ) | 9.42 | 3.67 |
Less distributions from: | |||||
Net investment income | (1.71 ) | (1.46 ) | (1.95 ) | (.86 ) | (1.60 ) |
Net asset value, end of period | $51.91 | $46.56 | $39.97 | $52.24 | $43.68 |
Total Return (%) | 15.50 | 20.55 | (20.50 ) | 21.80 | 8.56 |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | |||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 360 | 346 | 315 | 433 | 392 |
Ratio of expenses (%) | .93 | .93 | .91 | .91 | .91 |
Ratio of net investment income (%) | 2.77 | 3.98 | 3.46 | 2.53 | 2.05 |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 60 | 68 | 65 | 61 | 68 |
a | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
DWS CROCI® International Fund | | | 15 |
DWS CROCI® International Fund — Institutional Class | |||||
Years Ended August 31, | |||||
2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
Selected Per Share Data | |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $46.36 | $39.78 | $52.01 | $43.49 | $41.40 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment incomea | 1.33 | 1.74 | 1.66 | 1.30 | .93 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 5.72 | 6.31 | (11.91 ) | 8.10 | 2.76 |
Total from investment operations | 7.05 | 8.05 | (10.25 ) | 9.40 | 3.69 |
Less distributions from: | |||||
Net investment income | (1.73 ) | (1.47 ) | (1.98 ) | (.88 ) | (1.60 ) |
Net asset value, end of period | $51.68 | $46.36 | $39.78 | $52.01 | $43.49 |
Total Return (%) | 15.55 | 20.64 | (20.48 ) | 21.86 | 8.66 b |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | |||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 20 | 20 | 22 | 30 | 17 |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | .88 | .87 | .88 | .85 | .85 |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | .88 | .87 | .88 | .85 | .85 |
Ratio of net investment income (%) | 2.79 | 4.01 | 3.52 | 2.64 | 2.16 |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 60 | 68 | 65 | 61 | 68 |
a | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
b | Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. |
16 | | | DWS CROCI® International Fund |
DWS CROCI® International Fund | | | 17 |
18 | | | DWS CROCI® International Fund |
DWS CROCI® International Fund | | | 19 |
20 | | | DWS CROCI® International Fund |
Undistributed ordinary income* | $9,370,314 |
Capital loss carryforwards | $(467,793,295 ) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | $52,456,534 |
Years Ended August 31, | ||
2024 | 2023 | |
Distributions from ordinary income* | $14,990,760 | $13,694,147 |
* | For tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are considered ordinary income distributions. |
DWS CROCI® International Fund | | | 21 |
First $2.5 billion of the Fund’s average daily net assets | .565% |
Next $2.5 billion of such net assets | .545% |
Next $5 billion of such net assets | .525% |
Next $5 billion of such net assets | .515% |
Over $15 billion of such net assets | .465% |
22 | | | DWS CROCI® International Fund |
Class A | 1.24% |
Class C | 1.99% |
Class R6 | .99% |
Class S | .99% |
Institutional Class | .99% |
Class A | 1.23% | |
Class C | 1.98% | |
Class R6 | .98% | |
Class S | .98% | |
Institutional Class | .98% |
Class A | 1.20% | |||
Class C | 1.95% | |||
Class R6 | .95% | |||
Class S | .95% | |||
Institutional Class | .95% |
DWS CROCI® International Fund | | | 23 |
Services to Shareholders | Total Aggregated | Unpaid at August 31, 2024 |
Class A | $60,492 | $10,007 |
Class C | 1,869 | 312 |
Class R6 | 205 | 30 |
Class S | 311,667 | 51,794 |
Institutional Class | 941 | 161 |
$375,174 | $62,304 |
Sub-Recordkeeping | Total Aggregated |
Class A | $54,220 |
Class C | 2,055 |
Class S | 222,808 |
Institutional Class | 20,040 |
$299,123 |
24 | | | DWS CROCI® International Fund |
Distribution Fee | Total Aggregated | Unpaid at August 31, 2024 |
Class C | $14,516 | $1,039 |
Service Fee | Total Aggregated | Unpaid at August 31, 2024 | Annual Rate |
Class A | $132,800 | $25,352 | .24% |
Class C | 4,742 | 837 | .24% |
$137,542 | $26,189 |
DWS CROCI® International Fund | | | 25 |
Year Ended August 31, 2024 | Year Ended August 31, 2023 | |||
Shares | Dollars | Shares | Dollars | |
Shares sold | ||||
Class A | 33,351 | $1,580,446 | 107,449 | $4,767,480 |
Class C | 2,256 | 105,966 | 2,859 | 125,882 |
Class R6 | 2,385 | 116,996 | 7,986 | 350,368 |
Class S | 53,748 | 2,609,649 | 70,777 | 3,189,009 |
Institutional Class | 115,977 | 5,422,443 | 103,019 | 4,469,100 |
$9,835,500 | $12,901,839 | |||
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions | ||||
Class A | 38,065 | $1,808,104 | 37,607 | $1,573,887 |
Class C | 1,028 | 48,658 | 3,345 | 139,467 |
Class R6 | 1,017 | 48,103 | 1,428 | 59,498 |
Class S | 241,892 | 11,521,327 | 246,598 | 10,349,556 |
Institutional Class | 14,458 | 685,279 | 16,649 | 695,425 |
$14,111,471 | $12,817,833 |
26 | | | DWS CROCI® International Fund |
Year Ended August 31, 2024 | Year Ended August 31, 2023 | |||
Shares | Dollars | Shares | Dollars | |
Shares redeemed | ||||
Class A | (215,585 ) | $(10,332,617 ) | (203,047 ) | $(8,713,659 ) |
Class T | — | — | (242 )* | (8,742 )* |
Class C | (29,036 ) | (1,356,915 ) | (113,662 ) | (4,969,734 ) |
Class R6 | (23,528 ) | (1,179,606 ) | (22,263 ) | (1,014,867 ) |
Class S | (774,789 ) | (37,300,312 ) | (765,058 ) | (33,279,674 ) |
Institutional Class | (169,615 ) | (7,986,975 ) | (245,989 ) | (10,424,878 ) |
$(58,156,425 ) | $(58,411,554 ) | |||
Net increase (decrease) | ||||
Class A | (144,169 ) | $(6,944,067 ) | (57,991 ) | $(2,372,292 ) |
Class T | — | — | (242 )* | (8,742 )* |
Class C | (25,752 ) | (1,202,291 ) | (107,458 ) | (4,704,385 ) |
Class R6 | (20,126 ) | (1,014,507 ) | (12,849 ) | (605,001 ) |
Class S | (479,149 ) | (23,169,336 ) | (447,683 ) | (19,741,109 ) |
Institutional Class | (39,180 ) | (1,879,253 ) | (126,321 ) | (5,260,353 ) |
$(34,209,454 ) | $(32,691,882 ) |
* | For the period from September 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022 (Class T liquidation date). |
DWS CROCI® International Fund | | | 27 |
28 | | | DWS CROCI® International Fund |
DWS CROCI® International Fund | | | 29 |
30 | | | DWS CROCI® International Fund |
DWS CROCI® International Fund | | | 31 |
32 | | | DWS CROCI® International Fund |
DWS CROCI® International Fund | | | 33 |
34 | | | DWS CROCI® International Fund |
(b) The Financial Highlights are included with the Financial Statements under Item 7(a). | ||
Item 8. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment Companies. | |
Not applicable | ||
Item 9. | Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies. | |
Not applicable | ||
Item 10. | Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of Open-End Management Investment Companies. | |
See Item 7(a) | ||
Item 11. | Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract. | |
See Item 7(a) | ||
Item 12. | Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. | |
Not applicable | ||
Item 13. | Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. | |
Not applicable | ||
Item 14. | Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. | |
Not applicable | ||
Item 15. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security. | |
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 16. | 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 17. | Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. | |
Not applicable | ||
Item 18. | Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation. | |
Not applicable | ||
Item 19. | 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 CROCI® International Fund, a series of Deutsche DWS International Fund, Inc. |
By: | /s/Hepsen Uzcan Hepsen Uzcan Principal Executive Officer |
Date: | 10/28/2024 |
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 Principal Executive Officer |
Date: | 10/28/2024 |
By: | /s/Diane Kenneally Diane Kenneally Principal Financial Officer |
Date: | 10/28/2024 |