Susan Levermann

DWS Investment is an active, GARP-oriented manager which manages mutual funds invested globally across a broad range of asset classes, regions and sectors. They construct portfolios which take into account environmental, social and governance issues. They have particular expertise in German and international large-cap equities and seek to invest in companies with an attractive risk/reward profile in sectors such as healthcare, telecommunications, oil, alternative energies and infrastructure-related activities. The firm's investment philosophy emphasizes the reactivity and independence of small, dedicated investment teams, as well as close collaboration between equity, balanced, fixed-income and currency specialists. Their fundamental research process comprises an extensive program of company visits and management meetings. Their global network of analysts uses the proprietary G Cube Intranet-based research and communication platform which provides real-time access to information gathered locally. DWS Investment prefers to invest in strong companies in developed markets, targeting dividend-paying companies with a low gearing ratio and management teams with a proven track record. They utilize a bottom-up investment process based on a discounted cash flow model.