Leverage Extended for DWS Municipal Income Trust and DWS Strategic Municipal Income Trust

Rhea-AI Summary

DWS Municipal Income Trust (NYSE: KTF) and DWS Strategic Municipal Income Trust (NYSE: KSM) announced the extension of the rate period termination date and the early term redemption date of the Fund’s currently outstanding Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares, Series 2020-1. The fixed spread component of the Series 2020-1 VMTPS dividend rate will be increased by seven basis points, and the total Series 2020-1 VMTPS liquidation preference remains at its current level of $190,000,000 for KTF and $60,000,000 for KSM.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- DWS Municipal Income Trust (NYSE: KTF) and DWS Strategic Municipal Income Trust (NYSE: KSM) (each, a “Fund,” and together, the “Funds”) each announced that, effective as of today, the rate period termination date and the early term redemption date of the Fund’s currently outstanding Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares, Series 2020-1 (“Series 2020-1 VMTPS”) have been extended to November 10, 2026 and May 10, 2027, respectively. In addition, effective November 16, 2023, the fixed spread component of the Series 2020-1 VMTPS dividend rate will be increased by seven basis points. Series 2020-1 VMTPS dividends are set weekly at a fixed spread (dependent on the then current ratings of the Series 2020-1 VMTPS) over the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association Municipal Swap Index. Except for the above-described extensions, dividend rate increase and related technical amendments, the material terms and conditions of each Fund’s Series 2020-1 VMTPS remain the same. DWS Municipal Income Trust’s total Series 2020-1 VMTPS liquidation preference remains at its current level of $190,000,000, and DWS Strategic Municipal Income Trust’s total Series 2020-1 VMTPS liquidation preference remains at its current level of $60,000,000.¹

Important Information

DWS Municipal Income Trust. Bond investments are subject to interest-rate, credit, liquidity and market risks to varying degrees. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall. Credit risk refers to the ability of an issuer to make timely payments of principal and interest. Municipal securities are subject to the risk that litigation, legislation or other political events, local business or economic conditions or the bankruptcy of the issuer could have a significant effect on an issuer’s ability to make payments of principal and/or interest. The market for municipal bonds may be less liquid than for taxable bonds and there may be less information available on the financial condition of issuers of municipal securities than for public corporations. Investing in derivatives entails special risks relating to liquidity, leverage and credit that may reduce returns and/or increase volatility. Leverage results in additional risks and can magnify the effect of any gains or losses. Although the fund seeks income that is exempt from federal income taxes, a portion of the fund’s distributions may be subject to federal, state and local taxes, including the alternative minimum tax.

DWS Strategic Municipal Income Trust. Bond investments are subject to interest-rate, credit, liquidity and market risks to varying degrees. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall. Credit risk refers to the ability of an issuer to make timely payments of principal and interest. Municipal securities are subject to the risk that litigation, legislation or other political events, local business or economic conditions or the bankruptcy of the issuer could have a significant effect on an issuer’s ability to make payments of principal and/or interest. The market for municipal bonds may be less liquid than for taxable bonds and there may be less information available on the financial condition of issuers of municipal securities than for public corporations. Investing in derivatives entails special risks relating to liquidity, leverage and credit that may reduce returns and/or increase volatility. Leverage results in additional risks and can magnify the effect of any gains or losses. Although the fund seeks income that is exempt from federal income taxes, a portion of the fund’s distributions may be subject to federal, state and local taxes, including the alternative minimum tax.

Closed-end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continuously offered. There is a one-time public offering and once issued, shares of closed-end funds are bought and sold in the open market through a stock exchange. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to the net asset value. The price of a fund’s shares is determined by a number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the fund. Therefore, the fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at, below or above net asset value.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.

War, terrorism, sanctions, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, public health crises and related geopolitical events have led, and, in the future, may lead to, significant disruptions in US and world economies and markets, which may lead to increased market volatility and may have significant adverse effects on a fund and its investments.

NOT FDIC/ NCUA INSURED • MAY LOSE VALUE • NO BANK GUARANTEE
NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

DWS Distributors, Inc.
222 South Riverside Plaza
Chicago, IL 60606-5808
www.dws.com
Tel (800) 621-1148
© 2023 DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA. All rights reserved

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. (R-098570) (11/23)

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¹ On November 2, 2023, DWS Municipal Income Trust and DWS Strategic Municipal Income Trust reduced their preferred stock leverage by $8,750,000 and $10,000,000, respectively, by redeeming shares of Series 2020-1 VMTPS.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231110549626/en/

For additional information:

DWS Press Office (212) 454-4500

Shareholder Account Information (800) 294-4366

DWS Closed-End Funds (800) 349-4281

Source: DWS

FAQ

What are the changes announced by DWS Municipal Income Trust and DWS Strategic Municipal Income Trust?

The rate period termination date and the early term redemption date of the Fund’s currently outstanding Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares, Series 2020-1 have been extended, and the fixed spread component of the Series 2020-1 VMTPS dividend rate will be increased by seven basis points.

What is the total Series 2020-1 VMTPS liquidation preference for KTF and KSM?

The total Series 2020-1 VMTPS liquidation preference remains at its current level of $190,000,000 for KTF and $60,000,000 for KSM.

What risks are associated with bond investments in municipal securities?

Bond investments are subject to interest-rate, credit, liquidity, and market risks, and municipal securities are subject to additional risks such as litigation, legislation, or other political events.

What is the impact of market disruptions on DWS funds?

Market disruptions may lead to increased market volatility and may have significant adverse effects on a fund and its investments.

How can I contact DWS for additional information?

For additional information, you can contact DWS Press Office at (212) 454-4500, Shareholder Account Information at (800) 294-4366, or DWS Closed-End Funds at (800) 349-4281.