UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

FORM N-CSRS

Investment Company Act file number: 811-02021

Deutsche DWS Securities Trust

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

345 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10154-0004

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 250-2500

Diane Kenneally

1 International Place

Boston, MA 02110

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Date of fiscal year end:	12/31
Date of reporting period:	6/30/2018

ITEM 1. REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS

June 30, 2018

Semiannual Report

to Shareholders

DWS Communications Fund

(formerly Deutsche Communications Fund)

Contents

3	Letter to Shareholders
4	Performance Summary
6	Portfolio Management Team
6	Portfolio Summary
8	Investment Portfolio
12	Statement of Assets and Liabilities
14	Statement of Operations
15	Statements of Changes in Net Assets

16	Financial Highlights
19	Notes to Financial Statements
29	Information About Your Fund’s Expenses
31	Advisory Agreement Board Considerations and Fee Evaluation
36	Account Management Resources
38	Privacy Statement

This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. To obtain a summary prospectus, if available, or prospectus for any of our funds, refer to the Account Management Resources information provided in the back of this booklet. We advise you to consider the fund’s objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The summary prospectus and prospectus contain this and other important information about the fund. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.

Any fund that concentrates in a particular segment of the market will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly. Investing in derivatives entails special risks relating to liquidity, leverage and credit that may reduce returns and/or increase volatility. Investing in foreign securities presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Emerging markets tend to be more volatile and less liquid than the markets of more mature economies, and generally have less diverse and less mature economic structures and less stable political systems than those of developed countries. This Fund is non-diversified and can take larger positions in fewer issues, increasing its potential risk. The Fund may lend securities to approved institutions. Stocks may decline in value. Please read the prospectus for details.

The brand DWS represents DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA and any of its subsidiaries such as DWS Distributors, Inc. which offers investment products or DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. and RREEF America L.L.C. which offer advisory services.

NOT FDIC/NCUA INSURED     NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE

NOT A DEPOSIT     NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

2 | DWS Communications Fund

Letter to Shareholders

Dear Shareholder:

As you know, we as Deutsche Asset Management adopted our existing European brand, DWS, globally, earlier this year. In connection with that change, “DWS” will now replace “Deutsche” in most of our open-end mutual fund names, including share classes for certain money market funds which previously included the “Deutsche” in their names.

Building on more than 60 years of experience and a reputation for excellence in Germany and across Europe, DWS is known for the values that we see as core elements to our investors’ success: Excellence, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Integrity. We aim to demonstrate these qualities in all that we do.

Please remember that, as part of this name change, our website also has a new address: DWS.com. For your convenience, the deutschefunds.com address will remain live and automatically redirect you to our new site. As always, we invite you to visit us online frequently to access the most current insights from our CIO, economists and investment specialists.

Thank you for your ongoing trust in us. We look forward to bringing you the very best in investment insight, strategies and solutions for many years to come.

Best regards,

Hepsen Uzcan   President, DWS Funds

Assumptions, estimates and opinions contained in this document constitute our judgment as of the date of the document and are subject to change without notice. Any projections are based on a number of assumptions as to market conditions and there can be no guarantee that any projected results will be achieved. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

DWS Communications Fund | 3

Performance Summary June 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

Class A	6-Month‡		1-Year		5-Year		10-Year
Average Annual Total Returns as of 6/30/18
Unadjusted for Sales Charge		–5.23%		–0.46%		6.36%		6.04%
Adjusted for the Maximum Sales Charge (max 5.75% load)		–10.68%		–6.18%		5.11%		5.41%
MSCI World Index†		0.43%		11.09%		9.94%		6.26%
MSCI World Telecom Services Index††		–8.58%		–3.48%		4.16%		3.81%
Class C	6-Month‡		1-Year		5-Year		10-Year
Average Annual Total Returns as of 6/30/18
Unadjusted for Sales Charge		–5.61%		–1.23%		5.56%		5.24%
Adjusted for the Maximum Sales Charge (max 1.00% CDSC)		–6.55%		–1.23%		5.56%		5.24%
MSCI World Index†		0.43%		11.09%		9.94%		6.26%
MSCI World Telecom Services Index††		–8.58%		–3.48%		4.16%		3.81%
Institutional Class	6-Month‡		1-Year		5-Year		10-Year
Average Annual Total Returns as of 6/30/18
No Sales Charges		–5.13%		–0.20%		6.63%		6.30%
MSCI World Index†		0.43%		11.09%		9.94%		6.26%
MSCI World Telecom Services Index††		–8.58%		–3.48%		4.16%		3.81%

Performance in the Average Annual Total Returns table above and the Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment line graph that follows is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal fluctuate, so your shares may be worth more or less when redeemed. Current performance may differ from performance data shown. Please visit dws.com for the Fund’s most recent month-end performance. Fund performance includes reinvestment of all distributions. Unadjusted returns do not reflect sales charges and would have been lower if they had.

The gross expense ratios of the Fund, as stated in the fee table of the prospectus dated May 1, 2018 are 1.70%, 2.53% and 1.47% for Class A, Class C and Institutional Class shares, respectively, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report.

Index returns do not reflect any fees or expenses and it is not possible to invest directly into an index.

Performance figures do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares.

Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only, and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights.

4 | DWS Communications Fund

Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment
(Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge)

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 investment of $9,425.

The growth of $10,000 is cumulative.

Performance of other share classes will vary based on the sales charges and the fee structure of those classes.

^† The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) World Index is an unmanaged index that tracks the performance of stocks in select developed markets around the world, including the U.S.

^††  MSCI World Telecom Services Index is an unmanaged index that tracks telecom securities from around the world. The index is calculated using closing local market prices and translates into U.S. dollars using the London close foreign exchange rates.

^‡  Total returns shown for periods less than one year are not annualized.

	Class A		Class C		Institutional Class
Net Asset Value
6/30/18	$	25.45	$	23.28	$	26.01
12/31/17	$	26.96	$	24.77	$	27.52
Distribution Information as of 6/30/18
Income Dividends, Six Months	$	.10	$	.10	$	.10

DWS Communications Fund | 5

Portfolio Management Team

Sebastian P. Werner, PhD, Director

Portfolio Manager of the Fund. Began managing the Fund in 2017.

– Joined DWS in 2008; previously, he served as a Research Assistant for the Endowed Chair of Asset Management at the European Business School, Oestrich-Winkel while earning his PhD.

– Portfolio Manager for Global and US Growth Equities: New York.

– MBA in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management; Masters Degree (“Diplom-Kaufmann”) and PhD in Finance (“Dr.rer.pol.”) from the European Business School, Oestrich-Winkel.

Daniel Fletcher, CFA, Director

Portfolio Manager of the Fund. Began managing the Fund in 2017.

– Joined DWS in 2017 with twenty-four years of industry experience. Prior to joining, he worked in portfolio management and equity research at Neuberger Berman, with a focus on technology, media and telecommunications companies. Before that, he worked as a telecommunications services analyst and in equity research management at Lehman Brothers. Previously, he served in investment research and execution functions at The Batavia Group and as a structured finance analyst at Deloitte & Touche.

– Portfolio Manager and Analyst for US Equities: New York.

– BA in Communications from William Paterson University; MBA in Finance from Rutgers Graduate School of Management.

Portfolio Summary		(Unaudited)
Asset Allocation (As a % of Investment Portfolio excluding Securities Lending Collateral)	6/30/18		12/31/17
Common Stocks		87%		91%
Corporate Bonds		10%		1%
Convertible Bonds		3%		—
Cash Equivalents		0%		8%
		100%		100%
Sector Diversification (As a % of Investment Portfolio excluding Cash Equivalents and Securities Lending Collateral)	6/30/18		12/31/17
National Carriers		49%		51%
Wireless Services		28%		28%
Media		8%		9%
Real Estate Investment Trusts		6%		7%
Software		3%		1%
Internet		2%		—
Communications Equipment		2%		2%
Semiconductors		1%		—
Industrials		1%		—
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals		—		2%
		100%		100%

6 | DWS Communications Fund

Geographical Diversification (As a % of Investment Portfolio excluding Cash Equivalents and Securities Lending Collateral)	6/30/18		12/31/17
United States		49%		45%
Japan		16%		17%
United Kingdom		11%		14%
France		5%		5%
Germany		4%		5%
Spain		4%		4%
Singapore		2%		2%
Canada		2%		1%
Switzerland		2%		2%
Other		5%		5%
		100%		100%

Ten Largest Equity Holdings at June 30, 2018 (55.7% of Net Assets)			Country	Percent
	1	AT&T, Inc.	United States		8.5	%
		An integrated telecommunications company
	2	Verizon Communications, Inc.	United States		8.0	%
		An integrated telecommunications company
	3	Vodafone Group PLC	United Kingdom		7.3	%
		Provides a range of mobile telecommunication services
	4	SoftBank Group Corp.	Japan		6.5	%
		A multinational telecommunications company based in Japan
	5	Orange SA	France		5.3	%
		Provides telecommunication services to residential and commercial customers
	6	KDDI Corp.	Japan		4.8	%
		A telecommunications company based in Japan
	7	Deutsche Telekom AG	Germany		4.3	%
		An integrated telecommunications company based in Germany
	8	T-Mobile U.S., Inc.	United States		4.3	%
		Provides mobile telecommunication services
	9	Telefonica SA	Spain		3.6	%
		Provider of telecommunication services to European and Latin American countries
	10	Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.	Japan		3.1	%
		An integrated telecommunications company based in Japan

Portfolio holdings and characteristics are subject to change.

For more complete details about the Fund’s investment portfolio, see page 8. A quarterly Fact Sheet is available on dws.com or upon request. Please see the Account Management Resources section on page 36 for contact information.

DWS Communications Fund | 7

Investment Portfolio as of June 30, 2018 (Unaudited)

	Shares		Value ($)
Common Stocks 86.7%
Industrials 0.5%
Universal Display Corp. (a)		4,700		404,200
Internet 1.3%
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (ADR)*		2,600		482,378
Spotify Technology SA*		4,100		689,784
				1,172,162
Media 5.4%
DISH Network Corp. “A”*		21,000		705,810
Liberty Global PLC “A”*		35,261		971,088
New York Times Co. “A”		29,000		751,100
Walt Disney Co.		6,701		702,332
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. “A” (a)		23,100		1,682,142
				4,812,472
National Carriers 46.5%
AT&T, Inc.		236,800		7,603,648
BCE, Inc.		35,000		1,417,411
BT Group PLC		895,300		2,576,213
CenturyLink, Inc.		141,708		2,641,437
Deutsche Telekom AG (Registered)*		248,000		3,840,939
Koninklijke (Royal) KPN NV		179,081		486,580
Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.		60,400		2,744,463
Orange SA		285,646		4,774,578
Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.		754,000		1,704,162
Swisscom AG (Registered)		2,900		1,295,676
Telecom Italia SpA (RSP)		298,469		194,626
Telefonica SA		378,938		3,215,178
Verizon Communications, Inc.		142,900		7,189,299
Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.*		55,000		2,006,400
				41,690,610
Real Estate Investment Trust 3.4%
American Tower Corp.		14,500		2,090,465
Equinix, Inc.		2,200		945,758
				3,036,223
Semiconductors 0.8%
Silicon Motion Technology Corp. (ADR)		13,600		719,304
Software 2.0%
Activision Blizzard, Inc.		11,000		839,520
Akamai Technologies, Inc.*		13,300		973,959
				1,813,479

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

8 | DWS Communications Fund

	Shares		Value ($)
Wireless Services 26.8%
America Movil SAB de CV “L”, (ADR)		57,800		962,948
China Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd.		1,000,000		1,249,566
KDDI Corp.		158,000		4,328,703
NTT DoCoMo, Inc.		50,000		1,274,956
SoftBank Group Corp.		81,000		5,827,157
T-Mobile U.S., Inc.*		64,100		3,829,975
Vodafone Group PLC		2,714,300		6,580,535
				24,053,840
Total Common Stocks (Cost $83,448,741)				77,702,290
	Principal Amount ($)		Value ($)
Corporate Bonds 9.3%
Internet 1.0%
Match Group, Inc., 6.375%, 6/1/2024		900,000		947,250
Media 3.0%
Discovery Communications LLC, 5.0%, 9/20/2037		940,000		905,080
DISH DBS Corp., 7.75%, 7/1/2026		963,000		843,829
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., 144A, 5.625%, 3/15/2026		941,000		933,942
				2,682,851
National Carriers 2.2%
CenturyLink, Inc., Series Y, 7.5%, 4/1/2024 (a)		1,000,000		1,027,500
Zayo Group LLC, 6.375%, 5/15/2025		900,000		916,875
				1,944,375
Real Estate 2.1%
Equinix, Inc., (REIT), 5.375%, 5/15/2027		1,000,000		997,500
SBA Communications Corp., 144A, (REIT), 4.0%, 10/1/2022		900,000		860,625
				1,858,125
Wireless Services 1.0%
GTT Communications, Inc., 144A, 7.875%, 12/31/2024 (a)		900,000		891,000
Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $8,604,119)				8,323,601
Convertible Bonds 3.2%
Communications Equipment 2.1%
Viavi Solutions, Inc., 0.625%, 8/15/2033		1,921,000		1,930,038
Software 1.1%
Ciena Corp., 4.0%, 12/15/2020		700,000		986,732
Total Convertible Bonds (Cost $2,908,061)				2,916,770

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

DWS Communications Fund | 9

	Shares			Value ($)
Securities Lending Collateral 4.6%
DWS Government & Agency Securities Portfolio “DWS Government Cash Institutional Shares”, 1.80% (b) (c) (Cost $4,148,590)		4,148,590			4,148,590
Cash Equivalents 0.3%
DWS Central Cash Management Government Fund, 1.85% (b) (Cost $228,582)		228,582			228,582
	% of Net Assets			Value ($)
Total Investment Portfolio (Cost $99,338,093)		104.1			93,319,833
Other Assets and Liabilities, Net		(4.1	)		(3,667,820	)
Net Assets		100.0			89,652,013

A summary of the Fund’s transactions with affiliated investments during the period ended June 30, 2018 are as follows:

Value ($) at 12/31/2017	Purchases Cost ($)		Sales Proceeds ($)		Net Real- ized Gain/ (Loss) ($)		Net Change in Unreal- ized Appreci- ation (Depreci- ation) ($)		Income ($)		Capital Gain Distri- butions ($)		Number of Shares at 6/30/2018		Value ($) at 6/30/2018
Securities Lending Collateral 4.6%
DWS Government & Agency Securities Portfolio “DWS Government Cash Institutional Shares”, 1.80% (b) (c)
1,980,925		2,167,665		—		—		—		29,028		—		4,148,590		4,148,590
Cash Equivalents 0.3%
DWS Central Cash Management Government Fund, 1.85% (b)
7,848,135		14,534,851		22,154,404		—		—		23,252		—		228,582		228,582
9,829,060		16,702,516		22,154,404		—		—		52,280		—		4,377,172		4,377,172

* 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 June 30, 2018 amounted to $3,984,925, which is 4.4% 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 collateral held in connection with securities lending. Income earned by the Fund is net of borrower rebates. Represents the net increase (purchase cost) or decrease (sales proceeds) in the amount invested for the period ended June 30, 2018.

144A: Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.

ADR: American Depositary Receipt

REIT: Real Estate Investment Trust

RSP: Risparmio (Convertible Savings Shares)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

10 | DWS Communications Fund

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels. Level 1 includes quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Level 2 includes other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds and credit risk). Level 3 includes significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). The level assigned to the securities valuations may not be an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with investing in those securities.

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of June 30, 2018 in valuing the Fund’s investments. For information on the Fund’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Security Valuation section of Note A in the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

Assets	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Common Stocks
Industrials	$	404,200	$	—	$	—	$	404,200
Internet		1,172,162		—		—		1,172,162
Media		4,812,472		—		—		4,812,472
National Carriers		20,858,195		20,832,415		—		41,690,610
Real Estate Investment Trust		3,036,223		—		—		3,036,223
Semiconductors		719,304		—		—		719,304
Software		1,813,479		—		—		1,813,479
Wireless Services		4,792,923		19,260,917		—		24,053,840
Corporate Bonds (d)		—		8,323,601		—		8,323,601
Convertible Bonds (d)		—		2,916,770		—		2,916,770
Short-Term Investments (d)		4,377,172		—		—		4,377,172
Total	$	41,986,130	$	51,333,703	$	—	$	93,319,833

There have been no transfers between fair value measurement levels during the period ended June 30, 2018.

(d) See Investment Portfolio for additional detailed categorizations.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

DWS Communications Fund | 11

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

as of June 30, 2018 (Unaudited)
Assets
Investments in non-affiliated securities, at value (cost $94,960,921) — including $3,984,925 of securities loaned	$	88,942,661
Investment in DWS Government & Agency Securities Portfolio (cost $4,148,590)*		4,148,590
Investment in DWS Central Cash Management Government Fund (cost $228,582)		228,582
Foreign currency, at value (cost $174,352)		170,864
Receivable for Fund shares sold		25,159
Dividends receivable		352,517
Interest receivable		163,677
Foreign taxes recoverable		30,018
Other assets		27,793
Total assets		94,089,861
Liabilities
Payable upon return of securities loaned		4,148,590
Payable for Fund shares redeemed		83,761
Accrued management fee		63,565
Accrued Trustees’ fees		816
Other accrued expenses and payables		141,116
Total liabilities		4,437,848
Net assets, at value	$	89,652,013
Net Assets Consist of
Undistributed net investment income		1,086,800
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
Investments		(6,018,260	)
Foreign currency		(7,320	)
Accumulated net realized gain (loss)		(29,631	)
Paid-in capital		94,620,424
Net assets, at value	$	89,652,013

* Represents collateral on securities loaned.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

12 | DWS Communications Fund

Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2018 (Unaudited) (continued)

Net Asset Value
Class A
Net Asset Value and redemption price per share ($84,053,635 ÷ 3,302,464 shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized)	$	25.45
Maximum offering price per share (100 ÷ 94.25 of $25.45)	$	27.00
Class C
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price (subject to contingent deferred sales charge) per share ($3,682,195 ÷ 158,146 shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized)	$	23.28
Institutional Class
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share ($1,916,183 ÷ 73,667 shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized)	$	26.01

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

DWS Communications Fund | 13

Statement of Operations

for the six months ended June 30, 2018 (Unaudited)
Investment Income
Income:
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $70,837)	$	1,626,197
Interest		158,454
Income distributions — DWS Central Cash Management Government Fund		23,252
Securities lending income, net of borrower rebates		29,028
Total income		1,836,931
Expenses:
Management fee		470,377
Administration fee		47,048
Services to shareholders		71,274
Distribution and service fees		122,321
Custodian fee		3,077
Professional fees		39,588
Reports to shareholders		20,333
Registration fees		21,218
Trustees’ fees and expenses		3,925
Other		10,563
Total expenses before expense reductions		809,724
Expense reductions		(67,325	)
Total expenses after expense reductions		742,399
Net investment income		1,094,532
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Net realized gain (loss) from:
Investments		428,020
Foreign currency		(18,163	)
		409,857
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
Investments		(6,621,884	)
Foreign currency		(15,201	)
		(6,637,085	)
Net gain (loss)		(6,227,228	)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations	$	(5,132,696	)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

14 | DWS Communications Fund

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2018			Year Ended
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets	(Unaudited)			December 31, 2017
Operations:
Net investment income (loss)	$	1,094,532		$	1,872,974
Net realized gain (loss)		409,857			16,834,628
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)		(6,637,085	)		(10,413,251	)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		(5,132,696	)		8,294,351
Distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income:
Class A		(340,469	)		(1,439,017	)
Class C		(16,073	)		(31,211	)
Institutional Class		(7,399	)		(32,356	)
Total distributions		(363,941	)		(1,502,584	)
Fund share transactions:
Proceeds from shares sold		928,034			2,581,052
Reinvestment of distributions		336,415			1,390,010
Payments for shares redeemed		(6,717,789	)		(16,501,978	)
Redemption fees		—			78
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share transactions		(5,453,340	)		(12,530,838	)
Increase (decrease) in net assets		(10,949,977	)		(5,739,071	)
Net assets at beginning of period		100,601,990			106,341,061
Net assets at end of period (including undistributed net investment income of $1,086,800 and $356,209, respectively)	$	89,652,013		$	100,601,990

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

DWS Communications Fund | 15

Financial Highlights

	Six Months Ended 6/30/18				Years Ended December 31,
Class A	(Unaudited)				2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
Selected Per Share Data
Net asset value, beginning of period		$	26.96		$	25.27		$	23.99		$	23.89		$	24.50		$	18.90
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)a			.30			.48			.50			.40			.39			.31
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)			(1.71	)		1.62			1.87	b		.07	b		(.56	)		5.53
Total from investment operations			(1.41	)		2.10			2.37			.47			(.17	)		5.84
Less distributions from:
Net investment income			(.10	)		(.41	)		(.65	)		(.37	)		(.44	)		(.24	)
Return of capital			—			—			(.44	)		—			—			—
Total distributions			(.10	)		(.41	)		(1.09	)		(.37	)		(.44	)		(.24	)
Redemption fees			—			.00	***		.00	***		.00	***		.00	***		.00	***
Net asset value, end of period		$	25.45		$	26.96		$	25.27		$	23.99		$	23.89		$	24.50
Total Return (%)c,d			(5.23	)**		8.32			9.89	b		1.96	b		(.69	)		30.93
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)			84			95			100			104			112			135
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%)			1.69	*		1.70			1.81			1.69			1.65			1.67
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%)			1.55	*		1.60			1.61			1.61			1.63			1.64
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)			2.35	*		1.83			1.98			1.62			1.60			1.43
Portfolio turnover rate (%)			18	**		70			13			15			35			23

^a  Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

^b  During the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016, the Fund benefitted from the receipt of partial and final distributions of a claim for which Lehman Brothers was the counterparty that was higher than the estimated recovery value. The impact of this claim amounted to $.49 and $.86 per share, respectively. Excluding the distribution, total return would have been 1.99% and 3.42% lower, respectively.

^c  Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges.

^d  Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

^*  Annualized

^**  Not annualized

^***  Amount is less than $.005.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

16 | DWS Communications Fund

	Six Months Ended 6/30/18				Years Ended December 31,
Class C	(Unaudited)				2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
Selected Per Share Data
Net asset value, beginning of period		$	24.77		$	23.21		$	22.03		$	21.94		$	22.51		$	17.36
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)a			.19			.26			.29			.20			.19			.13
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)			(1.58	)		1.49			1.71	b		.07	b		(.51	)		5.08
Total from investment operations			(1.39	)		1.75			2.00			.27			(.32	)		5.21
Less distributions from:
Net investment income			(.10	)		(.19	)		(.38	)		(.18	)		(.25	)		(.06	)
Return of capital			—			—			(.44	)		—			—			—
Total distributions			(.10	)		(.19	)		(.82	)		(.18	)		(.25	)		(.06	)
Redemption fees			—			.00	***		.00	***		.00	***		.00	***		.00	***
Net asset value, end of period		$	23.28		$	24.77		$	23.21		$	22.03		$	21.94		$	22.51
Total Return (%)c,d			(5.61	)**		7.53			9.09	b		1.20	b		(1.44	)		30.00
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)			4			4			5			5			6			5
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%)			2.50	*		2.53			2.62			2.54			2.47			2.51
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%)			2.30	*		2.35			2.36			2.36			2.38			2.39
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)			1.61	*		1.07			1.27			.88			.85			.67
Portfolio turnover rate (%)			18	**		70			13			15			35			23

^a  Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

^b  During the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016, the Fund benefitted from the receipt of partial and final distributions of a claim for which Lehman Brothers was the counterparty that was higher than the estimated recovery value. The impact of this claim amounted to $.49 and $.86 per share, respectively. Excluding the distribution, total return would have been 1.99% and 3.42% lower, respectively.

^c  Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges.

^d  Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

^*  Annualized

^**  Not annualized

^***  Amount is less than $.005.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

DWS Communications Fund | 17

	Six Months Ended 6/30/18				Years Ended December 31,
Institutional Class	(Unaudited)				2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
Selected Per Share Data
Net asset value, beginning of period		$	27.52		$	25.80		$	24.48		$	24.39		$	25.01		$	19.28
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)a			.36			.56			.58			.59			.43			.38
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)			(1.77	)		1.65			1.92	b		(.06	)b		(.54	)		5.66
Total from investment operations			(1.41	)		2.21			2.50			.53			(.11	)		6.04
Less distributions from:
Net investment income			(.10	)		(.49	)		(.74	)		(.44	)		(.51	)		(.31	)
Return of capital			—			—			(.44	)		—			—			—
Total distributions			(.10	)		(.49	)		(1.18	)		(.44	)		(.51	)		(.31	)
Redemption fees			—			.00	***		.00	***		.00	***		.00	***		.00	***
Net asset value, end of period		$	26.01		$	27.52		$	25.80		$	24.48		$	24.39		$	25.01
Total Return (%)			(5.13	)c**		8.58	c		10.22	b,c		2.17	b,c		(.44	)c		31.36
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)			2			2			2			2			1			.4
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%)			1.44	*		1.47			1.57			1.42			1.41			1.28
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%)			1.30	*		1.35			1.36			1.36			1.36			1.28
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%)			2.75	*		2.07			2.23			2.34			1.75			1.63
Portfolio turnover rate (%)			18	**		70			13			15			35			23

^a  Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

^b  During the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016, the Fund benefitted from the receipt of partial and final distributions of a claim for which Lehman Brothers was the counterparty that was higher than the estimated recovery value. The impact of this claim amounted to $.49 and $.86 per share, respectively. Excluding the distribution, total return would have been 1.99% and 3.42% lower, respectively.

^c  Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

^*  Annualized

^**  Not annualized

^***  Amount is less than $.005.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

18 | DWS Communications Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

A. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

DWS Communications Fund (formerly Deutsche Communications Fund) (the “Fund”) is a non-diversified series of Deutsche DWS Securities Trust (formerly Deutsche Securities Trust) (the “Trust”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust.

The Fund offers multiple classes of shares which provide investors with different purchase options. Class A shares are subject to an initial sales charge. Class C shares are not subject to an initial sales charge but are subject to higher ongoing expenses than Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions within one year of purchase. Effective on August 10, 2018, Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares in the same fund after 10 years, provided that the fund or the financial intermediary through which the shareholder purchased the Class C shares has records verifying that the Class C shares have been held for at least 10 years. Institutional Class shares are not subject to initial or contingent deferred sales charges and are generally available only to qualified institutions.

Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and certain fund-level expenses and expense reductions, if any, are borne pro rata on the basis of relative net assets by the holders of all classes of shares, except that each class bears certain expenses unique to that class such as services to shareholders, distribution and service fees and certain other class-specific expenses. Differences in class-level expenses may result in payment of different per share dividends by class. All shares of the Fund have equal rights with respect to voting subject to class-specific arrangements.

The Fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) which require the use of management estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund qualifies as an investment company under Topic 946 of Accounting Standards Codification of U.S. GAAP. The policies described below are followed consistently by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

Security Valuation. Investments are stated at value determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each day the exchange is open for trading.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels. Level 1 includes quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Level 2

DWS Communications Fund | 19

includes other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds and credit risk).

Level 3 includes significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). The level assigned to the securities valuations may not be an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with investing in those securities.

Equity securities are valued at the most recent sale price or official closing price reported on the exchange (U.S. or foreign) or over-the-counter market on which they trade. Securities for which no sales are reported are valued at the calculated mean between the most recent bid and asked quotations on the relevant market or, if a mean cannot be determined, at the most recent bid quotation. Equity securities are generally categorized as Level 1 securities. For certain international equity securities, in order to adjust for events which may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the New York Stock Exchange, a fair valuation model may be used. This fair valuation model takes into account comparisons to the valuation of American Depository Receipts (ADRs), exchange-traded funds, futures contracts and certain indices and these securities are categorized as Level 2.

Investments in open-end investment companies are valued at their net asset value each business day and are categorized as Level 1.

Debt securities are valued at prices supplied by independent pricing services approved by the Fund’s Board. Such services may use various pricing techniques which take into account appropriate factors such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, prepayment speeds and other data, as well as broker quotes. If the pricing services are unable to provide valuations, debt securities are valued at the average of the most recent reliable bid quotations or evaluated prices, as applicable, obtained from broker-dealers. These securities are generally categorized as Level 2.

Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or for which the above valuation procedures are deemed not to reflect fair value are valued in a manner that is intended to reflect their fair value as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Board and are generally categorized as Level 3. In accordance with each Fund’s valuation procedures, factors considered in determining value may include, but are not limited to, the type of the security; the size of the holding; the initial cost of the security; the existence of any contractual restrictions on the security’s disposition; the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or of comparable companies; quotations or evaluated prices from broker-dealers and/or pricing services; information obtained from the issuer, analysts, and/or the appropriate stock exchange (for exchange-traded securities); an analysis of the company’s or issuer’s

20 | DWS Communications Fund

financial statements; an evaluation of the forces that influence the issuer and the market(s) in which the security is purchased and sold; and with respect to debt securities, the maturity, coupon, creditworthiness, currency denomination and the movement of the market in which the security is normally traded. The value determined under these procedures may differ from published values for the same securities.

Disclosure about the classification of fair value measurements is included in a table following the Fund’s Investment Portfolio.

Securities Lending. Deutsche Bank AG, as lending agent, lends securities of the Fund to certain financial institutions under the terms of its securities lending agreement. During the term of the loans, the Fund continues to receive interest and dividends generated by the securities and to participate in any changes in their market value. The Fund requires the borrowers of the securities to maintain collateral with the Fund consisting of either cash or liquid, unencumbered assets having a value at least equal to the value of the securities loaned. When the collateral falls below specified amounts, the lending agent will use its best effort to obtain additional collateral on the next business day to meet required amounts under the securities lending agreement. As of period end, any securities on loan were collateralized by cash. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Fund invested the cash collateral into a joint trading account in affiliated money market funds, including DWS Government & Agency Securities Portfolio, managed by DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. receives a management/administration fee (0.14% annualized effective rate as of June 30, 2018) on the cash collateral invested in DWS Government & Agency Securities Portfolio. The Fund receives compensation for lending its securities either in the form of fees or by earning interest on invested cash collateral net of borrower rebates and fees paid to a lending agent. Either the Fund or the borrower may terminate the loan at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within a standard time period. There may be risks of delay and costs in recovery of securities or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. If the Fund is not able to recover securities lent, the Fund may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement investment in the market, incurring the risk that the value of the replacement security is greater than the value of the collateral. The Fund is also subject to all investment risks associated with the reinvestment of any cash collateral received, including, but not limited to, interest rate, credit and liquidity risk associated with such investments.

As of June 30, 2018, the Fund has securities on loan, which are classified as common stock and corporate bond in the Investment Portfolio. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the securities loaned at period end. As of period end, the remaining contractual maturity of the collateral agreements was overnight and continuous.

DWS Communications Fund | 21

Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements as of June 30, 2018

	Overnight and Continuous		<30 days		Between 30 & 90 days		>90 days		Total
Securities Lending Transactions
Common Stock	$	2,137,850	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	2,137,850
Corporate Bond		2,010,740		—		—		—		2,010,740
Total	$	4,148,590	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	4,148,590
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions									$	4,148,590

Foreign Currency Translations. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rates at period end. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rates on the respective dates of the transactions.

Net realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency transactions represent net gains and losses between trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, the acquisition and disposition of foreign currencies, and the difference between the amount of net investment income accrued and the U.S. dollar amount actually received. The portion of both realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments that results from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed but is included with net realized and unrealized gain/appreciation and loss/depreciation on investments.

Taxes. The Fund’s policy is to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, which are applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute all of its taxable income to its shareholders.

Additionally, the Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by the governments of countries in which it invests and are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Estimated tax liabilities on certain foreign securities are recorded on an accrual basis and are reflected as components of interest income or net change in unrealized gain/loss on investments. Tax liabilities realized as a result of security sales are reflected as a component of net realized gain/loss on investments.

At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $102,183,929. The net unrealized appreciation for all investments based on tax cost was $168,332. This consisted of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments which there was an excess of value over tax cost of $6,254,452 aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which was an excess of tax cost over value of $6,086,120.

22 | DWS Communications Fund

The Fund has reviewed the tax positions for the open tax years as of December 31, 2017 and has determined that no provision for income tax and/or uncertain tax positions is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain open subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.

Distribution of Income and Gains. Distributions from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared and distributed to shareholders annually. Net realized gains from investment transactions, in excess of available capital loss carryforwards, would be taxable to the Fund if not distributed, and, therefore, will be distributed to shareholders at least annually. The Fund may also make additional distributions for tax purposes if necessary.

The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gain distributions are determined annually in accordance with federal tax regulations, which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences primarily relate to investments in futures contracts, expiration of capital loss carryforwards and certain securities sold at a loss. As a result, net investment income (loss) and net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions for a reporting period may differ significantly from distributions during such period. Accordingly, the Fund may periodically make reclassifications among certain of its capital accounts without impacting the net asset value of the Fund.

The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.

Expenses. Expenses of the Trust arising in connection with a specific fund are allocated to that fund. Other Trust expenses which cannot be directly attributed to a fund are apportioned among the funds in the Trust based upon the relative net assets or other appropriate measures.

Redemption Fees. Prior to February 1, 2017, the Fund imposed a redemption fee of 2% of the total redemption amount on Fund shares redeemed or exchanged within 15 days of buying them, either by purchase or exchange (subject to certain exceptions). This fee was assessed and retained by the Fund for the benefit of the remaining shareholders. The redemption fee was accounted for as an addition to paid-in-capital.

Contingencies. In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet been made. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

DWS Communications Fund | 23

Other. Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date plus one basis for daily net asset value calculations. However, for financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are reported on trade date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date net of foreign withholding taxes. Certain dividends from foreign securities may be recorded subsequent to the ex-dividend date as soon as the Fund is informed of such dividends. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are recorded on an identified cost basis. Proceeds from litigation payments, if any, are included in net realized gain (loss) from investments.

B. Purchases and Sales of Securities

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term instruments) aggregated $18,926,986 and $16,268,129, respectively.

C. Related Parties

Management Agreement. Under the Investment Management Agreement with DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (formerly Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc.) (“DIMA” or the “Advisor”), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA (“DWS Group”), the Advisor directs the investments of the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives, policies and restrictions. The Advisor determines the securities, instruments and other contracts relating to investments to be purchased, sold or entered into by the Fund.

Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, the Fund pays a monthly management fee based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, computed and accrued daily and payable monthly, at the following annual rates:

First $100 million of the Fund’s average daily net assets	1.00%
Next $100 million of such net assets	.90%
Next $100 million of such net assets	.85%
Next $200 million of such net assets	.80%
Next $500 million of such net assets	.73%
Next $500 million of such net assets	.68%
Over $1.5 billion of such net assets	.65%

Accordingly, for the six months ended June 30, 2018, the fee pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement was equivalent to an annualized rate (exclusive of any applicable waivers/reimbursements) of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

24 | DWS Communications Fund

For the period from January 1, 2018 through April 30, 2019, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its fees and/or reimburse certain operating expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to maintain the total annual operating expenses (excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes, brokerage and interest) of each class as follows:

Class A	1.55%
Class C	2.30%
Institutional Class	1.30%

For the six months ended June 30, 2018, fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed for each class are as follows:

Class A	$	62,134
Class C		3,861
Institutional Class		1,330
	$	67,325

Administration Fee. Pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement, DIMA provides most administrative services to the Fund. For all services provided under the Administrative Services Agreement, the Fund pays the Advisor an annual fee (“Administration Fee”) of 0.10% of the Fund’s average daily net assets, computed and accrued daily and payable monthly. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Administration Fee was $47,048, of which $7,434 is unpaid.

Service Provider Fees. DWS Service Company (“DSC”), an affiliate of the Advisor, is the transfer agent, dividend-paying agent and shareholder service agent of the Fund. Pursuant to a sub-transfer agency agreement between DSC and DST Systems, Inc. (“DST”), DSC has delegated certain transfer agent, dividend-paying agent and shareholder service agent functions to DST. DSC compensates DST out of the shareholder servicing fee they receive from the Fund. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the amounts charged to the Fund by DSC were as follows:

Services to Shareholders	Total Aggregated		Unpaid at June 30, 2018
Class A	$	24,124	$	8,761
Class C		1,267		475
Institutional Class		181		104
	$	25,572	$	9,340

Distribution and Service Fees. Under the Fund’s Class C 12b-1 Plan, DWS Distributors, Inc. (“DDI”), an affiliate of the Advisor, receives a fee (“Distribution Fee”) of 0.75% of average daily net assets of the Class C shares. In accordance with the Fund’s Underwriting and Distribution

DWS Communications Fund | 25

Services Agreement, DDI enters into related selling group agreements with various firms at various rates for sales of Class C shares. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Distribution Fee was as follows:

Distribution Fee	Total Aggregated		Unpaid at June 30, 2018
Class C	$	14,449	$	2,294

In addition, DDI provides information and administrative services for a fee (“Service Fee”) to Class A and C shareholders at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets for each such class. DDI in turn has various agreements with financial services firms that provide these services and pays these fees based upon the assets of shareholder accounts the firms service. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Service Fee was as follows:

Service Fee	Total Aggregated		Unpaid at June 30, 2018		Annualized Rate
Class A	$	103,296	$	33,846		.23	%
Class C		4,576		1,678		.24	%
	$	107,872	$	35,524

Underwriting Agreement and Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. DDI is the principal underwriter for the Fund. Underwriting commissions paid in connection with the distribution of Class A shares for the six months ended June 30, 2018 aggregated $473.

In addition, DDI receives any contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) from Class C share redemptions occurring within one year of purchase. There is no such charge upon redemption of any share appreciation or reinvested dividends. The CDSC is 1% of the value of the shares redeemed for Class C. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the CDSC for Class C shares aggregated $20. A deferred sales charge of up to 1% is assessed on certain redemptions of Class A shares. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, DDI received $66 for Class A shares.

Typesetting and Filing Service Fees. Under an agreement with DIMA, DIMA is compensated for providing certain pre-press and regulatory filing services to the Fund. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the amount charged to the Fund by DIMA included in the Statement of Operations under “Reports to shareholders” aggregated $8,816, of which $7,565 is unpaid.

Trustees’ Fees and Expenses. The Fund paid retainer fees to each Trustee not affiliated with the Advisor, plus specified amounts to the Board Chairperson and Vice Chairperson and to each committee Chairperson.

Affiliated Cash Management Vehicles. The Fund may invest uninvested cash balances in DWS Central Cash Management Government Fund and DWS Variable NAV Money Fund, affiliated money market funds which are

26 | DWS Communications Fund

managed by the Advisor. Each affiliated money market fund is managed in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, which governs the quality, maturity, diversity and liquidity of instruments in which a money market fund may invest. DWS Central Cash Management Government Fund seeks to maintain a stable net asset value, and DWS Variable NAV Money Fund maintains a floating net asset value. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of the expenses of each affiliated money market fund in which it invests. DWS Central Cash Management Government Fund does not pay the Advisor an investment management fee. To the extent that DWS Variable NAV Money Fund pays an investment management fee to the Advisor, the Advisor will waive an amount of the investment management fee payable to the Advisor by the Fund equal to the amount of the investment management fee payable on the Fund’s assets invested in DWS Variable NAV Money Fund.

Security Lending Fees. Deutsche Bank AG serves as securities lending agent for the Fund. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Fund incurred securities lending agent fees to Deutsche Bank AG in the amount of $2,185.

D. Line of Credit

The Fund and other affiliated funds (the “Participants”) share in a $400 million revolving credit facility provided by a syndication of banks. The Fund may borrow for temporary or emergency purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that otherwise might require the untimely disposition of securities. The Participants are charged an annual commitment fee which is allocated based on net assets, among each of the Participants. Interest is calculated at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Federal Funds Rate plus 1.25 percent plus if the one-month LIBOR exceeds the Federal Funds Rate, the amount of such excess. The Fund may borrow up to a maximum of 20 percent of its net assets under the agreement. The Fund had no outstanding loans at June 30, 2018.

DWS Communications Fund | 27

E. Fund Share Transactions

The following table summarizes share and dollar activity in the Fund:

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2018						Year Ended December 31, 2017
	Shares			Dollars			Shares			Dollars
Shares sold
Class A		13,251		$	352,113			66,615		$	1,767,539
Class C		716			17,067			7,116			174,514
Institutional Class		20,986			558,854			23,827			638,999
				$	928,034					$	2,581,052
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions
Class A		12,317		$	315,939			49,464		$	1,333,052
Class C		570			13,397			1,057			26,174
Institutional Class		270			7,079			1,119			30,784
				$	336,415					$	1,390,010
Shares redeemed
Class A		(233,428	)	$	(6,109,809	)		(555,436	)	$	(14,650,552	)
Class C		(9,492	)		(227,138	)		(37,606	)		(907,900	)
Institutional Class		(14,152	)		(380,842	)		(35,156	)		(943,526	)
				$	(6,717,789	)				$	(16,501,978	)
Redemption fees				$	—					$	78
Net increase (decrease)
Class A		(207,860	)	$	(5,441,757	)		(439,357	)	$	(11,549,961	)
Class C		(8,206	)		(196,674	)		(29,433	)		(707,212	)
Institutional Class		7,104			185,091			(10,210	)		(273,665	)
				$	(5,453,340	)				$	(12,530,838	)

F. Name Changes

In connection with adoption of the DWS brand, effective July 2, 2018, Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc., the Advisor, was renamed to DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. In addition, the “Deutsche Funds” became known as the “DWS Funds.” As a result, Deutsche Communications Fund was renamed DWS Communications Fund.

28 | DWS Communications Fund

Information About Your Fund’s Expenses

As an investor of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: ongoing expenses and transaction costs. Ongoing expenses include management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. Examples of transaction costs include sales charges (loads), redemption fees and account maintenance fees, which are not shown in this section. The following tables are intended to help you understand your ongoing expenses (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to help you compare these expenses with the ongoing expenses of investing in other mutual funds. In the most recent six-month period, the Fund limited these expenses; had it not done so, expenses would have been higher. The example in the table is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the entire period (January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2018).

The tables illustrate your Fund’s expenses in two ways:

– Actual Fund Return. This helps you estimate the actual dollar amount of ongoing expenses (but not transaction costs) paid on a $1,000 investment in the Fund using the Fund’s actual return during the period. To estimate the expenses you paid over the period, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the “Expenses Paid per $1,000” line under the share class you hold.

– Hypothetical 5% Fund Return. This helps you to compare your Fund’s ongoing expenses (but not transaction costs) with those of other mutual funds using the Fund’s actual expense ratio and a hypothetical rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. Examples using a 5% hypothetical fund return may be found in the shareholder reports of other mutual funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period.

Please note that the expenses shown in these tables are meant to highlight your ongoing expenses only and do not reflect any transaction costs. The “Expenses Paid per $1,000” line of the tables is useful in comparing ongoing expenses only and will not help you determine the relative total expense of owning different funds. Subject to certain exceptions, an account maintenance fee of $20.00 assessed once per calendar year for Classes A and C shares may apply for accounts with balances less than $10,000. This fee is not included in these tables. If it was, the estimate of expenses paid for Classes A and C shares during the period would be higher, and account value during the period would be lower, by this amount.

DWS Communications Fund | 29

Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment for the six months ended June 30, 2018 (Unaudited)
Actual Fund Return	Class A		Class C		Institutional Class
Beginning Account Value 1/1/18	$	1,000.00	$	1,000.00	$	1,000.00
Ending Account Value 6/30/18	$	947.70	$	943.90	$	948.70
Expenses Paid per $1,000*	$	7.49	$	11.09	$	6.28
Hypothetical 5% Fund Return	Class A		Class C		Institutional Class
Beginning Account Value 1/1/18	$	1,000.00	$	1,000.00	$	1,000.00
Ending Account Value 6/30/18	$	1,017.11	$	1,013.39	$	1,018.35
Expenses Paid per $1,000*	$	7.75	$	11.48	$	6.51

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for each share class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181 (the number of days in the most recent six-month period), then divided by 365.

Annualized Expense Ratios	Class A			Class C			Institutional Class
DWS Communications Fund		1.55	%		2.30	%		1.30	%

For more information, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus.

For an analysis of the fees associated with an investment in the Fund or similar funds, please refer to http://apps.finra.org/fundanalyzer/1/fa.aspx.

30 | DWS Communications Fund

Advisory Agreement Board Considerations and Fee Evaluation

The Board of Trustees (hereinafter referred to as the “Board” or “Trustees”) approved the renewal of Deutsche Communications Fund’s (now known as DWS Communications Fund) (the “Fund”) investment management agreement (the “Agreement”) with Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. (now known as DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc.) (“DIMA”) in September 2017.

In terms of the process that the Board followed prior to approving the Agreement, shareholders should know that:

– During the entire process, all of the Fund’s Trustees were independent of DIMA and its affiliates (the “Independent Trustees”).

– The Board met frequently during the past year to discuss fund matters and dedicated a substantial amount of time to contract review matters. Over the course of several months, the Board’s Contract Committee reviewed extensive materials received from DIMA, independent third parties and independent counsel. These materials included an analysis of the Fund’s performance, fees and expenses, and profitability from a fee consultant retained by the Fund’s Independent Trustees (the “Fee Consultant”). Based on its evaluation of the information provided, the Contract Committee presented its findings and recommendations to the Board. The Board then reviewed the Contract Committee’s findings and recommendations.

– The Board also received extensive information throughout the year regarding performance of the Fund.

– The Independent Trustees regularly met privately with counsel to discuss contract review and other matters. In addition, the Independent Trustees were advised by the Fee Consultant in the course of their review of the Fund’s contractual arrangements and considered a comprehensive report prepared by the Fee Consultant in connection with their deliberations.

– In connection with reviewing the Agreement, the Board also reviewed the terms of the Fund’s Rule 12b-1 plan, distribution agreement, administrative services agreement, transfer agency agreement and other material service agreements.

In connection with the contract review process, the Contract Committee and the Board considered the factors discussed below, among others. The Board also considered that DIMA and its predecessors have managed the Fund since its inception, and the Board believes that a long-term relationship with a capable, conscientious advisor is in the best interests

DWS Communications Fund | 31

of the Fund. The Board considered, generally, that shareholders chose to invest or remain invested in the Fund knowing that DIMA managed the Fund. DIMA is part of Deutsche Bank AG’s (“Deutsche Bank”) Asset Management (“Deutsche AM”) division. Deutsche AM is a global asset management business that offers a wide range of investing expertise and resources, including research capabilities in many countries throughout the world.

As part of the contract review process, the Board carefully considered the fees and expenses of each Deutsche fund overseen by the Board in light of the fund’s performance. In many cases, this led to the negotiation and implementation of expense caps. As part of these negotiations, the Board indicated that it would consider relaxing these caps in future years following sustained improvements in performance, among other considerations.

While shareholders may focus primarily on fund performance and fees, the Fund’s Board considers these and many other factors, including the quality and integrity of DIMA’s personnel and administrative support services provided by DIMA, such as back-office operations, fund valuations, and compliance policies and procedures.

Nature, Quality and Extent of Services. The Board considered the terms of the Agreement, including the scope of advisory services provided under the Agreement. The Board noted that, under the Agreement, DIMA provides portfolio management services to the Fund and that, pursuant to a separate administrative services agreement, DIMA provides administrative services to the Fund. The Board considered the experience and skills of senior management and investment personnel and the resources made available to such personnel. The Board reviewed the Fund’s performance over short-term and long-term periods and compared those returns to various agreed-upon performance measures, including market index(es) and a peer universe compiled using information supplied by Morningstar Direct (“Morningstar”), an independent fund data service. The Board also noted that it has put into place a process of identifying “Funds in Review” (e.g., funds performing poorly relative to a peer universe), and receives additional reporting from DIMA regarding such funds and, where appropriate, DIMA’s plans to address underperformance. The Board believes this process is an effective manner of identifying and addressing underperforming funds. Based on the information provided, the Board noted that, for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2016, the Fund’s performance (Class A shares) was in the 2nd quartile, 2nd quartile and 1st quartile, respectively, of the applicable Morningstar universe (the 1st quartile being the best performers and the 4th quartile being the worst performers). The Board also observed that the Fund has outperformed its benchmark in the one-, three- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2016. The Board observed that there were limitations to the usefulness of

32 | DWS Communications Fund

the comparative data provided by Morningstar, noting that the applicable Morningstar universe for the Fund was not large enough to provide a meaningful comparison.

Fees and Expenses. The Board considered the Fund’s investment management fee schedule, operating expenses and total expense ratios, and comparative information provided by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) and the Fee Consultant regarding investment management fee rates paid to other investment advisors by similar funds (1st quartile being the most favorable and 4th quartile being the least favorable). With respect to management fees paid to other investment advisors by similar funds, the Board noted that the contractual fee rates paid by the Fund, which include a 0.10% fee paid to DIMA under the Fund’s administrative services agreement, were higher than the median (4th quartile) of the applicable Broadridge peer group (based on Broadridge data provided as of December 31, 2016). The Board noted that the Fund’s Class A shares total (net) operating expenses (excluding 12b-1 fees) were expected to be higher than the median (3rd quartile) of the applicable Broadridge expense universe (based on Broadridge data provided as of December 31, 2016, and analyzing Broadridge expense universe Class A (net) expenses less any applicable 12b-1 fees) (“Broadridge Universe Expenses”). The Board also reviewed data comparing other share classes’ total (net) operating expenses to the applicable Broadridge Universe Expenses. The Board noted that the expense limitations agreed to by DIMA were expected to help the Fund’s total (net) operating expenses remain competitive. The Board considered the Fund’s management fee rate as compared to fees charged by DIMA to comparable Deutsche U.S. registered funds (“Deutsche Funds”), noting that DIMA indicated that it does not provide services to any other comparable Deutsche Funds. The information requested by the Board as part of its review of fees and expenses also included information about institutional accounts (including any sub-advised funds and accounts) and funds offered primarily to European investors (“Deutsche Europe funds”) managed by Deutsche AM. The Board noted that DIMA indicated that Deutsche AM manages a Deutsche Europe fund comparable to the Fund, but does not manage any comparable institutional accounts. The Board took note of the differences in services provided to Deutsche Funds as compared to Deutsche Europe funds and that such differences made comparison difficult.

On the basis of the information provided, the Board concluded that management fees were reasonable and appropriate in light of the nature, quality and extent of services provided by DIMA.

Profitability. The Board reviewed detailed information regarding revenues received by DIMA under the Agreement. The Board considered the

DWS Communications Fund | 33

estimated costs to DIMA, and pre-tax profits realized by DIMA, from advising the Deutsche Funds, as well as estimates of the pre-tax profits attributable to managing the Fund in particular. The Board also received information regarding the estimated enterprise-wide profitability of DIMA and its affiliates with respect to all fund services in totality and by fund. The Board and the Fee Consultant reviewed DIMA’s methodology in allocating its costs to the management of the Fund. Based on the information provided, the Board concluded that the pre-tax profits realized by DIMA in connection with the management of the Fund were not unreasonable. The Board also reviewed certain publicly available information regarding the profitability of certain similar investment management firms. The Board noted that, while information regarding the profitability of such firms is limited (and in some cases is not necessarily prepared on a comparable basis), DIMA and its affiliates’ overall profitability with respect to the Deutsche Funds (after taking into account distribution and other services provided to the funds by DIMA and its affiliates) was lower than the overall profitability levels of most comparable firms for which such data was available.

Economies of Scale. The Board considered whether there are economies of scale with respect to the management of the Fund and whether the Fund benefits from any economies of scale. The Board noted that the Fund’s investment management fee schedule includes fee breakpoints. The Board concluded that the Fund’s fee schedule represents an appropriate sharing between the Fund and DIMA of such economies of scale as may exist in the management of the Fund at current asset levels.

Other Benefits to DIMA and Its Affiliates. The Board also considered the character and amount of other incidental benefits received by DIMA and its affiliates, including any fees received by DIMA for administrative services provided to the Fund, any fees received by an affiliate of DIMA for transfer agency services provided to the Fund and any fees received by an affiliate of DIMA for distribution services. The Board also considered benefits to DIMA related to brokerage and soft-dollar allocations, including allocating brokerage to pay for research generated by parties other than the executing broker dealers, which pertain primarily to funds investing in equity securities. In addition, the Board considered the incidental public relations benefits to DIMA related to Deutsche Funds advertising and cross-selling opportunities among DIMA products and services. The Board considered these benefits in reaching its conclusion that the Fund’s management fees were reasonable.

Compliance. The Board considered the significant attention and resources dedicated by DIMA to documenting and enhancing its compliance processes in recent years. The Board noted in particular (i) the experience, seniority and time commitment of the individuals serving as DIMA’s and

34 | DWS Communications Fund

the Fund’s chief compliance officers; (ii) the large number of DIMA compliance personnel; and (iii) the substantial commitment of resources by DIMA and its affiliates to compliance matters.

Based on all of the information considered and the conclusions reached, the Board unanimously determined that the continuation of the Agreement is in the best interests of the Fund. In making this determination, the Board did not give particular weight to any single factor identified above. The Board considered these factors over the course of numerous meetings, certain of which were in executive session with only the Independent Trustees and counsel present. It is possible that individual Independent Trustees may have weighed these factors differently in reaching their individual decisions to approve the continuation of the Agreement.

DWS Communications Fund | 35

Account Management Resources

For More Information	The automated telephone system allows you to access personalized account information and obtain information on other DWS funds using either your voice or your telephone keypad. Certain account types within Classes A and C also have the ability to purchase, exchange or redeem shares using this system. For more information, contact your financial advisor. You may also access our automated telephone system or speak with a Shareholder Service representative by calling: (800) 728-3337
Web Site	dws.com View your account transactions and balances, trade shares, monitor your asset allocation, subscribe to fund and account updates by e-mail, and change your address, 24 hours a day. Obtain prospectuses and applications, news about DWS funds, insight from DWS economists and investment specialists and access to DWS fund account information.
Written Correspondence	DWS PO Box 219151 Kansas City, MO 64121-9151
Proxy Voting	The Fund’s policies and procedures for voting proxies for portfolio securities and information about how the Fund voted proxies related to its portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 are available on our Web site —dws.com/en-us/resources/proxy-voting — or on the SEC’s Web site — sec.gov. To obtain a written copy of the Fund’s policies and procedures without charge, upon request, call us toll free at (800) 728-3337.
Portfolio Holdings	Following the Fund’s fiscal first and third quarter-end, a complete portfolio holdings listing is filed with the SEC on Form N-Q. This form will be available on the SEC’s Web site at sec.gov, and it also may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330. The Fund’s portfolio holdings are also posted on dws.com from time to time. Please see the Fund’s current prospectus for more information.
Principal Underwriter	If you have questions, comments or complaints, contact: DWS Distributors, Inc. 222 South Riverside Plaza Chicago, IL 60606-5808 (800) 621-1148

36 | DWS Communications Fund

Investment Management	DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (“DIMA” or the “Advisor”), which is part of the DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA (“DWS Group”), is the investment advisor for the Fund. DIMA and its predecessors have more than 90 years of experience managing mutual funds and DIMA provides a full range of investment advisory services to both institutional and retail clients. DIMA is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of DWS Group. DWS Group is a global organization that offers a wide range of investing expertise and resources, including hundreds of portfolio managers and analysts and an office network that reaches the world’s major investment centers. This wellresourced global investment platform brings together a wide variety of experience and investment insight across industries, regions, asset classes and investing styles.
	Class A	Class C	Institutional Class
Nasdaq Symbol	TISHX	FTICX	FLICX
CUSIP Number	25159L 729	25159L 695	25159L 687
Fund Number	432	732	532

DWS Communications Fund | 37

Privacy Statement

FACTS	What Does DWS Do With Your Personal Information?
Why?	Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
What?	The types of personal information we collect and share can include: – Social Security number – Account balances – Purchase and transaction history – Bank account information – Contact information such as mailing address, e-mail address and telephone number
How?	All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information, the reasons DWS chooses to share and whether you can limit this sharing.

Reasons we can share your personal information	Does DWS share?	Can you limit this sharing?
For our everyday business purposes — such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders or legal investigations	Yes	No
For our marketing purposes — to offer our products and services to you	Yes	No
For joint marketing with other financial companies	No	We do not share
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your transactions and experiences	No	We do not share
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness	No	We do not share
For non-affiliates to market to you	No	We do not share

Questions? Call (800) 728-3337 or e-mail us at service@dws.com

38 | DWS Communications Fund

Who we are
Who is providing this notice?	DWS Distributors, Inc; DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc.; DWS Trust Company; the DWS Funds
What we do
How does DWS protect my personal information?	To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How does DWS collect my personal information?	We collect your personal information, for example, when you: – open an account – give us your contact information – provide bank account information for ACH or wire transactions – tell us where to send money – seek advice about your investments
Why can’t I limit all sharing?	Federal law gives you the right to limit only – sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness – affiliates from using your information to market to you – sharing for non-affiliates to market to you State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.
Definitions
Affiliates	Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial or non-financial companies. Our affiliates include financial companies with the DWS or Deutsche Bank (“DB”) name, such as DB AG Frankfurt.
Non-affiliates	Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and non-financial companies. Non-affiliates we share with include account service providers, service quality monitoring services, mailing service providers and verification services to help in the fight against money laundering and fraud.
Joint marketing	A formal agreement between non-affiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you. DWS does not jointly market.

Rev. 3/2018, as amended 7/2018

DWS Communications Fund | 39

DCF-3

(R-028284-7 8/18)

ITEM 2.	CODE OF ETHICS
	Not applicable.
ITEM 3.	AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
	Not applicable
ITEM 4.	PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
	Not applicable
ITEM 5.	AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS
	Not applicable
ITEM 6.	SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
	Not applicable
ITEM 7.	DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
	Not applicable
ITEM 8.	PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
	Not applicable
ITEM 9.	PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
	Not applicable
ITEM 10.	SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
	There were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Fund’s Board.  The primary function of the Nominating and Governance Committee is to identify and recommend individuals for membership on the Board and oversee the administration of the Board Governance Guidelines. Shareholders may recommend candidates for Board positions by forwarding their correspondence by U.S. mail or courier service to Keith R. Fox, DWS Funds Board Chair, c/o Thomas R. Hiller, Ropes & Gray LLP, Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199-3600.
ITEM 11.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
	(a)	The Chief Executive and Financial Officers concluded that the Registrant’s Disclosure Controls and Procedures are effective based on the evaluation of the Disclosure Controls and Procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.
	(b)	There have been no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting.
ITEM 12.	Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
	Not applicable
ITEM 13.	EXHIBITS
	(a)(1)	Not applicable
	(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 Communications Fund, a series of Deutsche DWS Securities Trust
By:	/s/Hepsen Uzcan Hepsen Uzcan President
Date:	8/29/2018

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

By:	/s/Hepsen Uzcan Hepsen Uzcan President
Date:	8/29/2018
By:	/s/Diane Kenneally Diane Kenneally Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Date:	8/29/2018