0000745968 fhef:S000022420Member 2023-01-31 2023-01-31 0000745968 fhef:S000022420Member fhef:C000064507Member 2023-01-31 2023-01-31 0000745968 fhef:S000022420Member fhef:C000064508Member 2023-01-31 2023-01-31 0000745968 fhef:S000022420Member fhef:C000064509Member 2023-01-31 2023-01-31 0000745968 fhef:S000022420Member fhef:C000181876Member 2023-01-31 2023-01-31 0000745968 fhef:S000022420Member fhef:ReturnAfterTaxesonDistributionsMember fhef:C000064507Member 2023-01-31 2023-01-31 0000745968 fhef:S000022420Member fhef:ReturnAfterTaxesonDistributionsandSaleofFundSharesMember fhef:C000064507Member 2023-01-31 2023-01-31 0000745968 fhef:S000022420Member fhef:MSCIWorldexUSAIndexMember 2023-01-31 2023-01-31 0000745968 fhef:S000022420Member fhef:MSCIWorldexUSAHighDividendYieldIndexMember 2023-01-31 2023-01-31 0000745968 2023-01-31 2023-01-31 pure iso4217:USD Federated Hermes International Strategic Value Dividend Fund – A Class The total returns shown in the bar chart do not reflect the payment of any sales charges or recurring shareholder account fees. If these charges or fees had been included, the returns shown would have been lower. 2022-11-30 FEDERATED HERMES EQUITY FUNDS 0000745968 false 2023-01-23 2023-01-26 2023-01-31 N-1A 485BPOS IVFAX IVFCX IVFIX IVFLX highest quarterly return 2022-12-31 lowest quarterly return 2020-03-31 674 936 1219 2021 306 637 1093 2168 105 328 569 1259 97 303 525 1166 674 936 1219 2021 206 637 1093 2168 105 328 569 1259 97 303 525 1166 0.1254 -0.0306 -0.0808 0.0102 0.1435 -0.1249 0.2023 -0.0199 0.1131 -0.0277 0.1477 -0.1929 Fund Summary InformationFederated Hermes International Strategic Value Dividend Fund (the “Fund”) RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE The Fund’s investment objective is to provide income and long-term capital appreciation. RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: FEES AND EXPENSES This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell Class A Shares (A), Class C Shares (C), Institutional Shares (IS) and Class R6 Shares (R6) of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000in certain classes (e.g., Class A Shares) of Federated Hermes Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional, in the “What Do Shares Cost?” section of the Prospectus on page 15 and in “Appendix B” to this Prospectus. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000in certain classes (e.g., Class A Shares) of Federated Hermes Funds. 50000 Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) 0.0550 0 0 0 0.0000 0.0100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 0.0075 0.0075 0.0075 0.0075 0.0000 0.0075 0 0 0.0054 0.0053 0.0028 0.0020 0.0129 0.0203 0.0103 0.0095 -0.0018 -0.0015 -0.0017 -0.0010 0.0111 0.0188 0.0086 0.0085 up to but not including the later of (the “Termination Date”): (a) February 1, 2024; or (b) the date of the Fund’s next effective Prospectus. February 1, 2024 Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. Expenses assuming no redemption are also shown. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that operating expenses remain the same. The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads)on reinvested dividends. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Although your actual costs and returns may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be: Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 22% of the average value of its portfolio. 0.22 RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: INVESTMENTS, RISKS and PERFORMANCE What are the Fund’s Main Investment Strategies? The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing primarily in equity securities of companies based in countries outside the United States, consisting principally of high dividend-paying stocks with dividend growth potential. The Fund generally invests in large-cap or mid-cap stocks (which are generally defined as of the date of this Prospectus as stocks of companies with market capitalizations above $7 billion and $2 billion, respectively) and may also hold depositary receipts and real estate investment trusts. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) believes a strategic emphasis on high dividend-paying stocks with the potential for future dividend growth can enhance performance over time. The Adviserdefines high-dividend paying stocks as those with a higher dividend yield than the MSCI World ex USA Index’s average dividend yield. The Adviser believes that this is achievable while targeting long-term dividend growth and lower volatility than the index, as measured by standard deviation.The Adviser’s security selection process involves prioritizing stocks based on attractive combinations of dividend yield and dividend growth potential over time following review of appropriate fundamental criteria, including, but not limited to, balance sheet strength, earnings growth and cash flow durability. Those companies that rank as highly attractive in the prioritization process are closely scrutinized for inclusion in the portfolio using bottom-up fundamental proprietary research. The Fund may use derivative contracts, in particular forward contracts, to manage or hedge the Fund’s currency exposure. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s use of derivative contracts will work as intended. Derivative investments made by the Fund are included within the Fund’s 80% policy (as described below) and are calculated at market value.The Adviser anticipates that normally the Fund will invest in companies based in developed countries, although to a lesser extent, the Fund may also invest in foreign companies based in emerging markets.The Fund will invest its assets so that at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in dividend-paying securities. The Fund will notify shareholders at least 60 days in advance of any change in its investment policy that would enable the Fund to invest, under normal circumstances, less than 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in dividend-paying securities. What are the Main Risks of Investing in the Fund? All mutual funds take investment risks. Therefore, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. The primary factors that may reduce the Fund’s returns include:◾ Stock Market Risk. The value of equity securities in the Fund’s portfolio will fluctuate and, as a result, the Fund’s Share price may decline suddenly or over a sustained period of time. Information publicly available about a company, whether from the company’s financial statements or other disclosures or from third parties, or information available to some but not all market participants, can affect the price of a company’s shares in the market. Among other factors, equity securities may decline in value because of an increase in interest rates or changes in the stock market. Recent and potential future changes in industry and/or economic trends, as well as changes in monetary policy made by central banks and/or their governments, also can affect the level of interest rates and contribute to the development of or increase in volatility, illiquidity, shareholder redemptions and other adverse effects (such as a decline in a company’s stock price), which could negatively impact the Fund’s performance.◾ Real Estate Investment Trust Risk. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) carry risks associated with owning real estate, including the potential for a decline in value due to economic or market conditions.◾ Risk Related to Investing for Dividend Income. There is no guarantee that the issuers of the stocks held by the Fund will declare dividends in the future or that, if dividends are declared, they will remain at their current levels or increase over time. Because a dividend is always a positive contributor to total return, dividend-paying stocks are typically less volatile than non-dividend-paying stocks. Accordingly, the Fund’s performance may lag behind the general market when dividend-paying stocks are out of favor.◾ Risk of Foreign Investing. Because the Fund invests in securities issued by foreign companies and national governments, the Fund’s Share price may be more affected by foreign economic and political conditions, taxation policies and accounting and auditing standards than would otherwise be the case.◾ Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts and Domestically Traded Securities of Foreign Issuers. Because the Fund may invest in American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and other domestically traded securities of foreign companies, whether in the United States or in foreign local markets, the Fund’s Share price may be more affected by foreign economic and political conditions, taxation policies and accounting and auditing standards than would otherwise be the case.◾ Currency Risk. Exchange rates for currencies fluctuate daily. Accordingly, the Fund may experience volatility with respect to the value of its Shares and its returns as a result of its exposure to foreign currencies through direct holdings of such currencies or holdings on non-U.S. dollar denominated securities.◾ European Union and Eurozone Related Risk. A number of countries in the European Union (EU), including certain countries within the EU that have adopted the euro (Eurozone), have experienced, and may continue to experience, severe economic and financial difficulties. Additional countries within the EU may also fall subject to such difficulties. These events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments in euro-denominated securities and derivatives contracts, securities of issuers located in the EU or with significant exposure to EU issuers or countries.◾ Custodial Services and Related Investment Costs. Custodial services and other costs relating to investment in international securities markets generally are more expensive than in the United States. Such markets have settlement and clearance procedures that differ from those in the United States. The inability of the Fund to make intended securities purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities.◾ Emerging Markets Risk. Securities issued or traded in emerging markets generally entail greater risks than securities issued or traded in developed markets. Emerging market countries may have relatively unstable governments and may present the risk of nationalization of businesses, expropriation, confiscatory taxation or, in certain instances, reversion to closed market, centrally planned economies.◾ Large-Cap Company Risk. The Fund may invest in large capitalization (or “large-cap”) companies. Large-cap companies may have fewer opportunities to expand the market for their products or services, may focus their competitive efforts on maintaining or expanding their market share, and may be less capable of responding quickly to competitive challenges. These factors could result in the share price of large companies not keeping pace with the overall stock market or growth in the general economy, and could have a negative effect on the Fund’s portfolio, performance and Share price.◾ Mid-Cap Company Risk. The Fund may invest in mid-capitalization (or “mid-cap”) companies. Mid-cap companies often have narrower markets, limited managerial and financial resources, more volatile performance and greater risk of failure, compared to larger, more established companies. These factors could increase the volatility of the Fund’s portfolio, performance and Share price.◾ Liquidity Risk. The equity securities in which the Fund invests may be less readily marketable and may be subject to greater fluctuation in price than other securities.◾ Risk of Investing in Derivative Contracts. Derivative contracts involve risks different from, or possibly greater than, risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. Specific risk issues related to the use of such contracts include valuation and tax issues, increased potential for losses and/or costs to the Fund and a potential reduction in gains to the Fund. Each of these issues is described in greater detail in this Prospectus. Derivative contracts may also involve other risks described in this Prospectus such as stock market, currency and liquidity risks.◾ Risk Related to the Economy. The value of the Fund’s portfolio may decline in tandem with a drop in the overall value of the markets in which the Fund invests and/or other markets. Economic, political and financial conditions, industry or economic trends and developments or public health risks, such as epidemics or pandemics, may from time to time, and for varying periods of time, cause the Fund to experience volatility, illiquidity, shareholder redemptions, or other potentially adverse effects.◾ Technology Risk. The Adviser uses various technologies in managing the Fund, consistent with its investment objective and strategy described in this Prospectus. For example, proprietary and third-party data and systems are utilized to support decision making for the Fund. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems, which may negatively affect Fund performance.The Shares offered by this Prospectus are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not endorsed or guaranteed by any bank and are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency. All mutual funds take investment risks. Therefore, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. The Shares offered by this Prospectus are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not endorsed or guaranteed by any bank and are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency. Performance: Bar Chart and Table Risk/Return Bar Chart The bar chart and performance table below reflect historical performance data for the fund are intended to help you analyze the Fund’s investment risks in light of its historical returns. The bar chart shows the variability of the Fund’s A class total returns on a calendar year-by-year basis. The Average Annual Total Return Table shows returns for the Fund’s A class averaged over the stated periods, and includes comparative performance information. The Fund’s performance will fluctuate, and past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future results.Updated performance information for the Fund is available under the “Products” section at FederatedInvestors.com or by calling 1-800-341-7400. The bar chart and performance table below reflect historical performance data for the fund are intended to help you analyze the Fund’s investment risks in light of its historical returns. The bar chart shows the variability of the Fund’s A class total returns on a calendar year-by-year basis. The Fund’s performance will fluctuate, and past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future results. FederatedInvestors.com 1-800-341-7400 The total returns shown in the bar chart do not reflect the payment of any sales charges or recurring shareholder account fees. If these charges or fees had been included, the returns shown would have been lower.Within the periods shown in the bar chart, the Fund’s A class highest quarterly return was 14.77% (quarter ended December 31, 2022). Its lowest quarterly return was (19.29)% (quarter ended March 31, 2020). Average Annual Total Return Table The Fund’s R6 class commenced operations on January 27, 2017. For the period prior to the commencement of operations of the Fund’s R6 class, the performance information shown below is for the Fund’s IS class, adjusted to remove any voluntary waiver of Fund expenses related to the Fund’s IS class that occurred during the period prior to the commencement of the Fund’s R6 class.In addition to Return Before Taxes, Return After Taxes is shown for the Fund’s A class to illustrate the effect of federal taxes on Fund returns. After tax-returns are shown only for the Fund’s A class and after-tax returns for the Fund’s C class,IS class and R6 class may differ from those shown for the Fund’s A class. Actual after-tax returns depend on each investor’s personal tax situation, and are likely to differ from those shown. After-tax returns are calculated using a standard set of assumptions. The stated returns assume the highest historical federal income and capital gains tax rates. These after-tax returns do not reflect the effect of any applicable state and local taxes. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors holding Shares through a 401(k) plan, an Individual Retirement Account or other tax-advantaged investment plan. The Average Annual Total Return Table also shows the performance of the Fund compared to a broad-based securities market index as well as a comparison to the MSCI World ex USA High Dividend Yield Index which is an additional performance benchmark for the Fund.(For the Period Ended December 31, 2022) After tax-returns are shown only for the Fund’s A class and after-tax returns for the Fund’s C class,IS class and R6 class may differ from those shown for the Fund’s A class. After-tax returns are calculated using a standard set of assumptions. The stated returns assume the highest historical federal income and capital gains tax rates. These after-tax returns do not reflect the effect of any applicable state and local taxes. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors holding Shares through a 401(k) plan, an Individual Retirement Account or other tax-advantaged investment plan. The Average Annual Total Return Table also shows the performance of the Fund compared to a broad-based securities market index as well as a comparison to the MSCI World ex USA High Dividend Yield Index which is an additional performance benchmark for the Fund. -0.0821 0.0107 0.0202 -0.0955 0.0032 0.0132 -0.0484 0.0091 0.0169 -0.0441 0.0144 0.0182 -0.0254 0.0247 0.0284 -0.0252 0.0249 0.0280 -0.1429 0.0179 0.0459 -0.0170 0.0254 0.0442 The Fund has adopted a Distribution (12b-1) Plan for its Class A Shares pursuant to which the A class of the Fund may incur and pay a Distribution (12b-1) Fee of up to a maximum of 0.05%. No such fee is currently incurred and paid by the A class of the Fund. The A class of the Fund will not incur and pay such a Distribution (12b-1) Fee until such time as approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Trustees”). The Adviser and certain of its affiliates on their own initiative have agreed to waive certain amounts of their respective fees and/or reimburse expenses. Effective February 1, 2023, total annual fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, tax reclaim recovery expenses, interest expense, extraordinary expenses and proxy-related expenses, paid by the Fund, if any) paid by the Fund’s A, C, IS and R6 classes (after the voluntary waivers and/or reimbursements) will not exceed 1.10%, 1.87%, 0.85% and 0.84% (the “Fee Limit”), respectively, up to but not including the later of (the “Termination Date”): (a) February 1, 2024; or (b) the date of the Fund’s next effective Prospectus. While the Adviser and its affiliates currently do not anticipate terminating or increasing these arrangements prior to the Termination Date, these arrangements may only be terminated or the Fee Limit increased prior to the Termination Date with the agreement of the Trustees. The MSCI World ex USA Index captures large- and mid-cap representation across 22 of 23 developed markets countries –excluding the United States. The index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. The MSCI World ex USA High Dividend Yield Index, a representation of the international dividend-paying universe, is based on the MSCI World ex USAIndex, its parent index, and includes large- and mid-cap stocks across 22 of 23 developed markets countries. The index is designed to reflect the performance of equities in the parent index (excluding REITs) with higher dividend income and quality characteristics than average dividend yields that are both sustainable and persistent. The index also applies quality screens and reviews 12-month past performance to omit stocks with potentially deteriorating fundamentals that could force them to cut or reduce dividends.