UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ý
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
ýANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 20052006

OR

o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from               to              

Commission file number 001-09818

ALLIANCEBERNSTEINHOLDING L.P.L.P.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

13-3434400

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, N.Y.

10105

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:(212) 969-1000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Class

Name of each exchange on which registered

units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests*

New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ý  No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o  No ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý  No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ýo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):


Large accelerated filer ý

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No ý

The aggregate market value of the units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which such units were last sold on the New York Stock Exchange as of June 30, 20052006 was approximately $3,668,403,343.$4,995,985,095.

The number of units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests outstanding as of January 31, 20062007 was 83,613,491.85,919,404.*

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

This Form 10-K does not incorporate any document by reference.

_______________
*includes 100,000 units of general partnership interest having economic interests equivalent to the economic interests of the units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests.


*                    includes 100,000 units of general partnership interest having economic interests equivalent to the economic interests of the units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests



TABLETABLE OF CONTENTS

ii

Part I

Part I

Item 1.

1

1

4

4

5

6

7

16

17

17

19

19

20

21

Item 1A.

22

Item 1B.

26

Item 2.

27

Item 3.

27

Item 4.

29

Part II

Part II

Item 5.

30

Item 6.

32

32

33

Item 7.

34

34

35

Item 7A.

48

48

48

Item 8.

50

50

63

Item 9.

99

Item 9A.

99

Item 9B.

100

Part III

Item 10.

100

Item 10.

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

Item 11.

108

Item 12.

119

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

124

Item 14.

127

Part IV

Part IV

Item 15.

128

131


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GLGLOSSARYOSSARY OF CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS


AllianceBernstein” — AllianceBernstein L.P. (Delaware limited partnership formerly known as Alliance Capital Management L.P.,Alliance Capital), the operating partnership, and its subsidiaries and, where appropriate, its predecessors, Holding and ACMC, Inc. and their respective subsidiaries.


AllianceBernstein Investments”— AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (Delaware corporation formerly known as AllianceBernstein Investment Research and Management, Inc.)(Delaware corporation), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AllianceBernstein that services retail clients and distributes company-sponsored mutual funds.


AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement”— the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of AllianceBernstein.


AllianceBernstein Units”— units of limited partnership interest in AllianceBernstein.


AUM”AUM — assets under management for clients.


AXA”— AXA (société anonyme organized under the laws of France), the holding company for an international group of insurance and related financial services companies engaged in the financial protection and wealth management businesses.


AXA Equitable”— AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (New York stock life insurance company), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA Financial, and its subsidiaries other than AllianceBernstein and its subsidiaries.


AXA Financial”— AXA Financial, Inc. (Delaware corporation), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA.


Bernstein GWM” — Bernstein Global Wealth Management, (formerly known as Bernstein Investment Research and Management), a unit of AllianceBernstein that services private clients.


Bernstein Transaction”— on October 2, 2000, AllianceBernstein acquiredAllianceBernstein’s acquisition of the business and assets of SCB Inc., formerly known as Sanford C. Bernstein Inc. (“Bernstein”), and assumedassumption of the liabilities of the Bernstein business.


Exchange Act”—the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.


ERISA” — the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

General Partner”— AllianceBernstein Corporation (Delaware corporation formerly known as Alliance Capital Management Corporation)corporation), the general partner of AllianceBernstein and Holding and a wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA Equitable, and, where appropriate, ACMC, Inc., its predecessor.


Holding— AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (Delaware limited partnership formerly known as Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P.)partnership).


Holding Partnership Agreement”— the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Holding.


Holding Units”— units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests in Holding.


Investment Advisers Act”— the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.


Investment Company Act”— the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.


NYSE” — The New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

Partnerships”— AllianceBernstein and Holding together.


SCB LLC”— Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (Delaware limited liability company), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AllianceBernstein that provides institutional research services in the United States.


SCBL”— Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (UK(U.K. company), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AllianceBernstein that provides institutional research services primarily in Europe, Australia, and Asia.Europe.


SEC”— the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.


Securities Act”— the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.


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PART I

Item 1.   Business


Item 1.
Business

The words “we” and “our” in this Form 10-K refer collectively to Holding, AllianceBernstein and its subsidiaries, or to their officers and employees. Similarly, the word “company” refers to both Holding and AllianceBernstein. Where the context requires distinguishing between Holding and AllianceBernstein, we identify which of them is being discussed. Holding Unitholders own partnership interests in a holding company whose principal source of income and cash flow is attributable to its ownership of limited partnership interests in AllianceBernstein.


We use “global” in this Form 10-K to refer to all nations, including the United States, whileStates; we use “international” or “non-U.S.” to refer to all nations except forother than the United States.


General

GeneralClients

Re-branding

Effective February 24, 2006, we changed the name of Alliance Capital Management L.P. to AllianceBernstein L.P., and also changed the names of Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. and Alliance Capital Management Corporation to AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. and AllianceBernstein Corporation, respectively.Some of our subsidiaries underwent a similar change.  We believe our new name better describes the character of our business and the shared mission, values, dedication to research and client focus of all of our employees, and is an affirmation of the success of the combination of Alliance Capital and Sanford Bernstein.

Clients


AllianceBernstein provides research, diversified investment management and related services globally to a broad range of clients, including:


institutional clients, including unaffiliated corporate and public employee pension funds, endowment funds, domestic and foreign institutions and governments, and various affiliates;


retail clients;


private clients, including high-net-worth individuals, trusts and estates, charitable foundations, partnerships, private and family corporations, and other entities; and


institutional investors seekingdesiring independent institutional research.


We also provide distribution, shareholder servicing, and administrative services to our sponsored mutual funds.


Recognizing that clients’ trustOur primary objective is imperative to the proper functioninghave more investment knowledge and to use it better than our competitors to help our clients achieve their investment goals and financial peace of our company, wemind. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining a fiduciary culture. As a fiduciary, we place the interests of our clients first and foremost. We are committed to the fair and equitable treatment of all our clients, to protect them from potential conflicts of interest within our company, and to complywith all applicable rules and regulations and internal compliance policies that impactto which our business. On a company-wide basis, webusiness is subject. We pursue these goals through education of our employees to promote awareness of our fiduciary obligations, incentives that align employees’ interests with those of our clients, and a range of measures, including active monitoring, to ensure regulatory compliance. Some of the specific steps we’ve taken in recent years to help us achieve these goals include:


revising our code of ethics to better align the interests of our employees with those of our clients;

forming two committees composed primarily of executive management to oversee and resolve code of ethics and compliance-related issues;

creating an ombudsman office, where employees and others can voice concerns on a confidential basis; and

initiating firm-wide compliance and ethics training programs.

Research

The


Our high-quality, in-depth fundamental research is the foundation of our investment management process is our high-quality, in-depth research.business. We believe that having more knowledge, and using that knowledge better than other market participants,our global team of research professionals gives us a competitive advantage in achieving investment success for our clients.


Our research disciplines include bottom-up, fundamental research, quantitative research, economic research, and currency forecasting capabilities. In addition, we have created several specialist research units, over the past two years, including one unit that examines global strategic changes that can impactaffect multiple industries and geographies, and another dedicated to identifying potentially successful innovations within early-stage companies.


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Products and Services


We offer a broad range of investment products and services in whichto our clients can invest:

clients:


To our institutional clients, we offer separately managed accounts, sub-advisory relationships, structured products, group trusts, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles (“Institutional Investment Services”);


To our retail clients, we offer retail mutual funds sponsored by AllianceBernstein, our subsidiaries, and our affiliated joint venture companies, sub-advisory relationships in respect ofwith mutual funds sponsored by third parties, separately managed account programs that are sponsored by registered broker-dealersvarious financial intermediaries worldwide (“Separately Managed Account Programs”), and other investment vehicles (“Retail(collectively, “Retail Services”);


To our private clients, we offer separately managed accounts, hedge funds, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles (“Private Client Services”); and


To our institutional investors, seeking institutional research, we offer in-depth, independent, fundamental research, portfolio strategy, trading, and brokerage-related services (“Institutional Research Services”).


This broad range of investment services is managedprovided by a group of investment professionals with significant expertise in their respective disciplines. As of December 31, 2005,2006, our clients’ assets were managed by 169329 research analysts, located around the world, supported our 174 portfolio managers. Our portfolio managers withhave an average of 1419 years of experience in the industry and seven10 years of experience with AllianceBernstein. These portfolio managersTogether, they oversee a number of different types of investment products within various vehicles and strategies, including separately managed accounts, mutual funds, hedge funds, structured products, and other investment vehicles. Our investment strategiesservices include:


Growth equities, generally targeting stocks with under-appreciated growth potential;

Value equities, generally targeting stocks that are out of favor and value equity, the two predominant equity strategies;

Blend, combining growth and value equity components and systematic rebalancing between the two;

that may trade at bargain prices;


Fixed income securities, including both taxable and tax-exempt securities;

Balanced, combining equity and fixed income components; and


Passive management, including both index and enhanced index strategies.

strategies; and


Blend strategies, combining style pure investment components with systematic rebalancing.

We manage these strategiesservices using various investment disciplines, including market capitalization (e.g., large-, mid-, and small-cap equities), term (e.g., long-, intermediate-, and short-duration debt securities), and geographic location (e.g., U.S., international, global, and emerging markets), as well as local and regional disciplines in major markets around the world.


Blend strategies have becomeare an increasingly important component of our product line. As of December 31, 2005,2006, blend AUM were $85$134 billion (representing 15%19% of our company-wide AUM), up 63%an increase of 52% from $52$88 billion onas of December 31, 20042005 and 143%154% from $35$53 billion onas of December 31, 2003.

2004.


Sub-advisory client mandates span our investment strategies, including growth, value, blend,fixed income, and fixed income.blend. We serve as sub-adviser for retail products,mutual funds, insurance products, retirement platforms, and institutional investors.investment products. Dedicated marketing and client servicing professionals are responsible for servicing these relationships.


Global Reach


We serve clients in major global markets through operations in4447cities in 2324countries. Our client base includes investors throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. We are committed toutilize an integrated global investment platform so that provides our clients everywhere havewith access to local (country-specific), international, and global research and investment strategies.


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AUMAssets under management by client domicile and investment strategyservice as of December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 20032004 were as follows:


By Client Domicile ($ in billions):

 

December 31, 2006

December 31, 2005

December 31, 2004

December 31, 2003

By Investment StrategyService ($ in billions):

 

 

 

December 31, 2006

December 31, 2005

December 31, 2004

December 31, 2003


As the above charts indicate, we have significantly enhanced our business continues to become increasingly global. Our international client base and product mix over the last three years. We increased our international client base by 44% during 2006 and 30% during 2005 and, 27% during 2004 and, likewise, we increased our global and international AUM increased by 50% during 2006 and 38% during 2005 and 42% during 2004.2005. In addition, approximately 69%76%, 51%69%, and 50%51% of our company-wide gross asset inflows (sales / new accounts) during 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003,2004, respectively, were invested in global and international investment products.

services.


Revenues


We earn revenues by charging fees for managing the investment assets of, and providing research to, our clients. We generally calculate investment advisory fees as a percentage of the value of AUM, with such fees varying by type of investment strategy and discipline,service, size of account, and total amount of assets we manage for a particular client. Accordingly, fee income generally increases or decreases as AUM increase or decrease. Increases in assets under managementAUM generally result from market appreciation, positive investment performance for clients, or net asset inflows from new or existing clients. Similarly, decreases in assets under managementAUM generally result from market depreciation, negative investment performance for clients, or net asset outflows due to client redemptions, account terminations, or asset withdrawals.


We sometimes charge a performance-based fee in addition to or in lieu of a base fee. Performance-based fees are calculated as either a percentage of absolute investment results or a percentage of investment results in excess of a stated benchmark over a specified period of time. Performance-based feestime, and they are recorded as revenue at the end of the measurement periodperiod. Accordingly, as performance-based fees continue to become an increasingly important part of our business, the seasonality and will be higher in favorable markets and lower in unfavorable markets, which may increase the volatility of our revenues and earnings.

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earnings may become more significant.



We sometimes experience periods when the number of new accounts or the amountsamount of AUM increaseincreases significantly, as well as periods when ourthe number of client accounts or the amount of AUM have decreaseddecreases significantly. These shifts result from wide-ranging factors, including conditions of financial markets, our investment performance for clients, and changes in the investment preferences of our clients.


We earn revenues from clients to whom we provide fundamental research, trading, and brokerage-related services, generally in the form of transaction fees calculated as either “cents per share” or a percentage of the value of the securities traded for clients.


For additional information about possible fluctuation in our revenues, see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A.

Employees


As of December 31, 2005,2006, we had 4,3124,914 full-time employees, including 619 investment professionals, of whom 169 were329 research analysts, 174 portfolio managers, 361 were research analysts, 60 were order placement specialists,61 traders, and 29 were28 professionals with other investment-related responsibilities. We have employed these professionals for an average period of approximately seveneight years, and their average investment experience is approximately 1415 years. We consider our employee relations to be good.


InstInstitutionalitutional Investment Services


We serve our institutional clients through AllianceBernstein Institutional Investments, a unit of AllianceBernstein, and through other units in our international subsidiaries and affiliates.one of our joint ventures. Institutional Investment Services include actively managed equity accounts (including growth, value, and blend accounts), fixed income accounts, and balanced accounts (which combine equity and fixed income), as well as passive management of index and enhanced index accounts. These services are provided through separately managed accounts, sub-advisory relationships, structured products, group trusts, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles. As of December 31, 2005,2006, institutional assets under management were $359$455 billion, or 62%64% of our company-wide assets under management. For more information concerning institutional assets under management,AUM, revenues, and fees, see “Assets Under Management, Revenues, and Fees” in this Item 1.


Our institutional client base includes unaffiliated corporate and public employee pension funds, endowment funds, domestic and foreign institutions and governments, and variouscertain of our affiliates (AXA and its subsidiaries), as well as certain sub-advisory relationships with unaffiliated sponsors of various other investment products. We manage approximately 3,4502,200 separate accounts for these clients, which are located in more than 40 countries. As of December 31, 2005,2006, we managed employee benefit plan assets for3747 of the Fortune 100 companies, and we managed public pension fund assets for 37states and/or municipalities in those states.


Our efforts to create an integrated global investment platformInstitutional Investment Services are most evident in our institutional investment channel.becoming increasingly global. As of December 31, 2005,2006, our institutional assets under managementAUM invested in global and international investment services increased to $269 billion, or 59% of institutional AUM, from $172 billion, or 48% of institutional AUM, as of December 31, 2005, and from $123$124 billion, or 39%40% of institutional AUM, as of December 31, 2004, and from $78 billion, or 29% of institutional AUM, as of December 31, 2003.2004. Similarly, as of December 31, 2005,2006, the assets under managementAUM we invested for clients domiciled outside the United States increased to $214 billion, or 47% of institutional AUM, from $137 billion, or 38% of institutional AUM, as of December 31, 2005, and from $103 billion, or 33% of institutional AUM, as of December 31, 2004, and from $77 billion, or 29% of institutional AUM, as of December 31, 2003.

Relationship managers, based in 11 offices around the world, work with institutional clients and prospective clients to determine their financial goals and needs, while specialist marketers, located in New York, London, and Tokyo, offer clients specific investment products and services to meet their overall financial plans.

2004.


Retail Services

Retail Services

Through financial intermediaries, weWe provide investment management and related services to a wide variety of individual retail investors, both in the U.S. and internationally, through retail mutual funds sponsored by our company, our subsidiaries and affiliated joint venture companies; mutual fund sub-advisory relationships with mutual funds sponsored by third parties;relationships; Separately Managed Account Programs; and other investment vehicles (“Retail Products”). As of December 31, 2005,2006, retail AUM, which are determined by subtracting applicable liabilities from the value of AUM, were $145$167 billion, or 25%23% of our company-wide AUM. For more information concerning retail AUM, revenues, and fees, see “Assets Under Management, Revenues, and Fees” in this Item 1.

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Our Retail Services are designed to provide disciplined, research-based investments that play a consistent and effective role incontribute to a well-diversified investment portfolio. We distribute our Retail Products through a number of financial intermediaries, including broker-dealers, insurance sales representatives, banks, registered investment advisers, and financial planners.

Among our


Our Retail Products areinclude open-end and closed-end funds that are either (i) registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act (“U.S. Funds”), or (ii) not registered under the Investment Company Act and generally not publicly offered to United States persons (“Non-U.S. Funds” and collectively with the U.S. Funds, “AllianceBernstein Funds”). Our Retail ProductsThey provide a broad range of investment options, including local and global growth equities, value equities, blend strategies, and fixed income securities. Also among these products are retail Separately Managed Account Programs, which are sponsored by various registered broker-dealersfinancial intermediaries worldwide and generally charge an all-inclusive fee covering investment management, trade execution, asset allocation, and custodial and administrative services. We also provide distribution, shareholder servicing, and administrative services for our Retail Products.


AllianceBernstein Investments Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AllianceBernstein, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of U.S. Funds and as a placing or distribution agent for most of the Non-U.S.U.S. Funds. AllianceBernstein Investments employs approximately 185175 sales representatives who devote their time exclusively to promoting the sale of U.S. Funds and certain other Retail ServicesProducts by financial intermediaries. AllianceBernstein Investments services approximately3.9million shareholder accounts globally.accounts.


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Our efforts to create an integrated global investment platform are applicable to our retail channel as well, although in 2005 the increased global and international shareTable of Contents

AllianceBernstein (Luxembourg) S.A. (“AllianceBernstein Luxembourg”), one of our total retail assets under management is due morewholly-owned subsidiaries, generally serves as the placing or distribution agent for the Non-U.S. Funds. AllianceBernstein Luxembourg employs approximately 65 sales representatives who devote their time exclusively to promoting the dispositionsale of our cash management services (see Note 20 in AllianceBernstein’s consolidatedNon-U.S. Funds and other Retail Products by financial statements in Item 8) than to expansion abroad.intermediaries.

Our Retail Services are also becoming increasingly global. As of December 31, 2005,2006, our retail AUM invested in global and international investment services increased to $86 billion, or 52% of retail AUM, from $65 billion, or 45% of retail AUM, as of December 31, 2005, and from $48 billion, or 29%30% of retail AUM, as of December 31, 2004, and2004. As of December 31, 2006, the AUM we invested for clients domiciled outside the U.S. increased to $40 billion, or 24% of retail AUM, from $42$39 billion, or 27% of retail AUM, as of December 31, 2003. Similarly, as of December 31, 2005, the AUM we invested for retail clients domiciled outside the United States increased to $39 billion, or 27% of retail AUM,and from $32 billion, or 19% of retail AUM, as of December 31, 2004, and $29 billion, or 18% of retail AUM, as of December 31, 2003.

Our Non-U.S. Funds, which represented $36 billion, or 25% of our total2004.


We offer the following Retail assets under management (excluding certain investment vehicles, as discussed below) as of December 31, 2005, include:

Internationally-distributed funds that offer more than 27different portfoliosProducts to non-U.S. investors distributed through local financial intermediaries by means of distribution agreements in most major international markets (AUM in these funds totaled $21 billion as of December 31, 2005); and

clients domiciled outside the United States:


Internationally-distributed retail funds that currently offer 35different portfolios to non-U.S. investors distributed by local financial intermediaries by means of distribution agreements in most major international markets (retail AUM in these funds totaled $23 billion as of December 31, 2006);

Local-market funds that we distribute through financial intermediaries in specific countries, including Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan (our most successful local offerings to date have been in Japan where, as of December 31, 2005,(retail AUM in our local Japanesethese funds totaled $5.4 billion).

Our Non-U.S. Funds also include hedge funds, which we market and distribute to high-net-worth and institutional investors globally, and various types of structured products (e.g., collateralized bond obligations), which we market and distribute to institutional investors globally. We report hedge fund AUM, which totaled $4.6$5 billion as of December 31, 2005, as either Institutional Investment AUM ($0.8 billion) or Private Client AUM ($3.8 billion). We report structured product AUM, which2006); and


Retail sub-advisory mandates (AUM in these relationships totaled $4.0$12 billion as of December 31, 2005, as Institutional Investment AUM.

2006).


Our U.S. Funds, which include retail funds, our variable products series fund (an insurance product), and the Sanford C. Bernstein Funds (Private(principally Private Client Services products), currently offer approximately 120124 different portfolios to U.S. investors. As of December 31, 2005, assets under management in the2006, retail U.S. Funds wereAUM was approximately $44$58 billion, or 30%35% of total Retailretail AUM. WeBecause of the way they are marketed and serviced, we report nearlysubstantially all of the AUM in the Sanford C. Bernstein Funds, which totaled $22.2$27 billion as of December 31, 2005,2006, as Private Client Servicesprivate client AUM.

In 2003, we began offering the AllianceBernstein Wealth Strategies portfolios, which offer investments in various combinations of U.S. and non-U.S. growth equity, value equity, and fixed income securities (with automatic re-balancing of securities), providing diversified solutions for meeting the risk and return appetites of retail

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investors. As of December 31, 2005, assets under management in the Wealth Strategies portfolios were $3.1 billion.

Cash Management Services


During June 2005, AllianceBernstein and Federated Investors, IncInc. (“Federated”) completed a transaction pursuant to which Federated acquired our retail cash management services. For additional information, see Note 20 in21 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.


PriPrivatevate Client Services


Bernstein Global Wealth Management (“Bernstein GWM”), a unit of AllianceBernstein,GWM combines the former private client services group of Bernstein, which has served private clients for over 35 years, and the former private client group of AllianceBernstein.Alliance Capital. As of December 31, 2005,2006, private client assets under management were $75AUM was $95 billion, or 13% of our company-wide assets under management.AUM. For more information concerning private client assets under management,AUM, revenues, and fees, see “Assets Under Management, Revenues, and Fees” in this Item 1.


Through Bernstein GWM, we provide Private Client Services to high-net-worth individuals, trusts and estates, charitable foundations, partnerships, private and family corporations, and other entities by means of separately managed accounts, hedge funds, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles. We target householdsinvestors with financial assets of $1 million or more, andalthough we have a minimum opening account size of $400,000.


Our private client activitiesPrivate Client Services are built on a direct sales effort that involvesapproximately 260298 financial advisors. These advisors do not manage money, but work with private clients and their tax, legal, and other advisors to assist clients in determining a suitable mix of U.S. and non-U.S. equity securities and fixed income investments. The diversified portfolio created for each client is intended to maximize after-tax investment returns, in light of the client’s individual investment goals, income requirements, risk tolerance, tax considerations,situation, and any other factors relevant for that client.factors. Our private clients have access to all of our resources, including research reports, investment planning services, an extensive nationwide referral network, including accountants, attorneys, and consultants, and our Wealth Management Group, which has in-depth knowledge of trust, and estate, and tax management issues.planning strategies.


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Our financial advisors are based in18 cities in the U.S., including New York City, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, San Diego, (newly-opened in January 2006), San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, Washington, D.C., and West Palm Beach. We plan to open an officeFinancial advisors have also been based in Londonlater this year. These offices servicesince the targeted market within these cities and the surrounding areas. In addition,third quarter of 2006. Bernstein GWM added 7037 financial advisors in 2005,2006 (a 14.2% increase from 2005), and plans to add an additional 27 advisors in 2006.2007.

We


Non-U.S. investment services have made significant strides with non-U.S. investment servicesbecome increasingly important in the private client channel as well.channel. As of December 31, 2005,2006, our private client assets under managementAUM invested in global and international investment services increased to $29 billion, or 30% of private client AUM, from $20 billion, or 26% of private client AUM, as of December 31, 2005, and from $14 billion, or 22% of Private Client Services AUM, as of December 31, 2004, and from $10 billion, or 19% of private client AUM, as of December 31, 2003. When measured by client domicile, there has been little change thus far in Private Client Services AUM, but we believe our launch of a private client office in London later this year will enhance our ability to reach non-U.S. clients.

2004.


InstInstitutionalitutional Research Services


Institutional Research Services (“IRS”) consist of in-depth, independent, fundamental research, portfolio strategy, trading and brokerage-related services provided to institutional investors such as pension funds,fund, hedge fund, and mutual fund managers, asset managers, and other institutional investors. Trade execution and brokerage-related services are provided by Sanford C. Bernstein & Co.,SCB LLC (our wholly-owned subsidiary, “SCB LLC”) in the United States and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (our wholly-owned subsidiary, “SCBL”)SCBL primarily in Europe, Australia, and Asia.Europe. As of December 31, 2005,2006, SCB LLC and SCBL (together, “SCB”) served approximately 1,2001,325 clients in the U.S. and approximately 365390 clients in Europe, Australia, and Asia.outside the U.S. For more information concerning the revenues we derive from institutional research services, IRS, see “Assets Under Management, Revenues, and Fees” in this Item 1.

6




SCB provides in-depth fundamental company and industry reports,research, along with disciplined research into securities valuation and the factors affecting stock-price movements. Company and industry analysts in most cases have business experience in the industries they cover and are consistently among the highest ranked sell-side research analysts in industry surveys conducted by third-party organizations. Along with quantitative analysts and portfolio strategists, our sell-sideIRS research team totals approximately 140160 people, including 5052 senior analysts.


In 2005,2006, SCB further strengthenedexpanded its research effortcapabilities in London and now has 1016 published analysts covering industries and companies in Europe, with nine additional analysts due to commence coverage in 2006.Europe. In addition, SCB’sSCB LLC’s trading and brokerage operations were further enhanced in 2005 with the launch of several proprietary algorithmic trading products. These product additions complemented other major changes already undertaken to transform our trading capability, including the launch of a dedicated sector block trading desk and the expansion of our product specialist team.



AssetsAssets Under Management, Revenues, and Fees


The following tables summarize our AUM and revenues by distribution channel, along with associated revenues:

channel:


Assets Under Management(1)Management(1)(2)

 

 

December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Institutional Investment Services

 

$

358,545

 

$

309,883

 

$

267,241

 

15.7

%

16.0

%

Retail Services

 

145,134

 

134,882

 

125,051

 

7.6

 

7.9

 

Private Client Services

 

74,873

 

63,600

 

53,236

 

17.7

 

19.5

 

 

 

578,552

 

508,365

 

445,528

 

13.8

 

14.1

 

Dispositions(3)

 

 

30,399

 

31,739

 

(100.0

)

(4.2

)

Total

 

$

578,552

 

$

538,764

 

$

477,267

 

7.4

%

12.9

%



  
December 31,
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
    
(in millions)
       
Institutional Investment Services 
 $455,069 $358,545 $309,883  26.9% 15.7%
Retail Services 
  166,928  145,134  134,882  15.0  7.6 
Private Client Services 
  94,898  74,873  63,600  26.7  17.7 
   716,895  578,552  508,365  23.9  13.8 
Dispositions(3) 
      30,399    (100.0)
Total 
 
$
716,895
 
$
578,552
 
$
538,764
  
23.9
  
7.4
 

____________

(1)

Excludes certain non-discretionary client relationships and assets managed by unconsolidated affiliates.

relationships.

(2)

Starting in 2005, we revised the way we classifiedclassify our assets under managementAUM to better align publicly reported AUM with our internal reporting, and for consistency, ourreporting. AUM as of December 31, 2004 and previous years havehas been reclassified by investment service and distribution channel, including the fixed income portions of balanced accounts previously reported in equity.

equity, to conform to the 2005 and 2006 presentation.

(3)

Includes assets related toAUM of cash management services, South African joint venture interest, and Indian mutual funds. For information about these dispositions, see Note 20 in21 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.



Revenues(1)Revenues

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Institutional Investment Services(2)

 

$

904,758

 

$

755,279

 

$

644,441

 

19.8

%

17.2

%

Retail Services

 

1,192,059

 

1,294,267

 

1,306,475

 

(7.9

)

(0.9

)

Private Client Services(2)

 

691,208

 

627,067

 

493,903

 

10.2

 

27.0

 

Institutional Research Services

 

321,281

 

303,609

 

267,868

 

5.8

 

13.3

 

Other

 

141,374

 

75,211

 

52,241

 

88.0

 

44.0

 

Total

 

$

3,250,680

 

$

3,055,433

 

$

2,764,928

 

6.4

%

10.5

%

(1)


(1)Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to our 2005 presentation: we reclassified (i) certain sub-accounting payments and networking fees from other promotion and servicing expense to shareholder servicing fees, and (ii) transaction charges paid by our sponsored mutual funds from Institutional Investment Services and Private Client Services to Retail Services.

(2)Includes performance-based fees, incentive allocations or carried interests we earn for managing hedge funds and certain other investment vehicles.

  
Years Ended December 31,
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
    
(in thousands)
       
Institutional Investment Services $1,221,780 $894,781 $727,696  36.5% 23.0%
Retail Services 
  1,303,849  1,188,553  1,288,939  9.7  (7.8)
Private Client Services 
  882,881  673,216  543,446  31.1  23.9 
Institutional Research Services  375,075  352,757  420,141  6.3  (16.0)
Other 
  354,655  199,281  108,007  78.0  84.5 
Total Revenues 
  4,138,240  3,308,588  3,088,229  25.1  7.1 
Less: Interest Expense 
  187,833  95,863  32,796  95.9  192.3 
Net Revenues 
 
$
3,950,407
 
$
3,212,725
 
$
3,055,433
  
23.0
  
5.1
 

____________
(1)
Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to our 2006 presentation. See Note 2 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.

AXA Financial, AXA Equitable, and our other affiliates, whose AUM consist primarily of fixed income investments, together constitute our largest client. Our affiliates represented approximately 19%16%, 20%19%, and 18%19% of our company-wide AUM as of December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, and 2003,

7



respectively. TheyWe also representedearned approximately 5% of our company-wide net revenues from them for each of 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003.2004. We manage our affiliates’some of these assets as part of our Institutional Investment Services and some as part of our Retail Services.


- 7 -

InstitutionalTable of Contents

Institutional Investment Services


The following tables summarize our Institutional Investment Services assets under management, along with associatedAUM and revenues:


Institutional Investment Services Assets Under Management(1)
Management
(1)
(by Investment Service)

 

 

December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growth Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

39,721

 

$

39,600

 

$

51,990

 

0.3

%

(23.8

)%

Global and International

 

39,327

 

23,326

 

15,716

 

68.6

 

48.4

 

 

 

79,048

 

62,926

 

67,706

 

25.6

 

(7.1

)

Value Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

50,556

 

51,006

 

45,945

 

(0.9

)

11.0

 

Global and International

 

101,791

 

68,595

 

42,876

 

48.4

 

60.0

 

 

 

152,347

 

119,601

 

88,821

 

27.4

 

34.7

 

Fixed Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

74,964

 

77,314

 

72,752

 

(3.0

)

6.3

 

Global and International

 

27,709

 

25,859

 

14,009

 

7.2

 

84.6

 

 

 

102,673

 

103,173

 

86,761

 

(0.5

)

18.9

 

Index / Structured:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

20,908

 

19,297

 

18,403

 

8.3

 

4.9

 

Global and International

 

3,569

 

4,886

 

5,550

 

(27.0

)

(12.0

)

 

 

24,477

 

24,183

 

23,953

 

1.2

 

1.0

 

Total:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

186,149

 

187,217

 

189,090

 

(0.6

)

(1.0

)

Global and International

 

172,396

 

122,666

 

78,151

 

40.5

 

57.0

 

 

 

358,345

 

309,883

 

267,241

 

15.7

 

16.0

 

Dispositions(2)

 

 

1,375

 

555

 

(100.0

)

147.7

 

Total

 

$

358,545

 

$

311,258

 

$

267,796

 

15.2

%

16.2

%


  
December 31
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
    
(in millions)
       
Growth Equity:                
U.S. 
 $36,670 $39,721 $39,600  (7.7)% 0.3%
Global and International 
  66,242  39,327  23,326  68.4  68.6 
   102,912  79,048  62,926  30.2  25.6 
Value Equity:                
U.S. 
  55,562  50,556  51,006  9.9  (0.9)
Global and International 
  158,572  101,791  68,595  55.8  48.4 
   214,134  152,347  119,601  40.6  27.4 
Fixed Income:                
U.S. 
  73,414  74,964  77,314  (2.1) (3.0)
Global and International 
  39,166  27,709  25,859  41.3  7.2 
   112,580  102,673  103,173  9.6  (0.5)
Index / Structured:                
U.S. 
  19,942  20,908  19,297  (4.6) 8.3 
Global and International 
  5,501  3,569  4,886  54.1  (27.0)
   25,443  24,477  24,183  3.9  1.2 
Total:                
U.S. 
  185,588  186,149  187,217  (0.3) (0.6)
Global and International 
  269,481  172,396  122,666  56.3  40.5 
   455,069  358,545  309,883  26.9  15.7 
Dispositions(2) 
      1,375    (100.0)
Total 
 
$
455,069
 
$
358,545
 
$
311,258
  
26.9
  
15.2
 

____________
(1)
Excludes certain non-discretionary client relationships.
(2)
Represents AUM of South African joint venture interest. For information about this disposition, see Note 21 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.

- 8 -

(1)Table of ContentsExcludes certain non-discretionary client relationships and assets managed by unconsolidated affiliates.

(2)Includes assets related to South African joint venture interest. For information about this disposition, see Note 20 in AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.

8



Revenues From Institutional Investment Services(1)
Services
(1)

(by Investment Service)

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Advisory and Services Fees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growth Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

126,083

 

$

141,891

 

$

164,638

 

(11.1

)%

(13.8

)%

Global and International

 

115,982

 

68,240

 

42,061

 

70.0

 

62.2

 

 

 

242,065

 

210,131

 

206,699

 

15.2

 

1.7

 

Value Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

162,708

 

178,058

 

169,675

 

(8.6

)

4.9

 

Global and International

 

364,480

 

219,532

 

127,726

 

66.0

 

71.9

 

 

 

527,188

 

397,590

 

297,401

 

32.6

 

33.7

 

Fixed Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

94,596

 

110,184

 

108,348

 

(14.1

)

1.7

 

Global and International

 

28,965

 

25,668

 

20,760

 

12.8

 

23.6

 

 

 

123,561

 

135,852

 

129,108

 

(9.0

)

5.2

 

Index / Structured:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

6,432

 

6,942

 

6,341

 

(7.3

)

9.5

 

Global and International

 

5,083

 

4,764

 

4,892

 

6.7

 

(2.6

)

 

 

11,515

 

11,706

 

11,233

 

(1.6

)

4.2

 

Total Investment Advisory and Services Fees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

389,819

 

437,075

 

449,002

 

(10.8

)

(2.7

)

Global and International

 

514,510

 

318,204

 

195,439

 

61.7

 

62.8

 

 

 

904,329

 

755,279

 

644,441

 

19.7

 

17.2

 

Distribution Revenues

 

429

 

 

 

n/m

 

 

Total

 

$

904,758

 

$

755,279

 

$

644,441

 

19.8

%

17.2

%



(1)Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to our 2005 presentation: we reclassified transaction charges paid by our sponsored mutual funds from Institutional Investment Services and Private Client Services to Retail Services.

  
Years Ended December 31,
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
    
(in thousands)
       
Investment Advisory and Services Fees:           
Growth Equity:                
U.S. 
 $122,132 $126,894 $141,264  (3.8)% (10.2)%
Global and International 
  226,293  115,403  70,321  96.1  64.1 
   348,425  242,297  211,585  43.8  14.5 
Value Equity:                
U.S. 
  154,163  155,046  154,681  (0.6) 0.2 
Global and International 
  570,185  362,181  213,565  57.4  69.6 
   724,348  517,227  368,246  40.0  40.5 
Fixed Income:                
U.S. 
  97,452  95,585  113,581  2.0  (15.8)
Global and International 
  38,825  29,887  24,108  29.9  24.0 
   136,277  125,472  137,689  8.6  (8.9)
Index / Structured:                
U.S. 
  4,993  5,159  5,116  (3.2) 0.8 
Global and International 
  7,177  4,197  5,060  71.0  (17.1)
   12,170  9,356  10,176  30.1  (8.1)
Total Investment Advisory and Services Fees:                
U.S. 
  378,740  382,684  414,642  (1.0) (7.7)
Global and International 
  842,480  511,668  313,054  64.7  63.4 
   1,221,220  894,352  727,696  36.5  22.9 
Distribution Revenues 
  560  429    30.5  n/m 
Total 
 
$
1,221,780
 
$
894,781
 
$
727,696
  
36.5
  
23.0
 

____________
(1)
Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to our 2006 presentation. We reclassified transaction charge revenues earned from certain Institutional Investment Services clients from investment advisory and services fees to Institutional Research Services.


As of December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003,2004, Institutional Investment Services represented approximately 62%64%, 58%62%, and 56%58%, respectively, of our company-wide assets under management.AUM. The fees we earned from these services represented approximately 28%31%, 25%28%, and 23%24% of our company-wide net revenues for 2006, 2005, and 2004, and 2003, respectively.

As part of our Institutional Investment Services, we


We manage assets for AXA and its subsidiaries, which together constitute our largest institutional client. These assets accounted for approximately 18%17%, 20%18%, and 19%20% of our total institutional assets under managementAUM as of December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003,2004, respectively, and approximately 8%7%, 9%8%, and 10%9% of our total institutional revenues for 2006, 2005, and 2004, and 2003, respectively.


The institutional assetsAUM we manage for our affiliates, along with our nine other largest institutional accounts, made upaccount for approximately 20%31% of our total company-wide assets under managementinstitutional AUM as of December 31, 20052006 and approximately 4%16% of our total company-wideinstitutional net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2005.2006. No single institutional client other than AXA and its subsidiaries accounted for more than approximately 1% of our company-wide net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2005.

2006.


We manage eachthe assets of our institutional account pursuant to aclients through written investment management agreement. Each agreement is usuallyagreements or other arrangements, all of which are generally terminable at any time or upon relatively short notice by either party. In general, our contractswritten investment management agreements may not be assigned without client consent.



We are compensated principally on the basis of managementinvestment advisory fees calculated as a percentage of assets under management. The percentage we charge varies with the type of portfolio strategy,investment service, the size of the account, and the total amount of assets we manage for a particular client.

9




We charge performance-based fees on approximately16%15% of institutional assets under management. Performance-based fees provide for a relatively low baseasset-based fee plus an additional fee based on investment performance.


Retail Services


The following tables summarize our Retail Services assets under management, along with associatedAUM and revenues:


Retail Services Assets Under Management(1)
Management
(by Investment Service)

 

 

December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growth Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

31,193

 

$

33,436

 

$

32,988

 

(6.7

)%

1.4

%

Global and International

 

19,523

 

14,670

 

14,579

 

33.1

 

0.6

 

 

 

50,716

 

48,106

 

47,567

 

5.4

 

1.1

 

Value Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

32,625

 

32,113

 

28,384

 

1.6

 

13.1

 

Global and International

 

16,575

 

8,600

 

3,961

 

92.7

 

117.1

 

 

 

49,200

 

40,713

 

32,345

 

20.8

 

25.9

 

Fixed Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

12,053

 

17,076

 

18,232

 

(29.4

)

(6.3

)

Global and International

 

27,648

 

23,742

 

22,446

 

16.5

 

5.8

 

 

 

39,701

 

40,818

 

40,678

 

(2.7

)

0.3

 

Index / Structured:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

4,230

 

4,203

 

3,584

 

0.6

 

17.3

 

Global and International

 

1,287

 

1,042

 

877

 

23.5

 

18.8

 

 

 

5,517

 

5,245

 

4,461

 

5.2

 

17.6

 

Total:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

80,101

 

86,828

 

83,188

 

(7.7

)

4.4

 

Global and International

 

65,033

 

48,054

 

41,863

 

35.3

 

14.8

 

 

 

145,134

 

134,882

 

125,051

 

7.6

 

7.9

 

Dispositions(2)

 

 

28,670

 

30,827

 

(100.0

)

(7.0

)

Total

 

$

145,134

 

$

163,552

 

$

155,878

 

(11.3

)%

4.9

%


  
December 31,
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
    
(in millions)
       
Growth Equity:                
U.S. 
 $28,587 $31,193 $33,436  (8.4)% (6.7)%
Global and International 
  19,937  19,523  14,670  2.1  33.1 
   48,524  50,716  48,106  (4.3) 5.4 
Value Equity:                
U.S. 
  35,749  32,625  32,113  9.6  1.6 
Global and International 
  38,797  16,575  8,600  134.1  92.7 
   74,546  49,200  40,713  51.5  20.8 
Fixed Income:                
U.S. 
  11,420  12,053  17,076  (5.3) (29.4)
Global and International 
  27,614  27,648  23,742  (0.1) 16.5 
   39,034  39,701  40,818  (1.7) (2.7)
Index / Structured:                
U.S. 
  4,824  4,230  4,203  14.0  0.6 
Global and International 
    1,287  1,042  (100.0) 23.5 
   4,824  5,517  5,245  (12.6) 5.2 
Total:                
U.S. 
  80,580  80,101  86,828  0.6  (7.7)
Global and International 
  86,348  65,033  48,054  32.8  35.3 
   166,928  145,134  134,882  15.0  7.6 
Dispositions(1) 
      28,670    (100.0)
Total 
 
$
166,928
 
$
145,134
 
$
163,552
  
15.0
  
(11.3
)

____________
(1)
Includes AUM of cash management services and Indian mutual funds. For information about these dispositions, see Note 21 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.

- 10 -

(1)Table of ContentsExcludes assets managed by unconsolidated affiliates.

(2)Includes assets related to cash management services and Indian mutual funds. For information about these dispositions, see Note 20 in AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.

10



Revenues From Retail Services(1)
Services
(1)

(by Investment Service)

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005(2)

 

2004(2)

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Advisory and Services Fees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growth Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

142,899

 

$

155,518

 

$

173,268

 

(8.1

)%

(10.2

)%

Global and International

 

118,574

 

102,076

 

104,324

 

16.2

 

(2.2

)

 

 

261,473

 

257,594

 

277,592

 

1.5

 

(7.2

)

Value Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

120,744

 

118,619

 

109,074

 

1.8

 

8.8

 

Global and International

 

64,881

 

28,774

 

13,519

 

125.5

 

112.8

 

 

 

185,625

 

147,393

 

122,593

 

25.9

 

20.2

 

Fixed Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

112,335

 

182,865

 

209,785

 

(38.6

)

(12.8

)

Global and International

 

132,480

 

141,211

 

132,952

 

(6.2

)

6.2

 

 

 

244,815

 

324,076

 

342,737

 

(24.5

)

(5.4

)

Index / Structured:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

1,746

 

1,663

 

1,253

 

5.0

 

32.7

 

Global and International

 

3,640

 

1,651

 

1,212

 

120.5

 

36.2

 

 

 

5,386

 

3,314

 

2,465

 

62.5

 

34.4

 

Total Investment Advisory and Services Fees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

377,724

 

458,665

 

493,380

 

(17.6

)

(7.0

)

Global and International

 

319,575

 

273,712

 

252,007

 

16.8

 

8.6

 

 

 

697,299

 

732,377

 

745,387

 

(4.8

)

(1.7

)

Distribution Revenues(3)

 

395,402

 

445,911

 

434,705

 

(11.3

)

2.6

 

Shareholder Servicing Fees(3)

 

99,358

 

115,979

 

126,383

 

(14.3

)

(8.2

)

Total

 

$

1,192,059

 

$

1,294,267

 

$

1,306,475

 

(7.9

)%

(0.9

)%



  
Years Ended December 31,
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
    
(in thousands)
       
Investment Advisory and Services Fees:           
Growth Equity:                
U.S. 
 $143,344 $140,428 $152,207  2.1% (7.7)%
Global and International 
  152,883  119,173  101,088  28.3  17.9 
   296,227  259,601  253,295  14.1  2.5 
Value Equity:                
U.S. 
  123,355  119,545  115,907  3.2  3.1 
Global and International 
  133,314  64,718  27,957  106.0  131.5 
   256,669  184,263  143,864  39.3  28.1 
Fixed Income:                
U.S.(2)
  43,705  88,714  177,916  (50.7) (50.1)
Global and International 
  186,196  156,068  147,183  19.3  6.0 
   229,901  244,782  325,099  (6.1) (24.7)
Index / Structured:                
U.S. 
  1,673  1,507  1,661  11.0  (9.3)
Global and International 
  3,363  3,640  3,130  (7.6) 16.3 
   5,036  5,147  4,791  (2.2) 7.4 
Total Investment Advisory and Services Fees:                
U.S. 
  312,077  350,194  447,691  (10.9) (21.8)
Global and International 
  475,756  343,599  279,358  38.5  23.0 
   787,833  693,793  727,049  13.6  (4.6)
Distribution Revenues(3) 
  418,780  395,402  445,911  5.9  (11.3)
Shareholder Servicing Fees(3) 
  97,236  99,358  115,979  (2.1) (14.3)
Total 
 
$
1,303,849
 
$
1,188,553
 
$
1,288,939
  
9.7
  
(7.8
)

____________
(1)
Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to our 2006 presentation. We reclassified transaction charge revenues earned from certain Retail Services clients from investment advisory and services fees to Institutional Research Services.
(2)Reflects disposition of cash management services. See Note 21 to AllianceBernsteins consolidated financial statements in Item 8.
(3)
For a description of distribution revenues and shareholder servicing fees, see below.


(1)Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to our 2005 presentation: we reclassified (i) certain sub-accounting payments and networking fees from other promotion and servicing expense to shareholder servicing fees, and (ii) transaction charges paid by our sponsored mutual funds from Institutional Investment Services and Private Client Services to Retail Services.

(2)Includes a reduction in advisory fees charged to certain U.S. Funds in connection with the resolution of market timing matters. For additional information, see “Regulation” in this Item 1.

(3)For a description of distribution revenues and shareholder servicing fees, see below.

We generally base our feesFees for our Retail Products onare generally charged as a percentage of average assets under management. We may also charge performance-based fees.daily AUM. As certain of the U.S. Funds have grown, we have revised our fee schedules to provide lower incremental fees above certain asset levels. In addition, as part of our resolution of the market timing investigation by the New York State Attorney General (“NYAG”), effective January 1, 2004 we reduced by 20% (on a weighted average basis) the advisory fees on U.S. long-term open-end retail mutual funds(for additional information, see “Regulation” in this Item 1). Fees paid by the U.S. Funds, EQAT (as defined below)EQ Advisors Trust (“EQAT”), AXA Enterprise Multimanager Funds Trust (“AXA Enterprise Trust”), and AXA Premier VIP Trust are reflected in the applicable investment management agreement and reviewedgenerally must be approved annually by the boards of directors or trustees of those funds, including by a majority of the independent directors or trustees. Increases in these fees must be approved by fund shareholders. In general, each investment management agreement with the AllianceBernstein Funds, EQAT, AXA Enterprise Trust, and AXA Premier VIP Trust provides for termination by either partyat any time upon 60 days’ notice.


Fees paid by Non-U.S. Funds are reflected in investment management agreements that continue until they are terminated. Increases in these fees must generally be approved by the Non-U.S. Fund shareholders and/or the relevant regulatory authority depending on the domicile and structure of the fund. In general, each investment management agreement with the AllianceBernstein Funds, EQAT, AXA Enterprise Trust,fund, and AXA Premier VIP Trust provides for termination by either partyatNon-U.S. Fund shareholders must be given advance notice of any time upon 60 days’ notice.

fee increases.


Our Retail Products include variable products, which are open-end mutual funds designed to fund variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of life insurance companies (“Variable Products”). We manage the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (“ABVPS”), which serves as the investment vehicle for insurance products offered by unaffiliated insurance companies, and we sub-advise EQ Advisors Trust (“EQAT”),mutual funds sponsored by the following affiliates: EQAT, AXA Enterprise Multimanager Funds Trust, (formerly known as AXA

11



Premier Trust, “AXA Enterprise Trust”), AXA Premier VIP Trust, and mutual funds sponsored by AXA Asia Pacific Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries (“AXA Asia Pacific”). Each of these sub-advised vehicles serves as an investment vehicle for insurance products offered by AXA Equitable and its insurance company affiliates. As of December 31, 2005,2006, the AUM of the portfolios of the Variable Products portfolios totaled approximately $51$58 billion.



EQAT, AXA Enterprise Trust, AXA Premier VIP Trust, and the mutual funds sponsored by AXA Asia Pacific, together with other AXA affiliates, constitute our largest retail client. They accounted for approximately 29%24%, 26%29%, and 24% of our total retail AUM as of December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003,2004, respectively, and approximately 9%7%, 7%8%, and 6%7% of our total retail revenues for 2006, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, respectively.


Our mutual fund distribution system (the “System”) includes a multi-class share structure that permits open-end AllianceBernstein Funds to offer investors various options for the purchase of mutual fund shares, including both front-end load shares and back-end load shares. For front-end load shares, of the open-end U.S. Funds, AllianceBernstein Investments pays sales commissions to financial intermediaries distributing the funds from the front-end sales charge it receives from investors at the time of the sale. For back-end load shares, AllianceBernstein Investments pays sales commissions to financial intermediaries at the time of sale and also receives higher ongoing distribution services fees from the mutual funds. In addition, investors who redeem back-end load shares before the expiration of the minimum holding period (which ranges from one year to four years) pay a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) to AllianceBernstein Investments. We expect to recover deferred sales commissions over periods not exceeding five and one-half years through receipt of a CDSC and/or the higher ongoing distribution services fees we receive from holders of back-end load shares. Payments of sales commissions made to financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of back-end load shares under the System, net of CDSC received of $23.7 million, $21.4 million, and $32.9 million, totaled approximately $98.7 million, $74.2 million, and $44.6 millionbillion during 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.


The rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (“NASD”) effectively cap the aggregate sales charges that may be received by AllianceBernstein Investments. The cap is 6.25% of cumulative gross sales (plus interest at the prime rate plus 1% per annum) in each share class of the open-end U.S. Funds.


Most open-end U.S. Funds have adopted a plan under Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act that allows the fund to pay, out of assets of the fund, asset-based sales charges or distribution and service fees for the distribution and sale of its shares (“Rule 12b-1 Fees”). The open-end AllianceBernstein Funds have entered into agreements with AllianceBernstein Investments under which they pay a distribution services fee.fee to AllianceBernstein Investments. AllianceBernstein Investments and the financial intermediaries havehas entered into selling and distribution agreements for the distribution of AllianceBernstein Funds pursuant to which AllianceBernstein Investmentsit pays sales commissions.commissions to the financial intermediaries that distribute our open-end U.S. Funds. These agreements are terminable by either party upon notice (generally not more than 60 days) and do not obligate the financial intermediary to sell any specific amount of fund shares. A small amount of mutual fund sales is made directly by AllianceBernstein Investments, in which case AllianceBernstein Investments retains the entire sales charge.


In addition to Rule 12b-1 Fees, AllianceBernstein Investments, at its own expense, currently provides additional payments under Distribution Servicesdistribution services and Educational Supporteducational support agreements to firms that sell shares of our funds, a practice sometimes referred to as revenue sharing. Although the individual components may be higher and the total amount of payments made to each qualifying firm in any given year may vary, the total amount paid to a financial intermediary in connection with the sale of shares of U.S. Funds will generally not exceed the sum of (i) 0.25% of the current year’s fund sales by that firm, and (ii) 0.10% of average daily net assets attributable to that firm over the course of the year. These sums may be associated with our funds’ status on a financial intermediary’s preferred list of funds or may be otherwise associated with the financial intermediary’s marketing and other support activities, such as client education meetings and training efforts relating to our funds.


Financial intermediaries sometimes also receive sub-transfer agency or recordkeeping payments from us and our U.S. Funds.

During 2005,2006, the 10 financial intermediaries responsible for the largest volume of sales of open-end AllianceBernstein Funds were responsible for 30%36% of such sales. AXA Advisors, LLC (“AXA Advisors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA Financial that utilizes members of AXA Equitable’s insurance sales force as its registered representatives, was responsible for approximately 3%2%, 4%3%, and 3%4% of total sales of shares of open-end AllianceBernstein Funds in 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003,2004, respectively. AXA Advisors is under no obligation to sell

12



a specific amount of AllianceBernstein Fund shares and also sells shares of mutual funds sponsored by other affiliates and unaffiliated organizations.


Subsidiaries of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (collectively “Merrill Lynch”) were responsible for approximately 5%6%, 6%5%, and 7%6% of open-end AllianceBernstein Fund sales in 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003,2004, respectively. Citigroup Inc. (and its subsidiaries, “Citigroup”) was responsible for approximately 5% of open-end AllianceBernstein Fund sales in 2006, 5% in 2005, and 7% in 2004, and 9% in 2003.2004. Neither Merrill Lynch nor Citigroup is under any obligation to sell a specific amount of AllianceBernstein Fund shares and each also sells shares of mutual funds that it sponsors and that are sponsored by unaffiliated organizations.



No dealer or agent has in any year since 2003of the last three years accounted for more than 10% of ourtotal sales of shares of our open-end AllianceBernstein Funds.


Based on industry sales data reported by the Investment Company Institute (December 2005)2006), our market share in the U.S. mutual fund industry is 1.11%1.14% of total industry assets and we accounted for 0.65%0.86% of total open-end industry sales in the U.S. during 2005.2006. The investment performance of the U.S. Funds is an important factor in the sale of their shares, but there are also other factors, contributing to sales of our mutual fund shares. These factors includeincluding the level and quality of shareholder services (see below) and the amounts and types of distribution assistance and administrative services payments made to financial intermediaries. We believe that our compensation programs with financial intermediaries are competitive with others in the industry.


Under current interpretations of U.S. laws and regulations governing depository institutions, banks and certain of their affiliates generally are permitted to act as agent for their customers in connection with the purchase of mutual fund shares and to receive as compensation a portion of the sales charges paid with respect to such purchases. During 2005,2006, banks and their affiliates accounted for approximately 17% of the sales of shares14% of open-end U.S. Funds and Variable Products.

Products sales.


During 2004, each of the U.S. Funds appointed an independent compliance officer reporting to the independent directors of each U.S. Fund. The expense of this officer and his staff is borne by AllianceBernstein.


AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“Investor Services”), one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, provides transfer agency and related services for each open-end U.S. Fund and provides shareholder servicing for each open-end U.S. Fund’s shareholder accounts. As of December 31, 2005,2006, Investor Services employed 247239 people. Investor Services operates in Secaucus, New Jersey, and San Antonio, Texas. It receives a monthly fee under each of its servicing agreements with the open-end U.S. Funds based on the number and type of shareholder accounts.accounts serviced. Each servicing agreement must be approved annually by the relevant open-end U.S. Fund’s board of directors or trustees, including a majority of the independent directors or trustees, and may be terminated by either party without penalty upon 60 days’ notice.


Most AllianceBernstein Funds utilize AllianceBernstein and Investor Servicesour personnel to perform legal, clerical, and accounting services not required to be provided by AllianceBernstein. Payments by the U.S. Funds and certain Non-U.S. Funds for these services must be specifically approved in advance by the fund’s board of directors or trustees. Currently, AllianceBernstein and Investor Services are recordingrecord revenues for providing these services to the AllianceBernstein Funds at the rate of approximately $8.0$7.0 million per year.

ACM Global


AllianceBernstein Investor Services, (“ACMGIS”), a divisionunit of Alliance Capital (Luxembourg) S.A. (another of our wholly-owned subsidiaries)AllianceBernstein Luxembourg (“ABIS Lux”), is the transfer agent of substantially all of the Non-U.S. Funds. As of December 31, 2005, ACMGIS2006, ABIS Lux employed 4159 people. ACMGISABIS Lux operates in Luxembourg (and is supported by operations in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Singaporethe United States) and receives a monthly fee for its transfer agency services and a transaction-based fee under various services agreements, which agreements may be terminated by either party upon 60 days’ notice.

AllianceBernstein (Luxembourg) S.A. is one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries.



Private Client Services


The following tables summarize Private Client Services assets under management, along with associatedAUM and revenues:


PrivatePrivate Client Services Assets Under Management
(by Investment Service)

 

 

December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growth Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

9,986

 

$

7,022

 

$

5,479

 

42.2

%

28.2

%

Global and International

 

6,390

 

4,001

 

3,065

 

59.7

 

30.5

 

 

 

16,376

 

11,023

 

8,544

 

48.6

 

29.0

 

Value Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

23,725

 

22,411

 

19,681

 

5.9

 

13.9

 

Global and International

 

12,959

 

9,874

 

6,921

 

31.2

 

42.7

 

 

 

36,684

 

32,285

 

26,602

 

13.6

 

21.4

 

Fixed Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

21,471

 

20,111

 

17,955

 

6.8

 

12.0

 

Global and International

 

241

 

75

 

55

 

221.3

 

36.4

 

 

 

21,712

 

20,186

 

18,010

 

7.6

 

12.1

 

Index / Structured:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

101

 

106

 

80

 

(4.7

)

32.5

 

Global and International

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101

 

106

 

80

 

(4.7

)

32.5

 

Total:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

55,283

 

49,650

 

43,195

 

11.3

 

14.9

 

Global and International

 

19,590

 

13,950

 

10,041

 

40.4

 

38.9

 

 

 

74,873

 

63,600

 

53,236

 

17.7

 

19.5

 

Dispositions(1)

 

 

354

 

357

 

(100.0

)

(0.8

)

Total

 

$

74,873

 

$

63,954

 

$

53,593

 

17.1

%

19.3

%



(1)Includes assets related to cash management services. For information about this disposition, see Note 20 in AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.

  
December 31,
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
    
(in millions)
       
Growth Equity:                
U.S. 
 $13,237 $9,986 $7,022  32.6% 42.2%
Global and International 
  9,418  6,390  4,001  47.4  59.7 
   22,655  16,376  11,023  38.3  48.6 
Value Equity:                
U.S. 
  27.703  23,725  22,411  16.8  5.9 
Global and International 
  19,091  12,959  9,874  47.3  31.2 
   46,794  36,684  32,285  27.6  13.6 
Fixed Income:                
U.S. 
  25,032  21,471  20,111  16.6  6.8 
Global and International 
  328  241  75  36.1  221.3 
   25,360  21,712  20,186  16.8  7.6 
Index / Structured:                
U.S. 
  80  101  106  (20.8) (4.7)
Global and International 
  9         
   89  101  106  (11.9) (4.7)
Total:                
U.S. 
  66,052  55,283  49,650  19.5  11.3 
Global and International 
  28,846  19,590  13,950  47.2  40.4 
   94,898  74,873  63,600  26.7  17.7 
Dispositions(1) 
      354    (100.0)
Total 
 
$
94,898
 
$
74,873
 
$
63,954
  
26.7
  
17.1
 

____________
(1)
Includes AUM of cash management services. For information about this disposition, see Note 21 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.


Revenues From Private Client Services(1)
Services
(1)

(by Investment Service)

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Advisory and Services Fees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growth Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

98,601

 

$

83,185

 

$

56,249

 

18.5

%

47.9

%

Global and International

 

58,459

 

39,273

 

179

 

48.9

 

n/m

 

 

 

157,060

 

122,458

 

56,428

 

28.3

 

117.0

 

Value Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

267,730

 

297,413

 

258,928

 

(10.0

)

14.9

 

Global and International

 

163,568

 

100,484

 

85,903

 

62.8

 

17.0

 

 

 

431,298

 

397,897

 

344,831

 

8.4

 

15.4

 

Fixed Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

99,899

 

104,330

 

90,960

 

(4.2

)

14.7

 

Global and International

 

879

 

248

 

163

 

254.4

 

52.1

 

 

 

100,778

 

104,578

 

91,123

 

(3.6

)

14.8

 

Index / Structured:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

103

 

762

 

189

 

(86.5

)

303.2

 

Global and International

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

103

 

762

 

189

 

(86.5

)

303.2

 

Total Investment Advisory and Services Fees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

466,333

 

485,690

 

406,326

 

(4.0

)

19.5

 

Global and International

 

222,906

 

140,005

 

86,245

 

59.2

 

62.3

 

 

 

689,239

 

625,695

 

492,571

 

10.2

 

27.0

 

Distribution Revenues

 

1,969

 

1,372

 

1,332

 

43.5

 

3.0

 

Total

 

$

691,208

 

$

627,067

 

$

493,903

 

10.2

%

27.0

%



(1)Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to our 2005 presentation: we reclassified transaction charges paid by our sponsored mutual funds from Institutional Investment Services and Private Client Services to Retail Services.

  
Years Ended December 31,
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
    
(in thousands)
       
Investment Advisory and Services Fees:           
Growth Equity:                
U.S. 
 $134,070 $93,716 $62,892  43.1% 49.0%
Global and International 
  83,615  58,308  39,086  43.4  49.2 
   217,685  152,024  101,978  43.2  49.1 
Value Equity:                
U.S. 
  293,281  256,580  237,796  14.3  7.9 
Global and International 
  260,529  161,793  97,380  61.0  66.1 
   553,810  418,373  335,176  32.4  24.8 
Fixed Income:                
U.S. 
  108,418  99,868  104,010  8.6  (4.0)
Global and International 
  1,188  879  257  35.2  242.0 
   109,606  100,747  104,267  8.8  (3.4)
Index / Structured:                
U.S. 
  75  103  653  (27.2) (84.2)
Global and International 
           
   75  103  653  (27.2) (84.2)
Total Investment Advisory and Services Fees:                
U.S. 
  535,844  450,267  405,351  19.0  11.1 
Global and International 
  345,332  220,980  136,723  56.3  61.6 
   881,176  671,247  542,074  31.3  23.8 
Distribution Revenues 
  1,705  1,969  1,372  (13.4) 43.5 
Total 
 
$
882,881
 
$
673,216
 
$
543,446
  
31.1
  
23.9
 

____________
(1)
Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to our 2006 presentation. We reclassified transaction charge revenues earned from certain Private Client Services clients from investment advisory and services fees to Institutional Research Services.

Private client accounts are managed pursuant to a written investment advisory agreement generally among the client, AllianceBernstein and SCB LLC (sometimes between the client and AllianceBernstein Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours organized in the U.K.), which usually is terminable at any time or upon relatively short notice by any party. In general, these contracts may not be assigned without the consent of the client. InFor providing services to private clients, we are compensated by fees calculated as a percentage of AUM and that vary based on the type of portfolio and the size of the account. The aggregate fees we charge for managing hedge funds may be higher than the fees we charge for managing other assets in private client accounts because hedge fund fees provide for performance-based fees, incentive allocations, or carried interests.interests in addition to asset-based fees. We charge performance-based fees on approximately 5%7% of private client assets under management, primarily assets held in hedge funds.


We market and distribute our hedge funds globally to high-net-worth clients and, to a lesser extent, institutional investors. Hedge fund AUM totaled $7.2 billion as of December 31, 2006, $5.8 billion of which was private client AUM and $1.4billion of which was institutional AUM.

We eliminated transaction charges during 2005 on U.S. equity services for manymost private clients due to a numberas part of factors, including a management initiative implemented during the first half of 2005 that changed the structure of investment advisory and services fees charged to private clients for our services. The restructuring eliminated transaction charges for trade execution performed by SCB LLC for most private clients while raising baseclients; the transaction charges were replaced by higher asset-based fees. This restructuring increases thenew fee structure provides greater transparency and predictability of asset management costs for our private clients. The elimination of transaction charges was not the result of the AssuranceNYAG AoD (see “Regulation” in this Item 1 for the definition of Discontinuance with the NYAG AoD and additional information) or an agreement with any other regulator.



Revenues from Private Client Services which represented approximately 21%22%, 21%, and 18% of our company-wide net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, and 2003, respectively, consist primarily of investment management fees earned from managing client assets, generally measured as a percentage of assets under management and, in the case of certain clients, include transaction charges earned by SCB LLC, a registered broker-dealer, for executing trades relating to equity securities under management.

15

respectively.



Institutional Research Services


The following table summarizes Institutional Research Services revenues:


Revenues From Institutional Research Services

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transaction Charges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Clients

 

$

226,615

 

$

225,820

 

$

192,597

 

0.4

%

17.3

%

Non-U.S. Clients

 

90,291

 

74,373

 

72,800

 

21.4

 

2.2

 

 

 

316,906

 

300,193

 

265,397

 

5.6

 

13.1

 

Other

 

4,375

 

3,416

 

2,471

 

28.1

 

38.2

 

Total

 

$

321,281

 

$

303,609

 

$

267,868

 

5.8

%

13.3

%

SCB earns


  
Years Ended December 31,
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
    
(in thousands)
       
Transaction Execution and Research:           
U.S. Clients 
 $296,736 $290,511 $371,127  2.1% (21.7)%
Non-U.S. Clients 
  69,279  57,870  45,598  19.7  26.9 
   366,015  348,381  416,725  5.1  (16.4)
Other 
  9,060  4,376  3,416  107.0  28.1 
Total 
  
375,075
  
352,757
  
420,141
  
6.3
  
(16.0
)
Reclassification(1) 
  (1,760) (31,476) (116,532) (94.4) (73.0)
Without Reclassification 
 
$
373,315
 
$
321,281
 
$
303,609
  
16.2
  
5.8
 

____________
(1)
SCB earned revenues of approximately $1.8 million in 2006 from brokerage transactions executed on behalf of AllianceBernstein (acting on behalf of certain of its U.S. asset management clients that have authorized AllianceBernstein to use SCB for trade execution) which previously were reported as investment advisory and services fees. Since January 1, 2006, we have reported all revenues earned by SCB from brokerage transactions executed for these clients as Institutional Research Services revenues. Accordingly, we reclassified $31.5 million and $116.5 million of transaction charge revenue in 2005 and 2004, respectively, from investment advisory and services fees to Institutional Research Services to conform to our 2006 presentation.


We earn revenues byfor providing investment research to, and executing brokerage transactions for, researchinstitutional clients. ResearchThese clients provide compensationcompensate us principally by directing SCB to execute brokerage transactions, to SCB in return for its research products.which we earn transaction charges. These services accounted for approximately 10%9%, 11%, and 14% of our company-wide net revenues in each offor the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, and 2003.

AllianceBernstein (acting on behalf of its discretionary clients that have authorized it to transact business with SCB) is one of SCB’s largest client relationships. SCB earned revenues of approximately $36.5 million in 2005 from brokerage transactions executed for clients of AllianceBernstein, of which approximately $5.0 million is reported as Institutional Research Services revenues and approximately $31.5  million is reported as investment advisory and services fees (see Item 7). Beginning January 1, 2006, however, we intend to report all revenues earned by SCB from brokerage transactions executed for clients of AllianceBernstein as Institutional Research Services revenues.

respectively.


Fee rates charged for brokerage transactions have declined significantly in recent years, but increases in transaction volume and market share in both the U.S. and Europe have more than offset decreases in fee rates. For additional information, see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A and “Executive“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Executive Overview” in Item 7.


CustCustodyody and Brokerage


Custody


We do not generally maintain custody of client funds and securities. However, SCB LLC does maintain custodyacts as custodian for the vast majority ofourAllianceBernstein’s private clients.client AUM and some of AllianceBernstein’s hedge fund AUM and institutional AUM. Other custodial arrangements are maintained by client-designated banks, trust companies, brokerage firms or other custodians.


- 16 -


Brokerage


We generally have the discretion to select the broker-dealers to execute securities transactions for client accounts. When selecting brokers, we are required to obtain “best execution”. Although there is no single statutory definition, SEC releases and other legal guidelines make clear that the duty to obtain best execution requires us to seek “the most advantageous terms reasonably available under the circumstances for a customer’s account”. In addition to paying the lowest possible commission rate, we take into account such factors as current market conditions, financial accountability,strength, and the ability and willingness of the broker to commit capital by taking positions in order to execute transactions.


While we select brokers primarily on the basis of their execution capabilities, we may also take into consideration the quality and amount of research services (“Soft Dollar Services”) a broker provides to us for the benefit of our clients. Soft Dollar Services, which we purchase to augment our own research capabilities, are governed by Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act. We use broker-dealers that provide Soft Dollar Services in consideration for commissions paid for the execution of client trades, subject at all times to our duty to seek best execution, and with respect to which we reasonably conclude, in good faith, that the value of the execution and other services we receive from the broker-dealer is reasonable in relation to the amount of commissions paid. The commissions

16



charged by these full-service brokers are higher than those charged by electronic trading networks and other “low-touch” venues.


We sometimes execute client transactions through SCB LLC or SCBL, our affiliated broker-dealers. We do so only when our clients have consented to our use of affiliated broker-dealers or we are otherwise permitted to do so, and only when we can execute these transactions in accordance with applicable law (e.g., our obligation to obtain best execution).

In 2006, we executed approximately $4.8 million in transactions through SCB. We may use brokers to effect client transactions that sell shares of AllianceBernstein Funds or third party funds we sub-advise; however, we prohibit our investment professionals who place trades from considering these other relationships as a factor when selecting brokers to effect transactions. Similarly, we prohibit our investment professionals from consideringor the sale of fund shares as a factor when determining whichselecting brokers to use.

effect transactions.


We have formed two Commissiona Brokerage Allocation Committees, one covering growthCommittee that covers equities and the other covering value equities. These committees havehas principal oversight responsibility for evaluating brokerage matters, including how to use the Soft Dollar Services we receive in a manner that is in the best interests of our clients and consistent with current regulatory requirements.


SerServicevice Marks


In connection with our recent name changes to AllianceBernstein L.P. and AllianceBernstein Holding L.P., in February 2006, we have applied to register a number of service marks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and various foreign patent offices, including an “AB” design logo and the combination of such logo with the wordsmark “AllianceBernstein”.

As a result of


In connection with the Bernstein Transaction, we acquired all of the rights and title in, and to, the Bernstein service marks, including the name Bernstein. These marks were registered in 1981 and 1982. The marks “AllianceBernstein” and “Bernstein Investment Research and Management” were registered in 2003.

mark “Bernstein”.


ReRegulationgulation


AllianceBernstein, Holding, the General Partner, SCB LLC, AllianceBernstein Global Derivatives Corporation (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AllianceBernstein, “Global Derivatives”), and Alliance Corporate Finance Group Incorporated (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AllianceBernstein) are investment advisers registered under the Investment Advisers Act. SCB LLC and Global Derivatives isare also registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a commodity pool operator.

operators.


Each U.S. Fund is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act and the shares of most U.S. Funds are qualified for sale in all states in the United States and the District of Columbia, except for U.S. Funds offered only to residents of a particular state. Investor Services is registered with the SEC as a transfer agent.



SCB LLC and AllianceBernstein Investments are registered with the SEC as broker-dealers. SCB LLC is a member of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (“NYSE”).NYSE. SCBL is a broker regulated by the Financial Services Authority of the United Kingdom (“FSA”) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. SCB LLC and AllianceBernstein Investments are subject to minimum net capital requirements imposed by the SEC, and SCBL is subject to the financial resources requirements of the FSA, as follows:

 

 

Minimum Net Capital/
Financial Resources as of
December 31, 2005

 

 

 

Required

 

Actual

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

AllianceBernstein Investments

 

$

9.7

 

$

47.9

 

SCB

 

26.3

 

146.4

 

SCBL

 

11.2

 

33.6

 

Total

 

$

47.2

 

$

227.9

 

17



  
Minimum Net Capital/
Financial Resources as of
December 31, 2006
 
  
Required
 
Actual
 
  
(in millions)
 
    
AllianceBernstein Investments 
 $21.6 $42.4 
SCB 
  41.5  154.1 
SCBL 
  16.0  30.7 
Total 
 
$
79.1
 
$
227.2
 

Holding Units trade publicly on the NYSE. Holding Units currently trade under the ticker symbol “AC” but, beginning February 27, 2006, will tradeNYSE under the ticker symbol “AB”. Holding is an NYSE listed company and, therefore, subject to the applicable regulations set forth in the NYSE Listed Company Manual.


AllianceBernstein Trust Company, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AllianceBernstein, is a non-depository trust company chartered under New Hampshire law. AllianceBernstein Trust Company was chartered in order to serve as trustee and investment adviser to company-sponsored collective investment trusts and is authorized to act as trustee, executor, transfer agent, custodian, investment adviser, and in any other capacity authorized for a trust company under New Hampshire law. As a state-chartered trust company exercising fiduciary powers, AllianceBernstein Trust Company must comply with New Hampshire laws applicable to trust company operations (such as NH Revised Statutes Annotated Part 392), certain federal laws (such as ERISA and sections of the Bank Secrecy Act), and the New Hampshire banking laws.

Our relationships with AXA and its subsidiaries are subject to applicable provisions of the insurance laws and regulations of New York and other states. Under such laws and regulations, the terms of certain investment advisory and other agreements we enter into with AXA or its subsidiaries are required to be fair and equitable, charges or fees for services performed must be reasonable, and, in some cases, are subject to regulatory approval.


All aspects of our business are subject to various federal and state laws and regulations, rules of various securities regulators and exchanges, and laws in the foreign countries in which our subsidiaries and joint ventures conduct business. These laws and regulations are primarily intended to benefit clients and fund shareholders and generally grant supervisory agencies broad administrative powers, including the power to limit or restrict the carrying on of business for failure to comply with such laws and regulations. In such event, the possible sanctions that may be imposed include the suspension of individual employees, limitations on engaging in business for specific periods, the revocation of the registration as an investment adviser or broker-dealer, censures, and fines.


Some of our subsidiaries are subject to the oversight of regulatory authorities in Europe, including the FSA in the U.K., and in Asia, including the Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong and the Monetary Authority of Singapore. While the requirements of these foreign regulators are often comparable to the requirements of the SEC and other U.S. regulators, they are sometimes more restrictive and may cause us to incur substantial expenditures of time and money in our effort to comply.

Market Timing Investigations


On December 18, 2003, we settledentered into agreements with the SEC and the NYAG regardingNew York State Attorney General (“NYAG”) in connection with their investigations into trading practices in the shares of certain of our sponsored mutual funds. Our agreement with the SEC was reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”) dated December 18, 2003 (amended and restated January 15, 2004), while our final agreement with the NYAG was reflected in anthe Assurance of Discontinuance (“AoD”) dated September 1, 2004.2004 (“NYAG AoD”). We have takentook a number of important initiatives to resolve these matters. Specifically, we:

establishedmatters, including:


establishing a $250 million restitution fund to compensate fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing (“Restitution Fund”);

reduced


reducing by 20% (on a weighted average basis) the advisory fees on U.S. long-term open-end retail mutual funds by reducing our advisory fee rates (resulting in an approximate $66 million reduction in 2006 advisory fees, a $63 million reduction in 2005 advisory fees, and a $70 million reduction in 2004 advisory fees), and we will maintain these reduced fee rates for at least the five-year period that commenced January 1, 2004;

and


- 18 -

appointed a new management team and specifically charged it with responsibility for ensuring that we maintain a fiduciary culture in our Retail Services;

revised our codeTable of ethics to better align the interests of our employees with those of our clients;Contents

formed two new committees composed of executive management to oversee and resolve code of ethics and compliance-related issues;

instituted a substantially strengthened policy designed to detect and block market timing and material short duration trading;

created an ombudsman office, where employees can voice concerns about work-related issues on a confidential basis; and

initiated firm-wide compliance and ethics training programs.

We retained an Independent Compliance Consultant (“ICC”) to conduct a comprehensive review of supervisory, compliance, and other policies designed to detect and prevent conflicts of interest, breaches of fiduciary duty, and violations of law. The ICC completed its review, and submitted its report to the SEC in December 2004. By December 31, 2005, we had implemented substantially all of the ICC’s recommendations. Also, beginning in 2005 we had, and biannually thereafter will continue


agreeing to have an independent third party perform a comprehensive compliance review.

review biannually.


We believe that theseour remedial actions provide reasonable assurance that the deficiencies in our internal controls related to market timing will not recur.

18

reoccur.



With the approval of the independent directors of the U.S. Fund Boards and the staff of the SEC, we retained an Independent Distribution Consultant (“IDC”) to develop a plan for the distribution of the Restitution Fund. To the extent it is determined that the harm to mutual fund shareholders caused by market timing exceeds $200 million, we will be required to contribute additional monies to the Restitution Fund. On September 30, 2005, the IDC submitted to the SEC Staff the portion of his report concerning his methodology for determining damages. The IDC will, in the coming months, formally submit to the Staff the remainder of hisdamages and a proposed distribution plan, which addresses the mechanics of distribution. Once the Staff has approved both portions of the plan, it will be submitted to the SEC for final approval. The Restitution Fund proceeds will not be distributed until after the SEC has approved the distribution plan and issued an order doing so.approving the distribution plan. Until then, it is not possible to predict the exact timing, method, or amount of the distribution.

On February 10, 2004,


Certain market timing-related litigation to which we received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General ofare currently subject involves the State of West Virginia and (ii)Virginia. For a request for information from the Officedescription of the State Auditor, Securities Commission, for the State of West Virginia (“WV Securities Commissioner”) (subpoena and request together, the “Information Requests”). The Information Requests required us to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in our sponsored mutual funds. We responded to the Information Requests and have been cooperating fully with the investigation.

these matters, On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against AllianceBernstein, Holding, and various unaffiliated defendants. On May 31, 2005, defendants removed the WVAG Complaint to the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia. On July 12, 2005, plaintiff moved to remand. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL (see “Legal Proceedings - Market Timing-related MattersMatters” in Item 3).

On August 30, 2005, the WV Securities Commissioner signed



AllianceBernstein is a private partnership for federal income tax purposes and, accordingly, is not subject to federal and state corporate income taxes. However, AllianceBernstein is subject to the 4.0% New York City unincorporated business tax (“UBT”). Domestic corporate subsidiaries of AllianceBernstein, which are subject to federal, state and local income taxes, are generally included in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return. Separate state and local income tax returns are filed. Foreign corporate subsidiaries are generally subject to taxes in the jurisdictions where they are located. Holding is a publicly traded partnership for federal income tax purposes and is subject to the 4.0% UBT, net of credits for UBT paid by AllianceBernstein, and a 3.5% federal tax on partnership gross income from the active conduct of a trade or business.


In order to preserve Holding’s status as a “grandfathered” publicly traded partnership for federal income tax purposes, management ensures that Holding does not directly or indirectly (through AllianceBernstein) enter into a substantial new line of business. If Holding were to lose its status as a grandfathered publicly traded partnership, it would be subject to corporate income tax, which would reduce materially Holding’s net income and its quarterly distributions to Holding Unitholders.


In order to preserve AllianceBernstein’s status as a private partnership for federal income tax purposes, AllianceBernstein Units must not be treated asconsidered publicly traded. The AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement provides that all transfers of AllianceBernstein Units must be approved by AXA Equitable and the General Partner; AXA Equitable and the General Partner approve only those transfers permitted pursuant to one or more of the safe harbors contained in relevant treasury regulations. If such units were considered readily tradable, AllianceBernstein would be subject to federal and state corporate income tax on its net income. Furthermore, as noted above, should AllianceBernstein enter into a substantial new line of business, Holding, by virtue of its ownership of AllianceBernstein, would lose its status as a grandfathered publicly traded partnership and bebecome subject to income tax as set forth above.

19

tax.



HisHistorytory and Structure

ACMC, Inc., AllianceBernstein’s predecessor, began providing


We have been in the investment research and management business for more than 35 years. Alliance Capital was founded in 1971 when the investment management servicesdepartment of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc. merged with the investment advisory business of Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. Bernstein was founded in 1971.

1967.


In April 1988, Holding “went public” as a master limited partnership. Holding Units, which trade under the ticker symbol “AB”, have been listed on the NYSE since that time.

In October 1999, Holding reorganized by transferring its business and assets to AllianceBernstein, a newly-formed operating partnership, in exchange for all of the AllianceBernstein Units (“Reorganization”). Since the date of the Reorganization, AllianceBernstein has conducted the business formerly conducted by Holding and Holding’s activities have consisted of owning AllianceBernstein Units and engaging in related activities. As stated above, Holding Units trade publicly on the NYSE. Holding Units currently trade under the ticker symbol “AC” but, beginning February 27, 2006, will trade under the ticker symbol “AB”.publicly; AllianceBernstein Units do not trade publicly and are subject to significant restrictions on transfer. The General Partner is the general partner of both AllianceBernstein and Holding.



In October 2000, AllianceBernstein completed theour two legacy firms, Alliance Capital and Bernstein, Transaction, whereby AllianceBernstein acquired the businesscombined, bringing together Alliance Capital’s expertise in growth equity and assetscorporate fixed income investing, and its family of Bernsteinretail mutual funds, with Bernstein’s expertise in value equity and assumed the liabilities of the Bernsteintax-exempt fixed income management, and its private client business. For additional information, details about our business combination, see Item 12.


As of December 31, 2005,2006, the condensed ownership structure of AllianceBernstein as a percentage of limited partnership interests, was as follows (for a more complete description of our ownership structure, see Item 12):




(1)
Direct and indirect ownership including unallocated Holding Units held in a trust for our deferred compensation plans.


As of December 31, 2005,2006, AXA, through certain of its subsidiaries (see Item 12), beneficially owned approximately 1.8%1.7% of the issued and outstanding Holding Units and approximately 60.1%59.3% of the issued and outstanding AllianceBernstein Units.


The General Partner, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA, owns 100,000 general partnership units in Holding and a 1% general partnership interest in AllianceBernstein. Including the general partnership interests in Holding and AllianceBernstein, and its equity interest in Holding, as of December 31, 2005,2006, AXA, through certain of its subsidiaries, had an approximate 61.1%60.3% economic interest in AllianceBernstein.


AXA and its subsidiaries own all of the issued and outstanding shares of the common stock of AXA Financial. AXA Financial owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of AXA Equitable. See Item 12.


AXA, a société anonyme organized under the laws of France, is the holding company for an international group of insurance and related financial services companies engaged in the financial protection and wealth

20



management businesses. AXA is one of the largest insurance groups in the world and operates primarilyAXA’s operations are diverse geographically, with major operations in Western Europe, North America, and the Asia/Pacific regionarea and, to a lesser extent, in other regions including the Middle East Africa, and South America.Africa. AXA has five operating business segments: life and savings, property and casualty, international insurance (including reinsurance), asset management, and other financial services.

services (including banks).


CoCompetitionmpetition


The financial services industry is intensely competitive and new entrants are continually attracted to it. No single or small group of competitors is dominant in the industry.


We compete in all aspects of our business with numerous investment management firms, mutual fund complexes,sponsors, brokerage and investment banking firms, insurance companies, banks, savings and loan associations, and other financial institutions that often provide investment products that have similar features and objectives as those we offer. Our competitors offer a wide range of financial services to the same customers that we seek to serve. Some of our competitors are larger, have a broader range of product choices and investment capabilities, conduct business in more markets, and have substantially greater resources than we do. These factors may place us at a competitive disadvantage, and we can give no assurance that our strategies and efforts to maintain and enhance our current client relationships, and create new ones, will be successful.


AXA, AXA Financial, AXA Equitable and certain of their direct and indirect subsidiaries provide financial services, some of which are competitive with those offered by AllianceBernstein. The AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement specifically allows AXA Financial and its subsidiaries (other than the General Partner) to compete with AllianceBernstein and to exploit opportunities that may be available to AllianceBernstein. AXA, AXA Financial, AXA Equitable and certain of their subsidiaries have substantially greater financial resources than we do and are not obligated to provide resources to us.

To grow our business, we must be able to compete effectively for assets under management. Key competitive factors include:


our commitment to place the interests of our clients first;


the quality of our research;


our ability to attract, retain, and motivate highly skilled, and often highly specialized, personnel;

our investment performance;

performance for clients;


the array of investment products we offer;


the fees we charge;


our operational effectiveness;

our ability to further develop and market our brand; and


our global presence.

Certain of AXA’s subsidiaries offer financial services, some of which compete with those we offer. The AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement specifically allows AXA Equitable and its subsidiaries (other than the General Partner) to compete with us. AXA has substantially greater financial resources than we do and is not obligated to provide resources to us.


Increased competition could reduce the demand for our products and services, and that could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, financial condition, results of operations, and business prospects.


Competition is a seriousan important risk that our business faces and should be considered along with the other risk factors we discuss below.

in Item 1A below.


OthOtherer Information


AllianceBernstein and Holding file or furnish annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other reports required to comply with federal securities laws. The public may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.


AllianceBernstein and Holding maintain an Internet site (http://www.alliancebernstein.com). The portion of the site at “Investor Relations/Reports& Media Relations” and “Reports & SEC Filings” links to both companies’ annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished

21



pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. These reports are available through the site free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.


- 21 -

Table of ContentsItem 1A. Risk Factors


Item 1A.
Risk Factors

Please read this section along with the description of our business in Item 1, the competition section just above, and AllianceBernstein’s financial information contained in Items 6, 7, and 8. The majority of the risk factors discussed below directly affect AllianceBernstein. These risk factors also affect Holding because Holding’s principal source of income and cash flow is attributable to its investment in AllianceBernstein. See also our discussion of risks associated with forward-looking statementsin Item 7.


Changes in financial market levels have a direct and significant impact on our assets under management; a significant reduction in assets under management could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, financial condition, results of operations, and business prospects.


Performance of financial markets (both domestic and international), global economic conditions, interest rates, inflation rates, tax regulation changes, and other factors that are difficult to predict affect the mix, market values, and levels of assets under management. Investment advisory and services fees, the largest component of revenues, are generally calculated as a percentage of the value of assets under management and vary with the type of account managed. Accordingly, fee income generally increases or decreases as assets under management increase or decrease and is affected by market appreciation or depreciation, inflow of new client assets (including purchases of mutual fund shares), and outflow of client assets (including redemption of mutual fund shares). In addition, changing market conditions and investment trends, particularly with respect to retirement savings, may reduce interest in certain of our investment products and may causeresult in a shiftreduction in the mix of assets under management. AIn addition, a shift towards fixed income products might result in a related decline in revenues and income because we generally earn morehigher revenues from assets invested in our equity services than in our fixed income services.


Declines in financial markets or higher redemption levels in our mutual funds, or both, as compared to the assumptions we have used to estimate undiscounted future cash flows from distribution plan fees, as described inItem 7, could result in impairment of the deferred sales commission asset. Due to the volatility of financial markets and changes in redemption rates, we are unable to predict whether or when a future impairment of the deferred sales commission asset might occur. The occurrence of an impairment would result in a material charge to our earnings.


Our business is dependent on investment advisory, selling and distribution agreements that are subject to termination or non-renewal on short notice.


We derive most of our revenues pursuant to written investment advisory and investment management agreements (or other arrangements) with institutional investors, mutual funds, and private clients, and selling and distribution agreements between AllianceBernstein Investments and financial intermediaries that distribute AllianceBernstein Funds. Generally, the investment advisory and investment management agreements (and other arrangements) are terminable at any time or upon relatively short notice by either party. The selling and distribution agreements are terminable by either party upon notice (generally not more than sixty60 days) and do not obligate the financial intermediary to sell any specific amount of fund shares. In addition, investors in AllianceBernstein Funds can redeem their investments without notice. Any termination of, or failure to renew, a significant number of these agreements, or a significant increase in redemption rates, could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, financial condition, results of operations, and business prospects.


Our ability to access clientsestablish new client relationships and maintain existing ones is partly dependent on our relationships with various financial intermediaries and consultants that are not obligated to continue to work with us.


Our ability to market our mutual funds, sub-advisory services, and investment services is partly dependent on our access to a client base of corporate and public employee pension funds, endowment funds, domestic and foreign institutions and governments, insurance companies, securities firms, brokers, banks, and other intermediaries. These intermediaries generally offer their clients various investment products in addition to, and in competition with, our products. In addition, certain institutional investors rely on consultants to advise them on the choice of investment adviser, and we are not always considered among the best choices by all consultants. Also, our Private Client Services group relies on referrals from financial planners, registered investment advisers,

22



and other professionals. We cannot be certain that we will continue to have access to, or receive referrals from, these third parties. If we loseLoss of such access or referrals we could sufferhave a material adverse effect on our revenues, financial condition, results of operations, and business prospects.


We may be unable to continue to attract and retain key personnel.


Our business is dependentdepends on our ability to attract, retain, and motivate highly skilled, and often highly specialized, technical, managerial, and executive personnel; we can givethere is no assurance that we will be able to do so.



The market for qualified research analysts, portfolio managers, investment analysts, financial advisers, order placement specialists,traders, and other professionals is extremely competitive and is characterized by frequent movement of these investment professionals among different firms. Portfolio managers and financial advisers often maintain strong, personal relationships with their clients so their departure could cause us to lose client accounts, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, financial condition, results of operations, and business prospects.


Poor investment performance could lead to loss of clients and a decline in revenues.


Our ability to achieve investment returns for clients that meet or exceed investment returns for comparable asset classes and competing investment services is a key consideration in a client’s decisionwhen clients decide to keep their assets with us or invest additional assets, andas well as a prospective client’s decision to invest. Our inability to meet relevant investment benchmarks could result in clients withdrawing assets and in prospective clients choosing to invest with competitors. This could also result in lower investment management fees, including minimal or no performance-based fees, which could result in a decline in our revenues.


We may enter into more performance-based fee arrangements with our clients in the future, which could result incause greater fluctuations in our revenues.


We sometimes charge our clients performance-based fees where we earn a relatively low base advisory fee and an additional fee if our investment performance exceeds a specified benchmark. If we do not exceed our investment return target for a particular period, we will not earn a performance-based fee for that period and, if the target is based on cumulative returns, our ability to earn performance-based fees in future periods may be impaired.


We currently charge performance-based fees on approximately 16%15% of the assets we manage for our institutional investorsclients and approximately 5%7% of the assets we manage for private clients. Performance-based fee arrangementsOur performance-based fees are an increasingly important part of our business. As the percentage of our AUM subject to performance-based fees grows, seasonality and volatility of revenue and earnings may become more common in our industry. An increase in performance-based fee arrangements could create greater fluctuations in our revenues.

significant.


Unpredictable events, including natural disaster, technology failure, and terrorist attack, could adversely impact our ability to conduct business.


War, terrorist attack, power failure, natural disaster, and rapid spread of serious disease could interrupt our operations by:


causing disruptions in U.S. or global economic conditions, thus decreasing investor confidence and making investment products generally less attractive;


inflicting loss of life;


triggering massive technology failures or delays; and


requiring substantial capital expenditures and operating expenses to remediate damage and restore operations.


Our operations require experienced, professional staff. Loss of a substantial number of such persons or an inability to provide properly equipped places for them to work may, by interruptingdisrupting our operations, adversely affect our revenues, financial condition, results of operations, and business prospects.

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We are dependentdepend on various systems and technologies for our business to function properly and to safeguard confidential information.


We utilize software and related technologies throughout our business, including both proprietary systems and those provided by outside vendors. Although we have established and tested business continuity plans, we may experience systems delays and interruptions and it is not possible to predict with certainty all of the adverse effects that could result from our failure, or the failure of a third party, to efficiently address these problems. These adverse effects could include the inability to perform critical business functions or failure to comply with financial reporting and other regulatory requirements, which could lead to loss of client confidence, harm to our reputation, exposure to disciplinary action, and liability to our clients. Accordingly, potential system failures and the cost necessary to correct those failures could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, financial condition, results of operations, and business prospects.



In addition, we could be subject to losses if we fail to properly safeguard sensitive and confidential information. As part of our normal operations, we maintain and transmit confidential information about our clients as well as proprietary information relating to our business operations. Our systems could be damaged by unauthorized users or corrupted by computer viruses or other malicious software code, or authorized persons could inadvertently or intentionally release confidential or proprietary information. Such disclosure could, among other things, allow competitors access to our proprietary business information and require significant time and expense to investigate and remediate the breach.


The costsA failure in our operational systems or infrastructure, or those of insurance increasedthird parties, could disrupt our operations, damage our reputation, and reduce our revenues.

Weaknesses or failures in recent yearsour internal processes, people or systems could lead to disruption of our operations, liability to clients, exposure to disciplinary action, or harm to our reputation. Our business is highly dependent on our ability to process, on a daily basis, large numbers of transactions, many of which are highly complex, across numerous and diverse markets. These transactions generally must adhere to investment guidelines, as well as stringent legal and regulatory standards.

Despite the contingency plans and facilities we have in place, our ability to conduct business may continue to increase.

Our insurance expenses increased significantly between 2001 and 2004 and, although they decreased slightly in 2005, increasesbe adversely affected by a disruption in the futureinfrastructure that supports our operations and the communities in which they are possible. In addition, certain insurance coveragelocated. This may include a disruption involving electrical, communications, transportation or other services used by AllianceBernstein or third parties with which we conduct business. If a disruption occurs in one location and our employees in that location are unable to occupy our offices or communicate with or travel to other locations, our ability to conduct business with and on behalf of our clients may suffer, and we may not be availableable to successfully implement contingency plans that depend on communication or may only be available at prohibitive costs. As we renew our insurance policies, we may be subject to additional costs resulting from the assumption of higher deductibles and/or co-insurance liability. Higher insurance costs and incurred deductibles reduce our net income.

travel.


Our business is based on the trust and confidence of our clients; any damage to that trust and confidence can cause assets under management to decline and can have a material adverse effect on our revenues, financial condition, results of operations, financial condition, and business prospects.


We are dedicated to earning and maintaining the trust and confidence of our clients; the good reputation created thereby is essential to our business. Damage to our reputation could substantially impair our ability to conductmaintain or grow our business. For example, only recently

We may not always successfully manage potential conflicts of interest that arise in our business.
Our reputation is one of our most important assets. As our business and client base expand, we increasingly must manage potential conflicts of interest, including situations where our services to a particular client conflict, or are perceived to conflict, with the interests of another client, as well as situations where certain of our employees have we begunaccess to seematerial non-public information that may not be shared with all employees of our U.S. retailfirm. Failure to adequately address potential conflicts of interest could adversely affect our revenues, financial condition, results of operations, and business stabilize afterprospects.

We have procedures and controls that are designed to address and manage conflicts of interest, including those designed to prevent the negative impactimproper sharing of market timing. Should we be involved with another matter that damagesinformation. However, appropriately managing conflicts of interest is complex and difficult, and our reputation could be damaged and causesthe willingness of clients to redeem their mutual fund investmentsenter into transactions in which such a conflict might arise may be affected if we fail, or withdraw their assets from institutional and private client accounts, our abilityappear to earn investment advisory and services fees would suffer.

fail, to deal appropriately with conflicts of interest. In addition, potential or perceived conflicts could give rise to litigation or enforcement actions.


Rates we charge for brokerage transactions have declined significantly in recent years, and we expect those declines to continue, which could have an adverse effect on our revenues.

The


Fee rates charged for brokerage transactions have declined significantly in recent years and this has affected our Institutional Research Services revenues although, torevenues. To date, increases in transaction volume and market share have more than offset decreases in rates.rates, but this may not continue. Brokerage transaction revenues are also being affected by the increasing use of electronic trading systems which charge transaction fees for execution-only services that are a small fraction of the full service fee rates traditionally charged by SCB and other brokers for brokerage services that includeand the provision of proprietary research. Also, regulatory changes in the United Kingdom and the United States have resulted or will result in investors being given more information regarding the allocation of amounts they are paying for brokerage between execution services and research services and this may further reduce the willingness of investors to pay current rates for full-service brokerage. All of these factors may result in reductions in per transaction brokerage fees that SCB charges its clients; we expect these reductions to continue.



The costs of insurance are substantial and may increase.

Our insurance expenses increased significantly between 2001 and 2004 and, although they decreased slightly in 2005 and 2006, increases in the future are possible. In addition, certain insurance coverage may not be available or may only be available at prohibitive costs. As we renew our insurance policies, we may be subject to additional costs resulting from rising premiums, the assumption of higher deductibles and/or co-insurance liability, a revised premium-sharing arrangement with certain U.S. Funds, and, to the extent certain U.S. Funds purchase separate directors and officers/errors and omissions liability coverage, an increased risk of insurance companies disputing responsibility for joint claims. Higher insurance costs and incurred deductibles reduce our net income.

Our business is subject to pervasive global regulation, the compliance with which could involve substantial expenditures of time and money, and the attendant costsviolation of compliance, and potentialwhich could result in material adverse consequences for violations.consequences.


Virtually all aspects of our business are subject to various federal and state laws and regulations, rules of various securities regulators and exchanges, and laws in the foreign countries in which our subsidiaries conduct business. If we violate these laws or regulations, we could be subject to civil liability, criminal liability, or sanction, including revocation of our and our subsidiaries’ registrations as investment advisers or broker-dealers, revocation of the licenses of our employees, censures, fines, or temporary suspension or permanent bar from conducting business. A regulatory proceeding, even if it does not result in a finding of wrongdoing or sanction, could require substantial expenditures of time and money. Any such liability or sanction could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, financial condition, results of operations, and business prospects. These laws and regulations generally grant supervisory agencies and bodies broad administrative powers, including, in some cases, the power to limit or restrict doing business for failure to comply with such laws and regulations. Moreover, regulators in non-U.S. jurisdictions could change their policies or laws in a manner that might restrict or otherwise impede our ability to market, distribute, or register investment products in their respective markets. These local requirements could increase the expenses we incur in a specific jurisdiction without any corresponding increase in revenues from operating in the jurisdiction.

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Due to the extensive laws and regulations to which we are subject, we must devote substantial time and effort to legal and regulatory compliance issues. In addition, the regulatory environment in which we operate changes frequently and regulations have increased significantly in recent years. We may be adversely affected as a result of new or revised legislation or regulations or by changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and regulations.


The financial services industry is highly competitive.

The financial services industry is intensely competitive. We compete on the basis of a number of factors, including our array of investment services, our investment performance for our clients, innovation, reputation, and price. As our global presence continues to expand, we may face competitors with more experience and more established relationships with clients, regulators and industry participants in the relevant market, which could adversely affect our ability to expand.

We are involved in various legal proceedings and regulatory matters and may be involved in moresuch proceedings in the future, any one or combination of which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, financial condition, results of operations, and business prospects.


We are involved in various matters, including employee arbitrations, regulatory inquiries, administrative proceedings, and civil litigation, some of which allege substantialmaterial damages, and we may be involved in additional matters in the future. Litigation is subject to significant uncertainties, particularly when plaintiffs allege substantial or indeterminate damages, or when the litigation is highly complex or broad in scope. We have described all pending material legal proceedings in ItemItem 3.



Risks related to the Partnerships’ structure


The partnership structure of Holding and AllianceBernstein limits unitholders’ abilities to influence the management and operation of AllianceBernstein’s business and is highly likely to prevent a change in control of Holding and AllianceBernstein.


The General Partner, as general partner of both Holding and AllianceBernstein, generally has the exclusive right and full authority and responsibility to manage, conduct, control, and operate their respective businesses, except as otherwise expressly stated in their respective Amended and Restated Agreements of Limited Partnership. UnlikeHolding and AllianceBernstein unitholders have more limited voting rights on matters affecting AllianceBernstein than do holders of common stock in a corporation, Holding and AllianceBernstein unitholders have very limited voting rights on matters affecting AllianceBernstein’s business.corporation. The respective Amended and Restated Agreements of Limited Partnership provide that unitholders do not have any right to vote for directors of the General Partner and that unitholders can only vote on certain extraordinary matters (including removal of the General Partner under certain extraordinary circumstances). Additionally, the AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement includes significant restrictions on transfers of AllianceBernstein Units and provisions that have the practical effect of preventing the removal of the General Partner, which are highly likely to prevent a change in control of AllianceBernstein’s management.


AllianceBernstein Units are illiquid.


There is no public trading market for AllianceBernstein Units and AllianceBernstein does not anticipate that a public trading market will ever develop for AllianceBernstein Units.develop. The AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement restricts our ability to participate in a public trading market or anything substantially equivalent to one by providing that any transfer which may cause AllianceBernstein to be classified as a “publicly traded partnership” as defined in Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, shall be deemed void and shall not be recognized by AllianceBernstein. In addition, AllianceBernstein Units are subject to significant restrictions on transfer; all transfers of AllianceBernstein Units are subject to the written consent of AXA Equitable and the General Partner pursuant to the AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement. Generally, neither AXA Equitable nor the General Partner will permit any transfer that it believes would create a risk that AllianceBernstein would be treated as a corporation for tax purposes. AXA Equitable and the General Partner have implemented a transfer policy that requires a seller to locate a purchaser, and imposes annual volume restrictions on transfers. You may request a copy of the transfer program from our corporate secretary (corporate.secretary@alliancebernstein.com). Also, we have filed the transfer program with the SEC as Exhibit 10.310.09 to our 2003this Form 10-K,10-K.

Failure to properly maintain the partnership structure of Holding and AllianceBernstein would have significant tax ramifications.

AllianceBernstein is a copyprivate partnership for federal income tax purposes and, accordingly, is not subject to federal and state corporate income taxes. However, AllianceBernstein is subject to the 4.0% UBT. Holding is a publicly traded partnership for federal income tax purposes and is subject to the 4.0% UBT, net of credits for UBT paid by AllianceBernstein, and a 3.5% federal tax on partnership gross income from the active conduct of a trade or business.

In order to preserve Holding’s status as a “grandfathered” publicly traded partnership for federal income tax purposes, management ensures that Holding does not directly or indirectly (through AllianceBernstein) enter into a substantial new line of business. If Holding were to lose its status as a grandfathered publicly traded partnership, it would be subject to corporate income tax, which you can find at http://www.alliancebernstein.com.

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would reduce materially Holding’s net income and its quarterly distributions to Holding Unitholders.


In order to preserve AllianceBernstein’s status as a private partnership for federal income tax purposes, AllianceBernstein Units must not be considered publicly traded. The AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement provides that all transfers of AllianceBernstein Units must be approved by AXA Equitable and the General Partner; AXA Equitable and the General Partner approve only those transfers permitted pursuant to one or more of the safe harbors contained in relevant treasury regulations. If such units were considered readily tradable, AllianceBernstein would be subject to federal and state corporate income tax on its net income. Furthermore, as noted above, should AllianceBernstein enter into a substantial new line of business, Holding, by virtue of its ownership of AllianceBernstein, would lose its status as a grandfathered publicly traded partnership and would become subject to income tax as set forth above.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments


Neither AllianceBernstein nor Holding havehas unresolved comments from the staff of the SEC to report.


- 26 -

Table of ContentsItem 2.   Properties


Item 2.
Properties

Our principal executive offices at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York are occupied pursuant to a lease which extends until 2019.2029. We currently occupy approximately 783,321837,270 square feet of space at this location. We also occupy approximately 114,097226,374 square feet of space at 135 West 50th Street, New York, New York under a lease expiring in 20162029 and approximately 143,409210,756 square feet of space at One North Lexington, White Plains, New York under a lease expiring in 2008.2031. AllianceBernstein Investments and Investor Services occupy approximately 134,261 square feet of space in Secaucus, New Jersey, and approximately 92,067 square feet of space in San Antonio, Texas, under leases expiring in 20162007 and 2009, respectively.

We exercised an early lease termination option, effective 2007, for Secaucus, New Jersey; that lease originally expired in 2016.


We also lease space in 1719 other cities in the United States and ourStates. Our subsidiaries and joint ventures lease space in London, England under leases expiring in 2011,2013, 2015, and 2016, in Tokyo, Japan under leases expiring in 2006, 2007, and 2009, and in 1323 other cities outside the United States.

Item 3.   Legal Proceedings


Item 3.
Legal Proceedings

With respect to all significant litigation matters, we conduct a probability assessment of the likelihood of a negative outcome. If we determine the likelihood of a negative outcome is probable, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record an estimated loss for the expected outcome of the litigation as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5 (“SFAS No. 5”), “Accounting for Contingencies”, and Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 14, “Reasonable Estimation of the Amount of a Loss -an- an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 5”. If the likelihood of a negative outcome is reasonably possible and we are able to indicate an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, we disclose that fact together with the estimate of the possible loss or range of loss. However, it is difficult to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss because litigation is subject to significant uncertainties, particularly when plaintiffs allege substantial or indeterminate damages, or when the litigation is highly complex or broad in scope.

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On April 8, 2002, in In re Enron Corporation Securities Litigation, a consolidated complaint (“Enron(as subsequently amended, “Enron Complaint”) was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, against numerous defendants, including AllianceBernstein. The principal allegations of the Enron Complaint, as they pertain to AllianceBernstein, arealleging that AllianceBernstein violated Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act with respect to a registration statement filed by Enron Corp. (“Enron”) and effective withOn January 2, 2007, the SEC on July 18, 2001, which was used to sell $1.9 billion Enron Zero Coupon Convertible Notes due 2021. Plaintiffs allege that the registration statement was materially misleading and that Frank Savage,court issued a director of Enron, signed the registration statement at issue. Plaintiffs further allege that AllianceBernstein was a controlling person of Frank Savage, who was at that time an employee of AllianceBernstein and a director of the General Partner. Plaintiffs therefore assert that AllianceBernstein is itself liable for the allegedly misleading registration statement. Plaintiffs seek rescission or a rescissionary measure of damages. On June 3, 2002, AllianceBernstein moved to dismissfinal judgment dismissing the Enron Complaint as the allegations therein pertainpertained to it. On March 12, 2003, that motion was denied. A First Amended Consolidated Complaint (“Enron Amended Consolidated Complaint”), with substantially similar allegations as to AllianceBernstein, was filed on May 14, 2003. AllianceBernstein filed its answer on June 13, 2003. On May 28, 2003, plaintiffs filed an Amended Motion for Class Certification. On October 23, 2003, following the completion of class discovery, AllianceBernstein filed its opposition to class certification. That motion is pending. The case is currently in discovery.

We believe that plaintiffs’ allegations in the Enron Amended Consolidated Complaint as to us are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation, the fact that plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint, and the fact that, to date, we have not engaged in settlement negotiations.

On September 12, 2002, a complaint entitled Lawrence E. Jaffe Pension Plan, Lawrence E. Jaffe Trustee U/A 1198 v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., Alfred Harrison and Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc. (“Jaffe Complaint”) was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against AllianceBernstein, Alfred Harrison (a former director) and the AllianceBernstein Premier Growth Fund (now known as the AllianceBernstein Large Cap Growth Fund, “Large Cap Growth Fund”) alleging violation of the Investment Company Act. Plaintiff seeks damages equal to Large Cap Growth Fund’s losses as a result of Large Cap Growth Fund’s investment in shares of Enron and a recovery of all fees paid by Large Cap Growth Fund to AllianceBernstein beginning November 1, 2000. On March 24, 2003, the court granted AllianceBernstein’s motion to transfer the Jaffe Complaint to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey for coordination with the now dismissed Benak v. Alliance Capital Management L.P. and Alliance Premier Growth Fund action then pending. On December 5, 2003, plaintiff filed an amended complaint (“Amended Jaffe Complaint”) in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey alleging violations of Section 36(a) of the Investment Company Act, common law negligence, and negligent misrepresentation. Specifically, the Amended Jaffe Complaint alleges that: (i) the defendants breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty, care and good faith to Large Cap Growth Fund by causing Large Cap Growth Fund to invest in securities of Enron, (ii) the defendants were negligent for investing in securities of Enron, and (iii) through prospectuses and other documents defendants misrepresented material facts related to Large Cap Growth Fund’s investment objective and policies. On January 23, 2004, defendants moved to dismiss the Amended Jaffe Complaint. On May 23, 2005, the court granted defendant’s motion and dismissed the case on the ground that plaintiff failed to make a demand on the Large Cap Growth Fund’s Board of Directors (“LCG Board”) pursuant to Rule 23.1 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Plaintiff’s time to file an appeal has expired. On June 15, 2005, plaintiff made a demand on the LCG Board, requesting that the LCG Board take action against AllianceBernstein for the reasons set forth in the Amended Jaffe Complaint. In December 2005, the LCG Board rejected plaintiff’s demand.

AllianceBernstein, Large Cap Growth Fund, and Alfred Harrison believe that plaintiff’s allegations in the Amended Jaffe Complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation and the fact that, to date, we have not engaged in settlement negotiations.

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On December 13, 2002, a putative class action complaint entitled Patrick J. Goggins, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Goggins Complaint”) was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against AllianceBernstein, Large Cap Growth Fund and individual directors and certain officers of Large Cap Growth Fund. On August 13, 2003, the court granted AllianceBernstein’s motion to transfer the Goggins Complaint to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. On December 5, 2003, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint (“Amended Goggins Complaint”) in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, which alleges that defendants violated Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act because Large Cap Growth Fund’s registration statements and prospectuses contained untrue statements of material fact and omitted material facts. More specifically, the Amended Goggins Complaint alleges that Large Cap Growth Fund’s investment in Enron was inconsistent with the Large Cap Growth Fund’s stated strategic objectives and investment strategies. Plaintiffs seek rescissionary relief or an unspecified amount of compensatory damages on behalf of a class of persons who purchased shares of Large Cap Growth Fund during the period October 31, 2000 through February 14, 2002. On January 23, 2004, AllianceBernstein moved to dismiss the Amended Goggins Complaint. On December 10, 2004, the court granted AllianceBernstein’s motion and dismissed the case. On January 5, 2005, plaintiffs appealed the court’s decision. On January 13, 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal. Plaintiffs’ time to seek further review of the court’s decision expires on April 13, 2006.

AllianceBernstein, Large Cap Growth Fund and the other defendants believe that plaintiffs’ allegations in the Amended Goggins Complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation, the fact that plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint, and the fact that, to date, we have not engaged in settlement negotiations.

On October 1, 2003, a class action complaint entitled Erb, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P. (“Erb Complaint”) was filed in the Circuit Court of St. Clair County, Illinois, against AllianceBernstein. The plaintiff, purportedly a shareholder in Large Cap Growth Fund, allegedparties have agreed that AllianceBernstein breached unidentified provisions of Large Cap Growth Fund’s prospectus and subscription and confirmation agreements that allegedly required that every security bought for Large Cap Growth Fund’s portfolio mustthere will be a “1-rated” stock, the highest rating that AllianceBernstein’s research analysts could assign. Plaintiff alleges that AllianceBernstein impermissibly purchased shares of stocks that were not 1-rated. On June 24, 2004, plaintiff filed an amended complaint (“Amended Erb Complaint”) in the Circuit Court of St. Clair County, Illinois. The Amended Erb Complaint allegations are substantially similar to those contained in the previous complaint, however, the Amended Erb Complaint adds a new plaintiff and seeks to allege claims on behalf of a purported class of persons or entities holding an interest in any portfolio managed by AllianceBernstein’s Large Cap Growth Team. The Amended Erb Complaint alleges that AllianceBernstein breached its contracts with these persons or entities by impermissibly purchasing shares of stocks that were not 1-rated. Plaintiffs seek rescission of all purchases of any non-1-rated stocks AllianceBernstein made for Large Cap Growth Fund and other Large Cap Growth Team clients’ portfolios over the past eight years, as well as an unspecified amount of damages. On July 13, 2004, AllianceBernstein removed the Erb action to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois on the basis that plaintiffs’ claims are preempted under the Securities Litigation Uniform Standards Act. On August 30, 2004, the District Court remanded the action to the Circuit Court. On September 15, 2004, AllianceBernstein filed a notice of appeal with respect to the District Court’s order. On December 23, 2004, plaintiffs moved to dismiss AllianceBernstein’sno appeal. On September 2, 2005, AllianceBernstein’s appeal was denied.

We believe that plaintiffs’ allegations in the Amended Erb Complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation and the fact that plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint.


Market Timing-related Matters


On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth &

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Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against AllianceBernstein, Holding, the General Partner, AXA Financial, the U.S. Funds, the registrants and issuers of those funds, certain officers of AllianceBernstein (“AllianceAllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the U.S. Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceAllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of U.S. Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, and Sections 206 and 215 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”).Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with AllianceBernstein, including recovery of all fees paid to AllianceBernstein pursuant to such contracts.

Since


Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against AllianceBernstein and certain other defendants, and others may be filed. The plaintiffs in such lawsuits have asserted a variety of theories for recovery including, but not limited to, violations of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Advisers Act, the Investment Company Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), certain state securities laws, and common law.defendants. All state court actions against AllianceBernstein either were voluntarily dismissed or removed to federal court.

On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (“MDL Panel”) transferred all federal actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (“Mutual Fund MDL”). All of the actions removed to federal court also were transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL. The plaintiffs in the removed actions have since moved for remand, and that motion is pending.

On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of AllianceBernstein. All four complaints includeincluded substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG AoD. The claims



On April 21, 2006, AllianceBernstein and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative consolidated amended complaint are generally basedclaims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which we previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on the theory that all fund advisory agreements, distribution agreements and 12b-1 plans between AllianceBernstein and the U.S. Funds should be invalidated, regardlessbehalf of whether market timing occurredHolding, in each individual fund, because each was approved by fund trustees on the basis of materially misleading information with respect to the level of market timing permitted in funds managed by AllianceBernstein. The claims asserted in the other three consolidated amended complaints are similar to those that the respectivewhich plaintiffs asserted in their previous federal lawsuits. All of these lawsuits seek an unspecified amount of damages.

On February 10, 2004,damages, remain pending.


We intend to vigorously defend against the lawsuit involving derivative claims brought on behalf of Holding. At the present time, we received (i)are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a subpoena duces tecum from the Officepossible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the Attorney Generalinherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation, and the Statefact that the plaintiffs did not specify an amount of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from the Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission, for the State of West Virginia (“WV Securities Commissioner”) (subpoena and request together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests required us to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late tradingdamages sought in our sponsored mutual funds. We responded to the Information Requests and have been cooperating fully with the investigation.

their complaint.


On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against AllianceBernstein, Holding, and various unaffiliated defendants. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On May 31, 2005, defendants removed the WVAG Complaint to the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia. On July 12, 2005, plaintiff moved to remand. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.

On August 30, 2005, the WV Securities Commissioner signed a “SummarySummary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing”Hearing (“Summary Order”) addressed to AllianceBernstein and Holding. The Summary Order claims that AllianceBernstein and Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act and makes factual allegations

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generally similar to those in the SEC Order and NYAG AoD. On January 26,25, 2006, AllianceBernstein and Holding and various unaffiliated defendants filed a Petition for Writ of Prohibition and Order Suspending Proceedings in West Virginia state court seekingmoved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied our petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, we filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order and for other relief.

with the WV Securities Commissioner.


We intend to vigorously defend against the allegations in the WVAG Complaint.Complaint and the Summary Order. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matterthese matters because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation, the fact that plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint, and the fact that, to date, we have not engaged in settlement negotiations.


We previously concluded that the likelihood of a negative outcome in the market timing-related matters (excluding the WVAG Complaint) is probable. As previously disclosed, AllianceBernstein recorded charges totaling $330 million during the second half of 2003, of which (i) $250 million was paid to the Restitution Fund (the $250 million was funded out of operating cash flow and paid to the SEC in January 2004), (ii) $30 million was used to settle a private civil mutual fund litigation unrelated to any regulatory agreements, and (iii) $50 million was reserved for estimated expenses related to our market-timing settlements with the SEC and the NYAG and our market timing-related liabilities (excluding WVAG Complaint-related expenses). AllianceBernstein paid$8million during 2005 related to market timing and has cumulatively paid $310 million (excluding WVAG Complaint-related expenses). Including $10 million in charges taken in prior periods, we have reserves of approximately $30 million available for market timing-related liabilities in future periods.

We cannot determine at this time the eventual outcome, timing, or impact of the market timing-related matters. Accordingly, it is possible that additional charges in the future may be required, the amount, timing, and impact of which we are unable to estimate at this time.

Revenue Sharing-related Matters


On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against AllianceBernstein, Holding, the General Partner, AXA Financial, AllianceBernstein Investments, certain current and former directors of the U.S. Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names the U.S. Funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by an alleged shareholdershareholders of the AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from U.S. Fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and
48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with AllianceBernstein, including recovery of all fees paid to AllianceBernstein pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all U.S. Fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.

Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against AllianceBernstein and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of U.S. Funds.


On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that assertsasserted claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above.subsequently-filed lawsuits. On October 19, 2005, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiff’splaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. Plaintiffs have movedOn May 31, 2006, the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to amendfile their consolidatedamended complaint.

30

On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal, which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date.



We believe that plaintiff’splaintiffs’ allegations in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation, the fact that plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint, and the fact that, to date, we have not engaged in settlement negotiations.



We are involved in various other matters, including employee arbitrations, regulatory inquiries, administrative proceedings, and litigation, some of which allege substantialmaterial damages. While any proceeding or litigation has the element of uncertainty, we believe that the outcome of any one of the other lawsuits or claims that is pending or threatened, or all of them combined, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Neither AllianceBernstein nor Holding submitted a matter to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2005.

31

2006.


PART II


Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market for Holding Units and AllianceBernstein Units; Cash Distributions


Holding Units trade publicly on the NYSE. Holding Units currently trade under the ticker symbol “AC” but, beginning February 27, 2006, will tradeNYSE under the ticker symbol “AB”.


There is no established public trading market for AllianceBernstein Units, which are subject to significant restrictions on transfer. In general, transfers of AllianceBernstein Units will be allowed only with the written consent of both AXA Equitable and the General Partner. Generally, neither AXA Equitable nor the General Partner will permit any transfer that it believes would create a risk that AllianceBernstein would be treated as a corporation for tax purposes. AXA Equitable and the General Partner have implemented a transfer policy, a copy of which you may request from our corporate secretary (corporate.secretary@alliancebernstein.com). Also, we have filed the transfer program with the SEC as Exhibit 10.310.09 to our 2003this Form 10-K, a copy of which you can find at http://www.alliancebernstein.com10-K..


Each of Holding and AllianceBernstein distributes on a quarterly basis all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the Holding Partnership Agreement and AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement, to its unitholders and the General Partner. For additional information concerning distribution of Available Cash Flow by Holding, see Note 7 in2 to Holding’s financial statements in Item 8. For additional information concerning distribution of Available Cash Flow by AllianceBernstein, see Note 22 in2 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.


Holding’s principal source of income and cash flow is attributable to its investmentlimited partnership interests in AllianceBernstein.


The tables set forth below provide the distributions of Available Cash Flow made by AllianceBernstein and Holding during 20052006 and 20042005 and the high and low sale prices of Holding Units on the NYSE during 20052006 and 2004:

2005:

  
Quarters Ended 2006
 
  
December 31
 
September 30
 
June 30
 
March 31
 
          
Cash distributions per AllianceBernstein Unit(1)
 $1.60 $0.96 $0.99 $0.87 
Cash distributions per Holding Unit(1) 
 $1.48 $0.87 $0.89 $0.78 
Holding Unit prices:             
High 
 $82.92 $71.03 $72.11 $66.60 
Low 
 $68.27 $56.10 $55.50 $56.12 

  
Quarters Ended 2005
 
  
December 31
 
September 30
 
June 30
 
March 31
 
          
Cash distributions per AllianceBernstein Unit(1)
 $1.12 $0.82 $0.76 $0.63 
Cash distributions per Holding Unit(1) 
 $1.02 $0.74 $0.68 $0.56 
Holding Unit prices:             
High 
 $58.46 $48.39 $47.75 $49.90 
Low 
 $46.00 $43.65 $42.35 $40.25 

 

 

Quarters Ended 2004

 

 

 

December 31

 

September 30

 

June 30

 

March 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash distributions per AllianceBernstein Unit(1)

 

$

0.90

 

$

0.59

 

$

0.61

 

$

0.30

 

Cash distributions per Holding Unit(1)

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.52

 

$

0.53

 

$

0.14

 

Holding Unit prices:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High

 

$

42.30

 

$

36.03

 

$

37.60

 

$

39.00

 

Low

 

$

35.50

 

$

32.35

 

$

31.47

 

$

34.03

 



(1)Declared and paid during the following quarter.

32


____________
(1)
Declared and paid during the following quarter.

On January 31, 2006,2007, the closing price of Holding Units on the NYSE was $60.44$90.09 per Unit and there were approximately 1,1801,106 Holding Unitholders of record for approximately 78,00090,000 beneficial owners. On January 31, 2006,2007, there were approximately 511512 AllianceBernstein Unitholders of record, and we do not believe there are substantial additional beneficial owners.


- 30 -

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table summarizes the Holding Units to be issued pursuant to equity compensation plans asTable of January 31, 2006.

Contents


Equity Compensation Plan Information(1)

Plan Category

 

Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)

 

Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)

 

Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance
(c)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 

6,897,104

 

$

40.52

 

29,145,322

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

 

 

 

Total

 

6,897,104

 

$

40.52

 

29,145,322

 


(1)The figures in this table do not include cash awards under certain of AllianceBernstein’s deferred compensation plans pursuant to which employees (including those employees who qualify as “named executive officers”; see Item 11) may choose to invest notionally a portion of such awards in Holding Units. AllianceBernstein satisfies its obligations under these plans by purchasing Holding Units rather than issuing new Holding Units, which is prohibited under the plans. For additional information concerning such plans, see Note 15 of AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.

There are no AllianceBernstein Units to be issued pursuant to an equity compensation plan.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities


As reported in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, on February 25, 2005 and April 1, 2004, we allocated 131,873 and 262,510 Holding Units, respectively, with aggregate values of $5,538,640 and $9,191,996, respectively, for the benefit of certain of our employees under an employee award plan. An exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act was available for the allocation of the Holding Units because such transactions did not involve a public offering.

33




Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers


The following table provides information relating to any Holding Units bought by us or one of our affiliates in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report:


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities(1)Securities

Period

 

(a)
Total Number
of Holding Units
Purchased

 

(b)
Average Price
Paid
Per Holding
Unit, net of
Commissions

 

(c)
Total Number of
Holding Units
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs

 

(d)
Maximum
Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Holding Units that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs

 

10/1/05-10/31/05(1)(2)

 

222,154

 

$

48.52

 

30,000

 

 

11/1/05-11/30/05(1)

 

272,500

 

53.95

 

272,500

 

 

12/1/05-12/31/05(3)

 

39,880

 

54.75

 

 

 

Total

 

534,534

 

$

51.77

 

302,500

 

 



(1)On October 26, 2005, we announced that we intended to engage in open-market purchases of up to 500,000 Holding Units to fund obligations under certain of our employee deferred compensation plans. On October 31, 2005, we bought 30,000 Holding Units at an average price of $52.83 per Unit and, from November 1, 2005 through November 14, 2005, we bought 272,500 Holding Units at an average price of $53.95 per Unit.

(2)On October 2, 2005, we purchased 192,154 Holding Units at $47.85 per Unit from employees to allow them to fulfill statutory withholding tax requirements at the time of distribution of deferred compensation awards.

(3)On December 1, 2005, we purchased these Holding Units from employees to allow them to fulfill statutory withholding tax requirements at the time of distribution of deferred compensation awards.

Period
 
(a)
Total Number
of Holding Units
Purchased
 
(b)
Average Price
Paid
Per Holding
Unit, net of
Commissions
 
(c)
Total Number of
Holding Units
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
(d)
Maximum
Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Holding Units that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
 
10/1/06-10/31/06(1) 
  74,405 $68.99     
11/1/06-11/30/06 
         
12/1/06-12/31/06(2) 
  40,642  76.98     
Total 
  
115,047
 
$
71.81
  
  
 

___________
(1)
On October 2, 2006, we purchased these Holding Units from employees to allow them to fulfill statutory withholding tax requirements at the time of distribution of deferred compensation awards.
(2)
On December 1, 2006, we purchased these Holding Units from employees to allow them to fulfill statutory withholding tax requirements at the time of distribution of deferred compensation awards.

The following table provides information relating to any AllianceBernstein Units bought by us or one of our affiliates in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report:


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities(1)Securities

Period

 

(a)
Total Number
of
AllianceBernstein
Units Purchased

 

(b)
Average Price
Paid Per
AllianceBernstein
Unit, net of
Commissions

 

(c)
Total Number of
AllianceBernstein
Units Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs

 

(d)
Maximum
Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
AllianceBernstein
Units that May Yet
Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs

 

10/1/05-10/31/05

 

 

$

 

 

 

11/1/05-11/30/05

 

 

 

 

 

12/1/05-12/31/05

 

400,000

 

51.80

 

 

 

Total

 

400,000

 

$

51.80

 

 

 


Period
 
(a)
Total Number
of
AllianceBernstein
Units Purchased
 
(b)
Average Price
Paid Per
AllianceBernstein
Unit, net of
Commissions
 
(c)
Total Number of
AllianceBernstein
Units Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
(d)
Maximum
Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
AllianceBernstein
Units that May Yet
Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs
 
10/1/06-10/31/06 
   $     
11/1/06-11/30/06 
         
12/1/06-12/31/06(1) 
  1,300  79.70     
Total 
  
1,300
 
$
79.70
     

____________
(1)
On December 7, 2006, AXA Financial purchased a total of 1,300 AllianceBernstein Units from two unaffiliated unitholders in private transactions.


Item 6.
Selected Financial Data

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HOLDING L.P.
Selected Financial Data

  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
  
 (in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
   
Equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein 
 $359,469 $275,054 $219,971 $100,424 $183,695 
Income taxes 
  34,473  26,990  24,798  21,819  21,653 
Net income 
 $324,996 $248,064 $195,173 $78,605 $162,042 
Basic net income per unit 
 $3.85 $3.04 $2.45 $1.02 $2.14 
Diluted net income per unit 
 $3.82 $3.02 $2.43 $1.01 $2.11 
CASH DISTRIBUTIONS PER UNIT(1)
 
$
4.02
 
$
3.00
 
$
2.01
 
$
1.45
 
$
2.15
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA AT PERIOD END:
                
Total assets 
 $1,568,034 $1,377,054 $1,303,446 $1,166,097 $1,237,546 
Partners’ capital 
 $1,559,188 $1,368,846 $1,295,670 $1,158,606 $1,230,543 
____________
(1)
Holding is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the Holding Partnership Agreement, to its unitholders.


ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005(1)
 
2004(1)
 
2003(1)
 
2002(1)
 
  
(in thousands, except per unit amounts and unless otherwise indicated)
 
    
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
   
Revenues:
                
Investment advisory and services fees 
 $2,890,229 $2,259,392 $1,996,819 $1,769,562 $1,724,962 
Distribution revenues 
  421,045  397,800  447,283  436,037  467,463 
Institutional research services 
  375,075  352,757  420,141  380,705  417,824 
Dividend and interest income 
  266,520  152,781  72,743  37,841  52,024 
Investment gains (losses) 
  53,134  28,631  14,499  12,408  (6,933)
Other revenues 
  132,237  117,227  136,744  148,790  154,323 
Total revenues 
  4,138,240  3,308,588  3,088,229  2,785,343  2,809,663 
Less: interest expense 
  187,833  95,863  32,796  20,415  31,939 
Net revenues 
  3,950,407  3,212,725  3,055,433  2,764,928  2,777,724 
                 
Expenses:
                
Employee compensation and benefits 
  1,547,627  1,262,198  1,085,163  914,529  907,075 
Promotion and servicing:                
Distribution plan payments 
  292,886  291,953  374,184  370,575  392,780 
Amortization of deferred sales commissions 
  100,370  131,979  177,356  208,565  228,968 
Other 
  218,944  198,004  202,327  197,079  228,624 
General and administrative 
  583,296  384,339  426,389  339,706  329,059 
Interest on borrowings 
  23,124  25,109  24,232  25,286  27,385 
Amortization of intangible assets 
  20,710  20,700  20,700  20,700  20,700 
Charge for mutual fund matters and legal proceedings 
        330,000   
   2,786,957  2,314,282  2,310,351  2,406,440  2,134,591 
                 
Operating income 
  
1,163,450
  
898,443
  
745,082
  
358,488
  
643,133
 
Non-operating income 
  20,196  34,446       
Income before income taxes 
  
1,183,646
  
932,889
  
745,082
  
358,488
  
643,133
 
Income taxes 
  75,045  64,571  39,932  28,680  32,155 
Net income 
 
$
1,108,601
 
$
868,318
 
$
705,150
 
$
329,808
 
$
610,978
 
Basic net income per unit 
 
$
4.26
 
$
3.37
 
$
2.76
 
$
1.30
 
$
2.42
 
Diluted net income per unit 
 
$
4.22
 
$
3.35
 
$
2.74
 
$
1.29
 
$
2.39
 
Operating margin(2) 
  29.5% 28.0% 24.4% 13.0% 23.2%
CASH DISTRIBUTIONS PER UNIT(3) 
 
$
4.42
 
$
3.33
 
$
2.40
 
$
1.65
 
$
2.44
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA AT PERIOD END:
                
Total assets 
 $10,601,105 $9,490,480 $8,779,330 $8,171,669 $7,217,970 
Debt 
 $334,901 $407,291 $407,517 $405,327 $426,907 
Partners’ capital 
 $4,570,997 $4,302,674 $4,183,698 $3,778,469 $3,963,451 
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT AT PERIOD END (in millions) 
 
$
716,895
 
$
578,552
 
$
538,764
 
$
477,267
 
$
388,743
 
____________
(1)
Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to our 2006 presentation. See Note 2 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for a discussion of reclassifications.
(2)
Operating income as a percentage of net revenues.
(3)
AllianceBernstein is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement, to its unitholders and the General Partner.


Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Holding

Holding’s principal source of income and cash flow is attributable to its investment in AllianceBernstein limited partnership interests. The Holding financial statements and notes and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with those of AllianceBernstein.

Results of Operations
  
Years Ended December 31,
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
  
(in thousands)
     
            
AllianceBernstein net income 
 $1,108,601 $868,318 $705,150  27.7% 23.1%
Weighted average equity ownership interest 
  32.4% 31.7% 31.2%      
Equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein 
 $359,469 $275,054 $219,971  30.7  25.0 
                 
Net income of Holding 
 $324,996 $248,064 $195,173  31.0  27.1 
Diluted net income per Holding Unit 
 $3.82 $3.02 $2.43  26.5  24.3 
Distribution per Holding Unit 
 $4.02 $3.00 $2.01  34.0  49.3 

In 2006, net income and diluted net income per unit significantly increased from prior years due to higher equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein. As contemplated in our January 24, 2007 earnings announcement, our results have been adjusted to reflect the effects of a fourth quarter 2006 charge recorded by AllianceBernstein for the estimated cost of reimbursing certain clients for losses arising out of an error made in processing claims for class action settlement proceeds on behalf of these clients, which include some AllianceBernstein-sponsored mutual funds (see AllianceBernstein’s Consolidated Results of Operations in this Item 7On December 1, 2005, AXA Equitable purchased 400,000 AllianceBernstein Units from for a former directordiscussion of the General Partnercharge). The charge recorded by AllianceBernstein is somewhat larger than the amount contemplated in the earnings announcement, and reflects our identification of additional class actions and client accounts subject to the claim processing error during an extensive review of our procedures. Accordingly, net income and diluted net income per unit for 2006 was $325.0 million and $3.82, respectively, compared to the unadjusted amounts of $342.8 million and $4.02, respectively, we reported on January 24, 2007. Our estimate of the cost is based on our review to date; as we continue our review, our estimate and the ultimate cost we incur may change. We continue to believe that most of this cost will ultimately be recovered from residual settlement proceeds and insurance.

The fourth quarter distribution of $1.48 per unit paid on February 15, 2007 was based on unadjusted fourth quarter net income per unit of $1.48 reported on January 24, 2007. As a private transaction.result, to the extent all or a portion of the cost is recovered in subsequent periods, we do not anticipate treating those amounts as Available Cash Flow (as defined in the Holding Partnership Agreement), and would not distribute those amounts to unitholders.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

The following table identifies selected items relating to capital resources and liquidity:
  
Years Ended December 31,
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
  
(in millions)
     
            
Partners’ capital, as of December 31 
 $1,559.2 $1,368.8 $1,295.7  13.9% 5.6%
Distributions received from AllianceBernstein 
  332.0  253.2  119.8  31.1  111.3 
Distributions paid to unitholders 
  (298.5) (226.7) (95.4) 31.6  137.6 
Proceeds from exercise of compensatory options 
  100.5  42.4  46.7  136.9  (9.2)
Investment in AllianceBernstein 
  (100.5) (42.4) (46.7) 136.9  (9.2)
Purchase of units by AllianceBernstein 
  (22.3) (33.3) (45.1) (32.8) (26.2)
Issuance of units 
  47.2      n/m  n/m 
Awards of units by AllianceBernstein 
  35.3  35.0  35.7  0.8  (1.9)
Available cash flow 
  340.3  245.4  161.1  38.7  52.3 
Item 6.    Selected Financial Data

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HOLDING L.P.

Selected Financial Data
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

INCOME STATEMENT DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein

 

$

275,054

 

$

219,971

 

$

100,424

 

$

183,695

 

$

182,020

 

Income taxes

 

26,990

 

24,798

 

21,819

 

21,653

 

22,729

 

Net income

 

$

248,064

 

$

195,173

 

$

78,605

 

$

162,042

 

$

159,291

 

Basic net income per unit

 

$

3.04

 

$

2.45

 

$

1.02

 

$

2.14

 

$

2.15

 

Diluted net income per unit

 

$

3.02

 

$

2.43

 

$

1.01

 

$

2.11

 

$

2.10

 

CASH DISTRIBUTIONS PER UNIT(1)

 

$

3.00

 

$

2.01

 

$

1.45

 

$

2.15

 

$

2.73

 

BALANCE SHEET DATA AT PERIOD END:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

1,377,054

 

$

1,303,446

 

$

1,166,097

 

$

1,237,546

 

$

1,230,344

 

Partners’ capital

 

$

1,368,846

 

$

1,295,670

 

$

1,158,606

 

$

1,230,543

 

$

1,222,037

 


(1)Cash and cash equivalents were zero as of December 31, 2006, $89,000 as of December 31, 2005, and zero as of December 31, 2004. Cash inflows from AllianceBernstein distributions received were offset by cash distributions paid to unitholders and income taxes paid. Holding is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the Holding Partnership Agreement, to its unitholders.

35



ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
(in thousands, except per unit amounts and unless otherwise indicated)

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

INCOME STATEMENT DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment advisory and services fees

 

$

2,290,867

 

$

2,113,351

 

$

1,882,399

 

$

1,847,876

 

$

2,023,766

 

Distribution revenues

 

397,800

 

447,283

 

436,037

 

467,463

 

544,605

 

Institutional research services

 

321,281

 

303,609

 

267,868

 

294,910

 

265,815

 

Shareholder servicing fees(1)

 

99,358

 

115,979

 

126,383

 

136,871

 

124,508

 

Other revenues, net

 

141,374

 

75,211

 

52,241

 

30,604

 

62,388

 

 

 

3,250,680

 

3,055,433

 

2,764,928

 

2,777,724

 

3,021,082

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee compensation and benefits

 

1,263,456

 

1,085,163

 

914,529

 

907,075

 

930,672

 

Promotion and servicing:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution plan payments

 

291,953

 

374,184

 

370,575

 

392,780

 

429,056

 

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

 

131,979

 

177,356

 

208,565

 

228,968

 

230,793

 

Other(1)

 

198,004

 

202,327

 

197,079

 

228,624

 

261,739

 

General and administrative

 

386,590

 

426,389

 

339,706

 

329,059

 

311,958

 

Interest

 

25,109

 

24,232

 

25,286

 

27,385

 

32,051

 

Amortization of goodwill and intangible assets

 

20,700

 

20,700

 

20,700

 

20,700

 

172,638

 

Charge for mutual fund matters and legal proceedings

 

 

 

330,000

 

 

 

 

 

2,317,791

 

2,310,351

 

2,406,440

 

2,134,591

 

2,368,907

 

Income before income taxes

 

932,889

 

745,082

 

358,488

 

643,133

 

652,175

 

Income taxes

 

64,571

 

39,932

 

28,680

 

32,155

 

37,550

 

Net income

 

$

868,318

 

$

705,150

 

$

329,808

 

$

610,978

 

$

614,625

 

Basic net income per unit

 

$

3.37

 

$

2.76

 

$

1.30

 

$

2.42

 

$

2.45

 

Diluted net income per unit

 

$

3.35

 

$

2.74

 

$

1.29

 

$

2.39

 

$

2.40

 

Pre-tax margin(2)

 

28.7

%

24.4

%

13.0

%

23.2

%

21.6

%

CASH DISTRIBUTIONS PER UNIT(3)

 

$

3.33

 

$

2.40

 

$

1.65

 

$

2.44

 

$

3.03

 

BALANCE SHEET DATA AT PERIOD END:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

9,490,480

 

$

8,779,330

 

$

8,171,669

 

$

7,217,970

 

$

8,175,393

 

Debt

 

$

407,291

 

$

407,517

 

$

405,327

 

$

426,907

 

$

627,609

 

Partners’ capital

 

$

4,302,674

 

$

4,183,698

 

$

3,778,469

 

$

3,963,451

 

$

3,988,160

 

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT AT PERIOD END (in millions)(4)

 

$

578,552

 

$

538,764

 

$

477,267

 

$

388,743

 

$

452,272

 


(1)          Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to our 2005 presentation: we reclassified certain sub-accounting payments and networking fees from other promotion and servicing expense to shareholder servicing fees.

(2)Income before income taxes as a percentage of total revenues.

(3)AllianceBernstein is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement, to its unitholders and(including the General Partner.

(4)Assets under management in prior years have been reclassified and certain fixed income assets previously reported at cost are now being reported at market value. Excludes certain non-discretionary client relationships and assets managed by unconsolidated affiliates.

36



Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Holding

Holding’s principal source of income and cash flow is attributable to its investment in AllianceBernstein. The Holding financial statements and notes and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with those of AllianceBernstein.

Results of Operations

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AllianceBernstein net income

 

$

868,318

 

$

705,150

 

$

329,808

 

23.1

%

113.8

%

Weighted average equity ownership interest

 

31.7

%

31.2

%

30.4

%

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein

 

$

275,054

 

$

219,971

 

$

100,424

 

25.0

 

119.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income of Holding

 

$

248,064

 

$

195,173

 

$

78,605

 

27.1

 

148.3

 

Diluted net income per unit

 

$

3.02

 

$

2.43

 

$

1.01

 

24.3

 

140.6

 

Distribution per unit

 

$

3.00

 

$

2.01

 

$

1.45

 

49.3

%

38.6

%

Equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein, net income and diluted net income per unit significantly decreased in 2003 and increased in 2004 as a result of AllianceBernstein’s $330 million in charges taken during the second half of 2003, of which (i) $250 million was paid to the Restitution Fund, (ii) $30 million was used to settle a private civil mutual fund litigation unrelated to any regulatory agreements, and (iii) $50 million was reserved for estimated expenses related to our market-timing settlements with the SEC and the NYAG and our market timing-related liabilities (“2003 Market Timing Charges”)Partner).

Capital Resources and Liquidity

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

(in millions, except per unit amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners’ capital, as of December 31

 

$

1,368.8

 

$

1,295.7

 

$

1,158.6

 

5.6

%

11.8

%

Distributions received

 

253.2

 

119.8

 

172.5

 

111.3

 

(30.5

)

Proceeds from exercise of options

 

42.4

 

46.7

 

21.6

 

(9.2

)

116.6

 

Distributions paid

 

(226.7

)

(95.4

)

(151.5

)

137.6

 

(37.0

)

Available cash flow

 

245.4

 

161.1

 

112.1

 

52.3

 

43.7

 

The significant factors affecting the change in partners’ capital year-to-year are net income and proceeds from the exercise of options for Holding Units, both increasing partners’ capital, and cash distributions paid to unitholders, decreasing partners’ capital. See Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital and Comprehensive Income in Item 8 for further details. Holding is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the Holding Partnership Agreement, to its unitholders. Available Cash Flow in 2005 was significantly higher than in 2004 and 2003 due to the 2003 Market Timing Charges. The third quarter 2003 distribution was declared prior to the recording of these charges. Over the next two quarters, distributions were reduced, reflecting these charges and, commencing in second quarter 2004, quarterly distributions returned to traditional levels in relation to cash flow.

AllianceBernstein paid$8million during 2005 related to market timing-related matters and has cumulatively paid $310 million.  Including $10 million in charges taken in prior periods, AllianceBernstein has reserves of approximately $30 million available for market timing-related liabilities in future periods.  We cannot determine at this time the eventual outcome, timing, or impact of market timing-related matters. Accordingly, it is possible that additional charges in the future may be required, the amount, timing, and impact of which we are unable to estimate at this time.

Cash and cash equivalents were $89,000 as of December 31, 2005 and zero as of December 31, 2004, and 2003. Cash inflows from AllianceBernstein distributions received were offset by cash distributions paid to unitholders, income taxes paid, and the movement in other working capital items. Management believes that the cash flow realized from its investment in AllianceBernstein will provide Holding with the resources to meet its financial obligations.

See “Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital and Comprehensive Income” and “Statements of Cash Flows” in Holding’s financial statements in Item 8.


Commitments and Contingencies


See Note 6 ofto the Holding financial statements contained in Item 88.

.AllianceBernstein

37




AllianceBernstein

Executive Overview


We provide diversified investment management services to institutional clients, high-net-worth clients and retail investors. Aswere quite pleased with our 2006 full year results. Our firm’s organic growth rate, as measured by net new client cash inflows, was very strong. We ended the year with record AUM of December 31, 2005, we had client assets under management of approximately $579$716.9 billion, an increase of 7.4% over December 31, 2004, invested23.9% from year-end 2005, as market appreciation, investment performance, and net inflows contributed $138.3 billion to AUM. Capital markets produced strong gains, driven by a growing global economy and robust corporate earnings. All four major U.S. capital market indices were up significantly, with equity indices posting their strongest year since 2003. The S&P 500’s gain of 15.8% for the year was more than 500 basis points ahead of its 15-year average. Non-U.S. capital markets also had an outstanding year. The three major MSCI indices posted twelve-month returns ranging from 20.1% to 32.2%.

In terms of relative performance, our value equity services generally continued to outperform benchmarks, while our fixed income services achieved substantial investment performance improvement. The one-, three-, and five-year relative returns in our value equities were quite strong, and, in certain cases, outstanding. Within our fixed income services, we generally performed above benchmarks for our institutional clients and above Lipper averages for our retail clients, as our investments in research, analytical tools, and portfolio construction continue to benefit these clients.

In our growth equity services, performance materially lagged their respective benchmarks for the year, especially in the U.S. However, we believe the gap in valuation between growth and value equities blended equities, fixed income, balanced,has reached a point where continued market underperformance by growth relative to value appears unlikely and index/structured services. Our strategy is to continue to expand and leverage our extensive, global research capabilities to provide both innovative and time-tested wealth management solutions to help our clients achieve investment success and peace of mind. Through Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (each a wholly-owned subsidiary), we provide in-depth research, portfolio strategy and trade execution services to institutional clients. Importantly, we are striving to ensure that our firm’s culture is onegrowth services are well-positioned to benefit from an improvement in which client interests are always placed first and the highest ethical standards are maintained.

Our revenues are primarily earned for managing the investment assetsrelative performance of our clients. These revenues vary with the total value of our assets under management, which increase or decrease depending upon:

capital market appreciation or depreciation,

investment returns achieved for clients, and

asset inflows or outflows from new and existing clients.

Both our fourth quarter and full year financial results exceeded our expectations. Our fourth quarter reflected strong investment performance, strong net asset inflows, and improved financial results. Overall, our relative investment returns were competitive. In growth equities, we outperformed benchmarks in many of our key services, including large cap growth, U.S. growth and mid-cap growth services. While growth equities outperformed value equities for a third consecutive quarter, value equities still posted good returns, especially over the longer term. Our style blend equity services performed well, especially in global style blend which had excellent one-year performance results. With this solid performance, we believe we are positioned well to gather additional assets as the shift toward growth style investing continues.

Additionally, 2005 exhibited strong organic growth among all client groups. For the year, we brought in over $80 billion in gross asset flows and $27 billion in net asset flows (before dispositions and market appreciation), both firm records. Value equity fundings led the way with nearly $35 billion and $22 billion in gross and net inflows, respectively.

equities.


Institutional Investment Services AUM accounted for 62.0%was $455.1 billion at year end, or 63.5% of our overall AUM. For the year, we hadachieved record net inflows of $20more than $27.3 billion. Our value equity and blend strategies services accounted for roughly 71% of new assets, while global and international services accounted for approximately 85% of all new assets - continuing a trend. Our pipeline of won but unfunded new institutional mandates at year-end 2006 remains strong.

Retail Services AUM was up 15.0% for the year, representing $166.9 billion, owing mainlyor 23.3% of our total AUM. Net inflows were $12.1 billion (compared to the strength$1.1 billion of net inflows in 2005), for an organic growth rate of 8.4%, which was our best year since 2000. Significant increases in net asset inflows occurred in our global and international and multi-strategy services. Institutional flows continued to be well diversified geographically and among investment services. Looking ahead, we expect to continue to focus on building our global institutional investment platforms inLastly, 2006 marked the Asia-Pacific region, and expanding our presence in continental Europe.

Retail Services ending AUM was up 6.1%first year of net inflows for the year, excluding the effect of the dispositions of cash management services and IndianU.S. retail mutual funds assets of nearly $29 billion. Non-U.S. retail inflows continued at a healthy pace, while, in the U.S., our separately managed account business strengthened. However, we continued to experience net U.S. fund outflows, although at a declining rate.

We are confident that Retail Services have begun to stabilize. Our new asset allocation services, such as our target-date retirement funds, are geared toward investors’ long-term interests and have been gaining visibility. These services present us with an opportunity to capture assets in the increasingly important retirement arena. Looking ahead, we will continue to rebuild and enhance our presence in Japan and to upgrade and enlarge our U.S. and non-U.S. sales forces.

Our since 2001.


Private Client Services comprised nearly $75AUM was $94.9 billion, inor 13.2% of our total AUM. AUM of our high-net-worth clients grew by 26.7% year-over-year, primarily as a 17.1% increase during 2005. Net inflows totaled almost $7 billion during 2005, but leveled off somewhat during the fourth quarter owing to seasonal factors. Throughout 2005 weresult of double-digit organic growth and market appreciation. We continued to invest in our Private Client business —Services in 2006, including the opening up new officesof our U.K. office and adding staff. We increased the number of financial advisors during 2005 to 263, an increase of 36.3% from 193 at the end of 2004.

In 2006, we plan to open our first non-U.S. Private Client Services office in London, and to build a deeper presence in the U.S. by increasing the number of financial advisors by 10.3%37, or 14.2%, to 290 by the end of 2006.

298.


Our Institutional Research Services recorded $321revenues of $375.1 million in 2006, a 6.3% increase from 2005. However, after adjusting for a reclassification of transaction fees related to advisory clients, revenues for the year, an increase of 5.8% over 2004. Within the U.S., higher revenues resulted from higher market share and transaction volume, offset partially by lower revenue yields from a shift to program trading and continued industry-wide brokerage commission pricing

38



declines.were up 16.2%. Our market share gains are the result of the consistent high quality of our research. In London, we achieved 25.6% revenue growth in 2005. The broadening of our trading platformsimproved in the U.S. primarily due to strong growth in algorithmic trading volumes and the expansion ofincreased demand for our highly-ranked research services. These gains, however, were partly offset by pricing pressure and a shift in mix to “low-touch” trading and sales capabilitiesservices with lower revenue yields. We also achieved market share gains in Europe, have proven to be successful. On that note, we were again highly-ranked in a recent Institutional Investor survey of best U.S. independent research firms. As we look to 2006,where we plan to launch Asian distributionour algorithmic trading platform in the first quarter of 2007.



The quality of our U.S. and European research and launch a new electronic trading offering in London.

Recent declines in commission rates charged by broker-dealers are likely to continue and may accelerate. Increasing use of electronic trading networks (which permit investors to execute securities transactions at a fraction of typical full-service broker-dealer charges) and pressure exerted by funds and institutional investors are likely to result in continuing, perhaps significant, declines in commission rates, which would, in turn, reduce the revenues generated by Institutional Research Services.

Looking ahead,Services, as ranked in the most significant initiative that benefits all2006 Institutional Investor “Best U.S. Independents” survey, was once again excellent. Our research analysts were ranked in 26 sectors, including first place finishes in 23 sectors.


Our financial success is the result of providing superior service to, and meeting the investment objectives of, our clients, isand we continue to make long-term investments for the future. Looking ahead, we believe our continued focus on these objectives will help us achieve our goal of becoming the most admired investment in research, a core competency of our firm. We have a broad foundation in fundamental and quantitative research. Our fundamental research includes comprehensive industry and company coverage from growth, value and fixed income perspectives. More recent activity in this area includes our new research office in Shanghai, China, as well as our Early Stage Growth and Strategic Change units focusing on advancing technologies. Our current focus in quantitative research is based on three areas: finding and exploiting pricing anomaliesfirm in the capital markets, solving complex investment planning problems, and utilizing portfolio construction tools to optimize global portfolios. We intend to develop additional research initiatives in the foreseeable future.

world.


Assets Under Management

Starting in 2005


Effective January 1, 2006, we revisedtransferred certain client accounts among distribution channels to reflect changes in the way we classified our assets under management to better align publicly reported assets under management with our internal reporting, and for consistency our assets under managementservice these accounts (shown as of December 31, 2004 and previous years have been reclassified by investment service and distribution channel, includingtransfers in the fixed income components of balanced accounts previously reported in equity. As a result, as of December 31, 2004, approximately $11 billion in assets under management were reclassified from equity ($6 billion from growth equity and $5 billion from value equity) to fixed income. In addition, certain fixed income assets managed for insurance company clients previously reported at cost are now being reported at market value, resulting in approximate increases in fixed income assets under management of between $2 billion and $3 billion at each reporting date. This change did not impact reported revenues, nor will it impact future revenues.

tables below).


Assets under management by distribution channel were as follows:

 

 

As of December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in billions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Institutional Investment

 

$

358.6

 

$

311.3

 

$

267.8

 

15.2

%

16.2

%

Retail

 

145.1

 

163.5

 

155.9

 

(11.3

)

4.9

 

Private Client

 

74.9

 

64.0

 

53.6

 

17.1

 

19.3

 

Total

 

$

578.6

 

$

538.8

 

$

477.3

 

7.4

%

12.9

%

39



  
As of December 31,
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
  
(in billions)
     
            
Institutional Investments 
 $455.1 $358.6 $311.3  26.9% 15.2%
Retail 
  166.9  145.1  163.5  15.0  (11.3)
Private Client 
  94.9  74.9  64.0  26.7  17.1 
Total 
 
$
716.9
 
$
578.6
 
$
538.8
  
23.9
  
7.4
 

Assets under management by investment service were as follows:

 

 

As of December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in billions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growth Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

80.9

 

$

80.1

 

$

90.5

 

1.1

%

(11.5

)%

Global & international

 

65.3

 

43.2

 

33.9

 

51.0

 

27.3

 

 

 

146.2

 

123.3

 

124.4

 

18.6

 

(0.9

)

Value Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

106.9

 

105.5

 

94.0

 

1.3

 

12.3

 

Global & international

 

131.3

 

87.1

 

53.8

 

50.8

 

62.0

 

 

 

238.2

 

192.6

 

147.8

 

23.7

 

30.3

 

Fixed income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

108.5

 

143.2

 

139.6

 

(24.2

)

2.6

 

Global & international

 

55.6

 

50.2

 

37.0

 

10.8

 

35.6

 

 

 

164.1

 

193.4

 

176.6

 

(15.1

)

9.5

 

Index/Structured:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

25.3

 

23.6

 

22.1

 

6.9

 

7.0

 

Global & international

 

4.8

 

5.9

 

6.4

 

(18.1

)

(7.8

)

 

 

30.1

 

29.5

 

28.5

 

1.9

 

3.6

 

Total:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

321.6

 

352.4

 

346.2

 

(8.8

)

1.8

 

Global & international

 

257.0

 

186.4

 

131.1

 

37.9

 

42.1

 

Total

 

$

578.6

 

$

538.8

 

$

477.3

 

7.4

%

12.9

%


  
As of December 31,
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
  
(in billions)
     
            
Growth Equity:                
U.S. 
 $78.5 $80.9 $80.1  (3.0)% 1.1%
Global & international 
  95.6  65.3  43.2  46.5  51.0 
   174.1  146.2  123.3  19.1  18.6 
Value Equity:                
U.S. 
  119.0  106.9  105.5  11.3  1.3 
Global & international 
  216.5  131.3  87.1  64.8  50.8 
   335.5  238.2  192.6  40.8  23.7 
Fixed Income:                
U.S. 
  109.9  108.5  143.2  1.3  (24.2)
Global & international 
  67.1  55.6  50.2  20.7  10.8 
   177.0  164.1  193.4  7.9  (15.1)
Index/Structured:                
U.S. 
  24.8  25.3  23.6  (1.6) 6.9 
Global & international 
  5.5  4.8  5.9  13.5  (18.1)
   30.3  30.1  29.5  0.9  1.9 
Total:                
U.S. 
  332.2  321.6  352.4  3.3  (8.8)
Global & international 
  384.7  257.0  186.4  49.7  37.9 
Total 
 
$
716.9
 
$
578.6
 
$
538.8
  
23.9
  
7.4
 

Changes in assets under management during 2006 were as follows:

  
Distribution Channel
 
Investment Service
 
  
Institutional
Investments
 
Retail
 
Private
Client
 
Total
 
Growth
Equity
 
Value 
Equity
 
Fixed 
Income
 
Index/ 
Structured
 
Total
 
  
(in billions) 
 
                             
Balance as of January 1, 2006 
 $358.6 $145.1 $74.9 $578.6 $146.2 $238.2 $164.1 $30.1 $578.6 
Long-term flows:                            
Sales/new accounts 
  53.8  44.3  14.4  112.5  33.9  54.8  22.8  1.0  112.5 
Redemptions/terminations 
  (18.1) (31.1) (2.9) (52.1) (17.5) (15.9) (15.5) (3.2) (52.1)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends 
  (8.4) (1.1) (3.1) (12.6) (2.6) (7.4) (0.5) (2.1) (12.6)
Net long-term inflows (outflows) 
  27.3  12.1  8.4  47.8  13.8  31.5  6.8  (4.3) 47.8 
Acquisition 
  0.3  0.1    0.4  0.3    0.1    0.4 
Transfers 
  7.9  (9.1) 1.2    (0.8) 0.8       
Market appreciation 
  61.0  18.7  10.4  90.1  14.6  65.0  6.0  4.5  90.1 
Net change 
  96.5  21.8  20.0  138.3  27.9  97.3  12.9  0.2  138.3 
Balance as of December 31, 2006 
 
$
455.1
 
$
166.9
 
$
94.9
 
$
716.9
 
$
174.1
 
$
335.5
 
$
177.0
 
$
30.3
 
$
716.9
 
Changes in assets under management during 2005 were as follows (in billions):

 

 

Distribution Channel

 

Investment Service

 

 

 

Institutional
Investment

 

Retail

 

Private
Client

 

Total

 

Growth
Equity

 

Value 
Equity

 

Fixed 
Income

 

Index/ 
Structured

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of January 1, 2005

 

$

311.3

 

$

163.5

 

$

64.0

 

$

538.8

 

$

123.3

 

$

192.6

 

$

193.4

 

$

29.5

 

$

538.8

 

Long-term flows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales/new accounts

 

39.5

 

30.4

 

10.8

 

80.7

 

27.5

 

34.6

 

18.1

 

0.5

 

80.7

 

Redemptions/terminations

 

(19.2

)

(27.5

)

(2.8

)

(49.5

)

(16.6

)

(12.8

)

(18.0

)

(2.1

)

(49.5

)

Cash flow/unreinvested dividends

 

(0.6

)

(1.8

)

(1.3

)

(3.7

)

(3.6

)

 

(0.4

)

0.3

 

(3.7

)

Net long-term inflows (outflows)

 

19.7

 

1.1

 

6.7

 

27.5

 

7.3

 

21.8

 

(0.3

)

(1.3

)

27.5

 

Dispositions

 

(1.3

)

(28.7

)

(0.4

)

(30.4

)

(1.2

)

 

(29.2

)

 

(30.4

)

Transfers

 

0.6

 

 

(0.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market appreciation

 

28.3

 

9.2

 

5.2

 

42.7

 

16.8

 

23.8

 

0.2

 

1.9

 

42.7

 

Net change

 

47.3

 

(18.4

)

10.9

 

39.8

 

22.9

 

45.6

 

(29.3

)

0.6

 

39.8

 

Balance as of December 31, 2005

 

$

 358.6

 

$

 145.1

 

$

74.9

 

$

 578.6

 

$

 146.2

 

$

 238.2

 

$

 164.1

 

$

 30.1

 

$

 578.6

 

Changes in assets under management during 2004 were as follows (in billions):

 

 

Distribution Channel

 

Investment Service

 

 

 

Institutional
Investment

 

Retail

 

Private
Client

 

Total

 

Growth
Equity

 

Value
Equity

 

Fixed
Income

 

Index/
Structured

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of January 1, 2004

 

$

267.8

 

$

155.9

 

$

53.6

 

$

477.3

 

$

124.4

 

$

147.8

 

$

176.6

 

$

28.5

 

$

477.3

 

Long-term flows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales/new accounts

 

35.5

 

23.4

 

8.5

 

67.4

 

16.8

 

25.3

 

24.5

 

0.8

 

67.4

 

Redemptions/terminations

 

(22.9

)

(25.8

)

(3.0

)

(51.7

)

(23.7

)

(9.0

)

(17.1

)

(1.9

)

(51.7

)

Cash flow/unreinvested dividends

 

(4.9

)

(1.7

)

(0.8

)

(7.4

)

(7.7

)

 

1.7

 

(1.4

)

(7.4

)

Net long-term inflows (outflows)

 

7.7

 

(4.1

)

4.7

 

8.3

 

(14.6

)

16.3

 

9.1

 

(2.5

)

8.3

 

Net cash management redemptions

 

 

(2.0

)

 

(2.0

)

 

 

(2.0

)

 

(2.0

)

Market appreciation

 

35.8

 

13.7

 

5.7

 

55.2

 

13.5

 

28.5

 

9.7

 

3.5

 

55.2

 

Net change

 

43.5

 

7.6

 

10.4

 

61.5

 

(1.1

)

44.8

 

16.8

 

1.0

 

61.5

 

Balance as of December 31, 2004

 

$

 311.3

 

$

 163.5

 

$

64.0

 

$

 538.8

 

$

 123.3

 

$

 192.6

 

$

 193.4

 

$

 29.5

 

$

 538.8

 

40

follows:

  
Distribution Channel
 
Investment Service
 
  
Institutional
Investments
 
Retail
 
Private
Client
 
Total
 
Growth
Equity
 
Value 
Equity
 
Fixed 
Income
 
Index/ 
Structured
 
Total
 
  
(in billions)
 
                    
Balance as of January 1, 2005 
 $311.3 $163.5 $64.0 $538.8 $123.3 $192.6 $193.4 $29.5 $538.8 
Long-term flows:                            
Sales/new accounts 
  39.5  30.4  10.8  80.7  27.5  34.6  18.1  0.5  80.7 
Redemptions/terminations 
  (19.2) (27.5) (2.8) (49.5) (16.6) (12.8) (18.0) (2.1) (49.5)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends 
  (0.6) (1.8) (1.3) (3.7) (3.6)   (0.4) 0.3  (3.7)
Net long-term inflows (outflows) 
  19.7  1.1  6.7  27.5  7.3  21.8  (0.3) (1.3) 27.5 
Dispositions 
  (1.3) (28.7) (0.4) (30.4) (1.2)   (29.2)   (30.4)
Transfers 
  0.6    (0.6)            
Market appreciation 
  28.3  9.2  5.2  42.7  16.8  23.8  0.2  1.9  42.7 
Net change 
  47.3  (18.4) 10.9  39.8  22.9  45.6  (29.3) 0.6  39.8 
Balance as of December 31, 2005 
 
$
358.6
 
$
145.1
 
$
74.9
 
$
578.6
 
$
146.2
 
$
238.2
 
$
164.1
 
$
30.1
 
$
578.6
 

Average assets under management by distribution channel and investment service were as follows:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in billions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution Channel:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Institutional Investment

 

$

325.9

 

$

275.9

 

$

232.5

 

18.1

%

18.7

%

Retail

 

146.7

 

156.1

 

145.0

 

(6.0

)

7.7

 

Private Client

 

68.6

 

57.6

 

45.8

 

18.9

 

25.8

 

Total

 

$

541.2

 

$

489.6

 

$

423.3

 

10.5

%

15.7

%

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in billions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Service:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growth Equity

 

$

128.4

 

$

118.9

 

$

109.5

 

7.9

%

8.6

%

Value Equity

 

208.9

 

163.0

 

115.1

 

28.2

 

41.6

 

Fixed Income

 

174.5

 

179.6

 

174.6

 

(2.9

)

2.9

 

Index/Structured

 

29.4

 

28.1

 

24.1

 

4.8

 

16.5

 

Total

 

$

541.2

 

$

489.6

 

$

423.3

 

10.5

%

15.7

%


  
Years Ended December 31,
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
  
(in billions)
     
            
Distribution Channel:
                
Institutional Investments 
 $405.6 $325.9 $275.9  24.4% 18.1%
Retail 
  150.8  146.7  156.1  2.8  (6.0)
Private Client 
  84.6  68.6  57.6  23.5  18.9 
Total 
 
$
641.0
 
$
541.2
 
$
489.6
  
18.4
  
10.5
 

  
Years Ended December 31,
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
  
(in billions)
     
            
Investment Service:
           
Growth Equity 
 $160.2 $128.4 $118.9  24.8% 7.9%
Value Equity 
  281.1  208.9  163.0  34.6  28.2 
Fixed Income 
  169.2  174.5  179.6  (3.1) (2.9)
Index/Structured 
  30.5  29.4  28.1  3.8  4.8 
Total 
 
$
641.0
 
$
541.2
 
$
489.6
  
18.4
  
10.5
 

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

3,250.7

 

$

3,055.4

 

$

2,764.9

 

6.4

%

10.5

%

Expenses

 

2,317.8

 

2,310.3

 

2,406.4

 

0.3

 

(4.0

)

Income before income taxes

 

932.9

 

745.1

 

358.5

 

25.2

 

107.8

 

Income taxes

 

64.6

 

39.9

 

28.7

 

61.7

 

39.2

 

Net income

 

$

868.3

 

$

705.2

 

$

329.8

 

23.1

%

113.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income per unit

 

$

3.35

 

$

2.74

 

$

1.29

 

22.3

%

112.4

%

Distributions per unit

 

$

3.33

 

$

2.40

 

$

1.65

 

38.8

%

45.5

%

Pre-tax margin(1)

 

28.7

%

24.4

%

13.0

%

 

 

 

 


  
Years Ended December 31,
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
  
(in millions, except per unit amounts)
     
            
Net revenues 
 $3,950.4 $3,212.7 $3,055.4  23.0% 5.1%
Expenses  
  2,786.9  2,314.3  2,310.3  20.4  0.2 
Operating income 
  1,163.5  898.4  745.1  29.5  20.6 
Non-operating income 
  20.2  34.5    (41.4) n/m 
Income before income taxes 
  1,183.7  932.9  745.1  26.9  25.2 
Income taxes 
  75.1  64.6  39.9  16.2  61.7 
Net income 
 $1,108.6 $868.3 $705.2  27.7  23.1 
                 
Diluted net income per unit 
 $4.22 $3.35 $2.74  26.0  22.3 
                 
Distributions per unit 
 $4.42 $3.33 $2.40  32.7  38.8 
                 
Operating margin(1) 
  29.5% 28.0% 24.4%      
____________
(1)
Operating income as a percentage of net revenues.

In 2006, net income increased $240.3 million, or 27.7%, to $1,108.6 million, and net income per unit increased $0.87, or 26.0%, to $4.22. The increase was due primarily to higher investment advisory and services fees, partially offset by higher employee compensation and benefits expenses and higher general and administrative expenses. Our operating margin expanded 1.5% to 29.5% in 2006, benefiting significantly from the increase in our fee revenues and the moderation of our employee compensation and benefits growth rate.

As contemplated in our January 24, 2007 earnings announcement, our results have been adjusted to include a charge for the estimated cost of reimbursing certain clients for losses arising out of an error we made in processing claims for class action settlement proceeds on behalf of these clients, which include some AllianceBernstein-sponsored mutual funds. The $56.0 million fourth quarter 2006 pre-tax charge ($54.5 million, net of the related income tax benefit), recorded as general and administrative expense, is somewhat larger than the amount contemplated in the earnings announcement, and reflects our identification of additional class actions and client accounts subject to the claim processing error during an extensive review of our procedures. Accordingly, net income and diluted net income per unit for 2006 was $1,108.6 million and $4.22, respectively, compared to the unadjusted amounts of $1,163.1 million and $4.43, respectively, we reported on January 24, 2007. Our estimate of the cost is based on our review to date; as we continue our review, our estimate and the ultimate cost we incur may change. We continue to believe that most of this cost will ultimately be recovered from residual settlement proceeds and insurance.

- 38 -

(1)Table of ContentsIncome before

The fourth quarter distribution of $1.60 per unit paid on February 15, 2007 was based on unadjusted fourth quarter net income taxesper unit of $1.60. As a result, to the extent that all or a portion of the cost is recovered in subsequent periods, we do not anticipate treating those amounts as a percentage of total revenues.

Available Cash Flow (as defined the AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement), and would not distribute those amounts to unitholders.


In 2005, net income increased $163.1 million, or 23.1%, to $868.3 million, and diluted net income per unit increased $0.61, or 22.3%, to $3.35. The increase was due primarily to higher investment advisory and services fees, gains recognized on the dispositions of our cash management services, Indian mutual funds and South African joint venture interest, lower promotion and servicing expenses, and lower general and administrative expenses, partially offset by higher employee compensation and benefits and lower distribution revenues.

In 2004, net income The operating margin increase of 3.6% in 2005 primarily reflects increased $375.4 million to $705.2 million and net income per unit increased $1.45 to $2.74. The increases were due principally to the $330 million in charges taken during the second half of 2003, of which (i) $250 million was paid to the Restitution Fund, (ii) $30 million was used to settle a private civil mutual fund litigation unrelated to any regulatory agreements, and (iii) $50 million was reserved for estimated expenses related to our market-timing settlements with the SECrevenues and the NYAG and our market timing-related liabilities (gains we recognized on the dispositions, together with virtually no expense growth.


Net 2003 Market Timing Charges”). Higher net income was also due to an increase in investment advisory and services fees and institutional research services revenues, partially offset by higher employee compensation and general and administrative expenses.Revenues

41




Revenues

The following table summarizes the components of totalnet revenues:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment advisory and services fees

 

$

2,290.8

 

$

2,113.4

 

$

1,882.4

 

8.4

%

12.3

%

Distribution revenues

 

397.8

 

447.3

 

436.0

 

(11.1

)

2.6

 

Institutional research services

 

321.3

 

303.6

 

267.9

 

5.8

 

13.3

 

Shareholder servicing fees

 

99.4

 

116.0

 

126.4

 

(14.3

)

(8.2

)

Other revenues, net

 

141.4

 

75.1

 

52.2

 

88.0

 

44.0

 

Total

 

$

3,250.7

 

$

3,055.4

 

$

2,764.9

 

6.4

%

10.5

%


  
Years Ended December 31,
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
  
(in millions)
     
            
Investment advisory and services fees:           
Institutional Investments:                
Base fees $1,108.2 $821.3 $691.8  34.9% 18.7%
Performance fees  113.0  73.1  35.9  54.7  103.5 
   1,221.2  894.4  727.7  36.5  22.9 
                 
Retail:                
Base fees  787.5  693.1  728.8  13.6  (4.9)
Performance fees  0.3  0.7  (1.7) (56.8) n/m 
   787.8  693.8  727.1  13.6  (4.6)
                 
Private Client:                
Base fees  758.8  613.1  483.7  23.8  26.8 
Performance fees  122.4  58.1  58.4  110.5  (0.4)
   881.2  671.2  542.1  31.3  23.8 
                 
Total:                
Base fees  2,654.5  2,127.5  1,904.3  24.8  11.7 
Performance fees  235.7  131.9  92.6  78.7  42.6 
   2,890.2  2,259.4  1,996.9  27.9  13.1 
                 
Distribution revenues 
  421.1  397.8  447.3  5.8  (11.1)
Institutional research services 
  375.1  352.8  420.1  6.3  (16.0)
Dividend and interest income 
  266.5  152.8  72.7  74.4  110.0 
Investment gains (losses) 
  53.1  28.6  14.5  85.6  97.5 
Other revenues 
  132.2  117.2  136.7  12.8  (14.3)
Total revenues 
  4,138.2  3,308.6  3,088.2  25.1  7.1 
Less: Interest expense 
  187.8  95.9  32.8  95.9  192.3 
Net revenues 
 
$
3,950.4
 
$
3,212.7
 
$
3,055.4
  
23.0
  
5.1
 

Investment Advisory and Services Fees

The following table summarizes the components of investment advisory and services fees:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Institutional Investment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Base fees

 

$

821.3

 

$

691.8

 

$

570.5

 

18.7

%

21.3

%

Transaction charges

 

10.0

 

27.6

 

34.6

 

(63.8

)

(20.5

)

Performance fees

 

73.0

 

35.9

 

39.3

 

103.5

 

(8.6

)

 

 

904.3

 

755.3

 

644.4

 

19.7

 

17.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Base fees

 

693.0

 

728.8

 

747.4

 

(4.9

)

(2.5

)

Transaction charges

 

3.5

 

5.3

 

 

(34.2

)

n/m

 

Performance fees

 

0.8

 

(1.7

)

(2.0

)

n/m

 

(13.2

)

 

 

697.3

 

732.4

 

745.4

 

(4.8

)

(1.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Private Client:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Base fees

 

613.1

 

483.7

 

369.9

 

26.8

 

30.8

 

Transaction charges

 

18.0

 

83.6

 

78.2

 

(78.5

)

7.0

 

Performance fees

 

58.1

 

58.4

 

44.5

 

(0.4

)

31.1

 

 

 

689.2

 

625.7

 

492.6

 

10.2

 

27.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Base fees

 

2,127.4

 

1,904.3

 

1,687.8

 

11.7

 

12.8

 

Transaction charges

 

31.5

 

116.5

 

112.8

 

(73.0

)

3.3

 

Performance fees

 

131.9

 

92.6

 

81.8

 

42.6

 

13.1

 

 

 

$

2,290.8

 

$

2,113.4

 

$

1,882.4

 

8.4

%

12.3

%


Investment advisory and services fees, the largest component of our revenues, includeconsist primarily of base fees. These fees which are generally calculated as a percentage of the value of assets under management (often times referred to as “basis points”) and vary with the type of investment strategy and discipline,service, the size of account, and the total amount of assets we manage for a particular client. Accordingly, fee income generally increases or decreases as average assets under management increase or decrease and is therefore affected by market appreciation or depreciation, the addition of new client accounts or client contributions of additional assets to existing accounts, withdrawals of assets from and termination of client accounts, purchases and redemptions of mutual fund shares, and shifts of assets between accounts or products with different fee structures. Our base fees increased $223.1 million, or 11.7%, in 2005,

42


- 39 -


primarily due to higher average assets under management in institutional investments and private client, partially offset by the dispositionTable of our cash management services in the retail distribution channel. Our base fees increased $216.5 million, or 12.8%, in 2004, primarily due to a 15.7% increase in average assets under management resulting from market appreciation and net asset inflows, partially offset by retail mutual fund fee reductions described below.Contents

Investment advisory and services fees include brokerage transaction charges earned by SCB LLC for certain private client and institutional investment client transactions. These transaction charges aggregated $31.5 million, $116.5 million, and $112.8 million in 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.The decrease in 2005 resulted from a number of factors, including a management initiative implemented during the first half of 2005 which changed the structure of investment advisory and services fees charged to private clients for our services. The restructuring eliminated transaction charges for most private clients while raising base fees. This restructuring increases the transparency and predictability of asset management costs for our private clients. The elimination of these transaction charges was not a result of AllianceBernstein’s agreement with the NYAG or any other regulator. Separately, beginning January 1, 2006, we intend to report all revenues earned by SCB from brokerage transactions executed for clients of AllianceBernstein as Institutional Research Services revenues.


Certain investment advisory contracts provide for a performance-basedperformance fee, in addition to or in lieu of a base fee. This fee is calculated as either a percentage of absolute investment results or a percentage of investment results in excess of a stated benchmark over a specified period of time. Performance-basedPerformance fees are recorded as revenue at the end of the measurement period and will be higher in favorable markets and lower in unfavorable markets, which may increase the volatility and seasonality of our revenues and earnings. Performance-based fees aggregated $131.9 million, $92.6 million,

Brokerage transaction charges earned by SCB LLC and $81.8 million in 2005, 2004,SCBL for certain private client and 2003, respectively. The increase in 2005 reflects strong investment performance in hedge funds, equity value and style blend investment services. The increase in 2004 was attributable to higher global equity and fixed income fees from strong investment performance.

Institutionalinstitutional investments client transactions previously recorded as investment advisory and services fees are now recorded as Institutional Research Services revenue. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.


Institutional investments advisory and services fees increased 19.7% for36.5% in 2006 as a result of increased assets under management, a more favorable fee mix, and an increase in performance fees of $39.9 million. The favorable fee mix reflects increases in average assets under management in our global and international services of 55.5%, where base fee rates are generally higher than domestic rates. During 2005, institutional investments advisory and services fees increased 22.9% as a result of an 18.1% increase in average assets under management, and higher performance-basedan increase in performance fees of $37.1 million, partly offset by lower transaction charges of $17.6 million due to lower transaction volume and the increased use of electronic trading systems. These fees increased 17.2% for 2004, primarily as a result of an 18.7% increase in average assets under management offset by a decrease in brokerage transaction charges of $7.0 million due primarily to lower transaction volume and a decline in performance-based fees of $3.4$37.2 million.


Retail investment advisory and services fees increased 13.6% in 2006 due primarily to an increase of 30.5% in global and international services average assets under management, partially offset by the disposition of our cash management services during the second quarter of 2005. For 2005, these fees decreased 4.8% for 2005,4.6%, primarily as a result of a 6.0% decrease in average assets under management, reflecting the disposition of assets related to our cash management services.

Private Client investment advisory and services during the second quarter of 2005. These fees decreased 1.7% for 2004, primarilyincreased 31.3% in 2006 as a result of $69.5higher base fees from increased assets under management and a $64.3 million, in revenue reductions from company-sponsored U.S. long-term open-end retail mutual funds in connection with the settlement of market timing-related matters discussed inItem 1or 110.5%, partly offset by a 7.7% increase in average assets under management.

performance fees, earned largely from our hedge funds. Private client investment advisory and services fees increased 10.2% for23.8% in 2005, primarily as a result of increased billable assets under management, partly offset by decreases in brokerage transaction charges of $65.6 million due primarily to the implementation of a new pricing structure which eliminated transaction charges for most private clients, partly offset by an increase in asset-based fees. These fees increased 27.0% for 2004, primarily as a result of billable assets under management, an increase in performance-based fees of $13.9 million and an increase in brokerage transaction charges of $5.4 million due to higher transaction volume.

management.


Distribution Revenues


AllianceBernstein Investments actsand AllianceBernstein Luxembourg act as distributor and/or placing agent of our Retail Productscompany-sponsored mutual funds and receivesreceive distribution services fees from certain of those funds as partial reimbursement of the distribution expenses it incurs.they incur. Distribution revenues decreased 11.1%increased 5.8% in 2005, principally2006, due primarily to higher non-U.S. and 529 Plan revenues, partially offset by lower U.S. revenues and the saledisposition of our cash management services during the second quarter of 2005. Distribution revenues increased 2.6%decreased 11.1% in 2004,2005, principally due to higher average mutual fund assets under management.

the disposition of our cash management services.


Institutional Research Services

Institutional Research Services

Institutional research services revenue consists principally of brokerage transaction charges received for providing in-depth, independent, fundamental research and otherbrokerage-related services to institutional investors. SCB earned revenues of approximately $1.8 million in 2006 from brokerage transactions executed on behalf of AllianceBernstein (acting on behalf of certain of its U.S. asset management clients that have authorized AllianceBernstein to use SCB for trade execution), which previously were reported as investment advisory and services fees. Since January 1, 2006, we have reported all revenues earned by SCB from brokerage transactions executed for these clients as Institutional Research Services revenues. Accordingly, we reclassified $31.5 million and $116.5 million of transaction charge revenue in 2005 and 2004, respectively, from investment advisory and services fees to Institutional Research Services to conform to our 2006 presentation. The decrease in brokerage transaction charges in 2006 and 2005 is the result of our elimination of transaction charges for most private clients, which was largely offset by increased investment advisory fees.


Revenues from institutional research

43



servicesInstitutional Research Services, excluding the decline in transaction charges related to the reclassification, increased 16.2% in 2006. U.S. revenues were higher due to increased market volumes and higher market share, partly offset by lower pricing. Revenues in London were also higher due to increased market volumes and higher pricing. Revenues from Institutional Research Services, excluding the decline in transaction charges related to the Reclassification, increased 5.8% for 2005 due to higher market share, higher average daily volumes in both the U.S. and U.K. stock markets and pricing increases in the U.K., partly offset by pricing declines in the U.S. Revenues



Recent declines in commission rates charged by broker-dealers are likely to continue and may accelerate. Increasing use of electronic trading systems and algorithmic trading strategies (which permit investors to execute securities transactions at a fraction of typical full-service broker-dealer charges) and pressure exerted by funds and institutional investors are likely to result in continuing, perhaps significant, declines in commission rates, which would, in turn, reduce the revenues generated by our Institutional Research Services. See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A.

Dividend and Interest Income and Interest Expense

Dividend and interest income consists of investment income, interest earned on United States Treasury Bills and interest earned on collateral given for securities borrowed from institutional research servicesbrokers and dealers. Interest expense includes interest accrued on cash balances in customer accounts and collateral received for securities loaned.  Dividend and interest, net of interest expense, increased 13.3% for 2004,$21.8 million in 2006. The increase was due primarily to higher market share of NYSE volumemutual fund dividends and higher revenues from growth in European operations, partly offset by lower domestic pricing.

Shareholder Servicing Fees

Investor Services and ACMGIS provide transfer agency services for our mutual funds. Shareholder servicing fees decreased 14.3%, primarilyincreased stock borrowed income as a result of the reductionhigher average customer credit balances and interest rates in the number2006. In 2005, dividend and interest, net of shareholder accountsinterest expense, increased $17.0 million as a result of higher stock borrowed income and fee reductions. Shareholder servicing fees decreased 8.2% in 2004.mutual fund dividends.


Investment Gains (Losses)

In 2006 and 2005, realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) increased $24.5 million and $14.1 million, respectively. The decreasesincreases were due primarily to outsourcing certain services and fewer shareholder accounts serviced. The number of shareholder accounts serviced declinedhigher mark-to-market gains on investments related to approximately 4.1 million as of December 31, 2005, from approximately 6.7 million and 7.1 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, primarily due to the disposition of our cash management services and net redemptions of long-term U.S. mutual funds.

deferred compensation plan obligations.


Other Revenues Net

These


Other revenues consist of investment income and net interest incomefees earned on securities loanedfor transfer agency services provided to and borrowed from brokers and dealers, andour mutual funds, fees earned for administration and recordkeeping services provided to our mutual funds and the general accounts of AXA and its subsidiaries. In addition, these revenues include mark-to-market gains or losses onsubsidiaries, our equity in the earnings of investments related to deferred compensation plan obligations. We purchase shares of AllianceBernstein mutualmade in limited partnership hedge funds to hedge our deferred compensation plan obligations. We classify these investments as trading investments,that we sponsor and as such, recognize unrealized mark-to-market gains or losses in each reporting period. The cost of our obligations, adjusted for mark-to-market gainsmanage, and losses, is amortized over the vesting period, which is generally four years.

other miscellaneous revenues. Other revenues increased $66.3 million, or 88.0%,12.8% in 2006, primarily due to higher equity earnings. Other revenues decreased 14.3% in 2005, reflecting the net gain on the disposition of our cash management services, including contingent earn out payments, totaling $19.4 million, the net gain on the disposition of our Indian mutual funds of $11.6 million, and the net gain on the disposition of our South African joint venture interest of $7.0 million. Another contributing factor was a $23.8 million increase in brokerage interest and dividends and interest on our deferred compensation investments. Other revenues increased 44.0% in 2004, principally as a result of interest income and net investment gains recorded in connection with the consolidation of a joint venture and its funds under management due to the application of FIN 46-R, as lower transfer agency services fees.

discussed inExpensesNote 21of AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.

Expenses


The following table summarizes the components of expenses:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee compensation and benefits

 

$

1,263.5

 

$

1,085.1

 

$

914.5

 

16.4

%

18.7

%

Promotion and servicing

 

621.9

 

753.9

 

776.2

 

(17.5

)

(2.9

)

General and administrative

 

386.6

 

426.4

 

339.7

 

(9.3

)

25.5

 

Interest

 

25.1

 

24.2

 

25.3

 

3.6

 

(4.2

)

Amortization of intangible assets

 

20.7

 

20.7

 

20.7

 

 

 

Charge for mutual fund matters and legal proceedings

 

 

 

330.0

 

 

n/m

 

Total

 

$

2,317.8

 

$

2,310.3

 

$

2,406.4

 

0.3

%

(4.0

)%

  
Years Ended December 31,
 
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
  
(in millions)
     
            
Employee compensation and benefits 
 $1,547.6 $1,262.2 $1,085.1  22.6% 16.3%
Promotion and servicing 
  612.2  621.9  753.9  (1.6) (17.5)
General and administrative 
  583.3  384.4  426.4  51.8  (9.9)
Interest 
  23.1  25.1  24.2  (7.9) 3.6 
Amortization of intangible assets 
  20.7  20.7  20.7     
Total 
 
$
2,786.9
 
$
2,314.3
 
$
2,310.3
  
20.4
  
0.2
 

Employee Compensation and Benefits


We had 4,3124,914 full-time employees as of December 31, 20052006 compared to 4,312 in 2005 and 4,100 in 2004 and 4,060 in 2003.2004. Employee compensation and benefits, which represented approximately 54.5%56%, 55%, and 47% of total expenses in 2006, 2005, includeand 2004, respectively, includes base compensation, commissions, fringe benefits, cash and deferred incentive compensation, based generally on profitability,commissions, fringe benefits, and other employment costs.

44


In 2006, base compensation, fringe benefits and other employment costs increased $84.4 million, or 18.5%, primarily as a result of annual merit increases, additional headcount, and higher fringe benefits reflecting increased compensation levels. Incentive compensation increased $111.1 million, or 21.0%, primarily due to higher short-term incentive compensation, reflecting increased headcount and higher earnings, and higher deferred compensation amortization due to vesting of prior-year awards. Commission expense increased $89.9 million, or 32.5%, reflecting higher sales and revenues.


In 2005, base compensation, fringe benefits and other employment costs increased $44.7$44.5 million, or 10.7%10.8%, primarily as a result of annual merit increases and additional headcount. Incentive compensation increased $90.8$89.7 million, or 21.0%20.4%, primarily due to higher short-term incentive compensation reflecting higher earnings and higher deferred compensation amortization due to vesting of prior yearprior-year awards. Commission expense increased $42.9 million, or 18.3%, reflecting higher revenues or sales across all channels.

In 2004, base compensation, fringe benefits and other compensation increased $34.4 million, or 9.0%, primarily due to merit increases, a mix shift to more highly compensated employees and higher recruitment costs. Incentive compensation increased $86.4 million, or 24.9%, as a result of higher short-term incentive compensation expense from higher earnings and higher amortization of deferred compensation expense, due to vesting of prior year awards. Commission expense increased $49.8 million, or 27.1%, primarily due to higher revenues in institutional investment, private client, and institutional research services.

revenues.


Promotion and Servicing


Promotion and servicing expenses, which representedrepresent approximately 26.8%22%, 27%, and 33% of total expenses in 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively, include distribution plan payments to financial intermediaries for distribution of company-sponsored mutual funds and cash management services products (in 2005 and 2004) and amortization of deferred sales commissions paid to financial intermediaries for the sale of back-end load shares. shares of our sponsored mutual funds. See Capital“Capital Resources and LiquidityLiquidity” in this Item 7 and Notes 11 and 21 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for a further discussion of deferred sales commissions. See Item 1 for further discussion of deferred sales commissions and the disposition of our cash management services. Also included in this expense category are costs related to travel and entertainment, advertising, promotional materials, and investment meetings and seminars for financial intermediaries that distribute our mutual fund products.


Promotion and servicing expenses decreased 1.6% in 2006 and decreased 17.5% in 20052005. The decrease in 2006 was primarily due to a $31.6 million decrease in amortization of deferred sales commissions as a result of lower sales of back-end load shares, partly offset by higher travel and 2.9% in 2004.entertainment and promotional materials costs. The decrease in 2005 was primarily due to an $82.2 million decrease in distribution plan payments, largely reflecting the disposition of our cash management services during the second quarter of 2005, and a $45.4 million decrease in amortization of deferred sales commissions as a result of lower sales of back-end load shares. The decrease in 2004 reflects a $31.2 million decrease in amortization of deferred sales commissions, resulting from lower B-share mutual fund sales, partially offset by an $11.3 million increase in travel and entertainment and printing costs.


General and Administrative


General and administrative expenses, which represented approximately 16.7%21%, 17%, and 18% of total expenses in 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively, are costs related to operations, including technology, professional fees, occupancy, communications, minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries, and similar expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased $39.8increased $198.9 million, or 9.3%,51.8% in 20052006, and increased $86.7decreased $42.0 million, or 25.5%,9.9% in 2004; significant changes include:

 

 

Years Ended
December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on disposals of fixed assets

 

$

(12.9

)

$

16.9

 

Occupancy costs

 

0.6

 

15.0

 

Minority interests from consolidation of a VIE (FIN 46-R)

 

(12.1

)

12.1

 

Sarbanes-Oxley 404 compliance

 

0.6

 

9.3

 

Data processing costs

 

2.2

 

8.7

 

Write-downs of capitalized software

 

(6.7

)

6.7

 

Charge for directed brokerage investigations

 

(5.0

)

5.0

 

Impairment of exchange memberships

 

(3.5

)

3.5

 

Legal costs, net of insurance recoveries

 

(14.6

)

(5.3

)

Other

 

11.6

 

14.8

 

 

 

$

(39.8

)

$

86.7

 

2005.


The majorityincrease in 2006 was primarily due to the charge we recorded for the estimated cost of reimbursing certain clients for losses arising out of an error we made in processing claims for class action settlement proceeds on behalf of these clients (see Consolidated Results of Operations in this Item 7 for a discussion of the decreasescharge), as well as higher occupancy and legal costs. Occupancy costs increased as a result of the expansion of certain private client offices in 2005 reflect the impact of specific chargesU.S., increased office space in New York, and new office space in London and Hong Kong. Legal costs increased, reflecting our continued efforts to resolve outstanding litigation in 2006, and the fact that were recorded in 2004 but not 2005. In addition,2005 legal costs were lowersubstantially offset by an $18.3 million insurance recovery and a $5.1 million reimbursement of litigation expenses we received in connection with a securities law claim we brought on behalf of certain clients. Other increases in general and administrative expenses include higher market data services and data processing costs.

The decrease in 2005 was due primarily to lower legal costs as a result of insurance recoveries. In 2004, increased occupancy costs relate to higher rent for new office space and accelerated rent for vacated facilities. Loss on disposals of fixed assets includes the write-offrecoveries, write-offs of obsolete software and leasehold improvements at vacated

45



facilities. The minority interests from consolidation facilities in 2004, and the impact of selling a consolidated variable interest entity (“VIE”) required by FIN 46-R reflects nine months of minority interest since adoption of the new accounting pronouncement. The VIE was sold effective December 31, 2004; accordingly,2004.


Interest on Borrowings

Interest on our borrowings for 2006 decreased $2.0 million, or 7.9%. The decrease in 2006 reflects the 2004 impact was reversedretirement of our Senior Notes in August 2006, partly offset by higher short-term borrowing levels in 2006.

Non-operating Income

Non-operating income consists primarily of the gains from the dispositions of our cash management services, Indian mutual funds, and South African joint venture interest in 2005.

Non-operating income for 2006 decreased $14.3 million, or 41.4 %. See Note 21 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for information about these dispositions.



Taxes on Income


AllianceBernstein, a private limited partnership, is not subject to federal or state corporate income taxes. However, we are subject to the New York City unincorporated business tax. Our domestic corporate subsidiaries are subject to federal, state and local income taxes, and are generally included in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return; separatereturn. Separate state and local income tax returns are filed. Foreign corporate subsidiaries are generally subject to taxes in the foreign jurisdictions where they are located.


The increase in taxes on income in 2006 is primarily due to higher pre-tax earnings, partially offset by a lower effective tax rate. The increase in 2005 is primarily due to a higher proportion of pre-tax earnings of foreign subsidiaries that resulted inand a higher effective tax rate.  The increase in 2004 was also primarily due to higher pre-tax earnings of our foreign subsidiaries.  The lower effective tax rate in 2004, compared to 2003, though, was the result of the non-deductibility in 2003 of approximately $100 million in expenses related to the 2003 Market Timing Charges.


Capital Resources and Liquidity


The following table identifies selected items relating to capital resources and liquidity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2005-04

 

2004-03

 

 

 

(in millions, except per unit amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners’ capital

 

$

4,302.7

 

$

4,183.7

 

$

3,778.5

 

2.8

%

10.7

%

Cash and cash equivalents

 

654.2

 

1,061.5

 

502.9

 

(38.4

)

111.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from operations

 

460.1

 

968.2

 

758.0

 

(52.5

)

27.7

 

Additional investments by Holding from proceeds from exercise of compensatory options

 

42.4

 

46.7

 

21.6

 

(9.2

)

116.6

 

Capital expenditures

 

(72.6

)

(57.3

)

(29.2

)

26.6

 

96.6

 

Purchases of Holding Units

 

(33.3

)

(45.1

)

(67.1

)

(26.2

)

(32.8

)

Distributions paid

 

(800.5

)

(383.0

)

(566.6

)

109.0

 

(32.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available cash flow

 

858.7

 

613.8

 

418.1

 

39.9

 

46.8

 

Distributions per AllianceBernstein Unit

 

3.33

 

2.40

 

1.65

 

38.8

 

45.5

 

The significant factors affecting the change in partners’ capital year-to-year are net income


        
% Change
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2006-05
 
2005-04
 
  
(in millions, except per unit amounts)
     
As of December 31:
                
Partners’ capital 
 $4,571.0 $4,302.7 $4,183.7  6.2% 2.8%
Cash and cash equivalents 
  692.7  654.2  1,061.5  5.9  (38.4)
                 
For the years ended December 31:
                
Cash flow from operations 
  1,204.3  460.1  968.2  161.8  (52.5)
Purchases of investments 
  (54.8) (7.4) (27.4) 642.6  (73.1)
Capital expenditures 
  (97.1) (72.6) (57.3) 33.7  26.6 
Cash distributions 
  (1,025.5) (800.5) (383.0) 28.1  109.0 
Purchases of Holding Units 
  (22.3) (33.3) (45.1) (32.8) (26.2)
Issuance of Holding Units 
  47.2      n/m  n/m 
Additional investments by Holding with proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy Holding Units  100.5  42.4  46.7  136.9  (9.2)
Issuance (repayment) of commercial paper, net 
  328.1  (0.2) (0.1) n/m  63.0 
Repayment of long-term debt 
  (408.1)     n/m  n/m 
Available cash flow 
  1,153.4  858.7  613.8  34.3  39.9 
Distributions per AllianceBernstein Unit 
  4.42  3.33  2.40  32.7  38.8 

In 2006 and additional investments by Holding from proceeds from the exercise of options to acquire Holding Units, both increasing partners’ capital, and cash distributions paid to unitholders, decreasing partners’ capital. AllianceBernstein is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement, to its unitholders and the General Partner. Available Cash Flow in 2005 was significantly higher than in 2004 and 2003 due to the 2003 Market Timing Charges. The third quarter 2003 distribution was declared prior to recording these charges. Over the next two quarters, distributions were reduced, reflecting these charges. Commencing in second quarter 2004, quarterly distributions returned to traditional levels in relation to cash flow.

In 2005, cash and cash equivalents increased $38.5 million and decreased $407.3 million, and increased $558.6 million and $85.1 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Cash inflows are primarily provided fromby operations, the issuance of commercial paper, and from the additional investment by Holding with proceeds from the exercise of compensatory options forto buy Holding Units. Significant cash outflows areinclude cash distributions paid to its unitholders and the General Partner and unitholders, repayment of our Senior Notes, capital expenditures, purchases of investments, purchases of Holding Units to fund deferred compensation plans and capital expenditures.

On January 4, 2006 andJanuary 4, 2005, we deposited an additional $49.1 million and $340.8 million, respectively,the purchase of the remaining interest in United States Treasury Billsour joint venture in a special reserve account pursuant to Rule 15c3-3 requirements.

46

Hong Kong.



Contingent Deferred Sales Charge


Our mutual fund distribution system (the “System”) includes a multi-class share structure that permits our open-end mutual funds to offer investors various options for the purchase of mutual fund shares, including both front-end load shares and back-end load shares. For open-end U.S. Fund front-end load shares, AllianceBernstein Investments pays sales commissions to financial intermediaries distributing the funds from the front-end sales charge it receives from investors at the time of sale. For back-end load shares, AllianceBernstein Investments pays sales commissions to the financial intermediaries at the time of sale and also receives higher ongoing distribution services fees from the mutual funds. In addition, investors who redeem before the expiration of the minimum holding period (which ranges from one year to four years) pay a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) to AllianceBernstein Investments. We expect to recover deferred sales commissions over periods not exceeding five and one-half years. Payments of sales commissions made to financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of back-end load shares under the System, net of CDSC received of $23.7 million, $21.4 million, $32.9 million, and $37.5$32.9 million, respectively, totaled approximately $98.7 million, $74.2 million, and $44.6 million during 2006, 2005, and $94.9 million during 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.



Debt and Credit Facilities


Total available credit, debt outstanding, and weighted average interest rates as of December 31, 20052006 and 20042005 were as follows:

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

Credit
Available

 

Debt
Outstanding

 

Interest
Rate

 

Credit
Available

 

Debt
Outstanding

 

Interest
Rate

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior notes

 

$

600.0

 

$

399.7

 

5.6

%

$

600.0

 

$

399.2

 

5.6

%

Commercial paper

 

425.0

 

 

 

425.0

 

 

 

Revolving credit facility

 

375.0

 

 

 

375.0

 

 

 

Extendible commercial notes

 

100.0

 

 

 

100.0

 

 

 

Other

 

n/a

 

7.6

 

4.6

 

n/a

 

8.3

 

4.0

 

Total

 

$

1,500.0

 

$

407.3

 

5.6

%

$

1,500.0

 

$

407.5

 

5.6

%


  
December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
  
Credit
Available
 
Debt
Outstanding
 
Interest
Rate
 
Credit
Available
 
Debt
Outstanding
 
Interest
Rate
 
  
(in millions)
 
              
Senior notes 
 $200.0 $  %$600.0 $399.7  5.6%
Commercial paper(1) 
  800.0  334.9  5.3  425.0     
Revolving credit facility(1) 
        375.0     
Extendible commercial notes 
  100.0      100.0     
Other 
        n/a  7.6  4.6 
Total 
 
$
1,100.0
 
$
334.9
  
5.3
 
$
1,500.0
 
$
407.3
  
5.6
 
____________________
(1)
Our revolving credit facility supports our commercial paper program; amounts borrowed under the commercial paper program reduce amounts available for other purposes under the revolving credit facility on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

In August 2001, we issued $400 million of 5.625% Notes (“Senior Notes”) pursuant to a shelf registration statement under which we maythat originally permitted us to issue up to $600 million in senior debt securities. The Senior Notes maturematured in August 2006, and are redeemable at any time. The proceeds from the Senior Notes were used to reduce commercial paper and credit facility borrowings and for other general partnership purposes. We intend to useretired using cash flow from operations to retireand proceeds from the Senior Notes at maturity.

issuance of commercial paper. We currently have $200 million available under the shelf registration statement for future issuances.


In September 2002,February 2006, we entered into an $800 million five-year revolving credit facility with a group of commercial banks and other lenders. Of the $800 million total, $425 millionThe revolving credit facility is intended to provide back-up liquidity for our $425 million commercial paper program, withwhich we increased from $425 million to $800 million in May 2006. Under the balance available for general purposes. Under this revolving credit facility, the interest rate, at our option, is a floating rate generally based upon a defined prime rate, a rate related to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or the Federal Funds rate. The revolving credit facility contains covenants which, among other things, require us to meet certain financial ratios. We were in compliance with the covenants as of December 31, 2005. On February 17, 2006, we replaced the existing arrangement with a new $800 million five-year revolving credit facility with substantially the same terms.

2006.


As of December 31, 2004,2006, we maintained a $100 million extendible commercial notes (“ECN”) program as a supplement to our $425 million commercial paper program. ECNs are short-term uncommitted debt instruments that do not require back-up liquidity support.


In 2006, SCB LLC entered into four separate uncommitted credit facility agreements with various banks, each for $100 million. As of December 31, 2006, there were no amounts outstanding under these credit facilities. During January and February of 2007, SCB LLC increased three of the agreements to $200 million each and entered into an additional agreement for $100 million with a new bank.

Our substantial equitycapital base and access to public and private debt, at competitive terms, should provide adequate liquidity for our general business needs. Management believes that cash flow from operations and the issuance of debt and AllianceBernstein Units or Holding Units will provide us with the resources to meet our financial obligations.

47




Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations


We have no off-balance sheet arrangements other than the guarantees and contractual obligations that are discussed below.

Guarantees


In February 2002, AllianceBernstein signed a $125 million agreement with a commercial bank, under which we guaranteed certain obligations in the ordinary course of business of SCBL. In the event SCBL is unable to meet its obligations in full when due, AllianceBernstein will pay the obligations within three days of being notified of SCBL’s failure to pay. This agreement is continuous and remains in effect until payment in full of any such obligation has been made by SCBL. During 2005,2006, we were not required to perform under the agreement and as of December 31, 20052006 had no liability outstanding in connection with the agreement.

Aggregate Contractual Obligations


The following table summarizes our contractual obligations:

 

 

Contractual Obligations

 

 

 

Total

 

Less than
1 Year

 

1-3 Years

 

3-5 Years

 

More than 
5 Years

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt

 

$

407.3

 

$

407.3

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Operating leases, net of sublease commitments

 

982.4

 

86.3

 

166.6

 

152.2

 

577.3

 

Accrued compensation and benefits

 

173.9

 

 

115.1

 

29.0

 

29.8

 

Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries

 

9.4

 

 

 

 

9.4

 

Total

 

$

1,573.0

 

$

493.6

 

$

281.7

 

$

181.2

 

$

616.5

 

obligations as of December 31, 2006:


  
Contractual Obligations
 
  
Total
 
Less than
1 Year
 
1-3 Years
 
3-5 Years
 
More than 5 Years
 
  
(in millions)
 
            
Debt 
 $334.9 $334.9 $ $ $ 
Operating leases, net of sublease commitments 
  1,866.9  96.8  192.0  187.9  1,390.2 
Accrued compensation and benefits 
  360.6  215.8  79.4  42.7  22.7 
Total 
 
$
2,562.4
 
$
647.5
 
$
271.4
 
$
230.6
 
$
1,412.9
 

Accrued compensation and benefits amounts above exclude liabilities due within one year andour accrued pension expense.obligation. Any amounts reflected on the consolidated balance sheet as payables (to broker-dealers, brokerage clients, and our mutual funds) and accounts payable and accrued expenses are excluded from the table above.


Certain of our deferred compensation plans provide for election by participants to have their deferred compensation awards invested notionally in Holding Units and in company-sponsored mutual funds.investment services. Since January 1, 2006,2007, we have made purchases of mutual funds and hedge funds totaling $208$272.3 million to fund our future obligations resulting from participant elections with respect to 20052006 awards. During the fourth quarter of 2005, we purchasedWe also allocated Holding Units with an aggregate value of approximately $16.3 million. As of December 31, 2005, these Holding Units were held in a$36.8 million within our deferred compensation trust to fund our future obligations that resulted from participant elections with respect to participants who elected to notionally invest a portion of their 2005 awards in Holding Units.

2006 awards.


We expect to make contributions to our qualified profit sharing plan of approximately $22.0$25.0 million in each of the next four years. We currently expect to contribute an estimated $3.0$3.7 million to our qualified, noncontributory, defined benefit plan during 2006.

2007.


Acquisitions

On May 2, 2006, we purchased the 50% interest in our Hong Kong joint venture (including its wholly-owned Taiwanese subsidiary) owned by our joint venture partner for $16.1 million in cash. The effect of this acquisition was not material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Dispositions


See Note 20 of21 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for a discussion of dispositions.


Contingencies


SeeNote 11 ofto AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for a discussion of our mutual fund distribution system and related deferred sales commission asset and certain legal proceedings to which we are a party, and mutual fund investigations.party.


Critical Accounting Estimates


The preparation of the consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities,

48



revenues, and expenses.


Management believes that the critical accounting policies and estimates discussed below involve significant management judgment due to the sensitivity of the methods and assumptions used.



Deferred Sales Commission Asset


Management tests the deferred sales commission asset for impairment quarterly, or monthly when events or changes in circumstances occur that could significantly increase the risk of impairment of the asset.recoverability quarterly. Significant assumptions utilized to estimate the company’s future average assets under management and undiscounted future cash flows from back-end load shares include expected future market levels and redemption rates. Market assumptions are selected using a long-term view of expected average market returns based on historical returns of broad market indices. As of December 31, 2005,2006, management used average market return assumptions of 5% for fixed income and 8% for equity to estimate annual market returns. Higher actual average market returns would increase undiscounted future cash flows, while lower actual average market returns would decrease undiscounted future cash flows. Future redemption rate assumptions of 22%, 25%,ranged from 24% to 26% for U.S. fund shares and 25% were21% to 29% for non-U.S. fund shares determined by reference to actual redemption experience over the five-year, three-year, and one-year periods ended December 31, 2005, respectively,2006, calculated as a percentage of the company’s average assets under management ofrepresented by back-end load shares. An increase in the actual rate of redemptions would decrease undiscounted future cash flows, while a decrease in the actual rate of redemptions would increase undiscounted future cash flows. These assumptions are reviewed and updated quarterly, or monthly when events or changes in circumstances occur that could significantly increase the risk of impairment of the asset.quarterly. Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows and the remaining life of the deferred sales commission asset are made from these assumptions and the aggregate undiscounted future cash flows are compared to the recorded value of the deferred sales commission asset. Management considers the results of these analyses performed at various dates. As of December 31, 2005,2006, management determined that the deferred sales commission asset was not impaired. If management determines in the future that the deferred sales commission asset is not recoverable, an impairment condition would exist and a loss would be measured as the amount by which the recorded amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is determined using management’s best estimate of future cash flows discounted to a present value amount.


Goodwill


As a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 142, goodwill is tested at least annually, as of September 30, for impairment. Significant assumptions are required in performing goodwill impairment tests. Such tests include determining whether the estimated fair value of AllianceBernstein, the reporting unit, exceeds its book value. There are several methods of estimating AllianceBernstein’s fair value, which includes valuation techniques such as market quotations and discounted expected cash flows. In developing estimated fair value using a discounted cash flow valuation technique, business growth rate assumptions are applied over the estimated life of the goodwill asset and the resulting expected cash flows are discounted to arrive at a present value amount that approximates fair value. These assumptions consider all material events that have impacted, or that we believe could potentially impact, future discounted expected cash flows. As of September 30, 2005,2006, the impairment test indicated that goodwill was not impaired. Also, as of December 31, 2005,2006, management believes that goodwill was not impaired. However, future tests may be based upon different assumptions which may or may not result in an impairment of this asset. Any impairment could reduce materially the recorded amount of the goodwill asset with a corresponding charge to our earnings.


Intangible Assets


Acquired intangibles are recognized at fair value and amortized over their estimated useful lives of twenty years. Intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable.quarterly. A present value technique is applied to management’s best estimate of future cash flows to estimate the fair value of intangible assets. Estimated fair value is then compared to the recorded book value to determine whether an impairment is indicated. The estimates used include estimating attrition factors of customer accounts, asset growth rates, direct expenses and fee rates. We choose assumptions based on actual historical trends that may or may not occur in the future. As of December 31, 2005,2006, management believes that intangible assets were not impaired. However, future tests may be based upon different assumptions which may or may not result in an impairment of this asset. Any impairment could reduce materially the recorded amount of intangible assets with a corresponding charge to our earnings.

49




Retirement Plan


We maintain a qualified, noncontributory, defined benefit retirement plan covering current and former employees who were employed by the company in the United States prior to October 2, 2000. The amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements related to the retirement plan are determined from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are assumptions including expected return on plan assets, discount rates at which liabilities could be settled, rates of annual salary increases, and mortality rates. The assumptions are reviewed annually and may be updated to reflect the current environment. A summary of the key economic assumptions are described in Note 14 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8. In accordance with U.S. GAAP,generally accepted accounting principles, actual results that differ from those assumed are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, affect expense recognized and liabilities recorded in future periods.



In developing the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 8.0%, we considered the historical returns and future expectations for returns for each asset category, as well as the target asset allocation of the portfolio. The expected long-term rate of return on assets is based on weighted average expected returns for each asset class. We assumed a target allocation weighting of 70%50% to 80%70% for equity securities, and 20% to 30%40% for debt securities.securities, and 0% to 10% for real estate investment trusts. Exposure of the total portfolio to cash equivalents on average should not exceed 5% of the portfolio’s value on a market value basis. The plan seeks to provide a rate of return that exceeds applicable benchmarks over rolling five-year periods. The benchmark for the plan’s large cap domestic equity investment strategy seeks to outperform the Russell 1000 Growth Index by approximately 200 basis points per year before fees on a consistent basis and to outperformis the S&P 500 by a similar margin over full market cycles. The plan’sIndex; the small cap domestic equity investment strategy is measured against the Russell 2000 Index; the international equity investment strategy is measured against the MSCI EAFE Index; and the fixed income investment strategy is a defensive mixture invested in both U.S. Treasury Notes and corporate bonds in an effort to reduce interest rate risk.measured against the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index. The actual rate of return on plan assets was 13.7%9.0%, 9.0%13.7%, and 19.9%9.0% in 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003,2004, respectively. A 25 basis point adjustment, up or down, in the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets would have decreased or increased the 20052006 net pension charge of $5.6$4.9 million by approximately $0.1 million.


The objective of our discount rate assumption was to reflect the rate at which the pension benefits could be effectively settled. In making this determination, we took into account the timing and amount of benefits that would be available under the plan’s lump sum option. To that effect, our methodology for selecting the discount rate as of December 31, 20052006 was to match the plan’s cash flows to that of a yield curve that provides the equivalent yields on zero-coupon corporate bonds for each maturity. Benefit cash flows due in a particular year can be “settled” theoretically by “investing” them in the zero-coupon bond that matures in the same year. The discount rate is the single rate that produces the same present value of cash flows. The selection of the 5.65%5.90% discount rate as of December 31, 20052006 represents the approximate mid-point (to the nearest five basis points) of the single rate under two independently constructed yield curves - one prepared by Mercer Human Resource Consulting which produced a rate of 5.73%5.94%; and one prepared by Citigroup which produced a rate of 5.54%5.89%. The discount rate as of December 31, 20042005 was 5.75%.  This rate5.65%, which was used in developing the 20052006 net pension charge. A lower discount rate increases pension expense and the present value of benefit obligations. A 25 basis point adjustment, up or down, in the discount rate (along with a corresponding adjustment in the assumed lump sum interest rate) would have decreased or increased the 20052006 net pension charge of $5.6$4.9 million by approximately $0.6 million.


Loss Contingencies


Management continuously reviews with legal counsel the status of regulatory matters and pending or threatened litigation. We evaluate the likelihood that a loss contingency exists in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5 (“SFAS No. 5”), “Accounting for Contingencies”. SFAS No. 5 requires a loss contingency to be recorded if it is probable and reasonably estimable as of the date of the financial statements. Based on our evaluation, except as

described inAccounting Pronouncements

See Note 11 of22 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 88., no contingency losses have been recorded as of December 31, 2005 and 2004.


Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 21 of AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.

Forward-Looking Statements


Certain statements provided by management in this report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to

50



risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The most significant of these factors include, but are not limited to, the following: the performance of financial markets, the investment performance of sponsored investment products and separately managed accounts, general economic conditions, future acquisitions, competitive conditions and government regulations, including changes in tax regulations and rates. We caution readers to carefully consider such factors. Further, such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made; we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements. For further information regarding these forward-looking statements and the factors that could cause actual results to differ, see Risk Factors “Risk Factors” in Item 1A. Any or all of the forward-looking statements that we make in this Form 10-K or any other public statements we issue may turn out to be wrong. It is important to remember that other factors besides those listed in Risk Factors“Risk Factors” and those listed below could also adversely affect our revenues, financial condition, results of operations, and business prospects.

The forward-looking statements referred to in the preceding paragraph include statements regarding the outcome of litigation and the effect on future earnings of the saledisposition of our cash management services to Federated Investors, Inc. (“Sale”Disposition”). Litigation is inherently unpredictable, and excessive judgmentsdamage awards do occur. Though we have stated that we do not expect certain legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition, any settlement or judgment on the merits ofwith respect to a legal proceeding could be significant, and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. The effect of the SaleDisposition on future earnings, resulting from contingent payments to be received in future periods, will depend on the amount of net revenue earned by Federated Investors, Inc. during these periods on assets under management maintained in Federated’s funds by our former cash management clients. The amount of capital gain ultimately realized uponfrom the Disposition depends on whether we receive a final contingent payment payable on the fifth anniversary of the closing of the transaction (see Note 21 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8).

The forward-looking statements referred to above also include statements regarding anticipated improvement in the relative performance of growth equities, our estimate of what it will cost us to reimburse certain of our clients for losses arising out of an error we made in processing class action claims, and our ability to recover most of this cost. The actual performance of the capital markets and other factors beyond our control will affect our investment success for clients and asset inflows. Our estimate of the cost to reimburse clients is based on our review to date; as we continue our review, our estimate and the ultimate cost we incur may change. Our ability to recover most of the cost of the error depends, in part, on the transaction expenses we incur and on an initial payment by Federated, someavailability of funds from the related class-action settlement funds, the amount of which would, in certain circumstances, needis not known, and the willingness of our insurers to be returned.

reimburse us under existing policies.


Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Item 7A.   Holding

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Holding

Market Risk, Risk Management and Derivative Financial Instruments


Holding’s sole investment is AllianceBernstein Units. Holding did not own, nor was it a party to any derivative financial instruments during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003.

2004.


AllianceBernstein

AllianceBernstein

Market Risk, Risk Management and Derivative Financial Instruments


AllianceBernstein’s investments consist of investments, trading and available-for-sale, and other investments. Investments, trading and available-for-sale, include United States Treasury Bills and equity and fixed income mutual funds investments. Trading investments are purchased for short-term investment, principally to fund liabilities related to deferred compensation plans. Although investments, available-for-sale, are purchased for long-term investment, the portfolio strategy considers them available-for-sale from time to time due to changes in market interest rates, equity prices and other relevant factors. Other investments include investments in hedge funds sponsored by AllianceBernstein.

51

AllianceBernstein and other private investment vehicles.



Trading and Non TradingNon-Trading Market Risk Sensitive Instruments


Investments with Interest Rate Risk—Fair Value


The table below provides our potential exposure with respect to our fixed income investments, measured in terms of fair value, to an immediate 100 basis point increase in interest rates at all maturities from the levels prevailing as of December 31, 20052006 and 2004.2005. Such a fluctuation in interest rates is a hypothetical rate scenario used to calibrate potential risk and does not represent our view of future market changes. While these fair value measurements provide a representation of interest rate sensitivity of our investments in fixed income mutual funds and fixed income hedge funds, they are based on our exposures at a particular point in time and may not be representative of future market results. These exposures will change as a result of ongoing changes in investments in response to our assessment of changing market conditions and available investment opportunities:

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Effect of  +100
Basis Point
Change

 

Fair Value

 

Effect of +100
Basis Point
Change

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Fixed Income Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trading

 

$

30,502

 

$

(1,424

)

$

30,008

 

$

(1,368

)

Available-for-sale and other investments

 

2,537

 

(118

)

2,096

 

(96

)


  
As of December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
  
Fair Value
 
Effect of  +100
Basis Point
Change
 
Fair Value
 
Effect of +100
Basis Point
Change
 
  
(in thousands)
 
Fixed Income Investments:             
Trading 
 $31,669 $(1,435)$30,502 $(1,424)
Available-for-sale and other investments 
  31,957  (1,448) 2,537  (118)

Investments with Equity Price Risk—Fair Value


Our investments also include investments in equity mutual funds and equity hedge funds. The following table provides our potential exposure with respect to our equity investments, measured in terms of fair value, to an immediate 10% drop in equity prices from those prevailing as of December 31, 20052006 and 2004.2005. A 10% decrease in equity prices is a hypothetical scenario used to calibrate potential risk and does not represent our view of future market changes. While these fair value measurements provide a representation of equity price sensitivity of our investments in equity mutual funds and equity hedge funds, they are based on our exposures at a particular point in time and may not be representative of future market results. These exposures will change as a result of ongoing portfolio activities in response to our assessment of changing market conditions and available investment opportunities:

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Effect of - 10%
Equity Price
Change

 

Fair Value

 

Effect of - 10%
Equity Price
Change

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Equity Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trading

 

$

282,719

 

$

(28,272

)

$

126,943

 

$

(12,694

)

Available-for-sale and other investments

 

115,656

 

(11,566

)

94,470

 

(9,447

)

52



  
As of December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
  
Fair Value
 
Effect of  -10%
Equity Price
Change
 
Fair Value
 
Effect of -10%
Equity Price
Change
 
  
(in thousands)
 
Equity Investments:             
Trading 
 $432,133 $(43,213)$282,719 $(28,272)
Available-for-sale and other investments 
  251,844  (25,184) 115,656  (11,566)

Debt—Fair Value


As of December 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, the aggregate fair value of our debt was $409.7$335.0 million and $422.2$409.7 million, respectively. The table below provides the potential fair value exposure with respect to our debt to an immediate 100 basis point decrease in interest rates at all maturities and a ten percent decrease in exchange rates from those prevailing as of December 31, 20052006 and 2004:

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Effect of - 100 Basis Point Change

 

Effect of - 10% Exchange Rate Change

 

Fair Value

 

Effect of - 100 Basis Point Change

 

Effect of - 10% Exchange Rate Change

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-trading

 

$

409,676

 

$

18,190

 

$

760

 

$

422,147

 

$

17,392

 

$

829

 

53

2005:

  
As of December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
  
Fair Value
 
Effect of -100 Basis Point Change
 
Effect of -10% Exchange Rate Change
 
Fair Value
 
Effect of -100 Basis Point Change
 
Effect of -10% Exchange Rate Change
 
  
(in thousands)
 
Debt:                   
Non-trading 
 $335,000 $14,372 $ $409,676 $18,190 $760 



Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HOLDING L.P.


Statements of Financial Condition

(in thousands, except unit amounts)

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

89

 

$

 

Investment in AllianceBernstein

 

1,376,503

 

1,302,809

 

Other assets

 

462

 

637

 

Total assets

 

$

1,377,054

 

$

1,303,446

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Payable to AllianceBernstein

 

$

7,197

 

$

7,664

 

Other liabilities

 

1,011

 

112

 

Total liabilities

 

8,208

 

7,776

 

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 6)

 

 

 

 

 

Partners’ capital:

 

 

 

 

 

General Partner: 100,000 general partnership units issued and outstanding

 

1,711

 

1,687

 

Limited partners: 82,131,027 and 80,386,556 limited partnership units issued and outstanding

 

1,359,472

 

1,293,983

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

7,663

 

 

Total partners’ capital

 

1,368,846

 

1,295,670

 

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

 

$

1,377,054

 

$

1,303,446

 


  
December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
  
(in thousands, except unit amounts)
 
ASSETS
     
Cash and cash equivalents 
 $
 $89 
Investment in AllianceBernstein 
  1,567,733  1,376,503 
Other assets 
  301  462 
Total assets 
 
$
1,568,034
 
$
1,377,054
 
        
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
       
Liabilities:       
Payable to AllianceBernstein 
 $7,149 $7,197 
Other liabilities 
  1,697  1,011 
Total liabilities 
  
8,846
  
8,208
 
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 6) 
       
Partners’ capital:       
General Partner: 100,000 general partnership units issued and outstanding 
  1,739  1,711 
Limited partners: 85,568,171 and 82,131,027 limited partnership units issued and outstanding 
  1,546,598  1,359,472 
Accumulated other comprehensive income 
  10,851  7,663 
Total partners’ capital 
  
1,559,188
  
1,368,846
 
Total liabilities and partners’ capital 
 
$
1,568,034
 
$
1,377,054
 
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

54


ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HOLDING L.P.


Statements of Income

(in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein

 

$

275,054

 

$

219,971

 

$

100,424

 

Income taxes

 

26,990

 

24,798

 

21,819

 

Net income

 

$

248,064

 

$

195,173

 

$

78,605

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per unit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

3.04

 

$

2.45

 

$

1.02

 

Diluted

 

$

3.02

 

$

2.43

 

$

1.01

 

  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
 
           
Equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein 
 $359,469 $275,054 $219,971 
           
Income taxes 
  34,473  26,990  24,798 
           
Net income 
 
$
324,996
 
$
248,064
 
$
195,173
 
           
Net income per unit:
          
Basic 
 
$
3.85
 
$
3.04
 
$
2.45
 
Diluted 
 
$
3.82
 
$
3.02
 
$
2.43
 
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

55


ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HOLDING L.P.


Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital and Comprehensive Income
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

 

General
Partner’s
Capital

 

Limited
Partners’
Capital

 

Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income

 

Total
Partners’
Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2002

 

$

1,657

 

$

1,228,886

 

$

 

$

1,230,543

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

103

 

78,502

 

 

78,605

 

Comprehensive income

 

103

 

78,502

 

 

78,605

 

Cash distributions to unitholders ($1.97 per unit)

 

(197

)

(151,297

)

 

(151,494

)

Purchases of Holding Units by AllianceBernstein to fund deferred compensation plans, net

 

 

(67,080

)

 

(67,080

)

Awards of Holding Units made by AllianceBernstein under deferred compensation plans, net of forfeitures

 

 

46,471

 

 

46,471

 

Proceeds from exercise of options to acquire Holding Units

 

 

21,561

 

 

21,561

 

Balance as of December 31, 2003

 

1,563

 

1,157,043

 

 

1,158,606

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

243

 

194,930

 

 

195,173

 

Comprehensive income

 

243

 

194,930

 

 

195,173

 

Cash distributions to unitholders ($1.19 per unit)

 

(119

)

(95,326

)

 

(95,445

)

Purchases of Holding Units by AllianceBernstein to fund deferred compensation plans, net

 

 

(45,080

)

 

(45,080

)

Awards of Holding Units made by AllianceBernstein under deferred compensation plans, net of forfeitures

 

 

35,711

 

 

35,711

 

Proceeds from exercise of options to acquire Holding Units

 

 

46,705

 

 

46,705

 

Balance as of December 31, 2004

 

1,687

 

1,293,983

 

 

1,295,670

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

304

 

247,760

 

 

248,064

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain on investments, net

 

 

 

1,253

 

1,253

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net

 

 

 

6,410

 

6,410

 

Comprehensive income

 

304

 

247,760

 

7,663

 

255,727

 

Cash distributions to unitholders ($2.80 per unit)

 

(280

)

(226,451

)

 

(226,731

)

Purchases of Holding Units by AllianceBernstein to fund deferred compensation plans, net

 

 

(33,253

)

 

(33,253

)

Awards of Holding Units made by AllianceBernstein under deferred compensation plans, net of forfeitures

 

 

35,028

 

 

35,028

 

Proceeds from exercise of options to acquire Holding Units

 

 

42,405

 

 

42,405

 

Balance as of December 31, 2005

 

$

1,711

 

$

1,359,472

 

$

7,663

 

$

1,368,846

 

  
General
Partner’s
Capital
 
Limited
Partners’
Capital
 
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income
 
Total
Partners’
Capital
 
  
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
    
Balance as of December 31, 2003 
 
$
1,563
 
$
1,157,043
 
$
 
$
1,158,606
 
              
Comprehensive income (loss):             
Net income 
  243  194,930    195,173 
Comprehensive income (loss) 
  243  194,930    195,173 
Cash distributions to unitholders ($1.19 per unit) 
  (119) (95,326)   (95,445)
Purchases of Holding Units by AllianceBernstein to fund deferred compensation plans, net 
    (45,080)   (45,080)
Awards of Holding Units made by AllianceBernstein under deferred compensation plans, net of forfeitures 
    35,711    35,711 
Proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy Holding Units 
    46,705    46,705 
Balance as of December 31, 2004 
  
1,687
  
1,293,983
    
1,295,670
 
              
Comprehensive income (loss):             
Net income 
  304  247,760    248,064 
Other comprehensive income (loss):             
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net 
      1,253  1,253 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net 
      6,410  6,410 
Comprehensive income (loss) 
  304  247,760  7,663  255,727 
Cash distributions to unitholders ($2.80 per unit) 
  (280) (226,451)   (226,731)
Purchases of Holding Units by AllianceBernstein to fund deferred compensation plans, net 
    (33,253)   (33,253)
Awards of Holding Units made by AllianceBernstein under deferred compensation plans, net of forfeitures 
    35,028    35,028 
Proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy Holding Units 
    42,405    42,405 
Balance as of December 31, 2005 
  
1,711
  
1,359,472
  
7,663
  
1,368,846
 
              
Comprehensive income (loss):             
Net income 
  384  324,612    324,996 
Other comprehensive income (loss):             
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net 
      1,735  1,735 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net 
      3,718  3,718 
Comprehensive income (loss) 
  384  324,612  5,453  330,449 
Adjustment to initially apply FASB Statement No. 158, net      (2,265) (2,265)
Cash distributions to unitholders ($3.56 per unit) 
  (356) (298,094)   (298,450)
Purchases of Holding Units by AllianceBernstein to fund deferred compensation plans, net 
    (22,345)   (22,345)
Issuance of Holding Units in exchange for cash awards made by AllianceBernstein under the Partners Compensation Plan 
    47,161    47,161 
Awards of Holding Units made by AllianceBernstein under deferred compensation plans, net of forfeitures 
    35,323    35,323 
Proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy Holding Units 
    100,469    100,469 
Balance as of December 31, 2006 
 
$
1,739
 
$
1,546,598
 
$
10,851
 
$
1,559,188
 
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

56


ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HOLDING L.P.


Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

248,064

 

$

195,173

 

$

78,605

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein

 

(275,054

)

(219,971

)

(100,424

)

Investment in AllianceBernstein with proceeds from exercises of options for Holding Units

 

(42,405

)

(46,705

)

(21,561

)

AllianceBernstein distributions received

 

253,203

 

119,840

 

172,516

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease in other assets

 

175

 

118

 

309

 

(Decrease) increase in payable to AllianceBernstein

 

(467

)

959

 

(18

)

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

 

899

 

(674

)

506

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

184,415

 

48,740

 

129,933

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash distributions to unitholders

 

(226,731

)

(95,445

)

(151,494

)

Proceeds from options for Holding Units exercised

 

42,405

 

46,705

 

21,561

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(184,326

)

(48,740

)

(129,933

)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

89

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of the year

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of the year

 

$

89

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

$

25,969

 

$

25,638

 

$

21,190

 


  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(in thousands) 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:   
Net income 
 
$
324,996
 
$
248,064
 
$
195,173
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:          
Equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein 
  (359,469) (275,054) (219,971)
Changes in assets and liabilities:          
Decrease in other assets 
  161  175  118 
(Decrease) increase in payable to AllianceBernstein 
  (48) (467) 959 
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 
  686  899  (674)
Net cash used in operating activities 
  
(33,674
)
 
(26,383
)
 
(24,395
)
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Investment in AllianceBernstein with proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy Holding Units 
  (100,469) (42,405) (46,705)
Cash distributions received from AllianceBernstein  332,035  253,203  119,840 
Net cash provided by investing activities 
  
231,566
  
210,798
  
73,135
 
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Cash distributions to unitholders 
  (298,450) (226,731) (95,445)
Proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy Holding Units 
  100,469  42,405  46,705 
Net cash used in financing activities 
  
(197,981
)
 
(184,326
)
 
(48,740
)
           
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents 
  
(89
)
 
89
  
 
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of the year 
  89     
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of the year 
 
$
 
$
89
 
$
 
           
Cash paid:          
Income taxes 
 $33,662 $25,969 $25,638 
           
Non-cash investing activities:          
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income 
  3,188  7,663  
 
Issuance of Holding Units in exchange for cash awards made by AllianceBernstein under the Partners Compensation Plan 
  47,161  
  
 
Awards of Holding Units made by AllianceBernstein under deferred compensation plans, net of forfeitures 
  35,323  35,028  35,711 
           
Non-cash financing activities:          
Purchases of Holding Units by AllianceBernstein to fund deferred compensation plans, net 
  (22,345) (33,253) (45,080)
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

57


ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HOLDING L.P.


Notes to Financial Statements


Effective February 24, 2006, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Holding”) and Alliance Capital Management L.P. (“Alliance Capital”) changed their names to AllianceBernstein Holding (“Holding”) and AllianceBernstein L.P. (“AllianceBernstein”), respectively.

The words “we” and “our” refer collectively to AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“Holding”) and AllianceBernstein L.P. and its subsidiaries (“AllianceBernstein”), or to their officers and employees. Similarly, the word “company” refers to both Holding and AllianceBernstein. Where the context requires distinguishing between Holding and AllianceBernstein, we identify which of them is being discussed. Cross-references are in bold text.italics.

1.   Organization and Business Description


1.
Organization and Business Description

Holding’s principal source of income and cash flow is attributable to its investment in AllianceBernstein.

AllianceBernstein limited partnership interests.


AllianceBernstein provides research, diversified investment management and related services globally to a broad range of clients. Its principal services are:

Institutional Investment Services – Servicing institutional investors, including unaffiliated corporate and public employee pension funds, endowment funds, domestic and foreign institutions and governments and affiliates such as AXA and certain of its insurance company subsidiaries, by means of separately managed accounts, sub-advisory relationships, structured products, group trusts, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles.

Retail Services – Servicing individual investors, primarily by means of retail mutual funds sponsored by AllianceBernstein, our subsidiaries and affiliated joint venture companies, sub-advisory relationships in respect of mutual funds sponsored by third parties, separately managed account programs that are sponsored by registered broker-dealers (“Separately Managed Account Programs”), and other investment vehicles.

Private Client Services – Servicing high-net-worth individuals, trusts and estates, charitable foundations, partnerships, private and family corporations, and other entities, by means of separately managed accounts, hedge funds, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles.

Institutional Research Services – Servicing institutional investors desiring institutional research services including in-depth research, portfolio strategy, trading, and brokerage-related services.

include:


·Institutional Investments Services - servicing institutional investors, including unaffiliated corporate and public employee pension funds, endowment funds, domestic and foreign institutions and governments, and affiliates such as AXA and certain of its insurance company subsidiaries, by means of separately managed accounts, sub-advisory relationships, structured products, group trusts, mutual funds (sponsored by AllianceBernstein or our affiliated joint venture companies), and other investment vehicles.

·Retail Services - servicing individual investors, primarily by means of retail mutual funds sponsored by AllianceBernstein or our affiliated joint venture companies, sub-advisory relationships in respect of mutual funds sponsored by third parties, separately managed account programs that are sponsored by various financial intermediaries worldwide, and other investment vehicles.

·Private Client Services - servicing high-net-worth individuals, trusts and estates, charitable foundations, partnerships, private and family corporations, and other entities, by means of separately managed accounts, hedge funds, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles.

·Institutional Research Services - servicing institutional investors desiring institutional research services including in-depth, independent, fundamental research, portfolio strategy, trading, and brokerage-related services.

AllianceBernstein also provides distribution, shareholder servicing, and administrative services to ourits sponsored mutual funds.


AllianceBernstein provides a broad range of investment services with expertise in:

Growth and value equity, the two predominant equity strategies;

Blend, combining growth and value components and systematic rebalancing between the two;

Fixed income, including both taxable and tax-exempt securities;

Balanced, combining equity and fixed income components; and

Passive, including both index and enhanced index strategies.


·Growth equities, generally targeting stocks with under-appreciated growth potential;

·Value equities, generally targeting stocks that are out of favor and that may trade at bargain prices;

·Fixed income securities, including both taxable and tax-exempt securities;

·Passive management, including both index and enhanced index strategies; and

·Blend strategies, combining style pure investment components with systematic rebalancing.

AllianceBernstein manages these strategiesservices using various investment disciplines, including market capitalization (e.g., large-, mid-, and small-cap equities), term (e.g., long-, intermediate-, and short-duration debt securities), and geographic location (e.g., U.S., international, global, and emerging markets), as well as local and regional disciplines in major markets around the world.

AllianceBernstein has a broad foundation in


AllianceBernstein’s high-quality, in-depth fundamental research including comprehensive industry and company coverage fromis the differing perspectivesfoundation of growth, value, and fixed income, as well as globalits business. AllianceBernstein’s research disciplines include fundamental research, quantitative research, economic research, and currency forecasting capabilitiescapabilities. In addition, AllianceBernstein has created several specialist research units, including one unit that examines global strategic changes that can affect multiple industries and quantitative research.

58

geographies, and another dedicated to identifying potentially successful innovations within early-stage companies.


As of December 31, 2005,2006, AXA, a société anonyme organized under the laws of France and the holding company for an international group of insurance and related financial services companies, AXA Financial, Inc. (an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA, “AXA Financial”), AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (formerly known as The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and a(a wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA Financial, “AXA Equitable”) and certain subsidiaries of AXA Equitable,Financial, collectively referred to as “AXA and its subsidiaries”, owned approximately 1.8%1.7% of the issued and outstanding Holding Units.


As of December 31, 2005,2006, the ownership structure of AllianceBernstein, as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests, was as follows:


AXA AXA Financial and its subsidiaries

60.1

59.7

%

Holding

32.2

32.8

SCB Partners Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCB Inc.;, formerly known as Sanford C. Bernstein Inc.)

6.4

6.2

Other

1.3

1.3

100.0

100.0

%


AllianceBernstein Corporation (formerly known as Alliance Capital Management Corporation, “General Partner”), an(an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA, “General Partner”) is the general partner of both Holding and AllianceBernstein. AllianceBernstein Corporation owns 100,000 general partnership units (economically equivalent to limited partnership units) in Holding and a 1% general partnership interest in AllianceBernstein. Each general partnership unit in Holding is entitled to receive quarterly distributions equal to those received by each limited partnership unit. Including the general partnership interests in AllianceBernstein and Holding, and their equity interest in Holding, as of December 31, 2005,2006, AXA AXA Financial, AXA Equitable and its subsidiaries had an approximate 61.1%60.3% economic interest in AllianceBernstein.


2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation


The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


The AllianceBernstein Holding financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes of AllianceBernstein. AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements and notes and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are included in Holding’s Form 10-K.


Investment in AllianceBernstein


Holding records its investment in AllianceBernstein using the equity method of accounting. Holding’s investment will be increased to reflect its proportionate share of income of AllianceBernstein and decreased to reflect its proportionate share of losses of AllianceBernstein and cash distributions made by AllianceBernstein to its unitholders. In addition, Holding’s investment is adjusted to reflect certain capital transactions of AllianceBernstein.


Cash and Cash Equivalents


Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and highly liquid investments including money market accounts with averageactual maturities of three months or less. Due to the short-term nature of these instruments, this recorded value has been determined to approximate fair value.

59



Cash Distributions


Holding is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Holding (“Holding Partnership Agreement”), to its unitholders pro rata in accordance with their percentage interests in Holding. Available Cash Flow is defined as the cash distributions Holding receives from AllianceBernstein, minus such amounts as the General Partner determines, in its sole discretion, should be retained by Holding for use in its business.

On January 24, 2007, the General Partner declared a distribution of $126.8 million, or $1.48 per unit, representing Available Cash Flow for the three months ended December 31, 2006. The distribution was paid on February 15, 2007 to holders of record at the close of business on February 5, 2007. Cash distributions are recorded when declared.


Compensatory Unit Award and Option Plans


AllianceBernstein maintains certain option and incentivecompensation plans and uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to determine the fair value of option awards. Under these plans,under which options on Holding Units have been, or may be, granted to employees of AllianceBernstein and independent directors of the General Partner. AllianceBernstein uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to determine the fair value of Holding Unit option awards. Upon exercise of Holding Unit options, Holding exchanges the proceeds from exercises for AllianceBernstein Units, thus increasing Holding’s investment in AllianceBernstein. As of December 31, 2005, 7,450,2042006, 4,819,099 options for Holding Units were outstanding, of which 6,366,7004,437,351 were exercisable.

3.   Net Income Per Unit


3.
Net Income Per Unit

Basic net income per unit is derived by dividing net income by the basic weighted average number of units outstanding for each year. Diluted net income per unit is derived by adjusting net income for the assumed dilutive effect of compensatory options (“Net income—diluted”) and dividing Net income—diluted by the diluted weighted average number of units outstanding for each year.

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income—basic

 

$

248,064

 

$

195,173

 

$

78,605

 

Additional allocation of equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein resulting from assumed dilutive effect of compensatory options

 

3,326

 

2,662

 

1,830

 

Net income-diluted

 

$

251,390

 

$

197,835

 

$

80,435

 

Weighted average units outstanding—basic

 

81,489

 

79,727

 

77,245

 

Dilutive effect of compensatory options

 

1,714

 

1,644

 

2,391

 

Weighted average units outstanding—diluted

 

83,203

 

81,371

 

79,636

 

Basic net income per unit

 

$

3.04

 

$

2.45

 

$

1.02

 

Diluted net income per unit

 

$

3.02

 

$

2.43

 

$

1.01

 


  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
        
Net income—basic 
 $324,996 $248,064 $195,173 
Additional allocation of equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein resulting from assumed dilutive effect of compensatory options 
  5,430  3,326  2,662 
Net income-diluted 
 $330,426 $251,390 $197,835 
           
Weighted average units outstanding—basic 
  84,325  81,489  79,727 
Dilutive effect of compensatory options 
  2,243  1,714  1,644 
Weighted average units outstanding—diluted 
  86,568  83,203  81,371 
           
Basic net income per unit 
 $3.85 $3.04 $2.45 
Diluted net income per unit 
 $3.82 $3.02 $2.43 

As of December 31, 2006, there were no out-of-the-money options (i.e., options with an exercise price greater than the weighted average closing price of a unit for the year). As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, we excluded 3,950,100 and 2003,4,336,500 out-of-the-money options, to acquire 3,950,100, 4,336,500 and 7,977,700 units, respectively, have been excluded from the diluted net income per unit computation due to their anti-dilutive effect.

60



4.   Investment in AllianceBernstein

4.
Investment in AllianceBernstein


Holding’s investment in AllianceBernstein for the years ended December 31, 20052006 and 20042005 was as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in AllianceBernstein as of January 1,

 

$

1,302,809

 

$

1,165,342

 

Equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein

 

275,054

 

219,971

 

Additional investment with proceeds resulting from exercises of compensatory options

 

42,405

 

46,705

 

Other comprehensive income

 

7,663

 

 

Cash distributions received from AllianceBernstein

 

(253,203

)

(119,840

)

Purchases of Holding Units by AllianceBernstein to fund deferred compensation plans, net

 

(33,253

)

(45,080

)

Awards of Holding Units made by AllianceBernstein under deferred compensation plans, net of forfeitures

 

35,028

 

35,711

 

Investment in AllianceBernstein as of December 31,

 

$

1,376,503

 

$

1,302,809

 

5.   Income Taxes


  
2006
 
2005
 
  
(in thousands)
 
      
Investment in AllianceBernstein as of January 1, 
 $1,376,503 $1,302,809 
Equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein 
  359,469  275,054 
Additional investment with proceeds from exercises of compensatory options to buy Holding Units 
  100,469  42,405 
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income 
  3,188  7,663 
Cash distributions received from AllianceBernstein 
  (332,035) (253,203)
Purchases of Holding Units by AllianceBernstein to fund deferred compensation plans, net 
  (22,345) (33,253)
Issuance of Holding Units in exchange for cash awards made by AllianceBernstein under the Partners Compensation Plan 
  47,161  
 
Awards of Holding Units made by AllianceBernstein under deferred compensation plans, net of forfeitures 
  35,323  35,028 
Investment in AllianceBernstein as of December 31, 
 
$
1,567,733
 
$
1,376,503
 

5.
Income Taxes

Holding is a publicly traded partnership for federal tax purposes and, accordingly, is not subject to federal or state corporate income taxes. However, Holding is subject to the 4.0% New York City unincorporated business tax (“UBT”) and to a 3.5% federal tax on partnership gross income from the active conduct of a trade or business. Holding’s partnership gross income is derived from its interest in AllianceBernstein.


The principal reasons for the difference between Holding’s effective tax rates and the UBT statutory tax rate of 4%4.0% are as follows:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UBT statutory rate

 

$

11,002

 

4.0

%

$

8,799

 

4.0

%

$

4,017

 

4.0

%

Federal tax on partnership gross business income

 

26,990

 

9.8

 

24,798

 

11.3

 

21,819

 

21.7

 

Credit for UBT paid by AllianceBernstein

 

(11,002

)

(4.0

)

(8,799

)

(4.0

)

(4,017

)

(4.0

)

Income tax expense (all currently payable) and effective tax rate

 

$

26,990

 

9.8

%

$

24,798

 

11.3

%

$

21,819

 

21.7

%

6.   Commitments


  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(in thousands)
 
              
UBT statutory rate 
 $14,379  4.0%$11,002  4.0%$8,799  4.0%
Federal tax on partnership gross business income  34,473  9.6  26,990  9.8  24,798  11.3 
Credit for UBT paid by AllianceBernstein 
  (14,379) (4.0) (11,002) (4.0) (8,799) (4.0)
Income tax expense (all currently payable) and effective tax rate 
 
$
34,473
  
9.6
 
$
26,990
  
9.8
 
$
24,798
  
11.3
 

In order to preserve Holding’s status as a “grandfathered” publicly traded partnership for federal income tax purposes, management ensures that Holding does not directly or indirectly (through AllianceBernstein) enter into a substantial new line of business. If Holding were to lose its status as a grandfathered publicly traded partnership, it would be subject to corporate income tax, which would reduce materially Holding’s net income and Contingenciesits quarterly distributions to Holding Unitholders.

Effective January 1, 2007, we will adopt the provisions in FIN No. 48.

MattersSee Note 7.


6.
Commitments and Contingencies

Legal and regulatory matters described below pertain to AllianceBernstein and are included here due to their potential significance to Holding’s investment in AllianceBernstein.


Deferred Sales Commission Asset

Our mutual fund distribution system (“the System”) includes a multi-class share structure that permits our open-end mutual funds to offer investors various options for the purchase of mutual fund shares, including both front-end load shares and back-end load shares. For front-end load shares of mutual funds we sponsor that are registered as investment companies (“U.S. Funds”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“Investment Company Act”), AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AllianceBernstein (“AllianceBernstein Investments”), pays sales commissions to financial intermediaries distributing the funds from the conventional front-end sales charge it receives from investors at the time of sale. For back-end load shares, AllianceBernstein Investments pays sales commissions to the financial intermediaries at the time of sale and also receives higher ongoing distribution services fees from the mutual funds. In addition, investors who

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redeem before the expiration of the minimum holding period (which ranges from one year to four years) pay a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) to AllianceBernstein Investments.

Payments of sales commissions made by AllianceBernstein Investments to financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of back-end load shares under the System are capitalized as deferred sales commissions (“deferred sales commission asset”) and amortized over periods not exceeding five and one-half years, the periods of time during which the deferred sales commission asset is expected to be recovered. CDSC cash recoveries are recorded as reductions of unamortized deferred sales commissions when received. The amount recorded for the net deferred sales commission asset was $196.6 million and $254.5 million as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Payments of sales commissions made by AllianceBernstein Investments to financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of back-end load shares under the System, net of CDSC received of $21.4 million, $32.9 million, and $37.5 million, respectively, totaled approximately $74.2 million, $44.6 million, and $94.9 million during 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

Management tests the deferred sales commission asset for recoverability quarterly, or monthly when events or changes in circumstances occur that could significantly increase the risk of impairment of the asset. Significant assumptions utilized to estimate the company’s future average assets under management and undiscounted future cash flows from back-end load shares include expected future market levels and redemption rates. Market assumptions are selected using a long-term view of expected average market returns based on historical returns of broad market indices. As of December 31, 2005, management used average market return assumptions of 5% for fixed income and 8% for equity to estimate annual market returns. Higher actual average market returns would increase undiscounted future cash flows, while lower actual average market returns would decrease undiscounted future cash flows. Future redemption rate assumptions of 22%, 25%, and 25% were determined by reference to actual redemption experience over the five-year, three-year, and one-year periods ended December 31, 2005, respectively, calculated as a percentage of the company’s average assets under management represented by back-end load shares. An increase in the actual rate of redemptions would decrease undiscounted future cash flows, while a decrease in the actual rate of redemptions would increase undiscounted future cash flows. These assumptions are reviewed and updated quarterly, or monthly when events or changes in circumstances occur that could significantly increase the risk of impairment of the asset. Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows and the remaining life of the deferred sales commission asset are made from these assumptions and the aggregate undiscounted future cash flows are compared to the recorded value of the deferred sales commission asset. Management considers the results of these analyses performed at various dates. As of December 31, 2005, management determined that the deferred sales commission asset was not impaired. If management determines in the future that the deferred sales commission asset is not recoverable, an impairment condition would exist and a loss would be measured as the amount by which the recorded amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is determined using management’s best estimate of future cash flows discounted to a present value amount.

During 2005, equity markets increased by approximately 5% as measured by the change in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index and fixed income markets increased by approximately 2% as measured by the change in the Lehman Brothers’ Aggregate Bond Index. The redemption rate for domestic back-end load shares, adjusted for the closing of certain funds in conjunction with the company’s fund rationalization program, was approximately 25.3% in 2005. Declines in financial markets or higher redemption levels, or both, as compared to the assumptions used to estimate undiscounted future cash flows, as described above, could result in the impairment of the deferred sales commission asset. Due to the volatility of the capital markets and changes in redemption rates, management is unable to predict whether or when a future impairment of the deferred sales commission asset might occur. Any impairment would reduce materially the recorded amount of the deferred sales commission asset with a corresponding charge to earnings. Holding’s proportionate share of AllianceBernstein’s charge to earnings would reduce materially Holding’s net income.

Legal Proceedings


With respect to all significant litigation matters, we conduct a probability assessment of the likelihood of a negative outcome. If we determine the likelihood of a

62



negative outcome is probable, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record an estimated loss for the expected outcome of the litigation as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5 (“SFAS No. 5”), “Accounting for Contingencies”, and Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 14, “Reasonable Estimation of the Amount of a Loss –an- an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 5”. If the likelihood of a negative outcome is reasonably possible and we are able to indicate an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, we disclose that fact together with the estimate of the possible loss or range of loss. However, it is difficult to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss because litigation is subject to significant uncertainties, particularly when plaintiffs allege substantial or indeterminate damages, or when the litigation is highly complex or broad in scope.



On April 8, 2002, in In re Enron Corporation Securities Litigation, a consolidated complaint (“Enron(as subsequently amended, “Enron Complaint”) was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, against numerous defendants, including AllianceBernstein. The principal allegations of the Enron Complaint, as they pertain to AllianceBernstein, arealleging that AllianceBernstein violated Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), with respect to a registration statement filed by Enron Corp. (“Enron”) and effective withOn January 2, 2007, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on July 18, 2001, which was used to sell $1.9 billion Enron Zero Coupon Convertible Notes due 2021. Plaintiffs allege that the registration statement was materially misleading and that Frank Savage,court issued a director of Enron, signed the registration statement at issue. Plaintiffs further allege that AllianceBernstein was a controlling person of Frank Savage, who was at that time an employee of AllianceBernstein and a director of the General Partner.  Plaintiffs therefore assert that AllianceBernstein is itself liable for the allegedly misleading registration statement. Plaintiffs seek rescission or a rescissionary measure of damages. On June 3, 2002, AllianceBernstein moved to dismissfinal judgment dismissing the Enron Complaint as the allegations therein pertainpertained to it. On March 12, 2003, that motion was denied. A First Amended Consolidated Complaint (“Enron Amended Consolidated Complaint”), with substantially similar allegations as to AllianceBernstein, was filed on May 14, 2003. AllianceBernstein filed its answer on June 13, 2003. On May 28, 2003, plaintiffs filed an Amended Motion for Class Certification. On October 23, 2003, following the completion of class discovery, AllianceBernstein filed its opposition to class certification. That motion is pending. The case is currently in discovery.

We believe that plaintiffs’ allegations in the Enron Amended Consolidated Complaint as to us are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation, the fact that plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint, and the fact that, to date, we have not engaged in settlement negotiations.

On September 12, 2002, a complaint entitled Lawrence E. Jaffe Pension Plan, Lawrence E. Jaffe Trustee U/A 1198 v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., Alfred Harrison and Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc. (“Jaffe Complaint”) was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against AllianceBernstein, Alfred Harrison (a former director) and the AllianceBernstein Premier Growth Fund (now known as the AllianceBernstein Large Cap Growth Fund, “Large Cap Growth Fund”) alleging violation of the Investment Company Act. Plaintiff seeks damages equal to Large Cap Growth Fund’s losses as a result of Large Cap Growth Fund’s investment in shares of Enron and a recovery of all fees paid by Large Cap Growth Fund to AllianceBernstein beginning November 1, 2000. On March 24, 2003, the court granted AllianceBernstein’s motion to transfer the Jaffe Complaint to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey for coordination with the now dismissed Benak v. Alliance Capital Management L.P. and Alliance Premier Growth Fund action then pending. On December 5, 2003, plaintiff filed an amended complaint (“Amended Jaffe Complaint”) in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey alleging violations of Section 36(a) of the Investment Company Act, common law negligence, and negligent misrepresentation. Specifically, the Amended Jaffe Complaint alleges that: (i) the defendants breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty, care and good faith to Large Cap Growth Fund by causing Large Cap Growth Fund to invest in securities of Enron, (ii) the defendants were negligent for investing in securities of Enron, and (iii) through prospectuses and other documents defendants misrepresented material facts related to Large Cap Growth Fund’s investment

63



objective and policies. On January 23, 2004, defendants moved to dismiss the Amended Jaffe Complaint.  On May 23, 2005, the court granted defendant’s motion and dismissed the case on the ground that plaintiff failed to make a demand on the Large Cap Growth Fund’s Board of Directors (“LCG Board”) pursuant to Rule 23.1 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.  Plaintiff’s time to file an appeal has expired.  On June 15, 2005, plaintiff made a demand on the LCG Board, requesting that the LCG Board take action against AllianceBernstein for the reasons set forth in the Amended Jaffe Complaint.  In December 2005, the LCG Board rejected plaintiff’s demand.

AllianceBernstein, Large Cap Growth Fund, and Alfred Harrison believe that plaintiff’s allegations in the Amended Jaffe Complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation and the fact that, to date, we have not engaged in settlement negotiations.

On December 13, 2002, a putative class action complaint entitled Patrick J. Goggins, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Goggins Complaint”) was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against AllianceBernstein, Large Cap Growth Fund and individual directors and certain officers of Large Cap Growth Fund. On August 13, 2003, the court granted AllianceBernstein’s motion to transfer the Goggins Complaint to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. On December 5, 2003, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint (“Amended Goggins Complaint”) in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, which alleges that defendants violated Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act because Large Cap Growth Fund’s registration statements and prospectuses contained untrue statements of material fact and omitted material facts. More specifically, the Amended Goggins Complaint alleges that Large Cap Growth Fund’s investment in Enron was inconsistent with the Large Cap Growth Fund’s stated strategic objectives and investment strategies. Plaintiffs seek rescissionary relief or an unspecified amount of compensatory damages on behalf of a class of persons who purchased shares of Large Cap Growth Fund during the period October 31, 2000 through February 14, 2002. On January 23, 2004, AllianceBernstein moved to dismiss the Amended Goggins Complaint. On December 10, 2004, the court granted AllianceBernstein’s motion and dismissed the case. On January 5, 2005, plaintiffs appealed the court’s decision.  On January 13, 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal.  Plaintiffs’ time to seek further review of the court’s decision expires on April 13, 2006.

AllianceBernstein, Large Cap Growth Fund and the other defendants believe that plaintiffs’ allegations in the Amended Goggins Complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation, the fact that plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint, and the fact that, to date, we have not engaged in settlement negotiations.

On October 1, 2003, a class action complaint entitled Erb, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P. (“Erb Complaint”) was filed in the Circuit Court of St. Clair County, Illinois, against AllianceBernstein. The plaintiff, purportedly a shareholder in Large Cap Growth Fund, allegedparties have agreed that AllianceBernstein breached unidentified provisions of Large Cap Growth Fund’s prospectus and subscription and confirmation agreements that allegedly required that every security bought for Large Cap Growth Fund’s portfolio mustthere will be a “1-rated” stock, the highest rating that AllianceBernstein’s research analysts could assign. Plaintiff alleges that AllianceBernstein impermissibly purchased shares of stocks that were not 1-rated. On June 24, 2004, plaintiff filed an amended complaint (“Amended Erb Complaint”) in the Circuit Court of St. Clair County, Illinois. The Amended Erb Complaint allegations are substantially similar to those contained in the previous complaint, however, the Amended Erb Complaint adds a new plaintiff and seeks to allege claims on behalf of a purported class of persons or entities holding an interest in any portfolio managed by AllianceBernstein’s Large Cap Growth Team. The Amended Erb Complaint alleges that AllianceBernstein breached its contracts with these persons or entities by impermissibly purchasing shares of stocks that were not 1-rated. Plaintiffs seek rescission of all purchases of any non-1-rated stocks AllianceBernstein made for Large Cap Growth Fund and other Large Cap Growth Team clients’ portfolios over the past eight years, as well as an unspecified amount of damages. On July 13, 2004,no appeal.

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AllianceBernstein removed the Erb action to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois on the basis that plaintiffs’ claims are preempted under the Securities Litigation Uniform Standards Act. On August 30, 2004, the District Court remanded the action to the Circuit Court. On September 15, 2004, AllianceBernstein filed a notice of appeal with respect to the District Court’s order. On December 23, 2004, plaintiffs moved to dismiss AllianceBernstein’s appeal. On September 2, 2005, AllianceBernstein’s appeal was denied.

We believe that plaintiffs’ allegations in the Amended Erb Complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation and the fact that plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint.

Market Timing-related Matters


On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against AllianceBernstein, Holding, the General Partner, AXA Financial, the AllianceBernstein-sponsored mutual funds (“U.S. Funds,Funds”) that are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“Investment Company Act”), the registrants and issuers of those funds, certain officers of AllianceBernstein (“AllianceAllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the U.S. Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceAllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of U.S. Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (“Exchange Act”), and Sections 206 and 215 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”). Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with AllianceBernstein, including recovery of all fees paid to AllianceBernstein pursuant to such contracts.

Since


Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against AllianceBernstein and certain other defendants, and others may be filed. The plaintiffs in such lawsuits have asserted a variety of theories for recovery including, but not limited to, violations of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Advisers Act, the Investment Company Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), certain state securities laws, and common law.defendants. All state court actions against AllianceBernstein either were voluntarily dismissed or removed to federal court.

On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (“MDL Panel”) transferred all federal actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (“Mutual Fund MDL”). All of the actions removed to federal court also were transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL. The plaintiffs in the removed actions have since moved for remand, and that motion is pending.

On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Holding; and claims brought under ERISAthe Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of AllianceBernstein. All four complaints includeincluded substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on our agreement with the SEC (“SEC Order”)Order of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission dated December 18, 2003 (amended(as amended and restated January 15, 2004),2004, “SEC Order”) and our final agreement with the New York State Attorney General (“NYAG AoD”)Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004. The claims2004 (“NYAG AoD”).


On April 21, 2006, AllianceBernstein and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative consolidated amended complaint are generally basedclaims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which we previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on the theory that all fund advisory agreements, distribution agreements and 12b-1 plans between AllianceBernstein and the U.S. Funds should be invalidated, regardlessbehalf of whether market timing occurredHolding, in each individual fund, because each was approved by fund trustees on the basis of materially misleading information with respect to the level of market timing permitted in funds managed by AllianceBernstein. The claims asserted in the other three consolidated amended complaints are similar to those that the respectivewhich plaintiffs asserted in their previous federal lawsuits. All of these lawsuits seek an unspecified amount of damages.

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damages, remain pending.



On February 10, 2004,We intend to vigorously defend against the lawsuit involving derivative claims brought on behalf of Holding. At the present time, we received (i)are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a subpoena duces tecum from the Officepossible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the Attorney Generalinherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation, and the Statefact that the plaintiffs did not specify an amount of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from the Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission, for the State of West Virginia (“WV Securities Commissioner”) (subpoena and request together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests required us to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late tradingdamages sought in our sponsored mutual funds. We responded to the Information Requests and have been cooperating fully with the investigation.

their complaint.


On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against AllianceBernstein, Holding, and various unaffiliated defendants. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On May 31, 2005, defendants removed the WVAG Complaint to the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia. On July 12, 2005, plaintiff moved to remand. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.

On August 30, 2005, the WV Securities Commissioner signed a “SummarySummary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing”Hearing (“Summary Order”) addressed to AllianceBernstein and Holding. The Summary Order claims that AllianceBernstein and Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the SEC Order and NYAG AoD. On January 26,25, 2006, AllianceBernstein and Holding and various unaffiliated defendants filed a Petition for Writ of Prohibition and Order Suspending Proceedings in West Virginia state court seekingmoved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied our petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, we filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order and for other relief.

with the WV Securities Commissioner.



We intend to vigorously defend against the allegations in the WVAG Complaint.Complaint and the Summary Order. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matterthese matters because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation, the fact that plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint, and the fact that, to date, we have not engaged in settlement negotiations.


We previously concluded that the likelihood of a negative outcome in the market timing-related matters (excluding the WVAG Complaint) is probable.  As previously disclosed, AllianceBernstein recorded charges totaling $330 million during the second half of 2003, of which (i) $250 million was paid to the Restitution Fund (the $250 million was funded out of operating cash flow and paid to the SEC in January 2004), (ii) $30 million was used to settle a private civil mutual fund litigation unrelated to any regulatory agreements, and (iii) $50 million was reserved for estimated expenses related to our market-timing settlements with the SEC and the NYAG and our market timing-related liabilities (excluding WVAG Complaint-related expenses).  AllianceBernstein paid$8million during 2005 related to market timing and has cumulatively paid $310 million (excluding WVAG Complaint-related expenses). Including $10 million in charges taken in prior periods, we have reserves of approximately $30 million available for market timing-related liabilities in future periods.

We cannot determine at this time the eventual outcome, timing or impact of the market timing-related matters. Accordingly, it is possible that additional charges in the future may be required, the amount, timing, and impact of which we are unable to estimate at this time.

Revenue Sharing-related Matters


On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against AllianceBernstein, Holding, the General Partner, AXA Financial, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc., certain current and former directors of the U.S. Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names the U.S. Funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by an alleged shareholder of the AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from U.S. Fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such

66



payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with AllianceBernstein, including recovery of all fees paid to AllianceBernstein pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all U.S. Fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.

Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against AllianceBernstein and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of U.S. Funds.

On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiff’s claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act.  On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim.  Plaintiffs have moved for leave to amend their consolidated complaint.

We believe that plaintiff’s allegations in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation, the fact that plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint, and the fact that, to date, we have not engaged in settlement negotiations.

We are involved in various other inquiries, administrative proceedings, and litigation, some of which allege substantial damages. While any proceeding or litigation has the element of uncertainty, we believe that the outcome of any one of the other lawsuits or claims that is pending or threatened, or all of them combined, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

7.   Cash Distributions

Holding is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the Holding Partnership Agreement, to its unitholders and to the General Partner. Available Cash Flow can be summarized as the cash flow received by AllianceBernstein from operations minus such amounts as the General Partner determines, in its sole discretion, should be retained by AllianceBernstein for use in its business.  Cash flow received from operations, or “operating cash flow”, is computed by the General Partner by determining the sum of:

net cash provided by operation activities of AllianceBernstein,

proceeds from borrowings and from sales or other dispositions of assets in the ordinary course of business, and

income from investments in marketable securities, liquid investments, and other financial instruments that are acquired for investment purposes and that have a value that may be readily established,

and then subtracting from this amount the sum of :

payments in respect of the principal of borrowings, and

amounts expended for the purchase of assets in the ordinary course of business.

On January 25, 2006, the General Partner declared a distribution of $83.9 million, or $1.02 per unit, representing a distribution from Available Cash Flow for the three months ended December 31, 2005. The distribution was paid on February 16, 2006 to holders of record as of February 6, 2006.

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8.   Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

 

 

Quarters Ended 2005

 

 

 

December 31

 

September 30

 

June 30

 

March 31

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein

 

$

92,143

 

$

67,237

 

$

62,654

 

$

53,020

 

Net income

 

$

84,536

 

$

60,570

 

$

56,124

 

$

46,834

 

Basic net income per unit

 

$

1.03

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.69

 

$

0.58

 

Diluted net income per unit

 

$

1.02

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.68

 

$

0.58

 

Cash distributions per unit(1)

 

$

1.02

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.68

 

$

0.56

 

Unit prices(2):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High

 

$

58.46

 

$

48.39

 

$

47.75

 

$

49.90

 

Low

 

$

46.00

 

$

43.65

 

$

42.35

 

$

40.25

 

 

 

Quarters Ended 2004

 

 

 

December 31

 

September 30

 

June 30

 

March 31

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein

 

$

71,509

 

$

47,701

 

$

48,585

 

$

52,176

 

Net income

 

$

64,675

 

$

41,758

 

$

42,379

 

$

46,361

 

Basic net income per unit

 

$

0.81

 

$

0.52

 

$

0.53

 

$

0.59

 

Diluted net income per unit

 

$

0.80

 

$

0.52

 

$

0.53

 

$

0.58

 

Cash distributions per unit(1)

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.52

 

$

0.53

 

$

0.14

 

Unit prices(2):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High

 

$

42.30

 

$

36.03

 

$

37.60

 

$

39.00

 

Low

 

$

35.50

 

$

32.35

 

$

31.47

 

$

34.03

 


(1)Declared and paid during the following quarter.

(2)High and low sales prices as reported by the NYSE.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The General Partner and Unitholders
AllianceBernstein Holding L.P.:

We have audited the accompanying statements of financial condition of AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“AllianceBernstein Holding”), formerly Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P., as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related statements of income, changes in partners’ capital and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the management of the General Partner. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of AllianceBernstein Holding as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of AllianceBernstein Holding’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 24, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of, and the effective operation of, internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG LLP

New York, New York

February 24, 2006

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The General Partner and Unitholders
AllianceBernstein Holding L.P.:

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting, that AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“AllianceBernstein Holding”), formerly Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P., maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management of the General Partner is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of AllianceBernstein Holding’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management’s assessment that AllianceBernstein Holding maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also, in our opinion, AllianceBernstein Holding maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the statements of financial condition of AllianceBernstein Holding as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related statements of income, changes in partners’ capital and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005 and our report dated February 24, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP

New York, New York

February 24, 2006

70



ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(in thousands, except unit amounts)

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

654,168

 

$

1,061,523

 

Cash and securities segregated, at market (cost $1,720,295 and $1,488,872)

 

1,720,809

 

1,489,041

 

Receivables, net:

 

 

 

 

 

Brokers and dealers

 

2,093,461

 

1,487,601

 

Brokerage clients

 

429,586

 

352,108

 

Fees, net

 

413,198

 

354,517

 

Investments

 

345,045

 

192,167

 

Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net

 

236,309

 

215,367

 

Goodwill, net

 

2,876,657

 

2,876,657

 

Intangible assets, net

 

305,325

 

326,025

 

Deferred sales commissions, net

 

196,637

 

254,456

 

Other investments

 

86,369

 

61,350

 

Other assets

 

132,916

 

108,518

 

Total assets

 

$

9,490,480

 

$

8,779,330

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Payables:

 

 

 

 

 

Brokers and dealers

 

$

1,057,274

 

$

786,544

 

Brokerage clients

 

2,929,500

 

2,663,952

 

AllianceBernstein mutual funds

 

140,603

 

125,899

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

286,449

 

275,264

 

Accrued compensation and benefits

 

357,321

 

326,219

 

Debt

 

407,291

 

407,517

 

Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries

 

9,368

 

10,237

 

Total liabilities

 

5,187,806

 

4,595,632

 

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 11)

 

 

 

 

 

Partners’ capital:

 

 

 

 

 

General Partner

 

44,065

 

42,917

 

Limited partners: 255,624,870 and 253,880,399 units issued and outstanding

 

4,334,207

 

4,220,753

 

 

 

4,378,272

 

4,263,670

 

Capital contributions receivable from General Partner

 

(31,775

)

(33,053

)

Deferred compensation expense

 

(67,895

)

(89,019

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

24,072

 

42,100

 

Total partners’ capital

 

4,302,674

 

4,183,698

 

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

 

$

9,490,480

 

$

8,779,330

 

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

71



ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment advisory and services fees

 

$

2,290,867

 

$

2,113,351

 

$

1,882,399

 

Distribution revenues

 

397,800

 

447,283

 

436,037

 

Institutional research services

 

321,281

 

303,609

 

267,868

 

Shareholder servicing fees

 

99,358

 

115,979

 

126,383

 

Other revenues, net

 

141,374

 

75,211

 

52,241

 

 

 

3,250,680

 

3,055,433

 

2,764,928

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee compensation and benefits

 

1,263,456

 

1,085,163

 

914,529

 

Promotion and servicing:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution plan payments

 

291,953

 

374,184

 

370,575

 

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

 

131,979

 

177,356

 

208,565

 

Other

 

198,004

 

202,327

 

197,079

 

General and administrative

 

386,590

 

426,389

 

339,706

 

Interest

 

25,109

 

24,232

 

25,286

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

20,700

 

20,700

 

20,700

 

Charge for mutual fund matters and legal proceedings (Note 11)

 

 

 

330,000

 

 

 

2,317,791

 

2,310,351

 

2,406,440

 

Income before income taxes

 

932,889

 

745,082

 

358,488

 

Income taxes

 

64,571

 

39,932

 

28,680

 

Net income

 

$

868,318

 

$

705,150

 

$

329,808

 

Net income per unit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

3.37

 

$

2.76

 

$

1.30

 

Diluted

 

$

3.35

 

$

2.74

 

$

1.29

 

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

72



ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital and Comprehensive Income
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

 

General
Partner’s
Capital

 

Limited
Partners’
Capital

 

Capital
Contributions
Receivable

 

Deferred
Compensation
Expense

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

 

Total
Partners’
Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2002

 

$

41,335

 

$

4,082,433

 

$

(35,137

)

$

(129,045

)

$

3,865

 

$

3,963,451

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

3,298

 

326,510

 

 

 

 

329,808

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized loss on investments, net

 

 

 

 

 

2,325

 

2,325

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net

 

 

 

 

 

21,378

 

21,378

 

Comprehensive income

 

3,298

 

326,510

 

 

 

23,703

 

353,511

 

Cash distributions to General Partner and unitholders ($2.24 per unit)

 

(5,671

)

(560,927

)

 

 

 

(566,598

)

Capital contributions from General Partner

 

 

 

1,734

 

 

 

1,734

 

Purchases of Holding Units to fund deferred compensation plans, net

 

 

(15,690

)

 

(51,390

)

 

(67,080

)

Compensatory Holding Unit options expense

 

 

2,589

 

 

 

 

2,589

 

Amortization of deferred compensation expense

 

 

 

 

69,301

 

 

69,301

 

Compensation plan accrual

 

23

 

2,272

 

(2,295

)

 

 

 

Additional investment by Holding with proceeds from exercise of compensatory options

 

210

 

21,351

 

 

 

 

21,561

 

Balance as of December 31, 2003

 

39,195

 

3,858,538

 

(35,698

)

(111,134

)

27,568

 

3,778,469

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

7,052

 

698,098

 

 

 

 

705,150

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain on investments, net

 

 

 

 

 

(236

)

(236

)

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net

 

 

 

 

 

14,768

 

14,768

 

Comprehensive income

 

7,052

 

698,098

 

 

 

14,532

 

719,682

 

Cash distributions to General Partner and unitholders ($1.50 per unit)

 

(3,838

)

(379,144

)

 

 

 

(382,982

)

Capital contributions from General Partner

 

 

 

5,901

 

 

 

5,901

 

Purchases of Holding Units to fund deferred compensation plans, net

 

9

 

(8,557

)

 

(36,532

)

 

(45,080

)

Compensatory Holding Unit options expense

 

 

2,356

 

 

 

 

2,356

 

Amortization of deferred compensation expense

 

 

 

 

58,647

 

 

58,647

 

Compensation plan accrual

 

32

 

3,224

 

(3,256

)

 

 

 

Additional investment by Holding with proceeds from exercise of compensatory options

 

467

 

46,238

 

 

 

 

46,705

 

Balance as of December 31, 2004

 

42,917

 

4,220,753

 

(33,053

)

(89,019

)

42,100

 

4,183,698

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

8,683

 

859,635

 

 

 

 

868,318

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized loss on investments, net

 

 

 

 

 

1,985

 

1,985

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net

 

 

 

 

 

(20,013

)

(20,013

)

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

8,683

 

859,635

 

 

 

(18,028

)

850,290

 

Cash distributions to General Partner and unitholders ($3.11 per unit)

 

(8,005

)

(792,504

)

 

 

 

(800,509

)

Capital contributions from General Partner

 

 

 

4,191

 

 

 

4,191

 

Purchases of Holding Units to fund deferred compensation plans, net

 

16

 

(733

)

 

(32,536

)

 

(33,253

)

Compensatory Holding Unit options expense

 

 

2,192

 

 

 

 

2,192

 

Amortization of deferred compensation expense

 

 

 

 

53,660

 

 

53,660

 

Compensation plan accrual

 

29

 

2,884

 

(2,913

)

 

 

 

Additional investment by Holding with proceeds from exercise of compensatory options

 

425

 

41,980

 

 

 

 

42,405

 

Balance as of December 31, 2005

 

$

44,065

 

$

4,334,207

 

$

(31,775

)

$

(67,895

)

$

24,072

 

$

4,302,674

 

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

73



ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

868,318

 

$

705,150

 

$

329,808

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

 

131,979

 

177,356

 

208,565

 

Amortization of deferred compensation

 

85,437

 

101,561

 

116,357

 

Depreciation and other amortization

 

67,980

 

74,878

 

77,583

 

Other, net

 

(14,774

)

7,859

 

(13,057

)

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase) in segregated cash and securities

 

(231,768

)

(203,240

)

(111,478

)

(Increase) decrease in receivable from brokers and dealers

 

(605,389

)

137,052

 

(658,979

)

(Increase) in receivable from brokerage clients

 

(90,453

)

(21,154

)

(114,861

)

(Increase) in fees receivable, net

 

(65,861

)

(13,187

)

(57,322

)

(Increase) in trading investments

 

(135,121

)

(56,105

)

(12,273

)

(Increase) in deferred sales commissions

 

(74,161

)

(44,584

)

(94,886

)

(Increase) other investments

 

(23,045

)

(29,996

)

(9,591

)

(Increase) in other assets

 

(27,645

)

(2,142

)

(6,968

)

Increase (decrease) in payable to brokers and dealers

 

279,926

 

(339,687

)

537,619

 

Increase in payable to brokerage clients

 

268,608

 

761,098

 

320,312

 

Increase (decrease) in payable to AllianceBernstein mutual funds

 

14,966

 

9,488

 

(5,101

)

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

7,158

 

(267,879

)

287,600

 

Increase (decrease) in accrued compensation and benefits, less deferred compensation

 

3,927

 

(28,304

)

(35,372

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

460,082

 

968,164

 

757,956

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of investments

 

(7,380

)

(27,407

)

(62,607

)

Proceeds from sales of investments

 

12,717

 

38,046

 

36,514

 

Additions to furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net

 

(72,586

)

(57,313

)

(29,154

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(67,249

)

(46,674

)

(55,247

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayment of commercial paper, net of proceeds from issuance

 

(150

)

(92

)

(22,077

)

Cash distributions to General Partner and unitholders

 

(800,509

)

(382,982

)

(566,598

)

Capital contributions from General Partner

 

4,191

 

5,901

 

1,734

 

Additional investment by Holding with proceeds from exercise of compensatory options

 

42,405

 

46,705

 

21,561

 

Purchases of Holding Units to fund deferred compensation plans, net

 

(33,253

)

(45,080

)

(67,080

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(787,316

)

(375,548

)

(632,460

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(12,872

)

12,723

 

14,851

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(407,355

)

558,665

 

85,100

 

Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of the period

 

1,061,523

 

502,858

 

417,758

 

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of the period

 

$

654,168

 

$

1,061,523

 

$

502,858

 

Cash paid:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

122,152

 

$

55,102

 

$

43,505

 

Income taxes

 

$

56,521

 

$

33,516

 

$

29,928

 

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

74



ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Effective February 24, 2006, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Holding”) and Alliance Capital Management L.P. (“Alliance Capital”) changed their names to AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“Holding”) and AllianceBernstein L.P. (“AllianceBernstein”), respectively.

The words “we” and “our” refer collectively to Holding, and AllianceBernstein and its subsidiaries, or to their officers and employees. Similarly, the word “company” refers to both Holding and AllianceBernstein. Where the context requires distinguishing between Holding and AllianceBernstein, we identify which of them is being discussed.  Cross-references are in bold text.

1.   Organization and Business Description

AllianceBernstein provides diversified investment management and related services globally to a broad range of clients. Its principal services are:

Institutional Investment Services – Servicing institutional investors, including unaffiliated corporate and public employee pension funds, endowment funds, domestic and foreign institutions and governments, and affiliates such as AXA and certain of its insurance company subsidiaries, by means of separately managed accounts, sub-advisory relationships, structured products, group trusts, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles.

Retail Services – Servicing individual investors, primarily by means of retail mutual funds sponsored by AllianceBernstein, our subsidiaries and affiliated joint venture companies, sub-advisory relationships in respect of mutual funds sponsored by third parties, separately managed account programs that are sponsored by registered broker-dealers (“Separately Managed Account Programs”), and other investment vehicles.

Private Client Services – Servicing high-net-worth individuals, trusts and estates, charitable foundations, partnerships, private and family corporations, and other entities, by means of separately managed accounts, hedge funds, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles.

Institutional Research Services – Servicing institutional investors desiring institutional research services including in-depth research, portfolio strategy, trading, and brokerage-related services.

We also provide distribution, shareholder servicing, and administrative services to our sponsored mutual funds.

We provide a broad range of investment services with expertise in:

Growth and value equity, the two predominant equity strategies;

Blend, combining growth and value components and systematic rebalancing between the two;

Fixed income, including both taxable and tax-exempt securities;

Balanced, combining equity and fixed income components; and

Passive, including both index and enhanced index strategies.

We manage these strategies using various investment disciplines, including market capitalization (e.g., large-, mid-, and small-cap equities), term (e.g., long-, intermediate-, and short-duration debt securities), and geographic location (e.g., U.S., international, global, and emerging markets), as well as local and regional disciplines in major markets around the world.

We have a broad foundation in fundamental research, including comprehensive industry and company coverage from the differing perspectives of growth, value, and fixed income, as well as global economic and currency forecasting capabilities and quantitative research.

As of December 31, 2005, AXA, a société anonyme organized under the laws of France and the holding company for an international group of insurance and related financial services companies, AXA Financial, Inc.

75



(an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA, “AXA Financial”), AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (formerly known as The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and a wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA Financial, “AXA Equitable”) and certain subsidiaries of AXA Equitable, collectively referred to as “AXA and its subsidiaries”, owned approximately 1.8% of the issued and outstanding Holding Units.

As of December 31, 2005, the ownership of AllianceBernstein, as a percentage of limited partnership interests, was as follows:

AXA and its subsidiaries

60.1

%

Holding

32.2

SCB Partners Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCB Inc.; formerly known as
Sanford C. Bernstein Inc.)

6.4

Other

1.3

100.0

%

AllianceBernstein Corporation (formerly known as Alliance Capital Management Corporation, “General Partner”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA, is the general partner of both Holding and AllianceBernstein. AllianceBernstein Corporation owns 100,000 general partnership units (economically equivalent to limited partnership units) in Holding and a 1% general partnership interest in AllianceBernstein. Including the general partnership interests in AllianceBernstein and Holding, and their equity interest in Holding, as of December 31, 2005, AXA and its subsidiaries had an approximate 61.1% economic interest in AllianceBernstein.

2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include AllianceBernstein, its majority-owned and/or controlled subsidiaries and company-sponsored mutual funds during their incubation periods. All significant inter-company transactions and balances among the consolidated entities have been eliminated.

The equity method of accounting is used for unconsolidated joint ventures and, in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force D-46, “Accounting for Limited Partnership Investments”, for investments made primarily to seed limited partnership hedge funds that we sponsor and manage. The investments are included in “other investments” on the consolidated balance sheets and the related investment income and gains and losses are included in “other revenues” on the consolidated statements of income.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and highly liquid investments including money market accounts with average maturities of three months or less. Due to the short-term nature of these instruments, this recorded value has been determined to approximate fair value.

76



Fees Receivable, Net

Fees receivable are shown net of allowances. An allowance for doubtful accounts related to investment advisory and services fees is determined through an analysis of the aging of receivables, assessments of collectibility based on historical trends and other qualitative and quantitative factors, including the following: our relationship with the client, the financial health (or ability to pay) of the client, current economic conditions and whether the account is closed or active.

Collateralized Securities Transactions

Customers’ securities transactions are reported on a settlement date basis, with related commission income and expenses reported on a trade date basis. Receivables from and payables to customers include amounts due on cash and margin transactions. Securities owned by customers are held as collateral for receivables; collateral is not reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Principal securities transactions and related expenses are recorded on a trade date basis.

Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB LLC”) and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCBL”), both wholly-owned subsidiaries, account for transfers of financial assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities”. Securities borrowed and securities loaned are recorded at the amount of cash collateral advanced or received in connection with the transaction and are included in receivables from and payables to brokers and dealers in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Securities borrowed transactions require SCB LLC and SCBL to deposit cash collateral with the lender. With respect to securities loaned, SCB LLC and SCBL receive cash collateral from the borrower. The initial collateral advanced or received approximates or is greater than the fair value of securities borrowed or loaned. SCB LLC and SCBL monitor the fair value of the securities borrowed and loaned on a daily basis and request additional collateral or return excess collateral, as appropriate. Income or expense is recognized over the life of the transactions.

Investments

Investments, principally investments in United States Treasury Bills, unconsolidated company-sponsored mutual funds and securities held by consolidated company-sponsored mutual funds, are classified as either trading or available-for-sale securities. The trading investments are stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in net income. Available-for-sale investments are stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in partners’ capital. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are included in income in the current period.

Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net

Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of eight years for furniture and three to six years for equipment and software. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the terms of the related leases.

Goodwill, Net

On October 2, 2000, AllianceBernstein acquired the business and assets of SCB Inc., an investment research and management company formerly known as Sanford C. Bernstein Inc. (“Bernstein”), and assumed the liabilities of Bernstein (“Bernstein Transaction”).  The purchase price consisted of a cash payment of approximately $1.5 billion and 40.8 million newly issued AllianceBernstein Units.  AXA Financial purchased approximately 32.6 million newly issued AllianceBernstein Units for $1.6 billion on June 21, 2000, to fund the cash portion of the purchase price.

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The Bernstein Transaction was accounted for under the purchase method with the results of Bernstein included in the consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date. The cost of the acquisition was allocated on the basis of the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.  Portions of the purchase price were identified as net tangible assets of $0.1 billion and costs assigned to contracts acquired of $0.4 billion.  Costs assigned to contracts acquired are being amortized over twenty years.  The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired resulted in the recognition of goodwill of approximately $3.0 billion.

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable assets of acquired companies, less accumulated amortization. Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 (“SFAS No. 142”), “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, goodwill is tested annually, as of September 30, for impairment. Goodwill impairment is indicated if the net recorded value of AllianceBernstein’s assets and liabilities (including goodwill) exceeds estimated fair value, which would then require the measurement of AllianceBernstein’s assets and liabilities as if AllianceBernstein had been acquired. This measurement may or may not result in goodwill impairment. If impaired, the recorded amount is reduced to estimated fair value with a corresponding charge to earnings. As of September 30, 2005, the impairment test indicated that goodwill was not impaired. Also, as of December 31, 2005, management believes that goodwill was not impaired.

Intangible Assets, Net

Intangible assets consist of costs assigned to investment management contracts of SCB Inc. which was acquired in 2000, less accumulated amortization.  In order to determine the fair market value and the remaining useful lives of these investment management contracts, we performed an analysis as of the acquisition date that considered the following factors:

The nature and characteristics of the intangible assets, including:

The historical and expected future economic benefits associated with the assets as of the valuation date,

The historical and expected attrition associated with the assets, and

Any special rights associated with the assets;

The historical and then-current financial condition and operating results of SCB Inc.;

Discussions with management of SCB Inc. and others to augment our understanding of the nature of the intangible assets; and

Reviews of market data and other available information relating to SCB Inc. and the investment management industry.

As a result of the analysis, management determined that the intangible assets have an estimated useful life of approximately 20 years.

The gross carrying amount of intangible assets subject to amortization totaled $414.0 million as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and accumulated amortization was $108.7 million as of December 31, 2005 and $88.0 million as of December 31, 2004, resulting in the net carrying amount of intangible assets subject to amortization of $305.3 million as of December 31, 2005 and $326.0 million as of December 31, 2004. Amortization expense was $20.7 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, and estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years is approximately $20.7 million.

Management tests intangible assets for recoverability quarterly, or monthly when events or changes in circumstances occur that could significantly increase the risk of impairment of these assets. Estimated fair value is determined using management’s best estimate of future cash flows discounted to a present value amount. Estimated fair value is then compared to the recorded book value to determine if impairment is indicated. If management determines these assets are not recoverable, an impairment condition would exist and the

78



impairment loss would be measured as the amount by which the recorded amount of those assets exceeds their estimated fair value.

Deferred Sales Commissions, Net

Sales commissions paid to financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of shares of open-end company-sponsored mutual funds sold without a front-end sales charge are capitalized as deferred sales commissions and amortized over periods not exceeding five and one-half years, the periods of time during which deferred sales commissions are generally recovered from distribution services fees received from those funds and from contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) received from shareholders of those funds upon the redemption of their shares. CDSC cash recoveries are recorded as reductions of unamortized deferred sales commissions when received.

Management tests the deferred sales commission asset for recoverability quarterly, or monthly when events or changes in circumstances occur that could significantly increase the risk of impairment of the asset. Significant assumptions utilized to estimate the company’s future average assets under management and undiscounted future cash flows from back-end load shares include expected future market levels and redemption rates. Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows and the remaining life of the deferred sales commission asset are made from these assumptions and the aggregate undiscounted future cash flows are compared to the recorded value of the deferred sales commission asset. Management considers the results of these analyses performed at various dates. If management determines in the future that the deferred sales commission asset is not recoverable, an impairment condition would exist and a loss would be measured as the amount by which the recorded amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is determined using management’s best estimate of future cash flows discounted to a present value amount.

Loss Contingencies

With respect to all significant litigation matters, we conduct a probability assessment of the likelihood of a negative outcome. If the likelihood of a negative outcome is probable, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record an estimated loss for the expected outcome of the litigation as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5 (“SFAS No. 5”), “Accounting for Contingencies”, and Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 14 (“FIN No. 14”), “Reasonable Estimation of the Amount of a Loss –an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 5”. If the likelihood of a negative outcome is reasonably possible and we are able to indicate an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, we disclose that fact together with the estimate of the possible loss or range of loss.  However, it is difficult to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss because litigation is subject to significant uncertainties, particularly when plaintiffs allege substantial or indeterminate damages, or when the litigation is highly complex or broad in scope.

Revenue Recognition

Investment advisory and services base fees, generally calculated as a percentage (referred to as “basis points”) of assets under management for clients, are recorded as revenue as the related services are performed. Certain investment advisory contracts provide for a performance-based fee, in addition to or in lieu of a base fee, that is calculated as either a percentage of absolute investment results or a percentage of investment results in excess of a stated benchmark over a specified period of time. Performance-based fees are recorded as revenue at the end of each measurement period. Investment advisory and services fees include brokerage transaction charges received by SCB LLC for certain retail, private client and institutional investment client transactions. Institutional research services revenue consists of brokerage transaction charges received by SCB LLC and SCBL for in-depth research and other services provided to institutional investors. Brokerage transaction charges earned and related expenses are recorded on a trade date basis. Distribution revenues and shareholder servicing fees are accrued as earned.

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Mutual Fund Underwriting Activities

Purchases and sales of shares of our mutual funds in connection with the underwriting activities of our subsidiaries, including related commission income, are recorded on trade date. Receivables from brokers and dealers for sale of shares of our mutual funds are generally realized within three business days from trade date, in conjunction with the settlement of the related payables to our mutual funds for share purchases. Distribution plan and other promotion and servicing payments are recognized as an expense when incurred.

Compensatory Option Plans

We utilize the fair value method of recording compensation expense including a straight-line amortization policy, relating to compensatory option awards of Holding Units granted subsequent to 2001, as permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (“SFAS No. 123”), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148 (“SFAS No. 148”), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure”. Under the fair value method, compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award and is recognized over the vesting period. Fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. See Note 16 for a description of the compensatory option plans and the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Compensation expense, net of taxes, resulting from compensatory unit option awards granted after 2001 totaled approximately $2.0 million, $2.2 million, and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

For compensatory option awards granted prior to 2002, we applied the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (“APB No. 25”), “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, under which compensation expense is recognized only if the market value of the underlying Holding Units exceeds the exercise price at the date of grant. We did not record compensation expense for compensatory option awards made prior to 2002 because those options were granted with exercise prices equal to the market value of the underlying Holding Units on the date of grant. Had we recorded compensation expense for those options based on their market value at grant date under SFAS No. 123, net income for 2005, 2004, and 2003 would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

SFAS No. 123 pro forma net income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income as reported

 

$

868,318

 

$

705,150

 

$

329,808

 

Add: stock-based compensation expense included in net income, net of tax

 

2,040

 

2,231

 

2,460

 

Deduct: total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value method for all awards, net of tax

 

(3,918

)

(7,132

)

(13,413

)

SFAS No. 123 pro forma net income

 

$

866,440

 

$

700,249

 

$

318,855

 

Net income per unit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per unit as reported

 

$

3.37

 

$

2.76

 

$

1.30

 

Basic net income per unit pro forma

 

$

3.37

 

$

2.74

 

$

1.26

 

Diluted net income per unit as reported

 

$

3.35

 

$

2.74

 

$

1.29

 

Diluted net income per unit pro forma

 

$

3.34

 

$

2.72

 

$

1.25

 

SeeNote 21 for a discussion of the adoption of SFAS No. 123-R, effective January 1, 2006.

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into United States dollars (“US$”) at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates, and related revenues and expenses are translated into US$ at average

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exchange rates in effect during each period. Net foreign currency gains and losses resulting from the translation of assets and liabilities of foreign operations into US$ are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of changes in partners’ capital and comprehensive income. Net recognized foreign currency transaction gains and (losses) were $(0.7) million, $(1.8) million, and $3.0 million for 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

Cash Distributions

AllianceBernstein is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of AllianceBernstein (“AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement”), to its unitholders and to the General Partner. Available Cash Flow can be summarized as the cash flow received by AllianceBernstein from operations minus such amounts as the General Partner determines, in its sole discretion, should be retained by AllianceBernstein for use in its business. Cash flow received from operations, or “operating cash flow”, is computed by the General Partner by determining the sum of:

net cash provided by operation activities of AllianceBernstein,

proceeds from borrowings and from sales or other dispositions of assets in the ordinary course of business, and

income from investments in marketable securities, liquid investments, and other financial instruments that are acquired for investment purposes and that have a value that may be readily established,

and then subtracting from this amount the sum of :

payments in respect of the principal of borrowings, and

amounts expended for the purchase of assets in the ordinary course of business.

Comprehensive Income

Total comprehensive income is reported in the consolidated statements of changes in partners’ capital and comprehensive income and includes net income, unrealized gains and losses on investments classified as available-for-sale, and foreign currency translation adjustments. The accumulated balance of comprehensive income items is displayed separately in the partners’ capital section of the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.  These include the reclassification of certain sub-accounting payments and networking fees from other promotion and servicing expense to shareholder servicing fees and the reclassification of transaction charges earned from AllianceBernstein mutual funds from Institutional Investment Services and Private Client Services to Retail Services.

3.   Cash and Securities Segregated Under Federal Regulations and Other Requirements

As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, $1.7 and $1.5 billion, respectively, of United States Treasury Bills were segregated in a special reserve bank custody account for the exclusive benefit of brokerage customers of SCB LLC under rule 15c3-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”).

4.   Net Income Per Unit

Basic net income per unit is derived by reducing net income for the 1% general partnership interest and dividing the remaining 99% by the basic weighted average number of units outstanding for each year. Diluted net income per unit is derived by reducing net income for the 1% general partnership interest and dividing the

81



remaining 99% by the total of the basic weighted average number of units outstanding and the dilutive unit equivalents resulting from outstanding compensatory options as follows:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

868,318

 

$

705,150

 

$

329,808

 

Weighted average units outstanding—basic

 

254,883

 

253,121

 

250,639

 

Dilutive effect of compensatory options

 

1,714

 

1,644

 

2,391

 

Weighted average units outstanding—diluted

 

256,597

 

254,765

 

253,030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per unit

 

$

3.37

 

$

2.76

 

$

1.30

 

Diluted net income per unit

 

$

3.35

 

$

2.74

 

$

1.29

 

As of December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, out-of-the-money options to acquire 3,950,100, 4,336,500 and 7,997,700 Holding Units, respectively, have been excluded from the diluted net income per unit computation due to their anti-dilutive effect.

5.   Receivables, Net

Receivables, Net are comprised of:

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brokers and dealers:

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits for securities borrowed

 

$

1,966,000

 

$

1,364,990

 

Other

 

127,461

 

122,611

 

Total brokers and dealers

 

2,093,461

 

1,487,601

 

Brokerage clients

 

429,586

 

352,108

 

Fees, net:

 

 

 

 

 

Alliance mutual funds

 

143,737

 

141,435

 

Unaffiliated clients (net of allowance of $939 in 2005 and $1,707 in 2004)

 

262,279

 

206,550

 

Affiliated clients

 

7,182

 

6,532

 

Total fees receivable, net

 

413,198

 

354,517

 

Total receivables, net

 

$

2,936,245

 

$

2,194,226

 

6.   Investments

As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, investments consisted of investments available-for-sale, principally company-sponsored mutual funds, and trading investments, principally United States Treasury Bills and company-sponsored mutual funds. United States Treasury Bills with a fair market value of $16.9 million were on deposit with various clearing organizations as of December 31, 2005 and 2004.

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The following is a summary of the cost and fair value of investments as of December 31, 2005 and 2004:

 

 

Amortized 
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2005:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity investments

 

$

26,787

 

$

3,777

 

$

(18

)

$

30,546

 

Fixed income investments

 

1,102

 

181

 

(5

)

1,278

 

 

 

27,889

 

3,958

 

(23

)

31,824

 

Trading:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity investments

 

262,153

 

23,701

 

(3,135

)

282,719

 

Fixed income investments

 

30,503

 

290

 

(291

)

30,502

 

 

 

292,656

 

23,991

 

(3,426

)

313,221

 

Total investments

 

$

320,545

 

$

27,949

 

$

(3,449

)

$

345,045

 

December 31, 2004:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity investments

 

$

32,245

 

$

1,555

 

$

(4

)

$

33,796

 

Fixed income investments

 

1,042

 

378

 

 

1,420

 

 

 

33,287

 

1,933

 

(4

)

35,216

 

Trading:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity investments

 

116,977

 

10,608

 

(642

)

126,943

 

Fixed income investments

 

29,619

 

483

 

(94

)

30,008

 

 

 

146,596

 

11,091

 

(736

)

156,951

 

Total investments

 

$

179,883

 

$

13,024

 

$

(740

)

$

192,167

 

Proceeds from sales of investments available-for-sale were approximately $12.7 million, $38.0 million, and $36.5 million in 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.  Net realized gains from our sales of available-for-sale investments were $0.9 million, $2.4 million, and $1.3 million in 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

We assess valuation declines to determine the extent to which such declines are fundamental to the underlying investment or attributable to market-related factors. Based on this assessment, we do not believe the declines are other than temporary.

7.   Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net

Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements are comprised of:

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Furniture and equipment

 

$

369,092

 

$

342,267

 

Leasehold improvements

 

217,137

 

191,064

 

 

 

586,229

 

533,331

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(349,920

)

(317,964

)

Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net

 

$

236,309

 

$

215,367

 

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8.Deferred Sales Commissions, Net

The components of deferred sales commissions for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount of deferred sales commissions

 

$

692,148

 

$

959,930

 

Less: Accumulated amortization

 

(421,620

)

(554,970

)

Cumulative CDSC received

 

(73,891

)

(150,504

)

Deferred sales commissions, net

 

$

196,637

 

$

254,456

 

Amortization expense was $132.0 million, $177.4 million, and $208.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively. Estimated future amortization expense related to the December 31, 2005 net asset balance is as follows (in thousands):

2006

 

$

84,932

 

2007

 

52,415

 

2008

 

34,295

 

2009

 

18,801

 

2010

 

5,517

 

2011

 

677

 

 

 

$

196,637

 

9.   Other Investments

Other investments consists of investments made primarily to seed limited partnership hedge funds that we sponsor and manage, and unconsolidated joint ventures.  The components of other investments as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in sponsored partnerships and other investments

 

$

77,856

 

$

48,037

 

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

 

8,513

 

13,313

 

Other investments

 

$

86,369

 

$

61,350

 

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10.Debt

Total available credit, debt outstanding, and weighted average interest rates as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

Credit
Available

 

Debt
Outstanding

 

Interest
Rate

 

Credit
Available

 

Debt
Outstanding

 

Interest
Rate

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

Senior notes

 

$

600.0

 

$

399.7

 

5.6

%

$

600.0

 

$

399.2

 

5.6

%

Commercial paper

 

425.0

 

 

 

425.0

 

 

 

Revolving credit facility

 

375.0

 

 

 

375.0

 

 

 

Extendible commercial notes

 

100.0

 

 

 

100.0

 

 

 

Other

 

n/a

 

7.6

 

4.6

 

n/a

 

8.3

 

4.0

 

Total

 

$

1,500.0

 

$

407.3

 

5.6

%

$

1,500.0

 

$

407.5

 

5.6

%

In August 2001, we issued $400 million of 5.625% Notes (“Senior Notes”) pursuant to a shelf registration statement under which we may issue up to $600 million in senior debt securities. The proceeds from the Senior Notes were used to reduce commercial paper and credit facility borrowings and for other general partnership purposes. The Senior Notes mature in August 2006 and are redeemable at any time. We intend to use cash flow from operations to retire the Senior Notes at maturity.

In September 2002, we entered into an $800 million five-year revolving credit facility with a group of commercial banks and other lenders. Of the $800 million total, $425 million is intended to provide back-up liquidity for our $425 million commercial paper program, with the balance available for general purposes. Under this revolving credit facility, the interest rate, at our option, is a floating rate generally based upon a defined prime rate, a rate related to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or the Federal Funds rate. The revolving credit facility contains covenants which, among other things, require us to meet certain financial ratios. We were in compliance with the covenants as of December 31, 2005.  On February 17, 2006, we replaced the existing arrangement with a new $800 million five-year revolving credit facility with substantially the same terms.

As of December 31, 2005, we maintained a $100 million extendible commercial notes (“ECN”) program as a supplement to our $425 million commercial paper program. ECNs are short-term uncommitted debt instruments that do not require back-up liquidity support.

The fair value, based on market quotes, of the senior notes as of December 31, 2005 was $402.1 million, as compared with their carrying value of $399.7 million. The other notes, with a carrying value of $7.6 million, were issued in connection with a previous acquisition. Since these notes were part of a private transaction, their fair value is not practical to obtain.

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11.   Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases

We lease office space, furniture and office equipment under various operating leases. The future minimum payments under non-cancelable leases, sublease commitments, and payments, net of sublease commitments as of December 31, 2005 are as follows:

 

 

Payments

 

Sublease

 

Net
Payments

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

$

89.5

 

$

3.2

 

$

86.3

 

2007

 

87.7

 

3.1

 

84.6

 

2008

 

84.8

 

2.8

 

82.0

 

2009

 

77.6

 

2.1

 

75.5

 

2010

 

78.8

 

2.1

 

76.7

 

2011 and thereafter

 

592.7

 

15.4

 

577.3

 

Total future minimum payments

 

$

1,011.1

 

$

28.7

 

$

982.4

 

Office leases contain escalation clauses that provide for the pass through of increases in operating expenses and real estate taxes. Rent expense, which is amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease, was $76.0 million, $78.5 million, and $65.5 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively, net of sublease income of $5.9 million, $5.3 million, and $3.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

Deferred Sales Commission Asset

Our mutual fund distribution system (“the “System”) includes a multi-class share structure that permits our open-end mutual funds to offer investors various options for the purchase of mutual fund shares, including both front-end load shares and back-end load shares. For front-end load shares of mutual funds we sponsor that are registered as investment companies (“U.S. Funds”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“Investment Company Act”), AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AllianceBernstein (“AllianceBernstein Investments”), pays sales commissions to financial intermediaries distributing the funds from the front-end sales charge it receives from investors at the time of sale. For back-end load shares, AllianceBernstein Investments pays sales commissions to financial intermediaries at the time of sale and also receives higher ongoing distribution services fees from the mutual funds. In addition, investors who redeem back-end load shares before the expiration of the minimum holding period (which ranges from one year to four years) pay a CDSC to AllianceBernstein Investments.

Payments of sales commissions made by AllianceBernstein Investments to financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of back-end load shares under the System are capitalized as deferred sales commissions (“deferred sales commission asset”) and amortized over periods not exceeding five and one-half years, the periods of time during which the deferred sales commission asset is expected to be recovered. CDSC cash recoveries are recorded as reductions of unamortized deferred sales commissions when received. The amount recorded for the net deferred sales commission asset was $196.6 million and $254.5 million as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Payments of sales commissions made by AllianceBernstein Investments to financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of back-end load shares under the System, net of CDSC received of $21.4 million, $32.9 million, and $37.5 million, respectively, totaled approximately $74.2 million, $44.6 million, and $94.9 million during 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

Management tests the deferred sales commission asset for recoverability quarterly, or monthly when events or changes in circumstances occur that could significantly increase the risk of impairment of the asset. Significant assumptions utilized to estimate the company’s future average assets under management and undiscounted future cash flows from back-end load shares include expected future market levels and redemption rates. Market assumptions are selected using a long-term view of expected average market returns based on historical returns of

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broad market indices. As of December 31, 2005, management used average market return assumptions of 5% for fixed income and 8% for equity to estimate annual market returns. Higher actual average market returns would increase undiscounted future cash flows, while lower actual average market returns would decrease undiscounted future cash flows. Future redemption rate assumptions of 22%, 25%, and 25% were determined by reference to actual redemption experience over the five-year, three-year, and one-year periods ended December 31, 2005, respectively, calculated as a percentage of the company’s average assets under management represented by back-end load shares. An increase in the actual rate of redemptions would decrease undiscounted future cash flows, while a decrease in the actual rate of redemptions would increase undiscounted future cash flows. These assumptions are reviewed and updated quarterly, or monthly when events or changes in circumstances occur that could significantly increase the risk of impairment of the asset. Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows and the remaining life of the deferred sales commission asset are made from these assumptions and the aggregate undiscounted future cash flows are compared to the recorded value of the deferred sales commission asset. Management considers the results of these analyses performed at various dates. As of December 31, 2005, management determined that the deferred sales commission asset was not impaired. If management determines in the future that the deferred sales commission asset is not recoverable, an impairment condition would exist and a loss would be measured as the amount by which the recorded amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is determined using management’s best estimate of future cash flows discounted to a present value amount.

During 2005, equity markets increased by approximately 5% as measured by the change in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index and fixed income markets increased by approximately 2% as measured by the change in the Lehman Brothers’ Aggregate Bond Index. The redemption rate for domestic back-end load shares, adjusted for the closing of certain funds in conjunction with the company’s fund rationalization program, was approximately 25.3% in 2005. Declines in financial markets or higher redemption levels, or both, as compared to the assumptions used to estimate undiscounted future cash flows, as described above, could result in the impairment of the deferred sales commission asset. Due to the volatility of the capital markets and changes in redemption rates, management is unable to predict whether or when a future impairment of the deferred sales commission asset might occur. Any impairment would reduce materially the recorded amount of the deferred sales commission asset with a corresponding charge to earnings.

Legal Proceedings

With respect to all significant litigation matters, we conduct a probability assessment of the likelihood of a negative outcome.  If the likelihood of a negative outcome is probable, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record an estimated loss for the expected outcome of the litigation as required by SFAS No. 5 and FIN No. 14. If the likelihood of a negative outcome is reasonably possible and we are able to indicate an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, we disclose that fact together with the estimate of the possible loss or range of loss. However, it is difficult to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss because litigation is subject to significant uncertainties, particularly when plaintiffs allege substantial or indeterminate damages, or when the litigation is highly complex or broad in scope.

On April 8, 2002, in In re Enron Corporation Securities Litigation, a consolidated complaint (“Enron Complaint”) was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, against numerous defendants, including AllianceBernstein. The principal allegations of the Enron Complaint, as they pertain to AllianceBernstein, are that AllianceBernstein violated Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”) with respect to a registration statement filed by Enron Corp. (“Enron”) and effective with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on July 18, 2001, which was used to sell $1.9 billion Enron Zero Coupon Convertible Notes due 2021. Plaintiffs allege that the registration statement was materially misleading and that Frank Savage, a director of Enron, signed the registration statement at issue. Plaintiffs further allege that AllianceBernstein was a controlling person of Frank Savage, who was at that time an employee of AllianceBernstein and a director of the General Partner.  Plaintiffs therefore assert that

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AllianceBernstein is itself liable for the allegedly misleading registration statement. Plaintiffs seek rescission or a rescissionary measure of damages. On June 3, 2002, AllianceBernstein moved to dismiss the Enron Complaint as the allegations therein pertain to it. On March 12, 2003, that motion was denied. A First Amended Consolidated Complaint (“Enron Amended Consolidated Complaint”), with substantially similar allegations as to AllianceBernstein, was filed on May 14, 2003. AllianceBernstein filed its answer on June 13, 2003. On May 28, 2003, plaintiffs filed an Amended Motion for Class Certification. On October 23, 2003, following the completion of class discovery, AllianceBernstein filed its opposition to class certification. That motion is pending. The case is currently in discovery.

We believe that plaintiffs’ allegations in the Enron Amended Consolidated Complaint as to us are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation, the fact that plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint, and the fact that, to date, we have not engaged in settlement negotiations.

On September 12, 2002, a complaint entitled Lawrence E. Jaffe Pension Plan, Lawrence E. Jaffe Trustee U/A 1198 v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., Alfred Harrison and Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc. (“Jaffe Complaint”) was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against AllianceBernstein, Alfred Harrison (a former director) and the AllianceBernstein Premier Growth Fund (now known as the AllianceBernstein Large Cap Growth Fund, “Large Cap Growth Fund”) alleging violation of the Investment Company Act. Plaintiff seeks damages equal to Large Cap Growth Fund’s losses as a result of Large Cap Growth Fund’s investment in shares of Enron and a recovery of all fees paid by Large Cap Growth Fund to AllianceBernstein beginning November 1, 2000. On March 24, 2003, the court granted AllianceBernstein’s motion to transfer the Jaffe Complaint to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey for coordination with the now dismissed Benak v. Alliance Capital Management L.P. and Alliance Premier Growth Fund action then pending. On December 5, 2003, plaintiff filed an amended complaint (“Amended Jaffe Complaint”) in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey alleging violations of Section 36(a) of the Investment Company Act, common law negligence, and negligent misrepresentation. Specifically, the Amended Jaffe Complaint alleges that: (i) the defendants breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty, care and good faith to Large Cap Growth Fund by causing Large Cap Growth Fund to invest in securities of Enron, (ii) the defendants were negligent for investing in securities of Enron, and (iii) through prospectuses and other documents defendants misrepresented material facts related to Large Cap Growth Fund’s investment objective and policies. On January 23, 2004, defendants moved to dismiss the Amended Jaffe Complaint.  On May 23, 2005, the court granted defendant’s motion and dismissed the case on the ground that plaintiff failed to make a demand on the Large Cap Growth Fund’s Board of Directors (“LCG Board”) pursuant to Rule 23.1 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.  Plaintiff’s time to file an appeal has expired.  On June 15, 2005, plaintiff made a demand on the LCG Board, requesting that the LCG Board take action against AllianceBernstein for the reasons set forth in the Amended Jaffe Complaint.  In December 2005, the LCG Board rejected plaintiff’s demand.

AllianceBernstein, Large Cap Growth Fund, and Alfred Harrison believe that plaintiff’s allegations in the Amended Jaffe Complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation and the fact that, to date, we have not engaged in settlement negotiations.

On December 13, 2002, a putative class action complaint entitled Patrick J. Goggins, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Goggins Complaint”) was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against AllianceBernstein, Large Cap Growth Fund and individual directors and certain officers of Large Cap Growth Fund. On August 13, 2003, the court granted AllianceBernstein’s motion to transfer the Goggins Complaint to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. On December 5, 2003, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint (“Amended Goggins Complaint”) in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, which alleges that defendants violated Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act because Large Cap Growth Fund’s registration statements and prospectuses contained

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untrue statements of material fact and omitted material facts. More specifically, the Amended Goggins Complaint alleges that Large Cap Growth Fund’s investment in Enron was inconsistent with the Large Cap Growth Fund’s stated strategic objectives and investment strategies. Plaintiffs seek rescissionary relief or an unspecified amount of compensatory damages on behalf of a class of persons who purchased shares of Large Cap Growth Fund during the period October 31, 2000 through February 14, 2002. On January 23, 2004, AllianceBernstein moved to dismiss the Amended Goggins Complaint. On December 10, 2004, the court granted AllianceBernstein’s motion and dismissed the case. On January 5, 2005, plaintiffs appealed the court’s decision.  On January 13, 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal.  Plaintiffs’ time to seek further review of the court’s decision expires on April 13, 2006.

AllianceBernstein, Large Cap Growth Fund and the other defendants believe that plaintiffs’ allegations in the Amended Goggins Complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation, the fact that plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint, and the fact that, to date, we have not engaged in settlement negotiations.

On October 1, 2003, a class action complaint entitled Erb, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P. (“Erb Complaint”) was filed in the Circuit Court of St. Clair County, Illinois, against AllianceBernstein. The plaintiff, purportedly a shareholder in Large Cap Growth Fund, alleged that AllianceBernstein breached unidentified provisions of Large Cap Growth Fund’s prospectus and subscription and confirmation agreements that allegedly required that every security bought for Large Cap Growth Fund’s portfolio must be a “1-rated” stock, the highest rating that AllianceBernstein’s research analysts could assign. Plaintiff alleges that AllianceBernstein impermissibly purchased shares of stocks that were not 1-rated. On June 24, 2004, plaintiff filed an amended complaint (“Amended Erb Complaint”) in the Circuit Court of St. Clair County, Illinois. The Amended Erb Complaint allegations are substantially similar to those contained in the previous complaint, however, the Amended Erb Complaint adds a new plaintiff and seeks to allege claims on behalf of a purported class of persons or entities holding an interest in any portfolio managed by AllianceBernstein’s Large Cap Growth Team. The Amended Erb Complaint alleges that AllianceBernstein breached its contracts with these persons or entities by impermissibly purchasing shares of stocks that were not 1-rated. Plaintiffs seek rescission of all purchases of any non-1-rated stocks AllianceBernstein made for Large Cap Growth Fund and other Large Cap Growth Team clients’ portfolios over the past eight years, as well as an unspecified amount of damages. On July 13, 2004, AllianceBernstein removed the Erb action to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois on the basis that plaintiffs’ claims are preempted under the Securities Litigation Uniform Standards Act. On August 30, 2004, the District Court remanded the action to the Circuit Court. On September 15, 2004, AllianceBernstein filed a notice of appeal with respect to the District Court’s order. On December 23, 2004, plaintiffs moved to dismiss AllianceBernstein’s appeal. On September 2, 2005, AllianceBernstein’s appeal was denied.

We believe that plaintiffs’ allegations in the Amended Erb Complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation and the fact that plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint.

Market Timing-related Matters

On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against AllianceBernstein, Holding, the General Partner, AXA Financial, the U.S. Funds, the registrants and issuers of those funds, certain officers of AllianceBernstein (“Alliance defendants”), and certain unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the U.S. Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and

89



other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of U.S. Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, and Sections 206 and 215 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”). Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with AllianceBernstein, including recovery of all fees paid to AllianceBernstein pursuant to such contracts.

Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against AllianceBernstein and certain other defendants, and others may be filed. The plaintiffs in such lawsuits have asserted a variety of theories for recovery including, but not limited to, violations of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Advisers Act, the Investment Company Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), certain state securities laws, and common law. All state court actions against AllianceBernstein either were voluntarily dismissed or removed to federal court.

On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (“MDL Panel”) transferred all federal actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (“Mutual Fund MDL”). All of the actions removed to federal court also were transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL. The plaintiffs in the removed actions have since moved for remand, and that motion is pending.

On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of AllianceBernstein. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on our agreement with the SEC (“SEC Order”) dated December 18, 2003 (amended and restated January 15, 2004), and our final agreement with the New York State Attorney General (“NYAG AoD”) dated September 1, 2004. The claims in the mutual fund derivative consolidated amended complaint are generally based on the theory that all fund advisory agreements, distribution agreements and 12b-1 plans between AllianceBernstein and the U.S. Funds should be invalidated, regardless of whether market timing occurred in each individual fund, because each was approved by fund trustees on the basis of materially misleading information with respect to the level of market timing permitted in funds managed by AllianceBernstein. The claims asserted in the other three consolidated amended complaints are similar to those that the respective plaintiffs asserted in their previous federal lawsuits. All of these lawsuits seek an unspecified amount of damages.

On February 10, 2004, we received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from the Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission, for the State of West Virginia (“WV Securities Commissioner”) (subpoena and request together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests required us to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in our sponsored mutual funds. We responded to the Information Requests and have been cooperating fully with the investigation.

On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against AllianceBernstein, Holding, and various unaffiliated defendants. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia.  The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On May 31, 2005, defendants removed the WVAG Complaint to the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia. On July 12, 2005, plaintiff moved to remand. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.

On August 30, 2005, the WV Securities Commissioner signed a “Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing” addressed to AllianceBernstein and Holding.  The Summary Order claims that AllianceBernstein and Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the SEC Order and NYAG AoD.  On January 26, 2006, AllianceBernstein, Holding, and various unaffiliated defendants filed a Petition for Writ of Prohibition and Order Suspending Proceedings in West Virginia state court seeking to vacate the Summary Order and for other relief.

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We intend to vigorously defend against the allegations in the WVAG Complaint. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation, the fact that plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint, and the fact that, to date, we have not engaged in settlement negotiations.

We previously concluded that the likelihood of a negative outcome in the market timing-related matters (excluding the WVAG Complaint) is probable.  As previously disclosed, AllianceBernstein recorded charges totaling $330 million during the second half of 2003, of which (i) $250 million was paid to the Restitution Fund (the $250 million was funded out of operating cash flow and paid to the SEC in January 2004), (ii) $30 million was used to settle a private civil mutual fund litigation unrelated to any regulatory agreements, and (iii) $50 million was reserved for estimated expenses related to our market-timing settlements with the SEC and the NYAG and our market timing-related liabilities (excluding WVAG Complaint-related expenses).  AllianceBernstein paid$8million during 2005 related to market timing and has cumulatively paid $310 million (excluding WVAG Complaint-related expenses). Including $10 million in charges taken in prior periods, we have reserves of approximately $30 million available for market timing-related liabilities in future periods.

We cannot determine at this time the eventual outcome, timing or impact of the market timing-related matters. Accordingly, it is possible that additional charges in the future may be required, the amount, timing, and impact of which we are unable to estimate at this time.

Revenue Sharing-related Matters

On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against AllianceBernstein, Holding, the General Partner, AXA Financial, AllianceBernstein Investments, certain current and former directors of the U.S. Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names the U.S. Funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by an alleged shareholder of the AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from U.S. Fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with AllianceBernstein, including recovery of all fees paid to AllianceBernstein pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all U.S. Fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.

Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against AllianceBernstein and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of U.S. Funds.


On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that assertsasserted claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above.subsequently-filed lawsuits. On October 19, 2005, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiff’splaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. Plaintiffs have movedOn May 31, 2006, the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to amendfile their consolidatedamended complaint.

On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal, which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date.


We believe that plaintiff’splaintiffs’ allegations in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint are without merit

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and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation, the fact that plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint, and the fact that, to date, we have not engaged in settlement negotiations.


We are involved in various other matters, including employee arbitrations, regulatory inquiries, administrative proceedings, and litigation, some of which allege substantialmaterial damages. While any proceeding or litigation has the element of uncertainty, we believe that the outcome of any one of the other lawsuits or claims that is pending or threatened, or all of them combined, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.


12.Claims Processing Contingency

During the fourth quarter of 2006, AllianceBernstein recorded a $56.0 million pre-tax charge ($54.5 million, net of the related income tax benefit), for the estimated cost of reimbursing certain clients for losses arising out of an error made in processing claims for class action settlement proceeds on behalf of these clients, which include some AllianceBernstein-sponsored mutual funds. The effect of the charge and related income tax benefit on Holding’s 2006 results of operations was a decrease in net income and diluted net income per unit of $17.8 million and $0.20, respectively. Our estimate of the cost is based on our review to date; as we continue our review, our estimate and the ultimate cost we incur may change. We believe that most of this cost will ultimately be recovered by AllianceBernstein from residual settlement proceeds and insurance.

7.
Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN No. 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, an interpretation of FASB Statement 109. FIN No. 48 requires that the effects of a tax position be recognized in the financial statements only if, as of the reporting date, it is “more likely than not” to be sustained based solely on its technical merits. In making this assessment, a company must assume that the taxing authority will examine the tax position and have full knowledge of all relevant information. FIN No. 48 became effective on January 1, 2007. We currently estimate that the implementation of FIN No. 48 will not have a material impact on our results of operations, liability for income taxes, or partners’ capital in 2007.

8.
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

  
Quarters Ended 2006
 
  
December 31
 
September 30
 
June 30
 
March 31
 
  
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
          
Equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein 
 $119,763 $82,028 $84,514 $73,164 
Net income 
 $109,429 $74,003 $76,005 $65,559 
Basic net income per unit(1) 
 $1.28 $0.88 $0.90 $0.79 
Diluted net income per unit(1) 
 $1.27 $0.87 $0.89 $0.78 
Cash distributions per unit(2) 
 $1.48 $0.87 $0.89 $0.78 
Unit prices(3):
             
High: $82.92 $71.03 $72.11 $66.60 
Low 
 $68.27 $56.10 $55.50 $56.12 

  
Quarters Ended 2005
 
  
December 31
 
September 30
 
June 30
 
March 31
 
  
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
          
Equity in earnings of AllianceBernstein 
 $92,143 $67,237 $62,654 $53,020 
Net income 
 $84,536 $60,570 $56,124 $46,834 
Basic net income per unit(1) 
 $1.03 $0.74 $0.69 $0.58 
Diluted net income per unit(1) 
 $1.02 $0.74 $0.68 $0.58 
Cash distributions per unit(2) 
 $1.02 $0.74 $0.68 $0.56 
Unit prices(3):
             
High 
 $58.46 $48.39 $47.75 $49.90 
Low 
 $46.00 $43.65 $42.35 $40.25 
____________
____________
(1)
Basic and diluted net income per unit are computed independently for each of the periods presented. Accordingly, the sum of the quarterly net income per unit amounts may not agree to the total for the year.
(2)
Declared and paid during the following quarter.
(3)
High and low sales prices as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Tothe General Partner and Unitholders
AllianceBernstein Holding L.P.:

We have completed an integrated audit of AllianceBernstein Holding L.P.’s 2006 financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audit, are presented below.

Financial statements

In our opinion, the accompanying statement of financial condition and the related statements of income, changes in partners' capital and comprehensive income and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“AllianceBernstein Holding”) at December 31, 2006 and for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of AllianceBernstein Holding’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that AllianceBernstein Holding maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, AllianceBernstein Holding, maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. AllianceBernstein Holding's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of AllianceBernstein Holding's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 27, 2007


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The General Partner and Unitholders
AllianceBernstein Holding L.P.:

We have audited the accompanying statement of financial condition of AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“AllianceBernstein Holding”), formerly Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P., as of December 31, 2005, and the related statements of income, changes in partners’ capital and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the management of the General Partner. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of AllianceBernstein Holding as of December 31, 2005, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
February 24, 2006

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition


  
December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
  
(in thousands, except unit amounts)
 
ASSETS
     
Cash and cash equivalents 
 $692,658 $654,168 
Cash and securities segregated, at market (cost $1,863,133 and $1,720,295) 
  1,863,957  1,720,809 
Receivables, net:       
Brokers and dealers 
  2,445,552  2,093,461 
Brokerage clients 
  485,446  429,586 
Fees, net 
  557,280  413,198 
Investments 
  543,653  345,045 
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net 
  288,575  236,309 
Goodwill, net 
  2,893,029  2,876,657 
Intangible assets, net 
�� 284,925  305,325 
Deferred sales commissions, net 
  194,950  196,637 
Other investments 
  203,950  86,369 
Other assets 
  147,130  132,916 
Total assets 
 
$
10,601,105
 
$
9,490,480
 
        
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
       
Liabilities:       
Payables:       
Brokers and dealers 
 $661,790 $1,057,274 
Brokerage clients 
  3,988,032  2,929,500 
AllianceBernstein mutual funds 
  266,849  140,603 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 
  333,007  286,449 
Accrued compensation and benefits 
  392,014  357,321 
Debt 
  334,901  407,291 
Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries 
  53,515  9,368 
Total liabilities 
  
6,030,108
  
5,187,806
 
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 11)
       
Partners’ capital:       
General Partner 
  46,416  44,065 
Limited partners: 259,062,014 and 255,624,870 units issued and outstanding 
  4,584,200  4,334,207 
   4,630,616  4,378,272 
Capital contributions receivable from General Partner 
  (29,590) (31,775)
Deferred compensation expense 
  (63,196) (67,895)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 
  33,167  24,072 
Total partners’ capital 
  
4,570,997
  
4,302,674
 
Total liabilities and partners’ capital 
 
$
10,601,105
 
$
9,490,480
 

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
           
Revenues:          
Investment advisory and services fees 
 $2,890,229 $2,259,392 $1,996,819 
Distribution revenues 
  421,045  397,800  447,283 
Institutional research services 
  375,075  352,757  420,141 
Dividend and interest income 
  266,520  152,781  72,743 
Investment gains (losses) 
  53,134  28,631  14,499 
Other revenues 
  132,237  117,227  136,744 
Total revenues 
  4,138,240  3,308,588  3,088,229 
Less: Interest expense 
  187,833  95,863  32,796 
Net revenues 
  3,950,407  3,212,725  3,055,433 
           
Expenses:          
Employee compensation and benefits 
  1,547,627  1,262,198  1,085,163 
Promotion and servicing:          
Distribution plan payments 
  292,886  291,953  374,184 
Amortization of deferred sales commissions 
  100,370  131,979  177,356 
Other 
  218,944  198,004  202,327 
General and administrative 
  583,296  384,339  426,389 
Interest on borrowings 
  23,124  25,109  24,232 
Amortization of intangible assets 
  20,710  20,700  20,700 
   2,786,957  2,314,282  2,310,351 
           
Operating income 
  
1,163,450
  
898,443
  
745,082
 
           
Non-operating income 
  20,196  34,446  
 
           
Income before income taxes 
  
1,183,646
  
932,889
  
745,082
 
           
Income taxes 
  75,045  64,571  39,932 
           
Net income 
 
$
1,108,601
 
$
868,318
 
$
705,150
 
           
Net income per unit:
          
Basic 
 
$
4.26
 
$
3.37
 
$
2.76
 
Diluted 
 
$
4.22
 
$
3.35
 
$
2.74
 

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital and Comprehensive Income
  
General
Partner’s
Capital
 
Limited
Partners’
Capital
 
Capital
Contributions
Receivable
 
Deferred
Compensation
Expense
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Total
Partners’
Capital
 
  
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
              
Balance as of December 31, 2003 
 $
39,195
 $
3,858,538
 
$
(35,698
)
$
(111,134
)
$
27,568
 $
3,778,469
 
Comprehensive income (loss):                   
Net income 
  7,052  698,098        705,150 
Other comprehensive income (loss):                   
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net 
          (236) (236)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net 
          14,768  14,768 
Comprehensive income (loss) 
  7,052  698,098      14,532  719,682 
Cash distributions to General Partner and unitholders ($1.50 per unit) 
  (3,838) (379,144)       (382,982)
Capital contributions from General Partner 
      5,901      5,901 
Purchases of Holding Units to fund deferred compensation plans, net 
  9  (8,557)   (36,532)   (45,080)
Compensatory Holding Unit options expense 
    2,356        2,356 
Amortization of deferred compensation awards 
        58,647    58,647 
Compensation plan accrual 
  32  3,224  (3,256)      
Additional investment by Holding with proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy Holding Units 
  467  46,238        46,705 
Balance as of December 31, 2004 
  
42,917
  
4,220,753
  
(33,053
)
 
(89,019
)
 
42,100
  
4,183,698
 
Comprehensive income (loss):                   
Net income 
  8,683  859,635        868,318 
Other comprehensive income (loss):                   
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net 
          1,985  1,985 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net 
          (20,013) (20,013)
Comprehensive income (loss) 
  8,683  859,635      (18,028) 850,290 
Cash distributions to General Partner and unitholders ($3.11 per unit) 
  (8,005) (792,504)       (800,509)
Capital contributions from General Partner 
      4,191      4,191 
Purchases of Holding Units to fund deferred compensation plans, net 
  16  (733)   (32,536)   (33,253)
Compensatory Holding Unit options expense 
    2,192        2,192 
Amortization of deferred compensation awards 
        53,660    53,660 
Compensation plan accrual 
  29  2,884  (2,913)      
Additional investment by Holding with proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy Holding Units 
  425  41,980        42,405 
Balance as of December 31, 2005 
  
44,065
  
4,334,207
  
(31,775
)
 
(67,895
)
 
24,072
  
4,302,674
 
Comprehensive income (loss):                   
Net income 
  11,086  1,097,515        1,108,601 
Other comprehensive income (loss):                   
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net 
          5,198  5,198 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net 
          10,821  10,821 
Comprehensive income (loss) 
  11,086  1,097,515      16,019  1,124,620 
Adjustment to initially apply FASB Statement No. 158, net 
          (6,924) (6,924)
Cash distributions to General Partner and unitholders ($3.94 per unit) 
  (10,255) (1,015,206)       (1,025,461)
Capital contributions from General Partner 
      4,303      4,303 
Purchases of Holding Units to fund deferred compensation plans, net 
  23  16,734    (39,102)   (22,345)
Additional investment by Holding through issuance of Holding Units in exchange for cash awards made under the Partners Compensation Plan 
  471  46,690        47,161 
Compensatory Holding Unit options expense 
    2,699        2,699 
Amortization of deferred compensation awards 
        43,801    43,801 
Compensation plan accrual 
  21  2,097  (2,118)      
Additional investment by Holding with proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy Holding Units 
  1,005  99,464        100,469 
Balance as of December 31, 2006 
 
$
46,416
 
$
4,584,200
 
$
(29,590
)
$
(63,196
)
$
33,167
 
$
4,570,997
 

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(in thousands)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income
 
$
1,108,601
 
$
868,318
 
$
705,150
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Amortization of deferred sales commissions 
  100,370  131,979  177,356 
Amortization of deferred compensation 
  76,251  85,437  101,561 
Depreciation and other amortization 
  72,445  67,980  74,878 
Other, net 
  (19,898) (14,774) 7,859 
Changes in assets and liabilities:          
(Increase) in segregated cash and securities 
  (143,148) (231,768) (203,240)
(Increase) decrease in receivable from brokers and dealers 
  (324,640) (605,389) 137,052 
(Increase) in receivable from brokerage clients 
  (31,974) (90,453) (21,154)
(Increase) in fees receivable, net 
  (135,821) (65,861) (13,187)
(Increase) in trading investments 
  (125,121) (135,121) (56,105)
(Increase) in deferred sales commissions 
  (98,679) (74,161) (44,584)
(Increase) in other investments 
  (115,317) (23,045) (29,996)
(Increase) in other assets 
  (9,638) (27,645) (2,142)
(Decrease) increase in payable to brokers and dealers 
  (422,492) 279,926  (339,687)
Increase in payable to brokerage clients 
  1,035,367  268,608  761,098 
Increase in payable to AllianceBernstein mutual funds 
  126,236  14,966  9,488 
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses 
  72,169  7,158  (267,879)
Increase (decrease) in accrued compensation and benefits, less deferred compensation 
  39,579  3,927  (28,304)
Net cash provided by operating activities 
  
1,204,290
  
460,082
  
968,164
 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Purchases of investments 
  (54,803) (7,380) (27,407)
Proceeds from sales of investments 
  12,812  12,717  38,046 
Additions to furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements 
  (97,073) (72,586) (57,313)
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired 
  (16,086) 
  
 
Net cash used in investing activities 
  
(155,150
)
 
(67,249
)
 
(46,674
)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Issuance (repayment) of commercial paper, net 
  328,119  (150) (92)
Repayment of long-term debt 
  (408,149)    
Cash distributions to General Partner and unitholders 
  (1,025,461) (800,509) (382,982)
Capital contributions from General Partner 
  4,303  4,191  5,901 
Additional investment by Holding with proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy Holding Units 
  100,469  42,405  46,705 
Purchases of Holding Units to fund deferred compensation plans, net 
  (22,345) (33,253) (45,080)
Net cash used in financing activities 
  
(1,023,064
)
 
(787,316
)
 
(375,548
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 
  12,414  (12,872) 12,723 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
  
38,490
  
(407,355
)
 
558,665
 
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of the period 
  654,168  1,061,523  502,858 
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of the period 
 
$
692,658
 
$
654,168
 
$
1,061,523
 
Cash paid:          
Interest 
 $229,009 $122,152 $55,102 
Income taxes 
  59,704  56,521  33,516 
Non-cash financing activities:          
Additional investment by Holding through issuance of Holding Units in exchange for cash awards made under the Partners Compensation Plan  47,161  
  
 
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The words “we” and “our” refer collectively to AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. and AllianceBernstein L.P. and its subsidiaries, or to their officers and employees. Similarly, the word “company” refers to both Holding and AllianceBernstein. Where the context requires distinguishing between Holding and AllianceBernstein, we identify which of them is being discussed. Cross-references are in italics.

1.
Organization and Business Description

AllianceBernstein provides research, diversified investment management and related services globally to a broad range of clients. Its principal services are:

·Institutional Investments Services - servicing institutional investors, including unaffiliated corporate and public employee pension funds, endowment funds, domestic and foreign institutions and governments, and affiliates such as AXA and certain of its insurance company subsidiaries, by means of separately managed accounts, sub-advisory relationships, structured products, group trusts, mutual funds (sponsored by AllianceBernstein or our affiliated joint venture companies), and other investment vehicles.

·Retail Services - servicing individual investors, primarily by means of retail mutual funds sponsored by AllianceBernstein or our affiliated joint venture companies, sub-advisory relationships in respect of mutual funds sponsored by third parties, separately managed account programs that are sponsored by various financial intermediaries worldwide, and other investment vehicles.

·Private Client Services - servicing high-net-worth individuals, trusts and estates, charitable foundations, partnerships, private and family corporations, and other entities, by means of separately managed accounts, hedge funds, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles.

·Institutional Research Services - servicing institutional investors desiring institutional research services including in-depth, independent, fundamental research, portfolio strategy, trading, and brokerage-related services.

We also provide distribution, shareholder servicing, and administrative services to our sponsored mutual funds.

We provide a broad range of investment services with expertise in:

·Growth equities, generally targeting stocks with under-appreciated growth potential;

·Value equities, generally targeting stocks that are out of favor and that may trade at bargain prices;

·Fixed income securities, including both taxable and tax-exempt securities;

·Passive management, including both index and enhanced index strategies; and

·Blend strategies, combining style pure investment components with systematic rebalancing.

We manage these services using various investment disciplines, including market capitalization (e.g., large-, mid-, and small-cap equities), term (e.g., long-, intermediate-, and short-duration debt securities), and geographic location (e.g., U.S., international, global, and emerging markets), as well as local and regional disciplines in major markets around the world.

Our high-quality, in-depth fundamental research is the foundation of our business. AllianceBernstein’s research disciplines include fundamental research, quantitative research, economic research, and currency forecasting capabilities. In addition, AllianceBernstein has created several specialist research units, including one unit that examines global strategic changes that can affect multiple industries and geographies, and another dedicated to identifying potentially successful innovations within early-stage companies.


As of December 31, 2006, AXA, a société anonyme organized under the laws of France and the holding company for an international group of insurance and related financial services companies, AXA Financial, Inc. (an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA, “AXA Financial”), AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA Financial, “AXA Equitable”) and certain subsidiaries of AXA Financial, collectively referred to as “AXA and its subsidiaries”, owned approximately 1.7% of the issued and outstanding Holding Units.

As of December 31, 2006, the ownership of AllianceBernstein, as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests, was as follows:

AXA and its subsidiaries
59.7%
Holding
32.8
SCB Partners Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCB Inc.; formerly known as Sanford C. Bernstein Inc.)
6.2
Other
1.3
100.0%

AllianceBernstein Corporation (an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA, “General Partner”) is the general partner of both Holding and AllianceBernstein. AllianceBernstein Corporation owns 100,000 general partnership units in Holding and a 1% general partnership interest in AllianceBernstein. Each general partnership unit in Holding is entitled to receive quarterly distributions equal to those received by each limited partnership unit. Including the general partnership interests in AllianceBernstein and Holding, and their equity interest in Holding, as of December 31, 2006, AXA and its subsidiaries had an approximate 60.3% economic interest in AllianceBernstein.

2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include AllianceBernstein and its majority-owned and/or controlled subsidiaries. All significant inter-company transactions and balances among the consolidated entities have been eliminated.

The equity method of accounting is used for unconsolidated joint ventures and, in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force D-46, “Accounting for Limited Partnership Investments”, for investments made in limited partnership hedge funds that we sponsor and manage. The investments are included in “other investments” on the consolidated balance sheets and the related investment income and gains and losses are included in “other revenues” on the consolidated statements of income.

Variable Interest Entities

In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003) (“FIN 46-R”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”, management reviews quarterly its management agreements and its investments in, and other financial arrangements with, certain entities that hold client assets under management to determine the entities that the company is required to consolidate under FIN 46-R. These include certain mutual fund products, hedge funds, structured products, group trusts, and joint ventures.

We derive no benefit from client assets under management of these entities other than investment management fees and cannot utilize those assets in our operations.

As of December 31, 2006, we have significant variable interests in certain structured products and hedge funds with approximately $226.4 million in client assets under management. However, these variable interest entities do not require consolidation because management has determined that we are not the primary beneficiary. Our maximum exposure to loss in these entities is limited to our investment of $0.1 million in these entities.


Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and highly liquid investments including money market accounts with actual maturities of three months or less. Due to the short-term nature of these instruments, the recorded value has been determined to approximate fair value.

Fees Receivable, Net

Fees receivable are shown net of allowances. An allowance for doubtful accounts related to investment advisory and services fees is determined through an analysis of the aging of receivables, assessments of collectibility based on historical trends and other qualitative and quantitative factors, including the following: our relationship with the client, the financial health (or ability to pay) of the client, current economic conditions and whether the account is closed or active.

Collateralized Securities Transactions

Customers’ securities transactions are recorded on a settlement date basis, with related commission income and expenses reported on a trade date basis. Receivables from and payables to customers include amounts due on cash and margin transactions. Securities owned by customers are held as collateral for receivables; collateral is not reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Principal securities transactions and related expenses are recorded on a trade date basis.

Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB LLC”) and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCBL”), both wholly-owned subsidiaries, account for transfers of financial assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities”. Securities borrowed and securities loaned are recorded at the amount of cash collateral advanced or received in connection with the transaction and are included in receivables from and payables to brokers and dealers in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Securities borrowed transactions require SCB LLC and SCBL to deposit cash collateral with the lender. With respect to securities loaned, SCB LLC and SCBL receive cash collateral from the borrower. The initial collateral advanced or received approximates or is greater than the fair value of securities borrowed or loaned. SCB LLC and SCBL monitor the fair value of the securities borrowed and loaned on a daily basis and request additional collateral or return excess collateral, as appropriate. Income or expense is recognized over the life of the transactions.

Investments

Investments, principally investments in United States Treasury Bills, unconsolidated company-sponsored mutual funds and securities held by consolidated company-sponsored mutual funds, are classified as either trading or available-for-sale securities. The trading investments are stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in net income. Available-for-sale investments are stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in partners’ capital. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are included in income in the current period.

Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net

Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of eight years for furniture and three to six years for equipment and software. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the terms of the related leases.

Goodwill, Net

On October 2, 2000, AllianceBernstein acquired the business and assets of SCB Inc., an investment research and management company formerly known as Sanford C. Bernstein Inc. (“Bernstein”), and assumed the liabilities of Bernstein (“Bernstein Transaction”). The purchase price consisted of a cash payment of approximately $1.5 billion and 40.8 million newly issued AllianceBernstein Units. AXA Financial purchased approximately 32.6 million newly issued AllianceBernstein Units for $1.6 billion on June 21, 2000, to fund the cash portion of the purchase price.

The Bernstein Transaction was accounted for under the purchase method with the results of Bernstein included in the consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date. The cost of the acquisition was allocated on the basis of the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Portions of the purchase price were identified as net tangible assets of $0.1 billion and costs assigned to contracts acquired of $0.4 billion. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired resulted in the recognition of goodwill of approximately $3.0 billion.


During the second quarter of 2006, we made an acquisition which resulted in the recognition of approximately $16.4 million of goodwill (see Note 20).

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 (“SFAS No. 142”), “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, we test goodwill at least annually, as of September 30, for impairment. As of September 30, 2006, the impairment test indicated that goodwill was not impaired. Also, as of December 31, 2006, management believes that goodwill was not impaired. However, future tests may be based upon different assumptions which may or may not result in an impairment of this asset. Any impairment could reduce materially the recorded amount of the goodwill asset with a corresponding charge to our earnings.

Intangible Assets, Net

Intangible assets consist primarily of costs assigned to investment management contracts of SCB Inc. less accumulated amortization. In order to determine the fair market value and the remaining useful lives of these investment management contracts, we performed an analysis as of the acquisition date that considered the following factors:

·
The nature and characteristics of the intangible assets, including:

·
The historical and expected future economic benefits associated with the assets as of the valuation date,

·
The historical and expected attrition associated with the assets, and

·
Any special rights associated with the assets;

·
The historical and then-current financial condition and operating results of SCB Inc.;

·
Discussions with management of SCB Inc. and others to augment our understanding of the nature of the intangible assets; and

·
Reviews of market data and other available information relating to SCB Inc. and the investment management industry.

As a result of the analysis, management determined that the intangible assets have an estimated useful life of approximately 20 years.

The gross carrying amount of intangible assets subject to amortization totaled $414.3 million and $414.0 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and accumulated amortization was $129.4 million as of December 31, 2006 and $108.7 million as of December 31, 2005, resulting in the net carrying amount of intangible assets subject to amortization of $284.9 million as of December 31, 2006 and $305.3 million as of December 31, 2005. Amortization expense was $20.7 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, and estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years is approximately $20.7 million.

Management tests intangible assets for impairment quarterly. As of December 31, 2006, management believes that intangible assets were not impaired. However, future tests may be based upon different assumptions which may or may not result in an impairment of this asset. Any impairment could reduce materially the recorded amount of intangible assets with a corresponding charge to our earnings.


Deferred Sales Commissions, Net

We pay commissions to financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of shares of open-end company-sponsored mutual funds sold without a front-end sales charge (“back-end load shares”). These commissions are capitalized as deferred sales commissions and amortized over periods not exceeding five and one-half years for U.S. fund shares and four years for non-U.S. fund shares, the periods of time during which deferred sales commissions are generally recovered. We recover these commissions from distribution services fees received from those funds and from contingent deferred sales commissions (“CDSC”) received from shareholders of those funds upon the redemption of their shares. CDSC cash recoveries are recorded as reductions of unamortized deferred sales commissions when received.

Management tests the deferred sales commission asset for recoverability quarterly. Significant assumptions utilized to estimate the company’s future average assets under management and undiscounted future cash flows from back-end load shares include expected future market performance and redemption rates. Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows and the remaining life of the deferred sales commission asset are made from these assumptions and the aggregate undiscounted future cash flows are compared to the recorded value of the deferred sales commission asset. Management considers the results of these analyses performed at various dates. If management determines in the future that an impairment exists, a loss would be recorded. The amount of the loss would be measured as the amount by which the recorded amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is determined using management’s best estimate of future cash flows discounted to a present value amount.

Loss Contingencies

With respect to all significant litigation matters, we conduct a probability assessment of the likelihood of a negative outcome. If we determine the likelihood of a negative outcome is probable, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record an estimated loss for the expected outcome of the litigation as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5 (“SFAS No. 5”), “Accounting for Contingencies”, and Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 14 (“FIN No. 14”), “Reasonable Estimation of the Amount of a Loss - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 5”. If the likelihood of a negative outcome is reasonably possible and we are able to indicate an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, we disclose that fact together with the estimate of the possible loss or range of loss. However, it is difficult to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss because litigation is subject to significant uncertainties, particularly when plaintiffs allege substantial or indeterminate damages, or when the litigation is highly complex or broad in scope.

Revenue Recognition

Investment advisory and services base fees, generally calculated as a percentage of assets under management, are recorded as revenue as the related services are performed. Certain investment advisory contracts provide for a performance-based fee, in addition to or in lieu of a base fee, which is calculated as either a percentage of absolute investment results or a percentage of investment results in excess of a stated benchmark over a specified period of time. Performance-based fees are recorded as revenue at the end of each measurement period. Institutional research services revenue consists of brokerage transaction charges received by SCB LLC and SCBL for in-depth research and brokerage-related services provided to institutional investors. Brokerage transaction charges earned and related expenses are recorded on a trade date basis. Distribution revenues, shareholder servicing fees, and interest income are accrued as earned.

Mutual Fund Underwriting Activities

Purchases and sales of shares of our mutual funds in connection with the underwriting activities of our subsidiaries, including related commission income, are recorded on trade date. Receivables from brokers and dealers for sale of shares of our mutual funds are generally realized within three business days from trade date, in conjunction with the settlement of the related payables to our mutual funds for share purchases. Distribution plan and other promotion and servicing payments are recognized as an expense when incurred.

Deferred Compensation Plans

We maintain several unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plans under which annual awards to employees are generally made in the fourth quarter. Participants allocate their awards among notional investments in Holding Units, certain of our investment services we provide to our clients, or a money market fund, or investments in options to buy Holding Units. We typically purchase the investments that are notionally elected by the participants and hold such investments, which are classified as trading securities, in a consolidated rabbi trust. Vesting periods for annual awards range from immediate to four years, depending on the terms of the individual awards, the age of the participants, or in the case of our Chairman and CEO, the terms of his employment agreement. Upon vesting, awards are distributed to participants unless they have made a voluntary long-term election to defer receipt. Quarterly cash distributions on unvested Holding Units for which a long-term deferral election has not been made are paid currently to participants. Quarterly cash distributions on notional investments of Holding Units and income credited on notional investments in our investment services or the money market fund for which a long-term deferral election has been made are reinvested and distributed as elected by participants.


Compensation expense for awards under the plans, including changes in participant account balances resulting from gains and losses on notional investments (other than in Holding Units), is recognized on a straight-line basis over the applicable vesting periods. Mark-to-market gains or losses on notional investments (other than in Holding Units) are recognized currently as investment gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of income.

Compensatory Option Plans

In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), (“SFAS No. 123-R”), “Share Based Payment”. SFAS No. 123-R requires that compensation cost related to share-based payments, based on the fair value of the equity instruments issued, be recognized in financial statements. SFAS No. 123-R supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (“APB No. 25”), “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and its related implementation guidance. We adopted SFAS No. 123-R effective January 1, 2006 utilizing the modified prospective method. Prior period amounts have not been restated.

Prior to January 1, 2006, we utilized the fair value method of recording compensation expense (including a straight-line amortization policy), related to compensatory option awards of Holding Units granted subsequent to 2001, as permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (“SFAS No. 123”), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148 (“SFAS No. 148”), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure”. Under the fair value method, compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award (determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model) and is recognized over the vesting period.

For compensatory option awards granted prior to 2002, we applied the provisions of APB No. 25, under which compensation expense is recognized only if the market value of the underlying Holding Units exceeds the exercise price at the date of grant. We did not record compensation expense for compensatory option awards made prior to 2002 because those options were granted with exercise prices equal to the market value of the underlying Holding Units on the date of grant. Had we recorded compensation expense for those options based on their fair value at grant date under SFAS No. 123, net income for 2005 and 2004 would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
  
(in thousands, except 
per unit amounts)
 
SFAS No. 123 pro forma net income:       
Net income as reported 
 $868,318 $705,150 
Add: stock-based compensation expense included in net income, net of tax 
  2,040  2,231 
Deduct: total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value method for all awards, net of tax 
  (3,918) (7,132)
SFAS No. 123 pro forma net income 
 $866,440 $700,249 
Net income per unit:       
Basic net income per unit as reported 
 $3.37 $2.76 
Basic net income per unit pro forma 
 $3.37 $2.74 
Diluted net income per unit as reported 
 $3.35 $2.74 
Diluted net income per unit pro forma 
 $3.34 $2.72 

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into United States dollars (“US$”) at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates, and related revenues and expenses are translated into US$ at average exchange rates in effect during each period. Net foreign currency gains and losses resulting from the translation of assets and liabilities of foreign operations into US$ are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of changes in partners’ capital and comprehensive income. Net realized foreign currency transaction losses were $0.2 million, $0.7 million, and $1.8 million for 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

Cash Distributions

AllianceBernstein is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of AllianceBernstein (“AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement”), to its unitholders and to its General Partner. Available Cash Flow can be summarized as the cash flow received by AllianceBernstein from operations minus such amounts as the General Partner determines, in its sole discretion, should be retained by AllianceBernstein for use in its business. The General Partner computes cash flow received from operations by determining the sum of:

net cash provided by operating activities of AllianceBernstein,

proceeds from borrowings and from sales or other dispositions of assets in the ordinary course of business, and

income from investments in marketable securities, liquid investments, and other financial instruments that are acquired for investment purposes and that have a value that may be readily established,

and then subtracting from this amount the sum of:

payments in respect of the principal of borrowings, and

amounts expended for the purchase of assets in the ordinary course of business.

On January 24, 2007, the General Partner declared a distribution of $418.7 million, or $1.60 per AllianceBernstein Unit, representing a distribution from Available Cash Flow for the three months ended December 31, 2006. The distribution was paid on February 15, 2007 to holders of record as of February 5, 2007.

Comprehensive Income

Total accumulated other comprehensive income is reported in the consolidated statements of changes in partners’ capital and comprehensive income and includes net income, unrealized gains and losses on investments classified as available-for-sale, foreign currency translation adjustments, and unrecognized actuarial net losses, prior service cost and transition assets. The accumulated balance of comprehensive income items is displayed separately in the partners’ capital section of the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These include the following reclassifications in the consolidated statements of income:

the reclassification of $31.5 million and $116.5 million of transaction charge revenues from investment advisory and services fees to institutional research services for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively;

gains on dispositions (previously included in other revenues) and related expenses (previously included in employee compensation and benefits and general and administrative) are now classified as non-operating income;

dividend and interest income, investment gains and losses, and broker-dealer related interest expense, previously included in other revenues, are now shown separately; and


shareholder servicing fees ($99.4 million and $116.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively), previously shown separately, are now included in other revenues.

3.
Cash and Securities Segregated Under Federal Regulations and Other Requirements

As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, $1.9 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively, of United States Treasury Bills were segregated in a special reserve bank custody account for the exclusive benefit of brokerage customers of SCB LLC under Rule 15c3-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). During the first week of January 2007, we deposited an additional $0.2 billion in United States Treasury Bills in this special account pursuant to Rule 15c 3-3 requirements.
4.
Net Income Per Unit

Basic net income per unit is derived by reducing net income for the 1% general partnership interest and dividing the remaining 99% by the basic weighted average number of units outstanding for each year. Diluted net income per unit is derived by reducing net income for the 1% general partnership interest and dividing the remaining 99% by the total of the basic weighted average number of units outstanding and the dilutive unit equivalents resulting from outstanding compensatory options as follows:
  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
        
Net income 
 $1,108,601 $868,318 $705,150 
           
Weighted average units outstanding—basic 
  257,719  254,883  253,121 
Dilutive effect of compensatory options 
  2,243  1,714  1,644 
Weighted average units outstanding—diluted 
  259,962  256,597  254,765 
           
Basic net income per unit 
 $4.26 $3.37 $2.76 
Diluted net income per unit 
 $4.22 $3.35 $2.74 

As of December 31, 2006, there were no out-of-the-money options (i.e., options with an exercise price greater than the weighted average closing price of a unit for the year). As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, we excluded 3,950,100 and 4,336,500 out-of-the-money options, respectively, from the diluted net income per unit computation due to their anti-dilutive effect.

5.
Receivables, Net and Payables

Receivables, net are comprised of:

  
December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
  
(in thousands)
 
      
Brokers and dealers:       
Collateral for securities borrowed (fair value $2,117,885 in 2006 and $1,893,594 in 2005) 
 $2,182,167 $1,966,000 
Other 
  263,385  127,461 
Total brokers and dealers 
  2,445,552  2,093,461 
Brokerage clients 
  485,446  429,586 
Fees, net:       
AllianceBernstein mutual funds 
  180,260  143,737 
Unaffiliated clients (net of allowance of $1,113 in 2006 and $939 in 2005) 
  369,690  262,279 
Affiliated clients 
  7,330  7,182 
Total fees receivable, net 
  557,280  413,198 
Total receivables, net 
 
$
3,488,278
 
$
2,936,245
 


Payables are comprised of:
  
December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
  
(in thousands)
 
      
Brokers and dealers:       
Collateral for securities loaned (fair value $470,798 in 2006 and $942,985 in 2005) 
 $489,093 $976,985 
Other 
  172,697  80,289 
Total brokers and dealers 
  661,790  1,057,274 
Brokerage clients 
  3,988,032  2,929,500 
AllianceBernstein mutual funds 
  266,849  140,603 
Total payables 
 
$
4,916,671
 
$
4,127,377
 

6.
Investments

As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, investments consisted of investments available-for-sale, principally company-sponsored mutual funds, and trading investments, principally United States Treasury Bills and company-sponsored mutual funds. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, United States Treasury Bills with a fair market value of $17.0 million and $16.9 million, respectively, were on deposit with various clearing organizations.

The following is a summary of the cost and fair value of investments as of December 31, 2006 and 2005:

  
Amortized 
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
  
(in thousands)
 
          
December 31, 2006:
         
Available-for-sale:             
Equity investments 
 $39,232 $8,665 $(3)$47,894 
Fixed income investments 
  31,476  486  (5) 31,957 
   70,708  9,151  (8) 79,851 
Trading:             
Equity investments 
  407,790  34,264  (9,921) 432,133 
Fixed income investments 
  31,155  517  (3) 31,669 
   438,945  34,781  (9,924) 463,802 
Total investments 
 
$
509,653
 
$
43,932
 
$
(9,932
)
$
543,653
 
              
December 31, 2005:
             
Available-for-sale:             
Equity investments 
 $26,787 $3,777 $(18)$30,546 
Fixed income investments 
  1,102  181  (5) 1,278 
   27,889  3,958  (23) 31,824 
Trading:             
Equity investments 
  262,153  23,701  (3,135) 282,719 
Fixed income investments 
  30,503  290  (291) 30,502 
   292,656  23,991  (3,426) 313,221 
Total investments 
 
$
320,545
 
$
27,949
 
$
(3,449
)
$
345,045
 

Proceeds from sales of investments available-for-sale were approximately $12.8 million, $12.7 million, and $38.0 million in 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively. Net realized gains from our sales of available-for-sale investments were $1.0 million, $0.9 million, and $2.4 million in 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

We assess valuation declines to determine the extent to which such declines are fundamental to the underlying investment or attributable to market-related factors. Based on this assessment, we do not believe the declines are other than temporary.


7.
Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net are comprised of:
  
December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
  
(in thousands)
 
      
Furniture and equipment 
 $426,848 $369,092 
Leasehold improvements 
  254,421  217,137 
   681,269  586,229 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization 
  (392,694) (349,920)
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net 
 
$
288,575
 
$
236,309
 
Depreciation and amortization expense on furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements were $43.8 million, $45.8 million, and $52.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

8.
Deferred Sales Commissions, Net

The components of deferred sales commissions, net for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

  
December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
  
(in thousands)
 
      
Gross carrying amount of deferred sales commissions 
 $530,231 $692,148 
Less:   Accumulated amortization 
  (250,626) (421,620)
Cumulative CDSC received 
  (84,655) (73,891)
Deferred sales commissions, net 
 
$
194,950
 
$
196,637
 

Amortization expense was $100.4 million, $132.0 million, and $177.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively. Estimated future amortization expense related to the December 31, 2006 net asset balance is as follows (in thousands):

2007 $77,776 
2008  54,145 
2009  39,303 
2010  18,334 
2011  4,866 
2012  526 
  
$
194,950
 

9.
Other Investments

Other investments consist of investments made primarily to seed limited partnership hedge funds that we sponsor and manage, securities held by a consolidated venture capital fund, and investments in unconsolidated joint ventures. The components of other investments as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

  
December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
  
(in thousands)
 
      
Investments in sponsored partnerships and other investments 
 $168,324 $77,856 
Securities held by a consolidated venture capital fund 
  33,996   
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 
  1,630  8,513 
Other investments 
 
$
203,950
 
$
86,369
 


10.
Debt

Total available credit, debt outstanding and weighted average interest rates as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

  
December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
  
Credit
Available
 
Debt
Outstanding
 
Interest
Rate
 
Credit
Available
 
Debt
Outstanding
 
Interest
Rate
 
  
(in millions)
 
    
Senior notes 
 $200.0 $  %$600.0 $399.7  5.6%
Commercial paper(1) 
  800.0  334.9  5.3  425.0     
Revolving credit facility(1) 
        375.0     
Extendible commercial notes 
  100.0      100.0     
Other 
        n/a  7.6  4.6 
Total 
 
$
1,100.0
 
$
334.9
  
5.3
 
$
1,500.0
 
$
407.3
  
5.6
 
____________________
(1)
Our revolving credit facility supports our commercial paper program; amounts borrowed under the commercial paper program reduce amounts available for other purposes under the revolving credit facility on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

In August 2001, we issued $400 million 5.625% Notes (“Senior Notes”) pursuant to a shelf registration statement that originally permitted us to issue up to $600 million in senior debt securities. The Senior Notes matured in August 2006, and were retired using cash flow from operations and proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper. We currently have $200 million available under the shelf registration statement for future issuances.

In February 2006, we entered into an $800 million five-year revolving credit facility with a group of commercial banks and other lenders. The revolving credit facility is intended to provide back-up liquidity for our commercial paper program, which we increased from $425 million to $800 million in May 2006. Under the revolving credit facility, the interest rate, at our option, is a floating rate generally based upon a defined prime rate, a rate related to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or the Federal Funds rate. The revolving credit facility contains covenants which, among other things, require us to meet certain financial ratios. We were in compliance with the covenants as of December 31, 2006.

As of December 31, 2006, we maintained a $100 million extendible commercial notes (“ECN”) program as a supplement to our commercial paper program. ECNs are short-term uncommitted debt instruments that do not require back-up liquidity support.

In 2006, SCB LLC entered into four separate uncommitted credit facility agreements with various banks, each for $100 million. As of December 31, 2006, there were no amounts outstanding under these credit facilities. During January and February of 2007, SCB LLC increased three of the agreements to $200 million each and entered into an additional agreement for $100 million with a new bank.


11.
Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases

We lease office space, furniture and office equipment under various operating leases. The future minimum payments under non-cancelable leases, sublease commitments, and payments, net of sublease commitments as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:
  
Payments
 
Sublease
 
Net
Payments
 
  
(in millions)
 
        
2007 
 $100.7 $3.9 $96.8 
2008 
  101.8  3.3  98.5 
2009 
  96.5  3.0  93.5 
2010 
  98.3  3.0  95.3 
2011 
  95.6  3.0  92.6 
2012 and thereafter 
  1,406.3  16.1  1,390.2 
Total future minimum payments 
 
$
1,899.2
 
$
32.3
 
$
1,866.9
 

Office leases contain escalation clauses that provide for the pass through of increases in operating expenses and real estate taxes. Rent expense, which is amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease, was $99.7 million, $76.0 million, and $78.5 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively, net of sublease income of $3.7 million, $5.9 million, and $5.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

Deferred Sales Commission Asset

Payments of sales commissions made by AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“AllianceBernstein Investments”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AllianceBernstein, to financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of back-end load shares under our mutual fund distribution system (the “System”) are capitalized as deferred sales commissions (“deferred sales commission asset”) and amortized over periods not exceeding five and one-half years for U.S. fund shares and four years for non-U.S. fund shares, the periods of time during which the deferred sales commission asset is expected to be recovered. CDSC cash recoveries are recorded as reductions of unamortized deferred sales commissions when received. The amount recorded for the net deferred sales commission asset was $195.0 million and $196.6 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Payments of sales commissions made by AllianceBernstein Investments to financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of back-end load shares under the System, net of CDSC received of $23.7 million, $21.4 million, and $32.9 million, respectively, totaled approximately $98.7 million, $74.2 million, and $44.6 million during 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

Management tests the deferred sales commission asset for recoverability quarterly. Significant assumptions utilized to estimate the company’s future average assets under management and undiscounted future cash flows from back-end load shares include expected future market levels and redemption rates. Market assumptions are selected using a long-term view of expected average market returns based on historical returns of broad market indices. As of December 31, 2006, management used average market return assumptions of 5% for fixed income and 8% for equity to estimate annual market returns. Higher actual average market returns would increase undiscounted future cash flows, while lower actual average market returns would decrease undiscounted future cash flows. Future redemption rate assumptions range from 24% to 26% for U.S. fund shares and 21% to 29% for non-U.S. fund shares, determined by reference to actual redemption experience over the five-year, three-year, and one-year periods ended December 31, 2006, calculated as a percentage of the company’s average assets under management represented by back-end load shares. An increase in the actual rate of redemptions would decrease undiscounted future cash flows, while a decrease in the actual rate of redemptions would increase undiscounted future cash flows. These assumptions are reviewed and updated quarterly. Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows and the remaining life of the deferred sales commission asset are made from these assumptions and the aggregate undiscounted future cash flows are compared to the recorded value of the deferred sales commission asset. As of December 31, 2006, management determined that the deferred sales commission asset was not impaired. If management determines in the future that the deferred sales commission asset is not recoverable, an impairment condition would exist and a loss would be measured as the amount by which the recorded amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is determined using management’s best estimate of future cash flows discounted to a present value amount.


During 2006, U.S. equity markets increased by approximately 15.8% as measured by the change in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index and U.S. fixed income markets increased by approximately 4.3% as measured by the change in the Lehman Brothers’ Aggregate Bond Index. The redemption rate for domestic back-end load shares was 25.0% in 2006. Non-U.S. capital markets increases ranged from 20.1% to 32.2% as measured by the MSCI World, Emerging Market, and EAFE Index. The redemption rate for non-U.S. back-end load shares was 29.1% in 2006. Declines in financial markets or higher redemption levels, or both, as compared to the assumptions used to estimate undiscounted future cash flows, as described above, could result in the impairment of the deferred sales commission asset. Due to the volatility of the capital markets and changes in redemption rates, management is unable to predict whether or when a future impairment of the deferred sales commission asset might occur. Any impairment would reduce materially the recorded amount of the deferred sales commission asset with a corresponding charge to earnings.

Legal Proceedings

With respect to all significant litigation matters, we conduct a probability assessment of the likelihood of a negative outcome. If we determine the likelihood of a negative outcome is probable, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record an estimated loss for the expected outcome of the litigation as required by SFAS No. 5 and FIN No. 14. If the likelihood of a negative outcome is reasonably possible and we are able to indicate an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, we disclose that fact together with the estimate of the possible loss or range of loss. However, it is difficult to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss because litigation is subject to significant uncertainties, particularly when plaintiffs allege substantial or indeterminate damages, or when the litigation is highly complex or broad in scope.

On April 8, 2002, In re Enron Corporation Securities Litigation, a consolidated complaint (as subsequently amended, “Enron Complaint”) was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, against numerous defendants, including AllianceBernstein, alleging that AllianceBernstein violated Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), with respect to a registration statement filed by Enron Corp. On January 2, 2007, the court issued a final judgment dismissing the Enron Complaint as the allegations therein pertained to AllianceBernstein. The parties have agreed that there will be no appeal.

Market Timing-related Matters

On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against AllianceBernstein, Holding, the General Partner, AXA Financial, the AllianceBernstein-sponsored mutual funds (“U.S. Funds”) that are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“Investment Company Act”), the registrants and issuers of those funds, certain officers of AllianceBernstein (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the U.S. Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of U.S. Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, and Sections 206 and 215 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”). Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with AllianceBernstein, including recovery of all fees paid to AllianceBernstein pursuant to such contracts.

Following October 2, 2003, additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against AllianceBernstein and certain other defendants. All state court actions against AllianceBernstein either were voluntarily dismissed or removed to federal court. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all federal actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (“Mutual Fund MDL”). On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Holding; and claims brought under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of AllianceBernstein. All four complaints included substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the Order of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) dated December 18, 2003 (as amended and restated January 15, 2004, “SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG AoD”).


On April 21, 2006, AllianceBernstein and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which we previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.

We intend to vigorously defend against the lawsuit involving derivative claims brought on behalf of Holding. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation, and the fact that the plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint.

On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against AllianceBernstein, Holding, and various unaffiliated defendants. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL. On August 30, 2005, the WV Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing (“Summary Order”) addressed to AllianceBernstein and Holding. The Summary Order claims that AllianceBernstein and Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the SEC Order and NYAG AoD. On January 25, 2006, AllianceBernstein and Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied our petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, we filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the WV Securities Commissioner.

We intend to vigorously defend against the allegations in the WVAG Complaint and the Summary Order. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of these matters because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation, the fact that plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint, and the fact that, to date, we have not engaged in settlement negotiations.

Revenue Sharing-related Matters

On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al

. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against AllianceBernstein, Holding, the General Partner, AXA Financial, AllianceBernstein Investments, certain current and former directors of the U.S. Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names the U.S. Funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of the AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from U.S. Fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with AllianceBernstein, including recovery of all fees paid to AllianceBernstein pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all U.S. Fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.


On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserted claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and nine additional subsequently-filed lawsuits. On October 19, 2005, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006, the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file their amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal, which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date.

We believe that plaintiffs’ allegations in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss in respect of this matter because of the inherent uncertainty regarding the outcome of complex litigation, the fact that plaintiffs did not specify an amount of damages sought in their complaint, and the fact that, to date, we have not engaged in settlement negotiations.


We are involved in various other matters, including employee arbitrations, regulatory inquiries, administrative proceedings, and litigation, some of which allege material damages. While any proceeding or litigation has the element of uncertainty, we believe that the outcome of any one of the other lawsuits or claims that is pending or threatened, or all of them combined, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Claims Processing Contingency

During the fourth quarter of 2006, we recorded a $56.0 million pre-tax charge as general and administrative expense for the estimated cost of reimbursing certain clients for losses arising out of an error we made in processing claims for class action settlement proceeds on behalf of these clients, which include some AllianceBernstein-sponsored mutual funds. The charge and related income tax benefit decreased 2006 net income and diluted net income per unit by $54.5 million and $0.21, respectively. Our estimate of the cost is based on our review to date; as we continue our review, our estimate and the ultimate cost we incur may change. We believe that most of this cost will ultimately be recovered from residual settlement proceeds and insurance.
12.
Net Capital

SCB LLC, a broker-dealer and a member organization of the NYSE,New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), is subject to the Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 of the Exchange Act. SCB LLC computes its net capital under the alternative method permitted by the rule, which requires that minimum net capital, as defined, equal the greater of $1 million, or two percent of aggregate debit items arising from customer transactions, as defined, which as of December 31, 2005 amounted to $26.3 million.defined. As of December 31, 2005,2006, SCB LLC had net capital of $146.4$154.1 million, which was $120.1$112.6 million in excess of the minimum net capital requirement of $26.3$41.5 million. Advances, dividend payments and other equity withdrawals by SCB LLC are restricted by the regulations of the SEC, NYSE, and other securities agencies. As of December 31, 2005, $65.72006, $103.7 million was not available for payment of cash dividends and advances.


SCBL is a member of the London Stock Exchange. As of December 31, 2005,2006, SCBL was subject to financial resources requirements of $11.2$16.0 million imposed by the Financial Services Authority of the United Kingdom and had aggregate regulatory financial resources of $33.6$30.7 million, an excess of $22.4$14.7 million.


AllianceBernstein Investments serves as distributor and/or underwriter for certain company-sponsored mutual funds. AllianceBernstein Investments is registered as a broker-dealer under the Exchange Act and is subject to the minimum net capital requirements imposed by the SEC. AllianceBernstein Investments’ net capital as of December 31, 20052006 was $47.9$42.4 million, which was $38.2$20.8 million in excess of its required net capital of $9.7$21.6 million.


13.
Counterparty Risk

13.   Counterparty Risk

Customer Activities


In the normal course of business, brokerage activities involve the execution, settlement, and financing of various customer securities trades, which may expose SCB LLC and SCBL to off-balance sheet risk by requiring SCB LLC and SCBL to purchase or sell securities at prevailing market prices in the event the customer is unable to fulfill its contracted obligations.


SCB LLC’s customer securities activities are transacted on either a cash or margin basis. In margin transactions, SCB LLC extends credit to the customer, subject to various regulatory and internal margin requirements. These transactions are collateralized by cash or securities in the customer’s account. In connection with these activities, SCB LLC may execute and clear customer transactions involving the sale of securities not yet purchased. SCB LLC seeks to control the risks associated with margin transactions by requiring customers to maintain collateral in compliance with the aforementioned regulatory and internal guidelines. SCB LLC monitors required margin levels daily and, pursuant to such guidelines, requires the customers to deposit additional collateral, or reduce positions, when necessary. A majority of SCB LLC’s customer margin accounts are managed on a discretionary basis whereby AllianceBernstein maintains control over the investment activity in the accounts. For these discretionary accounts, SCB LLC’s margin deficiency exposure is minimized through maintaining a diversified portfolio of securities in the accounts and by virtue of AllianceBernstein’s discretionary authority and SCB LLC’s role as custodian.



SCB LLC may enter into forward foreign currency contracts on behalf of accounts for which SCB LLC acts as custodian. SCB LLC minimizes credit risk associated with these contracts by monitoring these positions on a daily basis, as well as by virtue of AllianceBernstein’s discretionary authority and SCB LLC’s role as custodian.

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In accordance with industry practice, SCB LLC and SCBL record customer transactions on a settlement date basis, which is generally three business days after trade date. SCB LLC and SCBL are exposed to risk of loss on these transactions in the event of the customer’s or broker’s inability to meet the terms of their contracts, in which case SCB LLC and SCBL may have to purchase or sell financial instruments at prevailing market prices. The risks assumed by SCB LLC and SCBL in connection with these transactions are not expected to have a material effect upon AllianceBernstein’s, SCB LLC’s or SCBL’s financial condition or results of operations.


Other Counterparties


SCB LLC and SCBL are engaged in various brokerage activities in which counterparties primarily include broker-dealers, banks and other financial institutions. In the event counterparties do not fulfill their obligations, SCB LLC and SCBL may be exposed to risk. The risk of default depends on the creditworthiness of the counterparty or issuer of the instrument. It is SCB LLC’s and SCBL’s policy to review, as necessary, the credit standing of each counterparty.


In connection with SCB LLC’s security borrowing and lending arrangements, which constitute the majority of the receivables from and payable to brokers and dealers, SCB LLC enters into collateralized agreements which may result in credit exposure in the event the counterparty to a transaction is unable to fulfill its contractual obligations. Security borrowing arrangements require SCB LLC to deposit cash collateral with the lender. With respect to security lending arrangements, SCB LLC receives collateral in the form of cash in amounts generally in excess of the market value of the securities loaned. SCB LLC minimizes credit risk associated with these activities by establishing credit limits for each broker and monitoring these limits on a daily basis. Additionally, security borrowing and lending collateral is marked to market on a daily basis, and additional collateral is deposited by or returned to SCB LLC as necessary.

14.   Employee Benefit Plans


14.
Qualified Employee Benefit Plans

We maintain a qualified profit sharing plan (the “Profit Sharing Plan”) covering U.S. employees and certain foreign employees. ContributionsEmployer contributions are generally limited to the maximum amount deductible for federal income tax purposes. Aggregate contributions for 2006, 2005, and 2004 and 2003 were $25.3 million, $22.0 million, and $21.1 million, and $13.8 million, respectively. We maintained a qualified 401(k) plan covering former employees of Bernstein until the plan was merged into the Profit Sharing Plan, effective January 1, 2004. Contributions were limited to the maximum amount deductible for federal income tax purposes. Aggregate contributions for 2003 were $4.9 million.


We maintain a qualified, noncontributory, defined benefit retirement plan (“Retirement Plan”) covering current and former employees who were employed by the companyAllianceBernstein in the United States prior to October 2, 2000. Benefits are based on years of credited service, average final base salary and primary Social Security benefits. Our policy is to satisfy our funding obligation for each year in an amount not less than the minimum required by ERISA and not greater than the maximum amount thatwe can be deducteddeduct for federal income tax purposes.

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The retirement plan’sRetirement Plan’s projected benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition were as follows:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Change in projected benefit obligation:

 

 

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

 

$

81,204

 

$

73,594

 

Service cost

 

4,268

 

4,925

 

Interest cost

 

4,274

 

4,109

 

Actuarial gains

 

(3,685

)

(67

)

Benefits paid

 

(2,246

)

(1,357

)

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

 

83,815

 

81,204

 

Change in plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year

 

40,665

 

37,328

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

5,487

 

3,245

 

Employer contribution

 

3,500

 

1,449

 

Benefits paid

 

(2,246

)

(1,357

)

Plan assets at fair value at end of year

 

47,406

 

40,665

 

Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets

 

(36,409

)

(40,539

)

Amounts not recognized:

 

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized net loss from past experience different from that assumed and effects of changes and assumptions

 

13,728

 

20,176

 

Unrecognized prior service cost

 

307

 

248

 

Unrecognized net plan assets as of January 1, 1987 being recognized over 26.3 years

 

(1,048

)

(1,191

)

Accrued pension expense included in accrued compensation and benefits

 

$

(23,422

)

$

(21,306

)


  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
  
(in thousands)
 
Change in projected benefit obligation:
     
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year 
 $83,815 $81,204 
Service cost 
  4,048  4,268 
Interest cost 
  4,578  4,274 
Actuarial gains 
  (4,916) (3,685)
Benefits paid 
  (2,842) (2,246)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year 
  84,683  83,815 
Change in plan assets:
       
Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year 
  47,406  40,665 
Actual return on plan assets 
  4,414  5,487 
Employer contribution 
  4,337  3,500 
Benefits paid 
  (2,842) (2,246)
Plan assets at fair value at end of year 
  53,315  47,406 
Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets 
  (31,368) (36,409)
Amounts not recognized:
       
Unrecognized net loss from past experience different from that assumed and effects of changes and assumptions 
    13,728 
Unrecognized prior service cost 
    307 
Unrecognized net plan assets as of January 1, 1987 being recognized over 26.3 years 
    (1,048)
Accrued pension liability included in accrued compensation and benefits 
 
$
(31,368
)
$
(23,422
)

We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)”, (“SFAS No. 158”), as of December 31, 2006. This pronouncement requires an employer to recognize the underfunded status of a defined benefit plan as a liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur as a component of other comprehensive income.

The effect of adopting SFAS No. 158 on individual line items in the consolidated statement of financial condition was as follows (in thousands):

  
Before
Application of
SFAS No. 158
 
Adjustments
 
After
Application of
SFAS No. 158
 
        
        
Other assets (deferred tax asset) 
 $146,674 $456 $147,130 
Accrued compensation and benefits 
  384,634  7,380  392,014 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 
  40,091  (6,924) 33,167 

The amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2006 were as follows (in thousands):

Unrecognized net loss from experience different from that assumed and effects of changes and assumptions 
 $(7,430)
Unrecognized prior service cost 
  (343)
Unrecognized net plan assets as of January 1, 1987 being recognized over 26.3 years 
  849 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 
 
$
(6,924
)

The estimated initial plan assets and prior service cost for the Retirement Plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income over the next year is $143,000 and $59,000, respectively.


The accumulated benefit obligation for the plan was $66.9$68.4 million and $59.3$66.9 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and 2004, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation differs from the projected benefit obligation in that it includes no assumption about future compensation levels. We currently estimate we will contribute $3.0$3.7 million to the plan during 2006.2007. Contribution estimates, which are subject to change, are based on regulatory requirements, future market conditions and assumptions used for actuarial computations of the plan’sRetirement Plan’s obligations and assets. Management, at the present time, is unable to determine the amount, if any, of additional future contributions that may be required.


Actuarial computations used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31, 20052006 and 20042005 (measurement dates) were made utilizing the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate on benefit obligations

 

5.65

%

5.75

%

Annual salary increases

 

5.14

%

5.14

%


  
2006
 
2005
 
      
Discount rate on benefit obligations 
  5.90% 5.65%
Annual salary increases 
  3.50% 3.35%

The plan’sRetirement Plan’s asset allocation percentages consisted of:

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities

 

80

%

78

%

Debt securities

 

19

 

20

 

Other

 

1

 

2

 

 

 

100

%

100

%

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December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
      
Equity securities 
  69% 80%
Debt securities 
  22  19 
Real estate 
  9   
Other 
    1 
   100% 100%

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid as follows (in thousands):

2006

 

$

 2,417

 

2007

 

3,558

 

2008

 

1,884

 

2009

 

2,592

 

2010

 

3,646

 

2011-2015

 

23,645

 


2007 $3,542 
2008  1,932 
2009  2,544 
2010  3,634 
2011  3,505 
2012-2016  26,026 

Net expense under the retirement planRetirement Plan was comprised of:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

4,268

 

$

4,925

 

$

4,886

 

Interest cost on projected benefit obligations

 

4,274

 

4,109

 

3,814

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(3,225

)

(2,853

)

(1,766

)

Amortization of prior service (credit)

 

(59

)

(59

)

(59

)

Amortization of transition (asset)

 

(143

)

(143

)

(143

)

Recognized actuarial loss

 

501

 

438

 

527

 

Net pension charge

 

$

5,616

 

$

6,417

 

$

7,259

 


  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(in thousands)
 
        
Service cost 
 $4,048 $4,268 $4,925 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations 
  4,578  4,274  4,109 
Expected return on plan assets 
  (3,800) (3,225) (2,853)
Amortization of prior service credit 
  (59) (59) (59)
Amortization of transition asset 
  (143) (143) (143)
Amortization of loss 
  280  501  438 
Net pension charge 
 
$
4,904
 
$
5,616
 
$
6,417
 

Actuarial computations used to determine net periodic costs were made utilizing the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate on benefit obligations

 

5.75

%

6.25

%

6.75

%

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

 

8.00

%

8.00

%

8.00

%

Annual salary increases

 

5.14

%

5.14

%

5.14

%


  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
        
Discount rate on benefit obligations 
  5.65% 5.75% 6.25%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 
  8.00% 8.00% 8.00%
Annual salary increases 
  3.50% 3.35% 3.40%

In developing the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 8.0%, management considered the historical returns and future expectations for returns for each asset category, as well as the target asset allocation of the portfolio. The expected long-term rate of return on assets is based on weighted average expected returns for each asset class. Management has assumed a target allocation weighting of 70%50% to 80%70% for equity securities, and 20% to 30%40% for debt securities.securities, and 0% to 10% for real estate investment trusts. Exposure of the total portfolio to cash equivalents on average should not exceed 5% of the portfolio’s value on a market value basis. The plan seeks to provide a rate of return that exceeds applicable benchmarks over rolling five-year periods. The benchmark for the plan’s large cap domestic equity investment strategy seeks to outperform the Russell 1000 Growth Index by approximately 200 basis points per year before fees on a consistent basis and to outperformis the S&P 500 by a similar margin over full market cycles. The plan’sIndex; the small cap domestic equity investment strategy is measured against the Russell 2000 Index; the international equity investment strategy is measured against the MSCI EAFE Index; and the fixed income investment strategy is a defensive mixture invested in both U.S. Treasury Notes and corporate bonds in an effort to reduce interest rate risk.

measured against the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index.


Variances between actuarial assumptions and actual experience are amortized over the estimated average remaining service lives of employees participating in the retirement plan.

15.Deferred Compensation Plans

Retirement Plan.


15.
Deferred Compensation Plans

We maintain an unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plan known as the Capital Accumulation Plan and also have assumed obligations under contractual unfunded deferred compensation arrangements covering certain executives (“Contractual Arrangements”). The Capital Accumulation Plan was frozen on December 31, 1987 and no additional awards have been made. The Board of Directors of the General Partner (“Board”) may terminate the Capital Accumulation Plan at any time without cause, in which case our liability would be limited to benefits that have vested. Benefits owed to executives under the Contractual Arrangements vested on or before December 31, 1987.

95



Payment of vested benefits under both the Capital Accumulation Plan and the Contractual Arrangements will generally be made over a ten-year period commencing at retirement age. The general partnerGeneral Partner is obligated to make capital contributions to AllianceBernstein in amounts equal to benefits paid under the Capital Accumulation Plan and the Contractual Arrangements. Amounts included in employee compensation and benefits expense for the Capital Accumulation Plan and the Contractual Arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004 and 2003 were $2.1 million, $2.9 million, and $3.3 million, and $2.3 million, respectively.


In connection with the acquisition of SCB, Inc. in 2000,Bernstein Transaction, we adopted an unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plan, known as the SCB Deferred Compensation Award Plan (“SCB Plan”), under which we agreed to invest $96 million per annum for three years to fund notional investments in Holding Units or a company-sponsored money market fund, to be awarded for the benefit of certain individuals who were stockholders or principals of Bernstein or who were hired to replace them. The awards vest ratably over three years and are amortized as employee compensation expense over the vesting period. Awards are payable to participants when fully vested, but participants may elect to defer receipt of vested awards to future dates. We made final awards under the SCB Plan, aggregating $8.6 million, in 2003. The amounts charged to employee compensation and benefits expense for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004 and 2003 were $3.6 million, $29.1 million, and $61.3 million, and $85.1 million, respectively.


We maintain an unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plan known as the Amended and Restated AllianceAllianceBernstein Partners Compensation Plan (the “Partners Plan”) under which annual awards may be granted to eligible employees.

Awards made in 1995 vest ratably over three years; annual awards made from 1996 through 1998 generally vest ratably over eight years.

Until distributed, liability for the 1995 through 1998 awards increases or decreases based on our earnings growth rate through December 31, 2005.


·
Awards made in 1995 vested ratably over three years; awards made from 1996 through 1998 generally vested ratably over eight years.

·
Until distributed, liability for the 1995 through 1998 awards increased or decreased through December 31, 2005 based on our earnings growth rate.

·
Prior to January 1, 2006, payment of vested 1995 through 1998 benefits was generally made in cash over a five-year period commencing at retirement or termination of employment although, under certain circumstances, partial lump sum payments were made.

·
Effective January 1, 2006, participant accounts were converted to notional investments in Holding Units or a money market fund, or a combination of both, at the election of the participant, in lieu of being subject to the earnings-based calculation. Each participant elected a distribution date, which could be no earlier than January 2007. Holding issued 834,864 Holding Units in January 2006 in connection with this conversion, with a market value on that date of approximately $47.2 million.

- 85 -

Table of vested 1995 through 1998 benefits will generally be made in cash over a five-year period commencing at retirement or termination of employment although, under certain circumstances, partial lump sum payments may be made.Contents

Effective January 1, 2006, participant accounts were notionally invested in Holding Units or a money market fund, or a combination of both, at the election of the participant, in lieu of being subject to the earnings-based calculation. The participant elects the distribution date, which could be no earlier than January 2007.

Annual awards made for 1999 and 2000 are payable in Holding Units.

A subsidiary of AllianceBernstein purchases Holding Units to fund the related benefits.

The vesting periods for 1999 and 2000 awards range from immediate to eight years depending on the age of the participant.

For 2001, participants were required to allocate at least 50% of their awards to notional investments in Holding Units and could allocate the remainder to notional investments in certain of our investment services.

Beginning with 2002 awards, participants may elect to allocate their awards in a combination of notional investments in Holding Units and notional investments in certain of our investment services.

Beginning with 2003 awards, participants may elect to allocate their awards in a combination of notional investments in Holding Units (up to 50%) and notional investments in certain of our investment services.


·
Awards made for 1999 and 2000 are notionally invested in Holding Units.

·
A subsidiary of AllianceBernstein purchases Holding Units to fund the related benefits.

·
The vesting periods for 1999 and 2000 awards range from eight years to immediate depending on the age of the participant.

·
For 2001, participants were required to allocate at least 50% of their awards to notional investments in Holding Units and could allocate the remainder to notional investments in certain of our investment services.

·
For 2002 awards, participants may elect to allocate their awards in a combination of notional investments in Holding Units and notional investments in certain of our investment services.

·
Beginning with 2003 awards, participants may elect to allocate their awards in a combination of notional investments in Holding Units (up to 50%) and notional investments in certain of our investment services.

·
Beginning with 2006 awards, selected senior officers may elect to allocate up to a specified portion of their awards to investments in options to buy Holding Units (“Special Program”); the firm matches this allocation on a two-for-one basis (for additional information about the Special Program, see Note 16).
Beginning with 2001 awards, vesting periods for annual awards range from immediatefour years to four yearsimmediate depending on the age of the participant. Upon vesting, awards are distributed to participants unless ana voluntary election to defer receipt has been made. Quarterly cash distributions on unvested Holding Units for which a deferral election has not been made are paid currently to participants. Quarterly cash distributions on vested and unvested Holding

96



Units and income credited on cash or notional company-sponsored mutual funds awards for which a deferral election has been made and income earned on notional investments in company-sponsored mutual funds are reinvested and distributed as elected by participants.


The Partners Plan may be terminated at any time without cause, in which case our liability would be limited to vested benefits. We made awards in 2006, 2005, and 2004 and 2003 aggregating $238.5 million, $202.0 million, and $181.8 million, and $138.0respectively. In January 2007, $9.8 million respectively.of the 2006 award was allocated to options to buy Holding Units (see Note 16). The amounts charged to employee compensation and benefits expense for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004 and 2003 were $191.9 million, $133.1 million, and $75.8 million, and $36.8 million, respectively.

We maintain an unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plan known as the Annual Elective Deferral Plan (the “Deferral Plan”) under which participants could elect to defer a portion of their 2000 and 2001 annual bonus or commission and invest it in Holding Units. No deferral elections are permitted after 2001. We contributed a supplemental amount equal to 20% of the deferred amounts to the Deferral Plan, which vest ratably over three years and are amortized as employee compensation expense.


During 2003, we established the AllianceAllianceBernstein Commission Substitution Plan (“Commission Substitution”), an unfunded, non-qualified incentive plan. Employees whose principal duties are to sell or market the products or services of AllianceBernstein and whose compensation is entirely or mostly commission-based are eligible for an award under this plan. Participants designate the percentage of their awards to be allocated to notional investments in Holding Units or notional investments in certain of our investment services. Awards vest ratably over a three yearthree-year period and are amortized as employee compensation expense. We made awards totaling $40.1 million in 2006, $31.8 million in 2005, and $29.6 million in 2004, and $19.4 million in 2003.2004. The amounts charged to employee compensation and benefits expense for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004 were $27.0 million, $15.8 million, and $6.3 million, respectively.

In accordance with the terms of the employment agreement between Mr. Sanders, Chairman and CEO, and AllianceBernstein, he is entitled to receive a deferred compensation award of not less that 1% of AllianceBernstein’s consolidated operating income before incentive compensation for each calendar year during the employment term, beginning with 2004. Mr. Sanders must notionally invest his awards among certain of our investment services. The 2004 award of $12.0 million vests 40% in December 2005, 40% in December 2006, and 20% in June 2007. The 2005 award of $14.8 million vests 67% in December 2006 and 33% in June 2007. The 2006 award will 100% vest in June 2007, and subsequent awards will vest upon grant. In 2005, $4.8 million was charged to employee compensation and benefits expense.


Effective August 1, 2005, we established the AllianceBernstein Financial Advisor Wealth Accumulation Plan (“Wealth Accumulation Plan”), an unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plan. The Wealth Accumulation Plan was established in order to create a compensation program to attract and retain eligible employees expected to make significant contributions to the future growth and success of Bernstein Global Wealth Management, a unit of AllianceBernstein. Participants designate the percentage of their awards to be notionally invested in Holding Units or certain of our investment services. No more than 50% of the award may be notionally invested in Holding Units. All awards vest annually on a pro rata basis over the term of the award. We made awards totaling $14.5 million and $14.1 million in 2005.2006 and 2005, respectively. The amount charged to employee compensation and benefits expense infor the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 waswere $4.2 million and $0.5 million.

16.   Compensatory Unit Award


In accordance with the terms of the employment agreement between Mr. Sanders, Chairman and Option PlansCEO, and AllianceBernstein dated October 26, 2006 (and the terms of Mr. Sanders’s prior employment agreement), Mr. Sanders is entitled to receive a deferred compensation award of not less than 1% of AllianceBernstein’s consolidated operating income before incentive compensation for each calendar year during the employment term, beginning with 2004. Mr. Sanders must notionally invest his awards among certain of our investment services. The 2004 award of $12.0 million vests 40% in December 2005, 40% in December 2006, and 20% in June 2007. The 2005 award of $14.8 million vests 67% in December 2006 and 33% in June 2007. The 2006 award of $19.0 million vests 65% in December 2007 and 35% in December 2008. The amounts charged to employee compensation and benefits expense for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 were $15.0 million and $4.8 million, respectively.


16.
Compensatory Unit Award and Option Plans

In 1988, Holdingwe established an employee unit option plan (the “Unit Option Plan”), under which options to acquirebuy Holding Units were granted to certain key employees. Options were granted for terms of up to ten10 years and each option hadhas an exercise price of not less than the fair market value of Holding Units on the date of grant. Options becomeare exercisable at a rate of 20% of the Holding Units subject to such options on each of the first five anniversary dates of the date of grant. No options have been granted under the Unit Option Plan since it expired in 1999.


In 1993, Holdingwe established the 1993 Unit Option Plan (“1993 Plan”), under which options to acquirebuy Holding Units were granted to key employees and independent directors of the general partnerGeneral Partner for terms of up to ten10 years. Each option hadhas an exercise price of not less than the fair market value of Holding Units on the date of grant. Options becomeare exercisable at a rate of 20% of the Holding Units subject to such options on each of the

97



first five anniversary dates of the date of grant. The aggregate number of Holding Units that can be the subject ofNo options or other awards have been granted under the 1993 Plan or that can be awarded under the Century Club Plan (as defined below) may not exceed 6,400,000 Holding Units. As of December 31, 2005, options to acquire 5,995,600 Holding Units, net of forfeitures, had been granted and 331,148 Holding Units were subject to other awards made under the 1993 Plan (see Century Club Plan below). The 1993 Planssince it expired duringin 2003. As a result, options to acquire 73,252 Holding Units ceased to be available for grant under the 1993 Plans.


In 1997, Holdingwe established the 1997 Long-TermLong Term Incentive Plan (“1997 Plan”), under which options to acquirebuy Holding Units, restricted Holding Units and phantom restricted Holding Units, performance awards, and other Holding Unit-based awards may be granted to key employees and independent directors of the general partnerGeneral Partner for terms established at the time of grant (generally ten10 years). Options granted to employees are generally become exercisable at a rate of 20% of the Holding Units subject to such options on each of the first five anniversary dates of the date of grant; options granted to independent directors are generally exercisable at a rate of 33.3% of the Holding Units subject to such options on each of the first three anniversary dates of the date of grant. The aggregate number of Holding Units that can be the subject of options granted or that can be awarded under the 1997 Plan may not exceed 41,000,000 Holding Units. As of December 31, 2005,2006, options to acquire 10,860,204buy 10,796,116 Holding Units, net of forfeitures, had been granted and 165,1101,035,237 Holding Units, net of forfeitures, were subject to other unit awards made under the 1997 Plan (see Restricted Units and Century Club Plan below)(as described below). Holding Unit-based awards (including options) in respect of 29,974,68629,168,647 Holding Units were available for grant as of December 31, 2005.

2006.


During 2006, 2005, 2004, and 20032004, options to acquirebuy 9,712, 17,604, 40,000, and 105,00040,000 Holding Units, respectively, were granted to key employees and independent directors of the general partner, collectively,General Partner under the 1993 Plan and the 1997 Plan.Plan; no options were granted to employees. The weighted average fair value of options to acquirebuy Holding Units granted during 2006, 2005, and 2004 was $12.35, $7.04, and 2003 was $7.04, $8.00, and $5.96, respectively, on the date of grant, determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following assumptions:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

3.7

%

4.0

%

3.0

%

Expected cash distribution yield

 

6.2

%

3.5

%

6.1

%

Volatility factor

 

31

%

32

%

32

%

Weighted average expected life

 

3 years

 

5 years

 

5 years

 

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed to estimate the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected price volatility of an Holding Unit. Because compensatory options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing model does not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of compensatory options. See Note 2 for the SFAS No. 123 pro forma net income amounts determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. See Note 21 for discussion of the implementation of SFAS No. 123-R in 2006.

98


  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
        
Risk-free interest rate 
  4.9% 3.7% 4.0%
Expected cash distribution yield 
  6.0% 6.2% 3.5%
Historical volatility factor 
  31.0% 31.0% 32.0%
Expected term 
  6.5 years  3 years  5 years 



The following table summarizes the activity in options under the Unit Option Plan, the 1993 Plan,our various option plans:


  
Holding
Units
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Per Holding Unit
 
      
Outstanding as of December 31, 2003 
  
13,793,100
 
$
35.55
 
Granted 
  40,000  33.00 
Exercised 
  (2,468,380) 18.43 
Forfeited 
  (1,795,300) 46.96 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2004 
  
9,569,420
  
37.82
 
Granted 
  17,604  45.45 
Exercised 
  (1,712,520) 24.13 
Forfeited 
  (424,300) 47.10 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2005 
  
7,450,204
  
40.45
 
Granted 
  9,712  65.02 
Exercised 
  (2,567,017) 38.40 
Forfeited 
  (73,800) 38.19 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2006 
  
4,819,099
  
41.62
 
        
Exercisable as of December 31, 2004 
  
7,161,820
    
Exercisable as of December 31, 2005 
  
6,366,700
    
Exercisable as of December 31, 2006 
  
4,437,351
    

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2006, 2005, and the 1997 Plan:

 

 

Holding
Units

 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Per Holding Unit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2002

 

16,441,400

 

$

34.92

 

Granted

 

105,000

 

$

35.01

 

Exercised

 

(1,219,000

)

$

17.26

 

Forfeited

 

(1,534,300

)

$

43.27

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2003

 

13,793,100

 

$

35.55

 

Granted

 

40,000

 

$

33.00

 

Exercised

 

(2,468,380

)

$

18.43

 

Forfeited

 

(1,795,300

)

$

46.96

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2004

 

9,569,420

 

$

37.82

 

Granted

 

17,604

 

$

45.45

 

Exercised

 

(1,712,520

)

$

24.13

 

Forfeited

 

(424,300

)

$

47.10

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2005

 

7,450,204

 

$

40.45

 

Exercisable as of December 31, 2003

 

9,130,200

 

 

 

Exercisable as of December 31, 2004

 

7,161,820

 

 

 

Exercisable as of December 31, 2005

 

6,366,700

 

 

 

2004 was $79.0 million, $40.6 million, and $46.0 million, respectively.


The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options as of December 31, 2005:

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

 

Range of Exercise Prices:

 

Number
Outstanding
as of
12/31/05

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Number
Exercisable
as of
12/31/05

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

12.56

-

$

18.47

 

 

632,900

 

1.59

 

$

16.28

 

632,900

 

$

16.28

 

25.63

-

30.25

 

 

1,206,500

 

3.54

 

28.61

 

1,202,500

 

28.62

 

32.52

-

48.50

 

 

2,810,704

 

5.96

 

39.62

 

2,046,700

 

41.85

 

50.15

-

50.56

 

 

1,528,100

 

5.92

 

50.25

 

1,220,000

 

50.25

 

51.10

-

58.50

 

 

1,272,000

 

4.95

 

53.77

 

1,264,600

 

53.77

 

$

12.56

-

$

58.50

 

 

7,450,204

 

5.02

 

$

40.45

 

6,366,700

 

$

40.79

 

99

2006:

     
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
 
Range of Exercise Prices:
 
Number
Outstanding
as of
12/31/06
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Number
Exercisable
as of
12/31/06
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
$18.47 -$25.63   202,000  1.00 $18.75  202,000 $18.75 
 25.65 - 30.25   711,550  2.58  28.74  709,550  28.74 
 32.52 - 48.50   1,875,537  5.27  37.86  1,506,501  38.87 
 50.15 - 50.56   1,116,800  4.92  50.25  1,115,800  50.25 
 51.10 - 65.02   913,212  4.02  53.90  903,500  53.78 
$
18.47
 -
$
65.02
   
4,819,099
  
4.37
  
41.62
  
4,437,351
  
42.24
 

The total intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2006 was $186.9 million and $169.3 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes activity of unvested options during the year ended December 31, 2006:
  
Holding
Units
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Per Holding Unit
 
      
Unvested as of January 1, 2006 
  
1,083,504
 
$
38.47
 
Granted 
  9,712  65.02 
Vested 
  (637,668) 41.26 
Forfeited 
  (73,800) 38.19 
Unvested as of December 31, 2006 
  
381,748
  
34.53
 

The total fair value of options vested during 2006 was $26.3 million.


Under the fair value method, compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the options awarded (determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model) and is recognized over the vesting period. We recorded compensation expense relating to the option plans of $2.7 million, $2.2 million, and $2.4 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004. As of December 31, 2006, there was $1.7 million of compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the option plans for unvested awards not yet recognized. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of one year.

On January 26, 2007, the Compensation Committee of the Board approved the Special Option Program, under which selected senior officers voluntarily allocate a specified portion of their Partners Plan award to options to buy Holding Units and the company matches this allocation on a two-for-one basis. Also on January 26, 2007, the Compensation Committee granted two separate awards of options to buy Holding Units to 67 participants. The exercise price for both awards is $90.65, the closing price of Holding Units on the grant date. The first grant, with a fair value of $17.69 per option, awarded options to buy 555,985 Holding Units, vesting in equal increments on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date and expiring in 10 years. The second grant, with a fair value of $17.67 per option, awarded options to buy 1,113,220 Holding Units, vesting in equal annual increments on each of the sixth through tenth anniversaries of the grant date and expiring in 11 years.

Other Unit Awards

Restricted Units


In 2006 and 2005, we awarded 2,644 restricted Holding Units (“Restricted Units”) were awarded to the independent directors of the general partner.General Partner. The Restricted Units give the directors, in most instances, all the rights of other Holding Unitholders subject to such restrictions on transfer as the Board of Directors may impose. TheWe awarded 1,848 and 2,644 Restricted Units in 2006 and 2005, respectively, with grant date market valuevalues of $65.02 and $45.45 per Holding Unit, respectively. All of the Restricted Unit was $45.45Units vest on the third anniversary of grant date or immediately upon a director’s resignation. We fully expensed these awards on the grant date.  All Restricted Units vest in 2008. As of December 31, 2005, 1,9832006, 3,170 Restricted Units, net of a distributiondistributions made due to vesting atupon retirement of two directors, were outstanding. The fair value of the Restricted Units is amortized to expense ratably over the restriction period. We recorded compensation expense of $48 thousand$164,000 and $48,000 in 2006 and 2005, respectively, related to Restricted Units.


Century Club Plan


In 1993, Holdingwe established the Century Club Plan, under which employees of AllianceBernstein whose primary responsibilities are to assist in the distribution of company-sponsored mutual funds and who meet certain sales targets, are eligible to receive an award of Holding Units. Awards vest ratably over three years and are amortized as employee compensation expense. In 2006, awards totaling 36,020 Holding Units with a market value on the date of award of $63.82 per Holding Unit were granted, and 2,605 previously awarded Holding Units were forfeited. In 2005, awards totaling 33,800 Holding Units with a market value on the date of award of $1.6 million,$46.60 per Holding Unit were granted, under the Century Club Plan, and 4,493 previously awarded Holding Units were forfeited.





The following table summarizes the activity of unvested Century Club units during 2006:

Holding
Units
Unvested as of January 1, 2006
53,250
Granted
36,020
Vested
(25,973)
Forfeited
(2,605)
Unvested as of December 31, 2006
60,692

We recorded compensation expense relating to the Century Club Plan of $1.5 million, $1.1 million, and $1.0 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004. As of December 31, 2006, there was $2.1 million of compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Century Club Plan not yet recognized. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.

Awards under the Century Club Plan and those of Restricted Units reduce the number of options to acquire Holding Units available for grant under the 1997 Plan and forfeitures under the Century Club Plan and those of Restricted Units increase them.

17.Income Taxes


17.
Income Taxes

AllianceBernstein is a private partnership for federal income tax purposes and, accordingly, is not subject to federal and state corporate income taxes. However, AllianceBernstein is subject to a 4.0% New York City unincorporated business tax (“UBT”). Domestic corporate subsidiaries of AllianceBernstein, which are subject to federal, state and local income taxes, are generally included in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return;return with separate state and local income tax returns arebeing filed. Foreign corporate subsidiaries are generally subject to taxes in the foreign jurisdictions where they are located. Holding

Income tax expense is comprised of:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partnership UBT

 

$

16,365

 

$

14,240

 

$

16,508

 

Corporate subsidiaries:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

7,100

 

3,687

 

7,235

 

State and local

 

1,236

 

479

 

2,251

 

Foreign

 

35,676

 

18,572

 

7,186

 

Current tax expense

 

60,377

 

36,978

 

33,180

 

Deferred tax expense (benefit)—domestic

 

4,194

 

2,954

 

(4,500

)

Income tax expense

 

$

64,571

 

$

39,932

 

$

28,680

 

100


  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(in thousands)
 
        
Partnership UBT 
 $23,696 $16,365 $14,240 
Corporate subsidiaries:          
Federal 
  4,901  7,100  3,687 
State and local 
  374  1,236  479 
Foreign 
  41,061  35,676  18,572 
Current tax expense 
  70,032  60,377  36,978 
Deferred tax expense 
  5,013  4,194  2,954 
Income tax expense 
 
$
75,045
 
$
64,571
 
$
39,932
 
The principal reasons for the difference between the effective tax rates and the UBT statutory tax rate of 4%4.0% are as follows:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UBT statutory rate

 

$

37,315

 

4.0

%

$

29,803

 

4.0

%

$

14,339

 

4.0

%

Corporate subsidiaries’ federal, state, local and foreign income taxes

 

37,114

 

3.9

 

20,648

 

2.8

 

15,417

 

4.3

 

Non-deductible items, primarily mutual fund matters settlement penalties in 2003

 

320

 

0.1

 

578

 

0.1

 

3,272

 

0.9

 

Other permanent items, primarily income not taxable resulting from use of UBT business apportionment factors

 

(10,178

)

(1.1

)

(11,097

)

(1.5

)

(4,348

)

(1.2

)

Income tax expense and effective tax rate

 

$

64,571

 

6.9

%

$

39,932

 

5.4

%

$

28,680

 

8.0

%


  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(in thousands)
 
              
UBT statutory rate 
 $47,346  4.0%$37,315  4.0%$29,803  4.0%
Corporate subsidiaries’ federal, state, local, and foreign income taxes 
  40,708  3.4  37,114  3.9  20,648  2.8 
Other non-deductible and permanent items, primarily income not taxable resulting from use of UBT business apportionment factors  (13,009) (1.1) (9,858) (1.0) (10,519) (1.4)
Income tax expense and effective tax rate 
 
$
75,045
  
6.3
 
$
64,571
  
6.9
 
$
39,932
  
5.4
 

Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 (“SFAS No. 109”), “Accounting for Income Taxes”, deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.


The tax effect of significant items comprising the net deferred tax (liability) asset is as follows:

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Deferred tax asset:

 

 

 

 

 

Differences between book and tax basis:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred compensation plans

 

$

9,850

 

$

9,151

 

Intangible assets

 

631

 

722

 

Charge for mutual fund matters and legal proceedings

 

4,900

 

4,919

 

Other, primarily revenues taxed upon receipt and accrued expenses deductible when paid

 

827

 

1,933

 

 

 

16,208

 

16,725

 

Valuation allowance

 

(2,113

)

(2,713

)

Deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance

 

14,095

 

14,012

 

Deferred tax liability:

 

 

 

 

 

Differences between book and tax basis:

 

 

 

 

 

Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements

 

142

 

148

 

Investment partnerships

 

573

 

665

 

Intangible assets

 

10,288

 

7,833

 

Other, primarily undistributed earnings on certain foreign subsidiaries

 

1,920

 

682

 

 

 

12,923

 

9,328

 

Net deferred tax asset

 

$

1,172

 

$

4,684

 

The decrease in the valuation allowance for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $0.6 million.


  
December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
  
(in thousands)
 
Deferred tax asset:       
Differences between book and tax basis:       
Deferred compensation plans 
 $9,768 $9,850 
Intangible assets 
  512  631 
Charge for mutual fund matters, legal proceedings, and claims processing contingency  5,612  4,900 
Other, primarily revenues taxed upon receipt and accrued expenses deductible when paid 
  2,452  827 
   18,344  16,208 
Valuation allowance 
  (1,761) (2,113)
Deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance 
  16,583  14,095 
Deferred tax liability:       
Differences between book and tax basis:       
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements 
  848  142 
Investment partnerships 
  3,136  573 
Intangible assets 
  12,427  10,288 
Translation adjustment 
  2,106   
Other, primarily undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries 
  2,686  1,920 
   21,203  12,923 
Net deferred tax (liability) asset 
 
$
(4,620
)
$
1,172
 

The valuation allowance primarily relates to uncertainties on the deductibility of certain compensation items. The deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance, is included in other assets. Management has determined that realization of the recognized deferred tax asset of $14.1 million is more likely than not based on anticipated future taxable income.


The company provides income taxes on the undistributed earnings of non-U.S. corporate subsidiaries except to the extent that such earnings are permanently invested outside the United States. As of December 31, 2005, $78.52006, $159.0 million of accumulated undistributed earnings of non-U.S. corporate subsidiaries were permanently

101



invested. At the existing federal income tax rate, additional taxes of approximately $3.2$4.7 million would haveneed to be provided if such earnings were remitted.


On October 22, 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (“Act”) was signed into law. The Act containscontained a one-time foreign dividend repatriation provision, which providesprovided for a special deduction with respect to certain qualifying dividends from foreign subsidiaries until December 31, 2005. In December 2005, our foreign subsidiaries distributed $42.7 million of previously unremitted earnings which qualified for the special deduction under the Act. The company incurred income taxes of less than $0.5 million as a result of these distributions.



In order to preserve AllianceBernstein’s status as a private partnership for federal income tax purposes, AllianceBernstein Units must not be considered publicly traded. The AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement provides that all transfers of AllianceBernstein Units must be approved by AXA Equitable and the General Partner; AXA Equitable and the General Partner approve only those transfers permitted pursuant to one or more of the safe harbors contained in relevant treasury regulations. If such units were considered readily tradable, AllianceBernstein’s net income would be subject to federal and state corporate income tax. Furthermore, should AllianceBernstein enter into a substantial new line of business, Holding, by virtue of its ownership of AllianceBernstein, would lose its status as a grandfathered publicly traded partnership and would become subject to corporate income tax which would reduce materially Holding’s net income and its quarterly distributions to Holding Unitholders.

Business Segment InformationEffective January 1, 2007, we will adopt the provisions in FIN 48.

See Note 22.


18.
Business Segment Information

We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 (“SFAS No. 131”), “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and RelatedInformation”, in 1999. SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for the way a public enterprise reportsreporting information about operating segments in its annual and interim financial statements. It also establishes standards for related enterprise-wide disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. Generally, financial information is required to be reported consistent with the basis used by management to allocate resources and assess performance.


Management has assessed the requirements of SFAS No. 131 and determined that, because we utilize a consolidated approach to assess performance and allocate resources, we have only one operating segment. Enterprise-wide disclosures as of, and for the years ended, December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 20032004 were as follows:


Services

Total


Net revenues derived from our various research, investment management and researchrelated services were as follows:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Institutional investment

 

$

905

 

$

755

 

$

644

 

Retail

 

1,193

 

1,294

 

1,307

 

Private client

 

691

 

627

 

494

 

Institutional research services

 

321

 

304

 

268

 

Other

 

141

 

75

 

52

 

Total

 

$

3,251

 

$

3,055

 

$

2,765

 


  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(in millions)
 
        
Institutional investments $1,222 $895 $728 
Retail 
  1,304  1,189  1,289 
Private client 
  883  673  543 
Institutional research services 
  375  353  420 
Other 
  354  199  108 
Total revenues 
  4,138  3,309  3,088 
Less: Interest expense 
  188  96  33 
Net revenues 
 
$
3,950
 
$
3,213
 
$
3,055
 

Geographic Information

Total


Net revenues and long-lived assets, related to our domesticU.S. and foreigninternational operations, as of and for the years ended December 31, were:

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Total revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

2,395

 

$

2,398

 

$

2,260

 

International

 

856

 

657

 

505

 

Total

 

$

3,251

 

$

3,055

 

$

2,765

 

Long-lived assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

3,597

 

$

3,649

 

$

3,815

 

International

 

18

 

24

 

22

 

Total

 

$

3,615

 

$

3,673

 

$

3,837

 

102



  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(in millions)
 
Net revenues:          
United States 
 $2,733 $2,376 $2,398 
International 
  1,217  837  657 
Total 
 
$
3,950
 
$
3,213
 
$
3,055
 
Long-lived assets:          
United States 
 $3,619 $3,597 $3,649 
International 
  42  18  24 
Total 
 
$
3,661
 
$
3,615
 
$
3,673
 

Major Customers


Our mutual funds are distributed to individual investors through broker-dealers, insurance sales representatives, banks, registered investment advisers, financial planners and other financial intermediaries. AXA Advisors, LLC (“AXA Advisors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA Financial that uses members of the AXA Equitable insurance agency sales force as its registered representatives, has entered into a selected dealer agreement with AllianceBernstein Investments and has been responsible for 3%2%, 4%3%, and 3%4% of our open-end mutual fund sales in 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003,2004, respectively. Subsidiaries of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (“Merrill Lynch”) were responsible for approximately 5%6%, 6%5%, and 7%6% of our open-end mutual fund sales in 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003,2004, respectively. Citigroup, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Citigroup”), was responsible for approximately 5%, 7%5%, and 9%7% of our open-end mutual fund sales in 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003,2004, respectively. AXA Advisors, Merrill Lynch and Citigroup are under no obligation to sell a specific amount of shares of our mutual funds, and each also sells shares of mutual funds that it sponsors and that are sponsored by unaffiliated organizations (in the case of Merrill Lynch and Citigroup).


AXA and the general and separate accounts of AXA Equitable (including investments by the separate accounts of AXA Equitable in the funding vehicle EQ Advisors Trust) accounted for approximately 5% of total revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003.2004. No single institutional client other than AXA and its subsidiaries accounted for more than 1% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, and 2003, respectively.


19.
Related Party Transactions

19.Related Party Transactions

Mutual Funds


Investment management, distribution, shareholder and administrative, and brokerage services are provided to individual investors by means of retail mutual funds sponsored by our company, our subsidiaries, and our affiliated joint venture companies. Substantially all of these services are provided under contracts that set forth the services to be provided and the fees to be charged. The contracts are subject to annual review and approval by each of the mutual funds’ boards of directors or trustees and, in certain circumstances, by the mutual funds’ shareholders. Revenues for services provided or related to the mutual funds are as follows:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment advisory and services fees

 

$

729,313

 

$

746,631

 

$

748,151

 

Distribution revenues

 

397,800

 

447,283

 

436,037

 

Shareholder servicing fees

 

99,358

 

115,979

 

126,383

 

Other revenues

 

8,014

 

8,770

 

11,359

 

Institutional research services

 

2,417

 

4,183

 

4,360

 

103


  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(in thousands)
 
        
Investment advisory and services fees 
 $840,453 $728,492 $744,663 
Distribution revenues 
  421,045  397,800  447,283 
Shareholder servicing fees 
  97,236  99,358  115,979 
Other revenues  
  6,917  8,014  8,770 
Institutional research services 
  1,414  3,496  5,244 

AXA and its Subsidiaries

Investment


We provide investment management and certain administration services are provided to AXA and its subsidiaries. In addition, AXA and its subsidiaries distribute our mutual funds, for which they receive commissions and distribution payments. Sales of our mutual funds through AXA and its subsidiaries, excluding cash management products, aggregated approximately $0.5 billion, $0.4$0.5 billion, and $0.5$0.4 billion, for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003,2004, respectively. Also, we are covered by various insurance policies maintained by AXA subsidiaries and we pay fees for other services and technology provided by AXA and its subsidiaries that are included in generalGeneral and administrativeAdministrative expenses. Aggregate amounts included in the consolidated financial statements for transactions with AXA and its subsidiaries are as follows:

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment advisory and services fees

 

$

169,220

 

$

156,600

 

$

131,955

 

Other revenues

 

733

 

3,231

 

3,655

 

 

 

$

169,953

 

$

159,831

 

$

135,610

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commissions and distribution payments to financial intermediaries

 

$

5,500

 

$

6,325

 

$

6,011

 

General and administrative

 

7,523

 

9,759

 

6,115

 

 

 

$

13,023

 

$

16,084

 

$

12,126

 

Balance Sheet:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Institutional investment fees receivable

 

$

7,182

 

$

6,532

 

$

5,335

 

Other due from (to) AXA and its subsidiaries

 

1,362

 

(1,405

)

440

 

 

 

$

8,544

 

$

5,127

 

$

5,775

 


  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(in thousands)
 
        
Revenues:          
Investment advisory and services fees 
 $184,122 $168,124 $156,352 
Institutional research services 
  520  2,051  4,163 
Other revenues 
  736  734  3,231 
  
$
185,378
 
$
170,909
 
$
163,746
 
Expenses:          
Commissions and distribution payments to financial intermediaries 
 $5,708 $5,500 $6,325 
Other promotion and servicing 
  772  858  843 
General and administrative 
  9,533  6,665  8,916 
  
$
16,013
 
$
13,023
 
$
16,084
 
Balance Sheet:          
Institutional investment advisory and services fees receivable 
 $7,330 $7,182 $6,532 
Other due (to) from AXA and its subsidiaries 
  (965) 1,362  (1,405)
  
$
6,365
 
$
8,544
 
$
5,127
 

During 2001, AllianceBernstein and AXA Asia Pacific Holdings Limited (“AXA Asia Pacific”) established two investment management companies and we include their financial results in our consolidated results of operations. Investment managementadvisory and services fees earned by these companies were approximately $61.1 million, $44.6 million, $33.3 million, and $25.0$33.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003,2004, respectively, of which approximately $21.3 million, $19.9 million, $17.6 million, and $14.0$17.6 million, respectively, were from AXA affiliates and are included in the table above. Minority interest recorded for these companies was $8.8 million, $5.9 million, $3.7 million, and $2.4$3.7 million, for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

During the fourth quarter of 2006, AllianceBernstein Venture Fund I, L.P. was established as an investment vehicle to achieve long-term capital appreciation through equity and 2003, respectively.

equity-related investments, acquired in private transactions, in early stage growth companies. One of our subsidiaries is the general partner of the fund and, as a result, the fund is included in our consolidated financial statements, with approximately $34 million of investments on the consolidated statement of financial condition as of December 31, 2006. AXA Equitable holds a 10% limited partnership interest in this fund.


Other Related Parties


The consolidated statements of financial condition include a net receivable from Holding and a net receivable or payable to our unconsolidated joint ventures as a result of cash transactions for fees and expense reimbursements. The net balances included in the consolidated statements of financial condition as of December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 20032004 are as follows:

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due from Holding, net

 

$

7,197

 

$

7,664

 

$

6,706

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to unconsolidated joint ventures, net

 

$

(2,678

)

$

(1,287

)

$

(520

)

104


  
December 31,
 
  
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(in thousands)
 
        
Due from Holding, net 
 $7,149 $7,197 $7,664 
           
Due from (to) unconsolidated joint ventures, net 
 $376 $(2,678)$(1,287)

20.
Acquisition


On May 2, 2006, we purchased the 50% interest in our Hong Kong joint venture (including its wholly-owned Taiwanese subsidiary) owned by our joint venture partner for $16.1 million in cash. The effect of this acquisition was not material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

21.
Dispositions

20.Dispositions

Cash Management Services


In June 2005, AllianceBernstein and Federated Investors, Inc. (“Federated”) completed a transaction pursuant to which Federated acquired our cash management services. In the transaction, $19.3 billion in assets under management from 22 of our third-party distributed money market funds were transitioned into Federated money market funds. There were no assets or liabilities recorded on the consolidated balance sheet that were transferred as part of this transaction.


The total sales price (much of which is contingent) is estimated to be approximately $95.0 million, which is composed of three parts: (1) an initial cash payment of $25.0 million thatwhich was received prior to June 30,in the second quarter of 2005, (2) annual contingent purchase price payments payable over the next five years,a five-year period ending 2010, which we estimate will total $60.0 million, and (3) a final contingent $10.0 million payment, which is based on comparing revenues generated by applicable assets during the fifth year following the closing of the transaction to the revenues generated by those assets during a specified period prior to the closing of the transaction.


The annual contingent purchase price payments will beare calculated as a percentage of revenues, less certain expenses, directly attributed to these assets and certain other assets of our former cash management clients transferred to Federated. Revenues will be recordedIncome is accrued as earned. The contingent payments received from Federated in the five years following the closing of the transaction are expected to largely offset the loss of a profit contribution fromoperating income that would have been earned for managing the cash in money market fund customer accounts and, asaccounts. As a result, this transaction is not expected to have a material impact on future results of operations, cash flow or liquidity during that period.


During 2005, we recorded a $11.4$19.4 million netpre-tax gain from this transaction in Other Revenues, Net in the consolidated statement of income. The gain consisted of the initial cash payment of $25.0 million received from Federated, offset by a gain contingency of $7.5 million and approximately $6.1 millionas non-operating income, net of transaction expenses. In addition, $8.1 million of contingent payments were earned during 2005, which are also included in Other Revenues, Net in the consolidated statement of income. The gain contingency isexpenses and a “clawback” provision that requireswould have required us to pay Federated up to $7.5 million if average daily transferred assets for the six-month period ended June 29, 2006 fallhad fallen below a certain percentage of initial assets transferred at closing.

We were not required to make a payment under the clawback provision and, accordingly, we recognized a gain of $7.5 million during the second quarter of 2006. In addition, we earned contingent purchase price payments of $12.8 million during 2006.


Indian Mutual Funds


In the third quarter of 2005, Alliance Capital Asset Management (India) Pvt. Ltd. (“ACAM India”), 75% owned by AllianceBernstein, and 25% owned by a minority shareholder, whose principal activity iswas to actsponsor and serve as anthe investment management advisor to AllianceBernstein sponsored mutual funds in India, transferred those mutual funds and its rights to manage thethose mutual funds to Birla Sun Life. The transaction was subject to approval by the Securities Exchange Board of India, which was received in July 2005. There were no assets or liabilities recorded on the balance sheet that were transferred as part of this transaction.

During 2005, we recorded a pre-tax gain of $11.7$8.1 million from this transaction, in Other Revenues, Net in the consolidated statementnet of related expenses, as non-operating income. The transaction resulted in a net gain of $5.3 million after recording severance, incentive compensation, fixed asset writedowns, minority interest, and income tax expense.


South AfricaAfrican Joint Venture


AllianceBernstein completed a transaction on December 31, 2005 pursuant to which Investec Asset Management (Proprietary) Ltd. (“Investec”) acquired AllianceBernstein’s interest in Alliance Capital Management (Proprietary) Ltd., the firm’s South African domestic investment management subsidiary, including Alliance Capital Management (Proprietary) Namibia Ltd, its wholly-owned Namibian subsidiary (collectively, “ACM South Africa Group”).

The proceeds of approximately $8.9 million consists of an initial cash payment of $7.4 million received in January 2006, for the entire issued share capital of ACM South Africa Group, and $1.5 million to be received

105

subsidiary.



upon completion of an audit of ACM South Africa Group’s net assets at closing. In addition, a performance fee price adjustment will be made based on the impact of the positive or negative performance on selected institutional accounts being shared pro rata between AllianceBernstein and Investec. The measurement date of the performance fee adjustment is March 31, 2006.

In the fourth quarter of 2005, we recorded a pre-tax gain of $7.0 million in Other Revenues, Net in the consolidated statementas non-operating income consisting of income, net$8.9 million of cash proceeds, offset by $0.3 million of transaction charges and $1.6 million of payments to former minority shareholders. Fixed assets were excluded


22.
Accounting Pronouncements

During 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123-R, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, and SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans”. See Notes 2 and 16 for a discussion of the adoption of SFAS 123-R and Note 14 for a discussion of the adoption of SFAS 158.


In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN No. 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, an interpretation of SFAS No. 109. FIN No. 48 requires that the effects of a tax position be recognized in the transaction,financial statements only if, as of the reporting date, it is “more likely than not” to be sustained based solely on its technical merits. In making this assessment, a company must assume that the taxing authority will examine the tax position and were acquired by AllianceBernstein Investment Research (Proprietary) Ltd., a new AllianceBernstein research company located in South Africahave full knowledge of all relevant information. FIN No. 48 became effective on January 1, 2007. We currently estimate that the implementation of FIN No. 48 will provide research in support of AllianceBernstein’s global products.

This transaction is not expected to have a material impact on future results of operations, cash flow or liquidity.

21.Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003) (“FIN 46-R”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”, which addresses accounting and disclosure requirements for variable interest entities (“VIEs”). FIN 46-R defines a VIE as a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, or any other legal structure used for business purposes that either (a) does not have equity investors with voting or similar rights sufficient to enable such investors to make decisions about an entity’s activities or (b) has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources to support the entities’ activities without additional financial support from other parties. FIN 46-R requires a VIE to be consolidated by a company if the company is subject to, among other things, a majority of the risk or residual returns of the VIE. A company that consolidates a VIE is referred to as the primary beneficiary under FIN 46-R. In addition, FIN 46-R requires disclosure, but not consolidation, of those entities in which we are not the primary beneficiary but have a significant variable interest. The consolidation and disclosure provisions of FIN 46-R became effective for reporting periods ending after March 15, 2004.

Management has reviewed its investment management agreements and its investments in, and other financial arrangements with, certain entities that hold client assets under management to determine the entities that the company is required to consolidate under FIN 46-R. These include certain mutual fund products domiciled in Luxembourg, India, Japan, Singapore and Australia, hedge funds, structured products, group trusts and joint ventures.

As a result of this review, we consolidated an investment in a joint venture and its funds under management during 2004. As of December 31, 2004, we sold this investment and, accordingly, no longer consolidate this investment and its funds under management. During 2004, the consolidation had no material impact on results of operations or financial condition.

We derived no direct benefit from client assets under management of these entities other than investment management fees and cannot utilize those assets in our operations.

As of December 31, 2005, we have significant variable interests in certain other structured products and hedge funds with approximately $403.0 million in client assets under management. However, these VIEs do not require consolidation because management has determined that we are not the primary beneficiary. Our maximum exposure to loss in these entities is limited to our nominal investments in, and prospective investment management fees earned from, these entities.

In December 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 132 (revised 2003), (“SFAS No. 132-R”), “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits”. SFAS No. 132-R requires additional disclosures about assets, obligations, cash flows, and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. SFAS No. 132-R is effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 132-R did not have a material effect on our results of operations, liquidity,liability for income taxes, or partners’ capital resources.in 2007.

106


23.
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

  
Quarters Ended 2006
 
  
December 31
 
September 30
 
June 30
 
March 31
 
  
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
          
Net revenues 
 $1,186,698 $934,711 $933,330 $895,668 
Net income 
 $366,952 $252,974 $261,102 $227,573 
Basic net income per unit(1) 
 $1.40 $0.97 $1.00 $0.88 
Diluted net income per unit(1) 
 $1.39 $0.96 $0.99 $0.87 
Cash distributions per unit(2) 
 $1.60 $0.96 $0.99 $0.87 

  
Quarters Ended 2005
 
  
December 31
 
September 30
 
June 30
 
March 31
 
  
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
          
Net revenues 
 $910,586 $795,332 $756,258 $750,549 
Net income 
 $289,886 $211,928 $197,997 $168,507 
Basic net income per unit(1) 
 $1.12 $0.82 $0.77 $0.66 
Diluted net income per unit(1) 
 $1.12 $0.82 $0.76 $0.65 
Cash distributions per unit(2) 
 $1.12 $0.82 $0.76 $0.63 
____________
(1)
Basic and diluted net income per unit are computed independently for each of the periods presented. Accordingly, the sum of the quarterly net income per unit amounts may not agree to the total for the year.
(2)
Declared and paid during the following quarter.

- 96 -


In December 2004, the FASB issued StatementTable of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), (“SFAS No. 123-R”), “Share Based PaymentContents”. SFAS No. 123-R which superceded APB No. 25 and its related implementation guidance, requires that compensation cost related to share-based payments be recognized in financial statements. Compensation cost should be measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. We have adopted SFAS No. 123-R on a prospective basis, effective January 1, 2006. As discussed in Note 2, in 2002 we adopted the fair value method of recording compensation cost on a prospective basis, and use a straight-line amortization policy, relating to compensatory option awards of Holding Units. Accordingly, pre-tax impact resulting from the application of SFAS No. 123-R will be less than $1.0 million in 2006.

In May 2005, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 154 (“SFAS No. 154”), “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections”, which replaces APB Opinion No. 20, “Accounting Changes”, and FASB Statement No. 3, “Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements”, and changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. Management does not believe the application of SFAS No. 154 will have a material effect on our future results of operations, liquidity, or capital resources.

22.Cash Distributions

AllianceBernstein is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement, to its unitholders and the General Partner. On January 25, 2006, the General Partner declared a distribution of $289.2 million, or $1.12 per AllianceBernstein Unit, representing a distribution from Available Cash Flow for the three months ended December 31, 2005. The distribution was paid on February 16, 2006 to holders of record as of February 6, 2006. See Note 2.

23.Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

 

 

Quarters Ended 2005

 

 

 

December 31

 

September 30

 

June 30

 

March 31

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

920,814

 

$

811,051

 

$

768,570

 

$

750,245

 

Net income

 

$

289,886

 

$

211,928

 

$

197,997

 

$

168,507

 

Basic net income per unit

 

$

1.12

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.77

 

$

0.66

 

Diluted net income per unit

 

$

1.12

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.76

 

$

0.65

 

Cash distributions per unit(1)

 

$

1.12

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.76

 

$

0.63

 

 

 

Quarters Ended 2004

 

 

 

December 31

 

September 30

 

June 30

 

March 31

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

832,533

 

$

726,096

 

$

744,497

 

$

752,307

 

Net income

 

$

228,205

 

$

152,668

 

$

155,823

 

$

168,454

 

Basic net income per unit

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.60

 

$

0.61

 

$

0.66

 

Diluted net income per unit

 

$

0.88

 

$

0.59

 

$

0.61

 

$

0.66

 

Cash distributions per unit(1)

 

$

0.90

 

$

0.59

 

$

0.61

 

$

0.30

 


(1)           Declared and paid during the following quarter.

107



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


Tothe General Partner and Unitholders
AllianceBernstein L.P.:

We have completed an integrated audit of AllianceBernstein L.P.’s 2006 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audit, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statement of financial condition and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in partners' capital and comprehensive income and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of AllianceBernstein L.P. (“AllianceBernstein”) and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2006 and for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of AllianceBernstein’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that AllianceBernstein maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, AllianceBernstein, maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. AllianceBernstein's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of AllianceBernstein's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 27, 2007
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The General Partner and Unitholders
AllianceBernstein L.P.:


We have audited the accompanying consolidated statementsstatement of financial condition of AllianceBernstein L.P. and subsidiaries (“AllianceBernstein”), formerly Alliance Capital Management L.P., as of December 31, 2005, and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in partners’ capital and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the years in the three-yeartwo-year period ended December 31, 2005. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the management of the General Partner. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.


We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.


In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of AllianceBernstein as of December 31, 2005, and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-yeartwo-year period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of AllianceBernstein’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 24, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of, and the effective operation of, internal control over financial reporting.



/s/ KPMG LLP

New York, New York

February 24, 2006

108



Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

As we disclosed in a Form 8-K filed on March 13, 2006, on March 8, 2006, the Audit Committee (“Audit Committee”) of the Board engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) as the independent registered public accountant to audit the financial statements of Holding and Unitholders
the consolidated financial statements of AllianceBernstein L.P.:

We have audited management’s assessment, included infor the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting, that AllianceBernstein L.P. and subsidiaries (“AllianceBernstein”), formerly Alliance Capital Management L.P., maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as ofyear ending December 31, 2005, based on criteria established2006 (collectively, “Financial Statements”). The Committee engaged PwC in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued byorder to facilitate the Committee of Sponsoring Organizationsaudit of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management of the General Partner is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of AllianceBernstein’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation ofconsolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reportingof AXA Group, which includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation ofconsolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, andof AllianceBernstein. (PwC is the independent registered public accountant that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management’s assessment that AllianceBernstein maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also, in our opinion, AllianceBernstein maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statements of financial condition of AllianceBernstein and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in partners’ capital and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005 and our report dated February 24, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on thoseaudits AXA Group’s consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP

New York, New York

February 24, 2006

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Item 9.Changes) The Audit Committee reached the decision after considering the facts and circumstances that the Audit Committee considered pertinent, including PwC’s professional qualifications, PwC’s independence from the Partnerships, and the amount of fees estimated by PwC to be charged for the audits of the Financial Statements. The Audit Committee concluded that the engagement of PwC is in the best interests of the Partnerships and Disagreements with Accountantstheir respective unitholders. Accordingly, on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

March 8, 2006, the Committee dismissed KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accountant of the Partnerships.


Neither AllianceBernstein nor Holding had any changes in or disagreements with accountants in respect of accounting or financial disclosure.


Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures

Item 9A.Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures


Each of Holding and AllianceBernstein maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures that is designed to ensure information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, in ato permit timely manner.

decisions regarding our disclosure.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, management carried out an assessment,evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this assessment,evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective.


Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting


Management acknowledges its responsibility for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for each of Holding and AllianceBernstein.


Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, a company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officers, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and includes those policies and procedures that:

Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.


·
Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;

·
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and

·
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those internal control systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the reliability of financial statement preparation and presentation. Because of these inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness of internal control to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.



Management assessed the effectiveness of each of Holding’s and AllianceBernstein’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005.2006. In making its assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (“COSO criteria”). Management did not identify any material weakness in either Holding’s or AllianceBernstein’s internal control over financial reporting.


Based on its assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2005,2006, each of Holding and AllianceBernstein maintained effective internal control over financial reporting based on the COSO criteria.

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KPMGPricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the registered public accounting firm that audited the 2006 financial statements included in this Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of each of Holding’s and AllianceBernstein’s internal control over financial reporting. These reports can be found in Item 8.


Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fourth quarter of 20052006 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We believe that the documentation, testing, and remediation of internal controls that we undertook to make the assessment above has served generally to strengthen such internal control.

Item 9B.Other Information

Effective February 24, 2006, we changed


Item 9B.
Other Information

Both AllianceBernstein and Holding reported all information required to be disclosed on Form 8-K during the namefourth quarter of Alliance Capital Management L.P. to AllianceBernstein L.P., and also changed the names of Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. and Alliance Capital Management Corporation to AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. and AllianceBernstein Corporation, respectively. Some of our subsidiaries underwent a similar change. We believe our new name better describes the character of our business and the shared mission, values, dedication to research and client focus of all of our employees, and is an affirmation of the success of the combination of Alliance Capital and Sanford Bernstein.

Holding Units currently trade under the ticker symbol “AC” but, beginning February 27, 2006, will trade under the ticker symbol “AB”.

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2006.



PART III


Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Item 10.Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

General Partner


The Partnerships’ activities are managed and controlled by the General Partner; the Board of Directors of the General Partner (“Board”) acts as the Board of the Partnerships. The General Partner has agreed that it will conduct no active business other than managing the Partnerships, although it may make certain investments for its own account. Neither AllianceBernstein Unitholders nor Holding Unitholders have any rights to manage or control the Partnerships, or to elect directors of the General Partner. The General Partner is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA Equitable.


The General Partner does not receive any compensation from AllianceBernstein or Holding for services rendered to them as their general partner. The General Partner holds a 1% general partnership interest in AllianceBernstein and 100,000 units of general partnership interest in Holding. Each unit of general partnership interestunit in Holding has economic interests equivalentis entitled to the economic interests of a Holding Unit. As of January 31, 2006, AXA Financial, AXA Equitable, ACMC Inc., ECMC, LLC, MONY Life Insurance Company, and MONY Life Insurance Company of America,receive quarterly distributions equal to those received by each of which is an affiliate of the General Partner, together held 153,580,309 AllianceBernstein Units and 1,544,356 Holding Units (including the 100,000 generallimited partnership units).

unit.


The General Partner is reimbursed by AllianceBernstein for all expenses it incurs in carrying out its activities as general partner of the Partnerships, including compensation paid by the General Partner to its directors and officers (to the extent such persons are not compensated directly as employees of AllianceBernstein) and the cost of directors and officers liability insurance obtained by the General Partner. In 2005,2006, the General Partner was reimbursed only for directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance premiums.



Directors and Executive Officers


The directors and executive officers of the General Partner are as follows (officers of the General Partner may also serve as officers of AllianceBernstein and Holding):


Name

Age

Position

Lewis A. Sanders

59

60

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Dominique Carrel-Billiard

39

40

Director

Henri de Castries

51

52

Director

Christopher M. Condron

58

59

Director

Denis Duverne

52

53

Director

Roger Hertog

Peter Etzenbach

64

39

Vice Chairman

Director

Weston M. Hicks

49

50

Director

W. Edwin Jarmain

67

Director

Gerald M. Lieberman

59

60

Director, President and Chief Operating Officer

Nicolas Moreau

40

Director

Lorie A. Slutsky

53

54

Director

A.W. (Pete) Smith,

Jr.

62

63

Director

Peter J. Tobin

61

62

Director

Stanley B. Tulin

56

Director

Lawrence H. Cohen

44

45

Executive Vice President

Laurence E. Cranch

59

60

Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Edward J. Farrell

45

46

Senior Vice President and Controller

Sharon E. Fay

45

46

Executive Vice President

Marilyn G. Fedak

59

60

Executive Vice President

James A. Gingrich

48Executive Vice President
Mark R. Gordon

52

53

Executive Vice President

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Name

Age

Position

Thomas S. Hexner

49

50

Executive Vice President

Robert H. Joseph, Jr.

58

59

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Mark R. Manley

43

44

Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer

Seth J. Masters

46

47

Executive Vice President

Marc O. Mayer

48

49

Executive Vice President

Douglas J. Peebles

40

41

Executive Vice President

Jeffrey S. Phlegar

39

40

Executive Vice President

James G. Reilly

45

Executive Vice President

Paul C. Rissman

49

50

Executive Vice President

Lisa A. Shalett

42

43

Executive Vice President

David A. Steyn

46

47

Executive Vice President

Christopher M. Toub

46

47

Executive Vice President


Biographies


Mr. Sanders was elected Chairman of the Board of the General Partner effective January 1, 2005 and Chief Executive Officer of AllianceBernstein effective July 1, 2003. He hadBefore taking on his current roles, he served as Director, Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Officer since the Bernstein Transaction.Transaction in 2000. Prior thereto,to the Bernstein Transaction, Mr. Sanders washad served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bernstein whichsince 1992; he joinedbegan his career with Bernstein in 1968 as a research analyst. Mr. Sanders is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SCB Inc.


Mr. Carrel-Billiard was elected a Director of the General Partner in July 2004. He ishas been Chief Executive Officer of AXA Investment Managers since June 30, 2006. Mr. Carrel-Billiard joined AXA in May 2004 as the Senior Vice President-Business Support and Development of AXA in charge of AXA Financial, asset management activities, and reinsurance activities. He joined the AXA Group on June 1, 2004.reinsurance. Prior to joining AXA, Mr. Carrel-Billiard was a Partner of McKinsey and Company where he specialized in the financial services industry, workingindustry. During the 12 years he spent at McKinsey, Mr. Carrel-Billiard worked on a broad array of assignments related totopics (including insurance, asset gathering and management, and corporate and investment banking.

banking) for the top management of international banks, insurance companies, including AXA, and other financial services groups. Mr. Carrel-Billiard also led the European Retail Savings and Life Insurance practice, with focus on distribution issues for asset gathering products to retail investors. AXA and AXA Financial are parents of AllianceBernstein. AXA Financial and AXA Investment Managers are subsidiaries of AXA.


Mr. de Castries was elected a Director of the General Partner in October 1993. Since May 3, 2000, he has been Chairman of the Management Board of AXA. Prior thereto, he served AXA in various capacities, including Vice Chairman of the Management Board; Senior Executive Vice President-Financial Services and Life Insurance Activities in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Benelux from 1996 to 2000; Executive Vice President-Financial Services and Life Insurance Activities from 1993 to 1996; General Secretary from 1991 to 1993; and Central Director of Finances from 1989 to 1991. He is also a director or officer of AXA Financial, AXA Equitable, and various other subsidiaries and affiliates of the AXA Group. Mr. de Castries was elected Vice Chairman of AXA Financial on February 14, 1996 and was elected Chairman of AXA Financial, effective April 1, 1998.



Mr. Condron was elected a Director of the General Partner in May 2001. He has been Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of AXA Financial since May 2001. He is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of AXA Equitable and a member of the AXA Group Management Board. In addition, Mr. Condron is Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of MONY Life Insurance Company, which AXA Financial acquired in July 2004. Prior to joining AXA Financial, Mr. Condron served as both President and Chief Operating Officer of Mellon Financial Corporation (“Mellon”), from 1999, and as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Dreyfus Corporation, a subsidiary of Mellon, from 1995.

Mr. Condron is a member of the Board of Directors of KBW, Inc., a full-service investment bank and broker-dealer. He also serves as Chairman of KBW’s compensation committee and as a member of its audit committee and its corporate governance and nominating committee.


Mr. Duverne was elected a Director of the General Partner in February 1996. He has been Chief Financial Officer of AXA since May 2003 and, from January 2000 to May 2003, served as Group Executive Vice President-Finance, Control and Strategy. Mr. Duverne joined AXA as Senior Vice President in 1995. He is a Director of AXA Financial, AXA Equitable, and various other subsidiaries and affiliates of the AXA Group.


Mr. HertogEtzenbach was elected a Director and Vice Chairman of the General Partner in October 2000.May 2006. He is Senior Vice President-Business Support and Development of AXA in charge of AXA Equitable, asset management, and reinsurance. He joined the AXA Group in 2005 as a lead strategic auditor in the AXA Group Audit Department. Prior thereto,to joining AXA, Mr. Etzenbach was an Executive Director of Goldman Sachs in investment banking and equity capital markets. During the 13 years he was Presidentspent at Goldman Sachs, Mr. Etzenbach held various management roles, including Business Unit Manager for the European Investment Banking Division (2001 to 2002) and Chief Operating Officer for the Sovereign Effort, a position which reported to the Vice Chairman of Bernstein, which he joined as a research analyst in 1968. Mr. Hertog is a Director and the President and Chief Operating Officer of SCB Inc.

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Goldman Sachs International (2004).



Mr. Hicks was elected a Director of the General Partner in July 2005. He has been a Director and the President and Chief Executive Officerchief executive officer of Alleghany Corporation (“Alleghany”), an insurance and diversified financial services holding company since December 2004 and was Executive Vice President of Alleghany from October 2002 until December 2004. From March 2001 through October 2002, Mr. Hicks was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Chubb Corporation and from March 1999 through March 2001, he was a Managing Director of J.P. Morgan Securities.


Mr. JarmainLieberman was elected a Director of the General Partner in May 2000. He has been President of Jarmain Group Inc., a private investment holding company, since 1979. Mr. Jarmain has been a Director of AXA Financial and AXA Equitable since July 1992 and is, or has been, a director of several other companies affiliated with AXA Equitable.

Mr. Lieberman became a Director of the General Partner and the Chief Operating Officer of AllianceBernstein in November 2003 and was elected President of AllianceBernstein in November 2004, when . he was also elected a member of AXA’s Executive Committee. Mr. Lieberman joined AllianceBernstein in October 2000 and served as Executive Vice President - Finance and Operations of AllianceBernstein from November 2000 to November 2003. Prior to the Bernstein Transaction, Mr. Lieberman served as a Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration of Bernstein, which he joined in 1998, and was a member of Bernstein’s Board of Directors. Mr. Lieberman is a Director of SCB Inc.

Mr. Moreau was elected a Director of the General Partner in May 2004. He has been Chief Executive Officer of AXA Investment Managers since April 2002, and, since January 2001, has been Chairman of AXA Investment Managers Private Equity and Vice Chairman of AXA Rosenberg. He joined AXA in 1991 as a Vice President in the Treasury Department, and in 1994 became the Head of the Corporate Finance and Treasury Department of the AXA Group. In 1997, he joined AXA Investment Managers and in January 1999, following the acquisition by AXA Investment Managers of a majority interest in the Rosenberg Group, Mr. Moreau became Chief Executive Officer of AXA Rosenberg Group LLC. In March 2000, Mr. Moreau became Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of AXA Investment Managers. AXA Investment Managers, AXA Investment Managers Private Equity, and AXA Rosenberg Group LLC are subsidiaries of AXA.


Ms. Slutsky was elected a Director of the General Partner in July 2002. She has been President and Chief Executive Officer of The New York Community Trust, a $2 billion community foundation consisting ofwhich annually grants more than 1,800 charitable funds,$150 million, since January 1990.

Ms. Slutsky has been a Director of AXA Financial, AXA Equitable, and certain other subsidiaries of AXA Financial since September 2006.


Mr. Smith was elected a Director of the General Partner in July 20052005. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Private Sector Council, a non-profit public service organization dedicated to improving the efficiency, management and productivity of the federal government, from September 2000 until his retirement in May 2005. He is President of Smith Consulting.


Mr. Tobin was elected a Director of the General Partner in May 2000. From September 2003 to June 2005, he was Special Assistant to the President of St. John’s University. Prior thereto, Mr. Tobin served as Dean of the Tobin College of Business of St. John’s University from August 1998 to September 2003. As Dean, Mr. Tobin was the chief executive and academic leader of the College of Business. Mr. Tobin was Chief Financial Officer at The Chase Manhattan Corporation from 1996 to 1997. Prior thereto, he was Chief Financial Officer of Chemical Bank (which merged with Chase in 1996) from 1991 to 1996 and Chief Financial Officer of Manufacturers Hanover Trust (which merged with Chemical in 1991) from 1985 to 1991. Mr. Tobin is on the Boards of Directors of The H.W. Wilson Co. and CIT Group Inc. He has been a Director of AXA Financial since March 1999.

Mr. Tulin was elected a Director



Mr. Cohen has been Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer since joining AllianceBernstein in 2004. In this role, he is responsible for technology strategy, application development, and infrastructure

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services throughout AllianceBernstein. Prior to joining AllianceBernstein, Mr. Cohen held executive IT positions at UBS, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Fidelity Investments.


Mr. Cranch has been Executive Vice President and General Counsel since joining AllianceBernstein in 2004. Prior to joining AllianceBernstein, Mr. Cranch was a partner of Clifford Chance, an international law firm. Mr. Cranch joined Clifford Chance in 2000 when Rogers & Wells, a New York law firm of which he was Managing Partner, merged with Clifford Chance.


Mr. Farrell has been Senior Vice President and Controller since joining AllianceBernstein in 2003. He also serves as the Chief Financial Officer of SCB LLC. From 1994 through 2003, Mr. Farrell worked at Nomura Securities International, where he was a Managing Director and a member of the senior management committee. He also held various financial positions including Controller and Chief Financial Officer.


Ms. Fay joined Bernstein in 1990 as a research analyst in investment management, following the airlines, lodging, trucking, and retail industries, and has been Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer-Global Value Equities of AllianceBernstein since 2003, overseeing all portfolio management and research activities relating to cross-border and non-U.S. value investment portfolios and chairing the Global Value Investment Policy Group. Until January 2006, Ms. Fay was Co-Chief Investment Officer-European and U.K. Value Equities, a position she assumed with Bernstein in 1999. Between 1997 and 1999, she was Chief Investment Officer-Canadian Value Equities with Bernstein. Prior to that, she had been a senior portfolio manager of International Value Equities since 1995.


Ms. Fedak joined Bernstein in 1984 as a senior portfolio manager. An Executive Vice President of AllianceBernstein since 2000, she is Head of Global Value Equities and Chair of the U.S. Large Cap Value Equity Investment Policy Group. From 1993-2000,1993 through 2000, Ms. Fedak was Chief Investment Officer for U.S. Value Equities; in 2003, she named John Mahedy, a Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein, her Co-CIO. Ms. Fedak is also a Director of SCB Inc.


Mr. Gingrich joined Bernstein in 1999 as a senior research analyst covering the U.S. household and personal products industry. He became an Executive Vice President of AllianceBernstein and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SCB LLC in February 2007. Prior to becoming Chairman and CEO of SCB LLC, Mr. Gingrich served as Global Director of Research for SCB LLC’s U.S. and European operations. Mr. Gingrich was elected a Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein in 2002.

Mr. Gordon joined Bernstein in 1983 and is presentlycurrently serves as Director of Global Quantitative Research of AllianceBernstein, co-head of Alternative Investments, and Chief Investment Officer for the Global Diversified Funds. He was elected an Executive Vice President of AllianceBernstein in February 2004. Mr. Gordon previously served as Bernstein’s Head of Risk Management, Director of Product Development, and Director of Quantitative Research.


Mr. Hexner joined Bernstein in 1986 as a financial advisor and has been anadvisor. An Executive Vice President of AllianceBernstein and thesince 2000, he is Head of Bernstein Global Wealth Management, overseeingGWM and oversees the firm’s Private Client Services, since 2000. From 1996 to 2000,private client business worldwide. Mr. Hexner headedhas been responsible for the firm’s private client business since 1996. He was named President of Bernstein Investment Research and Management, a unit of AllianceBernstein, in 2000, and Head of Bernstein GWM in 2006 in recognition of the global expansion of the private client business of Bernstein. From 1989 to 1996, he was Managing Director responsible for Bernstein’s West Coast investment management clients. Mr. Hexner was appointed National Director of Investment Planning in 1988.business. Mr. Hexner is a Director of SCB Inc.


Mr. Joseph joined AllianceBernstein in 1984 and held various financial positions until his election as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 1994. Before joining AllianceBernstein, Mr. Joseph was a Senior Audit Manager with Price Waterhouse for thirteen13 years.


Mr. Manley joined AllianceBernstein in 1984 and currently serves as Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. Mr. Manley served as Acting General Counsel from July 2003 through July 2004 and has served as the company’s Chief Compliance Officer since 1988. From February 1998 through June 2003, Mr. Manley was Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel. From February 1992 through February 1998, he was Vice President and Counsel.


Mr. Masters joined Bernstein in 1991 as a research analyst covering banks, insurance companies, and other financial firmsfirms. He currently heads the AllianceBernstein Blend Strategies team and has been Executive Vice President andis Chief Investment Officer for style blendStyle Blend, roles he has held since 2002. Mr. Masters was named Executive Vice President of AllianceBernstein in 2004 and core equity services since 2002.Senior Vice President in 2000. Between 1994 and 2002, Mr. Masters was Chief Investment Officer forof Emerging Markets Value Equities. He was electedequities, a Senior Vice Presidentservice he took the lead in designing.


Mr. Mayer joined Bernstein in 1989 as a research analyst and research director in the institutional research services group and has been an Executive Vice President of AllianceBernstein since 2000. He was elected Executive Managing Director of AllianceBernstein Investments in November 2003; he was Head of AllianceBernstein

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Institutional Investments from 2001 until that time. Prior to 2001, Mr. Mayer was Head of SCB LLC. Mr. Mayer is a Director of SCB Inc.


Mr. Peebles joined AllianceBernstein in 1987 and has been an Executive Vice President of AllianceBernstein and Co-Chief Investment Officer of AllianceBernstein Fixed Income since 2004. He is also Director of Global Fixed Income, with investment responsibility for the institutional and retail global fixed income portfolios managed by AllianceBernstein and oversight responsibility for all global and non-U.S. regional fixed income teams. Mr. Peebles served as a Senior Vice President in Global Fixed Income from February 1998 until April 2004.


Mr. Phlegar joined AllianceBernstein in 1993 and has been an Executive Vice President of AllianceBernstein and Co-Chief Investment Officer of AllianceBernstein Fixed Income since 2004. He served as a Senior Vice President in U.S. Investment Grade Fixed Income from February 1998 until May 2004. Prior to joining AllianceBernstein, Mr. Phlegar managed high grade securities for regulated insurance entities at Equitable Capital Management Corporation, which AllianceBernstein acquired in 1993.


Mr. Reilly joined AllianceBernstein in 1985 as a Vice President and quantitative and fundamental research analyst covering airlines and railroads.railroads, and is currently U.S. Large Cap Growth team leader. He has been an Executive Vice President since 1999 and a portfolio manager with AllianceBernstein’s large cap growth team since 1988. Mr. Reilly was a Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein from 1993 until 1999.


Mr. Rissman joined AllianceBernstein in 1989 as a quantitative analyst and earlier this year became our firm’s Chief Investment Officer of Growth Equities while continuing as the head of growth equity services, a role he has held since 2004. He had been an Executive Vice President and Director of Research—Global Growth Equities since 2000. Mr. Rissman has been an Executive Vice President of AllianceBernstein since 2000. He led the Relative Value investment team from 1995 to June 2004 and, in May 2004, he assumed supervisory responsibility for all Growth Equity Services.

2004.


Ms. Shalett joined Bernstein in 1995 and has been an Executive Vice President1995. In February 2007, she became Head of AllianceBernstein since November 2002 andGlobal Research for Growth Equities. Prior to this role on the buy-side, Ms. Shalett lead our sell-side equity research business as Chair and Chief Executive Officer of SCB LLC, a position she had held since October 2002. Previously, Ms. Shalett served as Director of Global Research for U.S. and European companies and as senior research analyst covering capital goods and diversified industrials.

industrials, again both on the sell-side. She has been an Executive Vice President of AllianceBernstein since 2002.


Mr. Steyn joined Bernstein in 1999, having been the founding co-CEOco-Chief Executive Officer of Bernstein’s London office, and has been an Executive Vice President of AllianceBernstein and Head of AllianceBernstein Institutional Investments since November 2003. Mr. Steyn was elected a Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein in 2000.


Mr. Toub joined AllianceBernstein in 1992 as a portfolio manager with the disciplined growthDisciplined Growth group. He has been an Executive Vice President of AllianceBernstein since 1999 and Head of Global/International Growth Equities since 1998. Mr. Toub became Chief Executive Officer of AllianceBernstein Limited, a London-based wholly-owned subsidiary of AllianceBernstein, in April 2005. He served as Director of Research—Global Growth Equity ResearchEquities from 1998 through 2000.


Recent Director Resignations

Stanley B. Tulin resigned from the Board effective January 1, 2007.

Roger Hertog resigned from the Board effective December 31, 2006.

W. Edwin Jarmain resigned from the Board effective February 25, 2006.


Corporate Governance

Board of Directors

All directors of the General Partner are elected by annual written consent of the sole stockholder of the General Partner and hold office until the next annual written consent of the sole stockholder or until their successors are duly elected and qualified in accordance with Article III of the By-Laws of the General Partner. All officers of AllianceBernstein serve at the discretion of the Board. Certain executive officers of AllianceBernstein are also directors or trustees and officers of the AllianceBernstein Funds and are directors and officers of our subsidiaries and affiliates.


The Board holds regularly-scheduled quarterly meetings, generally in February, May, July,July/August, and November of each year, and holds special meetings or takes action by unanimous written consent as eventscircumstances warrant.

The General Partner paysBoard has standing Executive, Corporate Governance, Audit, and Compensation Committees, each of which is described in further detail below. Of the directors, who the Board determines to be independent (as such term is defined in Section 303A.02only Mr. Carrel-Billiard attended fewer than 75% of the NYSE Listed Company Manual)aggregate of all Board and other directors who are not employed by AllianceBernstein or by any of its affiliates:

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an annual retainer of $40,000;

a fee of $1,500 for participating in a meeting of the Board, the Executive Committee of the Board (“Executive Committee”), the Audit Committee of the Board (“Audit Committee”), the Corporate Governance Committee of the Board (“Governance Committee”), the Compensation Committee of the Board (“Compensation Committee”), or other duly constituted committee of the Board, whethermeetings which he or she participates in person or by telephone;

an annual retainer of $15,000 for acting as Chair of the Audit Committee;

an annual retainer of $7,500 for acting as Chair of the Governance Committee; and

an annual equity-based grant under our 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan consisting of:

an option to purchase Holding Units with the number of Holding Units set so that the option has a value of $30,000 calculated using the Black-Scholes method, and

restricted Holding Units having a value of $30,000 based on the closing price of Holding Units on the NYSE as of a grant date.

On May 19, 2005, 661 restricted Holding Units and options to purchase 4,401 Holding Units at $45.45 per Unit were granted to Mr. Jarmain, Ms. Slutsky, and Mr. Tobin. Such compensation was also granted to Benjamin D. Holloway, who resigned from the Board in July 2005.

Other directors (including any director who is employed by one of the Partnerships or one of their affiliates) are not entitled to any compensation from the General Partner for their services as directors.

The General Partner may reimburse any director for reasonable expenses incurredattend in participating in Board meetings. Holding and AllianceBernstein, in turn, reimburse the General Partner for expenses incurred by the General Partner on their behalf, including amounts in respect of directors’ fees and expenses. These reimbursements are subject to any relevant provisions of the Holding Partnership Agreement and AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement.

2006.


Committees of the Board


The Executive Committee of the Board (“Executive Committee”) is composed of Messrs. Condron, Duverne, Lieberman, Sanders (Chair), and Tobin, and Ms. Slutsky. The Executive Committee exercises all of the powers and authority of the Board (with limited exceptions) when the Board is not in session, or when it is impractical to assemble the Board. The Executive Committee held fivefour meetings in 2005.

The Audit Committee2006.


A more complete description of the Board (“Audit Committee”)Executive Committee’s functions is composed of Messrs. Hicks, Jarmain, Smith, and Tobin (Chair). The primary purposes ofset forth in the Audit Committee are to: (i) assist the Board in its oversight of (1) the integrity of the financial statements of the Partnerships, (2) the Partnerships’ status and system of compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and business conduct, (3) the independent auditor’s qualification and independence, and (4) the performance of the Partnerships’ internal audit function; and (ii) oversee the appointment, retention, compensation, evaluation and termination of the Partnerships’ independent auditor. Consistent with this function, the Audit Committee encourages continuous improvement of, and fosters adherence to, the Partnerships’ policies, procedures and practicescommittee’s charter, which is available online at all levels. With respect to these matters, the Audit Committee provides an open avenue of communication among the independent auditor, senior management, the Internal Audit Department, and the Board. The Audit Committee held 11 meetings in 2005.

our Internet site (http://www.alliancebernstein.com).


The Corporate Governance Committee of the Board (“Governance Committee”) is composed of Mr. Condron, Mr. Sanders, and Ms. Slutsky (Chair). The Governance Committee assists the Board in (i) identifying and evaluating qualified individuals to become Board members; (ii) determining the composition of the Board and its committees; (iii) developing and monitoring a process to assess Board effectiveness; (iv) developing and implementing our corporate governance guidelines; and (v) reviewing our policies and programs that relate to matters of corporate responsibility of the General Partner and the Partnerships. The Governance Committee held two meetings in 2005.

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2006.


A more complete description of the Governance Committee’s functions is set forth in the committee’s charter, which is available online at our Internet site (http://www.alliancebernstein.com).
The Audit Committee of the Board (“Audit Committee”) is composed of Messrs. Hicks, Smith, and Tobin (Chair). The primary purposes of the Audit Committee are to: (i) assist the Board in its oversight of (1) the integrity of the financial statements of the Partnerships, (2) the Partnerships’ status and system of compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and business conduct, (3) the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualification and independence, and (4) the performance of the Partnerships’ internal audit function; and (ii) oversee the appointment, retention, compensation, evaluation, and termination of the Partnerships’ independent registered public accounting firm. Consistent with this function, the Audit Committee encourages continuous improvement of, and fosters adherence to, the Partnerships’ policies, procedures, and practices at all levels. With respect to these matters, the Audit Committee provides an open avenue of communication among the independent registered public accounting firm, senior management, the Internal Audit Department, and the Board. The Audit Committee held nine meetings in 2006.

A more complete description of the Audit Committee’s functions is set forth in the committee’s charter, which is available online at our Internet site (http://www.alliancebernstein.com).

The Compensation Committee of the Board (“Compensation Committee”) is composed of Messrs. Condron (Chair), Sanders, and Smith, and Ms. Slutsky. The Compensation Committee has general oversight of compensation and compensation-related matters, including, but not limited to: (i) determining bonuses; (ii) determining contributions and awards under employee incentive plans or arrangements (whether qualified or nonqualified) for employees of AllianceBernstein and its subsidiaries, and amending or terminating such plans or arrangements or any welfare benefit plan or arrangement or making recommendations to the Board with respect to adopting any new incentive compensation plan, fringe benefit plan, welfare benefit plan or equity-based plan; and (iii) reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of Mr. Sanders (the Chief Executive Officer), evaluating his performance in light of those goals and objectives, and determining and approving his compensation level based on this evaluation (Mr. Sanders recuses himself from voting on his compensation). Historically,For additional information about the Compensation Committee, has focused on the cash bonus and deferred awards granted to management; Mr. Sanders has therefore played a key role in the activities undertaken by this committee. Mr. Sanders’s annual compensation is determined pursuant to his employment agreement (see Item 13), which was approved by the“Executive Compensation Committee on December 21, 2004. The- Compensation Committee heldtwo meetings in 2005.

The Board has other committees as well. The 1997 Option Committee, consisting of Mr. Condron and Ms. Slutsky, is responsible for granting options under our 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan. The Unit Option and Unit Bonus Committee, consisting of Mr. Condron and Ms. Slutsky, is responsible for granting awards under our Unit Bonus Plan. The Compensation Committee, Unit Option and Unit Bonus Committee, and 1997 Option Committee consult with Messrs. Sanders and Lieberman with respect to matters within their authority. The Century Club Plan Committee, consisting of Messrs. Lieberman and Mayer, is responsible for granting awards under our Century Club Plan. For additional information concerning the compensation plans discussed in this paragraph, see Notes 15 and 16 in AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statementsDiscussion & Analysis” in Item 811..


In 2003, the Board appointed a Special Committee, now consisting of Mr. Jarmain, Ms. Slutsky and Mr. Tobin (Chair), to oversee a number of matters relating to regulatory investigations by the NYAG, the SEC, and other regulators. In part, theThe Special Committee isremains responsible to direct and oversee AllianceBernstein’s internal investigation into these matters, to work with the regulators to resolve these matters, to oversee a broad review of compliance activities and to overseefor overseeing the handling of related unitholder derivative suits.suits and distributing the Restitution Fund (for additional information, see “Business - Regulation” in Item 1). The members of the Special Committee do not receive any additional compensation for their service on the Special Committee, apart from the ordinary meeting fees described above.in “Executive Compensation - Director Compensation” in Item 11. The Special Committee did not meetmet once during 2005.

2006.


Audit Committee Financial Expert; Independence of Certain DirectorsExpert


The Governance Committee, after reviewing materials prepared by management, recommended that the Board determined, at its regularly-scheduled meeting in February 2006,determine that each of Weston M. Hicks and Peter J. Tobin is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K. The Board so determined at its February 2007 regular meeting. The Board also determined at thisthat meeting that each member of the Audit Committee (Messrs. Hicks, Jarmain, Smith, and Tobin) is financially literate and possesses accounting or related financial management expertise, as contemplated by Section 303A.07(a) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual.

Also at that meeting, the



Independence of Certain Directors

The Governance Committee, after having reviewed management’s due diligence and conducted their own inquiries, as needed,reviewing materials prepared by management, recommended tothat the Board a determinationdetermine that each of Mr. Hicks, Mr. Jarmain, Ms. Slutsky, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Tobin is “independent” within the meaning of Section 303A.02 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. The Board considered immaterial relationships of Mr. Hicks (relating to Alleghany Corporation being a client of SCB LLC), Mr. Jarmain (regarding his son-in-law being employed by a firm that does a limited amount of business with an affiliate of AllianceBernstein), and Ms. Slutsky (relating to contributions made by AllianceBernstein to The New York Community Trust)Trust, of which she is President and Chief Executive Officer) and then determined, at its February 2007 regular meeting, that each of Mr. Hicks, Mr. Jarmain, Ms. Slutsky, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Tobin is independent within the meaning of the relevant rules.


Management Committees

The Management Executive Committee is composed of Messrs. Cohen, Cranch, Gordon, Hertog, Hexner, Lieberman, Manley, Masters, Mayer, Peebles, Phlegar, Reilly, Rissman, Sanders, Steyn, and Toub, and Mesdames Fay, Fedak, and Shalett, who together are the group of key executives responsible for managing AllianceBernstein, enacting strategic initiatives, and allocating resources to our company’s various departments.

118



Mr. Sanders is ex-officio the Chairman of the Management Executive Committee. The Management Executive Committee meets on a regular basis and at such other times as circumstances warrant.

The Code of Ethics Oversight Committee (“Ethics Committee”), composed of each member of the Management Executive Committee and certain other senior executives, oversees all matters relating to issues arising under the AllianceBernstein Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. During 2005, Ms. Fedak chaired the Ethics Committee at its first meeting and Mr. Steyn chaired the Ethics Committee for the rest of the year. During 2006, Mr. Steyn will chair the first meeting and a new chair will be appointed for rest of the year. The Ethics Committee, which was created pursuant to the SEC Order (see Item 1), meets on a quarterly basis and at such other times as circumstances warrant.

The Internal Compliance Controls Committee (“Compliance Committee”), also composed of each member of the Management Executive Committee and certain other senior executives, reviews compliance issues throughout our company, endeavors to develop solutions to those issues as they may arise from time to time, and oversees implementation of those solutions. The Compliance Committee is chaired by Mr. Manley. The Compliance Committee, which was created pursuant to the SEC Order, meets on a quarterly basis and at such other times as circumstances warrant.

Code of Ethics and Related Policies


All of our directors, officers and employees are subject to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. The code is intended to comply with Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act and recommendations issued by the Investment Company Institute regarding, among other things, practices and standards with respect to securities transactions of investment professionals, as well as Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act and Section 303A.10 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics establishes certain guiding principles for all of our employees, including sensitivity to our fiduciary obligations and ensuring that we meet those obligations. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics may be found in the “Corporate Governance” portion of our Internet site (http://www.alliancebernstein.com).


We have adopted the Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers, which is intended to comply with Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Item 406 Code”). The Item 406 Code was adopted on October 28, 2004 by the Executive Committee. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 105.05 of Form 8-K regarding certain amendments to, or waivers from, provisions of the Item 406 Code that apply to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller by posting such information on our Internet site (http://www.alliancebernstein.com).


NYSE Governance Matters


The charters and membershipsSection 303A.00 of the Executive Committee, Audit Committee,NYSE Listed Company Manual exempts limited partnerships from compliance with Section 303A.01 (majority of independent directors), 303A.04 (corporate governance committee with only independent directors as its members), and 303A.05 (compensation committee with only independent directors as its members) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. Holding is a limited partnership (as is AllianceBernstein). In addition, because the General Partner is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA Equitable, and the General Partner controls Holding (and AllianceBernstein), we believe we would also qualify for the “controlled company” exemption. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board has adopted a Corporate Governance Committee Charter that complies with Section 303A.04 and a Compensation Committee may be found in the “Corporate Governance” portionCharter that complies with Section 303A.05. However, not all members of our Internet site (http://www.alliancebernstein.comthese committees are independent.).


Our Corporate Governance Guidelines (“Guidelines”) promote the effective functioning of the Board and its committees, promote the interests of the Partnerships’ respective unitholders, with appropriate regard to the Board’s duties to the sole stockholder of the General Partner, and set forth a common set of expectations as to how the Board, its various committees, individual directors, and management, should perform their functions. The Guidelines may be found in the “Corporate Governance” portion of our Internet site (http://www.alliancebernstein.com).


The Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for considering any request for a waiver under the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, the Item 406 Code, the AXA Code of Business Conduct, and AXA Financial Policy Statement on Ethics from any director or executive officer of the General Partner. Any such waiver that has been granted is set forth in the “Corporate Governance” portion of our Internet site (http://www.alliancebernstein.com). No such waivers were granted during the fourth quarter of 2005.2006.

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Peter J. Tobin has been chosen to preside at all executive sessions of non-management and independent directors. Interested parties wishing to communicate directly with Mr. Tobin may send an e-mail, with “confidential” in the subject line, to corporate.secretary@alliancebernstein.com. Upon receipt, our Corporate Secretary will promptly forward all such e-mails to Mr. Tobin. Interested parties may also address mail to Mr. Tobin in care of Corporate Secretary, AllianceBernstein Corporation, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105, and the Corporate Secretary will promptly forward such mail to Mr. Tobin. We have posted this information in the “Corporate Governance” portion of our Internet site (http://www.alliancebernstein.com).



Our Internet site (www.alliancebernstein.com), under the heading “Contact our Directors,” provides an e-mail address for any interested party, including unitholders, to communicate with the Board of Directors. Our Corporate Secretary reviews e-mails sent to that address and has some discretion in determining how or whether to respond, and in determining to whom such e-mails should be forwarded. In our experience, substantially all of the e-mails received are ordinary client requests for administrative assistance or solicitations of various kinds, and are best addressed by management.

The 20052006 Certification by theour Chief Executive Officer of AllianceBernstein under NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.12(a) was submitted to the NYSE on November 26, 2005.

March 8, 2006.


Certifications by theour Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 have been furnished as exhibits to this Form 10-K.


Holding and AllianceBernstein Unitholders may request a copy of any committee charter, the Guidelines, and the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics by contacting the corporate secretaryCorporate Secretary of AllianceBernstein (corporate.secretary@alliancebernstein.com). The charters and memberships of the Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee, as well as the Executive Committee and the Audit Committee, may be found in the “Corporate Governance” portion of our Internet site (http://www.alliancebernstein.com).


Management Committees

The Management Executive Committee is composed of Messrs. Cohen, Cranch, Gingrich, Gordon, Hexner, Lieberman, Manley, Masters, Mayer, Peebles, Phlegar, Reilly, Rissman, Sanders, Steyn, and Toub, and Mesdames Fay, Fedak, and Shalett, who together are the group of key executives responsible for managing AllianceBernstein, enacting strategic initiatives, and allocating resources to our company’s various departments. Mr. Sanders serves ex-officio as Chairman of the Management Executive Committee. The Management Executive Committee meets on a regular basis and at such other times as circumstances warrant.

The Code of Ethics Oversight Committee (“Ethics Committee”), composed of each member of the Management Executive Committee and certain other senior executives, oversees all matters relating to issues arising under the AllianceBernstein Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. The Ethics Committee, which was created pursuant to the SEC Order (see “Business - Regulation” in Item 1), meets on a quarterly basis and at such other times as circumstances warrant.

The Internal Compliance Controls Committee (“Compliance Committee”), also composed of each member of the Management Executive Committee and certain other senior executives, reviews compliance issues throughout our company, endeavors to develop solutions to those issues as they may arise from time-to-time, and oversees implementation of those solutions. The Compliance Committee, which was created pursuant to the SEC Order (see “Business - Regulation” in Item 1), meets on a quarterly basis and at such other times as circumstances warrant.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance


Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires directors of the General Partner and executive officers of the Partnerships, and persons who own more than 10% of the Holding Units or AllianceBernstein Units, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Holding Units or AllianceBernstein Units. To the best of management’s knowledge, during 2005:2006: (i) all Section 16(a) filing requirements relating to Holding were complied with;with, except that a Form 4 was filed late for each of Ms. Shalett and Messrs. Cohen, Cranch, Farrell, Hexner, Lieberman, Peebles, and Reilly in respect of each person’s decision to notionally invest a portion of his or her 2005 award under the Amended and Restated AllianceBernstein Partners Compensation Plan in Holding Units;and (ii) all Section 16(a) filing requirements relating to AllianceBernstein were complied with. You can find our Section 16 filings under “Investor & Media Relations” / “Reports and& SEC Filings” on our Internet site (http://www.alliancebernstein.com).

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Item 11.
Executive Compensation


Item 11.   Compensation Discussion and Analysis (Executive“CD&A”)

Overview of Compensation Philosophy and Program

The following Summaryintellectual capital possessed by our employees is collectively the most important asset of our firm. We invest in people - we hire qualified people, train them, encourage them to give their best thinking to the firm and our clients, and compensate them in a manner designed to retain and motivate them. As a result, employee compensation and benefits are significant, comprising approximately 56% of our operating expenses and approximately 39% of our net revenues for 2006. These percentages are not unusual for companies in the financial services industry. The magnitude of this expense also requires that it be monitored by management, and overseen by the Board, with the particular attention of the Compensation Table sets forth allCommittee.

We believe that the quality, skill, and dedication of our executive officers are critical factors that enhance the long-term value of our company. Our key compensation goals are to attract highly-qualified executive talent, retain our key leaders, provide rewards for the past year’s performance, provide incentives for future performance, and align our executives’ long-term interests with those of our clients and, ultimately, our Unitholders. We believe that fundamental success in achieving good results for the firm, and for our Unitholders, must flow from achieving investment success for our clients. Accordingly, in recent years, our deferred incentive compensation award program has encouraged our executives to allocate their awards on a notional basis to the investment products we offer to our clients, in addition to notional investments in Holding Units and, in certain cases (see below), investments in options to buy Holding Units.

Historically, we have used a variety of compensation elements to achieve the goals described above. Currently, we use base salary, annual cash bonuses, a deferred compensation plan (the Amended and Restated AllianceBernstein Partners Compensation Plan, “Partners Plan”), a defined contribution plan, and non-planHolding Unit options, all of which are discussed in more detail below.

We do not set financial performance targets for the firm, and management efforts are not directed at meeting any such specific targets. Estimates are developed for budgeting and strategic planning purposes, but no employee or officer compensation awardedis directly tied to earned by“hitting” or “missing” target revenue or income figures, although some salespeople do have compensation incentives based on sales levels.

Decisions about executive officer compensation are based primarily on our assessment of each executive’s leadership, operational performance, and potential to enhance investment returns and service for our clients, and in doing so contribute to long-term Unitholder value. We rely upon our judgment about each executive’s performance — rather than utilizing quantitative formulas—in determining the amount and mix of compensation elements and whether each particular payment or award provides an appropriate reward for the current year’s performance. Key factors that we consider include: performance compared to the operational and strategic goals established for the executive at the beginning of the year; nature, scope, and level of responsibilities; contribution to the company’s commitment to create and maintain a fiduciary culture in which clients’ interests are paramount; and contribution to our overall financial results.

We also consider each executive’s current salary, and prior-year cash bonus and deferred award, the appropriate balance between incentives for long-term and short-term performance, and the compensation paid to the Chiefexecutive’s peers within the company. In addition, we review information provided by McLagan Associates, compensation consultants retained by management, about compensation levels at other companies that we believe provide useful comparisons. In general, we believe that employees should be well-compensated, but that significant portions of compensation should be deferred and earned for service in future periods, which provides an incentive for key employees to remain with the firm. Because deferred awards are notionally invested in the firm’s investment products (no more than 50% of an award may be allocated to Holding Units and options to buy Holding Units), employees’ interests are aligned with client success. The gross amount of incentive compensation available is a function of our overall financial performance; a “bonus pool” is calculated based on annual operating income and institutional research revenues. In 2005 and 2006, we granted incentive compensation awards that, in the aggregate, were significantly less than the bonus pool calculation permitted.

As discussed above, we believe that alignment of the interests of employees and clients is key to providing superior long-term returns for Unitholders. However, there is a relatively small group of individuals to whom we wish to provide additional financial incentives to remain with AllianceBernstein because executive management believes they constitute the next generation of firm leadership or because of their exceptional individual contributions to the company’s success. In January 2007, the Compensation Committee approved the Special Option Program (“Special Program”). The Special Program permits selected senior officers to voluntarily allocate up to a specified portion of their annual Partners Plan (described in greater detail below) award to options to buy Holding Units; the firm matches this allocation on a two-for-one basis. Only one member of the Management Executive OfficerCommittee has been selected to participate in the Special Program.


The value allocated to each such option equals the Black-Scholes value of the option calculated on the option grant date. The exercise price for each option is equal to the price of a Holding Unit as reported for NYSE composite transactions at the close of trading on the option grant date. The option grant date was January 26, 2007, the date of the meeting of the Compensation Committee at which it approved the granting of the options. One-third of the options have a 10-year term and vest in equal annual increments on each of the fourfirst five anniversaries of the grant date; two-thirds of the options have an 11-year term and vest in equal annual increments on each of the sixth through tenth anniversaries of the grant date.

Options granted pursuant to the Special Program represent the first Holding Unit options granted to employees as part of their year-end compensation packages since December 2002. Independent directors receive annual grants of Holding Unit options and Restricted Units (for additional information about these awards, see “Director Compensation” below).

Compensation Elements for Executive Officers

Below we describe the key elements of our executive compensation.

1. Base Salary. Base salaries make up a small portion of executive officers’ total compensation, and are maintained at low levels relative to salaries of executive management at peer firms. Each of our chief executive officer and our former vice chairman received a base salary for 2006 in the amount of $275,000; generally no other officer at the firm was paid a base salary greater than $200,000 except for amounts reflecting service in non-U.S. locations and related foreign exchange rates. Within the relatively narrow range of base salaries paid to executive officers, we consider individual experience, responsibilities and tenure with the firm. The salaries we paid during 2006 to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and our three most highly compensated executive officers (the “named executive officers”) are shown in column (c) of the Summary Compensation Table.

2. Cash Bonus. We pay annual cash bonuses in late December from the cash bonus pool to reward individual performance for the year. These bonuses are based on management’s evaluation (subject to the Compensation Committee’s review and approval) of each executive’s performance during the year, and the performance of the executive’s business unit or function, compared to our business, and operational goals established at the beginning of the year, and in the context of our overall performance. The cash bonuses we awarded last year to our named executive officers are shown in column (d) of the Summary Compensation Table.

3. Deferred Compensation. The Partners Plan is an unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plan under which awards may be granted to eligible employees. Since 2003, participants have been permitted to allocate their Partners Plan awards in a combination of notional investments in certain of our investment services offered to clients and notional investments in Holding Units. No more than 50% of an annual award may be allocated to Holding Units. As described above, we have created a Special Program which permits a limited number of employees to allocate a portion of their Partners Plan award to options to buy Holding Units. A participant’s allocation to options is subject to this 50% limitation.

The value used for Holding Units to effect a participant’s allocation to Holding Units (but not to options) depends upon whether the trust related to the Partners Plan holds sufficient unallocated Holding Units to satisfy all such employee allocations. If the trust does hold a sufficient number of Holding Units, then the value used for the allocation is the closing price as reported for NYSE composite transactions on a day shortly following the release of fourth quarter earnings (“Post-Earnings Closing Price”). If the trust does not hold a sufficient number of Holding Units, the company has historically directed the trust to purchase additional Holding Units on the open market, in which case the Holding Units are valued for allocation purposes using the weighted average of the Post-Earnings Closing Price and the cost paid by AllianceBernstein to acquire any additional Holding Units required.

Vesting periods for Partners Plan awards range from four years to immediate, depending on the age of the participant; all awards fully vest if a participant remains in our employ through December 1 in the year during which he or she turns 65. Upon vesting, awards are distributed to participants unless the participant has, in advance, voluntarily elected to defer receipt to future periods. Quarterly cash distributions on unvested Holding Units for which a deferral election has not been made are paid currently to participants. Quarterly cash distributions on vested and unvested Holding Units for which a voluntary deferral election has been made, and earnings credited on investment services, are reinvested and distributed as elected by participants.


Mr. Sanders, our chief executive officer, is compensated in accordance with the October 2006 employment agreement between himself and our company. Substantially all of the compensation to be paid to him under that agreement vests on a deferred basis in accordance with the terms of the agreement, and is distributed to Mr. Sanders upon vesting. The deferral of such awards, and the notional investments available for such awards, serve essentially the same function as the deferral of Partners Plan awards. Holding Units are not a permitted investment under this agreement.

4. Special Option Program. As discussed above, the Compensation Committee recently approved the Special Program, which provides for a select group of senior management recommended by management and approved by the Compensation Committee to allocate a portion of their Partners Plan awards to options to buy Holding Units, and to receive a two-for-one match of such allocated amount. Because the Special Program is designed to retain individuals whom we believe will make up the next generation of the firm’s leadership, the named executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table below were not selected to participate in the Special Program.

5. Defined Contribution Plan. All employees are eligible to participate in the Amended and Restated Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of AllianceBernstein L.P. (“Profit Sharing Plan”), a tax-qualified plan. The Compensation Committee determines the amount of company contributions (both the level of annual matching by the firm of an employee’s pre-tax salary deferral contributions and the annual company profit sharing contribution). In recent years, we have matched employee deferral contributions on a one-to-one basis up to five percent of eligible compensation; profit sharing contributions have been an additional five percent of eligible compensation.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee is composed of Messrs. Condron (Chair), Sanders, and Smith, and Ms. Slutsky. As discussed elsewhere (see “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance - NYSE Governance Matters” in Item 10), because it is a limited partnership, Holding is exempt from NYSE rules that require public companies to have a compensation committee made up solely of independent directors. Because AXA owns, indirectly, an approximate 60% economic interest in AllianceBernstein, and because compensation expense is such a significant factor in our financial results, Mr. Condron, President and Chief Executive Officer of AXA Financial, serves as chairman of the Compensation Committee.

The Compensation Committee has general oversight of compensation and compensation-related matters, including, but not limited to: (i) determining cash bonuses; (ii) determining contributions and awards under incentive plans or other compensation arrangements (whether qualified or non-qualified) for employees of AllianceBernstein and its subsidiaries, and amending or terminating such plans or arrangements or any welfare benefit plan or arrangement or making recommendations to the Board with respect to adopting any new incentive compensation plan, including equity-based plans; (iii) reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our chief executive officer, evaluating his performance in light of those goals and objectives, and determining and approving his compensation level based on this evaluation (Mr. Sanders recuses himself from voting on his own compensation); and (iv) reviewing the CD&A, and recommending to the Board its inclusion in the Partnerships’ Forms 10-K. The Compensation Committee held three meetings in 2006, and approved the Special Program on January 26, 2007.

The Compensation Committee’s year-end process has generally focused on the cash bonus and deferred awards granted to management. In respect of year-end 2006, it has given particular attention to the Special Program and awards thereunder. Mr. Sanders plays an active role in the work of the Compensation Committee. Messrs. Lieberman and Sanders, working with other members of senior management, provide recommendations of awards to the Compensation Committee for their consideration. In recent years, management has retained McLagan Associates to assist in providing industry benchmarking data to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has not retained its own consultants.

Mr. Sanders’s annual compensation is determined pursuant to his employment agreement, entered into on October 26, 2006 following its approval by the Compensation Committee. The agreement sets forth minimum amounts of annual base salary and of deferred compensation awards based on the firm’s profitability. The Compensation Committee may award amounts in excess of each minimum; they did not do so at year-end 2006. For additional information about Mr. Sanders’s employment agreement, see “Other Information regarding Compensation of Named Executive Officers” in this Item 11.

A more complete description of the Compensation Committee’s functions is set forth in the committee’s charter, which is available online at our Internet site (http://www.alliancebernstein.com).


Other Compensation-Related Matters
AllianceBernstein and Holding are, respectively, private and public limited partnerships, and are subject to taxes other than federal and state corporate income tax. (See “Business - Taxes” in Item 1.) Accordingly, Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which limits tax deductions relating to executive compensation otherwise available to entities taxed as corporations, is not applicable to either AllianceBernstein or Holding.

We have amended our qualified and non-qualified plans to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

All compensation awards that involve the issuance of Holding Units are made under the Amended and Restated 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan (“1997 Plan”), which Holding Unitholders initially approved in 1997. Holding Unitholders approved amendments to the 1997 Plan (increasing the number of Holding Units that may be issued thereunder, and extending its life) in 2000. No more than 41 million Holding Units may be awarded under the 1997 Plan. As of December 31, 2006, 29,168,647 Holding Units are available for future awards under the 1997 Plan.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Mr. Condron is the President and Chief Executive Officer of AXA Equitable, the sole stockholder of the General Partner. AXA Equitable and its affiliates own an aggregate 60% economic interest in AllianceBernstein. Mr. Sanders is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the General Partner, and accordingly also serves in those positions for AllianceBernstein and Holding. No executive officer of AllianceBernstein served as a member of a compensation committee or a director of another entity, an executive officer of which served as a member of AllianceBernstein’s Compensation Committee or Board.

Compensation Committee Report

The members of the Compensation Committee reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis set forth above and, based on such review and discussion, recommended its inclusion in this Form 10-K.

Christopher M. Condron (Chair)Lewis A. Sanders
Lorie A. SlutskyA.W. (Pete) Smith, Jr.


Summary Compensation Table

The following table summarizes the total compensation of our named executive officers as of the end of 2005 (“Named2006:
Name and
Principal
Position
Year
Salary
($)
Bonus
($)
Stock
Awards
($)
Option
Awards
($)
Non-
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compen-
sation
($)
Change in
Pension Value
and Nonquali-
fied Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)
All
Other
Compen-
sation
($)
Total
($)
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(g)(h)(i)(j)
Lewis A. Sanders
Chairman & Chief
Executive Officer
2006275,0020000019,501,98519,776,987
Gerald M. Lieberman
President & Chief
Operating Officer
2006200,0004,050,000061,192006,224,07010,535,262
Marilyn G. Fedak
Executive Vice
President
2006140,7694,000,00000006,123,70710,264,476
Sharon E. Fay
Executive Vice
President
2006150,0003,900,00000006,100,06210,150,062
Robert H. Joseph, Jr.
Senior Vice President
& Chief Financial
Officer
2006175,0001,050,000022,947031,041868,7262,147,714

Each named executive officer received a base salary for 2006 and an annual cash bonus at year-end. These amounts are reflected in columns (c) and (d), respectively. For information about how salary and bonus relate to total compensation, see “Compensation Elements for Executive Officers”):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long Term Compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Compensation

 

Awards

 

Payouts

 

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

(d)

 

(e)

 

(f)

 

(g)

 

(h)

 

(i)

 

Name and Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary
($)

 

Bonus
($)(1)

 

Other
Annual
Compensation
($)(2)

 

Restricted
Unit
Award(s)
($)

 

Options
(# Units)

 

LTIP
Payouts
($)

 

All other
Compensation
($)(3)

 

Lewis A. Sanders

 

2005

 

275,002

 

0

 

250,282

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

14,792,248

 

Chairman of the Board and

 

2004

 

275,002

 

0

 

405,497

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

12,056,274

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

2003

 

285,579

 

1,055,384

 

348,366

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

5,216,758

 

Gerald M. Lieberman

 

2005

 

200,000

 

3,200,000

 

430,089

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

5,120,000

 

President and

 

2004

 

200,000

 

2,300,000

 

258,282

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

4,020,000

 

Chief Operating Officer

 

2003

 

207,692

 

1,000,000

 

110,412

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

1,165,185

 

Marilyn G. Fedak

 

2005

 

150,000

 

3,200,000

 

156,754

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

4,915,000

 

Executive Vice President

 

2004

 

161,538

 

2,350,000

 

98,414

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

4,516,154

 

 

 

2003

 

207,692

 

300,000

 

147,865

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

1,705,185

 

Paul C. Rissman

 

2005

 

200,000

 

2,925,000

 

271,664

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

2,896,710

 

Executive Vice President

 

2004

 

200,000

 

2,300,000

 

101,362

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

2,621,710

 

 

 

2003

 

207,692

 

1,165,760

 

186,991

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

3,521,776

 

Sharon E. Fay

 

2005

 

150,000

 

3,125,000

 

304,379

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

4,540,180

 

Executive Vice President

 

2004

 

161,538

 

2,350,000

 

243,703

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

3,516,288

 

 

 

2003

 

207,692

 

1,200,000

 

241,234

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

1,815,372

 

in this Item 11
.


(1)

Column (d) includes for Mr. Sanders a cash payment of $755,384 for 2003(f) reflects AllianceBernstein’s amortization expense in respect of the vesting of prior years’ option grants based on the value of those grants on the grant date. For additional information, see Note 16 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.

Column (h) reflects the change in pension value for Mr. Joseph, the only named executive officer who participates in the Amended and Restated Retirement Plan for Employees of AllianceBernstein L.P. (“Retirement Plan”).

Column (i) reflects awards under the Partners Plan, Mr. Sanders’s deferred award under his employment agreement, and other items. We report Partners Plan awards and Mr. Sanders’s award under column (i) because of their nature. They are designed to provide incentives to recipients, but they cannot be categorized as having been granted under an “incentive plan” under relevant SEC rules because there are no company performance measures that must be met before a participant may receive his or her award. Also, as noted above, any allocation of awards by recipients to equity of the Advanced Value Fund.firm is voluntary; we do not unilaterally grant Holding Units. In addition, awards under the Partners Plan are not accounted for under SFAS No. 123-R.


During 2005,2006, we owned fractional interests in threetwo aircraft (although we never owned interests in more than two at one time) with an aggregate operating cost of $3,960,822$3,277,654 (including $1,151,729 $1,175,531in maintenance fees, $1,887,639$1,440,963 in usage fees, and $921,454$661,160 of amortization based on the original cost of our fractional interests, less estimated residual value). The unamortized value of the fractional interests as of December 31, 20052006 was $8,643,387.$10,633,385.


Our interests in aircraft facilitate business travel of senior executives. Wemembers of our management executive committee. In 2006, we also permit certain senior executivespermitted our Chief Executive Officer, our President, and our former Vice Chairman to use the aircraft for personal travel. Overall, personal travel constituted approximately 41.2%38.1% of our actual use of the aircraft in 2005.

2006.


Our methodology for determining the reported value of personal use of aircraft includes fees paid to the managers of the aircraft (fees take into account the aircraft type and weight, number of miles flown, flight time, number of passengers, and a variable fee), but excludes our fixed costs (original cash expenditure, amortization,(amortization of original cost less estimated residual value, and monthly maintenance fees). We have used thisincluded such amounts in column (i).

We use the Standard Industry Fare Level (“SIFL”) methodology to calculate the aggregate incrementalamount to include in the taxable income of executives for the personal use of company-owned aircraft. Using this methodology, which was approved by our Compensation Committee, limits our ability to deduct the full cost of personal use of company-owned aircraft in all years covered by our executive officers. Taxable income for the Summary Compensation Table. We included such amounts in column (e). twelve months ended October 31, 2006 for personal use imputed to Mr. Sanders is $66,368 and to Mr. Lieberman is $12,958. Ms. Fedak, Ms. Fay, and Mr. Joseph did not make personal use of company-owned aircraft during those 12 months, so no income was imputed to them.

Column (e)(i) also includes the aggregate incremental cost to our company of providingcertain other expenses and perquisites, including cars, drivers, contributions to the Profit Sharing Plan, life insurance premiums, disability pay, non-U.S. living expenses, tax equalization payments, business club dues, and drivers to certain Named Executive Officers.

parking, as applicable.


For 2005,2006, column (e)(i) includes:


for Mr. Sanders, $115,801$19,012,000 for his 2006 annual award under his employment agreement, $303,935 for personal use of aircraft, and $134,481$162,862 for personal use of a car (including lease costs ($38,146), driver salary ($103,339), and driver.

other car-related costs ($21,377) such as parking, gas, tolls, and repairs and maintenance), a $22,000 contribution to the Profit Sharing Plan, and $1,188 of life insurance premiums.


for Mr. Lieberman, $52,617$6,050,000 for his 2006 Partners Plan award, $11,234 for personal use of aircraft, $112,713$142,836 for personal use of a car and(including lease costs ($27,355), driver $81,750 of cash distributions in respect of unvested Holding Unit elections under the Amended and Restated Alliance Partners Compensation Plan (“Partners Compensation Plan”)salary ($97,719), and $183,009 of interest payments in respect of investment elections underother car-related costs ($17,762) such as parking, gas, tolls, and repairs and maintenance), and a $20,000 contribution to the SCB Deferred Compensation Award Plan (“SCB Plan”).

Profit Sharing Plan.


for Ms. Fedak, $33,194$6,100,000 for personal useher 2006 Partners Plan award, $8,755 of aircraftsick-pay and $123,560 of interest payments in respect of investment elections undershort-term disability pay, and a $14,952 contribution to the SCBProfit Sharing Plan.

for Mr. Rissman, $271,664 of cash distributions in respect of unvested Holding Unit elections under the Partners Compensation Plan.


for Ms. Fay, $43,846 of cash distributions$5,700,000 for her 2006 Partners Plan award, $199,303 for London living expenses, $185,579 in respect of undistributed Holding Unit elections undertax equalization payments to compensate for U.K.-based taxes, a $15,000 contribution to the SCB Plan, $48,203 of interest payments in respect of investment elections under the SCBProfit Sharing Plan, and $212,330 in living expenses in connection with a move to London at our request.

As a result$180 of recent changes in tax law, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued guidance on limiting our deduction for costs associated with the personal use of company-owned aircraft by our executive officers.  Using this guidance, the income for the taxable year ended October 31, 2005 for such personal use imputed to Mr. Sanders is $367,076, to Mr. Lieberman is $54,879, and to Ms. Fedak is $70,580.

121

life insurance premiums.



For 2004, column (e) includes:

for Mr. Sanders, $269,559Joseph, $825,000 for personal use of aircraft, $131,231his 2006 Partners Plan award, $13,869 for personal use of a car (including lease costs ($6,516) and driver,other car-related costs ($7,353) such as parking, gas, tolls, and $4,707 of interest paymentsrepairs and maintenance), $8,100 in respect of investment elections underbusiness club dues, a $17,500 contribution to the SCB Plan;

for Mr. Lieberman, $20,176 for personal use of aircraft, $106,343 for personal use of a car and driver, $31,781 of cash distributions in respect of unvested Holding Unit elections under the Partners CompensationProfit Sharing Plan, and $99,982$4,257 of interest payments in respectlife insurance premiums.


Grant of investment elections under the SCB Plan;

for Ms. Fedak, $98,414 of interest payments in respect of investment elections under the SCB Plan;

for Mr. Rissman, $101,362 of cash distributions in respect of unvestedPlan-based Awards


We have not granted Holding Unit elections under the Partners Compensation Plan;

for Ms. Fay, $33,232 of cash distributions in respect of undistributed Holding Unit elections under the SCB Plan, $24,242 of interest payments in respect of investment elections under the SCB Plan, and $186,229 in living expenses in connection with a move to London at our request.

For 2003, Column (e) includes:

for Mr. Sanders, $246,430 for personal use of aircraft, and $101,936 for personal use of a car and driver;

for Mr. Lieberman, $5,498 of cash distributions in respect of unvested Holding Unit elections under the Partners Compensation Plan, and $104,914 of interest payments in respect of investment elections under the SCB Plan;

for Ms. Fedak, $147,865 of interest payments in respect of investment elections under the SCB Plan;

for Mr. Rissman, $186,991 of cash distributions in respect of unvested Holding Unit elections under the Partners Compensation Plan;

for Ms. Fay, $82,834 of cash distributions in respect of undistributed Holding Unit elections under the SCB Plan, and $158,400 in living expenses in connection with a move to London at our request.

(3)Column (i) includes the aggregate amounts awarded under the Partners Compensation Plan and SCB Plan, and aggregate deferred compensation resulting from association with the Advanced Value Hedge Fund in all years covered by the Summary Compensation Table.  We adopted the SCB Plan in connection with the Bernstein Transaction and agreed to make awards of $96 million per year in 2001, 2002, and 2003 for the benefit of certain individuals who were stockholdersUnits or principals of SCB Inc. on the closing date, and their replacements.

Column (i) includes the following amounts:

Name

 

Year

 

Award under
Employment
Agreement
($)(1)

 

Awards under
Partners
Compensation
Plan
($)(2)

 

Awards under
SCB Plan
($)(3)

 

Aggregate 
Deferred
Compensation
resulting from
association
with the 
Advanced Value
Hedge Fund
($)

 

Profit Sharing
Plan
Contribution
($)

 

Term Life
Insurance
Premiums
($)

 

Lewis A. Sanders

 

2005

 

14,770,474

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

21,000

 

774

 

 

 

2004

 

12,035,000

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

20,500

 

774

 

 

 

2003

 

0

 

506,797

 

3,193,203

 

1,510,769

 

5,185

 

804

 

Gerald M. Lieberman

 

2005

 

0

 

5,100,000

 

0

 

0

 

20,000

 

0

 

 

 

2004

 

0

 

4,000,000

 

0

 

0

 

20,000

 

0

 

 

 

2003

 

0

 

1,160,000

 

0

 

0

 

5,185

 

0

 

Marilyn G. Fedak

 

2005

 

0

 

4,900,000

 

0

 

0

 

15,000

 

0

 

 

 

2004

 

0

 

4,500,000

 

0

 

0

 

16,154

 

0

 

 

 

2003

 

0

 

1,700,000

 

0

 

0

 

5,185

 

0

 

Paul C. Rissman

 

2005

 

0

 

2,875,000

 

0

 

0

 

20,000

 

1,710

 

 

 

2004

 

0

 

2,600,000

 

0

 

0

 

20,000

 

1,710

 

 

 

2003

 

0

 

3,500,000

 

0

 

0

 

20,000

 

1,776

 

Sharon E. Fay

 

2005

 

0

 

4,525,000

 

0

 

0

 

15,000

 

180

 

 

 

2004

 

0

 

3,500,000

 

0

 

0

 

16,154

 

134

 

 

 

2003

 

0

 

1,810,000

 

0

 

0

 

5,185

 

187

 


(1)In accordance with the terms of the employment agreement between Mr. Sanders and AllianceBernstein (“Sanders Agreement”), the 2004 award vests in three increments over two and one-half years—40% on December 1, 2005, 40% on December 1, 2006, and 20% on July 1, 2007. Unvested portions of the award are forfeitable under circumstances specified in the agreement.

In accordance with the Sanders Agreement, the 2005 award vests over one and one-half years—two thirds on December 1, 2006 and one third on July 1, 2007.

(2)2005 awards vest in equal annual increments on each of December 1, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. Unvested portions of awards are forfeitable upon the Named Executive Officer’s termination.

122



2004 awards vest in equal annual increments on each of December 1, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008. Unvested portions of awards are forfeitable upon the Named Executive Officer’s termination.

2003 awards vest in equal annual increments on each of December 1, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. Unvested portions of awards are forfeitable upon the Named Executive Officer’s termination.

(3)2003 awards vest in equal annual increments on each of December 1, 2004, 2005, and 2006. Unvested portions of awards are forfeitable upon the Named Executive Officer’s termination.

Option Grants in 2005

We did not grant options to acquire, or unit appreciation rights relating to,buy Holding Units to anythe named executive officers for a number of years, and the Named Executive Officers during 2005.

Aggregated Option ExercisesPartners Plan cannot be categorized as an “incentive plan” under relevant SEC rules. Accordingly, we made no grants of plan-based awards to the named executive officers in 20052006, and 2005we have omitted the related table.




Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Option Values


The following table summarizes for each of the Named Executive Officers the number of options exercised during 2005, the aggregate dollar value realized upon exercise, the total number of Holding Units subject to unexercised options helddescribes any outstanding equity awards as of December 31, 2005,2006 of our named executive officers, if any:
 Option AwardsStock Awards
Name
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
(#)
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
Option
Expiration
Date
Number
of Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
(#)
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
($)
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not
Vested
(#)
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value
of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not
Vested
($)
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(g)(h)(i)(j)
Lewis A. Sanders000n/an/a0000
Gerald M. Lieberman
32,000
40,000
8,000
0
0
0
33.18
50.25
12/06/12
12/07/11
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Marilyn G. Fedak000n/an/a0000
Sharon E. Fay000n/an/a0000
Robert H. Joseph, Jr.
12,000
15,000
15,000
50,000
15,000
20,000
3,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
33.18
50.25
53.75
48.50
30.25
26.31
12/06/12
12/07/11
12/11/10
06/20/10
12/06/09
12/10/08
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Of the named executive officers, only Messrs. Lieberman and Joseph have been granted options to buy Holding Units. No named executive officer has been awarded Holding Units. The unexercisable options shown in column (c) vest in December 2007.


Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table describes all option exercises and stock vesting of our named executive officers during 2006, if any:
 Option Awards
Stock Awards
 
Name
Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise (#)
Value Realized on
Exercise ($)
Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting (#)
Value Realized on
Vesting ($)
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)
Lewis A. Sanders0000
Gerald M. Lieberman0000
Marilyn G. Fedak0000
Sharon E. Fay0000
Robert H. Joseph, Jr.40,0002,247,33200

Column (c) reflects the aggregate dollar valuepre-tax amount of in-the-money, unexercised options heldproceeds, net of payment of exercise price.

Pension Benefits

The following table describes the accumulated benefit under our company pension plan belonging to each of our named executive officers as of December 31, 2005. Value realized upon exercise would be2006, if any:
NamePlan Name
Number of Years
Credited Service (#)
Present Value of
Accumulated Benefit ($)
Payments During Last
Fiscal Year ($)
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)
Lewis A. Sandersn/a000
Gerald M. Liebermann/a000
Marilyn G. Fedakn/a000
Sharon E. Fayn/a000
Robert H. Joseph, Jr.Retirement Plan for Employees of AllianceBernstein L.P.22407,8660
Of the difference between the fair market value of the underlying Holding Units on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the option. The value ofnamed executive officers, only Mr. Joseph, who was an unexercised, in-the-money option at fiscal year-end is the difference between its exercise price and the fair market value of the underlying Holding Units at the close of business on December 30, 2005 (the last business day in 2005), which was $56.49 per Holding Unit. These values have not been, and may never be, realized. The underlying options have not been, and may never be, exercised, and actual gains, if any, on exercise will depend on the valueemployee of Alliance Holding Units on the date of exercise.

Aggregated Option Exercises in 2005 and December 31, 2005 Option Values

Name

 

Options
Exercised
(# Units)

 

Value
Realized ($)

 

Number of Holding
Units Underlying
Unexpired Options as of
December 31, 2005

 

Value of Unexercised
In-the-Money Options as of
December 31, 2005 ($)(1)

 

Exercisable

 

Unexercisable

Exercisable

 

Unexercisable

Lewis A. Sanders

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Gerald M. Lieberman

 

0

 

0

 

56,000

 

24,000

 

759,120

 

422,880

 

Marilyn G. Fedak

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Paul C. Rissman

 

0

 

0

 

243,000

 

28,000

 

2,675,375

 

447,840

 

Sharon E. Fay

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

 


(1)In-the-money options are those where the fair market value of the underlying Holding Units exceeds the exercise price of the option. The Named Executive Officers hold no other options in respect of Holding Units or AllianceBernstein Units.

We may grant options to acquire Holding Units to our employees and to independent members of the Board. Upon exercise of options, Holding exchanges the proceeds from exercise for a number of AllianceBernstein Units equalCapital Management L.P. prior to the number of Holding Units acquired pursuantBernstein Transaction, participates in the Retirement Plan and continues to the option exercises, thus increasing Holding’s investment in AllianceBernstein.

Certain Employee Benefit Plans

Retirement Plan.   We maintainaccrue benefits thereunder. This plan is a qualified, non-contributory,noncontributory, defined benefit retirement plan covering current and former employees who were employed in the United States prior to October 2, 2000. Our policy is to satisfy our funding obligation for each year in an amount not less than the minimum required under ERISA and not greater than the maximum amount that we can deduct for federal income tax purposes. Our contributions are determined by application of actuarial methods and assumptions to reflect the cost of benefits under the plan. Each participant’s benefits are determined under a formula which takes into account years of credited service, the participant’s average compensation over prescribed periods and Social Security covered compensation. The maximum annual benefit payable under the plan may not exceed the lesser of $100,000 or 100% of a participant’s average aggregate compensation for the three consecutive years in which he or she received the

123



highest aggregate compensation from us or such lower limit as may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Code on certain participants by reason of their coverage under another qualified retirement plan we maintain. A participant is fully vested after the completion of five years of service. The plan generally provides for payments to, or on behalf of, each vested employee upon such employee’s retirement at the normal retirement age provided under the plan or later, although provision is made for payment of early retirement benefits on an actuarially reduced basis. Normal retirement age under the plan is 65. Death benefits are payable to the surviving spouse of an employee who dies with a vested benefit under the plan.

The table below sets forth with respect to the retirement plan the estimated annual straight life annuity benefits payable upon retirement at normal retirement age for employees with the remuneration and years



For a discussion of our other employee benefit plans, as well as its deferred compensationadditional information regarding interest rates and unit option plans, actuarial assumptions, see NotesNote 14 15, and 16 ofto AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

The following table describes our named executive officers’ non-qualified deferred compensation contributions, earnings, and distributions during 2006 and their non-qualified deferred compensation plan balances as of December 31, 2006:
Name
Executive Contributions in
Last FY ($)
Registrant Contributions in
Last FY ($)
Aggregate Earnings
in Last FY ($)
Aggregate Withdrawals/
Distributions ($)
Aggregate Balance
at Last FYE ($)
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)
Lewis A. Sanders019,012,0003,915,884(14,426,335)35,706,588
Gerald M. Lieberman06,050,0003,072,864(5,467,209)21,383,790
Marilyn G. Fedak06,100,0003,487,064021,700,465
Sharon E. Fay05,700,0001,502,762(5,289,529)13,264,093
Robert H. Joseph, Jr.0825,0001,959,200(499,494)8,692,037

For each named executive officer other than Mr. Joseph, the amounts shown reflect the aggregate of the officer’s interest in both the SCB Deferred Compensation Award Plan (“SCB Deferred Plan”), under which the last awards were permitted to be made in 2003, and the Partners Plan (and, for Mr. Sanders, awards under his employment agreement and his former employment agreement). Amounts shown for Mr. Joseph reflect the Partners Plan and a de minimis amount in respect of the annual elective deferral plan (a non-qualified deferred compensation plan pursuant to which participants could elect to defer a portion of their 2000 and 2001 annual cash bonus or commission and invest it in Holding Units). For information about the SCB Deferred Plan, the Partners Plan, and Mr. Sanders’s employment agreement, see Note 15 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8. Amounts in column (c) are also included in column (i) of the Summary Compensation Table. For individuals with notional investments in Holding Units, amounts of distributions on such Holding Units are reflected as earnings in column (d) and, to the extent distributed to the named executive officer, reflected as distributions in column (e).

124


Column (f) includes the value of all notional investments as of the close of business on December 31, 2006. As of that date, Mr. Lieberman notionally held approximately 55,619 Holding Units in the Partners Plan, Ms. Fay notionally held approximately 13,097 Holding Units in the SCB Deferred Plan, and Mr. Joseph notionally held approximately 57,946 Holding Units in the Partners Plan.


Other Information regarding Compensation of Named Executive Officers


There are no amounts payable to any of the named executive officers upon a change in control of the company.

On October 26, 2006, Lewis A. Sanders and AllianceBernstein entered into an employment agreement pursuant to which Mr. Sanders shall serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the General Partner through December 31, 2011 (“Employment Term”) unless the agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms. Mr. Sanders will be paid a minimum base salary of $275,000 per year during the Employment Term and, for calendar year 2006 and each subsequent calendar year during the Employment Term, he is entitled to receive a deferred compensation award of not less than one percent (1%) of AllianceBernstein’s consolidated operating income before incentive compensation (as defined with respect to the calculation of AllianceBernstein’s bonus pool) for such calendar year. Mr. Sanders is entitled to perquisites on the same terms as other senior executives through the Employment Term, including personal use of aircraft and a car and driver (our President is the only other officer entitled to personal use of aircraft and a car and driver).

Mr. Sanders may receive payments upon termination pursuant to his employment agreement. During any year in which we terminate Mr. Sanders without “cause” (as defined below), he is entitled to (i) his annual base salary for that year, (ii) the deferred compensation award described above calculated as of his termination date, (iii) all unvested deferred compensation awards, (iv) health and welfare benefits for Mr. Sanders, his spouse, and his dependents through the end of that year, (v) if the termination occurs prior to December 31, 2007, a cash payment equal to $20,000 times the number of plan years for which Mr. Sanders will not receive a company contribution under the Profit Sharing Plan, and (vi) if the termination occurs prior to December 31, 2007, the continued receipt of perquisites, reimbursements, and support described above through the end of that year. The above elements, assuming 2006 costs, would have resulted in a payment to Mr. Sanders of approximately $36.5 million had he been terminated without cause as of January 1, 2007.

During any year in which Mr. Sanders is terminated for “cause”, he is entitled to (i) the pro rata portion of his annual salary for that year for services rendered to the date of termination, to the extent not previously paid, and (ii) all deferred compensation awards described above that have vested prior to such termination. Mr. Sanders would be entitled to no other payments or benefits under the agreement, which defines “cause” as Mr. Sanders’s (i) willful failure to perform his duties, (ii) engaging in conduct found by a court to (A) constitute employment disqualification or a felony and which is materially and demonstrably injurious to our business or reputation, or (B) materially violate federal or state securities laws, (iii) absent the finding in clause (ii) above, a good faith determination by the Board that conduct by Mr. Sanders constitutes such a disqualification, felony or violation, and that his continued employment would be materially and demonstrably injurious to our business or reputation, or (iv) breach of the confidentiality or non-competition covenants contained in the agreement, which breach is material to our business.


Director Compensation

The following table describes how we compensated our independent directors during 2006:
Name
Fees Earned
or Paid in Cash ($)
Stock Awards ($)Option Awards ($)
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation ($)
Change in Pension Value
and Nonqualified Deferred
Compensation Earnings ($)
All Other
Compensation ($)
Total ($)
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(g)(h)
Weston M. Hicks58,00030,00030,000000118,000
W. Edwin Jarmain16,0000000016,000
Lorie A. Slutsky68,50030,00030,000000128,500
A.W. (Pete) Smith, Jr.62,50030,00030,000000122,500
Peter J. Tobin88,00030,00030,000000148,000

The General Partner only pays fees, and makes equity awards to, directors who are not employed by our company or by any of our affiliates. Such fees and awards consist of:

·
an annual retainer of $40,000 (paid quarterly after any quarter during which a director serves on the Board, which is why Mr. Jarmain, who resigned from the Board effective February 25, 2006, received less than $40,000 in 2006);

·
a fee of $1,500 for participating in a meeting of the Board, or any duly constituted committee of the Board, whether he or she participates in person or by telephone;

·an annual retainer of $15,000 for acting as Chair of the Audit Committee;

·
an annual retainer of $7,500 for acting as Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee; and

·
an annual equity-based grant under the 1997 Plan consisting of:

·
restricted Holding Units having a value of $30,000 based on the closing price of Holding Units on the NYSE as of the grant date; and

·
options to buy Holding Units with a value of $30,000 calculated using the Black-Scholes method.

On May 15, 2006, at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board, 462 restricted Holding Units and options to buy 2,428 Holding Units at $65.02 per Unit were granted to Ms. Slutsky, and to Messrs. Hicks, Smith, and Tobin. Such grants have generally been made at the May meeting of the Board. The date of the meeting was set at a Board meeting in 2005. The exercise price of the options was the closing price on the NYSE on the grant date. Due to rounding, directors received slightly more than the value of the grant (but in no case greater than approximately $12.35, the Black-Scholes value of each option, in respect of the option grant, or $65.02, the price of the Holding Unit, for the grant of restricted Holding Units). For information about how the Black-Scholes value was calculated, see Note 16 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 12.   8Security Ownership. Options granted to independent directors vest ratably over three years. Restricted Holding Units granted to independent directors vest after three years. In order to avoid any perception that our directors’ independence might be impaired, these options and restricted Holding Units are not forfeitable. Vesting of Certain Beneficial Ownersoptions continues following a director’s resignation from the Board. Restricted Holding Units vest and Managementare distributed immediately following an independent director’s resignation from the Board.

The General Partner may reimburse any director for reasonable expenses incurred in participating in Board meetings. Holding and Related Stockholder MattersAllianceBernstein, in turn, reimburse the General Partner for expenses incurred by the General Partner on their behalf, including amounts in respect of directors’ fees and expenses. These reimbursements are subject to any relevant provisions of the Holding Partnership Agreement and AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement.


Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table summarizes the Holding Units to be issued pursuant to our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2006:

Equity Compensation Plan Information(1)

Plan Category
 
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)
 
Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
 
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 
  4,819,099 $41.62  29,168,647 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders 
       
Total 
  
4,819,099
 
$
41.62
  
29,168,647
 

____________
(1)
The figures in this table do not include cash awards under certain of AllianceBernstein’s deferred compensation plans pursuant to which employees (including those employees who qualify as “named executive officers”; see Item 11) may choose to notionally invest a portion of such awards in Holding Units. AllianceBernstein satisfies its obligations under these plans by purchasing Holding Units rather than issuing new Holding Units. For additional information concerning such plans, see Note 15 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.

There are no AllianceBernstein Units to be issued pursuant to an equity compensation plan.

For information about our equity compensation plans (1993 Unit Option Plan, 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan, Century Club Plan), see Note 16 to AllianceBernstein’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8.

Principal Security Holders


As of January 31, 2006,2007, we had no information that any person beneficially owned more than 5% of the outstanding Holding Units.

As of January 31, 2007, we had no information that any person beneficially owned more than 5% of the outstanding AllianceBernstein Units except (i) AXA AXA Financial, AXA Equitable, ACMC Inc., and ECMC, LLC (AXA Financial, AXA Equitable, ACMC Inc. and ECMC, LLC arecertain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries as reported on Forms 4 filed with the SEC on December 11, 2006 pursuant to the Exchange Act, (ii) AXA and certain of AXA)its wholly-owned subsidiaries as reported on Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on December 21,23, 2004 pursuant to the Exchange Act, and (ii)(iii) SCB Inc. and SCB Partners Inc. (SCB Partners Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCB Inc.) as reported on Schedule 13D/A datedfiled with the SEC on December 21,23, 2004 pursuant to the Exchange Act.


The table below and the notes following it have been prepared in reliance upon such filings for the nature of ownership and an explanation of overlapping ownership.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

 

Amount and Nature of Beneficial
Ownership Reported on Schedule

 

Percent of Class

 

AXA(1)(2)(3)(4)(6)
25 avenue Matignon 75008 Paris, France

 

153,580,309

 

59.8

%

SCB Inc,(5)(6) SCB Partners Inc.(5)(6)
50 Main Street, Suite 1000 White Plains, NY 10606

 

16,320,000

 

6.4

%



Based on information provided byOn February 23, 2007, SCB Partners sold to AXA Financial on December 31, 2005, AXA and certain of its subsidiaries beneficially owned all of AXA Financial’s outstanding common stock. For insurance regulatory purposes the shares of capital stock of AXA Financial beneficially owned by AXA and its subsidiaries have been deposited into a voting trust (“Voting Trust”), the term of which has been extended until May 12, 2012.  The trustees of the Voting Trust (the “Voting Trustees”) are Claude Bébéar, Henri de Castries and Denis Duverne, each of whom serves either on the Management Board or on the Supervisory Board of AXA.  The Voting Trustees have agreed to exercise their voting rights to protect the legitimate economic interests of AXA, but with a view to ensuring that certain minority shareholders of AXA do not exercise control over AXA Financial or certain of its insurance subsidiaries.

(2)Based on information provided by AXA and following the consummation of the merger of Finaxa with and into AXA on December 9, 2005, on December 31, 2005, 14.30% of the issued ordinary shares (representing 23.19% of the voting power) of AXA were owned directly and indirectly by three French mutual insurance companies (the “Mutuelles AXA”).

(3)The Voting Trustees and the Mutuelles AXA, as a group, may be deemed to be beneficial owners of all8,160,000 AllianceBernstein Units beneficially owned by AXA and its subsidiaries. By virtue of the provisions of the Voting Trust Agreement, AXA may be deemedpursuant to have shared voting power with respect to the AllianceBernstein Units. AXA and its subsidiaries have the power to dispose or direct the disposition of all shares of the capital stock of AXA Financial deposited in the Voting Trust. The Mutuelles AXA, as a group, may be deemed to share the power to vote or to direct the vote and to dispose or to direct the disposition of all the AllianceBernstein Units beneficially owned by AXA and its subsidiaries. The address of each of AXA and the Voting Trustees is 25 avenue Matignon, 75008 Paris, France.  The address of the Mutuelles AXA is 26, rue Drouot, 75009 Paris, France.an agreement (

(4)see Note 6 belowBy reason of their relationships, AXA, the Voting Trustees, the Mutuelles AXA, AXA Financial, AXA Equitable, ACMC Inc., and ECMC, LLC may be deemed to share the power to vote or to direct the vote and to dispose or direct the disposition of all or a portion of the 153,580,309 AllianceBernstein Units.

(5)SCB Partners Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCB Inc. Mr. Sanders is a Director and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SCB Inc., and is the owner of a 22.25% equity interest in SCB Inc. Mr. Hertog is a Director and the President and Chief Operating Officer of SCB Inc., and is the owner of a 10.48% equity interest in SCB Inc. Mr. Lieberman is a Director and the Senior Vice President—Finance and Administration of SCB Inc., and is the owner of a less than 1% equity interest in SCB Inc. Ms. Fedakis a Director and Senior Vice President of SCB Inc., and is the owner of a 2.67% equity interest in SCB Inc. Ms. Fay is the owner of a less than 1% equity interest in SCB Inc.Mr. Sanders, Mr. Hertog, Mr. Lieberman, Ms. Fedak, and Ms. Fay disclaim beneficial ownership of the 16,320,000 AllianceBernstein Units owned by SCB Partners Inc., except to the extent of their pecuniary interests therein.

(6)In connection with the Bernstein Transaction, SCB Inc., AllianceBernstein and AXA Financial) entered into a purchase agreement under which SCB Inc. has the right to sell or assign up to 2,800,000 AllianceBernstein Units issued in connection with the Bernstein Transaction at any time. SCB Inc. hasTransaction; the right (“Put”) to sell to AXA Financial or its designee up to 8,160,000beneficial ownership of AllianceBernstein Units issueddiscussed in connection with the Bernstein Transaction each year less any AllianceBernstein Units SCB Inc. may have otherwise sold or assigned that year. The Put rights expire on October 2, 2010. Generally, SCB Inc. may exercise its Put rights only once per year and SCB Inc. maytable below does not deliver an exercise notice regarding its Put rights until at least nine months after it delivered its immediately preceding exercise notice. On each of November 25, 2002, March 5, 2004, and December 21, 2004, AXA Financial or certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries purchased 8,160,000 AllianceBernstein Units from SCB Partners Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCB Inc. pursuant to exercises of the Put rights by SCB Inc.reflect this sale.

125


Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
 
Amount and Nature of Beneficial
Ownership Reported on Schedule
 
Percent of Class
 
AXA(1)(2)(3)(4)(6)
25 avenue Matignon 75008 Paris, France 
  153,581,609  59.2%
SCB Inc.,(5)(6) SCB Partners Inc.(5)(6)
50 Main Street, Suite 1000, White Plains, NY 10606
  16,320,000  6.3%

____________
(1)Based on information provided by AXA Financial, on December 31, 2006, AXA and certain of its subsidiaries beneficially owned all of AXA Financial’s outstanding common stock. For insurance regulatory purposes the shares of capital stock of AXA Financial beneficially owned by AXA and its subsidiaries have been deposited into a voting trust (“Voting Trust”), the term of which has been extended until May 12, 2012. The trustees of the Voting Trust (the “Voting Trustees”) are Claude Bébéar, Henri de Castries and Denis Duverne, each of whom serves either on the Management Board or on the Supervisory Board of AXA. The Voting Trustees have agreed to exercise their voting rights to protect the legitimate economic interests of AXA, but with a view to ensuring that certain minority shareholders of AXA do not exercise control over AXA Financial or certain of its insurance subsidiaries.

(2)Based on information provided by AXA, as of December 31, 2006, 14.26% of the issued ordinary shares (representing 20.65% of the voting power) of AXA were owned directly and indirectly by three French mutual insurance companies (the “Mutuelles AXA”).

(3)The Voting Trustees and the Mutuelles AXA, as a group, may be deemed to be beneficial owners of all AllianceBernstein Units beneficially owned by AXA and its subsidiaries. By virtue of the provisions of the Voting Trust Agreement, AXA may be deemed to have shared voting power with respect to the AllianceBernstein Units. AXA and its subsidiaries have the power to dispose or direct the disposition of all shares of the capital stock of AXA Financial deposited in the Voting Trust. The Mutuelles AXA, as a group, may be deemed to share the power to vote or to direct the vote and to dispose or to direct the disposition of all the AllianceBernstein Units beneficially owned by AXA and its subsidiaries. The address of each of AXA and the Voting Trustees is 25 avenue Matignon, 75008 Paris, France. The address of the Mutuelles AXA is 26, rue Drouot, 75009 Paris, France.

(4)By reason of their relationships, AXA, the Voting Trustees, the Mutuelles AXA, AXA Financial, AXA Equitable, ACMC Inc., and ECMC, LLC may be deemed to share the power to vote or to direct the vote and to dispose or direct the disposition of all or a portion of the 153,581,609 AllianceBernstein Units.

(5)
SCB Partners Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCB Inc. Mr. Sanders is a Director and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SCB Inc., and is the owner of a 22.13% equity interest in SCB Inc. Mr. Lieberman is a Director and the Senior Vice President—Finance and Administration of SCB Inc., and is the owner of a less than 1% equity interest in SCB Inc. Ms. Fedakis a Director and Senior Vice President of SCB Inc., and is the owner of a 2.67% equity interest in SCB Inc. Ms. Fay is the owner of a less than 1% equity interest in SCB Inc.Mr. Sanders, Mr. Lieberman, Ms. Fedak, and Ms. Fay disclaim beneficial ownership of the 16,320,000 AllianceBernstein Units owned by SCB Partners Inc., except to the extent of their pecuniary interests therein. For additional information about these pecuniary interests, see “Management” in this Item 12.

(6)In connection with the Bernstein Transaction, SCB Inc., AllianceBernstein and AXA Financial entered into a purchase agreement under which SCB Inc. has the right to sell or assign up to 2,800,000 AllianceBernstein Units issued in connection with the Bernstein Transaction at any time. SCB Inc. has the right to sell (“Put”) to AXA Financial or its designee up to 8,160,000 AllianceBernstein Units issued in connection with the Bernstein Transaction each year less any AllianceBernstein Units SCB Inc. may have otherwise sold or assigned that year. The Put rights expire on October 2, 2010. Generally, SCB Inc. may exercise its Put rights only once per year and SCB Inc. may not deliver an exercise notice regarding its Put rights until at least nine months after it delivered its immediately preceding exercise notice. On each of November 25, 2002, March 5, 2004, December 21, 2004, and February 23, 2007, AXA Financial or certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries purchased 8,160,000 AllianceBernstein Units from SCB Partners Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCB Inc. pursuant to exercises of the Put rights by SCB Inc.

As of January 31, 2006,2007, Holding owned 83,613,491was the record owner of 85,919,404, or 32.5%33.1%, of the issued and outstanding AllianceBernstein Units.

As of January 31, 2006, we had no information that any person beneficially owned more than 5% of the outstanding Holding Units.


Management


The following table sets forth, as of January 31, 2006,2007, the beneficial ownership of Holding Units by each director and Named Executive Officernamed executive officer of the General Partner and by all directors and executive officers as a group:

Name of Beneficial Owner

 

Number of Holding Units
and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership

 

Percent of Class

 

Lewis A. Sanders(1)

 

0

 

*

 

Dominique Carrel-Billiard(1)

 

0

 

*

 

Henri de Castries(1)

 

2,000

 

*

 

Christopher M. Condron(1)

 

15,000

 

*

 

Denis Duverne(1)

 

2,000

 

*

 

Roger Hertog(1)

 

0

 

*

 

Weston M. Hicks

 

0

 

*

 

W. Edwin Jarmain(1,2)

 

22,661

 

*

 

Gerald M. Lieberman(1,3)

 

103,399

 

*

 

Nicolas Moreau(1)

 

0

 

*

 

Lorie A. Slutsky(4)

 

10,811

 

*

 

A.W. (Pete) Smith

 

0

 

*

 

Peter J. Tobin(1,5)

 

20,661

 

*

 

Stanley B. Tulin(1)

 

0

 

*

 

Marilyn G. Fedak(1)

 

0

 

*

 

Paul C. Rissman(1,6)

 

514,748

 

*

 

Sharon E. Fay(1)

 

21,846

 

*

 

All directors and executive officers of the General Partner as a group (32 persons)(7)

 

2,970,896

 

3.6

%



*Number of Holding Units listed represents less than 1% of the Units outstanding.

(1)Excludes Holding Units beneficially owned by AXA and its subsidiaries. Messrs. Carrel-Billiard, de Castries, Condron, Duverne, Jarmain, Lieberman, Moreau, Tobin, and Tulin are directors and/or officers of AXA, AXA Financial, and/or AXA Equitable. Messrs. Sanders, Hertog, Lieberman, and Rissman, and Mesdames Fedak and Fay, are directors and/or officers of the General Partner.

(2)Includes 20,000 Holding Units Mr. Jarmain can acquire within 60 days under an AllianceBernstein option plan.

(3)Includes 56,000 Holding Units Mr. Lieberman can acquire within 60 days under an AllianceBernstein option plan.

(4)Includes 8,500 Holding Units Ms. Slutsky can acquire within 60 days under an AllianceBernstein option plan.

(5)Includes 20,000 Holding Units Mr. Tobin can acquire within 60 days under an AllianceBernstein option plan.

(6)Includes 243,000 Holding Units Mr. Rissman can acquire within 60 days under an AllianceBernstein option plan.

(7)Includes 1,166,500 Holding Units the directors and executive officers as a group can exercise within 60 days under AllianceBernstein option plans.

Name of Beneficial Owner
 
Number of 
Holding Units
and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
 
Percent of Class
 
Lewis A. Sanders(1) 
  0  * 
Dominique Carrel-Billiard(1) 
  0  * 
Henri de Castries(1) 
  2,000  * 
Christopher M. Condron(1) 
  20,000  * 
Denis Duverne(1) 
  2,000  * 
Peter Etzenbach(1) 
  0  * 
Weston M. Hicks 
  462  * 
Gerald M. Lieberman(1,2) 
  120,259  * 
Lorie A. Slutsky(1,3) 
  16,750  * 
A.W. (Pete) Smith, Jr. 
  712  * 
Peter J. Tobin(1,4) 
  30,590  * 
Marilyn G. Fedak(1) 
  0  * 
Sharon E. Fay(1) 
  16,745  * 
Robert H. Joseph, Jr.(1,5) 
  152,774  * 
All directors and executive officers of the General Partner as a group (30 persons)(6) 
  2,167,058  2.5%

____________
*Number of Holding Units listed represents less than 1% of the Units outstanding.

(1)
Excludes Holding Units beneficially owned by AXA and its subsidiaries. Messrs. Carrel-Billiard, de Castries, Condron, Duverne, Etzenbach, Lieberman, and Tobin, and Ms. Slutsky, are directors and/or officers of AXA, AXA Financial, and/or AXA Equitable. Messrs. Sanders, Lieberman, and Joseph, and Mesdames Fedak and Fay, are directors and/or officers of the General Partner.
(2)
Includes 72,000 Holding Units Mr. Lieberman can acquire within 60 days under an AllianceBernstein option plan.
(3)
Includes 14,217 Holding Units Ms. Slutsky can acquire within 60 days under an AllianceBernstein option plan.
(4)
Includes 29,467 Holding Units Mr. Tobin can acquire within 60 days under an AllianceBernstein option plan.
(5)
Includes 127,000 Holding Units Mr. Joseph can acquire within 60 days under AllianceBernstein option plans.
(6)
Includes 862,684 Holding Units the directors and executive officers as a group can acquire within 60 days under AllianceBernstein option plans.

As of January 31, 2006,2007, our directors and executive officers only beneficially owned AllianceBernstein Units only to the extent of their respective indirect pecuniary interests in 16,320,000 AllianceBernstein Units beneficially owned by SCB Partners Inc. Based on their respective equity interests in SCB Inc. and/or notional interests in the AllianceBernstein Units through an SCB Partners Inc. profit sharing plan, the individuals named below may be deemed to own beneficially and indirectly the number of AllianceBernstein Units set forth opposite their respective names:

126

names.


Name of Beneficial Owner

 

Number of
AllianceBernstein Units
and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership

 

Percent of Class

 

Lewis A. Sanders

 

3,169,021

 

1.4

%

Roger Hertog

 

1,493,378

 

*

 

Gerald M. Lieberman

 

92,485

 

*

 

Sharon E. Fay

 

50,424

 

*

 

Marilyn G. Fedak

 

379,721

 

*

 

Mark R. Gordon

 

214,936

 

*

 

Thomas S. Hexner

 

165,193

 

*

 

Seth J. Masters

 

86,094

 

*

 

Marc O. Mayer

 

100,304

 

*

 

Lisa A. Shalett

 

28,330

 

*

 

David A. Steyn

 

1,825

 

*

 

All directors and executive officers of the General Partner as a group (32 persons)

 

5,781,711

 

2.3

%


*On February 23, 2007, SCB Partners sold to AXA Financial 8,160,000 AllianceBernstein Units pursuant to an agreement (Numbersee Note 6 to “Principal Security Holders” in this Item 12) entered into in connection with the Bernstein Transaction; the beneficial ownership of AllianceBernstein Units listed represents less than 1% ofdiscussed in the outstanding AllianceBernstein Units.table below does not reflect this sale.


Name of Beneficial Owner
 
Number of
AllianceBernstein Units
and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
 
Percent of Class
 
Lewis A. Sanders 
  3,199,893  1.2%
Gerald M. Lieberman 
  92,834  * 
Sharon E. Fay 
  50,773  * 
Marilyn G. Fedak 
  383,420  * 
Mark R. Gordon 
  217,030  * 
Thomas S. Hexner 
  166,589  * 
Seth J. Masters 
  72,609  * 
Marc O. Mayer 
  101,281  * 
Lisa A. Shalett 
  10,950  * 
David A. Steyn 
  1,825  * 
All directors and executive officers of the General Partner as a group (30 persons) 
  4,297,204  1.7%

____________
*Number of AllianceBernstein Units listed represents less than 1% of the outstanding AllianceBernstein Units.

The following table sets forth, as of January 31, 2006,2007, the beneficial ownership of the common stock of AXA by each director and Named Executive Officernamed executive officer of the General Partner and by all directors and executive officers as a group:


AXA Common Stock(1)Stock

(1)

Name of Beneficial Owner

Number of Shares and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership

Percent of Class

Lewis A. Sanders

��

0

0

*

*

Dominique Carrel-Billiard(2)

Carrel-Billiard
(2)

12,733

33,376

*

*

Henri de Castries(3)

Castries
(3)

4,910,250

5,807,601

*

*

Christopher M. Condron(4)

Condron
(4)

2,196,165

3,575,217

*

*

Denis Duverne(5)

Duverne
(5)

1,457,985

1,815,226

*

*

Roger Hertog

Peter Etzenbach(6)

0

11,534

*

*

Weston M. Hicks

0

0

*

*

W. Edwin Jarmain(6)

23,195

*

Gerald M. Lieberman

0

0

*

*

Nicolas Moreau(7)

247,573

*

Lorie A. Slutsky

0

203

*

*

A.W. (Pete) Smith,

Jr.

0

0

*

*

Peter J. Tobin(8)

Tobin
(7)

13,723

7,695

*

*

Stanley B. Tulin(9)

1,732,655

*

Marilyn G. Fedak

0

0

*

*

Paul C. Rissman

0

*

Sharon E. Fay

0

0

*

*

Robert H. Joseph, Jr.
0*
All directors and executive officers of the General Partner as a group (32(30 persons)(10)

(8)

10,594,279

11,250,852

*

*



*Number of shares listed represents less than 1% of the outstanding AXA common stock.

(1)Holdings of AXA American Depositary Shares (“ADS”) are expressed as their equivalent in AXA common stock. Each AXA ADS represents the right to receive one AXA ordinary share.

(2)Includes 11,333 shares subject to options, which options Mr. Carrel-Billiard can exercise within 60 days.

(3)Includes 4,016,398 shares subject to options and 286,219 ADSs subject to options, which options Mr. de Castries can exercise within 60 days.

(4)Includes 1,431,119 ADSs subject to options, which options Mr. Condron can exercise within 60 days.  Also includes 172,992 performance units, which are paid out when vested based on the price of ADSs at that time; payout will be 70% in cash and 30% in ADSs

(5)Includes 1,160,076 shares subject to options and 97,850 ADSs subject to options, which options Mr. Duverne can exercise within 60 days.

127

____________
*Number of shares listed represents less than 1% of the outstanding AXA common stock.
(1)
Holdings of AXA American Depositary Shares (“ADS”) are expressed as their equivalent in AXA common stock. Each AXA ADS represents the right to receive one AXA ordinary share.
(2)
Includes 30,810 shares Mr. Carrel-Billiard can acquire within 60 days under option plans.
(3)
Includes 4,771,410 shares and 292,308 ADSs Mr. de Castries can acquire within 60 days under option plans.
(4)
Includes 1,576,208 ADSs Mr. Condron can acquire within 60 days under option plans. Also includes 244,293 performance units, which are paid out when vested based on the price of ADSs at that time; payout will be 70% in cash and 30% in ADSs.
(5)
Includes 1,364,031 shares and 99,932 ADSs Mr. Duverne can acquire within 60 days under option plans.
(6)
Includes 6,809 shares Mr. Etzenbach can acquire within 60 days under options plans.
(7)
Includes 636 ADSs Mr. Tobin can acquire within 60 days under option plans. Also includes 3,540 ADSs Mr. Tobin owns jointly with his spouse.
(8)
Includes 6,173,060 shares and 1,969,084 ADSs the directors and executive officers as a group can acquire within 60 days under option plans.

122


(6)Includes 11,800 ADSs owned by Jarmain Group Inc. Mr. Jarmain controls Jarmain Group Inc.

(7)Represents 247,573 shares subject to options, which options Mr. Moreau can exercise within 60 days.

(8)Includes 3,540 ADSs Mr. Tobin owns jointly with his spouse.

(9)Includes 111,571 shares subject to options and 1,371,657 ADSs subject to options, which options Mr. Tulin can exercise within 60 days.  Also includes 105,350 performance units, which are paid out when vested based on the priceTable of ADSs at that time; payout will be 70% in cash and 30% in ADSsContents


(10)Includes 5,546,951 shares and 3,186,845 ADSs subject to options, which options the directors and executive officers as a group can exercise within 60 days.

Partnership Matters


The General Partner makes all decisions relating to the management of AllianceBernstein and Holding. The General Partner has agreed that it will conduct no business other than managing AllianceBernstein and Holding, although it may make certain investments for its own account. Conflicts of interest, however, could arise between AllianceBernstein and Holding, the General Partner and the Unitholdersof both Partnerships.


Section 17-403(b) of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act (“Delaware Act”) states in substance that, except as provided in the Delaware Act or the applicable partnership agreement, a general partner of a limited partnership has the liabilities of a general partner in a general partnership governed by the Delaware Uniform Partnership Law (as in effect on July 11, 1999) to the partnership and to the other partners. Accordingly, while under Delaware law a general partner of a limited partnership is liable as a fiduciary to the other partners, those fiduciary obligations may be altered by the terms of the applicable partnership agreement. The AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement and Holding Partnership Agreement both set forth limitations on the duties and liabilities of the General Partner. Each partnership agreement provides that the General Partner is not liable for monetary damages for errors in judgment or for breach of fiduciary duty (including breach of any duty of care or loyalty), unless it is established that the General Partner’s action or failure to act involved an act or omission undertaken with deliberate intent to cause injury, with reckless disregard for the best interests of the Partnerships or with actual bad faith on the part of the General Partner, or constituted actual fraud. Whenever the AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement and the Holding Partnership Agreement provide that the General Partner is permitted or required to make a decision (i) in its “discretion,” the General Partner is entitled to consider only such interests and factors as it desires and has no duty or obligation to consider any interest of or other factors affecting the Partnerships or any Unitholder of AllianceBernstein or Holding or (ii) in its “good faith” or under another express standard, the General Partner will act under that express standard and will not be subject to any other or different standard imposed by the AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement and the Holding Partnership Agreement or applicable law or in equity or otherwise. The partnership agreements further provide to the extent that, at law or in equity, the General Partner has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to either Partnership or any partner, the General Partner acting under the AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement or the Holding Partnership Agreement, as applicable, will not be liable to the Partnerships or any partner for its good faith reliance on the provisions of the partnership agreement.


In addition, the AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement and the Holding Partnership Agreement grant broad rights of indemnification to the General Partner and its directors and affiliates and authorizesauthorize AllianceBernstein and Holding to enter into indemnification agreements with the directors, officers, partners, employees and agents of AllianceBernstein and its affiliates and Holding and its affiliates. The Partnerships have granted broad rights of indemnification to officers and employees of AllianceBernstein and Holding. The foregoing indemnification provisions are not exclusive, and the Partnerships are authorized to enter into additional indemnification arrangements. AllianceBernstein and Holding have obtained directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance.


The AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement and the Holding Partnership Agreement also allow transactions between AllianceBernstein and Holding and the General Partner or its affiliates if the transactions are on terms determined by the General Partner to be comparable to (or more favorable to AllianceBernstein or Holding than) those that would prevail with an unaffiliated party. The partnership agreements provide that those transactions are deemed to meet that standard if such transactions are approved by a majority of those directors of the General Partner who are not directors, officers or employees of any affiliate of the General Partner (other than AllianceBernstein, and its subsidiaries or Holding) or, if in the reasonable and good faith judgment of the General

128



Partner, the transactions are on terms substantially comparable to (or more favorable to AllianceBernstein or Holding than) those that would prevail in a transaction with an unaffiliated party.


The AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement and the Holding Partnership Agreement expressly permit all affiliates of the General Partner (including AXA Equitable and its other subsidiaries) to compete, directly or indirectly, with AllianceBernstein and Holding, to engage in any business or other activity and to exploit any opportunity, including those that may be available to AllianceBernstein and Holding. AXA, AXA Financial, AXA Equitable and certain of their subsidiaries currently compete with AllianceBernstein. (See “Business - Competition” in Item 13.1.) The partnership agreements further provide that, except to the extent that a decision or action by the General Partner is taken with the specific intent of providing an improper benefit to an affiliate of the General Partner to the detriment of AllianceBernstein or Holding, there is no liability or obligation with respect to, and no challenge of, decisions or actions of the General Partner that would otherwise be subject to claims or other challenges as improperly benefiting affiliates of the General Partner to the detriment of the Partnerships or otherwise involving any conflict of interest or breach of a duty of loyalty or similar fiduciary obligation.

Section 17-1101(c) of the Delaware Act provides that it is the policy of the Delaware Act to give maximum effect to the principle of freedom of contract and to the enforceability of partnership agreements. Further, Section 17-1101(d) of the Delaware Act provides in part that to the extent a partner has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to a limited partnership or to another partner, those duties and liabilities may be expanded, restricted, or eliminated by provisions in a partnership agreement (provided that a partnership agreement may not (i) eliminate the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing, or (ii) limit or eliminate liability for any act or omission that constitutes a bad faith violation of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing). Decisions of the Delaware courts have recognized the right of parties, under the above provisions of the Delaware Act, to alter by the terms of a partnership agreement otherwise applicable fiduciary duties and liability for breach of duties. However, the Delaware Courts have required that a partnership agreement make clear the intent of the parties to displace otherwise applicable fiduciary duties (the otherwise applicable fiduciary duties often being referred to as “default” fiduciary duties). Judicial inquiry into whether a partnership agreement is sufficiently clear to displace default fiduciary duties is necessarily fact driven and is made on a case by case basis. Accordingly, the effectiveness of displacing default fiduciary obligations and liabilities of general partners continues to be a developing area of the law and it is not certain to what extent the foregoing provisions of the AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement and the Holding Partnership Agreement are enforceable under Delaware law.


Item 13.
Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons

Item 13.Certain RelationshipsPolicies and Procedures Regarding Transactions with Related TransactionsPersons

Competition

AXA, AXA Financial, AXA Equitable and certain


Each of their direct and indirect subsidiaries provide financial services, some of which are competitive with those offered by AllianceBernstein. The AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement specifically allows AXA Financial and its subsidiaries (other than the General Partner) to compete with AllianceBernstein and to exploit opportunities that may be available to AllianceBernstein. AXA, AXA Financial, AXA Equitable and certain of their subsidiaries have substantially greater financial resources than AllianceBernstein or the General Partner.

Financial Services

The AllianceBernsteinHolding Partnership Agreement and the HoldingAllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement permitexpressly permits AXA and its affiliates, which includes AXA Equitable and its affiliates (collectively, “AXA Affiliates”), to provide services to AllianceBernstein and Holding onif the terms of the transaction are “approved by the General Partner in good faith as being comparable to (or more favorable to AllianceBernstein and Holdingeach such partnership than) those that would prevail in a transaction with an unaffiliated third party. party”. This requirement is “conclusively presumed to be satisfied as to any transaction or arrangement that (x) in the reasonable and good faith judgment of the General Partner”, meets that unaffiliated party standard, “or (y) has been approved by a majority of those directors of the General Partner who are not also directors, officers or employees of an Affiliate of the General Partner”.


In practice, our management pricing committees review investment advisory agreements with AXA Affiliates, which is the manner in which the General Partner reaches a judgment regarding the appropriateness of the fees. Other transactions with AXA Affiliates are submitted to the Audit Committee for their review and approval; the unanimous consent of the Audit Committee constitutes the consent of three of four independent directors on the Board. We are not aware of any transaction during 2006 between our company and any related person with respect to which these procedures were not followed.

We do not have written policies regarding the employment of immediate family members of any of our related persons. Compensation and benefits for all of our employees, including employees who are immediate family members of any of our related persons, is established in accordance with our employment and compensation practices applicable to employees with equivalent qualifications and responsibilities who hold similar positions.

Financial Arrangements with AXA Affiliates

The General Partner believes thathas, in its arrangements with AXA Equitablereasonable and its affiliates are at least as favorable to AllianceBernstein and Holding as could be obtained from an unaffiliated third party, basedgood faith judgment (based on its knowledge of, and inquiry with respect to, comparable arrangements with or between unaffiliated third parties.

129

parties), approved the following arrangements with AXA Equitable and its affiliates as being comparable to, or more favorable to AllianceBernstein than, those that would prevail in a transaction with an unaffiliated party.


The following tables summarizessummarize transactions between AllianceBernstein and related partiespersons during 2005:

Parties(1)

 

General Description of Relationship

 

Amounts Received or
Accrued for in 2005

 

EQAT, AXA Enterprise Trust and AXA Premier VIP Trust

 

We serve as sub-adviser to these open-end mutual funds, each of which is sponsored by a subsidiary of AXA Financial

 

$

74,688,000

 

AXA Equitable(2)

 

We provide investment management services and ancillary accounting, valuation, reporting, treasury and other services to the general and separate accounts of AXA Equitable and its insurance companies subsidiaries

 

$

36,118,000 (of
which $583,000
relates to the ancillary services)

 

AXA Asia Pacific(2)

 

We provide investment management services.

 

$

34,340,000

 

AXA Group Life Insurance

 

We provide investment management services.

 

$

10,393,000

 

MONY Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries(2)(3)

 

We provide investment management services and ancillary accounting services.

 

$

9,719,000 (of which $150,000 relates to the ancillary services)

 

AXA UK Group Pension Scheme

 

We provide investment management services.

 

$

1,981,000

 

AXA Reinsurance Company(2)

 

We provide investment management services.

 

$

534,000

 

AXA Corporate Solutions(2)

 

We provide investment management services.

 

$

559,000

 

AXA (Canada)(2)

 

We provide investment management services.

 

$

616,000

 

AXA Foundation, Inc., a subsidiary of AXA Financial

 

We provide investment management services.

 

$

172,000

 

AXA Sun Life(2)

 

We provide investment management services.

 

$

782,000

 


(1)AllianceBernstein is a party2006. The first table summarizes services we provide to each transaction.

(2)This entity is a subsidiary of AXA. AXA is an indirect parent of AllianceBernstein.

(3)Subsidiaries include MONY Life Insurance Company of Americarelated persons, and U.S. Financial Life Insurance Company.

130

the second table summarizes services our related persons provide to us:

Parties(1)
 
General Description of Relationship
 
Amounts Received or
Accrued for in 2006
 
EQAT, AXA Enterprise Trust and AXA Premier VIP Trust We serve as sub-adviser to these open-end mutual funds, each of which is sponsored by a subsidiary of AXA Financial. $79,376,000 
AXA Asia Pacific(2) 
 We provide investment management services. $39,225,000 
AXA Equitable(2) 
 We provide investment management services and ancillary accounting, valuation, reporting, treasury, and other services to the general and separate accounts of AXA Equitable and its insurance company subsidiaries. $35,871,000 (of which $272,000 relates to the ancillary services) 
MONY Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries(2)(3) 
 We provide investment management services and ancillary accounting services. $9,628,000 (of which $150,000 relates to the ancillary services) 
AXA Group Life Insurance We provide investment management services. $7,688,000 
AXA Sun Life(2) 
 We provide investment management services. $3,657,000 
AXA U.K. Group Pension Scheme 
 We provide investment management services. $2,924,000 
AXA Rosenberg Investment Management
Asia Pacific(2) 
 We provide investment management services. $2,177,000 
AXA (Canada)(2) 
 We provide investment management services. $2,170,000 
AXA Corporate Solutions(2) 
 We provide investment management services. $937,000 
AXA France(2) 
 We provide investment management services. $509,000 
AXA Reinsurance Company(2) 
 We provide investment management services. $487,000 
AXA Investment Managers Limited(2) 
 We provide investment management services. $314,000 
AXA Foundation, Inc., a subsidiary of AXA Financial We provide investment management services. $180,000 
Various AXA subsidiaries We provide investment management services. $235,000 

____________
(1)
AllianceBernstein is a party to each transaction.
(2)
This entity is a subsidiary of AXA. AXA is an indirect parent of AllianceBernstein.
(3)
Subsidiaries include MONY Life Insurance Company of America and U.S. Financial Life Insurance Company.

Parties(1)(2)
 
General Description of Relationship
 
Amounts Paid or
Accrued for in 2006
 
AXA Advisors 
 AXA Advisors distributes certain of our Retail Products. $5,708,000 
AXA Equitable 
 AXA Equitable provides certain data processing services and related functions. $3,725,000 
AXA Equitable 
 We are covered by various insurance policies maintained by AXA Equitable. $3,139,000 
AXA Business Services 
 AXA Business Services provides data processing services and support for certain investment operations functions. $1,060,000 
GIE Informatique AXA (“GIE”) GIE provides cooperative technology development and procurement services to us and to various other subsidiaries of AXA. $891,000 
AXA Advisors AXA Advisors sells shares of our mutual funds under Distribution Services and Educational Support agreements. $772,000 
AXA Technology Services India Pvt. Ltd. AXA Technology Services India Pvt. Ltd. provides certain data processing services and functions. $763,000 

____________
(1)
AllianceBernstein is a party to each transaction.
(2)
Each entity is a subsidiary of AXA. AXA is an indirect parent of AllianceBernstein.

125


Parties(1)(2)

 

General Description of Relationship

 

Amounts Paid or
Accrued for in 2005

 

AXA Advisors

 

AXA Advisors distributes certain of our Retail Products.

 

$

5,500,000

 

AXA Equitable

 

We are covered by various insurance policies maintained by AXA Equitable.

 

$

2,717,000

 

AXA Equitable

 

AXA Equitable provides certain data processing services and functions.

 

$

2,375,000

 

AXA Advisors

 

AXA Advisors sells shares of our mutual funds under Distribution Services and Educational Support agreements.

 

$

858,000

 

GIE Informatique AXA (“GIE”)

 

GIE provides cooperative technology development and procurement services to us and to various other subsidiaries of AXA.

 

$

878,000

 

Various AXA subsidiaries

 

They provide other miscellaneous general and administrative services.

 

$

695,000

 


(1)AllianceBernstein is a party to each transaction.

(2)This entity is a subsidiaryTable of AXA. AXA is an indirect parent of AllianceBernstein.Contents


(3)Additional Transactions with Related PersonsSubsidiaries include MONY Life Insurance Company of America and U.S. Financial Life Insurance Company.

Other Transactions


On February 1, 2001, AllianceBernstein and AXA Asia Pacific entered into a Subscription and Shareholders Agreement under which they established two investment management companies in Australia and New Zealand named AllianceBernstein Australia Limited and AllianceBernstein New Zealand Limited, respectively. AXA Asia Pacific and AllianceBernstein each own fifty percent (50%) of the equity of each company and have equal representation on the boards. These companies currently manage approximately $38.5$49.4 billion in client assets, and earned $44.6$61.1 million in management fees in 2005.

2006.


AXA Advisors was ourfifthninth largest distributor of U.S. Funds in 2005,2006, for which we paid AXA Advisors sales concessions on sales of $467$524 million. Various subsidiaries of AXA distribute certain of our Non-U.S. Funds, for which such entities received aggregate distribution payments of approximately $390,000$427,000 in 2005.2006.


AXA Equitable and its affiliates are not obligated to provide funds to us, except for ACMC Inc.’s and the General Partner’s obligation to fund certain of our deferred compensation and employee benefit plan obligations.See Item 11. ACMC Inc. and the General Partner are obligated, subject to certain limitations, to make capital contributions to AllianceBernstein in an amount equal to the payments AllianceBernstein is required to make as deferred compensation under the employment agreements entered into in connection with AXA Equitable’s 1985 acquisition of Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette Securities Corporation (now part of Credit Suisse First Boston LLC) as well as obligations of AllianceBernstein to various employees and their beneficiaries under AllianceBernstein’s Capital Accumulation Plan. In 2005,2006, ACMC Inc. made capital contributions to AllianceBernstein in the amount of approximately $4.2$4.3 million in respect of these obligations. ACMC Inc’sInc.’s obligations to make these contributions are guaranteed byEquitable Holdings, LLC (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA Equitable), subject to certain limitations. All tax deductions with respect to these obligations, to the extent funded by ACMC Inc., the General Partner, or Equitable Holdings, LLC, will be allocated to ACMC Inc. or the General Partner.

On January 4, 2005, Lewis A. Sanders and AllianceBernstein entered into an employment agreement pursuant to which Mr. Sanders shall serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


Arrangements with Immediate Family Members of the General Partner through December 31, 2011 (“Employment Term”) unless the agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms. Mr. Sanders will be paid a minimum base salary of $275,000 per year during the Employment Term and, for calendar year 2004 and each subsequent calendar year during the Employment Term, he is entitled to receive a deferred compensation award of not less than one percent (1%) of AllianceBernstein’s consolidated operating income before incentive compensation (as defined with respect to the calculation of AllianceBernstein’s bonus

131

Related Persons



pool) for such calendar year. Mr. Sanders is entitled to perquisites on the same terms as other senior executives, including personal use of aircraft and a car and driver.  For the amounts of Mr. Sanders’s deferred compensation awards, see the compensation tables in Item 11.

Two of our executive officers, one of whom is also a director, have immediate family members whom we employ. We established the compensation and benefits of each such family member in accordance with our employment and compensation practices applicable to employees with equivalent qualifications and responsibilities who hold similar positions. These employees are three of our 4,3124,914 employees.


Gerald M. Lieberman’s daughter, Andrea L. Feldman, is employed in AllianceBernstein Institutional Investments and received 20052006 compensation of $110,000$130,000 (salary and bonus). Mr. Lieberman’s son-in-law, Jonathan H. Feldman, the spouse of Andrea L. Feldman, is employed in Institutional ResearchRetail Services and received 20052006 compensation of $195,000$225,000 (salary and bonus). Gerald M. Lieberman is Director of the General Partner and the President and Chief Operating Officer of AllianceBernstein.


James G. Reilly’s brother, Michael J. Reilly, is a U.S. Large Cap Growth portfolio manager and received 20052006 compensation of $2,500,000$2,617,000 (salary, bonus, and deferred compensation). James G. Reilly is an Executive Vice President of AllianceBernstein and our U.S. Large Cap Growth team leader.


126

Table of ContentsItem 14.  

Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The following table presents fees for professional audit services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) for the audit of AllianceBernstein’s and Services

Holding’s annual financial statements for 2006, and fees for other services rendered by PwC ($ in thousands):

  
2006
 
  
Domestic
 
International
 
Total
 
Audit Fees(1) 
 $6,319 $1,356 $7,675 
Audit Related Fees(2) 
  1,300  782  2,082 
Tax Fees(3) 
  1,309  361  1,670 
All Other Fees(4) 
  27  30  57 
Total 
 
$
8,955
 
$
2,529
 
$
11,484
 

____________
(1)
Includes $175,000 in respect of audit services for Holding.
(2)
Audit related fees consist principally of fees for audits of financial statements of certain employee benefit plans, internal control reviews, and accounting consultation.
(3)
Tax fees consist of fees for tax consultation and tax compliance services.
(4)
All other fees in 2006 consisted of miscellaneous non-audit services.

The following table presents fees for professional audit services rendered by KPMG LLP for the audit of AllianceBernstein’s and Holding’s annual financial statements for 2005, and 2004, and fees for other services rendered by KPMG LLP ($ in thousands):

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

Domestic

 

International

 

Total

 

Domestic

 

International

 

Total

 

Audit Fees(1)

 

$

6,222

 

$

1,051

 

$

7,273

 

$

4,719

 

$

982

 

$

5,701

 

Audit Related Fees(2)

 

712

 

588

 

1,300

 

2,842

 

670

 

3,512

 

Tax Fees(3)

 

524

 

326

 

850

 

519

 

594

 

1,113

 

All Other Fees(4)

 

6

 

 

6

 

3

 

 

3

 

Total

 

$

7,464

 

$

1,965

 

$

9,429

 

$

8,083

 

$

2,246

 

$

10,329

 



(1)Includes $127,000 for 2005, and $162,000 for 2004, in respect of audit services for Holding.

(2)Audit related fees consist principally of fees for audits of financial statements of certain employee benefit plans, Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 documentation assistance and internal control reviews.

(3)Tax fees consist of fees for tax consultation and tax compliance services.

(4)All other fees in 2005 and 2004 consisted of miscellaneous non-audit services.

  
2005
 
  
Domestic
 
International
 
Total
 
Audit Fees(1) 
 $6,222 $1,051 $7,273 
Audit Related Fees(2) 
  712  588  1,300 
Tax Fees(3) 
  524  326  850 
All Other Fees(4) 
  6    6 
Total 
 
$
7,464
 
$
1,965
 
$
9,429
 

____________
(1)
Includes $127,000 in respect of audit services for Holding.
(2)
Audit related fees consist principally of fees for audits of financial statements of certain employee benefit plans, Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 documentation assistance and internal control reviews.
(3)
Tax fees consist of fees for tax consultation and tax compliance services.
(4)
All other fees consisted of miscellaneous non-audit services.

On November 9, 2005, the Audit Committee adopted a policy to pre-approve audit and non-audit service engagements with the independent auditor.registered public accounting firm. This policy was revised on August 3, 2006. The independent auditorregistered public accounting firm is to provide annually a comprehensive and detailed schedule of each proposed audit and non-audit service to be performed. The Audit Committee then affirmatively indicates its approval of the listed engagements. Engagements that are not listed, but that are of similar scope and size to those listed and approved, may be deemed to be approved, if the fee for such service is less than $100,000. In addition, the Audit Committee has delegated to its chairman the ability to approve any permissible non-audit engagement where the fees are expected to be less than $100,000.

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PART IV


Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a)There is no document filed as part of this Form 10-K.

Item 15.   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a)There is no document filed as part of this Form 10-K.

Financial Statement Schedules.


Attached to this Form 10-K is a schedule describing Valuation and Qualifying Account-Allowance for Doubtful Accounts for the three years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003,2004. PwC’s report regarding the 2006 schedule and KPMG LLP’s report thereon.

(b)Exhibits.

regarding the 2005 and 2004 schedules are also attached.


(b)
Exhibits.

The following exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are filed herewith or incorporated by reference herein, as indicated:


Exhibit

Description

2.1

2.01

Agreement between Federated Investors, Inc. and Alliance Capital Management L.P. dated as of October 28, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004, as filed November 8, 2004).

2.2

2.02

Acquisition Agreement dated as of June 20, 2000 and Amended and Restated as of October 2, 2000 among Alliance Capital Management L.P., Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P., Alliance Capital Management LLC, SCB Inc., Bernstein Technologies Inc., SCB Partners Inc., Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC and SCB LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, as filed April 2, 2001).

3.1

3.01

Amended and Restated Certificate of Limited Partnership dated February 24, 2006 of Holding (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.06 to Form 8-K, as filed February 24, 2006).

3.2

3.02

Amendment No. 1 dated February 24, 2006 to Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Holding.

Holding (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006, as filed November 8, 2006).

3.3

3.03

Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership dated October 29, 1999 of Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, as filed March 10, 2004).

3.4

3.04

Amended and Restated Certificate of Limited Partnership dated February 24, 2006 of AllianceBernstein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.07 to Form 8-K, as filed February 24, 2006).

3.5

3.05

Amendment No. 1 dated February 24, 2006 to Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of AllianceBernstein.

AllianceBernstein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006, as filed November 8, 2006).

3.6

3.06

Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership dated October 29, 1999 of Alliance Capital Management L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, as filed March 10, 2004).

3.7

3.07

Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of AllianceBernstein Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.08 to Form 8-K, as filed February 24, 2006).

3.8

3.08

AllianceBernstein Corporation By-Laws with amendments through February 24, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.09 to Form 8-K, as filed February 24, 2006).

4.1

Senior Indenture datedAmended and Restated AllianceBernstein Partners Compensation Plan.

Amended and Restated 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan.
Form of Award Agreement under the Amended and Restated AllianceBernstein Partners Compensation Plan.
Forms of Award Agreement under the Special Option Program.
Form of Award Agreement under the AllianceBernstein Commission Substitution Plan.
Form of Award Agreement under the AllianceBernstein L.P. Financial Advisor Wealth Accumulation Plan.
Amendment and Restatement of the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of AllianceBernstein L.P., as amended through November 30, 2006.
Amendment and Restatement of August 10, 2001, between Alliance Capital Managementthe Retirement Plan for Employees of AllianceBernstein L.P., as amended through November 30, 2006.
Guidelines for Transfer of AllianceBernstein L.P. Units and The BankAllianceBernstein L.P. Policy Regarding Partners’ Requests for Consent to Transfer of New YorkLimited Partnership Interests to Third Parties.
10.10Letter Agreement entered into by Lewis A. Sanders and AllianceBernstein L.P. on October 26, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 499.31 to Form 8-K, as filed October 31, 2006).
10.11Amended and Restated Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2001,March 31, 2006, as filed November 14, 2001)May 8, 2006).

10.1

10.12

Amended and Restated Issuing and Paying Agency Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006, as filed May 8, 2006).

10.13Revolving Credit Facility dated as of February 17, 2006 among AllianceBernstein, as Borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Banc of America Securities LLC, as Arranger, Citibank N.A. and The Bank of New York, as
Co-Syndication Agents, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Co-Documentation Agents, and The Various Financial Institutions Whose Names Appear on the Signature Pages as “Banks” (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, as filed February 24, 2006).

10.2

10.14

Form of Award Agreement under the Amended and Restated Alliance Partners

133



Exhibit

Description

Compensation Plan.

10.3

Form of Award Agreement under the Alliance Commission Substitution Plan.

10.4

Form of Award Agreement under the Alliance Capital Management L.P. Financial Advisor Wealth Accumulation Plan.

10.5

AllianceAllianceBernstein Commission Substitution Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2005.

2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, as filed February 24, 2006).

10.6

10.15

Amended and Restated Alliance Partners Compensation Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2005.

10.7

Alliance Capital ManagementAllianceBernstein L.P. Financial Advisor Wealth Accumulation Plan effective August 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Form S-8, as filed August 5, 2005).

10.8

10.16

LetterInvestment Advisory and Management Agreement entered into by Lewis A. Sanders and Alliance Capital Management L.P. on January 4, 2005for MONY Life (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.25(a) to Form 8-K/A, as filed January 6, 2005.

10.9

Amendment to the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of Alliance Capital Management L.P. dated as of December 28, 2005.

10.10

Amendment to the Retirement Plan for Employees of Alliance Capital Management L.P., effective as of December 28, 2005.

10.11

Guidelines for Transfer of Alliance Capital Management L.P. Units and Alliance Capital Management L.P. Policy Regarding Partners’ Requests for Consent to Transfer of Limited Partnership Interests to Third Parties. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.310.4 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, as filed March 15, 2005).

10.12

10.17

Investment Advisory and Management Agreement for MONY Life. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 as filed March 15, 2005).

10.13

Investment Advisory and Management Agreement for the General Account of AXA Equitable.Equitable (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, as filed March 15, 2005).

10.14

10.18

Summary of Alliance Capital ManagementAllianceBernstein L.P.���s’s Lease at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, as filed March 10, 2004).

10.15

10.19

Amendment and Complete Restatement of the Retirement Plan for Employees of Alliance Capital Management L.P. dated as of January 1, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, as filed March 10, 2004).

10.16

Amendment and Complete Restatement of the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of Alliance Capital Management L.P. dated as of January 1, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, as filed March 10, 2004).

10.17

Amendment dated January 1, 2004 to the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of Alliance Capital Management L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, as filed March 10, 2004).

10.18

Amendment dated August 1, 2003 to the Retirement Plan for Employees of Alliance Capital Management L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, as filed March 10, 2004).

10.19

Alliance Capital Management L.P. Partners Plan of Repurchase adopted as of February 20, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, as filed March 27, 2003).

10.20

Services Agreement dated as of April 22, 2001 between Alliance Capital Management L.P. and AXA Equitable (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, as filed March 28, 2002).

134



Exhibit

Description

10.21

10.21Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 2, 2000 by and among Alliance Capital Management L.P., SCB Inc. and SCB Partners Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, as filed April 2, 2001).

10.22

Purchase Agreement dated as of June 20, 2000 by and among Alliance Capital Management L.P., AXA Financial and SCB Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, as filed April 2, 2001).

10.23

10.23

Alliance Capital Management L.P. Annual Elective Deferral Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Form S-8, as filed November 6, 2000).

10.24

Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement, dated as of December 14, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, as filed March 28, 2000).

10.25

Extendible Commercial Notes Dealer Agreement, dated as of December 14, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, as filed March 28, 2000).

10.26

10.25

Amended and Restated Investment Advisory and Management Agreement dated January 1, 1999 among Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P., Alliance Corporate Finance Group Incorporated and AXA Equitable (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(6) to Form 10-Q/A for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999, as filed on September 28, 2000).

10.27

10.26

Amended and Restated Accounting, Valuation, Reporting and Treasury Services Agreement dated January 1, 1999 between Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P., Alliance Corporate Finance Group Incorporated and AXA Equitable (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(7) to the Form 10-Q/A for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999, as filed September 28, 2000).

10.28

10.27

Alliance Capital ManagementAllianceBernstein L.P. Century Club Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Form S-8, as filed July 12, 1993).

10.29

10.28

Alliance Capital Accumulation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988, as filed March 31, 1989).

10.30

Alliance Partners Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988, as filed March 31, 1989).

12.1

AllianceBernstein Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges in respect of the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003.

2004.

21.1

Subsidiaries of AllianceBernstein.

23.1

Consents of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

Consents of KPMG LLP.

24.1

Power of Attorney of Dominique Carrel-Billiard.

24.2

Power of Attorney of Henri de Castries.

24.3

Power of Attorney of Christopher M. Condron.

24.4

Power of Attorney of Denis Duverne.

24.5

Power of Attorney of Roger Hertog.

24.6

Power of Attorney of Weston M. Hicks.

24.7

Power of Attorney of W. Edwin Jarmain.

24.8

Power of Attorney of Gerald M. Lieberman.

24.9

Power of Attorney of Nicolas Moreau.

24.10

Power of Attorney of Lorie A. Slutsky.

24.11

Power of Attorney of A.W. (Pete) Smith.

24.12

Power of Attorney of Peter J. Tobin.

135



Exhibit

Description

24.13

Power of Attorney of Stanley B. Tulin.

31.1

Certification of Mr. Sanders is being furnished pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification of Mr. Joseph is being furnished pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1

Certification of Mr. Sanders is being furnished pursuant tofor the purpose of complying with Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

Certification of Mr. Joseph is being furnished pursuant tofor the purpose of complying with Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

136



SIGSIGNATURESNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HOLDING

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HOLDING L.P.

Date: February 24, 2006

27, 2007

By:

/s/ Lewis A. Sanders

Lewis A. Sanders

Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer


Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Date: February 24, 2006

27, 2007

/s/ Robert H. Joseph, Jr.

Robert H. Joseph, Jr.

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

/s/ Edward J. Farrell

Date: February 24, 2006

27, 2007

Edward J. Farrell

Senior Vice President and

Chief Accounting Officer


DIRECTORS


/s/ Lewis A. Sanders

*

/s/ Weston M. Hicks

Lewis A. Sanders

W. Edwin Jarmain

Weston M. Hicks

Chairman of the Board

Director

/s/ Dominique Carrel-Billiard

/s/ Gerald M. Lieberman

Dominique Carrel-Billiard

Gerald M. Lieberman

Director

Director

/s/ Christopher M. Condron

*

/s/ Lorie A. Slutsky

Christopher M. Condron

Nicolas Moreau

Lorie A. Slutsky

Director

Director

/s/ Henri de Castries

/s/ Lorie A. Slutsky

A.W. (Pete) Smith, Jr.

Henri de Castries

Lorie A. Slutsky

A.W. (Pete) Smith, Jr.

Director

Director

/s/ Denis Duverne

*

Denis Duverne

A.W. (Pete) Smith

Director

Director

/s/ Roger Hertog

/s/ Peter J. Tobin

Roger Hertog

Denis Duverne

Peter J. Tobin

Director

Director

/s/ Weston M. Hicks

Peter Etzenbach

/s/ Stanley B. Tulin

Weston M. Hicks

Peter Etzenbach

Stanley B. Tulin

Director

Director

/s/ Laurence E. Cranch

Laurence E. Cranch

(*Attorney-in-fact)

SCHEDULE II

AllianceBernstein L.P.

Valuation and Qualifying Account - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

For the Three Years Ending December 31, 2006, 2005 2004 and 20032004

Description

 

Balance at
Beginning of
Period

 

Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

 

Deductions

 

Balance at End
of Period

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2003

 

$

2,137

 

$

1,839

 

$

1,054

(a)

$

2,922

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2004

 

$

2,922

 

$

 

$

1,215

(b)

$

1,707

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2005

 

$

1,707

 

$

55

 

$

823

(c)

$

939

 




Description
 
Balance at Beginning of Period
 
Charged to Costs and Expenses
 
Deductions
 
Balance at End of Period
 
  
(in thousands)
 
          
For the year ended December 31, 2004 $2,922 $- $1,215
(a)
$1,707 
              
For the year ended December 31, 2005 $1,707 $55 $823
(b)
$939 
              
For the year ended December 31, 2006 $939 $251 $77
(c)
$1,113 

(a) Accounts written-off as uncollectible.

(b) Includes accounts written-off as uncollectible of $1,115 and reduction of allowance balance of $100.

(c)

(b) Includes accounts written-off as uncollectible of $123 and reduction of allowance balance of $700.

(c) Includes accounts written-off as uncollectible of $93 and a net addition to the allowance balance of $16.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on
Financial Statement Schedule

To the Board of Directors
of AllianceBernstein L.P.


Our audits of the consolidated financial statements, of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to in our report dated February 27, 2007appearing in the 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders of AllianceBernstein L.P. (which report and consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) also included an audit of the financial statement schedules listed in Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other auditors, this financial statement schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.



/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 27, 2007

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The General Partner and Unitholders
AllianceBernstein L.P.:
Under date of February 24, 2006, we reported on the consolidated statement of financial condition of AllianceBernstein L.P. and subsidiaries (“AllianceBernstein”) as of December 31, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in partners’ capital and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2005, which are included in this Form 10-K.  In connection with our audits of the aforementioned consolidated financial statements, we also audited the related consolidated financial statement schedule referenced in Item 15 (a) of this Form 10-K.  This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the General Partner’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement schedule based on our audits.
In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
February 24, 2006