UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number: 811-01716
AB CAP FUND, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Joseph J. Mantineo
AllianceBernstein L.P.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 221-5672
Date of fiscal year end: November 30, 2017
Date of reporting period: May 31, 2017
ITEM 1. | REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS. |
MAY 05.31.17
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO
Investment Products Offered | • Are Not FDIC Insured • May Lose Value • Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.
This shareholder report must be preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s prospectus for individuals who are not current shareholders of the Fund.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com, or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227 4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC 0330. AB publishes full portfolio holdings for the Fund monthly at www.abfunds.com.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
FROM THE PRESIDENT |
Dear Shareholder,
We are pleased to provide this report for AB All Market Income Portfolio (the “Fund”). Please review the discussion of Fund performance, the market conditions during the reporting period and the Fund’s investment strategy.
As always, AB strives to keep clients ahead of what’s next by:
+ | Transforming uncommon insights into uncommon knowledge with a global research scope |
+ | Navigating markets with seasoned investment experience and sophisticated solutions |
+ | Providing thoughtful investment insights and actionable ideas |
Whether you’re an individual investor or a multi-billion-dollar institution, we put knowledge and experience to work for you.
AB’s global research organization connects and collaborates across platforms and teams to deliver impactful insights and innovative products. Better insights lead to better opportunities—anywhere in the world.
For additional information about AB’s range of products and shareholder resources, please log on to www.abfunds.com.
Thank you for your investment in the AB Mutual Funds.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Keith
President and Chief Executive Officer, AB Mutual Funds
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 1 |
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
July 20, 2017
This report provides management’s discussion of fund performance for AB All Market Income Portfolio for the semi-annual reporting period ended May 31, 2017.
The Fund’s investment objective is to seek current income with consideration of capital appreciation.
NAV RETURNS AS OF MAY 31, 2017 (unaudited)
6 Months | 12 Months | |||||||
AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | ||||||||
Class A Shares | 8.08% | 12.03% | ||||||
Class C Shares | 7.72% | 11.14% | ||||||
Advisor Class Shares1 | 8.29% | 12.34% | ||||||
MSCI ACWI (net) | 13.37% | 17.53% |
1 | Please note that Advisor Class shares are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
INVESTMENT RESULTS
The table above shows the Fund’s performance compared with its benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World Index (“MSCI ACWI”) net, for the six- and 12-month periods ended May 31, 2017.
During both periods, all share classes of the Fund underperformed the benchmark, before sales charges. The Fund’s strategic decision to achieve diversification involves holding assets other than equities. Given the equity market’s sharp rise over both periods, this diversification detracted from performance, relative to the benchmark.
For the six-month period, income diversifiers—sovereign bonds and preferred real estate investment trusts (“REITs”)—contributed to absolute performance, delivering positive returns net of hedges. As credit markets delivered positive returns, income producers—investment grade and high-yield credit—also contributed relative to the benchmark, despite high yield detracting. Growers—equities and common REITs—contributed most net of hedges, amid rising equity markets. Developed equities detracted relative to the benchmark, but gains from income equities more than offset these losses.
For the 12-month period, income diversifiers contributed modestly to absolute performance, amid slightly negative returns from global treasuries that
2 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
were offset by a small positive impact from other diversifiers, net of hedges. Despite weaker returns from REITs and emerging-market stocks, growers contributed net of hedges, while developed equities detracted relative to the benchmark. Income producers contributed most because of strong market returns and a significant overweight versus the Fund’s typical holdings.
The Fund utilized derivatives in the form of futures, forwards, interest rate swaps, variance swaps, total return swaps, inflation (“CPI”) swaps, credit default swaps and written options for hedging and investment purposes. For both periods, forwards, total return swaps and credit default swaps contributed to absolute performance, and futures and written options detracted. Interest rate swaps detracted for the six-month period and added for the 12-month period; CPI swaps had no material impact for the six-month period and added for the 12-month period.
MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY
Global equities continued their steady climb during the six-month period ended May 31, 2017. Non-US and emerging-market equities both delivered solid returns. US stocks trailed on a relative basis, while still recording double-digit gains. US President Donald Trump’s administration dominated headlines during the period; markets vacillated between high hopes for pro-growth policies and concerns over policy risk after several false starts on his reform agenda. In general, investors seemed to look past White House turmoil and focus on an improving economic outlook and upbeat corporate earnings. Geopolitics also played a role outside the US. In France, investors embraced the election of centrist, pro-European Union candidate Emmanuel Macron. In contrast, UK investors were taken aback by Prime Minister Theresa May’s call for a snap parliamentary election three years ahead of schedule.
In fixed-income markets, global bonds generally rallied in absolute terms (bond yields move inversely to price). Investment-grade credit securities and emerging-market local-currency government bonds rebounded in the period, outperforming the positive returns of developed-market treasuries but lagging the rally in global high yield. Developed-market treasury yields moved in different directions. In the US, Canada and the UK, they rose at the short end, while the opposite was generally the case in core Europe. Australian yields rallied across the board, while Japanese yields underperformed.
At the end of the six-month period, the Fund was slightly overweight equities and credit, and close to strategic targets for bonds.
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 3 |
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Adviser will allocate the Fund’s investments primarily among a broad range of income-producing securities, including common stock of companies that regularly pay dividends (including real estate investment trusts), debt securities (including high-yield debt securities, also known as “junk bonds”), preferred stocks and derivatives related to these types of securities. In addition, the Fund may engage in certain alternative income strategies that generally utilize derivatives to diversify sources of income and manage risk. The Fund pursues a global strategy, typically investing in securities of issuers located in the United States and in other countries throughout the world, including emerging-market countries.
In selecting equity securities for the Fund, the Adviser will focus on securities that have high dividend yields and are undervalued by the market relative to their long-term earnings potential. The Adviser intends to gain exposure to high-yield debt securities through investment in the AB High Income Fund and may, in the future, gain such exposure through direct investments in high-income securities. It is expected that the Fund will pursue a number of generally derivatives-based alternative investment strategies, such as taking long positions in currency derivatives on higher yielding currencies and/or short positions in currency derivatives on lower yielding currencies.
The Adviser will adjust the Fund’s investment exposure utilizing the Adviser’s Dynamic Asset Allocation (“DAA”) approach. DAA comprises a series of analytical and forecasting tools employed by the Adviser to gauge fluctuations in the risk/return profile of various asset classes. DAA seeks to adjust the Fund’s investment exposure in changing market conditions and thereby reduce overall portfolio volatility by mitigating the effects of market fluctuations, while preserving consistent long-term return potential. For example, the Adviser may seek to reduce the Fund’s risk exposure to one or more asset classes when DAA suggests that market risks relevant to those asset classes are rising but return opportunities are declining. In addition to directly increasing or decreasing asset class exposure by buying or selling securities in that asset class, the Adviser may pursue DAA implementation for the Fund by investing in derivatives and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”).
The Adviser intends to utilize a variety of derivatives in its management of the Fund. The Adviser may use derivatives to gain exposure to an asset class, such as using interest rate derivatives to gain exposure to sovereign bonds. As noted above, the Adviser may separately pursue certain alternative investment strategies that utilize derivatives, and
(continued on next page)
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may enter into derivatives in making the adjustments called for by DAA. As a result of the use of derivatives and short sales of securities, the Fund will frequently be leveraged, with gross investment exposure substantially in excess of its net assets.
Currency exchange rate fluctuations can have a dramatic impact on returns. The Fund’s foreign currency exposures will come both from investments in equity and debt securities priced or denominated in foreign currencies and from direct holdings of foreign currencies and currency-related derivatives. The Adviser may seek to hedge all or a portion of the currency exposure resulting from Fund investments or decide not to hedge this exposure. The Adviser may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives. The Fund is “non-diversified”.
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 5 |
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS
Benchmark Disclosure
The MSCI ACWI is unmanaged and does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The MSCI ACWI (free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted) represents the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI. Net returns include the reinvestment of dividends after deduction of non-US withholding tax. An investor cannot invest directly in an index or average, and their results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Fund.
A Word About Risk
Credit Risk: An issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or the counterparty to a derivatives or other contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely payments of interest or principal, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The issuer or guarantor may default, causing a loss of the full principal amount of a security. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. There is the possibility that the credit rating of a fixed-income security may be downgraded after purchase, which may adversely affect the value of the security. Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations.
High Yield Debt Securities: Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally and less secondary market liquidity.
Interest Rate Risk: Changes in interest rates will affect the value of investments in fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, the value of existing investments in fixed-income securities tends to fall and this decrease in value may not be offset by higher income from new investments. The Fund may be subject to heightened interest rate risk due to rising rates as the current period of historically low interest rates may be ending. Interest rate risk is generally greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations.
Inflation Risk: This is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of
6 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)
money. As inflation increases, the value of the Fund’s assets can decline as can the value of the Fund’s distributions. This risk is significantly greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities.
Foreign (Non-US) Risk: Investments in securities of non-US issuers may involve more risk than those of US issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Emerging Market Risk: Investments in emerging-market countries may have more risk because the markets are less developed and less liquid as well as being subject to increased economic, political, regulatory or other uncertainties.
Currency Risk: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.
Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Fund, and may be subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments.
Short Sale Risk: Short sales involve the risk that the Fund will incur a loss by subsequently buying a security at a higher price than the price at which it sold the security. The amount of such loss is theoretically unlimited, as it will be based on the increase in value of the security sold short. In contrast, the risk of loss from a long position is limited to the Fund’s investment in the security, because the price of the security cannot fall below zero. The Fund may not always be able to close out a short position on favorable terms.
Leverage Risk: To the extent the Fund uses leveraging techniques, its net asset value (“NAV”) may be more volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of changes in interest rates and any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s investments.
Non-Diversification Risk: The Fund may have more risk because it is “non-diversified”, meaning that it can invest more of its assets in a smaller number of issuers. Accordingly, changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Fund’s NAV.
Market Risk: The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events that affect large portions of the market.
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 7 |
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)
Liquidity Risk: Liquidity risk occurs when certain investments become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling less liquid securities may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Fund. Causes of liquidity risk may include low trading volumes and large positions. Foreign fixed-income securities may have more liquidity risk because secondary trading markets for these securities may be smaller and less well-developed and the securities may trade less frequently. Liquidity risk may be higher in a rising interest rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally go down.
Management Risk: The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results.
These risks are fully discussed in the Fund’s prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.
An Important Note About Historical Performance
The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. You may obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end by visiting www.abfunds.com.
All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Fund have been deducted. NAV returns do not reflect sales charges; if sales charges were reflected, the Fund’s quoted performance would be lower. SEC returns reflect the applicable sales charges for each share class: a 4.25% maximum front-end sales charge for Class A shares; and a 1% 1-year contingent deferred sales charge for Class C shares. Returns for the different share classes will vary due to different expenses associated with each class. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.
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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE
AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS AS OF MAY 31, 2017 (unaudited)
NAV Returns | SEC Returns (reflects applicable sales charges) | |||||||
CLASS A SHARES | ||||||||
1 Year | 12.03% | 7.32% | ||||||
Since Inception1 | 7.05% | 5.18% | ||||||
CLASS C SHARES | ||||||||
1 Year | 11.14% | 10.14% | ||||||
Since Inception1 | 6.27% | 6.27% | ||||||
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES2 | ||||||||
1 Year | 12.34% | 12.34% | ||||||
Since Inception1 | 7.35% | 7.35% |
The Fund’s current prospectus fee table shows the Fund’s total annual operating expense ratios as 4.09%, 4.89% and 3.59% for Class A, Class C and Advisor Class shares, respectively, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. Contractual fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements limit the Fund’s annual operating expense ratios exclusive of acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs to 0.99%, 1.74% and 0.74% for Class A, Class C and Advisor Class shares, respectively. These waivers/reimbursements may not be terminated before March 1, 2018 and may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms. Any fees waived and expenses borne by the Adviser may be reimbursed by the Fund until the end of the third fiscal year after the fiscal period in which the fee was waived or the expense was borne, provided that no reimbursement payment will be made that would cause the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to exceed the expense limitations. Absent reimbursements or waivers, performance would have been lower. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods and include acquired fund fees.
1 | Inception date: 12/18/2014. |
2 | Advisor Class shares are offered at NAV to eligible investors and their SEC returns are the same as their NAV returns. Please note that Advisor Class shares are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 9 |
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)
SEC AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS
AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDAR QUARTER-END
JUNE 30, 2017 (unaudited)
SEC Returns (reflects applicable sales charges) | ||||
CLASS A SHARES | ||||
1 Year | 4.94% | |||
Since Inception1 | 5.05% | |||
CLASS C SHARES | ||||
1 Year | 7.71% | |||
Since Inception1 | 6.08% | |||
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES2 | ||||
1 Year | 9.87% | |||
Since Inception1 | 7.15% |
1 | Inception date: 12/18/2014. |
2 | Please note that Advisor Class shares are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
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EXPENSE EXAMPLE
(unaudited)
As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.
Actual Expenses
The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table below also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), or contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions. Therefore, the hypothetical example is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 11 |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (continued)
Beginning Account Value December 1, 2016 | Ending Account Value May 31, 2017 | Expenses Paid During Period* | Annualized Expense Ratio* | Effective Expenses Paid During Period+ | Effective Annualized Expense Ratio+ | |||||||||||||||||||
Class A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Actual | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,080.80 | $ | 4.25 | 0.82 | % | $ | 5.14 | 0.99 | % | ||||||||||||
Hypothetical** | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,020.84 | $ | 4.13 | 0.82 | % | $ | 4.99 | 0.99 | % | ||||||||||||
Class C | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Actual | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,077.20 | $ | 8.08 | 1.56 | % | $ | 9.01 | 1.74 | % | ||||||||||||
Hypothetical** | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,017.15 | $ | 7.85 | 1.56 | % | $ | 8.75 | 1.74 | % | ||||||||||||
Advisor Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Actual | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,082.90 | $ | 2.91 | 0.56 | % | $ | 3.84 | 0.74 | % | ||||||||||||
Hypothetical** | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,022.14 | $ | 2.82 | 0.56 | % | $ | 3.73 | 0.74 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period), respectively. |
** | Assumes 5% annual return before expenses. |
+ | In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the acquired fund fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. Currently the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses of the affiliated underlying portfolios and other expenses of AB High Income Fund. The Fund’s effective expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Fund’s pro rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
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PORTFOLIO SUMMARY
May 31, 2017 (unaudited)
PORTFOLIO STATISTICS
Net Assets ($mil): $63.3
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS2
Security | U.S. $ Value | Percent of Net Assets | ||||||
AB High Income Fund, Inc. – Class Z | $ | 23,653,667 | 37.3 | % | ||||
JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN | 2,159,233 | 3.4 | ||||||
iShares Mortgage Real Estate Capped ETF | 985,392 | 1.6 | ||||||
PowerShares KBW High Dividend Yield Financial Portfolio | 923,746 | 1.5 | ||||||
Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional Series F | 745,510 | 1.2 | ||||||
PowerShares KBW Premium Yield Equity REIT Portfolio | 574,857 | 0.9 | ||||||
Apple, Inc. | 556,199 | 0.9 | ||||||
Dominican Republic International Bond | 522,871 | 0.8 | ||||||
Ukraine Government International Bond | 509,767 | 0.8 | ||||||
Microsoft Corp. | 459,757 | 0.7 | ||||||
$ | 31,090,999 | 49.1 | % |
1 | All data are as of May 31, 2017. The Fund’s security type breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. The Fund also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). |
2 | Long-term investments. |
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 13 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
May 31, 2017 (unaudited)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
INVESTMENT COMPANIES – 44.7% | ||||||||||||
Funds and Investment Trusts – 44.7%(a) | ||||||||||||
AB High Income Fund, Inc. – Class Z | 2,642,868 | $ | 23,653,667 | |||||||||
iShares Mortgage Real Estate Capped ETF | 21,315 | 985,392 | ||||||||||
JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN(b) | 72,191 | 2,159,233 | ||||||||||
PowerShares KBW High Dividend Yield Financial Portfolio | 39,175 | 923,746 | ||||||||||
PowerShares KBW Premium Yield Equity REIT Portfolio | 15,845 | 574,857 | ||||||||||
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust | 145 | 35,009 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total Investment Companies | 28,331,904 | |||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
COMMON STOCKS – 33.6% | ||||||||||||
Financials – 6.4% | ||||||||||||
Banks – 3.4% | ||||||||||||
Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. | 5,069 | 105,349 | ||||||||||
BNP Paribas SA(b) | 2,189 | 154,544 | ||||||||||
BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd. | 4,500 | 20,302 | ||||||||||
China Construction Bank Corp. – Class H | 95,000 | 78,416 | ||||||||||
DBS Group Holdings Ltd. | 3,200 | 47,278 | ||||||||||
DNB ASA | 2,650 | 44,940 | ||||||||||
HSBC Holdings PLC | 23,728 | 206,610 | ||||||||||
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 3,183 | 261,483 | ||||||||||
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. | 9,900 | 61,433 | ||||||||||
National Australia Bank Ltd. | 1,410 | 31,467 | ||||||||||
Nordea Bank AB | 11,586 | 148,456 | ||||||||||
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd. | 4,700 | 35,608 | ||||||||||
People’s United Financial, Inc. | 13,775 | 228,252 | ||||||||||
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The) | 162 | 19,229 | ||||||||||
Royal Bank of Canada | 4,477 | 309,447 | ||||||||||
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. | 4,600 | 164,724 | ||||||||||
Swedbank AB – Class A | 2,810 | 67,624 | ||||||||||
Toronto-Dominion Bank (The) | 1,170 | 55,778 | ||||||||||
Westpac Banking Corp. | 4,076 | 92,350 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
2,133,290 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Capital Markets – 0.7% | ||||||||||||
CME Group, Inc. – Class A | 1,022 | 119,871 | ||||||||||
IG Group Holdings PLC | 2,470 | 18,583 | ||||||||||
IGM Financial, Inc. | 1,788 | 52,124 | ||||||||||
Morgan Stanley | 3,730 | 155,690 | ||||||||||
Nomura Holdings, Inc. | 13,700 | 81,785 | ||||||||||
Thomson Reuters Corp. | 935 | 40,782 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
468,835 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Consumer Finance – 0.2% | ||||||||||||
Capital One Financial Corp. | 1,700 | 130,764 | ||||||||||
|
|
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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
Diversified Financial Services – 0.1% | ||||||||||||
AMP Ltd. | 14,051 | $ | 52,732 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Insurance – 2.0% | ||||||||||||
Allianz SE (REG) | 969 | 186,387 | ||||||||||
American International Group, Inc. | 2,060 | 131,078 | ||||||||||
Aon PLC | 171 | 22,386 | ||||||||||
CNP Assurances | 3,792 | 83,421 | ||||||||||
Direct Line Insurance Group PLC | 17,750 | 79,810 | ||||||||||
Euler Hermes Group | 155 | 16,296 | ||||||||||
FNF Group | 1,580 | 67,324 | ||||||||||
Mapfre SA | 4,580 | 16,307 | ||||||||||
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.(c) | 943 | 73,139 | ||||||||||
Progressive Corp. (The) | 2,080 | 88,254 | ||||||||||
Prudential Financial, Inc. | 1,650 | 173,002 | ||||||||||
Tryg A/S | 1,800 | 36,995 | ||||||||||
UnipolSai Assicurazioni SpA | 7,770 | 17,606 | ||||||||||
Zurich Insurance Group AG | 830 | 244,222 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
1,236,227 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
4,021,848 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Information Technology – 5.6% | ||||||||||||
Communications Equipment – 0.3% | ||||||||||||
Cisco Systems, Inc.(c) | 6,737 | 212,418 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 0.2% | ||||||||||||
Corning, Inc. | 2,170 | 63,147 | ||||||||||
Hitachi Ltd. | 9,000 | 54,283 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
117,430 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Internet Software & Services – 0.1% | ||||||||||||
Alphabet, Inc. – Class C(d) | 50 | 48,243 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
IT Services – 1.5% | ||||||||||||
Amadeus IT Group SA – Class A | 1,035 | 60,439 | ||||||||||
Amdocs Ltd. | 920 | 59,598 | ||||||||||
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. | 1,792 | 70,676 | ||||||||||
CGI Group, Inc. – Class A(d) | 575 | 28,506 | ||||||||||
DXC Technology Co.(d) | 1,250 | 96,900 | ||||||||||
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.(c) | 380 | 32,631 | ||||||||||
Fujitsu Ltd. | 4,000 | 29,155 | ||||||||||
International Business Machines Corp.(c) | 1,812 | 276,565 | ||||||||||
Mastercard, Inc. – Class A | 270 | 33,178 | ||||||||||
Paychex, Inc.(c) | 2,743 | 162,468 | ||||||||||
Total System Services, Inc. | 1,125 | 66,994 | ||||||||||
Vantiv, Inc. – Class A(d) | 390 | 24,461 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
941,571 | ||||||||||||
|
|
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 15 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 0.6% | ||||||||||||
Intel Corp.(c) | 7,445 | $ | 268,839 | |||||||||
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. | 1,309 | 62,570 | ||||||||||
Texas Instruments, Inc. | 827 | 68,219 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
399,628 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Software – 1.7% | ||||||||||||
CA, Inc. | 2,400 | 76,248 | ||||||||||
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.(d) | 400 | 44,820 | ||||||||||
Microsoft Corp.(c) | 6,583 | 459,757 | ||||||||||
Nice Ltd. | 868 | 67,551 | ||||||||||
Oracle Corp. | 2,110 | 95,773 | ||||||||||
Oracle Corp. Japan | 1,000 | 58,904 | ||||||||||
Sage Group PLC (The) | 9,780 | 90,870 | ||||||||||
Symantec Corp. | 4,428 | 134,213 | ||||||||||
Trend Micro, Inc./Japan | 900 | 45,218 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
1,073,354 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 1.2% | ||||||||||||
Apple, Inc.(c) | 3,641 | 556,199 | ||||||||||
Konica Minolta, Inc. | 7,000 | 55,037 | ||||||||||
Logitech International SA | 930 | 33,983 | ||||||||||
Seagate Technology PLC | 1,273 | 55,465 | ||||||||||
Western Digital Corp. | 450 | 40,527 | ||||||||||
Xerox Corp. | 2,360 | 16,685 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
757,896 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
3,550,540 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Consumer Discretionary – 4.0% |
| |||||||||||
Auto Components – 0.3% |
| |||||||||||
Bridgestone Corp. | 2,700 | 113,443 | ||||||||||
Nokian Renkaat Oyj | 1,415 | 57,787 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
171,230 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Automobiles – 0.5% |
| |||||||||||
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG | 1,643 | 154,080 | ||||||||||
Toyota Motor Corp. | 2,600 | 139,528 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
293,608 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Distributors – 0.2% |
| |||||||||||
Genuine Parts Co. | 1,052 | 97,436 | ||||||||||
PALTAC Corp. | 700 | 24,640 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
122,076 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 0.9% |
| |||||||||||
Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. | 3,420 | 55,375 | ||||||||||
Darden Restaurants, Inc. | 460 | 40,908 | ||||||||||
Las Vegas Sands Corp. | 810 | 47,895 |
16 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
McDonald’s Corp. | 1,182 | $ | 178,352 | |||||||||
Sands China Ltd. | 9,600 | 44,262 | ||||||||||
Wyndham Worldwide Corp. | 401 | 40,497 | ||||||||||
Yum! Brands, Inc. | 2,175 | 157,992 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
565,281 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Household Durables – 0.4% |
| |||||||||||
Garmin Ltd. | 1,177 | 61,251 | ||||||||||
Helen of Troy Ltd.(d) | 357 | 32,487 | ||||||||||
Sekisui House Ltd. | 8,600 | 147,531 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
241,269 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Leisure Products – 0.1% |
| |||||||||||
Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc. | 1,400 | 49,984 | ||||||||||
Mattel, Inc. | 2,210 | 50,631 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
100,615 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Media – 0.7% |
| |||||||||||
Comcast Corp. – Class A | 1,470 | 61,284 | ||||||||||
Informa PLC | 2,427 | 20,976 | ||||||||||
Omnicom Group, Inc. | 1,829 | 153,124 | ||||||||||
Regal Entertainment Group – Class A | 2,590 | 53,872 | ||||||||||
Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. – Class A | 470 | 31,123 | ||||||||||
Vivendi SA | 4,180 | 90,702 | ||||||||||
WPP PLC | 1,460 | 32,854 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
443,935 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Multiline Retail – 0.1% |
| |||||||||||
Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd.(b) | 18,336 | 51,398 | ||||||||||
Next PLC | 780 | 43,884 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
95,282 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Specialty Retail – 0.6% |
| |||||||||||
AutoZone, Inc.(d) | 31 | 18,784 | ||||||||||
Best Buy Co., Inc. | 2,027 | 120,384 | ||||||||||
Gap, Inc. (The) | 820 | 18,450 | ||||||||||
Home Depot, Inc. (The)(c) | 340 | 52,193 | ||||||||||
L Brands, Inc. | 570 | 29,412 | ||||||||||
Ross Stores, Inc.(c) | 813 | 51,967 | ||||||||||
Staples, Inc. | 1,810 | 16,435 | ||||||||||
TJX Cos., Inc. (The) | 950 | 71,449 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
379,074 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods – 0.2% | ||||||||||||
Coach, Inc. | 1,140 | 52,680 | ||||||||||
HUGO BOSS AG | 935 | 70,483 | ||||||||||
Yue Yuen Industrial Holdings Ltd. | 7,000 | 27,885 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
151,048 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
2,563,418 | ||||||||||||
|
|
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 17 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
Industrials – 3.3% |
| |||||||||||
Aerospace & Defense – 0.5% |
| |||||||||||
Boeing Co. (The) | 573 | $ | 107,512 | |||||||||
Raytheon Co. | 473 | 77,577 | ||||||||||
Saab AB – Class B | 660 | 34,326 | ||||||||||
TransDigm Group, Inc. | 320 | 85,785 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
305,200 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Air Freight & Logistics – 0.2% |
| |||||||||||
United Parcel Service, Inc. – Class B | 997 | 105,652 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Commercial Services & Supplies – 0.1% | ||||||||||||
G4S PLC | 5,240 | 21,947 | ||||||||||
Republic Services, Inc. – Class A | 350 | 22,264 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
44,211 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Construction & Engineering – 0.1% |
| |||||||||||
Bouygues SA | 1,675 | 71,767 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Electrical Equipment – 0.3% |
| |||||||||||
Emerson Electric Co. | 3,265 | 193,027 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Industrial Conglomerates – 0.7% |
| |||||||||||
General Electric Co. | 4,088 | 111,930 | ||||||||||
Sembcorp Industries Ltd. | 18,300 | 41,775 | ||||||||||
Siemens AG (REG) | 1,850 | 264,584 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
418,289 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Machinery – 0.4% |
| |||||||||||
Caterpillar, Inc. | 1,268 | 133,685 | ||||||||||
Fortive Corp. | 1,870 | 116,781 | ||||||||||
Kone Oyj – Class B | 450 | 22,269 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
272,735 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Professional Services – 0.4% |
| |||||||||||
Capita PLC | 2,330 | 17,487 | ||||||||||
Equifax, Inc. | 302 | 41,314 | ||||||||||
Experian PLC | 1,870 | 39,092 | ||||||||||
Nielsen Holdings PLC | 655 | 25,204 | ||||||||||
Randstad Holding NV | 983 | 56,981 | ||||||||||
RELX NV | 3,850 | 79,888 | ||||||||||
Wolters Kluwer NV | 690 | 30,286 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
290,252 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Road & Rail – 0.1% |
| |||||||||||
MTR Corp., Ltd. | 12,000 | 68,346 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.4% | ||||||||||||
ITOCHU Corp. | 8,200 | 116,386 | ||||||||||
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. – Class A | 418 | 35,087 | ||||||||||
Sumitomo Corp. | 9,000 | 114,737 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
266,210 | ||||||||||||
|
|
18 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
Transportation Infrastructure – 0.1% |
| |||||||||||
Aena SA(e) | 172 | $ | 34,756 | |||||||||
Macquarie Infrastructure Corp. | 560 | 43,624 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
78,380 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
2,114,069 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Health Care – 3.3% |
| |||||||||||
Biotechnology – 0.8% |
| |||||||||||
AbbVie, Inc.(c) | 3,902 | 257,610 | ||||||||||
Amgen, Inc. | 650 | 100,906 | ||||||||||
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 635 | 41,205 | ||||||||||
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(d) | 190 | 87,222 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
486,943 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Health Care Providers & Services – 0.3% | ||||||||||||
Aetna, Inc. | 535 | 77,500 | ||||||||||
Anthem, Inc.(c) | 428 | 78,046 | ||||||||||
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 431 | 75,502 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
231,048 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Pharmaceuticals – 2.2% |
| |||||||||||
AstraZeneca PLC | 1,130 | 76,351 | ||||||||||
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | 1,663 | 89,719 | ||||||||||
GlaxoSmithKline PLC | 6,218 | 136,107 | ||||||||||
Johnson & Johnson(c) | 2,131 | 273,301 | ||||||||||
Merck & Co., Inc.(c) | 3,976 | 258,877 | ||||||||||
Orion Oyj – Class B | 2,696 | 174,274 | ||||||||||
Pfizer, Inc. | 2,685 | 87,665 | ||||||||||
Roche Holding AG | 815 | 223,757 | ||||||||||
Sanofi | 535 | 52,994 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
1,373,045 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
2,091,036 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Energy – 3.2% |
| |||||||||||
Energy Equipment & Services – 0.1% |
| |||||||||||
Helmerich & Payne, Inc. | 855 | 45,024 | ||||||||||
Petrofac Ltd. | 3,840 | 18,854 | ||||||||||
Schlumberger Ltd. | 330 | 22,965 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
86,843 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Integrated Oil & Gas – 0.6% |
| |||||||||||
LUKOIL PJSC (Sponsored ADR) | 2,567 | 123,032 | ||||||||||
Repsol SA | 14,090 | 236,835 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
359,867 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 2.5% |
| |||||||||||
BP PLC | 14,067 | 84,987 | ||||||||||
BP PLC (Sponsored ADR) | 2,260 | 81,699 | ||||||||||
Chevron Corp.(c) | 2,257 | 233,554 | ||||||||||
Exxon Mobil Corp. | 2,080 | 167,440 |
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 19 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
LUKOIL PJSC (Sponsored ADR) | 1,630 | $ | 78,648 | |||||||||
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | 2,908 | 171,368 | ||||||||||
ONEOK, Inc. | 330 | 16,394 | ||||||||||
Peyto Exploration & Development Corp. | 2,610 | 47,318 | ||||||||||
Royal Dutch Shell PLC (Sponsored ADR)(b) | 1,480 | 83,191 | ||||||||||
Royal Dutch Shell PLC – Class A | 5,517 | 149,951 | ||||||||||
Royal Dutch Shell PLC – Class B | 2,650 | 73,358 | ||||||||||
Statoil ASA | 9,699 | 169,131 | ||||||||||
Targa Resources Corp. | 940 | 43,174 | ||||||||||
TOTAL SA | 821 | 43,372 | ||||||||||
TransCanada Corp. | 2,221 | 103,105 | ||||||||||
Valero Energy Corp. | 740 | 45,488 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
1,592,178 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
2,038,888 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Consumer Staples – 2.7% |
| |||||||||||
Beverages – 0.0% |
| |||||||||||
Diageo PLC | 750 | 22,544 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Food & Staples Retailing – 0.1% |
| |||||||||||
Casino Guichard Perrachon SA | 740 | 45,622 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Food Products – 0.3% |
| |||||||||||
General Mills, Inc. | 1,000 | 56,740 | ||||||||||
Salmar ASA | 1,900 | 51,417 | ||||||||||
Sanderson Farms, Inc. | 185 | 21,959 | ||||||||||
Tyson Foods, Inc. – Class A | 770 | 44,152 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
174,268 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Household Products – 0.6% |
| |||||||||||
Kimberly-Clark Corp. | 427 | 55,395 | ||||||||||
Procter & Gamble Co. (The) | 3,026 | 266,560 | ||||||||||
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC | 554 | 56,821 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
378,776 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Personal Products – 0.2% |
| |||||||||||
Unilever NV | 2,650 | 150,956 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Tobacco – 1.5% |
| |||||||||||
Altria Group, Inc.(c) | 4,648 | 350,645 | ||||||||||
British American Tobacco PLC | 1,235 | 88,355 | ||||||||||
Imperial Brands PLC | 335 | 15,675 | ||||||||||
Philip Morris International, Inc.(c) | 2,119 | 253,856 | ||||||||||
Reynolds American, Inc. | 954 | 64,157 | ||||||||||
Swedish Match AB | 5,282 | 178,140 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
950,828 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
1,722,994 | ||||||||||||
|
|
20 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
Telecommunication Services – 1.5% |
| |||||||||||
Diversified Telecommunication Services – 1.2% | ||||||||||||
AT&T, Inc. | 6,159 | $ | 237,306 | |||||||||
BCE, Inc. | 2,501 | 113,326 | ||||||||||
Bezeq The Israeli Telecommunication Corp., Ltd. | 24,296 | 42,298 | ||||||||||
CenturyLink, Inc.(b) | 1,460 | 36,427 | ||||||||||
HKT Trust & HKT Ltd. – Class SS | 14,000 | 18,325 | ||||||||||
Spark New Zealand Ltd. | 10,100 | 26,910 | ||||||||||
Telstra Corp., Ltd. | 13,720 | 44,834 | ||||||||||
Verizon Communications, Inc.(c) | 5,366 | 250,270 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
769,696 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.3% | ||||||||||||
Tele2 AB – Class B | 6,270 | 64,451 | ||||||||||
Vodafone Group PLC | 41,964 | 125,320 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
189,771 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
959,467 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Materials – 1.4% |
| |||||||||||
Chemicals – 0.8% |
| |||||||||||
Agrium, Inc. (Toronto) | 624 | 57,658 | ||||||||||
Covestro AG(e) | 651 | 48,790 | ||||||||||
Dow Chemical Co. (The) | 3,249 | 201,308 | ||||||||||
Johnson Matthey PLC | 900 | 36,162 | ||||||||||
Kuraray Co., Ltd. | 2,700 | 48,586 | ||||||||||
Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd. | 300 | 18,337 | ||||||||||
Praxair, Inc. | 519 | 68,658 | ||||||||||
Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)(c) | 117 | 38,817 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
518,316 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Containers & Packaging – 0.3% |
| |||||||||||
Amcor Ltd./Australia | 4,790 | 54,560 | ||||||||||
Bemis Co., Inc. | 440 | 19,641 | ||||||||||
International Paper Co. | 1,211 | 64,038 | ||||||||||
Sealed Air Corp. | 492 | 21,855 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
160,094 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Metals & Mining – 0.3% |
| |||||||||||
BHP Billiton Ltd. | 3,357 | 59,013 | ||||||||||
BHP Billiton PLC | 1,880 | 28,409 | ||||||||||
Norsk Hydro ASA | 6,320 | 34,292 | ||||||||||
Rio Tinto PLC | 1,690 | 67,488 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
189,202 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
867,612 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Real Estate – 1.1% | ||||||||||||
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) – 0.8% | ||||||||||||
Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust | 20,700 | 39,173 | ||||||||||
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | 320 | 61,197 |
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 21 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
Equity Residential | 895 | $ | 58,255 | |||||||||
Extra Space Storage, Inc. | 717 | 55,546 | ||||||||||
GGP, Inc. | 2,394 | 53,338 | ||||||||||
HCP, Inc. | 2,953 | 92,547 | ||||||||||
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | 1,500 | 26,985 | ||||||||||
Kimco Realty Corp. | 900 | 15,786 | ||||||||||
National Retail Properties, Inc. | 470 | 18,034 | ||||||||||
Simon Property Group, Inc. | 327 | 50,440 | ||||||||||
VEREIT, Inc. | 2,260 | 18,690 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
489,991 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Real Estate Management & Development – 0.3% | ||||||||||||
Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd. | 1,200 | 189,263 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
679,254 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Utilities – 1.1% | ||||||||||||
Electric Utilities – 0.5% | ||||||||||||
EDP – Energias de Portugal SA | 6,830 | 25,130 | ||||||||||
Endesa SA | 5,961 | 148,956 | ||||||||||
Fortum Oyj | 4,104 | 65,304 | ||||||||||
PG&E Corp. | 853 | 58,328 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
297,718 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers – 0.1% | ||||||||||||
AES Corp./VA | 4,943 | 57,734 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Multi-Utilities – 0.5% | ||||||||||||
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.(c) | 3,326 | 95,157 | ||||||||||
Consolidated Edison, Inc. | 728 | 60,271 | ||||||||||
Engie SA | 2,520 | 38,513 | ||||||||||
SCANA Corp. | 918 | 62,608 | ||||||||||
WEC Energy Group, Inc. | 950 | 59,622 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
316,171 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
671,623 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total Common Stocks | 21,280,749 | |||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
PREFERRED STOCKS – 6.0% | ||||||||||||
Real Estate – 6.0% | ||||||||||||
Diversified REITs – 1.0% | ||||||||||||
Colony NorthStar, Inc. | 6,000 | 150,300 | ||||||||||
Gladstone Commercial Corp. | 2,000 | 51,580 | ||||||||||
Gramercy Property Trust | 3,900 | 103,954 |
22 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
PS Business Parks, Inc. | 1,800 | $ | 45,792 | |||||||||
PS Business Parks, Inc. | 2,100 | 53,277 | ||||||||||
VEREIT, Inc. | 5,200 | 135,304 | ||||||||||
Vornado Realty Trust(b) | 4,100 | 103,443 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
643,650 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Health Care REITs – 0.4% | ||||||||||||
Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc. | 4,300 | 111,112 | ||||||||||
Senior Housing Properties Trust | 3,000 | 78,750 | ||||||||||
Ventas Realty LP/Ventas Capital Corp. | 1,500 | 37,575 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
227,437 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Hotel & Resort REITs – 0.7% | ||||||||||||
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. | 2,000 | 49,360 | ||||||||||
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. | 1,000 | 25,000 | ||||||||||
Hersha Hospitality Trust | 2,300 | 57,293 | ||||||||||
Hersha Hospitality Trust | 3,000 | 76,080 | ||||||||||
LaSalle Hotel Properties | 2,400 | 61,704 | ||||||||||
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | 800 | 20,312 | ||||||||||
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | 3,300 | 83,094 | ||||||||||
Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. | 1,500 | 38,730 | ||||||||||
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. | 1,425 | 36,815 | ||||||||||
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. | 975 | 25,477 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
473,865 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Industrial REITs – 0.5% | ||||||||||||
Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp. | 2,300 | 57,684 | ||||||||||
Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp. | 1,800 | 45,054 |
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 23 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. | 2,400 | $ | 59,760 | |||||||||
STAG Industrial, Inc. | 2,200 | 56,232 | ||||||||||
Terreno Realty Corp. | 4,100 | 105,411 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
324,141 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Office REITs – 0.5% | ||||||||||||
Boston Properties, Inc. | 1,500 | 38,640 | ||||||||||
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | 5,825 | 157,100 | ||||||||||
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | 2,000 | 55,960 | ||||||||||
Kilroy Realty Corp. | 1,500 | 37,920 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
289,620 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Real Estate Development – 0.1% | ||||||||||||
LaSalle Hotel Properties | 1,400 | 35,308 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Residential REITs – 0.5% | ||||||||||||
American Homes 4 Rent | 4,100 | 103,976 | ||||||||||
American Homes 4 Rent | 2,600 | 66,560 | ||||||||||
Apartment Investment & Management Co. | 3,000 | 81,330 | ||||||||||
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. | 1,400 | 35,854 | ||||||||||
Sun Communities, Inc. | 1,300 | 33,267 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
320,987 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Retail REITs – 1.6% | ||||||||||||
CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. | 1,300 | 30,199 | ||||||||||
CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.(b) | 2,300 | 52,187 | ||||||||||
Cedar Realty Trust, Inc. | 2,000 | 50,180 | ||||||||||
DDR Corp. | 3,200 | 80,090 | ||||||||||
DDR Corp. | 2,800 | 70,868 |
24 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
DDR Corp. | 1,400 | $ | 34,986 | |||||||||
GGP, Inc. | 1,100 | 27,786 | ||||||||||
Kimco Realty Corp. | 2,600 | 65,130 | ||||||||||
National Retail Properties, Inc. | 1,900 | 45,866 | ||||||||||
National Retail Properties, Inc. | 775 | 19,646 | ||||||||||
Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust | 2,700 | 67,864 | ||||||||||
Retail Properties of America, Inc. | 3,800 | 96,102 | ||||||||||
Saul Centers, Inc. | 3,300 | 84,810 | ||||||||||
Taubman Centers, Inc. | 2,800 | 70,700 | ||||||||||
Taubman Centers, Inc. | 1,300 | 33,020 | ||||||||||
Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc. | 1,000 | 25,765 | ||||||||||
Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc. | 3,375 | 87,109 | ||||||||||
Washington Prime Group, Inc. | 1,600 | 40,000 | ||||||||||
Washington Prime Group, Inc. | 600 | 15,000 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
997,308 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Specialized REITs – 0.7% | ||||||||||||
CoreSite Realty Corp. | 3,350 | 86,095 | ||||||||||
DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. | 3,800 | 102,182 | ||||||||||
EPR Properties | 3,400 | 86,564 | ||||||||||
Public Storage | 800 | 20,208 | ||||||||||
Public Storage | 1,650 | 41,597 | ||||||||||
Public Storage | 800 | 20,256 |
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 25 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
Public Storage | 3,800 | $ | 95,722 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
452,624 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total Preferred Stocks | 3,764,940 | |||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Principal Amount (000) | ||||||||||||
EMERGING MARKETS – TREASURIES – 2.6% | ||||||||||||
Argentina – 0.4% | ||||||||||||
Argentine Bonos del Tesoro | ARS | 3,700 | 231,083 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Brazil – 1.2% | ||||||||||||
Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional | BRL | 2,427 | 745,510 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Dominican Republic – 0.8% | ||||||||||||
Dominican Republic International Bond | DOP | 19,700 | 522,871 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Turkey – 0.2% | ||||||||||||
Turkey Government Bond | TRY | 541 | 148,749 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total Emerging Markets – Treasuries | 1,648,213 | |||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
EMERGING MARKETS – SOVEREIGNS – 1.9% | ||||||||||||
Angola – 0.4% | ||||||||||||
Angolan Government International Bond | U.S.$ | 200 | 214,000 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Ecuador – 0.6% | ||||||||||||
Ecuador Government International Bond | 400 | 404,000 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Ukraine – 0.8% | ||||||||||||
Ukraine Government International Bond | 501 | 509,767 | ||||||||||
|
|
26 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Principal Amount (000) | U.S. $ Value | |||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
Venezuela – 0.1% | ||||||||||||
Venezuela Government International Bond | U.S.$ | 107 | $ | 53,431 | ||||||||
9.25%, 5/07/28(e) | 67 | 31,802 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
85,233 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total Emerging Markets – Sovereigns | 1,213,000 | |||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
GOVERNMENTS – TREASURIES – 0.4% | ||||||||||||
South Africa – 0.4% | ||||||||||||
Republic of South Africa Government Bond | ZAR | 3,311 | 249,465 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Shares | ||||||||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 7.7% | ||||||||||||
Investment Companies – 7.3% | ||||||||||||
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. – Government Money Market Portfolio – Class AB, 0.64%(a)(f) | 4,629,742 | 4,629,742 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Principal Amount (000) | ||||||||||||
GOVERNMENTS – SOVEREIGN BONDS – 0.4% | ||||||||||||
Egypt – 0.4% | ||||||||||||
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings, Inc./United States | U.S.$ | 5,000 | 241,088 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total Short-Term Investments | 4,870,830 | |||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Shares | ||||||||||||
Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned – 96.9% | 61,359,101 | |||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED – 3.7% | ||||||||||||
Investment Companies – 3.7% | ||||||||||||
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. – Government Money Market Portfolio – Class AB, 0.64%(a)(f) | 2,326,473 | 2,326,473 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total Investments – 100.6% | 63,685,574 | |||||||||||
Other assets less liabilities – (0.6)% | (344,321 | ) | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net Assets – 100.0% | $ | 63,341,253 | ||||||||||
|
|
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 27 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
FUTURES (see Note D)
Type | Number of Contracts | Expiration Month | Original Value | Value at May 31, 2017 | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |||||||||||||||
Purchased Contracts | ||||||||||||||||||||
10 Yr Australian Bond Futures | 12 | June 2017 | $ | 1,133,223 | $ | 1,174,145 | $ | 40,922 | ||||||||||||
10 Yr Mini Japan Government Bond Futures | 4 | June 2017 | 545,271 | 544,036 | (1,235 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Canadian 10 Yr Bond Futures | 4 | September 2017 | 427,782 | 430,721 | 2,939 | |||||||||||||||
FTSE 100 Index Futures | 3 | June 2017 | 285,402 | 290,211 | 4,809 | |||||||||||||||
Mini MSCI Emerging Market | 20 | June 2017 | 957,052 | 1,003,800 | 46,748 | |||||||||||||||
TOPIX Index | 4 | June 2017 | 575,737 | 567,043 | (8,694 | ) | ||||||||||||||
U.S. T-Note | 6 | September 2017 | 754,556 | 757,781 | 3,225 | |||||||||||||||
Sold Contracts | ||||||||||||||||||||
Euro STOXX 50 Index Futures | 13 | June 2017 | 518,845 | 518,864 | (19 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Mini MSCI EAFE Futures | 14 | June 2017 | 1,244,492 | 1,320,130 | (75,638 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Mini S&P TSX 60 Futures | 9 | June 2017 | 305,983 | 301,510 | 4,473 | |||||||||||||||
S&P 500 E-Mini Futures | 64 | June 2017 | 7,608,730 | 7,715,520 | (106,790 | ) | ||||||||||||||
SPI 200 | 16 | June 2017 | 1,740,561 | 1,706,043 | 34,518 | |||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
$ | (54,742 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)
Counterparty | Contracts to Deliver (000) | In Exchange For (000) | Settlement Date | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | ||||||||||||||||
Bank of America, NA | INR | 108,104 | USD | 1,681 | 6/15/17 | $ | 6,414 | |||||||||||||
Bank of America, NA | USD | 1,665 | INR | 108,104 | 9/15/17 | (5,451 | ) | |||||||||||||
Barclays Bank PLC | CHF | 613 | USD | 618 | 6/15/17 | (15,641 | ) | |||||||||||||
Barclays Bank PLC | CNY | 6,570 | USD | 948 | 6/15/17 | (14,809 | ) | |||||||||||||
Barclays Bank PLC | TWD | 34,758 | USD | 1,156 | 6/15/17 | 2,316 | ||||||||||||||
Barclays Bank PLC | USD | 499 | CAD | 673 | 6/15/17 | (485 | ) | |||||||||||||
Barclays Bank PLC | USD | 814 | IDR | 10,844,336 | 6/15/17 | 352 | ||||||||||||||
Barclays Bank PLC | USD | 445 | INR | 30,115 | 6/15/17 | 21,784 | ||||||||||||||
Barclays Bank PLC | USD | 553 | MYR | 2,408 | 6/15/17 | 7,822 | ||||||||||||||
Barclays Bank PLC | USD | 125 | SEK | 1,102 | 6/15/17 | 1,704 | ||||||||||||||
BNP Paribas SA | TWD | 12,094 | USD | 396 | 6/15/17 | (5,254 | ) | |||||||||||||
BNP Paribas SA | USD | 53 | PEN | 176 | 6/15/17 | 346 | ||||||||||||||
Credit Suisse International | CHF | 132 | USD | 133 | 6/15/17 | (3,325 | ) | |||||||||||||
Credit Suisse International | CLP | 620,451 | USD | 948 | 6/15/17 | 27,436 | ||||||||||||||
Credit Suisse International | CNY | 3,305 | USD | 478 | 6/15/17 | (6,102 | ) | |||||||||||||
Credit Suisse International | KRW | 754,537 | USD | 669 | 6/15/17 | (5,571 | ) | |||||||||||||
Credit Suisse International | NOK | 3,949 | USD | 463 | 6/15/17 | (4,512 | ) |
28 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Counterparty | Contracts to Deliver (000) | In Exchange For (000) | Settlement Date | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | ||||||||||||||||
Credit Suisse International | SEK | 2,139 | USD | 241 | 6/15/17 | $ | (5,100 | ) | ||||||||||||
Credit Suisse International | USD | 314 | COP | 925,128 | 6/15/17 | 2,802 | ||||||||||||||
Credit Suisse International | BRL | 871 | USD | 272 | 7/05/17 | 4,801 | ||||||||||||||
Deutsche Bank AG | USD | 512 | JPY | 56,535 | 6/15/17 | (1,125 | ) | |||||||||||||
Goldman Sachs International | USD | 397 | TWD | 12,094 | 6/15/17 | 4,409 | ||||||||||||||
Goldman Sachs International | USD | 273 | BRL | 871 | 7/05/17 | (6,029 | ) | |||||||||||||
JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA | USD | 1,094 | INR | 70,734 | 6/15/17 | 2,097 | ||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc. | CLP | 429,018 | USD | 649 | 6/15/17 | 12,618 | ||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc. | PEN | 176 | USD | 53 | 6/15/17 | (281 | ) | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc. | USD | 166 | COP | 491,745 | 6/15/17 | 2,193 | ||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc. | USD | 402 | COP | 1,172,601 | 6/15/17 | (814 | ) | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc. | USD | 501 | IDR | 6,755,487 | 6/15/17 | 6,239 | ||||||||||||||
Nomura Global Financial Products, Inc. | PHP | 8,284 | USD | 163 | 6/15/17 | (2,871 | ) | |||||||||||||
Nomura Global Financial Products, Inc. | USD | 108 | INR | 7,255 | 6/15/17 | 4,727 | ||||||||||||||
Standard Chartered Bank | NOK | 2,187 | USD | 255 | 6/15/17 | (3,552 | ) | |||||||||||||
Standard Chartered Bank | USD | 350 | IDR | 4,743,134 | 6/15/17 | 5,965 | ||||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | AUD | 68 | USD | 50 | 6/15/17 | (643 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | CAD | 637 | USD | 465 | 6/15/17 | (6,181 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | CHF | 706 | USD | 707 | 6/15/17 | (23,071 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | DKK | 107 | USD | 16 | 6/15/17 | (502 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | EUR | 72 | USD | 80 | 6/15/17 | (1,352 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | GBP | 273 | USD | 353 | 6/15/17 | 820 | ||||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | GBP | 106 | USD | 132 | 6/15/17 | (2,686 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | HKD | 371 | USD | 48 | 6/15/17 | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | ILS | 668 | USD | 184 | 6/15/17 | (5,122 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | JPY | 19,985 | USD | 179 | 6/15/17 | (1,135 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | NOK | 3,577 | USD | 415 | 6/15/17 | (8,032 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | SEK | 6,291 | USD | 703 | 6/15/17 | (21,680 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | SGD | 145 | USD | 102 | 6/15/17 | (2,077 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | THB | 10,917 | USD | 313 | 6/15/17 | (7,733 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 51 | AUD | 68 | 6/15/17 | (186 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 418 | CAD | 558 | 6/15/17 | (5,054 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 176 | CHF | 177 | 6/15/17 | 6,482 | ||||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 7 | DKK | 46 | 6/15/17 | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 242 | EUR | 225 | 6/15/17 | 10,812 | ||||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 810 | GBP | 634 | 6/15/17 | 6,245 | ||||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 93 | HKD | 723 | 6/15/17 | (162 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 87 | ILS | 307 | 6/15/17 | 188 | ||||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 719 | JPY | 80,836 | 6/15/17 | 11,096 | ||||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 684 | MXN | 13,496 | 6/15/17 | 38,666 | ||||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 115 | NOK | 972 | 6/15/17 | (73 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 322 | NZD | 463 | 6/15/17 | 5,734 | ||||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 127 | SEK | 1,113 | 6/15/17 | 862 | ||||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 83 | SGD | 115 | 6/15/17 | 80 | ||||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 588 | THB | 20,435 | 6/15/17 | 12,334 |
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 29 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Counterparty | Contracts to Deliver (000) | In Exchange For (000) | Settlement Date | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | ||||||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | AUD | 106 | USD | 78 | 7/18/17 | $ | 476 | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | CAD | 85 | USD | 63 | 7/18/17 | 380 | ||||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | EUR | 145 | USD | 162 | 7/18/17 | (352 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | GBP | 156 | USD | 201 | 7/18/17 | 1,147 | ||||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | NOK | 447 | USD | 54 | 7/18/17 | 670 | ||||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | SGD | 62 | USD | 44 | 7/18/17 | (142 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 30 | AUD | 40 | 7/18/17 | (85 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 13 | CHF | 13 | 7/18/17 | (3 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 98 | EUR | 87 | 7/18/17 | 375 | ||||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 53 | EUR | 47 | 7/18/17 | (19 | ) | |||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | USD | 41 | JPY | 4,478 | 7/18/17 | (24 | ) | |||||||||||||
UBS AG | BRL | 831 | USD | 261 | 6/02/17 | 4,026 | ||||||||||||||
UBS AG | USD | 256 | BRL | 831 | 6/02/17 | 613 | ||||||||||||||
UBS AG | KRW | 311,623 | USD | 274 | 6/15/17 | (4,866 | ) | |||||||||||||
UBS AG | PHP | 23,176 | USD | 456 | 6/15/17 | (9,516 | ) | |||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
$ | 33,409 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)
Description | Contracts | Exercise Price | Expiration Month | Premiums Received | U.S. $ Value | |||||||||||||||||||
Euro STOXX 50 Index(g) | 240 | EUR | 3,525.00 | June 2017 | $ | 19,687 | $ | (15,038 | ) | |||||||||||||||
FTSE 100 Index(g) | 50 | GBP | 7,325.00 | June 2017 | 5,702 | (13,011 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Nikkei 225 Index(g) | 3,000 | JPY | 19,875.00 | June 2017 | 7,818 | (1,345 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
S&P 500 Index(h) | 14 | USD | 2,390.00 | June 2017 | 42,857 | (42,980 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
S&P ASX 200 Index(g) | 30 | AUD | 5,875.00 | June 2017 | 1,334 | (130 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
S&P TSX 60 Index(g) | 370 | CAD | 920.00 | July 2017 | 3,481 | (3,592 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 80,879 | $ | (76,096 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAPS (see Note D)
Rate Type | ||||||||||||||||||
Clearing Broker/ | Notional | Termination Date | Payments made by the Fund | Payments received by the Fund | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | $ | 310 | 8/21/20 | 3 Month LIBOR | 1.620% | $ | 875 | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 1,050 | 1/10/22 | 3 Month LIBOR | 1.941% | 12,622 | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | EUR | 990 | 1/10/22 | 0.107% | 6 Month EURIBOR | (924 | ) | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | JPY | 14,100 | 12/22/24 | 0.519% | 6 Month LIBOR | (3,780 | ) | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 10,630 | 1/14/25 | 0.478% | 6 Month LIBOR | (2,512 | ) |
30 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Rate Type | ||||||||||||||||||
Clearing Broker/ | Notional | Termination Date | Payments made by the Fund | Payments received by the Fund | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | JPY | 10,450 | 2/06/25 | 0.548% | 6 Month LIBOR | $ | (2,966 | ) | ||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | $ | 310 | 2/11/25 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.083% | 2,796 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | EUR | 120 | 8/14/25 | 0.955% | 6 Month EURIBOR | (5,295 | ) | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | CHF | 20 | 9/02/25 | 0.256% | 6 Month LIBOR | (543 | ) | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 140 | 10/02/25 | 0.210% | 6 Month LIBOR | (3,012 | ) | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | NZD | 400 | 11/19/25 | 3 Month BKBM | 3.610% | 11,490 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | CHF | 170 | 11/19/25 | 0.048% | 6 Month LIBOR | (1,293 | ) | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | $ | 60 | 11/19/25 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.202% | 590 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | SEK | 80 | 1/12/26 | 3 Month STIBOR | 1.470% | 543 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | NZD | 90 | 2/03/26 | 3 Month BKBM | 3.375% | 1,962 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | JPY | 8,540 | 4/04/26 | 0.144% | 6 Month LIBOR | 352 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | EUR | 170 | 4/04/26 | 0.564% | 6 Month EURIBOR | 1,195 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | $ | 100 | 4/04/26 | 3 Month LIBOR | 1.687% | (3,332 | ) | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | CHF | 100 | 6/09/26 | -0.210% | 6 Month LIBOR | 2,354 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | $ | 40 | 8/19/26 | 3 Month LIBOR | 1.466% | (2,089 | ) | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 270 | 9/26/26 | 3 Month LIBOR | 1.489% | (14,753 | ) | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | AUD | 160 | 9/26/26 | 6 Month BBSW | 2.160% | (4,618 | ) |
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 31 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Rate Type | ||||||||||||||||||
Clearing Broker/ | Notional | Termination Date | Payments made by the Fund | Payments received by the Fund | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | $ | 140 | 10/11/26 | 3 Month LIBOR | 1.613% | $ | (6,192 | ) | ||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 160 | 10/13/26 | 3 Month LIBOR | 1.633% | (6,799 | ) | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | AUD | 200 | 12/02/26 | 6 Month BBSW | 2.955% | 4,931 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 150 | 12/23/26 | 6 Month BBSW | 3.078% | 4,830 | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | EUR | 290 | 12/27/26 | 0.729% | 6 Month EURIBOR | (1,132 | ) | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | CHF | 250 | 12/28/26 | 0.193% | 6 Month LIBOR | (3,331 | ) | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | NZD | 240 | 12/28/26 | 3 Month BKBM | 3.580% | 7,924 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | $ | 160 | 12/28/26 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.491% | 6,235 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | JPY | 18,420 | 12/29/26 | 0.255% | 6 Month LIBOR | (718 | ) | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | $ | 310 | 2/06/27 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.420% | 9,581 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 640 | 2/16/27 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.434% | 20,338 | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 420 | 2/27/27 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.380% | 11,108 | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | GBP | 290 | 2/28/27 | 1.159% | 6 Month LIBOR | (2,070 | ) | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | AUD | 420 | 3/01/27 | 6 Month BBSW | 2.973% | 9,769 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | JPY | 35,680 | 3/02/27 | 0.248% | 6 Month LIBOR | (839 | ) | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | NZD | 480 | 3/02/27 | 3 Month BKBM | 3.455% | 9,250 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | CHF | 350 | 3/02/27 | 0.038% | 6 Month LIBOR | 1,938 |
32 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Rate Type | ||||||||||||||||||
Clearing Broker/ | Notional | Termination Date | Payments made by the Fund | Payments received by the Fund | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | $ | 340 | 3/02/27 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.355% | $ | 7,219 | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 420 | 3/07/27 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.490% | 13,984 | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 140 | 3/13/27 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.580% | 5,772 | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 160 | 3/16/27 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.590% | 6,715 | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 180 | 3/22/27 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.488% | 5,816 | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | EUR | 150 | 3/24/27 | 6 Month EURIBOR | 0.829% | 1,460 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | $ | 200 | 3/29/27 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.365% | 4,148 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | GBP | 340 | 3/30/27 | 1.187% | 6 Month LIBOR | (3,194 | ) | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | JPY | 19,640 | 4/03/27 | 0.264% | 6 Month LIBOR | (655 | ) | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | NOK | 10,190 | 4/03/27 | 6 Month NIBOR | 1.909% | 11,293 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | CHF | 280 | 4/03/27 | 0.133% | 6 Month LIBOR | (831 | ) | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | NZD | 260 | 4/03/27 | 3 Month BKBM | 3.410% | 3,999 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | $ | 210 | 4/03/27 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.428% | 5,528 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 260 | 4/04/27 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.421% | 6,679 | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 150 | 4/07/27 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.374% | 3,182 | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 280 | 4/21/27 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.197% | 1,258 | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | CAD | 580 | 4/25/27 | 1.807% | 3 Month CDOR | (3,642 | ) |
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 33 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Rate Type | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Clearing Broker/ | Notional | Termination Date | Payments made by the Fund | Payments received by the Fund | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |||||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | GBP | 300 | 4/25/27 | 1.131% | 6 Month LIBOR | $ | (380 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | AUD | 470 | 4/26/27 | 6 Month BBSW | 2.853% | 6,487 | ||||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | JPY | 17,650 | 4/27/27 | 0.238% | 6 Month LIBOR | (128 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | SEK | 7,270 | 4/27/27 | 3 Month STIBOR | 1.108% | 8,847 | ||||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | NOK | 4,090 | 4/27/27 | 6 Month NIBOR | 1.935% | 5,358 | ||||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | EUR | 510 | 4/27/27 | 0.814% | 6 Month EURIBOR | (3,047 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | CHF | 430 | 4/27/27 | 0.150% | 6 Month LIBOR | (1,652 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | NZD | 330 | 4/27/27 | 3 Month BKBM | 3.370% | 4,001 | ||||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | $ | 310 | 4/27/27 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.326% | 4,980 | ||||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 150 | 4/28/27 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.330% | 2,459 | |||||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | EUR | 230 | 5/05/27 | 6 Month EURIBOR | 0.790% | 634 | ||||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | $ | 290 | 5/16/27 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.278% | 3,163 | ||||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 470 | 5/31/27 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.225% | 2,652 | |||||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | EUR | 210 | 6/02/27 | 6 Month EURIBOR | 0.762% | (433 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | $ | 220 | 8/21/45 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.630% | 10,032 | ||||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | 70 | 9/04/45 | 3 Month LIBOR | 2.708% | 4,127 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 170,316 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
34 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
INFLATION (CPI) SWAPS (see Note D)
Rate Type | ||||||||||||||||||
Swap | Notional Amount (000) | Termination Date | Payments made by the Fund | Payments received by the Fund | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |||||||||||||
Deutsche Bank AG | $ | 1,920 | 10/01/20 | 1.273 | % | CPI# | $ | 48,709 | ||||||||||
JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA | 400 | 11/10/21 | 1.896 | % | CPI# | 2,586 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||
$ | 51,295 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
# | Variable interest rate based on the rate of inflation as determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). |
TOTAL RETURN SWAPS (see Note D)
Counterparty & Referenced Obligation | # of Shares or Units | Rate Paid/ Received | Notional Amount (000) | Maturity Date | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |||||||||||||||
Receive Total Return on Reference Obligation |
| |||||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC | ||||||||||||||||||||
MS Global Equity Long Index | 154,443 | | FedFundEffective Plus 0.55% | | $ | 15,500 | 6/30/17 | $ | – 0 | – | ||||||||||
Pay Total Return on Reference Obligation |
| |||||||||||||||||||
Citibank, NA | ||||||||||||||||||||
iBoxx $ Liquid High Yield Index | 3,910,000 | LIBOR | 3,910 | 3/20/18 | 9,132 | |||||||||||||||
JPMorgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF | 22,860 | | LIBOR Minus 0.15% | | 429 | 6/15/18 | (2,377 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
$ | 6,755 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
(a) | To obtain a copy of the fund’s shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Additionally, shareholder reports for AB funds can be obtained by calling AB at (800) 227-4618. |
(b) | Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information. |
(c) | Position, or a portion thereof, has been segregated to collateralize margin requirements for open futures contracts. |
(d) | Non-income producing security. |
(e) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At May 31, 2017, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $2,060,505 or 3.3% of net assets. |
(f) | Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end. |
(g) | One contract relates to 1 share. |
(h) | One contract relates to 100 shares. |
Currency Abbreviations:
ARS – Argentine Peso
AUD – Australian Dollar
BRL – Brazilian Real
CAD – Canadian Dollar
CHF – Swiss Franc
CLP – Chilean Peso
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 35 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
CNY – Chinese Yuan Renminbi
COP – Colombian Peso
DKK – Danish Krone
DOP – Dominican Peso
EGP – Egyptian Pound
EUR – Euro
GBP – Great British Pound
HKD – Hong Kong Dollar
IDR – Indonesian Rupiah
ILS – Israeli Shekel
INR – Indian Rupee
JPY – Japanese Yen
KRW – South Korean Won
MXN – Mexican Peso
MYR – Malaysian Ringgit
NOK – Norwegian Krone
NZD – New Zealand Dollar
PEN – Peruvian Sol
PHP – Philippine Peso
SEK – Swedish Krona
SGD – Singapore Dollar
THB – Thailand Baht
TRY – Turkish Lira
TWD – New Taiwan Dollar
USD – United States Dollar
ZAR – South African Rand
Glossary:
ADR – American Depositary Receipt
ASX – Australian Stock Exchange
BBSW – Bank Bill Swap Reference Rate (Australia)
BKBM – Bank Bill Benchmark (New Zealand)
CBT – Chicago Board of Trade
CDOR – Canadian Dealer Offered Rate
CME – Chicago Mercantile Exchange
EAFE – Europe, Australia, and Far East
ETF – Exchange Traded Fund
ETN – Exchange Traded Note
EURIBOR – Euro Interbank Offered Rate
FedFundEffective – Federal Funds Effective Rate
FTSE – Financial Times Stock Exchange
LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rates
MSCI – Morgan Stanley Capital International
NIBOR – Norwegian Interbank Offered Rate
PJSC – Public Joint Stock Company
REG – Registered Shares
REIT – Real Estate Investment Trust
SPDR – Standard & Poor’s Depository Receipt
SPI – Share Price Index
STIBOR – Stockholm Interbank Offered Rate
TOPIX – Tokyo Price Index
TSX – Toronto Stock Exchange
See notes to financial statements.
36 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
The following table represents the equity basket holdings underlying the total return swap with MS (Morgan Stanley) Global Equity Long Index as of May 31, 2017.
Security Description | Shares | |||
MS Global Equity Long Index | ||||
Aena SA | 390 | |||
Aetna, Inc. | 1,264 | |||
Alphabet, Inc. | 117 | |||
Altria Group, Inc. | 2,099 | |||
Amadeus IT Group SA | 2,349 | |||
Amcor Ltd./Australia | 11,379 | |||
Amdocs Ltd. | 2,179 | |||
Anthem, Inc. | 1,007 | |||
Aon PLC | 398 | |||
Apple, Inc. | 1,461 | |||
Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. | 8,096 | |||
AutoZone, Inc. | 73 | |||
Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc. | 3,265 | |||
Bemis Co., Inc. | 1,048 | |||
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. | 4,213 | |||
British American Tobacco PLC | 2,938 | |||
CGI Group, Inc. | 1,337 | |||
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. | 943 | |||
Comcast Corp. | 3,446 | |||
Covestro AG | 1,513 | |||
DBS Group Holdings Ltd. | 7,595 | |||
Diageo PLC | 1,779 | |||
Direct Line Insurance Group PLC | 15,809 | |||
DNB ASA | 6,281 | |||
EDP – Energias de Portugal SA | 15,899 | |||
Endesa SA | 2,241 | |||
Equifax, Inc. | 710 | |||
Euler Hermes Group | 369 | |||
Experian PLC | 4,473 | |||
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. | 892 | |||
FNF Group | 3,748 | |||
G4S PLC | 12,409 | |||
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 1,506 | |||
Helen of Troy Ltd. | 835 | |||
Home Depot, Inc. (The) | 806 | |||
HUGO BOSS AG | 1,364 | |||
IG Group Holdings PLC | 5,894 | |||
Imperial Brands PLC | 792 | |||
Informa PLC | 5,815 | |||
Kone OYJ | 1,055 | |||
Logitech International SA | 2,206 | |||
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc. | 2,185 | |||
Mastercard, Inc. | 634 | |||
Merck & Co., Inc. | 2,405 | |||
Microsoft Corp. | 3,604 | |||
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. | 23,221 | |||
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. | 997 |
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 37 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Security Description | Shares | |||
National Australia Bank Ltd. | 3,244 | |||
Nice Ltd. | 2,020 | |||
Nielsen Holdings PLC | 1,515 | |||
Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd. | 706 | |||
Nordea Bank AB | 6,710 | |||
Omnicom Group, Inc. | 1,858 | |||
Oracle Corp. | 4,939 | |||
Oracle Corp. Japan | 2,364 | |||
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd. | 11,173 | |||
PALTAC Corp. | 1,641 | |||
Pfizer, Inc. | 3,829 | |||
Philip Morris International, Inc. | 1,743 | |||
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The) | 388 | |||
Procter & Gamble Co. (The) | 881 | |||
Raytheon Co. | 1,119 | |||
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC | 1,304 | |||
Regal Entertainment Group | 6,099 | |||
RELX NV | 9,035 | |||
Republic Services, Inc. | 827 | |||
Roche Holding AG | 318 | |||
Ross Stores, Inc. | 1,904 | |||
Royal Bank of Canada | 2,085 | |||
Royal Dutch Shell PLC | 6,172 | |||
Saab AB | 1,533 | |||
Sage Group PLC (The) | 6,076 | |||
Salmar ASA | 4,387 | |||
Sanderson Farms, Inc. | 443 | |||
Sanofi | 1,256 | |||
Schlumberger Ltd. | 782 | |||
Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. | 1,092 | |||
Sealed Air Corp. | 1,160 | |||
Sherwin-Williams Co. (The) | 275 | |||
SPDR S&P500 ETF Trust | 344 | |||
Swedbank AB | 1,826 | |||
Texas Instruments, Inc. | 1,928 | |||
Thomson Reuters Corp. | 2,192 | |||
TJX Cos., Inc. (The) | 2,258 | |||
Toronto-Dominion Bank (The) | 2,763 | |||
TOTAL SA | 1,936 | |||
Total System Services, Inc. | 2,672 | |||
Tryg A/S | 4,278 | |||
Tyson Foods, Inc. | 1,833 | |||
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 1,020 | |||
Vantiv, Inc. | 923 | |||
Wolters Kluwer NV | 1,626 | |||
WPP PLC | 3,376 |
38 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
May 31, 2017 (unaudited)
Assets | ||||||||
Investments in securities, at value |
| |||||||
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $32,904,257) | $ | 33,075,692 | (a) | |||||
Affiliated issuers (cost $30,195,778—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $2,326,473) | 30,609,882 | |||||||
Cash collateral due from broker | 843,026 | |||||||
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $1,301,126) | 1,298,491 | |||||||
Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency transactions | 4,319,747 | |||||||
Receivable for capital stock sold | 1,110,268 | |||||||
Unaffiliated dividends and interest receivable | 239,530 | |||||||
Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | 215,031 | |||||||
Receivable for terminated total return swaps | 209,148 | |||||||
Affiliated dividends receivable | 84,270 | |||||||
Unrealized appreciation on inflation swaps | 51,295 | |||||||
Receivable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | 22,227 | |||||||
Receivable due from Adviser | 12,137 | |||||||
Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps | 9,132 | |||||||
Receivable for terminated centrally cleared interest rate swaps | 933 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
Total assets | 72,100,809 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||
Due to custodian | 4,376,670 | |||||||
Options written, at value (premiums received $80,879) | 76,096 | |||||||
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned | 2,326,473 | |||||||
Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency transactions | 1,668,301 | |||||||
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | 181,622 | |||||||
Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | 22,711 | |||||||
Payable for capital stock redeemed | 11,505 | |||||||
Unrealized depreciation on total return swaps | 2,377 | |||||||
Transfer Agent fee payable | 1,657 | |||||||
Payable for terminated total return swaps | 1,107 | |||||||
Distribution fee payable | 769 | |||||||
Payable for terminated centrally cleared interest rate swaps | 598 | |||||||
Accrued expenses | 89,670 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
Total liabilities | 8,759,556 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
Net Assets | $ | 63,341,253 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Composition of Net Assets | ||||||||
Capital stock, at par | $ | 616 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 62,080,513 | |||||||
Distributions in excess of net investment income | (105,747 | ) | ||||||
Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | 570,749 | |||||||
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | 795,122 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
$ | 63,341,253 | |||||||
|
|
See notes to financial statements.
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 39 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES (continued)
Net Asset Value Per Share—10 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.0001 par value
Class | Net Assets | Shares Outstanding | Net Asset Value | |||||||||
| ||||||||||||
A | $ | 2,650,004 | 257,973 | $ | 10.27 | * | ||||||
| ||||||||||||
C | $ | 259,042 | 25,202 | $ | 10.28 | |||||||
| ||||||||||||
Advisor | $ | 60,432,207 | 5,875,394 | $ | 10.29 | |||||||
|
(a) | Includes securities on loan with a value of $2,257,362 (see Note E). |
* | The maximum offering price per share for Class A shares was $10.73 which reflects a sales charge of 4.25%. |
See notes to financial statements.
40 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited)
Investment Income | ||||||||
Dividends | ||||||||
Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $23,380) | $ | 476,780 | ||||||
Affiliated issuers | 403,750 | |||||||
Interest | 97,138 | |||||||
Securities lending income | 852 | |||||||
Other income | 161 | $ | 978,681 | |||||
|
| |||||||
Expenses | ||||||||
Advisory fee (see Note B) | 129,776 | |||||||
Distribution fee—Class A | 2,067 | |||||||
Distribution fee—Class C | 894 | |||||||
Transfer agency—Class A | 399 | |||||||
Transfer agency—Class C | 63 | |||||||
Transfer agency—Advisor Class | 9,583 | |||||||
Custodian | 64,063 | |||||||
Audit and tax | 52,888 | |||||||
Administrative | 30,967 | |||||||
Legal | 27,135 | |||||||
Registration fees | 25,700 | |||||||
Directors’ fees | 13,069 | |||||||
Printing | 6,954 | |||||||
Miscellaneous | 23,039 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
Total expenses | 386,597 | |||||||
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B and E) | (279,293 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Net expenses | 107,304 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
Net investment income | 871,377 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment and Foreign Currency Transactions | ||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on: | ||||||||
Affiliated Underlying Portfolios | (10,990 | ) | ||||||
Investment transactions | 1,095,411 | |||||||
Futures | (282,948 | ) | ||||||
Options written | (98,630 | ) | ||||||
Swaps | 587,329 | |||||||
Foreign currency transactions | 48,030 | |||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | ||||||||
Affiliated Underlying Portfolios | 493,830 | |||||||
Investments | (149,733 | ) | ||||||
Futures | (93,019 | ) | ||||||
Options written | 9,486 | |||||||
Swaps | 197,909 | |||||||
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | 30,706 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | 1,827,381 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations | $ | 2,698,758 | ||||||
|
|
See notes to financial statements.
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 41 |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited) | Year Ended November 30, 2016 | |||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 871,377 | $ | 946,602 | ||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | 1,338,202 | (440,811 | ) | |||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | 489,179 | 984,984 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Net increase in net assets from operations | 2,698,758 | 1,490,775 | ||||||
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders from | ||||||||
Net investment income | ||||||||
Class A | (50,172 | ) | (4,571 | ) | ||||
Class C | (5,403 | ) | (1,299 | ) | ||||
Advisor Class | (1,237,413 | ) | (1,032,077 | ) | ||||
Net realized gain on investment transactions | ||||||||
Class A | – 0 | – | (158 | ) | ||||
Class C | – 0 | – | (87 | ) | ||||
Advisor Class | – 0 | – | (159,892 | ) | ||||
Capital Stock Transactions | ||||||||
Net increase | 41,508,828 | 2,186,940 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Total increase | 42,914,598 | 2,479,631 | ||||||
Net Assets | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 20,426,655 | 17,947,024 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
End of period (including distributions in excess of net investment income of ($105,747) and undistributed net investment income of $315,864, respectively) | $ | 63,341,253 | $ | 20,426,655 | ||||
|
|
|
|
See notes to financial statements.
42 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
May 31, 2017 (unaudited)
NOTE A
Significant Accounting Policies
AB Cap Fund, Inc. (the “Company”), which is a Maryland corporation, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end management investment company. The Company operates as a series company currently comprised of 27 portfolios. Each portfolio is considered to be a separate entity for financial reporting and tax purposes. This report relates only to the AB All Market Income Portfolio (the “Fund”), a non-diversified portfolio. The Fund has authorized the issuance of Class A, Class B, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K, Class I, Class Z, Class 1 and Class 2 shares. Class B, Class R, Class K, Class I, Class Z, Class 1 and Class 2 shares have not been issued. As of May 31, 2017, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”), was the sole shareholder of Class C shares. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 4.25% for purchases not exceeding $1,000,000. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A shares redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on redemptions made within the first year after purchase, and 0% after the first year of purchase. Effective April 10, 2017, Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares ten years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Advisor Class shares are sold without any initial or contingent deferred sales charge and are not subject to ongoing distribution expenses. All ten classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that the classes bear different distribution and transfer agency expenses. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.
1. Security Valuation
Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 43 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, the Adviser will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this
44 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Fund may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Fund may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
• | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
• | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
• | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The fair value of debt instruments, such as bonds, and over-the-counter derivatives is generally based on market price quotations, recently executed market transactions (where observable) or industry recognized modeling techniques and are generally classified as Level 2. Pricing vendor inputs to Level 2 valuations may include quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, interest rate curves, coupon rates, currency rates,
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 45 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
yield curves, option adjusted spreads, default rates, credit spreads and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows which are then discounted to calculate fair values. If these inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value, these investments will be classified as Level 3. In addition, non-agency rated investments are classified as Level 3.
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
Options are valued using market-based inputs to models, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency, where such inputs and models are available. Alternatively the values may be obtained through unobservable management determined inputs and/or management’s proprietary models. Where models are used, the selection of a particular model to value an option depends upon the contractual terms of, and specific risks inherent in, the option as well as the availability of pricing information in the market. Valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, measures of volatility and correlations of such inputs. Exchange traded options generally will be classified as Level 2. For options that do not trade on exchange but trade in liquid markets, inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment. Options are classified within Level 2 on the fair value hierarchy when all of the significant inputs can be corroborated to market evidence. Otherwise such instruments are classified as Level 3.
46 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of May 31, 2017:
Investments in | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment Companies | $ | 28,331,904 | $ | – 0 | – | $ | – 0 | – | $ | 28,331,904 | ||||||
Common Stocks: | ||||||||||||||||
Financials | 1,928,603 | 2,093,245 | – 0 | – | 4,021,848 | |||||||||||
Information Technology | 3,055,100 | 495,440 | – 0 | – | 3,550,540 | |||||||||||
Consumer Discretionary | 1,438,606 | 1,124,812 | – 0 | – | 2,563,418 | |||||||||||
Industrials | 1,116,929 | 997,140 | – 0 | – | 2,114,069 | |||||||||||
Health Care | 1,427,553 | 663,483 | – 0 | – | 2,091,036 | |||||||||||
Energy | 1,139,368 | 899,520 | – 0 | – | 2,038,888 | |||||||||||
Consumer Staples | 1,113,464 | 609,530 | – 0 | – | 1,722,994 | |||||||||||
Telecommunication Services | 655,654 | 303,813 | – 0 | – | 959,467 | |||||||||||
Materials | 471,975 | 395,637 | – 0 | – | 867,612 | |||||||||||
Real Estate | 450,818 | 228,436 | – 0 | – | 679,254 | |||||||||||
Utilities | 393,720 | 277,903 | – 0 | – | 671,623 | |||||||||||
Preferred Stocks | 3,534,550 | 230,390 | – 0 | – | 3,764,940 | |||||||||||
Emerging Markets – Treasuries | – 0 | – | 1,648,213 | – 0 | – | 1,648,213 | ||||||||||
Emerging Markets – Sovereigns | – 0 | – | 1,213,000 | – 0 | – | 1,213,000 | ||||||||||
Governments – Treasuries | – 0 | – | 249,465 | – 0 | – | 249,465 | ||||||||||
Short-Term Investments: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment Companies | 4,629,742 | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | 4,629,742 | ||||||||||
Governments – Sovereign Bonds | – 0 | – | 241,088 | – 0 | – | 241,088 | ||||||||||
Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund | 2,326,473 | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | 2,326,473 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Total Investments in Securities | 52,014,459 | 11,671,115 | – 0 | – | 63,685,574 | |||||||||||
Other Financial Instruments(a): | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Futures | 98,307 | 39,327 | – 0 | – | 137,634 | (b) | ||||||||||
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | – 0 | – | 215,031 | – 0 | – | 215,031 | ||||||||||
Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps | – 0 | – | 250,476 | – 0 | – | 250,476 | (b) | |||||||||
Inflation (CPI) Swaps | – 0 | – | 51,295 | – 0 | – | 51,295 | ||||||||||
Total Return Swaps | – 0 | – | 9,132 | – 0 | – | 9,132 | ||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Futures | (183,663 | ) | (8,713 | ) | – 0 | – | (192,376 | )(b) | ||||||||
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | – 0 | – | (181,622 | ) | – 0 | – | (181,622 | ) | ||||||||
Call Options Written | – 0 | – | (76,096 | ) | – 0 | – | (76,096 | ) | ||||||||
Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps | – 0 | – | (80,160 | ) | – 0 | – | (80,160 | )(b) | ||||||||
Total Return Swaps | – 0 | – | (2,377 | ) | – 0 | – | (2,377 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Total(c) | $ | 51,929,103 | $ | 11,887,408 | $ | – 0 | – | $ | 63,816,511 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on the instrument. Other financial instruments may also include options written which are valued at market value. |
(b) | Only variation margin receivable/(payable) at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of exchange-traded derivatives as reported in the portfolio of investments. |
(c) | There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period. |
The Fund recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 47 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Fund. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed
48 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
income investments, foreign currency exchange contracts, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
4. Taxes
It is the Fund’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are required. The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and prior tax year) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.
5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Fund is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Fund represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Company are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 49 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
8. Offering Expenses
Offering expenses of $61,413 were deferred and amortized on a straight line basis over a one year period starting from December 18, 2014 (commencement of operations).
NOTE B
Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses, excluding, among other items, the Portfolio’s proportionate share of the advisory fees and other expenses of AB High Income Fund, Inc. (“ABHI”) on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to .99%, 1.74% and .74% of daily average net assets for Class A, Class C, and Advisor Class shares, respectively. Any fees waived and expenses borne by the Adviser through May 10, 2016 are subject to repayment by the Fund until the end of the third fiscal year after the fiscal period in which the fee was waived or the expense was borne; such waivers that are subject to repayment amounted to $417,022 for the fiscal period ended November 30, 2015 and $192,023 for the year ended November 30, 2016, respectively. In any case, no reimbursement payment will be made that would cause the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses to exceed the net fee percentages set forth above. For the six months ended May 31, 2017, such reimbursements/waivers amounted to $215,479. The Expense Caps may not be terminated by the Adviser before March 1, 2018.
The Fund currently invests in ABHI, an open-end management investment company managed by the Adviser. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fees and/or bear Fund expenses through March 1, 2018 in an amount equal to the Fund’s proportionate share of all advisory fees and other expenses of ABHI that are indirectly borne by the Fund. For the six months ended May 31, 2017, such waiver amounted to $30,793.
50 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The Fund may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of ..20% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Fund in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended May 31, 2017, such waiver amounted to $1,805. A summary of the Fund’s transactions in shares of the Government Money Market Portfolio for the six months ended May 31, 2017 is as follows:
Market Value 11/30/16 (000) | Purchases at Cost (000) | Sales Proceeds (000) | Market Value 5/31/17 (000) | Dividend Income (000) | ||||||||||||||
$ 1,099 | $ | 21,109 | $ | 17,578 | $ | 4,630 | $ | 5 |
A summary of the Fund’s transactions in shares of ABHI for the six months ended May 31, 2017 is as follows:
AB High Income Fund, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Market (000) | Purchases at Cost (000) | Sales Proceeds (000) | Realized Gain (Loss) (000) | Change in Unrealized Appr./ (Depr.) (000) | Market Value 5/31/17 (000) | Income (000) | Realized Gains (000) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
$ 7,705 | $ | 16,452 | $ | 986 | $ | (11 | ) | $ | 494 | $ | 23,654 | $ | 398 | $ | – 0 | – |
Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Fund may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Fund by the Adviser. For the six months ended May 31, 2017, the Adviser voluntarily agreed to waive such fees amounting to $30,967.
The Fund compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Fund. ABIS may make payments to intermediaries that provide omnibus account services, sub-accounting services and/or networking services. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $8,955 for the six months ended May 31, 2017.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor has advised the Fund that it has retained front-end sales charges of $357 from the sale of Class A shares and received $– 0 – and $– 0 – in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions by shareholders of Class A and C shares, respectively, for the six months ended May 31, 2017.
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 51 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The Fund may purchase securities from, or sell securities to, an affiliated fund provided the affiliation is due solely to having a common investment advisor, common officers, or common directors. For the six months ended May 31, 2017, the purchase and sale transactions with an affiliated fund in compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act were $0 and $104,456, respectively.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended May 31, 2017 amounted to $15,361, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
NOTE C
Distribution Services Agreement
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Agreement, the Fund pays distribution and servicing fees to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to .25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, 1% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares. There are no distribution and servicing fees on the Advisor Class shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Agreement provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities. Since the commencement of the Fund’s operations, the Distributor has incurred expenses in excess of the distribution costs reimbursed by the Fund in the amount of $– 0 – for Class C shares. While such costs may be recovered from the Fund in future periods so long as the Agreement is in effect, the rate of the distribution and servicing fees payable under the Agreement may not be increased without a shareholder vote. In accordance with the Agreement, there is no provision for recovery of unreimbursed distribution costs incurred by the Distributor beyond the current fiscal year for Class A shares. The Agreement also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund’s shares.
NOTE D
Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended May 31, 2017 were as follows:
Purchases | Sales | |||||||
Investment securities (excluding | $ | 53,777,604 | $ | 17,590,834 | ||||
U.S. government securities | – 0 | – | – 0 | – |
52 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation (excluding futures, foreign currency and swap transactions) are as follows:
Gross unrealized appreciation | $ | 1,230,937 | ||
Gross unrealized depreciation | (645,398 | ) | ||
|
| |||
Net unrealized appreciation | $ | 585,539 | ||
|
|
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Fund may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The principal types of derivatives utilized by the Fund, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:
• | Futures |
The Fund may buy or sell futures for investment purposes or for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse effects of potential movements in the market. The Fund bears the market risk that arises from changes in the value of these instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures and movements in the price of the assets, reference rates or indices which they are designed to track. Among other things, the Fund may purchase or sell futures for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
At the time the Fund enters into futures, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of the contract. The credit/counterparty risk for exchange-traded futures is generally less than privately negotiated futures, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each exchange-traded future, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the time it was closed.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
During the six months ended May 31, 2017, the Fund held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
• | Forward Currency Exchange Contracts |
The Fund may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contract and the closing of such contract would be included in net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions. Fluctuations in the value of open forward currency exchange contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation by the Fund. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
During the six months ended May 31, 2017, the Fund held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
• | Option Transactions |
For hedging and investment purposes, the Fund may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities, including government securities, and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. Among other things, the Fund may use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions” and may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, for hedging and investment purposes.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Fund pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. If a put or call option purchased by the Fund was permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to the Fund. Put and call options purchased are accounted for in the same manner as portfolio securities. The cost of securities acquired through the exercise of call options is increased by premiums paid. The proceeds from securities sold through the exercise of put options are decreased by the premiums paid.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
When the Fund writes an option, the premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the option written. Premiums received from written options which expire unexercised are recorded by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gains from options written. The difference between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or if the premium received is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium received is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium received reduces the cost basis of the security or currency purchased by the Fund. In writing an option, the Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security or currency underlying the written option. Exercise of an option written by the Fund could result in the Fund selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
During the six months ended May 31, 2017, the Fund held written options for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
For the six months ended May 31, 2017, the Fund had the following transactions in written options:
Number of Contracts | Premiums Received | |||||||
Options written outstanding as of 11/30/16 | 1,276 | $ | 30,954 | |||||
Options written | 17,305 | 401,333 | ||||||
Options Assigned | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | ||||
Options bought back | (14,877 | ) | (351,408 | ) | ||||
Options Expired | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | ||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Options written outstanding as of 5/31/17 | 3,704 | $ | 80,879 | |||||
|
|
|
|
• | Swaps |
The Fund may enter into swaps to hedge its exposure to interest rates, credit risks or currencies. The Fund may also enter into swaps for non-hedging purposes as a means of gaining market exposures, including by making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions” or in order to take a “long” or “short” position with respect to an underlying referenced asset described below under “Total Return Swaps”. A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. The payment flows are usually netted against each other, with the difference being paid by one party to the other. In
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
addition, collateral may be pledged or received by the Fund in accordance with the terms of the respective swaps to provide value and recourse to the Fund or its counterparties in the event of default, bankruptcy or insolvency by one of the parties to the swap.
Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap to comply with the terms of the swap. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interim payment to be received by the Fund, and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Therefore, the Fund considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a swap in evaluating potential counterparty risk. This risk is mitigated by having a netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the Fund to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty. Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying securities. The Fund accrues for the interim payments on swaps on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of assets and liabilities, where applicable. Once the interim payments are settled in cash, the net amount is recorded as realized gain/(loss) on swaps on the statement of operations, in addition to any realized gain/(loss) recorded upon the termination of swaps. Upfront premiums paid or received are recognized as cost or proceeds on the statement of assets and liabilities and are amortized on a straight line basis over the life of the contract. Amortized upfront premiums are included in net realized gain/(loss) from swaps on the statement of operations. Fluctuations in the value of swaps are recorded as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of operations.
Certain standardized swaps, including certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps, are (or soon will be) subject to mandatory central clearing. Cleared swaps are transacted through futures commission merchants (“FCMs”) that are members of central clearinghouses, with the clearinghouse serving as central counterparty, similar to transactions in futures contracts. Centralized clearing will be required for additional categories of swaps on a phased-in basis based on requirements published by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
At the time the Fund enters into a centrally cleared swap, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the clearinghouse on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. Risks may arise from the potential of a counterparty to meet the terms of the contract. The credit/counterparty risk for centrally cleared swaps is generally less than non-centrally cleared swaps, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each centrally cleared swap, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the time it was closed.
Interest Rate Swaps:
The Fund is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Because the Fund holds fixed rate bonds, the value of these bonds may decrease if interest rates rise. To help hedge against this risk and to maintain its ability to generate income at prevailing market rates, the Fund may enter into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps are agreements between two parties to exchange cash flows based on a notional amount. The Fund may elect to pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate, or, receive a fixed rate and pay a floating rate on a notional amount.
In addition, the Fund may also enter into interest rate swap transactions to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio, or protecting against an increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments) computed based on a contractually-based principal (or “notional”) amount. Interest rate swaps are entered into on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments).
During the six months ended May 31, 2017, the Fund held interest rate swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
Inflation (CPI) Swaps:
Inflation swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to pay the cumulative percentage increase in a price index (the Consumer Price Index with respect to CPI swaps) over the term of the swap (with some lag on the inflation index), and the other pays a compounded fixed rate. Inflation swaps may be used to protect the net asset value, or NAV, of a Fund against an unexpected change in the rate of inflation measured by an inflation index since the value of these agreements is expected to increase if unexpected inflation increases.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
During the six months ended May 31, 2017, the Fund held inflation (CPI) swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
Credit Default Swaps:
The Fund may enter into credit default swaps, including to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its risk exposure to defaults by corporate and sovereign issuers held by the Fund, or to create exposure to corporate or sovereign issuers to which it is not otherwise exposed. The Fund may purchase credit protection (“Buy Contract”) or provide credit protection (“Sale Contract”) on the referenced obligation of the credit default swap. During the term of the swap, the Fund receives/(pays) fixed payments from/(to) the respective counterparty, calculated at the agreed upon rate applied to the notional amount. If the Fund is a buyer/(seller) of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap, the Fund will either (i) receive from the seller/(pay to the buyer) of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap (the “Maximum Payout Amount”) and deliver/(take delivery of) the referenced obligation or (ii) receive/(pay) a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation.
In certain circumstances Maximum Payout Amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront premium received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received from settlement of buy protection credit default swaps entered into by the Fund for the same reference obligation with the same counterparty. As of May 31, 2017, the Fund did not have Buy Contracts outstanding with respect to the same referenced obligation and counterparty Sale Contracts outstanding.
Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if a Fund had invested in the referenced obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. If the Fund is a buyer of protection and no credit event occurs, it will lose the payments it made to its counterparty. If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, the value of the referenced obligation received by the Fund coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the Maximum Payout Amount it pays to the buyer, resulting in a net loss to the Fund.
Implied credit spreads over U.S. Treasuries of comparable maturity utilized in determining the market value of credit default swaps on issuers as of period end are disclosed in the portfolio of investments. The implied spreads serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and typically reflect the likelihood of default
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
by the issuer of the referenced obligation. The implied credit spread of a particular reference obligation also reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may reflect upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Widening credit spreads typically represent a deterioration of the referenced obligation’s credit soundness and greater likelihood of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement. A credit spread identified as “Defaulted” indicates a credit event has occurred for the referenced obligation.
During the six months ended May 31, 2017, the Fund held credit default swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
Total Return Swaps:
The Fund may enter into total return swaps in order take a “long” or “short” position with respect to an underlying referenced asset. The Fund is subject to market price volatility of the underlying referenced asset. A total return swap involves commitments to pay interest in exchange for a market linked return based on a notional amount. To the extent that the total return of the security, group of securities or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest obligation, the Fund will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty.
During the six months ended May 31, 2017, the Fund held total return swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
The Fund typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar master agreements (collectively, “Master Agreements”) with its derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund typically may offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default or termination.
Various Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions with counterparties, including transactions such as derivative transactions, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These Master Agreements typically attempt to reduce the counterparty risk associated with such transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Cross-termination provisions under Master Agreements typically provide that a default in connection with one transaction between the Fund and a counterparty
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
gives the non-defaulting party the right to terminate any other transactions in place with the defaulting party to create one single net payment due to/due from the defaulting party. In the event of a default by a Master Agreements counterparty, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Fund’s net liability, held by the defaulting party, may be delayed or denied.
The Fund’s Master Agreements may contain provisions for early termination of OTC derivative transactions in the event the net assets of the Fund decline below specific levels (“net asset contingent features”). If these levels are triggered, the Fund’s counterparty has the right to terminate such transaction and require the Fund to pay or receive a settlement amount in connection with the terminated transaction. For additional details, please refer to netting arrangements by counterparty tables below.
During the six months ended May 31, 2017, the Fund had entered into the following derivatives:
Asset Derivatives | Liability Derivatives | |||||||||||
Derivative Type | Statement of | Fair Value | Statement of | Fair Value | ||||||||
Interest rate contracts | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | $ | 297,562 | * | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | $ | 81,395 | * | ||||
Equity contracts | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | 90,548 | * | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | 191,141 | * | ||||||
Foreign exchange contracts | Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | 215,031 | Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | 181,622 | ||||||
Equity contracts | Options written, at value | 76,096 | ||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | Unrealized appreciation on inflation swaps | | 51,295 | |||||||||
Equity contracts | Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps | 9,132 | Unrealized depreciation on total return swaps | 2,377 | ||||||||
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Total | $ | 663,568 | $ | 532,631 | ||||||||
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|
|
|
* | Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities. |
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
This amount reflects cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of exchange-traded derivatives as reported in the portfolio of investments.
Derivative Type | Location of | Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives | Change in Unrealized Appreciation or (Depreciation) | |||||||
Interest rate contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures | $ | (2,864 | ) | $ | 61,709 | ||||
Equity contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures | (280,084 | ) | (154,728 | ) | |||||
Foreign exchange contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | 21,961 | 30,045 | |||||||
Equity contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on options written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of options written | (98,630 | ) | 9,486 | ||||||
Interest rate contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps | (12,064 | ) | 219,240 | ||||||
Credit contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps | 45,608 | (28,086 | ) | ||||||
Equity contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps | 553,785 | 6,755 | |||||||
|
|
|
| |||||||
Total | $ | 227,712 | $ | 144,421 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Fund’s derivative transactions during the six months ended May 31, 2017:
Futures: | ||||
Average original value of buy contracts | $ | 3,572,428 | ||
Average original value of sale contracts | $ | 7,634,573 |
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 61 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts: | ||||
Average principal amount of buy contracts | $ | 7,653,297 | ||
Average principal amount of sale contracts | $ | 9,124,632 | ||
Inflation Swaps: | ||||
Average notional amount | $ | 2,320,000 | ||
Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps: | ||||
Average notional amount | $ | 12,106,565 | ||
Credit Default Swaps: | ||||
Average notional amount of sale contracts | $ | 190,773 | (a) | |
Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps: | ||||
Average notional amount of sale contracts | $ | 1,498,980 | (b) | |
Total Return Swaps: | ||||
Average notional amount | $ | 7,596,207 |
(a) | Positions were open for less than one month during the period. |
(b) | Positions were open for four months during the period. |
For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.
All derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Fund as of May 31, 2017:
Counterparty | Derivative Assets Subject to a MA | Derivative Available for Offset | Cash Collateral Received | Security Collateral Received | Net Amount of Derivatives Assets | |||||||||||||||
Exchange-Traded Derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc./Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC* | $ | 22,227 | $ | (22,227 | ) | $ | – 0 | – | $ | – 0 | – | $ | – 0 | – | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||
Total | $ | 22,227 | $ | (22,227 | ) | $ | – 0 | – | $ | – 0 | – | $ | – 0 | – | ||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||
OTC Derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bank of America, NA | $ | 6,414 | $ | (5,451 | ) | $ | – 0 | – | $ | – 0 | – | $ | 963 | |||||||
Barclays Bank PLC | 33,978 | (30,935 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | 3,043 | ||||||||||||
BNP Paribas SA | 346 | (346 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | |||||||||||
Citibank, NA | 9,132 | (2,377 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | 6,755 | ||||||||||||
Credit Suisse International | 35,039 | (24,610 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | 10,429 | ||||||||||||
Deutsche Bank AG | 48,709 | (15,611 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | 33,098 | ||||||||||||
Goldman Sachs International | 4,409 | (4,409 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | |||||||||||
JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA | 4,683 | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | 4,683 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc./ Morgan Stanley And Co. International | 21,050 | (16,133 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | 4,917 | ||||||||||||
Nomura Global Financial Products, Inc. | 4,727 | (2,871 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | 1,856 | ||||||||||||
Standard Chartered Bank | 5,965 | (3,552 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | 2,413 | ||||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | 96,367 | (86,318 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | 10,049 | ||||||||||||
UBS AG | 4,639 | (4,639 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||
Total | $ | 275,458 | $ | (197,252 | ) | $ | – 0 | – | $ | – 0 | – | $ | 78,206 | ^ | ||||||
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Counterparty | Derivative Liabilities Subject to a MA | Derivative Available for Offset | Cash Collateral Pledged** | Security Collateral Pledged | Net Amount of Derivatives Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Exchange-Traded Derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc./Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC* | $ | 65,691 | $ | (22,227 | ) | $ | (43,464 | ) | $ | – 0 | – | $ | – 0 | – | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||
Total | $ | 65,691 | $ | (22,227 | ) | $ | (43,464 | ) | $ | – 0 | – | $ | – 0 | – | ||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||
OTC Derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bank of America, NA | $ | 5,451 | $ | (5,451 | ) | $ | – 0 | – | $ | – 0 | – | $ | – 0 | – | ||||||
Barclays Bank PLC | 30,935 | (30,935 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | |||||||||||
BNP Paribas SA | 5,254 | (346 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | 4,908 | ||||||||||||
Citibank, NA | 2,377 | (2,377 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | |||||||||||
Credit Suisse International | 24,610 | (24,610 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | |||||||||||
Deutsche Bank AG | 15,611 | (15,611 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | |||||||||||
Goldman Sachs International | 9,621 | (4,409 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | 5,212 | ||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc./ Morgan Stanley And Co. International | 16,133 | (16,133 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | |||||||||||
Nomura Global Financial Products, Inc. | 2,871 | (2,871 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | |||||||||||
Standard Chartered Bank | 3,552 | (3,552 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | |||||||||||
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | 86,318 | (86,318 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | |||||||||||
UBS AG | 14,382 | (4,639 | ) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | 9,743 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||
Total | $ | 217,115 | $ | (197,252 | ) | $ | – 0 | – | $ | – 0 | – | $ | 19,863 | ^ | ||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* | Cash and securities have been posted for initial margin requirements for exchange-traded derivatives outstanding at May 31, 2017. |
** | The actual collateral received/pledged is more than the amount reported due to over-collateralization. |
^ | Net amount represents the net receivable/payable that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty. |
2. Currency Transactions
The Fund may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Fund may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Fund may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Fund may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE E
Securities Lending
The Fund may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Fund’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Fund will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Fund in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Fund to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Fund will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Fund amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Fund will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Fund in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Fund, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Fund lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At May 31, 2017, the Fund had securities on loan with a value of $2,257,362 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into Government Money Market Portfolio of $2,326,473. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Fund earned securities lending income of $852 and $1,071 from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended May 31, 2017; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Fund in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Fund’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended May 31, 2017, such waiver amounted to $249. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
securities. A summary of the Fund’s transactions in shares of Government Money Market Portfolio for the six months ended May 31, 2017 is as follows:
Market Value 11/30/16 (000) | Purchases at Cost (000) | Sales Proceeds (000) | Market Value 5/31/17 (000) | |||||||||||
$ – 0 | – | $ | 3,079 | $ | 753 | $ | 2,326 |
NOTE F
Capital Stock
Each class consists of 1,000,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited) | Year Ended November 30, 2016 | Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited) | Year Ended November 30, 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares sold | 222,768 | 39,129 | $ | 2,252,750 | $ | 388,454 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | 3,896 | 271 | 39,363 | 2,687 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares redeemed | (9,007 | ) | (904 | ) | (90,451 | ) | (8,893 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net increase | 217,657 | 38,496 | $ | 2,201,662 | $ | 382,248 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class C | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares sold | 16,718 | 9,225 | $ | 168,685 | $ | 93,415 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | 500 | 84 | 5,005 | 842 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares redeemed | (2,326 | ) | – 0 | – | (23,361 | ) | – 0 | – | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net increase | 14,892 | 9,309 | $ | 150,329 | $ | 94,257 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares sold | 4,207,356 | 231,019 | $ | 42,589,992 | $ | 2,294,022 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | 40,184 | 5,321 | 406,469 | 52,028 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares redeemed | (382,603 | ) | (63,366 | ) | (3,839,624 | ) | (635,615 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net increase | 3,864,937 | 172,974 | $ | 39,156,837 | $ | 1,710,435 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
NOTE G
Risks Involved in Investing in the Fund
Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk—Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income debt securities such as bonds or notes. Increases in interest
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
rates may cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty to a derivative contract, will be unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. Credit risk is greater for medium quality and lower-rated securities. Lower-rated debt securities and similar unrated securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) have speculative elements or are predominantly speculative risks.
High Yield Debt Securities—Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally and less secondary market liquidity.
Inflation Risk—This is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the value of the Fund’s assets can decline as can the value of the Fund’s distributions. This risk is significantly greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities.
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investment in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors. These risks may be heightened with respect to investments in emerging market countries, where there may be an increased amount of economic, political and social instability.
Emerging Market Risk—Investments in emerging market countries may have more risk because the markets are less developed and less liquid, and because these investments may be subject to increased economic, political, regulatory, or other uncertainties.
Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.
Derivatives Risk—The Fund may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Fund, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Short Sale Risk—Short sales involve the risk that the Fund will incur a loss by subsequently buying a security at a higher price than the price at which it sold the security. The amount of such loss is theoretically unlimited, as it will be based on the increase in value of the security sold short. In contrast, the risk of loss from a long position is limited to the Fund’s investment in the security, because the price of the security cannot fall below zero. The Fund may not always be able to close out a short position on favorable terms.
Leverage Risk—When the Fund borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s investments. The Fund may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of other types of derivative instruments by the Fund, such as options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Fund than if the Fund were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.
Non-Diversification Risk—The Fund may have more risk because it is “non-diversified”, meaning that it can invest more of its assets in a smaller number of issuers and that adverse changes in the value of one security could have a more significant effect on the Fund’s NAV.
Liquidity Risk—Liquidity risk occurs when certain investments become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling less liquid securities may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Fund. Causes of liquidity risk may include low trading volumes, large positions and heavy redemptions of fund shares. Over recent years, liquidity risk has also increased because the capacity of dealers in the secondary market for fixed-income securities to make markets in these securities has decreased, even as the overall bond market has grown significantly, due to, among other things, structural changes, additional regulatory requirements and capital and risk restraints that have led to reduced inventories. Liquidity risk may be higher in a rising interest rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally go down.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE H
Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Fund, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Fund did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended May 31, 2017.
NOTE I
Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending November 30, 2017 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended November 30, 2016 and November 30, 2015 were as follows:
2016 | 2015 | |||||||
Distributions paid from: | ||||||||
Ordinary income | $ | 1,046,479 | $ | 686,508 | ||||
Long-term capital gains | 151,605 | – 0 | – | |||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Total taxable distributions paid | $ | 1,198,084 | $ | 686,508 | ||||
|
|
|
|
As of November 30, 2016, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed ordinary income | $ | 348,906 | ||
Undistributed capital gains | (603,760 | )(a) | ||
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | 109,208 | (b) | ||
|
| |||
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | $ | (145,646 | ) | |
|
|
(a) | As of November 30, 2016, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of $603,760. |
(b) | The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the tax treatment of swaps and passive foreign investment companies (PFICs), and the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments. |
For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of November 30, 2016, the Fund had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $431,813 and a net long-term capital loss carryforward of $171,947, which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE J
Other
In October 2016, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted new rules and amended existing rules (together, “final rules”) intended to modernize the reporting and disclosure of information by registered investment companies. In part, the final rules amend Regulation S-X and require standardized, enhanced disclosure about derivatives in investment company financial statements, as well as other amendments. The compliance date for the amendments to Regulation S-X is August 1, 2017. Management has evaluated the impact of the amendments and expects the adoption of final rules will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.
NOTE K
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2017-08, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (the “ASU”) which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. The ASU does not require any accounting change for debt securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
NOTE L
Subsequent Event
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements through this date.
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
Class A | ||||||||||||
Six Months (unaudited) | Year Ended November 30, 2016 | December 18, 2014(a) to November 30, 2015 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 9.90 | $ 9.75 | $ 10.00 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Income From Investment Operations | ||||||||||||
Net investment income(b)(c) | .23 | .39 | .35 | |||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | .79 | .37 | (.24 | ) | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net increase in net asset value from operations | 1.02 | .76 | .11 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Less: Dividends and Distributions | ||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | (.65 | ) | (.52 | ) | (.36 | ) | ||||||
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | – 0 | – | (.09 | ) | – 0 | – | ||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total dividends and distributions | (.65 | ) | (.61 | ) | (.36 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ 10.27 | $ 9.90 | $ 9.75 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total Return | ||||||||||||
Total investment return based on net asset value(d) | 8.08 | % | 8.20 | % | 1.04 | % | ||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | $2,650 | $399 | $18 | |||||||||
Ratio to average net assets of: | ||||||||||||
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | .82 | %^ | .78 | % | .77 | %^ | ||||||
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | 2.19 | %^ | 3.91 | % | 3.92 | %^ | ||||||
Net investment income(c) | 4.49 | %^ | 4.04 | % | 3.67 | %^ | ||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 50 | % | 94 | % | 88 | % |
See footnote summary on page 73.
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
Class C | ||||||||||||
Six Months (unaudited) | Year Ended November 30, 2016 | December 18, 2014(a) to November 30, 2015 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 9.90 | $ 9.75 | $ 10.00 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Income From Investment Operations | ||||||||||||
Net investment income(b)(c) | .18 | .33 | .28 | |||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | .78 | .36 | (.24 | ) | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net increase in net asset value from operations | .96 | .69 | .04 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Less: Dividends and Distributions | ||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | (.58 | ) | (.45 | ) | (.29 | ) | ||||||
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | – 0 | – | (.09 | ) | – 0 | – | ||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total dividends and distributions | (.58 | ) | (.54 | ) | (.29 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ 10.28 | $ 9.90 | $ 9.75 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total Return | ||||||||||||
Total investment return based on net asset value(d) | 7.72 | % | 7.42 | % | .31 | % | ||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | $259 | $102 | $10 | |||||||||
Ratio to average net assets of: | ||||||||||||
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | 1.56 | %^ | 1.54 | % | 1.52 | %^ | ||||||
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | 3.13 | %^ | 4.70 | % | 4.57 | %^ | ||||||
Net investment income(c) | 3.67 | %^ | 3.34 | % | 2.89 | %^ | ||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 50 | % | 94 | % | 88 | % |
See footnote summary on page 73.
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
Advisor Class | ||||||||||||
Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited) | Year Ended November 30, 2016 | December 18, 2014(a) to November 30, 2015 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 9.91 | $ 9.75 | $ 10.00 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Income From Investment Operations | ||||||||||||
Net investment income(b)(c) | .24 | .50 | .37 | |||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | .81 | .29 | (.24 | ) | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net increase in net asset value from operations | 1.05 | .79 | .13 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Less: Dividends and Distributions | ||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | (.67 | ) | (.54 | ) | (.38 | ) | ||||||
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | – 0 | – | (.09 | ) | – 0 | – | ||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total dividends and distributions | (.67 | ) | (.63 | ) | (.38 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ 10.29 | $ 9.91 | $ 9.75 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total Return | ||||||||||||
Total investment return based on net asset value(d) | 8.29 | % | 8.51 | % | 1.25 | % | ||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | $60,432 | $19,926 | $17,919 | |||||||||
Ratio to average net assets of: | ||||||||||||
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | .56 | %^ | .53 | % | .53 | %^ | ||||||
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | 2.07 | %^ | 3.40 | % | 3.52 | %^ | ||||||
Net investment income(c) | 4.72 | %^ | 5.08 | % | 3.88 | %^ | ||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 50 | % | 94 | % | 88 | % |
See footnote summary on page 73.
72 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
(a) | Commencement of operations. |
(b) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(c) | Net of fees and expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(d) | Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Initial sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges are not reflected in the calculation of total investment return. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | In connection with the Portfolios’ investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolios incur no direct expenses, but bear proportionate shares of the acquired fund fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolios in an amount equal to the Portfolios’ pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the period shown below, such waiver amounted to: |
Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited) | Year Ended November 30, 2016 | December 18, 2014(a) to November 30, 2015 | ||||||||||
Class A | .17 | % | .21 | % | .22 | % | ||||||
Class C | .18 | % | .20 | % | .22 | % | ||||||
Advisor Class | .18 | % | .21 | % | .21 | % |
^ | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 73 |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1) , Chairman John H. Dobkin(1) Michael J. Downey(1) William H. Foulk, Jr.(1) D. James Guzy(1) | Nancy P. Jacklin(1) Robert M. Keith, President and Chief Executive Officer Carol C. McMullen(1) Garry L. Moody(1) Earl D. Weiner(1) |
OFFICERS
Philip L. Kirstein, Senior Vice President and Independent Compliance Officer Morgan C. Harting(2), Vice President Daniel J. Loewy(2), Vice President Vadim Zlotnikov(2), Vice President | Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Emilie D. Wrapp, Secretary Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller Vincent S. Noto, Chief Compliance Officer |
Custodian and Accounting Agent State Street Bank and Trust Company State Street Corporation CCB/5 1 Iron Street Boston, MA 02210
Principal Underwriter AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. 1345 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10105
Transfer Agent AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. P.O. Box 786003 San Antonio, TX 78278-6003 Toll-Free (800) 221-5672 | Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Ernst & Young LLP 5 Times Square New York, NY 10036
Legal Counsel Seward & Kissel LLP One Battery Park Plaza New York, NY 10004 |
1 | Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Directors Committee. |
2 | The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund are made by its Investment Policy Team. Messrs. Harting, Loewy, and Zlotnikov are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. |
74 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Cap Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB All Market Income Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on August 2-3, 2016 (the “Meeting”).
Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Company’s Senior Officer (who is also the Company’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Company’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they receive presentations from the Adviser on the investment results of the Fund and review extensive materials and information presented by the Adviser.
The directors also considered all other factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. In their deliberations, the directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 75 |
considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided
The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.
Costs of Services Provided and Profitability
The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues, expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for the period ended December 31, 2014 and for calendar year 2015 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors noted that the Fund was not profitable to the Adviser in the periods reviewed.
76 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of certain classes of the Fund’s shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Fund’s unprofitability to the Adviser would be exacerbated without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.
At the Meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-year period ended May 31, 2016 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) the period since inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by Broadridge concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same Broadridge category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors considered the Fund’s contractual advisory fee rate against a peer group median.
The Adviser informed the directors that there were no institutional products managed by it that have a substantially similar investment style.
The directors noted that the Fund invests in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), subject to the restrictions and limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as these may be varied as a result of exemptive orders issued by the SEC. The directors also noted that ETFs pay advisory
abfunds.com | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | 77 |
fees pursuant to their advisory contracts, and that the Adviser had provided, and they had reviewed, information about the expense ratios of the relevant ETFs. The directors concluded, based on the Adviser’s explanation of how it uses ETFs when they are the most cost-effective way to obtain desired exposures or to “equitize” cash inflows pending purchases of underlying securities, that the advisory fee for the Fund is based on services that are in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided under the advisory contracts of the ETFs in which the Fund may invest.
The directors noted that the Fund invests in investment companies advised by the Adviser, some of which benefit from current fee waivers and/or expense caps by the Adviser. The directors’ continuance of the Advisory Agreement was made subject to the maintenance of such current fee waivers and expense caps for the period of the contract continuance on terms at least as favorable to the Fund.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted the effects of any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements as a result of an undertaking by the Adviser. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s Broadridge category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund does not contain breakpoints and that they had discussed their strong preference for breakpoints in advisory contracts with the Adviser. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to
78 | AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. The directors informed the Adviser that they would monitor the Fund’s assets (which were well below the level at which they would anticipate adding an initial breakpoint) and its profitability (currently unprofitable) to the Adviser and anticipated revisiting the question of breakpoints in the future if circumstances warranted doing so.
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This page is not part of the Shareholder Report or the Financial Statements
AB FAMILY OF FUNDS
US EQUITY
US CORE
Core Opportunities Fund
Select US Equity Portfolio
US GROWTH
Concentrated Growth Fund
Discovery Growth Fund
Growth Fund
Large Cap Growth Fund
Small Cap Growth Portfolio
US VALUE
Discovery Value Fund
Equity Income Fund
Relative Value Fund1
Small Cap Value Portfolio
Value Fund
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL CORE
Global Core Equity Portfolio
International Portfolio
International Strategic Core Portfolio
Sustainable Global Thematic Fund1
Tax-Managed International Portfolio
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL GROWTH
Concentrated International Growth Portfolio
International Growth Fund
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL VALUE
Asia ex-Japan Equity Portfolio
International Value Fund
FIXED INCOME
MUNICIPAL
High Income Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate California Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate Diversified Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate New York Municipal Portfolio
Municipal Bond Inflation Strategy
Tax-Aware Fixed Income Portfolio
National Portfolio
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California Portfolio
Massachusetts Portfolio
Minnesota Portfolio
New Jersey Portfolio
New York Portfolio
Ohio Portfolio
Pennsylvania Portfolio
Virginia Portfolio
TAXABLE
Bond Inflation Strategy
Global Bond Fund
High Income Fund
High Yield Portfolio
Income Fund
Intermediate Bond Portfolio
Limited Duration High Income Portfolio
Short Duration Portfolio
ALTERNATIVES
All Market Real Return Portfolio
Credit Long/Short Portfolio
Global Real Estate Investment Fund
Select US Long/Short Portfolio
Unconstrained Bond Fund
MULTI-ASSET
All Market Income Portfolio
All Market Total Return Portfolio1
Conservative Wealth Strategy
Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Portfolio
Global Risk Allocation Fund
Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio1
Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy
Wealth Appreciation Strategy
TARGET-DATE
Multi-Manager Select Retirement Allocation Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2010 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2015 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2020 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2025 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2030 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2035 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2040 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2045 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2050 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2055 Fund
CLOSED-END FUNDS
Alliance California Municipal Income Fund
AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund
AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund
We also offer Government Exchange Reserves, which serves as the money market fund exchange vehicle for the AB mutual funds. An investment in Government Exchange Reserves is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.
1 | Prior to November 1, 2016, Sustainable Global Thematic Fund was named Global Thematic Growth Fund; prior to January 9, 2017, Relative Value Fund was named Growth & Income Fund; prior to April 17, 2017, Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio was named Tax-Managed Balanced Wealth Strategy; prior to April 24, 2017, All Market Total Return Portfolio was named Balanced Wealth Strategy. |
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NOTES
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NOTES
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NOTES
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NOTES
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AB ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105
800 221 5672
AMI-0152-0517
MAY 05.31.17
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO
Investment Products Offered | • Are Not FDIC Insured • May Lose Value • Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.
This shareholder report must be preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s prospectus for individuals who are not current shareholders of the Fund.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com, or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227 4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC 0330. AB publishes full portfolio holdings for the Fund monthly at www.abfunds.com.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
FROM THE PRESIDENT |
Dear Shareholder,
We are pleased to provide this report for AB Asia ex-Japan Equity Portfolio (the “Fund”). Please review the discussion of Fund performance, the market conditions during the reporting period and the Fund’s investment strategy.
As always, AB strives to keep clients ahead of what’s next by:
+ | Transforming uncommon insights into uncommon knowledge with a global research scope |
+ | Navigating markets with seasoned investment experience and sophisticated solutions |
+ | Providing thoughtful investment insights and actionable ideas |
Whether you’re an individual investor or a multi-billion-dollar institution, we put knowledge and experience to work for you.
AB’s global research organization connects and collaborates across platforms and teams to deliver impactful insights and innovative products. Better insights lead to better opportunities—anywhere in the world.
For additional information about AB’s range of products and shareholder resources, please log on to www.abfunds.com.
Thank you for your investment in the AB Mutual Funds.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Keith
President and Chief Executive Officer, AB Mutual Funds
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 1 |
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
July 17, 2017
This report provides management’s discussion of fund performance for AB Asia ex-Japan Equity Portfolio for the semi-annual reporting period ended May 31, 2017.
The Fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital.
NAV RETURNS AS OF MAY 31, 2017 (unaudited)
6 Months | 12 Months | |||||||
AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | ||||||||
Class A Shares | 17.61% | 28.09% | ||||||
Class C Shares | 17.10% | 27.08% | ||||||
Advisor Class Shares1 | 17.60% | 28.32% | ||||||
MSCI AC Asia ex-Japan Index (net) | 18.41% | 28.08% |
1 | Please note that this share class is for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
Please keep in mind that high, double-digit returns are highly unusual and cannot be sustained. Investors should also be aware that these returns were primarily achieved during favorable market conditions.
INVESTMENT RESULTS
The table above shows the Fund’s performance compared to its benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country (“MSCI AC”) Asia ex-Japan Index (net), for the six- and 12-month periods ended May 31, 2017.
All share classes of the Fund underperformed the benchmark during the six-month period, before sales charges. Despite the 20%-plus gains in the benchmark index since the start of 2017, concerns about the potential fallout of China’s policy tightening and uncertainty over the impact of US President Donald Trump’s economic policies kept investors cautious and value stocks under pressure. At the same time, a steep rally in some richly priced stocks, such as China’s giant internet commerce companies, also created headwinds for value stocks. Security selection in the consumer discretionary and energy sectors detracted relative to the benchmark; however, this was partially offset by security selection in information technology and telecommunications.
During the 12-month period, Class A and Advisor Class shares outperformed the benchmark, while Class C shares underperformed, before sales charges.
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Although the Fund was buoyed by a recovery in value stocks in the second half of 2016, this was offset by a setback at the end of the year and toward the end of the 12-month period. Security selection in the consumer discretionary and utilities sectors detracted from returns, which was partially offset by security selection in information technology and health care.
The Fund did not utilize derivatives during the six- or 12-month periods.
MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY
Asia ex-Japan equities rose sharply in both periods. A global economic pick-up fueled a rebound in the region’s exports, as benign market reactions to US interest rate hikes soothed concerns that higher US rates could cause a mass capital flight from emerging markets. Nonetheless, political uncertainties in the US and Europe, geopolitical risks in the Middle East and the Korean peninsula, and concerns about a slowdown in China’s economic growth kept investors cautious.
The Fund continues to focus on identifying fresh company-specific opportunities through its research-driven, bottom-up approach and on maintaining disciplined risk management. After several years of elevated investor anxiety, the value opportunity—as measured by the valuation gap between the cheapest and the most expensive companies in the market—remained at high levels across the region, most notably in North Asian countries. Although the Fund trimmed its allocation to countries that have outperformed, it remained broadly overweight in Northeast Asia, particularly South Korea, and underweight in Southeast Asia.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Adviser seeks to achieve the Fund’s investment objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets in a portfolio of equity securities of companies economically tied to the Asia region, excluding companies in Japan (“Asia ex-Japan companies”), and derivatives related thereto. Asia ex-Japan companies include any company that (i) is domiciled or organized in an Asia ex-Japan country; (ii) has an established presence and conducts business in the Asia ex-Japan region; or (iii) conducts a significant part of its economic activities in the Asia ex-Japan region. Many countries in the Asia ex-Japan region are considered emerging-market or frontier-market countries. Emerging markets have less developed and smaller economies and capital markets than developed countries and frontier-market countries have less developed and smaller economies and capital markets than emerging-market countries. Equity securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, the equity securities of real estate investment trusts, global depositary receipts and derivative instruments related to equity securities.
(continued on next page)
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The Adviser believes that, over time, securities that are undervalued by the market relative to their long-term earnings power can provide high returns. The Adviser will utilize fundamental analysis and its quantitative models to attempt to identify these securities, and will seek to build a portfolio that delivers attractive risk-adjusted returns.
The Fund expects to utilize derivatives, such as options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps. For example, the Fund may invest in futures contracts to gain exposure to foreign markets. Derivatives may provide a more efficient and economical exposure to market segments than direct investments, and may also be a more efficient way to alter the Fund’s exposure.
Fluctuations in currency exchange rates can have a dramatic impact of the returns of equity securities. The Adviser may, but frequently will not, hedge the foreign currency exposure resulting from the Fund’s security positions through the use of currency-related derivatives. The Fund may also take long and short positions in currencies (or related derivatives) independent of any such security positions. The Fund is “non-diversified”.
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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS
Benchmark Disclosure
The MSCI AC Asia ex-Japan Index is unmanaged and does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The MSCI AC Asia ex-Japan Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of Asia, excluding Japan. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations, and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices, any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI. Net returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends after deduction of non-US withholding tax. An investor cannot invest directly in an index, and its results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Fund.
A Word About Risk
Market Risk: The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events that affect large portions of the market.
Foreign (Non-US) Risk: Investments in securities of non-US issuers may involve more risk than those of US issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Emerging Market Risk: Investments in emerging-market and frontier-market countries may involve more risk than investments in other foreign countries because the markets in such countries are less developed and less liquid as well as being subject to increased economic, political, regulatory or other uncertainties. In addition, the value of the Fund’s investments may decline because of factors such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions and reduction in government or central bank support. Investments in frontier-market countries may have more risks because those countries have less developed economies and less liquid capital markets.
Geographic Focus Risk: Because the Fund intends to focus its investments in a particular geographic region, the Fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to various factors such as social, financial, economic and political conditions within that region. Specifically, the Fund’s investments in Asian issuers increases the Fund’s exposure to the risks associated with volatile securities markets, adverse exchange rates, social, political and regulatory developments and economic environmental events (such as natural disasters) that may be particular to Asian countries. Events that negatively affect the fiscal stability of Asian countries may
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 5 |
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)
cause the value of the Fund’s shares to decrease, in some cases significantly. As a result, the Fund is likely to be more volatile than more geographically diverse funds. Many Asian economies have experienced rapid growth and industrialization and there is no assurance that this growth rate will continue.
A substantial portion of the market for Asia ex-Japan securities consists of securities of Chinese companies. Investments in China and related countries may have more risk because, after years of robust growth, China’s economy is slowing sharply and manufacturing activity has declined.
Currency Risk: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns. Emerging-market currencies may be more volatile and less liquid, and subject to significantly greater risk of currency controls and convertibility restrictions, than currencies of developed countries.
Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Fund, and may be subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments.
Liquidity Risk: Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to purchase or sell, possibly preventing the Fund from selling out of these illiquid securities at an advantageous price. Derivatives and securities involving substantial market and credit risk tend to involve greater liquidity risk.
Non-Diversification Risk: The Fund may have more risk because it is “non-diversified”, meaning that it can invest more of its assets in a smaller number of issuers. Accordingly, changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”).
Management Risk: The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results.
These risks are fully discussed in the Fund’s prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.
An Important Note About Historical Performance
The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth
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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)
more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. You may obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end by visiting www.abfunds.com. The Fund has been in operation only for a short period of time, and therefore has a very limited historical performance period. This limited performance period is unlikely to be representative of the performance the Fund will achieve over a longer period.
All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Fund have been deducted. NAV returns do not reflect sales charges; if sales charges were reflected, the Fund’s quoted performance would be lower. SEC returns reflect the applicable sales charges for each share class: a 4.25% maximum front-end sales charge for Class A shares and a 1% 1-year contingent deferred sales charge for Class C shares. Returns for the different share classes will vary due to different expenses associated with each class. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 7 |
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE
AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS AS OF MAY 31, 2017 (unaudited)
NAV Returns | SEC Returns (reflects applicable sales charges) | |||||||
CLASS A SHARES | ||||||||
1 Year | 28.09% | 22.62% | ||||||
Since Inception1 | 15.69% | 12.41% | ||||||
CLASS C SHARES | ||||||||
1 Year | 27.08% | 26.08% | ||||||
Since Inception1 | 14.80% | 14.80% | ||||||
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES2 | ||||||||
1 Year | 28.32% | 28.32% | ||||||
Since Inception1 | 15.93% | 15.93% |
The Fund’s current prospectus fee table shows the Fund’s total annual operating expense ratios as 8.18%, 8.98% and 7.81% for Class A, Class C and Advisor Class shares, respectively, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. Contractual fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements limit the Fund’s annual operating expense ratios exclusive of acquired fund fees and expenses other than the advisory fees of any AB mutual funds in which the Fund may invest, interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs to 1.40%, 2.15% and 1.15% for Class A, Class C and Advisor Class shares, respectively. These waivers/reimbursements may not be terminated before March 1, 2018. Any fees waived and expenses borne by the Adviser may be reimbursed by the Fund until the end of the third fiscal year after the fiscal period in which the fee was waived or the expense was borne, provided that no reimbursement payment will be made that would cause the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to exceed the expense limitations. Absent reimbursements or waivers, performance would have been lower. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.
1 | Inception date: 12/3/2015. |
2 | Please note that this share class is for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)
SEC AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS
AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDAR QUARTER-END
JUNE 30, 2017 (unaudited)
SEC Returns (reflects applicable sales charges) | ||||
CLASS A SHARES | ||||
1 Year | 22.22% | |||
Since Inception1 | 13.86% | |||
CLASS C SHARES | ||||
1 Year | 25.62% | |||
Since Inception1 | 16.10% | |||
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES2 | ||||
1 Year | 27.93% | |||
Since Inception1 | 17.30% |
1 | Inception date: 12/3/2015. |
2 | Please note that this share class is for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 9 |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
(unaudited)
As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.
Actual Expenses
The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table below also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), or contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions. Therefore, the hypothetical example is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
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EXPENSE EXAMPLE (continued)
Beginning Account Value December 1, 2016 | Ending Account Value May 31, 2017 | Expenses Paid During Period* | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |||||||||||||
Class A | ||||||||||||||||
Actual | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,176.10 | $ | 7.60 | 1.40 | % | ||||||||
Hypothetical** | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,017.95 | $ | 7.04 | 1.40 | % | ||||||||
Class C | ||||||||||||||||
Actual | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,171.00 | $ | 11.64 | 2.15 | % | ||||||||
Hypothetical** | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,014.21 | $ | 10.80 | 2.15 | % | ||||||||
Advisor Class | ||||||||||||||||
Actual | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,176.00 | $ | 6.24 | 1.15 | % | ||||||||
Hypothetical** | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,019.20 | $ | 5.79 | 1.15 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
** | Assumes 5% annual return before expenses. |
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 11 |
PORTFOLIO SUMMARY
May 31, 2017 (unaudited)
PORTFOLIO STATISTICS
Net Assets ($mil): $6.4
1 | All data are as of May 31, 2017. The Fund’s sector and country breakdowns are expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. |
Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Fund’s prospectus.
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PORTFOLIO SUMMARY (continued)
May 31, 2017 (unaudited)
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1
Company | U.S. $ Value | Percent of Net Assets | ||||||
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | $ | 514,575 | 8.1 | % | ||||
KB Financial Group, Inc. | 270,069 | 4.2 | ||||||
Hana Financial Group, Inc. | 254,201 | 4.0 | ||||||
China Unicom Hong Kong Ltd. | 241,230 | 3.8 | ||||||
Largan Precision Co., Ltd. | 209,836 | 3.3 | ||||||
Tencent Holdings Ltd. | 202,768 | 3.2 | ||||||
Agricultural Bank of China Ltd. – Class H | 177,419 | 2.8 | ||||||
BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd. | 166,928 | 2.6 | ||||||
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | 155,921 | 2.4 | ||||||
Wharf Holdings Ltd. (The) | 148,667 | 2.3 | ||||||
$ | 2,341,614 | 36.7 | % |
1 | Long-term investments. |
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 13 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
May 31, 2017 (unaudited)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||
| ||||||||
COMMON STOCKS – 98.2% | ||||||||
Information Technology – 31.2% | ||||||||
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 7.3% | ||||||||
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | 20,000 | $ | 68,431 | |||||
Kingboard Chemical Holdings Ltd. | 16,500 | 60,842 | ||||||
Largan Precision Co., Ltd. | 1,330 | 209,836 | ||||||
LG Innotek Co., Ltd. | 620 | 74,187 | ||||||
Tripod Technology Corp. | 17,000 | 50,560 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
463,856 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Internet Software & Services – 6.7% | ||||||||
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (Sponsored ADR)(a) | 1,180 | 144,503 | ||||||
NetEase, Inc. (ADR) | 280 | 79,738 | ||||||
Tencent Holdings Ltd. | 5,900 | 202,768 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
427,009 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 6.6% | ||||||||
Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc. | 52,592 | 67,444 | ||||||
Hua Hong Semiconductor Ltd.(b) | 76,000 | 99,701 | ||||||
Realtek Semiconductor Corp. | 29,000 | 96,904 | ||||||
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | 23,000 | 155,921 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
419,970 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 10.6% | ||||||||
Pegatron Corp. | 33,000 | 101,582 | ||||||
Quanta Computer, Inc. | 28,000 | 64,034 | ||||||
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | 195 | 388,382 | ||||||
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Preference Shares) | 81 | 126,193 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
680,191 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
1,991,026 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Financials – 29.1% | ||||||||
Banks – 21.7% | ||||||||
Agricultural Bank of China Ltd. – Class H | 366,000 | 177,419 | ||||||
BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd. | 37,000 | 166,928 | ||||||
China CITIC Bank Corp., Ltd. – Class H | 91,000 | 56,130 | ||||||
Dah Sing Financial Holdings Ltd. | 8,800 | 67,274 | ||||||
DBS Group Holdings Ltd. | 8,600 | 127,060 | ||||||
Hana Financial Group, Inc. | 6,950 | 254,201 | ||||||
ICICI Bank Ltd. | 7,000 | 35,565 | ||||||
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. – Class H | 207,000 | 138,213 | ||||||
KB Financial Group, Inc. | 5,650 | 270,069 | ||||||
State Bank of India | 20,850 | 93,152 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
1,386,011 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Capital Markets – 1.1% | ||||||||
China Everbright Ltd. | 30,000 | 67,314 | ||||||
|
|
14 | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||
| ||||||||
Diversified Financial Services – 1.2% | ||||||||
Fubon Financial Holding Co., Ltd. | 50,000 | $ | 76,238 | |||||
|
| |||||||
Insurance – 5.1% | ||||||||
Dongbu Insurance Co., Ltd. | 1,490 | 90,054 | ||||||
New China Life Insurance Co., Ltd. – Class H | 19,800 | 106,596 | ||||||
PICC Property & Casualty Co., Ltd. – Class H | 78,000 | 129,835 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
326,485 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
1,856,048 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Consumer Discretionary – 8.9% | ||||||||
Auto Components – 2.1% | ||||||||
Hankook Tire Co., Ltd. | 2,490 | 135,463 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Automobiles – 1.0% | ||||||||
Tata Motors Ltd. | 5,220 | 38,552 | ||||||
Tata Motors Ltd. – Class A | 5,710 | 25,403 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
63,955 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Diversified Consumer Services – 0.9% | ||||||||
New Oriental Education & Technology Group, Inc. (Sponsored ADR)(a) | 850 | 60,919 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 0.7% | ||||||||
Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. | 8,000 | 46,226 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Household Durables – 0.4% | ||||||||
Skyworth Digital Holdings Ltd. | 46,166 | 25,160 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Multiline Retail – 1.0% | ||||||||
Lotte Shopping Co., Ltd. | 240 | 61,350 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Specialty Retail – 0.7% | ||||||||
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd. | 32,200 | 33,673 | ||||||
Luk Fook Holdings International Ltd. | 4,000 | 13,599 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
47,272 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods – 2.1% | ||||||||
Li Ning Co., Ltd.(a) | 103,000 | 70,646 | ||||||
Luthai Textile Co., Ltd. – Class B | 20,300 | 22,919 | ||||||
Yue Yuen Industrial Holdings Ltd. | 9,500 | 37,844 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
131,409 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
571,754 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Materials – 7.5% | ||||||||
Chemicals – 3.6% | ||||||||
Green Seal Holding Ltd. | 6,000 | 25,289 | ||||||
Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd. | 1,380 | 96,218 | ||||||
LG Chem Ltd. | 190 | 51,227 | ||||||
PTT Global Chemical PCL | 27,300 | 56,909 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
229,643 | ||||||||
|
|
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 15 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||
| ||||||||
Construction Materials – 0.9% | ||||||||
Anhui Conch Cement Co., Ltd. – Class H | 17,000 | $ | 56,317 | |||||
|
| |||||||
Metals & Mining – 3.0% | ||||||||
Jiangxi Copper Co., Ltd. – Class H | 20,000 | 30,070 | ||||||
POSCO | 460 | 116,051 | ||||||
Vedanta Ltd. | 12,420 | 45,921 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
192,042 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
478,002 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Real Estate – 6.9% | ||||||||
Real Estate Management & Development – 6.9% | ||||||||
Cheung Kong Property Holdings Ltd. | 14,500 | 108,710 | ||||||
China Resources Land Ltd. | 21,000 | 61,656 | ||||||
CIFI Holdings Group Co., Ltd. | 98,000 | 38,357 | ||||||
Times Property Holdings Ltd. | 22,000 | 14,306 | ||||||
Wharf Holdings Ltd. (The) | 17,500 | 148,667 | ||||||
Wheelock & Co., Ltd. | 9,500 | 71,038 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
442,734 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Telecommunication Services – 5.9% | ||||||||
Diversified Telecommunication Services – 4.8% | ||||||||
China Unicom Hong Kong Ltd.(a) | 168,000 | 241,230 | ||||||
KT Corp. | 1,790 | 52,030 | ||||||
KT Corp. (Sponsored ADR) | 606 | 10,193 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
303,453 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Wireless Telecommunication Services – 1.1% | ||||||||
XL Axiata Tbk PT(a) | 327,750 | 72,766 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
376,219 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Consumer Staples – 2.8% | ||||||||
Food & Staples Retailing – 0.8% | ||||||||
E-MART, Inc. | 220 | 47,784 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Food Products – 2.0% | ||||||||
China Agri-Industries Holdings Ltd.(a) | 60,000 | 25,775 | ||||||
WH Group Ltd.(b) | 111,000 | 103,987 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
129,762 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
177,546 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Energy – 2.3% | ||||||||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 2.3% | ||||||||
PetroChina Co., Ltd. – Class H | 140,000 | 93,099 | ||||||
Petronet LNG Ltd. | 7,620 | 51,869 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
144,968 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Health Care – 1.8% | ||||||||
Health Care Providers & Services – 1.8% | ||||||||
Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co., Ltd. – Class H | 40,500 | 117,100 | ||||||
|
|
16 | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||
| ||||||||
Industrials – 1.1% | ||||||||
Airlines – 0.3% | ||||||||
Air China Ltd. – Class H | 18,000 | $ | 17,133 | |||||
|
| |||||||
Construction & Engineering – 0.6% | ||||||||
China Railway Group Ltd. – Class H | 46,000 | 38,086 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Machinery – 0.2% | ||||||||
Sinotruk Hong Kong Ltd. | 27,000 | 16,621 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
71,840 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Utilities – 0.7% | ||||||||
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers – 0.7% | ||||||||
Huaneng Renewables Corp., Ltd. – Class H | 136,000 | 45,056 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Total Investments – 98.2% | 6,272,293 | |||||||
Other assets less liabilities – 1.8% | 114,153 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
Net Assets – 100.0% | $ | 6,386,446 | ||||||
|
|
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At May 31, 2017, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $203,688 or 3.2% of net assets. |
Glossary:
ADR – American Depositary Receipt
See notes to financial statements.
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 17 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
May 31, 2017 (unaudited)
Assets | ||||
Investments in securities, at value | ||||
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $5,182,951) | $ | 6,272,293 | ||
Cash | 123,778 | |||
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $15,968) | 15,972 | |||
Receivable from Adviser | 17,164 | |||
Dividends receivable | 15,252 | |||
|
| |||
Total assets | 6,444,459 | |||
|
| |||
Liabilities | ||||
Legal fee payable | 15,263 | |||
Audit and tax fee payable | 13,328 | |||
Payable for investment securities purchased | 9,567 | |||
Custody fee payable | 9,270 | |||
Transfer Agent fee payable | 1,449 | |||
Distribution fee payable | 33 | |||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 9,103 | |||
|
| |||
Total liabilities | 58,013 | |||
|
| |||
Net Assets | $ | 6,386,446 | ||
|
| |||
Composition of Net Assets | ||||
Capital stock, at par | $ | 52 | ||
Additional paid-in capital | 5,226,968 | |||
Distributions in excess of net investment income | (8,893 | ) | ||
Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | 79,119 | |||
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | 1,089,200 | |||
|
| |||
$ | 6,386,446 | |||
|
|
Net Asset Value Per Share—10 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.0001 par value
Class | Net Assets | Shares Outstanding | Net Asset Value | |||||||||
| ||||||||||||
A | $ | 132,403 | 10,848 | $ | 12.21 | * | ||||||
| ||||||||||||
C | $ | 12,294 | 1,008 | $ | 12.20 | |||||||
| ||||||||||||
Advisor | $ | 6,241,749 | 510,285 | $ | 12.23 | |||||||
|
* | The maximum offering price per share for Class A shares was $12.75, which reflects a sales charge of 4.25%. |
See notes to financial statements.
18 | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited)
Investment Income | ||||||||
Dividends | ||||||||
Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $7,183) | $ | 56,807 | $ | 56,807 | ||||
|
| |||||||
Expenses | ||||||||
Advisory fee (see Note B) | 26,002 | |||||||
Transfer agency—Class A | 94 | |||||||
Transfer agency—Class C | 28 | |||||||
Transfer agency—Advisor Class | 9,849 | |||||||
Distribution fee—Class A | 69 | |||||||
Distribution fee—Class C | 57 | |||||||
Administrative | 37,826 | |||||||
Custodian | 36,377 | |||||||
Audit and tax | 21,281 | |||||||
Legal | 18,123 | |||||||
Registration fees | 16,599 | |||||||
Directors’ fees | 13,011 | |||||||
Printing | 5,081 | |||||||
Amortization of offering expenses | 960 | |||||||
Miscellaneous | 16,276 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
Total expenses | 201,633 | |||||||
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B) | (168,283 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Net expenses | 33,350 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
Net investment income | 23,457 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment and Foreign Currency Transactions | ||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on: | ||||||||
Investment transactions | 230,230 | |||||||
Foreign currency transactions | 811 | |||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on: | ||||||||
Investments | 692,439 | (a) | ||||||
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | (3 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | 923,477 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations | $ | 946,934 | ||||||
|
|
(a) | Includes decrease in accrued foreign capital gains of $7,522. |
See notes to financial statements.
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 19 |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited) | December 3, 2015(a) to November 30, 2016 | |||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 23,457 | $ | 65,541 | ||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | 231,041 | (163,865 | ) | |||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | 692,436 | 396,764 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Net increase in net assets from operations | 946,934 | 298,440 | ||||||
Dividends to Shareholders from | ||||||||
Net investment income | ||||||||
Class A | (238 | ) | (56 | ) | ||||
Class C | (22 | ) | (51 | ) | ||||
Advisor Class | (69,772 | ) | (28,934 | ) | ||||
Capital Stock Transactions | ||||||||
Net increase | 183,537 | 5,056,608 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Total increase | 1,060,439 | 5,326,007 | ||||||
Net Assets | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 5,326,007 | – 0 | – | |||||
|
|
|
| |||||
End of period (including distributions in excess of net investment income of $(8,893) and undistributed net investment income of $37,682, respectively) | $ | 6,386,446 | $ | 5,326,007 | ||||
|
|
|
|
(a) | Commencement of operations. |
See notes to financial statements.
20 | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
May 31, 2017 (unaudited)
NOTE A
Significant Accounting Policies
AB Cap Fund, Inc. (the “Company”), which is a Maryland corporation, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end management investment company. The Company operates as a series company currently comprised of 27 portfolios. Each portfolio is considered to be a separate entity for financial reporting and tax purposes. This report relates only to the AB Asia Ex-Japan Equity Portfolio (the “Fund”), a non-diversified portfolio. The Fund commenced operations on December 3, 2015. The Fund has authorized the issuance of Class A, Class B, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K, Class I, Class Z, Class 1 and Class 2 shares. Class B, Class R, Class K, Class I, Class Z, Class 1 and Class 2 shares are not currently being offered. As of May 31, 2017, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) was the sole shareholder of Class C shares. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 4.25% for purchases not exceeding $1,000,000. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A shares redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on redemptions made within the first year after purchase, and 0% after the first year of purchase. Effective April 10, 2017, Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares ten years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Advisor Class shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge and are not subject to ongoing distribution expenses. All ten classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that the classes bear different distribution and transfer agency expenses. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.
1. Security Valuation
Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 21 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker/dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security; swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this
22 | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Fund may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Fund may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
• | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
• | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
• | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 23 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of May 31, 2017:
Investments in | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Common Stocks: | ||||||||||||||||
Information Technology | $ | 224,241 | $ | 1,766,785 | $ | – 0 | – | $ | 1,991,026 | |||||||
Financials | – 0 | – | 1,856,048 | – 0 | – | 1,856,048 | ||||||||||
Consumer Discretionary | 60,919 | 510,835 | – 0 | – | 571,754 | |||||||||||
Materials | – 0 | – | 478,002 | – 0 | – | 478,002 | ||||||||||
Real Estate | – 0 | – | 442,734 | – 0 | – | 442,734 | ||||||||||
Telecommunication Services | 10,193 | 366,026 | – 0 | – | 376,219 | |||||||||||
Consumer Staples | – 0 | – | 177,546 | – 0 | – | 177,546 | ||||||||||
Energy | – 0 | – | 144,968 | – 0 | – | 144,968 | ||||||||||
Health Care | – 0 | – | 117,100 | – 0 | – | 117,100 | ||||||||||
Industrials | – 0 | – | 71,840 | – 0 | – | 71,840 | ||||||||||
Utilities | – 0 | – | 45,056 | – 0 | – | 45,056 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Total Investments in Securities | 295,353 | 5,976,940 | † | – 0 | – | 6,272,293 | ||||||||||
Other Financial Instruments* | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Total^ | $ | 295,353 | $ | 5,976,940 | $ | – 0 | – | $ | 6,272,293 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
† | A significant portion of the Fund’s foreign equity investments are categorized as Level 2 investments since they are valued using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available, see Note A.1. |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
^ | There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period. |
The Fund recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Fund. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the
24 | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments, and process at vendors, 2) daily comparisons of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, foreign currency exchange contracts, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation and depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 25 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Taxes
It is the Fund’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are required. The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (all years since inception of the Fund) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.
5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Fund is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Fund represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Company are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
26 | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
8. Offering Expenses
Offering expenses of $116,741 were deferred and amortized on a straight line basis over a one year period starting from December 3, 2015 (commencement of operations).
NOTE B
Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an advisory fee at annualized rate of 0.90% of the first $2.5 billion of the Portfolio’s average net assets, and 0.85% of the excess over $2.5 billion. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses other than the advisory fees of any AB Mutual Funds in which the Fund may invest, interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs) on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to 1.40%, 2.15% and 1.15% of the daily average net assets for Class A, Class C and Advisor Class shares, respectively. Any fees waived and expenses borne by the Adviser are subject to repayment by the Fund until the end of the third fiscal year after the fiscal period in which the fee was waived or the expense was borne; such waiver that is subject to repayment amounted to $375,106 for the fiscal period ended November 30, 2016. In any case, no repayment will be made that would cause the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to exceed the net fee percentages set forth above. For the six months ended May 31, 2017 the reimbursements/waivers amounted to $130,457. The Expense Caps may not be terminated by the Adviser before March 1, 2018.
Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Fund may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Fund by the Adviser. For the six months ended May 31, 2017, the Adviser voluntarily agreed to waive such fees in the amount of $37,826.
The Fund compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Fund. ABIS may make payments to intermediaries that provide omnibus account services, sub-accounting services and/or networking services. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $9,000 for the six months ended May 31, 2017.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor has advised the Fund that it has retained front-end sales charges of $65 from the sale of Class A shares and received no contingent deferred
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 27 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
sales charges imposed upon redemptions by shareholders of Class A and Class C shares, respectively, for the six months ended May 31, 2017.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended May 31, 2017 amounted to $4,433, none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC or Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, respectively, affiliates of the Adviser.
NOTE C
Distribution Services Agreement
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Agreement, the Fund pays distribution and servicing fees to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to .25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares and 1% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares. There are no distribution and servicing fees on the Advisor Class. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Agreement provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities. Since the commencement of the Fund’s operations, the Distributor has incurred no expenses in excess of the distribution costs reimbursed by the Fund for Class C shares. While such costs may be recovered from the Fund in future periods so long as the Agreement is in effect, the rate of the distribution and servicing fees payable under the Agreement may not be increased without a shareholder vote. In accordance with the Agreement, there is no provision for recovery of unreimbursed distribution costs incurred by the Distributor beyond the current fiscal year for Class A shares. The Agreement also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund’s shares.
NOTE D
Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended May 31, 2017 were as follows:
Purchases | Sales | |||||||
Investment securities (excluding | $ | 2,605,682 | $ | 2,459,523 | ||||
U.S. government securities | – 0 | – | – 0 | – |
The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:
Gross unrealized appreciation | $ | 1,182,021 | ||
Gross unrealized depreciation | (92,679 | ) | ||
|
| |||
Net unrealized appreciation | $ | 1,089,342 | ||
|
|
28 | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
1. Currency Transactions
The Fund may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Fund may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Fund may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Fund may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
NOTE E
Capital Stock
Each class consists of 1,000,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited) | December 3, 2015* to November 30, 2016 | Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited) | December 3, 2015* to November 30, 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares sold | 8,944 | 1,901 | $ | 104,341 | $ | 19,338 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | 23 | 6 | 238 | 56 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares redeemed | – 0 | – | (26 | ) | – 0 | – | (281 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net increase | 8,967 | 1,881 | $ | 104,579 | $ | 19,113 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class C | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares sold | – 0 | – | 1,001 | $ | – 0 | – | $ | 10,005 | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | 2 | 5 | 22 | 51 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net increase | 2 | 1,006 | $ | 22 | $ | 10,056 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares sold | 801 | 499,707 | $ | 9,164 | $ | 4,998,505 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | 6,800 | 2,977 | 69,772 | 28,934 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net increase | 7,601 | 502,684 | $ | 78,936 | $ | 5,027,439 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
* | Commencement of operations. |
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 29 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
At May 31, 2017, the Adviser owned approximately 98% of the Fund’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholder, if any, may impact the Fund’s performance.
NOTE F
Risks Involved in Investing in the Fund
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Emerging Market Risk—Investments in emerging market and frontier market countries may involve more risk than investments in other foreign countries because the markets in such countries are less developed and less liquid as well as being subject to increased economic, political, regulatory, or other uncertainties. In addition, the value of the Fund’s investments may decline because of factors such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions and reduction in government or central bank support. Investments in frontier market countries may have more risks because those countries have less developed economies and less liquid capital markets.
Geographic Focus Risk—Because the Fund intends to focus its investments in a particular geographic region, the Fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to various factors such as social, financial, economic, and political conditions within that region. Specifically, the Fund’s investments in Asian issuers increases the Fund’s exposure to the risks associated with volatile securities markets, adverse exchange rates, social, political, and regulatory developments, and economic environmental events (such as natural disasters) that may be particular to Asian countries. Events that negatively affect the fiscal stability of Asian countries may cause the value of the Fund’s shares to decrease, in some cases significantly. As a result, the Fund is likely to be more volatile than more geographically diverse funds. Many Asian economies have experienced rapid growth and industrialization and there is no assurance that this growth rate will continue.
A substantial portion of the market for Asia ex-Japan securities consists of securities of Chinese companies. Investments in China and related countries may have more risk because, after years of robust growth, China’s economy is slowing sharply and manufacturing activity has declined.
Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns. Emerging market currencies may be more volatile and less liquid, and subject to
30 | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
significantly greater risk of currency controls and convertibility restrictions, than currencies of developed countries.
Derivatives Risk—The Fund may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Fund, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.
Liquidity Risk—Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to purchase or sell, possibly preventing the Fund from selling out of these illiquid securities at an advantageous price. Derivatives and securities involving substantial market and credit risk tend to involve greater liquidity risk.
Non-Diversification Risk—The Fund may have more risk because it is “non-diversified”, meaning that it can invest more of its assets in a smaller number of issuers and that adverse changes in the value of one security could have a more significant effect on the Fund’s net asset value, or NAV.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Fund has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
NOTE G
Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Fund, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing if necessary, subject to certain restrictions, in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Fund did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended May 31, 2017.
NOTE H
Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions paid for the year ending November 30, 2017 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 31 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal period ended November 30, 2016 was as follows:
2016 | ||||
Distributions paid from: | ||||
Ordinary income | $ | 29,041 | ||
|
| |||
Total taxable distributions paid | $ | 29,041 | ||
|
|
As of November 30, 2016, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed ordinary income | $ | 55,964 | ||
Accumulated capital and other losses | (140,904 | )(a) | ||
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | 367,464 | (b) | ||
|
| |||
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | $ | 282,524 | ||
|
|
(a) | As of November 30, 2016, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of $140,904. |
(b) | The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs). |
For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of November 30, 2016, the Fund had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $140,904 which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.
NOTE I
Other
In October 2016, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted new rules and amended existing rules (together, “final rules”) intended to modernize the reporting and disclosure of information by registered investment companies. In part, the final rules amend Regulation S-X and require standardized, enhanced disclosure about derivatives in investment company financial statements, as well as other amendments. Management has evaluated the impact of the amendments and expects the adoption of final rules will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.
NOTE J
Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements through this date.
32 | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
Class A | ||||||||
Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited) | December 3, 2015(a) to November 30, 2016 | |||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 10.51 | $ 10.00 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Income From Investment Operations | ||||||||
Net investment income(b)(c) | .05 | .10 | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | 1.78 | .47 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Net increase in net asset value from operations | 1.83 | .57 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Less: Dividends | ||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | (.13 | ) | (.06 | ) | ||||
|
| |||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ 12.21 | $ 10.51 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Total Return | ||||||||
Total investment return based on net asset value(d) | 17.61 | % | 5.71 | % | ||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data | ||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | $132 | $20 | ||||||
Ratio to average net assets of: | ||||||||
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | 1.40 | % | 1.40 | % | ||||
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | 7.06 | % | 10.32 | % | ||||
Net investment income(c)(e) | .95 | % | 1.03 | % | ||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 43 | % | 78 | % |
See footnote summary on page 35.
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 33 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
Class C | ||||||||
Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited) | December 3, 2015(a) to November 30, 2016 | |||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 10.44 | $ 10.00 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Income From Investment Operations | ||||||||
Net investment income (loss)(b)(c) | (.01 | ) | .03 | |||||
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | 1.79 | .46 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Net increase in net asset value from operations | 1.78 | .49 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Less: Dividends | ||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | (.02 | ) | (.05 | ) | ||||
|
| |||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ 12.20 | $ 10.44 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Total Return | ||||||||
Total investment return based on net asset value(d) | 17.10 | % | 4.94 | % | ||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data | ||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | $12 | $10 | ||||||
Ratio to average net assets of: | ||||||||
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | 2.15 | % | 2.15 | % | ||||
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | 8.12 | % | 11.28 | % | ||||
Net investment income (loss)(c)(e) | (.19 | )% | .31 | % | ||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 43 | % | 78 | % |
See footnote summary on page 35.
34 | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
Advisor Class | ||||||||
Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited) | December 3, 2015(a) to November 30, 2016 | |||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 10.53 | $ 10.00 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Income From Investment Operations | ||||||||
Net investment income(b)(c) | .05 | .13 | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | 1.79 | .46 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Net increase in net asset value from operations | 1.84 | .59 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Less: Dividends | ||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | (.14 | ) | (.06 | ) | ||||
|
| |||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ 12.23 | $ 10.53 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Total Return | ||||||||
Total investment return based on net asset value(d) | 17.60 | % | 6.03 | % | ||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data | ||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | $6,242 | $5,296 | ||||||
Ratio to average net assets of: | ||||||||
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | 1.15 | % | 1.15 | % | ||||
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | 6.98 | % | 10.11 | % | ||||
Net investment income(c)(e) | .81 | % | 1.31 | % | ||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 43 | % | 78 | % |
(a) | Commencement of operations. |
(b) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(c) | Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(d) | Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge is not reflected in the calculation of total investment return. Total investment return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Total investment return for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 35 |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1), Chairman John H. Dobkin(1) Michael J. Downey(1) William H. Foulk, Jr.(1) D. James Guzy(1) | Nancy P. Jacklin(1) Robert M. Keith, President and Chief Executive Officer Carol C. McMullen(1) Garry L. Moody(1) Earl D. Weiner(1) |
OFFICERS
Philip L. Kirstein, Senior Vice President and Independent Compliance Officer Stuart Rae(2), Vice President Rajeev Eyunni(2), Vice President Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer | Emilie D. Wrapp, Secretary Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller Vincent S. Noto, Chief Compliance Officer |
Custodian and Accounting Agent Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. 50 Post Office Square Boston, MA 02210
Principal Underwriter AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. 1345 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10105
Transfer Agent AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. P.O. Box 786003 San Antonio, TX 78278-6003 Toll-Free (800) 221-5672 | Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Ernst & Young LLP 5 Times Square New York, NY 10036
Legal Counsel Seward & Kissel LLP One Battery Park Plaza New York, NY 10004 |
1 | Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Directors Committee. |
2 | The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund are made by its senior management team. Messrs. Rae and Eyunni are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. |
36 | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Cap Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Asia ex-Japan Equity Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 2-4, 2017 (the “Meeting”).
Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Company’s Senior Officer (who is also the Company’s Independent Compliance Officer), who acted as their independent fee consultant, of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Company’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.
The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 37 |
their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided
The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. To date, the Adviser has not requested any reimbursements from the Fund. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.
Costs of Services Provided and Profitability
The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for the period ended December 31, 2015 and calendar year 2016 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors noted that the Fund was not profitable to the Adviser in the periods reviewed.
38 | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of certain classes of the Fund’s shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Fund’s unprofitability to the Adviser would be exacerbated without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.
At the Meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a peer group and a peer universe, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-year period ended February 28, 2017 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median.
The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for institutional clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Company’s Senior Officer and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 39 |
lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.
The directors noted that the Fund may invest in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), subject to the restrictions and limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as these may be varied as a result of exemptive orders issued by the SEC. The directors also noted that ETFs pay advisory fees pursuant to their advisory contracts. The directors concluded, based on the Adviser’s explanation of how it may use ETFs when they are the most cost-effective way to obtain desired exposures for a fund or to temporarily “equitize” cash inflows pending purchases of underlying securities, that the advisory fee for the Fund would be paid for services that would be in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided under the advisory contracts of the ETFs.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year and the directors considered the effects of any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements as a result of the Adviser’s expense cap. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of
40 | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 41 |
This page is not part of the Shareholder Report or the Financial Statements
AB FAMILY OF FUNDS
US EQUITY
US CORE
Core Opportunities Fund
Select US Equity Portfolio
US GROWTH
Concentrated Growth Fund
Discovery Growth Fund
Growth Fund
Large Cap Growth Fund
Small Cap Growth Portfolio
US VALUE
Discovery Value Fund
Equity Income Fund
Relative Value Fund1
Small Cap Value Portfolio
Value Fund
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL CORE
Global Core Equity Portfolio
International Portfolio
International Strategic Core Portfolio
Sustainable Global Thematic Fund1
Tax-Managed International Portfolio
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL GROWTH
Concentrated International Growth Portfolio
International Growth Fund
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL VALUE
Asia ex-Japan Equity Portfolio
International Value Fund
FIXED INCOME
MUNICIPAL
High Income Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate California Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate Diversified Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate New York Municipal Portfolio
Municipal Bond Inflation Strategy
Tax-Aware Fixed Income Portfolio
National Portfolio
Arizona Portfolio
California Portfolio
Massachusetts Portfolio
Minnesota Portfolio
New Jersey Portfolio
New York Portfolio
Ohio Portfolio
Pennsylvania Portfolio
Virginia Portfolio
TAXABLE
Bond Inflation Strategy
Global Bond Fund
High Income Fund
High Yield Portfolio
Income Fund
Intermediate Bond Portfolio
Limited Duration High Income Portfolio
Short Duration Portfolio
ALTERNATIVES
All Market Real Return Portfolio
Credit Long/Short Portfolio
Global Real Estate Investment Fund
Select US Long/Short Portfolio
Unconstrained Bond Fund
MULTI-ASSET
All Market Income Portfolio
All Market Total Return Portfolio1
Conservative Wealth Strategy
Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Portfolio
Global Risk Allocation Fund
Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio1
Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy
Wealth Appreciation Strategy
TARGET-DATE
Multi-Manager Select Retirement Allocation Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2010 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2015 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2020 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2025 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2030 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2035 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2040 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2045 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2050 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2055 Fund
CLOSED-END FUNDS
Alliance California Municipal Income Fund
AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund
AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund
We also offer Government Exchange Reserves, which serves as the money market fund exchange vehicle for the AB mutual funds. An investment in Government Exchange Reserves is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.
1 | Prior to November 1, 2016, Sustainable Global Thematic Fund was named Global Thematic Growth Fund; prior to January 9, 2017, Relative Value Fund was named Growth & Income Fund; prior to April 17, 2017, Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio was named Tax-Managed Balanced Wealth Strategy; prior to April 24, 2017, All Market Total Return Portfolio was named Balanced Wealth Strategy. |
42 | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES
abfunds.com | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | 43 |
NOTES
44 | AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
AB ASIA EX-JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105
800 221 5672
AJEP-0152-0517
MAY 05.31.17
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
Investment Products Offered | • Are Not FDIC Insured • May Lose Value • Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.
This shareholder report must be preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s prospectus for individuals who are not current shareholders of the Fund.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com, or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227 4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC 0330. AB publishes full portfolio holdings for the Fund monthly at www.abfunds.com.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
FROM THE PRESIDENT |
Dear Shareholder,
We are pleased to provide this report for AB Small Cap Value Portfolio (the “Fund”). Please review the discussion of Fund performance, the market conditions during the reporting period and the Fund’s investment strategy.
As always, AB strives to keep clients ahead of what’s next by:
+ | Transforming uncommon insights into uncommon knowledge with a global research scope |
+ | Navigating markets with seasoned investment experience and sophisticated solutions |
+ | Providing thoughtful investment insights and actionable ideas |
Whether you’re an individual investor or a multi-billion-dollar institution, we put knowledge and experience to work for you.
AB’s global research organization connects and collaborates across platforms and teams to deliver impactful insights and innovative products. Better insights lead to better opportunities—anywhere in the world.
For additional information about AB’s range of products and shareholder resources, please log on to www.abfunds.com.
Thank you for your investment in the AB Mutual Funds.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Keith
President and Chief Executive Officer, AB Mutual Funds
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 1 |
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
July 17, 2017
This report provides management’s discussion of fund performance for AB Small Cap Value Portfolio for the semi-annual reporting period ended May 31, 2017.
The Fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital.
NAV RETURNS AS OF MAY 31, 2017 (unaudited)
6 Months | 12 Months | |||||||
AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | ||||||||
Class A Shares | 0.06% | 18.96% | ||||||
Class C Shares | -0.34% | 18.00% | ||||||
Advisor Class Shares1 | 0.22% | 19.27% | ||||||
Russell 2000 Value Index | 1.15% | 21.00% |
1 | Please note that Advisor Class shares are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
Please keep in mind that high, double-digit returns are highly unusual and cannot be sustained. Investors should also be aware that these returns were primarily achieved during favorable market conditions.
INVESTMENT RESULTS
The table above shows the Fund’s performance compared with its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index, for the six- and 12-month periods ended May 31, 2017.
All share classes of the Fund underperformed the benchmark during both periods, before sales charges. During the six-month period, stock selection and an overweight position in the energy sector were the primary detractors, relative to the benchmark. The Fund’s industrials holdings and an underweight position in the utilities sector also detracted. Holdings within consumer discretionary, financials and health care contributed to performance, along with an overweight position in the technology sector.
During the 12-month period, stock selection in the energy sector was the primary detractor from performance. The Fund’s materials, consumer staples, real estate and consumer discretionary holdings, along with an underweight position in financials, also detracted. Overall sector selection contributed to performance, due primarily to an overweight in technology and an underweight in real estate. Stock selection in the technology and financials sectors also contributed.
The Fund did not utilize derivatives during the six- or 12-month periods.
2 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY
Global equities continued their steady climb during the six-month period ended May 31, 2017. US stocks trailed on a relative basis, while still recording double-digit gains. After outperforming in 2016, smaller cap stocks trailed larger caps for the six-month period. Similarly, value stocks, which outperformed in 2016, underperformed growth stocks for the six-month period. US President Donald Trump’s administration dominated headlines during the period. Markets vacillated between high hopes for pro-growth policies and concerns over policy risk after several false starts on his reform agenda. In general, investors seemed to look past White House turmoil and focus on an improving economic outlook and upbeat corporate earnings. Central bank posturing also influenced sentiment during the period. In December and March, the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the second and third time since the financial crisis in 2008, in moves widely telegraphed to markets.
The Fund’s Senior Investment Management Team (the “Team”) seeks to invest opportunistically in what it considers to be undervalued companies with solid fundamentals, without sacrificing the Fund’s deep value discipline. The Fund’s emphasis continues to be at the stock-specific level, as the Team looks for companies that offer compelling valuation, strong free cash flow and significant company-level catalysts.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Fund invests primarily in a portfolio of equity securities of small-capitalization US companies. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of small-capitalization companies. For purposes of this policy, small-capitalization companies are those that, at the time of investment, fall within the capitalization range between the smallest company in the Russell 2000 Value Index and the greater of $2.5 billion or the largest company in the Russell 2000 Value Index.
The Fund invests in companies that are determined by the Adviser to be undervalued, using the Adviser’s fundamental value approach. In selecting securities for the Fund, the Adviser uses its fundamental and quantitative research to identify companies whose long-term earnings power is not reflected in the current market price of the securities.
The Adviser seeks to manage the overall portfolio volatility relative to the Russell 2000 Value Index by favoring promising securities that offer the best balance between return and targeted risk. The Fund is “non-diversified”.
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 3 |
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS
Benchmark Disclosure
The Russell 2000® Value Index is unmanaged and does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The Russell 2000 Value Index represents the performance of 2,000 small-cap value companies within the US. An investor cannot invest directly in an index or average, and their results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Fund.
A Word About Risk
Market Risk: The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Fund’s value approach, may underperform the market generally.
Capitalization Risk: Investments in small-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.
Non-Diversification Risk: The Fund may have more risk because it is “non-diversified”, meaning that it can invest more of its assets in a smaller number of issuers. Accordingly, changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”).
Management Risk: The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results.
These risks are fully discussed in the Fund’s prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.
An Important Note About Historical Performance
The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. You may obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end by visiting www.abfunds.com.
4 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)
All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Fund have been deducted. NAV returns do not reflect sales charges; if sales charges were reflected, the Fund’s quoted performance would be lower. SEC returns reflect the applicable sales charges for each share class: a 4.25% maximum front-end sales charge for Class A shares; and a 1% 1-year contingent deferred sales charge for Class C shares. Returns for the different share classes will vary due to different expenses associated with each class. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 5 |
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE
AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS AS OF MAY 31, 2017 (unaudited)
NAV Returns | SEC Returns (reflects applicable sales charges) | |||||||
CLASS A SHARES | ||||||||
1 Year | 18.96% | 13.93% | ||||||
Since Inception1 | 10.25% | 8.36% | ||||||
CLASS C SHARES | ||||||||
1 Year | 18.00% | 17.00% | ||||||
Since Inception1 | 9.39% | 9.39% | ||||||
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES2 | ||||||||
1 Year | 19.27% | 19.27% | ||||||
Since Inception1 | 10.53% | 10.53% |
The Fund’s current prospectus fee table shows the Fund’s total annual operating expense ratios as 1.43%, 2.31% and 1.19% for Class A, Class C and Advisor Class shares, respectively, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. Contractual fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements limit the Fund’s annual operating expense ratios exclusive of expenses associated with acquired fund fees and expenses other than the advisory fees of any AB mutual funds in which the Fund may invest, interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs to 1.25%, 2.00% and 1.00% for Class A, Class C and Advisor Class shares, respectively. These waivers/reimbursements may not be terminated before March 1, 2018 and may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms. Any fees waived and expenses borne by the Adviser may be reimbursed by the Fund until the end of the third fiscal year after the fiscal period in which the fee was waived or the expense was borne, provided that no reimbursement payment will be made that would cause the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to exceed the expense limitations. Absent reimbursements or waivers, performance would have been lower. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.
1 | Inception date: 12/3/2014. |
2 | Advisor Class shares are offered at NAV to eligible investors and the SEC returns are the same as the NAV returns. Please note that Advisor Class shares are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
6 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)
SEC AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS
AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDAR QUARTER-END
JUNE 30, 2017 (unaudited)
SEC Returns (reflects applicable sales charges) | ||||
CLASS A SHARES | ||||
1 Year | 17.98% | |||
Since Inception1 | 8.95% | |||
CLASS C SHARES | ||||
1 Year | 21.24% | |||
Since Inception1 | 9.93% | |||
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES2 | ||||
1 Year | 23.57% | |||
Since Inception1 | 11.05% |
1 | Inception date: 12/3/2014. |
2 | Please note that Advisor Class shares are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 7 |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
(unaudited)
As a shareholder of a mutual fund, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.
Actual Expenses
The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), or contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions. Therefore, the hypothetical example is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
Beginning Account Value December 1, 2016 | Ending Account Value May 31, 2017 | Expenses Paid During Period* | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |||||||||||||
Class A | ||||||||||||||||
Actual | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,000.60 | $ | 6.09 | 1.22 | % | ||||||||
Hypothetical** | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,018.85 | $ | 6.14 | 1.22 | % |
8 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (continued)
Beginning Account Value December 1, 2016 | Ending Account Value May 31, 2017 | Expenses Paid During Period* | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |||||||||||||
Class C | ||||||||||||||||
Actual | $ | 1,000 | $ | 996.60 | $ | 9.91 | 1.99 | % | ||||||||
Hypothetical** | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,015.01 | $ | 10.00 | 1.99 | % | ||||||||
Advisor Class | ||||||||||||||||
Actual | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,002.20 | $ | 4.89 | 0.98 | % | ||||||||
Hypothetical** | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,020.04 | $ | 4.94 | 0.98 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period), respectively. |
** | Assumes 5% annual return before expenses. |
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 9 |
PORTFOLIO SUMMARY
May 31, 2017 (unaudited)
PORTFOLIO STATISTICS
Net Assets ($mil): $218.3
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS2
Company | U.S. $ Value | Percent of Net Assets | ||||||
Dana, Inc. | $ | 3,356,601 | 1.5 | % | ||||
Sterling Bancorp/DE | 3,310,378 | 1.5 | ||||||
Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. | 3,286,118 | 1.5 | ||||||
ICON PLC | 3,245,509 | 1.5 | ||||||
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. | 3,234,726 | 1.5 | ||||||
Associated Banc-Corp. | 3,222,135 | 1.5 | ||||||
Webster Financial Corp. | 3,210,648 | 1.5 | ||||||
Verint Systems, Inc. | 3,205,389 | 1.5 | ||||||
Gramercy Property Trust | 3,177,216 | 1.4 | ||||||
PNM Resources, Inc. | 3,096,940 | 1.4 | ||||||
$ | 32,345,660 | 14.8 | % |
1 | All data are as of May 31, 2017. The Fund’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. |
2 | Long-term investments. |
Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Fund’s prospectus.
10 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
May 31, 2017 (unaudited)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||
| ||||||||
COMMON STOCKS – 98.2% | ||||||||
Financials – 20.7% | ||||||||
Banks – 15.1% | ||||||||
1st Source Corp. | 46,870 | $ | 2,134,928 | |||||
Associated Banc-Corp. | 135,100 | 3,222,135 | ||||||
Customers Bancorp, Inc.(a) | 83,100 | 2,322,645 | ||||||
First Commonwealth Financial Corp. | 166,610 | 2,045,971 | ||||||
Fulton Financial Corp. | 131,500 | 2,301,250 | ||||||
Hope Bancorp, Inc. | 143,424 | 2,497,012 | ||||||
Huntington Bancshares, Inc./OH | 95,900 | 1,202,586 | ||||||
Independent Bank Group, Inc. | 44,470 | 2,494,767 | ||||||
Sterling Bancorp/DE | 154,330 | 3,310,378 | ||||||
Synovus Financial Corp. | 54,470 | 2,226,734 | ||||||
Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.(a) | 44,770 | 3,286,118 | ||||||
Webster Financial Corp. | 65,900 | 3,210,648 | ||||||
Zions Bancorporation | 68,070 | 2,727,565 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
32,982,737 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Insurance – 2.8% | ||||||||
First American Financial Corp. | 37,250 | 1,621,120 | ||||||
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. | 42,750 | 2,184,525 | ||||||
State Auto Financial Corp. | 40,590 | 1,009,068 | ||||||
Validus Holdings Ltd. | 23,780 | 1,269,852 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
6,084,565 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance – 2.8% | ||||||||
Essent Group Ltd.(a) | 65,101 | 2,361,213 | ||||||
HomeStreet, Inc.(a) | 67,750 | 1,815,700 | ||||||
WSFS Financial Corp. | 41,350 | 1,823,535 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
6,000,448 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
45,067,750 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Industrials – 19.9% | ||||||||
Aerospace & Defense – 2.2% | ||||||||
Esterline Technologies Corp.(a) | 29,990 | 2,922,525 | ||||||
Wesco Aircraft Holdings, Inc.(a) | 197,790 | 1,908,674 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
4,831,199 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Air Freight & Logistics – 1.5% | ||||||||
Air Transport Services Group, Inc.(a) | 66,360 | 1,582,686 | ||||||
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.(a) | 35,320 | 1,720,084 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
3,302,770 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Airlines – 1.3% | ||||||||
SkyWest, Inc. | 82,640 | 2,834,552 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Commercial Services & Supplies – 2.5% | ||||||||
ABM Industries, Inc. | 41,700 | 1,794,768 | ||||||
Knoll, Inc. | 107,370 | 2,308,455 | ||||||
Viad Corp. | 30,740 | 1,357,171 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
5,460,394 | ||||||||
|
|
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 11 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||
| ||||||||
Construction & Engineering – 2.1% | ||||||||
AECOM(a) | 72,470 | $ | 2,327,012 | |||||
Tutor Perini Corp.(a) | 88,590 | 2,298,910 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
4,625,922 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Electrical Equipment – 3.5% | ||||||||
EnerSys | 35,510 | 2,629,871 | ||||||
General Cable Corp. | 150,230 | 2,486,306 | ||||||
Regal Beloit Corp. | 30,710 | 2,432,232 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
7,548,409 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Machinery – 3.6% | ||||||||
Oshkosh Corp. | 37,330 | 2,356,270 | ||||||
SPX FLOW, Inc.(a) | 70,040 | 2,614,593 | ||||||
Terex Corp. | 87,500 | 2,868,250 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
7,839,113 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Professional Services – 1.3% | ||||||||
TrueBlue, Inc.(a) | 105,620 | 2,835,897 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Road & Rail – 1.9% | ||||||||
Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. – Class A(a) | 132,900 | 2,448,018 | ||||||
Saia, Inc.(a) | 37,690 | 1,741,278 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
4,189,296 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
43,467,552 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Information Technology – 19.5% | ||||||||
Communications Equipment – 2.9% | ||||||||
Extreme Networks, Inc.(a) | 164,240 | 1,581,631 | ||||||
Infinera Corp.(a)(b) | 132,530 | 1,288,192 | ||||||
Mitel Networks Corp.(a) | 308,950 | 2,190,455 | ||||||
NETGEAR, Inc.(a) | 30,710 | 1,288,285 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
6,348,563 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 2.6% | ||||||||
Anixter International, Inc.(a) | 30,430 | 2,297,465 | ||||||
VeriFone Systems, Inc.(a) | 108,600 | 1,986,294 | ||||||
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. | 83,220 | 1,360,647 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
5,644,406 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
IT Services – 5.1% | ||||||||
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. | 63,480 | 2,503,651 | ||||||
Convergys Corp. | 55,550 | 1,350,420 | ||||||
CSG Systems International, Inc. | 62,820 | 2,505,890 | ||||||
Unisys Corp.(a)(b) | 192,210 | 2,268,078 | ||||||
Virtusa Corp.(a) | 46,630 | 1,353,203 | ||||||
WNS Holdings Ltd. (ADR)(a) | 33,680 | 1,121,544 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
11,102,786 | ||||||||
|
|
12 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||
| ||||||||
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 6.2% | ||||||||
Cypress Semiconductor Corp. | 198,928 | $ | 2,783,003 | |||||
FormFactor, Inc.(a) | 180,270 | 2,649,969 | ||||||
Integrated Device Technology, Inc.(a) | 77,160 | 1,973,753 | ||||||
Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.(a) | 138,010 | 3,056,921 | ||||||
Mellanox Technologies Ltd.(a) | 27,940 | 1,327,150 | ||||||
Photronics, Inc.(a) | 178,740 | 1,796,337 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
13,587,133 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Software – 1.5% | ||||||||
Verint Systems, Inc.(a) | 77,990 | 3,205,389 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 1.2% | ||||||||
NCR Corp.(a) | 66,220 | 2,551,457 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
42,439,734 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Consumer Discretionary – 15.2% | ||||||||
Auto Components – 3.0% | ||||||||
Cooper-Standard Holdings, Inc.(a) | 13,264 | 1,432,645 | ||||||
Dana, Inc. | 158,930 | 3,356,601 | ||||||
Tenneco, Inc. | 31,420 | 1,786,227 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
6,575,473 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Diversified Consumer Services – 1.4% | ||||||||
Sotheby’s(a) | 58,410 | 3,071,782 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 2.8% | ||||||||
Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. | 139,680 | 2,797,791 | ||||||
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.(a) | 44,880 | 3,234,726 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
6,032,517 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Household Durables – 1.0% | ||||||||
Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc. | 78,370 | 2,112,072 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail – 1.1% | ||||||||
FTD Cos., Inc.(a) | 133,660 | 2,314,991 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Media – 2.4% | ||||||||
Regal Entertainment Group – Class A | 124,580 | 2,591,264 | ||||||
Scholastic Corp. | 64,680 | 2,750,840 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
5,342,104 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Specialty Retail – 2.9% | ||||||||
Caleres, Inc. | 90,030 | 2,461,420 | ||||||
Children’s Place, Inc. (The) | 14,458 | 1,564,356 | ||||||
Citi Trends, Inc. | 126,310 | 2,305,157 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
6,330,933 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods – 0.6% | ||||||||
Crocs, Inc.(a) | 198,720 | 1,357,258 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
33,137,130 | ||||||||
|
|
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 13 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||
| ||||||||
Energy – 6.6% | ||||||||
Energy Equipment & Services – 3.0% | ||||||||
Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.(a) | 82,570 | $ | 411,199 | |||||
Oil States International, Inc.(a) | 52,580 | 1,537,965 | ||||||
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. | 78,510 | 1,673,833 | ||||||
RPC, Inc.(b) | 159,710 | 3,000,951 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
6,623,948 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 3.6% | ||||||||
Oasis Petroleum, Inc.(a) | 181,610 | 1,772,513 | ||||||
QEP Resources, Inc.(a) | 198,680 | 1,986,800 | ||||||
SM Energy Co. | 107,600 | 1,825,972 | ||||||
SRC Energy, Inc.(a) | 312,510 | 2,150,069 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
7,735,354 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
14,359,302 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Real Estate – 5.9% | ||||||||
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) – 5.9% | ||||||||
Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc. | 102,340 | 1,351,911 | ||||||
Education Realty Trust, Inc. | 56,580 | 2,167,580 | ||||||
Gramercy Property Trust | 107,520 | 3,177,216 | ||||||
Independence Realty Trust, Inc. | 172,880 | 1,661,377 | ||||||
National Storage Affiliates Trust | 119,990 | 2,909,757 | ||||||
Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust | 131,010 | 1,649,416 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
12,917,257 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Health Care – 4.6% | ||||||||
Health Care Providers & Services – 3.0% | ||||||||
LifePoint Health, Inc.(a) | 40,510 | 2,463,008 | ||||||
Molina Healthcare, Inc.(a) | 39,560 | 2,554,389 | ||||||
WellCare Health Plans, Inc.(a) | 9,910 | 1,702,538 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
6,719,935 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Life Sciences Tools & Services – 1.5% | ||||||||
ICON PLC(a) | 34,490 | 3,245,509 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Pharmaceuticals – 0.1% | ||||||||
Horizon Pharma PLC(a) | 13,106 | 131,060 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
10,096,504 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Materials – 2.5% | ||||||||
Chemicals – 1.1% | ||||||||
Trinseo SA | 38,440 | 2,477,458 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Containers & Packaging – 1.4% | ||||||||
Graphic Packaging Holding Co. | 226,030 | 3,053,665 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
5,531,123 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Utilities – 2.4% | ||||||||
Electric Utilities – 2.4% | ||||||||
PNM Resources, Inc. | 80,440 | 3,096,940 | ||||||
Portland General Electric Co. | 46,460 | 2,199,416 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
5,296,356 | ||||||||
|
|
14 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Company | Shares | U.S. $ Value | ||||||
| ||||||||
Consumer Staples – 0.9% | ||||||||
Beverages – 0.9% | ||||||||
Cott Corp. | 150,020 | $ | 1,978,764 | |||||
|
| |||||||
Total Common Stocks | 214,291,472 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 1.7% | ||||||||
Investment Companies – 1.7% | ||||||||
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. – Government Money Market Portfolio – Class AB, 0.64%(c)(d) | 3,709,673 | 3,709,673 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned – 99.9% | 218,001,145 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED – 2.1% | ||||||||
Investment Companies – 2.1% | ||||||||
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. – Government Money Market Portfolio – Class AB, 0.64%(c)(d) | 4,700,766 | 4,700,766 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Total Investments – 102.0% | 222,701,911 | |||||||
Other assets less liabilities – (2.0)% | (4,391,219 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Net Assets – 100.0% | $ | 218,310,692 | ||||||
|
|
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information. |
(c) | To obtain a copy of the fund’s shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618. |
(d) | Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end. |
Glossary:
ADR – American Depositary Receipt
See notes to financial statements.
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 15 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
May 31, 2017 (unaudited)
Assets | ||||
Investments in securities, at value | ||||
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $200,660,552) | $ | 214,291,472 | (a) | |
Affiliated issuers (cost $8,410,439 – including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $4,700,766) | 8,410,439 | |||
Receivable for capital stock sold | 273,675 | |||
Receivable for investment securities sold | 224,981 | |||
Unaffiliated dividends and interest receivable | 76,830 | |||
Affiliated dividends receivable | 2,077 | |||
|
| |||
Total assets | 223,279,474 | |||
|
| |||
Liabilities | ||||
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned | 4,700,766 | |||
Advisory fee payable | 147,427 | |||
Distribution fee payable | 36,953 | |||
Administrative fee payable | 11,148 | |||
Payable for capital stock redeemed | 8,098 | |||
Transfer Agent fee payable | 1,489 | |||
Accrued expenses | 62,901 | |||
|
| |||
Total liabilities | 4,968,782 | |||
|
| |||
Net Assets | $ | 218,310,692 | ||
|
| |||
Composition of Net Assets | ||||
Capital stock, at par | $ | 1,732 | ||
Additional paid-in capital | 198,291,601 | |||
Distributions in excess of net investment income | (257,336 | ) | ||
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | 6,643,775 | |||
Net unrealized appreciation on investments | 13,630,920 | |||
|
| |||
$ | 218,310,692 | |||
|
|
Net Asset Value Per Share—10 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.0001 par value
Class | Net Assets | Shares Outstanding | Net Asset Value | |||||||||
| ||||||||||||
A | $ | 174,086,711 | 13,828,948 | $ | 12.59 | * | ||||||
| ||||||||||||
C | $ | 37,224 | 3,009 | $ | 12.37 | |||||||
| ||||||||||||
Advisor | $ | 44,186,757 | 3,487,776 | $ | 12.67 | |||||||
|
(a) | Includes securities on loan with a value of $4,513,331 (see Note E). |
* | The maximum offering price per share for Class A shares was $13.15 which reflects a sales charge of 4.25%. |
See notes to financial statements.
16 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited)
Investment Income | ||||||||
Dividends | ||||||||
Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $2,621) | $ | 1,025,225 | ||||||
Affiliated issuers | 18,027 | |||||||
Securities lending income | 4,887 | $ | 1,048,139 | |||||
|
| |||||||
Expenses | ||||||||
Advisory fee (see Note B) | 792,881 | |||||||
Distribution fee—Class A | 201,100 | |||||||
Distribution fee—Class C | 342 | |||||||
Transfer agency—Class A | 8,572 | |||||||
Transfer agency—Class C | 20 | |||||||
Transfer agency—Advisor Class | 1,970 | |||||||
Custodian | 42,775 | |||||||
Administrative | 30,143 | |||||||
Registration fees | 25,607 | |||||||
Audit and tax | 23,457 | |||||||
Legal | 19,358 | |||||||
Directors’ fees | 13,041 | |||||||
Printing | 9,384 | |||||||
Miscellaneous | 6,548 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
Total expenses | 1,175,198 | |||||||
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B and E) | (6,962 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Net expenses | 1,168,236 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
Net investment loss | (120,097 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment Transactions | ||||||||
Net realized gain on investment transactions | 6,834,490 | |||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | (8,845,087 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Net loss on investment transactions | (2,010,597 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Operations | $ | (2,130,694 | ) | |||||
|
|
See notes to financial statements.
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 17 |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited) | Year Ended November 30, 2016 | |||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations | ||||||||
Net investment loss | $ | (120,097 | ) | $ | (114,818 | ) | ||
Net realized gain on investment transactions | 6,834,490 | 871,663 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | (8,845,087 | ) | 22,110,061 | |||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | (2,130,694 | ) | 22,866,906 | |||||
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders from | ||||||||
Net investment income |
| |||||||
Class A | – 0 | – | (124,060 | ) | ||||
Advisor Class | – 0 | – | (5,961 | ) | ||||
Net realized gain on investment transactions | ||||||||
Class A | (781,811 | ) | (278,943 | ) | ||||
Class C | (297 | ) | (118 | ) | ||||
Advisor Class | (166,713 | ) | (13,832 | ) | ||||
Capital Stock Transactions | ||||||||
Net increase | 73,606,376 | 41,524,202 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Total increase | 70,526,861 | 63,968,194 | ||||||
Net Assets | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 147,783,831 | 83,815,637 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
End of period (distributions in excess of net investment income of ($257,336) and ($137,239), respectively) | $ | 218,310,692 | $ | 147,783,831 | ||||
|
|
|
|
See notes to financial statements.
18 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
May 31, 2017 (unaudited)
NOTE A
Significant Accounting Policies
AB Cap Fund, Inc. (the “Company”), which is a Maryland corporation, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end management investment company. The Company operates as a series company currently comprised of 27 portfolios. Each portfolio is considered to be a separate entity for financial reporting and tax purposes. This report relates only to the AB Small Cap Value Portfolio (the “Fund”), a non-diversified portfolio. The Fund has authorized the issuance of Class A, Class B, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K, Class I, Class Z, Class 1 and Class 2 shares. Class B, Class R, Class K, Class I, Class Z, Class 1 and Class 2 shares have not been issued. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 4.25% for purchases not exceeding $1,000,000. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on redemptions made within the first year after purchase, and 0% after the first year of purchase. Effective April 10, 2017, Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares ten years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Advisor Class shares are sold without any initial or contingent deferred sales charge and are not subject to ongoing distribution expenses. All ten classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that the classes bear different distribution and transfer agency expenses. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.
1. Security Valuation
Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 19 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Fund may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities at 4:00 p.m.,
20 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Fund may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
• | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
• | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
• | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 21 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of May 31, 2017:
Investments in Securities: | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Common Stocks(a) | $ | 214,291,472 | $ | – 0 | – | $ | – 0 | – | $ | 214,291,472 | ||||||
Short-Term Investments | 3,709,673 | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | 3,709,673 | ||||||||||
Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund | 4,700,766 | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | 4,700,766 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Total Investments in Securities | 222,701,911 | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | 222,701,911 | ||||||||||
Other Financial Instruments(b) | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Total(c) | $ | 222,701,911 | $ | – 0 | – | $ | – 0 | – | $ | 222,701,911 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) | See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications. |
(b) | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on the instrument. |
(c) | There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period. |
The Fund recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Fund. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that
22 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, foreign currency exchange contracts, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
4. Taxes
It is the Fund’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are required. The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Fund’s tax
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 23 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current tax year and the prior tax year) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.
5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Fund is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Fund represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Company are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
NOTE B
Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .80% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses other than the advisory fees of any AB Mutual Funds in which the Fund may invest, interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage commissions and other transactions costs) on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to 1.25%, 2.00%, and 1.00% of daily average net assets for Class A, Class C, and Advisor Class shares, respectively. Any fees waived and expenses borne by the Adviser through
24 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
December 2, 2015 are subject to repayment by the Fund until the end of the third fiscal year after the fiscal period in which the fee was waived or the expense was borne; such waivers that are subject to repayment amounted to $300,074 for the fiscal period ended November 30, 2015 and $1,186 for the year ended November 30, 2016, respectively. In any case, no reimbursement payment will be made that would cause the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to exceed the net fee percentages set forth above. For the six months ended May 31, 2017, such reimbursements/waivers amounted to $10. The Expense Caps may not be terminated by the Adviser before March 1, 2018.
Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Fund may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Fund by the Adviser. For the six months ended May 31, 2017, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $30,143.
The Fund compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Fund. ABIS may make payments to intermediaries that provide omnibus account services, sub-accounting services and/or networking services. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $8,987 for the six months ended May 31, 2017.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor has advised the Fund that it has retained front-end sales charges of $241 from the sale of Class A shares and received $0 and $0 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions by shareholders of Class A and Class C shares, respectively, for the six months ended May 31, 2017.
The Fund may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Fund in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended May 31, 2017, such waiver amounted to $4,567. A summary of the Fund’s transactions in shares of the Government Money Market Portfolio for the six months ended May 31, 2017 is as follows:
Market Value 11/30/16 (000) | Purchases at Cost (000) | Sales Proceeds (000) | Market Value 5/31/17 (000) | Dividend Income (000) | ||||||||||||||
$ | 6,452 | $ | 74,753 | $ | 77,495 | $ | 3,710 | $ | 10 |
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 25 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended May 31, 2017 amounted to $180, of which $180 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
NOTE C
Distribution Services Agreement
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Agreement, the Fund pays distribution and servicing fees to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to .25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares and 1% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares. There are no distribution and servicing fees on the Advisor Class shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Agreement provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities. Since the commencement of the Fund’s operations, the Distributor has incurred expenses in excess of the distribution costs reimbursed by the Fund in the amount of $-0- for Class C shares. While such costs may be recovered from the Fund in future periods so long as the Agreement is in effect, the rate of the distribution and servicing fees payable under the Agreement may not be increased without a shareholder vote. In accordance with the Agreement, there is no provision for recovery of unreimbursed distribution costs incurred by the Distributor beyond the current fiscal year for Class A shares. The Agreement also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund’s shares.
NOTE D
Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended May 31, 2017 were as follows:
Purchases | Sales | |||||||
Investment securities (excluding | $ | 104,939,400 | $ | 32,984,340 | ||||
U.S. government securities | – 0 | – | – 0 | – |
The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation (excluding foreign currency transactions) are as follows:
Gross unrealized appreciation | $ | 23,260,773 | ||
Gross unrealized depreciation | (9,629,853 | ) | ||
|
| |||
Net unrealized appreciation | $ | 13,630,920 | ||
|
|
26 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Fund may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The Fund did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended May 31, 2017.
2. Currency Transactions
The Fund may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Fund may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Fund may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Fund may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
NOTE E
Securities Lending
The Fund may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Fund’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Fund will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Fund in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Fund to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Fund will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Fund amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Fund will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Fund in
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 27 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Fund, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Fund lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At May 31, 2017, the Fund had securities on loan with a value of $4,513,331 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into Government Money Market Portfolio of $4,700,766. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Fund earned securities lending income of $4,887 and $7,743 from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended May 31, 2017; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Fund in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Fund’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended May 31, 2017, such waiver amounted to $2,385. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. A summary of the Fund’s transactions in shares of Government Money Market Portfolio for the six months ended May 31, 2017 is as follows:
Market Value 11/30/16 (000) | Purchases at Cost (000) | Sales Proceeds (000) | Market Value 5/31/17 (000) | |||||||||||
$ | 978 | $ | 16,446 | $ | 12,723 | $ | 4,701 |
28 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE F
Capital Stock
Each class consists of 1,000,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited) | Year Ended November 30, 2016 | Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited) | Year Ended November 30, 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares sold | 3,762,873 | 4,382,713 | $ | 48,354,857 | $ | 46,407,365 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | 59,939 | 40,241 | 774,410 | 397,585 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares redeemed | (1,068,985 | ) | (839,456 | ) | (13,684,218 | ) | (8,522,123 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net increase | 2,753,827 | 3,583,498 | $ | 35,445,049 | $ | 38,282,827 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class C | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares sold | 2,052 | 2,298 | $ | 26,282 | $ | 27,465 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | 18 | 8 | 227 | 82 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares redeemed | (3,337 | ) | (1,293 | ) | (41,824 | ) | (13,578 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) | (1,267 | ) | 1,013 | $ | (15,315 | ) | $ | 13,969 | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisor Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares sold | 2,963,426 | 385,925 | $ | 39,152,917 | $ | 4,744,633 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | 12,834 | 1,997 | 166,714 | 19,792 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares redeemed | (89,140 | ) | (169,359 | ) | (1,142,989 | ) | (1,537,019 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net increase | 2,887,120 | 218,563 | $ | 38,176,642 | $ | 3,227,406 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
At May 31, 2017, a shareholder of the Fund owned 10% of the Fund’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholder, if any, may impact the Fund’s performance.
NOTE G
Risks Involved in Investing in the Fund
Capitalization Risk—Investments in small-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 29 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Non-Diversification Risk—The Fund may have more risk because it is “non-diversified”, meaning that it can invest more of its assets in a smaller number of issuers. Accordingly, changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Fund’s NAV.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Fund has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
NOTE H
Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Fund, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Fund did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended May 31, 2017.
NOTE I
Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending November 30, 2017 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended November 30, 2016 and November 30, 2015 were as follows:
2016 | 2015 | |||||||
Distributions paid from: | ||||||||
Ordinary income | $ | 384,988 | $ | 11,329 | ||||
Long-term capital gains | 37,926 | – 0 | – | |||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Total taxable distributions paid | $ | 422,914 | $ | 11,329 | ||||
|
|
|
|
As of November 30, 2016, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed capital gains | $ | 946,438 | ||
Accumulated capital and other losses | (137,239 | )(a) | ||
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | 22,287,676 | (b) | ||
|
| |||
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | $ | 23,096,875 | ||
|
|
(a) | At November 30, 2016, the Fund had a qualified late-year ordinary loss deferral of $137,239. This loss is deemed to arise on December 1, 2016. |
(b) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
30 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of November 30, 2016, the Fund did not have any capital loss carryforwards.
NOTE J
Other
In October 2016, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted new rules and amended existing rules (together, “final rules”) intended to modernize the reporting and disclosure of information by registered investment companies. In part, the final rules amend Regulation S-X and require standardized, enhanced disclosure about derivatives in investment company financial statements, as well as other amendments. The compliance date for the amendments to Regulation S-X is August 1, 2017. Management has evaluated the impact of the amendments and expects the adoption of final rules will be limited to additional financial statement disclosures.
NOTE K
Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements through this date.
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 31 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
Class A | ||||||||||||
Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited) | Year Ended November 30, 2016 | December 3, 2014(a) to November 30, 2015 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 12.65 | $ 10.64 | $ 10.00 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Income From Investment Operations | ||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss)(b)(c) | (.01 | ) | (.01 | ) | .00 | (d) | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions | .02 | 2.07 | .66 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net increase in net asset value from operations | .01 | 2.06 | .66 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Less: Dividends and Distributions | ||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | – 0 | – | (.01 | ) | (.02 | ) | ||||||
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | (.07 | ) | (.04 | ) | – 0 | – | ||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total dividends and distributions | (.07 | ) | (.05 | ) | (.02 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ 12.59 | $ 12.65 | $ 10.64 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total Return | ||||||||||||
Total investment return based on net asset value(e) | .06 | % | 19.52 | % | 6.62 | % | ||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period | $174,087 | $140,096 | $79,707 | |||||||||
Ratio to average net assets of: | ||||||||||||
Expenses, net of | 1.22 | %^ | 1.25 | % | 1.25 | %^ | ||||||
Expenses, before | 1.23 | %^ | 1.43 | % | 1.91 | %^ | ||||||
Net investment income (loss)(c) | (.17 | )%^ | (.12 | )% | .02 | %^ | ||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 17 | % | 51 | % | 43 | % |
See footnote summary on page 34.
32 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
Class C | ||||||||||||
Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited) | Year Ended November 30, 2016 | December 3, 2014(a) to November 30, 2015 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 12.48 | $ 10.56 | $ 10.00 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Income From Investment Operations | ||||||||||||
Net investment loss(b)(c) | (.06 | ) | (.09 | ) | (.08 | ) | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions | .02 | 2.05 | .66 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | (.04 | ) | 1.96 | .58 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Less: Dividends and Distributions | ||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | – 0 | – | – 0 | – | (.02 | ) | ||||||
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | (.07 | ) | (.04 | ) | – 0 | – | ||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total dividends and distributions | (.07 | ) | (.04 | ) | (.02 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ 12.37 | $ 12.48 | $ 10.56 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total Return | ||||||||||||
Total investment return based on net asset value(e) | (.34 | )% | 18.62 | % | 5.78 | % | ||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period | $37 | $53 | $34 | |||||||||
Ratio to average net assets of: | ||||||||||||
Expenses, net of | 1.99 | %^ | 2.00 | % | 2.00 | %^ | ||||||
Expenses, before | 2.03 | %^ | 2.31 | % | 4.26 | %^ | ||||||
Net investment loss(c) | (.92 | )%^ | (.84 | )% | (.75 | )%^ | ||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 17 | % | 51 | % | 43 | % |
See footnote summary on page 34.
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 33 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
Advisor Class | ||||||||||||
Six Months Ended May 31, 2017 (unaudited) | Year Ended November 30, 2016 | December 3, 2014(a) to November 30, 2015 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 12.71 | $ 10.66 | $ 10.00 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Income From Investment Operations | ||||||||||||
Net investment income(b)(c) | .01 | .01 | .02 | |||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions | .02 | 2.09 | .66 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net increase in net asset value from operations | .03 | 2.10 | .68 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Less: Dividends and Distributions | ||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | – 0 | – | (.01 | ) | (.02 | ) | ||||||
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | (.07 | ) | (.04 | ) | – 0 | – | ||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total dividends and distributions | (.07 | ) | (.05 | ) | (.02 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ 12.67 | $ 12.71 | $ 10.66 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Total Return | ||||||||||||
Total investment return based on net asset value(e) | .22 | % | 19.74 | % | 6.83 | %(g) | ||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period | $44,187 | $7,635 | $4,075 | |||||||||
Ratio to average net assets of: | ||||||||||||
Expenses, net of | .98 | %^ | 1.00 | % | 1.00 | %^ | ||||||
Expenses, before | .98 | %^ | 1.19 | % | 3.55 | %^ | ||||||
Net investment income(c) | .08 | %^ | .11 | % | .24 | %^ | ||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 17 | % | 51 | % | 43 | % |
(a) | Commencement of operations. |
(b) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(c) | Net of fees and expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(d) | Amount is less than $.005. |
(e) | Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Initial sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges are not reflected in the calculation of total investment return. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(f) | In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the acquired fund fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the six months ended May 31, 2017, such waiver amounted to .01% annualized for the Fund. |
(g) | The net asset value and total return include adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for financial reporting purposes. As such, the net asset value and total return for shareholder transactions may differ from financial statements. |
^ | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
34 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1), Chairman John H. Dobkin(1) Michael J. Downey(1) William H. Foulk, Jr.(1) D. James Guzy(1) | Nancy P. Jacklin(1) Robert M. Keith, President and Chief Executive Officer Carol J. McMullen(1) Garry L. Moody(1) Earl D. Weiner(1) |
OFFICERS
Philip L. Kirstein, Senior Vice President and Independent Compliance Officer James W. MacGregor(2), Vice President Joseph G. Paul(2), Vice President Shri Singhvi(2), Vice President | Emilie D. Wrapp, Secretary Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller Vincent S. Noto, Chief Compliance Officer |
Custodian and Accounting Agent | Legal Counsel | |
State Street Bank and Trust Company State Street Corporation CCB/5 1 Iron Street
Principal Underwriter AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. 1345 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10105
Transfer Agent AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. P.O. Box 786003 San Antonio, TX 78278-6003 Toll-Free (800) 221-5672 | Seward & Kissel LLP One Battery Park Plaza New York, NY 10004
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Ernst & Young LLP 5 Times Square New York, NY 10036 |
1 | Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Directors Committee. |
2 | The management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund’s portfolio are made by the Investment Policy Team. Messrs. MacGregor, Paul and Singhvi are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. |
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 35 |
Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Cap Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Small Cap Value Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 2-4, 2017 (the “Meeting”).
Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Company’s Senior Officer (who is also the Company’s Independent Compliance Officer), who acted as their independent fee consultant, of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Company’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.
The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided
The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment
36 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. To date, the Adviser has not requested any reimbursements from the Fund. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.
Costs of Services Provided and Profitability
The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2015 and 2016 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors noted that the Fund was not profitable to the Adviser in 2015. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund in 2016 was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of certain classes of the Fund’s shares; brokerage
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 37 |
commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s recent profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.
At the Meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a peer group and a peer universe, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-year period ended February 28, 2017 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual advisory fee rate with a peer group median.
The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for institutional clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Company’s Senior Officer and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised
38 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.
The directors noted that the Fund may invest in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), subject to the restrictions and limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as these may be varied as a result of exemptive orders issued by the SEC. The directors also noted that ETFs pay advisory fees pursuant to their advisory contracts. The directors concluded, based on the Adviser’s explanation of how it may use ETFs when they are the most cost-effective way to obtain desired exposures for a fund or to temporarily “equitize” cash inflows pending purchases of underlying securities, that the advisory fee for the Fund would be paid for services that would be in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided under the advisory contracts of the ETFs.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year and the directors considered the effects of any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements as a result of the Adviser’s expense cap. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund does not contain breakpoints and that they had discussed their strong preference for breakpoints in advisory contracts with the Adviser. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 39 |
the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. The directors informed the Adviser that they would monitor the Fund’s assets (which were well below the level at which they would anticipate adding an initial breakpoint) and its profitability to the Adviser and anticipated revisiting the question of breakpoints in the future if circumstances warranted doing so.
40 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
This page is not part of the Shareholder Report or the Financial Statements
AB FAMILY OF FUNDS
US EQUITY
US CORE
Core Opportunities Fund
Select US Equity Portfolio
US GROWTH
Concentrated Growth Fund
Discovery Growth Fund
Growth Fund
Large Cap Growth Fund
Small Cap Growth Portfolio
US VALUE
Discovery Value Fund
Equity Income Fund
Relative Value Fund1
Small Cap Value Portfolio
Value Fund
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL CORE
Global Core Equity Portfolio
International Portfolio
International Strategic Core Portfolio
Sustainable Global Thematic Fund1
Tax-Managed International Portfolio
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL GROWTH
Concentrated International Growth Portfolio
International Growth Fund
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL VALUE
Asia ex-Japan Equity Portfolio
International Value Fund
FIXED INCOME
MUNICIPAL
High Income Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate California Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate Diversified Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate New York Municipal Portfolio
Municipal Bond Inflation Strategy
Tax-Aware Fixed Income Portfolio
National Portfolio
Arizona Portfolio
California Portfolio
Massachusetts Portfolio
Minnesota Portfolio
New Jersey Portfolio
New York Portfolio
Ohio Portfolio
Pennsylvania Portfolio
Virginia Portfolio
TAXABLE
Bond Inflation Strategy
Global Bond Fund
High Income Fund
High Yield Portfolio
Income Fund
Intermediate Bond Portfolio
Limited Duration High Income Portfolio
Short Duration Portfolio
ALTERNATIVES
All Market Real Return Portfolio
Credit Long/Short Portfolio
Global Real Estate Investment Fund
Select US Long/Short Portfolio
Unconstrained Bond Fund
MULTI-ASSET
All Market Income Portfolio
All Market Total Return Portfolio1
Conservative Wealth Strategy
Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Portfolio
Global Risk Allocation Fund
Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio1
Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy
Wealth Appreciation Strategy
TARGET-DATE
Multi-Manager Select Retirement Allocation Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2010 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2015 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2020 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2025 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2030 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2035 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2040 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2045 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2050 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2055 Fund
CLOSED-END FUNDS
Alliance California Municipal Income Fund
AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund
AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund
We also offer Government Exchange Reserves, which serves as the money market fund exchange vehicle for the AB mutual funds. An investment in Government Exchange Reserves is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.
1 | Prior to November 1, 2016, Sustainable Global Thematic Fund was named Global Thematic Growth Fund; prior to January 9, 2017, Relative Value Fund was named Growth & Income Fund; prior to April 17, 2017, Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio was named Tax-Managed Balanced Wealth Strategy; prior to April 24, 2017, All Market Total Return Portfolio was named Balanced Wealth Strategy. |
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 41 |
NOTES
42 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
NOTES
abfunds.com | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | 43 |
NOTES
44 | AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | abfunds.com |
AB SMALL CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105
800 221 5672
SCV-0152-0517
ITEM 2. | CODE OF ETHICS. |
Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.
ITEM 3. | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. |
Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.
ITEM 4. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. |
Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.
ITEM 5. | AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. |
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 6. | SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS. |
Please see Schedule of Investments contained in the Report to Shareholders included under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
ITEM 7. | DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 8. | PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 9. | PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. |
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 10. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. |
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Fund’s Board of Directors since the Fund last provided disclosure in response to this item.
ITEM 11. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
(a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-2(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) are effective at the reasonable assurance level based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this document.
(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 12. | EXHIBITS. |
The following exhibits are attached to this Form N-CSR:
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant): AB Cap Fund, Inc. | ||
By: | /s/ Robert M. Keith | |
Robert M. Keith President | ||
Date: | July 27, 2017 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: | /s/ Robert M. Keith | |
Robert M. Keith President | ||
Date: | July 27, 2017 | |
By: | /s/ Joseph J. Mantineo | |
Joseph J. Mantineo | ||
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer | ||
Date: | July 27, 2017 |