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: | | 811-05398 |
ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES 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
Alliance Bernstein 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: December 31, 2007
Date of reporting period: June 30, 2007
ITEM 1. | REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS. |
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Balanced Shares Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balanced Shares Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,035.69 | | $ | 3.63 | | 0.72 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,021.22 | | $ | 3.61 | | 0.72 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,034.29 | | $ | 4.89 | | 0.97 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.98 | | $ | 4.86 | | 0.97 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Federal National Mortgage Association (Bonds & Common Stock) | | $ | 8,921,243 | | 4.6 | % |
American International Group, Inc. | | | 5,987,565 | | 3.1 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 5,731,635 | | 2.9 | |
Time Warner, Inc. (Bonds & Common Stock) | | | 4,904,926 | | 2.5 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | 4,613,400 | | 2.4 | |
Citigroup, Inc. | | | 4,569,939 | | 2.3 | |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | | 4,509,703 | | 2.3 | |
WellPoint, Inc. (Bonds & Common Stock) | | | 4,365,292 | | 2.2 | |
Bank of America Corp. | | | 4,155,650 | | 2.1 | |
AT&T, Inc. | | | 4,013,050 | | 2.0 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 51,772,403 | | 26.4 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 51,907,184 | | 25.9 | % |
Industrials | | | 24,478,401 | | 12.2 | |
Health Care | | | 19,485,566 | | 9.7 | |
Information Technology | | | 15,367,611 | | 7.7 | |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | | | 11,756,316 | | 5.9 | |
Energy | | | 11,680,042 | | 5.8 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 10,513,716 | | 5.2 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 9,545,080 | | 4.8 | |
Mortgage Pass Throughs | | | 9,326,628 | | 4.6 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 6,285,634 | | 3.1 | |
Government Related | | | 5,692,557 | | 2.8 | |
U.S. Treasuries | | | 4,727,985 | | 2.4 | |
Other** | | | 11,048,476 | | 5.5 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 8,793,354 | | 4.4 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 200,608,550 | | 100.0 | % |
** | The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. “Other” represents less than 2.4% weightings in the following sectors: Asset Backed Securities, Corporate Sector, Materials, Mortgage CMOs, Non-Corporate Sectors and Utilities. |
| Please note: The sector classifications presented herein for the equity securities are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard and 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. The issuer classifications presented herein for the fixed income securities are based on the Lehman Brothers Fixed Income Indices developed by Lehman Brothers. The fund components are divided either into duration, country, bond ratings or corporate sectors as classified by Lehman Brothers. 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. |
2
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–64.5% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–20.7% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–4.9% | | | | | |
The Bank of New York Co., Inc. | | 17,300 | | $ | 716,912 |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | 8,700 | | | 1,885,725 |
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. | | 27,300 | | | 2,034,396 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. | | 35,600 | | | 2,975,448 |
Northern Trust Corp. | | 30,300 | | | 1,946,472 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,558,953 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–1.1% | | | | | |
Wachovia Corp. | | 7,000 | | | 358,750 |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | 53,500 | | | 1,881,595 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,240,345 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–7.4% | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. | | 85,000 | | | 4,155,650 |
Citigroup, Inc. | | 89,100 | | | 4,569,939 |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | 118,300 | | | 5,731,635 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 14,457,224 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–6.2% | | | | | |
ACE Ltd. | | 55,100 | | | 3,444,852 |
Allstate Corp. | | 10,000 | | | 615,100 |
American International Group, Inc. | | 85,500 | | | 5,987,565 |
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. | | 52,700 | | | 2,142,255 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 12,189,772 |
| | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–1.1% | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | 33,500 | | | 2,188,555 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 40,634,849 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–9.9% | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–0.6% | | | | | |
Becton Dickinson & Co. | | 17,500 | | | 1,303,750 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–5.6% | | | | | |
Aetna, Inc. | | 21,500 | | | 1,062,100 |
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a) | | 20,800 | | | 1,627,808 |
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.(a) | | 5,900 | | | 460,141 |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | 70,000 | | | 3,579,800 |
WellPoint, Inc.(a) | | 52,900 | | | 4,223,007 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,952,856 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–3.7% | | | | | |
Eli Lilly & Co. | | 38,100 | | | 2,129,028 |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | 30,100 | | | 1,498,980 |
Wyeth | | 62,800 | | | 3,600,952 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,228,960 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 19,485,566 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–7.8% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.3% | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 23,000 | | $ | 640,550 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–3.2% | | | | | |
International Business Machines Corp. | | 30,400 | | | 3,199,600 |
Sun Microsystems, Inc.(a) | | 575,300 | | | 3,026,078 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,225,678 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–0.9% | | | | | |
Accenture Ltd.—Class A | | 20,700 | | | 887,823 |
Fiserv, Inc.(a) | | 15,000 | | | 852,000 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,739,823 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–1.4% | | | | | |
Applied Materials, Inc. | | 95,000 | | | 1,887,650 |
International Rectifier Corp.(a) | | 23,400 | | | 871,884 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,759,534 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–2.0% | | | | | |
Microsoft Corp. | | 135,800 | | | 4,002,026 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 15,367,611 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–5.9% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–1.3% | | | | | |
Baker Hughes, Inc. | | 7,810 | | | 657,055 |
BJ Services Co. | | 11,200 | | | 318,528 |
Nabors Industries Ltd.(a) | | 50,600 | | | 1,689,028 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,664,611 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–4.6% | | | | | |
Chevron Corp. | | 32,000 | | | 2,695,680 |
ConocoPhillips | | 9,100 | | | 714,350 |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | 55,000 | | | 4,613,400 |
Noble Energy, Inc. | | 15,900 | | | 992,001 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,015,431 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,680,042 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–5.4% | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–0.6% | | | | | |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | 17,000 | | | 1,102,450 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–0.4% | | | | | |
Campbell Soup Co. | | 10,100 | | | 391,981 |
Kellogg Co. | | 6,200 | | | 321,098 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 713,079 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–2.3% | | | | | |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | 73,700 | | | 4,509,703 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–2.1% | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | 35,700 | | | 2,503,998 |
Loews Corp.—Carolina Group | | 21,800 | | | 1,684,486 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,188,484 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,513,716 |
| | | | | |
3
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BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
| | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–4.9% | | | | | |
HOTELS RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.1% | | | | | |
McDonald’s Corp. | | 2,500 | | $ | 126,900 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–4.1% | | | | | |
Comcast Corp.—Class A(a) | | 15,070 | | | 423,769 |
News Corp.—Class A | | 103,100 | | | 2,186,751 |
Time Warner, Inc. | | 211,300 | | | 4,445,752 |
Viacom, Inc.—Class B(a) | | 25,000 | | | 1,040,750 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,097,022 |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–0.7% | | | | | |
Kohl’s Corp.(a) | | 18,600 | | | 1,321,158 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,545,080 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–4.6% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.3% | | | | | |
United Technologies Corp. | | 35,000 | | | 2,482,550 |
| | | | | |
AIR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS–0.1% | | | | | |
United Parcel Service, Inc.— Class B | | 2,000 | | | 146,000 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–1.4% | | | | | |
Emerson Electric Co. | | 59,500 | | | 2,784,600 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.4% | | | | | |
General Electric Co. | | 74,040 | | | 2,834,251 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–0.4% | | | | | |
Danaher Corp. | | 9,400 | | | 709,700 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,957,101 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–3.2% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–3.2% | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | 96,700 | | | 4,013,050 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | 55,200 | | | 2,272,584 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,285,634 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–1.9% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–1.9% | | | | | |
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | | 41,200 | | | 3,311,244 |
E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co. | | 8,700 | | | 442,308 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,753,552 |
| | | | | |
UTILITIES–0.2% | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–0.2% | | | | | |
FirstEnergy Corp. | | 5,700 | | | 368,961 |
| | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $97,697,920) | | | | | 126,592,112 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
CORPORATES— INVESTMENT GRADES–13.7% | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–7.2% | | | | | | |
BASIC–1.0% | | | | | | |
The Dow Chemical Co. 7.375%, 11/01/29 | | $ | 15 | | $ | 16,235 |
Eastman Chemical Co. 7.25%, 1/15/24 | | | 175 | | | 180,454 |
EI Du Pont de Nemours & Co. 3.375%, 11/15/07 | | | 475 | | | 471,541 |
Inco Ltd. 7.75%, 5/15/12 | | | 495 | | | 533,593 |
Lubrizol Corp. 5.50%, 10/01/14 | | | 275 | | | 263,485 |
Noranda Inc. 6.00%, 10/15/15 | | | 295 | | | 294,873 |
Southern Copper Corp. 7.50%, 7/27/35 | | | 195 | | | 209,340 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,969,521 |
| | | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–0.4% | | | | | | |
CRH America, Inc. 6.00%, 9/30/16 | | | 250 | | | 247,186 |
Hanson Australia Funding Ltd. 5.25%, 3/15/13 | | | 155 | | | 151,525 |
Hutchison Whampoa International, Ltd. 7.45%, 11/24/33(b) | | | 100 | | | 110,372 |
Tyco International Group, SA 6.00%, 11/15/13 | | | 115 | | | 118,086 |
Waste Management, Inc. 6.375%, 11/15/12 | | | 175 | | | 178,980 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 806,149 |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS— MEDIA–0.8% | | | | | | |
BSKYB Finance UK PLC 5.625%, 10/15/15(b) | | | 120 | | | 115,685 |
News America Holdings, Inc. 8.25%, 10/17/96 | | | 60 | | | 68,251 |
9.25%, 2/01/13 | | | 100 | | | 115,716 |
News America, Inc. 5.30%, 12/15/14 | | | 100 | | | 96,601 |
The Thomson Corp. 5.75%, 2/01/08 | | | 460 | | | 460,386 |
Time Warner Entertainment Co. 8.375%, 3/15/23 | | | 400 | | | 459,174 |
Viacom, Inc. 7.875%, 7/30/30 | | | 60 | | | 62,043 |
WPP Finance Corp. 5.875%, 6/15/14 | | | 250 | | | 247,988 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,625,844 |
| | | | | | |
4
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| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
| | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS— TELECOMMUNICATIONS–1.8% | | | | | | |
AT&T Corp. 7.30%, 11/15/11 | | $ | 250 | | $ | 266,120 |
Bellsouth Capital Funding Corp. 7.12%, 7/15/97 | | | 360 | | | 360,848 |
BellSouth Corp. 5.20%, 9/15/14 | | | 345 | | | 331,074 |
Embarq Corp. 6.738%, 6/01/13 | | | 450 | | | 458,585 |
7.082%, 6/01/16 | | | 280 | | | 281,568 |
GTE Corp. 8.75%, 11/01/21 | | | 390 | | | 462,631 |
New Cingular Wireless 8.75%, 3/01/31 | | | 200 | | | 249,324 |
Nextel Communications, Inc. Series F 5.95%, 3/15/14 | | | 290 | | | 276,211 |
Qwest Corp. 7.875%, 9/01/11 | | | 200 | | | 208,500 |
Telus Corp. 8.00%, 6/01/11 | | | 100 | | | 106,935 |
Verizon Virginia, Inc. Series A 4.625%, 3/15/13 | | | 525 | | | 492,254 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 3,494,050 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL—AUTOMOTIVE–0.2% | | | | | | |
DaimlerChrysler North America 4.875%, 6/15/10 | | | 395 | | | 387,474 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL—OTHER–0.2% | | | | | | |
DR Horton, Inc. 6.50%, 4/15/16 | | | 80 | | | 76,541 |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. 7.375%, 11/15/15 | | | 181 | | | 179,093 |
7.875%, 5/01/12 | | | 98 | | | 102,052 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 357,686 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL—RETAILERS–0.1% | | | | | | |
CVS Corp. 6.125%, 8/15/16 | | | 150 | | | 148,700 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–1.3% | | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. 7.75%, 1/15/27 | | | 210 | | | 245,597 |
Boston Scientific Corp. 5.45%, 6/15/14 | | | 148 | | | 139,279 |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 6.875%, 8/01/97 | | | 425 | | | 437,997 |
Cadbury Schweppes US Finance LLC 5.125%, 10/01/13(b) | | | 190 | | | 182,528 |
Fisher Scientific International, Inc. 6.125%, 7/01/15 | | | 455 | | | 446,769 |
Kraft Foods, Inc. 5.25%, 10/01/13 | | | 195 | | | 187,506 |
| | | | | | |
| | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Safeway, Inc. 4.95%, 8/16/10 | | $ | 400 | | $ | 393,276 |
5.80%, 8/15/12 | | | 200 | | | 200,043 |
Wyeth 6.50%, 2/01/34 | | | 355 | | | 365,009 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,598,004 |
| | | | | | |
ENERGY–0.3% | | | | | | |
Amerada Hess Corp. 7.30%, 8/15/31 | | | 260 | | | 278,829 |
Valero Energy Corp. 4.75%, 6/15/13 | | | 300 | | | 284,528 |
XTO Energy, Inc. 7.50%, 4/15/12 | | | 100 | | | 107,510 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 670,867 |
| | | | | | |
SERVICES–0.2% | | | | | | |
The Western Union Co. 5.93%, 10/01/16 | | | 455 | | | 443,912 |
| | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY–0.6% | | | | | | |
Electronic Data Systems Corp. Series B 6.50%, 8/01/13 | | | 445 | | | 439,817 |
Hewlett-Packard Co. 3.625%, 3/15/08 | | | 475 | | | 468,999 |
Motorola, Inc. 6.50%, 9/01/25 | | | 105 | | | 100,437 |
7.50%, 5/15/25 | | | 20 | | | 21,043 |
7.625%, 11/15/10 | | | 64 | | | 67,454 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,097,750 |
| | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION— AIRLINES–0.2% | | | | | | |
Southwest Airlines Co. 5.25%, 10/01/14 | | | 455 | | | 430,711 |
| | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION— RAILROADS–0.1% | | | | | | |
CSX Corp. 5.50%, 8/01/13 | | | 100 | | | 98,051 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 14,128,719 |
| | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–5.6% | | | | | | |
BANKING–2.9% | | | | | | |
Bank of Tokyo—Mitsubishi UFJ 7.40%, 6/15/11 | | | 200 | | | 213,234 |
Barclays Bank PLC 8.55%, 6/15/11(b)(c) | | | 50 | | | 55,062 |
The Chuo Mitsui Trust & Banking Co., Ltd. 5.506%, 4/15/15(b)(c) | | | 300 | | | 283,169 |
Dresdner Funding Trust I 8.151%, 6/30/31(b) | | | 295 | | | 339,770 |
Fuji JGB Investment 9.87%, 6/30/08(b)(c) | | | 240 | | | 249,485 |
HBOS PLC 5.375%, 11/01/13(b)(c) | | | 250 | | | 242,082 |
HSBC Bank USA 5.875%, 11/01/34 | | | 310 | | | 295,218 |
Northern Rock PLC 5.60%, 4/30/14(b)(c) | | | 445 | | | 424,769 |
5
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
| | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Popular North America, Inc. 4.25%, 4/01/08 | | $ | 470 | | $ | 465,188 |
Rabobank Capital Funding II 5.26%, 12/31/13(b)(c) | | | 230 | | | 220,569 |
RBS Capital Trust III 5.512%, 9/30/14(c) | | | 495 | | | 475,749 |
Resona Preferred Global Securities 7.191%, 7/30/15(b)(c) | | | 413 | | | 422,296 |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC 7.648%, 9/30/31(c) | | | 250 | | | 278,725 |
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. 5.625%, 10/15/15(b)(c) | | | 135 | | | 128,655 |
UBS Preferred Funding Trust II 7.247%, 6/26/11(c) | | | 250 | | | 263,854 |
UBS Preferred Funding Trust V Series 1 6.243%, 5/15/16(c) | | | 465 | | | 466,836 |
UFJ Finance Aruba AEC 6.75%, 7/15/13 | | | 335 | | | 353,725 |
Unicredito Italiano Capital Trust II 9.20%, 10/05/10(b)(c) | | | 330 | | | 364,393 |
Wachovia Capital Trust III 5.80%, 3/15/11(c) | | | 130 | | | 129,434 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 5,672,213 |
| | | | | | |
BROKERAGE–0.3% | | | | | | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. 5.70%, 9/01/12 | | | 470 | | | 469,715 |
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. 7.875%, 8/15/10 | | | 150 | | | 159,948 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 629,663 |
| | | | | | |
FINANCE–1.0% | | | | | | |
Capital One Bank 6.50%, 6/13/13 | | | 400 | | | 410,818 |
Countrywide Financial Corp. 6.25%, 5/15/16 | | | 460 | | | 451,767 |
General Electric Capital Corp. 5.875%, 2/15/12 | | | 500 | | | 505,853 |
iStar Financial, Inc. 6.00%, 12/15/10 | | | 200 | | | 200,844 |
Series B | | | | | | |
5.70%, 3/01/14 | | | 200 | | | 195,123 |
SLM Corp. 5.375%, 1/15/13 | | | 190 | | | 167,789 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,932,194 |
| | | | | | |
INSURANCE–1.2% | | | | | | |
American RE Corp. Series B 7.45%, 12/15/26 | | | 140 | | | 155,497 |
CNA Financial Corp. 5.85%, 12/15/14 | | | 85 | | | 83,303 |
| | | | | | |
| | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. 6.375%, 11/01/08 | | $ | 125 | | $ | 126,559 |
ING Groep NV 5.775%, 12/08/15(c) | | | 470 | | | 453,009 |
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc. 5.75%, 3/15/14(b) | | | 350 | | | 338,605 |
Lincoln National Corp. 7.00%, 5/17/66(c) | | | 445 | | | 456,606 |
North Front Pass Through Trust 5.81%, 12/15/24(b)(c) | | | 500 | | | 483,151 |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. 5.25%, 3/15/11 | | | 200 | | | 197,893 |
WellPoint, Inc. 5.25%, 1/15/16 | | | 150 | | | 142,285 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,436,908 |
| | | | | | |
REITS–0.2% | | | | | | |
Regency Centers LP 5.25%, 8/01/15 | | | 300 | | | 285,504 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 10,956,482 |
| | | | | | |
UTILITY–0.8% | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC–0.3% | | | | | | |
Consumers Energy Co. Series B 5.375%, 4/15/13 | | | 150 | | | 147,615 |
SPI Electricity & Gas Australia Holdings Pty Ltd. 6.15%, 11/15/13(b) | | | 250 | | | 252,791 |
TXU Energy Co. LLC 7.00%, 3/15/13 | | | 160 | | | 165,038 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 565,444 |
| | | | | | |
NATURAL GAS–0.5% | | | | | | |
CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. Series B 7.875%, 4/01/13 | | | 450 | | | 491,191 |
Enterprise Products Operating L.P. Series B 5.60%, 10/15/14 | | | 150 | | | 145,819 |
Texas Eastern Transmission Corp. 7.30%, 12/01/10 | | | 350 | | | 368,163 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,005,173 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,570,617 |
| | | | | | |
NON CORPORATE SECTORS–0.1% | | | | | | |
AGENCIES—NOT GOVERNMENT GUARANTEED–0.1% | | | | | | |
Petronas Capital, Ltd. 7.00%, 5/22/12(b) | | | 150 | | | 159,297 |
| | | | | | |
Total Corporates—Investment Grades (cost $27,261,993) | | | | | | 26,815,115 |
| | | | | | |
6
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
| | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES–6.0% | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE CMBS–5.9% | | | | | | |
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc. Series 2001-PB1, Class A2 5.787%, 5/11/35 | | $ | 1,571 | | $ | 1,578,023 |
Series 2005-1, Class A3 4.877%, 11/10/42 | | | 2,000 | | | 1,968,169 |
Series 2006-5, Class A4 5.414%, 9/10/47 | | | 300 | | | 290,526 |
Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities, Inc. Series 2005-PWR9, Class A4A 4.871%, 9/11/42 | | | 2,000 | | | 1,881,134 |
Greenwich Capital Commercial Funding Corp. Series 2005-GG3, Class A4 4.799%, 8/10/42(c) | | | 900 | | | 846,688 |
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II Series 2004-GG2, Class A6 5.396%, 8/10/38(c) | | | 600 | | | 586,917 |
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp. Series 2005-LDP3, Class A2 4.851%, 8/15/42 | | | 1,500 | | | 1,465,792 |
Series 2006-CB15, Class A4 5.814%, 6/12/43(c) | | | 176 | | | 174,832 |
LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2006-C1, Class A4 5.156%, 2/15/31 | | | 1,500 | | | 1,433,757 |
Morgan Stanley Capital I Series 2005-HQ5, Class A4 5.168%, 1/14/42 | | | 1,500 | | | 1,440,476 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 11,666,314 |
| | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY ADJUSTABLE RATE CMBS–0.1% | | | | | | |
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II Series 2007-EOP, Class E 5.76%, 3/06/20(b)(d) | | | 90 | | | 90,002 |
| | | | | | |
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $12,184,056) | | | | | | 11,756,316 |
| | | | | | |
MORTGAGE PASS-THRU’S–4.8% | | | | | | |
FIXED RATE 30-YEAR–2.6% | | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 6.00%, TBA | | | 2,325 | | | 2,301,025 |
Series 2006 7.00%, 8/01/36 | | | 1,060 | | | 1,087,890 |
Federal National Mortgage Association 6.50%, TBA | | | 710 | | | 716,656 |
| | | | | | |
| | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Series 2006 5.00%, 1/01/37 | | $ | 55 | | $ | 51,579 |
Series 2007 5.00%, 5/01/37 | | | 1,000 | | | 936,897 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 5,094,047 |
| | | | | | |
FIXED RATE 15-YEAR–1.0% | | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association 5.00%, TBA | | | 1,920 | | | 1,855,200 |
| | | | | | |
AGENCY ARMS–0.9% | | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Series 2006 6.03%, 9/01/36(d) | | | 523 | | | 527,055 |
Series 2007 6.05%, 4/01/37(d) | | | 358 | | | 359,524 |
Federal National Mortgage Association Series 2007 5.943%, 2/01/37(d) | | | 550 | | | 552,371 |
6.056%, 2/01/37(d) | | | 360 | | | 363,091 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,802,041 |
| | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY ARMS–0.3% | | | | | | |
Banc of America Funding Corp. Series 2007-C, Class 1A3 5.763%, 5/20/36(d) | | | 334 | | | 329,059 |
Bear Stearns Alt-A Trust Series 2006-3, Class 22A1 6.219%, 5/25/36(c) | | | 245 | | | 246,281 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 575,340 |
| | | | | | |
Total Mortgage Pass-Thru’s (cost $9,366,342) | | | | | | 9,326,628 |
| | | | | | |
U.S. TREASURIES–1.7% | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds 4.50%, 2/15/36 | | | 2,870 | | | 2,598,696 |
8.75%, 5/15/17 | | | 300 | | | 384,375 |
U.S. Treasury Notes 4.875%, 5/31/08 | | | 340 | | | 339,681 |
| | | | | | |
Total U.S. Treasuries (cost $3,420,066) | | | | | | 3,322,752 |
| | | | | | |
GOVERNMENT-RELATED—NON-U.S. ISSUERS–1.5% | | | | | | |
SOVEREIGNS–1.4% | | | | | | |
Russian Federation 7.50%, 3/31/30(b)(e) | | | 1,284 | | | 1,408,696 |
United Mexican States 5.625%, 1/15/17 | | | 1,080 | | | 1,057,320 |
7.50%, 1/14/12 | | | 330 | | | 353,595 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,819,611 |
| | | | | | |
AGENCIES–0.1% | | | | | | |
Korea Development Bank 5.75%, 9/10/13 | | | 200 | | | 201,420 |
| | | | | | |
Total Government-Related—Non-U.S. Issuers (cost $3,114,592) | | | | | | 3,021,031 |
| | | | | | |
7
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
| | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES–1.3% | | | | | | |
HOME EQUITY LOANS—FLOATING RATE–0.6% | | | | | | |
Household Home Equity Loan Series 2007-1, Class M1 5.70%, 3/20/36(d) | | $ | 365 | | $ | 364,730 |
Newcastle 2007-1 2A1 5.43%, 4/25/37(d) | | | 345 | | | 345,000 |
Option One Mortgage Loan Trust Series 2007-2, Class M1 5.68%, 3/25/37(d) | | | 125 | | | 124,712 |
RAAC Series Series 2006-SP3, Class A1 5.40%, 8/25/36(d) | | | 86 | | | 85,627 |
Soundview Home Equity Loan Trust Series 2007-OPT2, Class 2A2 5.44%, 7/25/37(d) | | | 350 | | | 350,017 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,270,086 |
| | | | | | |
HOME EQUITY LOANS— FIXED RATE–0.4% | | | | | | |
Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates Series 2007-S1, Class A3 5.81%, 11/25/36(c) | | | 375 | | | 367,733 |
Credit-Based Asset Servicing and Securities, Inc. Series 2005-CB7, Class AF2 5.147%, 11/25/35(e) | | | 160 | | | 159,027 |
Home Equity Mortgage Trust Series 2005-4, Class A3 4.742%, 1/25/36(e) | | | 156 | | | 154,884 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 681,644 |
| | | | | | |
AUTOS—FIXED RATE–0.2% | | | | | | |
Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust Series 2005-SN1A, Class A3A 4.10%, 6/15/08 | | | 119 | | | 118,732 |
Capital One Prime Auto Receivables Trust Series 2005-1, Class A3 4.32%, 8/15/09 | | | 271 | | | 270,195 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 388,927 |
| | | | | | |
OTHER—FLOATING RATE–0.1% | | | | | | |
Libertas Preferred Funding Ltd. Series 2007-3A, Class 2 5.999%, 4/09/47(b)(d) | | | 260 | | | 239,208 |
| | | | | | |
Total Asset-Backed Securities (cost $2,598,904) | | | | | | 2,579,865 |
| | | | | | |
GOVERNMENT-RELATED— U.S. AGENCIES–1.1% | | | | | | |
AGENCY DEBENTURES–1.1% | | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association 6.625%, 10/15/07 (cost $2,251,689) | | | 2,250 | | | 2,256,894 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
EMERGING MARKETS— NON-INVESTMENT GRADES–0.9% | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
NON CORPORATE SECTORS–0.9% | | | | | | |
SOVEREIGN–0.9% | | | | | | |
Republic of Brazil 8.25%, 1/20/34 | | $ | 855 | | $ | 1,049,940 |
Republic of Panama 9.375%, 4/01/29 | | | 270 | | | 357,750 |
Republic of Peru 8.75%, 11/21/33 | | | 275 | | | 356,125 |
| | | | | | |
Total Emerging Markets— Non-Investment Grades (cost $1,834,266) | | | | | | 1,763,815 |
| | | | | | |
INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES–0.7% | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Notes 2.375%, 4/15/11 (TIPS) (cost $1,400,617) | | | 1,421 | | | 1,405,233 |
| | | | | | |
CORPORATES—NON-INVESTMENT GRADES–0.6% | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–0.6% | | | | | | |
BASIC–0.1% | | | | | | |
Packaging Corp. of America 4.375%, 8/01/08 | | | 200 | | | 197,039 |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS— MEDIA–0.2% | | | | | | |
Clear Channel Communications, Inc. 5.50%, 9/15/14 | | | 215 | | | 183,731 |
DIRECTV Holdings LLC 6.375%, 6/15/15 | | | 64 | | | 60,160 |
RH Donnelley Corp. Series A-3 8.875%, 1/15/16 | | | 225 | | | 234,000 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 477,891 |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS— TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.1% | | | | | | |
Windstream Corp. 8.125%, 8/01/13 | | | 214 | | | 223,630 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL—AUTOMOTIVE–0.1% | | | | | | |
Ford Motor Credit Co. 4.95%, 1/15/08 | | | 170 | | | 168,727 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL— OTHER–0.1% | | | | | | |
MGM Mirage 6.75%, 9/01/12 | | | 60 | | | 57,300 |
Wynn Las Vegas LLC/Corp. 6.625%, 12/01/14 | | | 45 | | | 43,369 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 100,669 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,167,956 |
| | | | | | |
8
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
| | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–0.0% | | | | | | |
INSURANCE–0.0% | | | | | | |
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc. 7.80%, 3/15/37(b) | | $ | 100 | | $ | 94,153 |
| | | | | | |
Total Corporates— Non-Investment Grades (cost $1,281,894) | | | | | | 1,262,109 |
| | | | | | |
| | |
| | Shares | | |
NON-CONVERTIBLE— PREFERRED STOCKS–0.5% | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
UTILITY–0.3% | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC–0.3% | | | | | | |
DTE Energy Trust I 7.80% | | | 20,000 | | | 509,000 |
| | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–0.1% | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS— TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.1% | | | | | | |
Centaur Funding Corp. 9.08%(b) | | | 200 | | | 224,625 |
| | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–0.1% | | | | | | |
BANKING–0.1% | | | | | | |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC 5.75% | | | 10,000 | | | 221,700 |
| | | | | | |
Total Non-Convertible— Preferred Stocks (cost $982,616) | | | | | | 955,325 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | |
GOVERNMENT-RELATED— U.S. OTHER ISSUERS–0.2% | | | | | | | |
MUNICIPAL BONDS–0.2% | | | | | | | |
Dallas-Fort Worth Texas International Airport Facilities Improvement Corp. MBIA FSA 7.07%, 11/01/24 (cost $409,347) | | $ | 400 | | $ | 414,632 | |
| | | | | | | |
CORPORATES–0.1% | | | | | | | |
Mobile Telesystems Finance 9.75%, 1/30/08(b) (cost $234,397) | | | 230 | | | 234,117 | |
| | | | | | | |
MORTGAGE CMO’S–0.1% | | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY ADJUSTABLE RATE–0.1% | | | | | | | |
Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust Series 2007-OA3, Class M1 5.63%, 4/25/47(d) (cost $109,833) | | | 110 | | | 109,252 | |
| | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–4.5% | | | | | | | |
AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES–4.1% | | | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Zero Coupon, 7/09/07 | | | 2,995 | | | 2,992,029 | |
Federal National Mortgage Association Zero Coupon, 7/27/07 | | | 4,990 | | | 4,972,325 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 7,964,354 | |
| | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–0.4% | | | | | | | |
The Bank of New York 4.25%, 7/02/07 | | | 829 | | | 829,000 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total Short-Term Investments (cost $8,793,357) | | | | | | 8,793,354 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–102.2% (cost $172,941,889) | | | | | | 200,608,550 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(2.2)% | | | | | | (4,381,883 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 196,226,667 | |
| | | | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2007, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $6,663,480 or 3.4% of net assets. |
(c) | Variable rate coupon, rate shown as of June 30, 2007. |
(d) | Floating Rate Security. Stated interest rate was in effect at June 30, 2007. |
(e) | Coupon rate adjusts periodically based upon a predetermined schedule. Stated interest rate in effect at June 30, 2007. |
| FSA—Financial Security Assurance Inc. |
| MBIA—Municipal Bond Investors Assurance |
| TIPS—Treasury Inflation Protected Security |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
9
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | |
ASSETS | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $172,941,889) | | $ | 200,608,550 |
Cash | | | 210,798 |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 2,852,369 |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 896,357 |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 1,860 |
| | | |
Total assets | | | 204,569,934 |
| | | |
LIABILITIES | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 7,919,072 |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 140,293 |
Advisory fee payable | | | 93,418 |
Administrative fee payable | | | 19,223 |
Distribution fee payable | | | 9,097 |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 |
Accrued expenses | | | 162,105 |
| | | |
Total liabilities | | | 8,343,267 |
| | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 196,226,667 |
| | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 9,808 |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 158,330,940 |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 2,443,261 |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 7,775,997 |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments | | | 27,666,661 |
| | | |
| | $ | 196,226,667 |
| | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 153,875,119 | | 7,681,837 | | $ | 20.03 |
B | | $ | 42,351,548 | | 2,126,159 | | $ | 19.92 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Interest | | $ | 2,008,119 | |
Dividends | | | 1,241,889 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 3,250,008 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 558,112 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 54,323 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,069 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 291 | |
Custodian | | | 74,243 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Printing | | | 23,574 | |
Audit | | | 19,111 | |
Legal | | | 7,747 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 739 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 3,648 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 789,857 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 2,460,151 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 8,093,867 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (3,828,955 | ) |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment transactions | | | 4,264,912 | |
| | | | |
Contribution from Adviser (see Note B) | | | 352,186 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 7,077,249 | |
| | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
11
| | |
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 2,460,151 | | | $ | 5,203,090 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 8,093,867 | | | | 4,453,419 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (3,828,955 | ) | | | 13,257,971 | |
Contribution from Adviser | | | 352,186 | | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 7,077,249 | | | | 22,914,480 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (4,174,710 | ) | | | (4,150,250 | ) |
Class B | | | (1,026,872 | ) | | | (985,740 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (3,457,536 | ) | | | (4,500,374 | ) |
Class B | | | (940,615 | ) | | | (1,194,218 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (9,468,177 | ) | | | (24,364,070 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (11,990,661 | ) | | | (12,280,172 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 208,217,328 | | | | 220,497,500 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $2,443,261 and $5,184,692, respectively) | | $ | 196,226,667 | | | $ | 208,217,328 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12
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BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Balanced Shares Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is total return consistent with reasonable risk, through a combination of income and long-term growth of capital. Prior to February 1, 2006, the Portfolio’s investment objective was to seek to achieve a high return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
13
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BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. 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 asked 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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the Portfolio’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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio 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 Portfolio amortizes premiums or accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .55% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .625% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
During the period ended June 30, 2007, and in response to the Independent Director’s request, the Adviser made a payment of $352,186 to the Portfolio in connection with an error made by the Adviser in processing a claim for class action settlement proceeds on behalf of the Portfolio.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
14
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007 amounted to $38,543, none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser at an annual rate of up to ..50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | Sales |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 36,291,188 | | $ | 36,281,641 |
U.S. government securities | | | 18,878,975 | | | 39,798,240 |
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 are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 29,624,467 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (1,957,806 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 27,666,661 | |
| | | | |
1. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contracts and the closing of such contracts 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 depreciation by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars, reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
15
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BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
3. Dollar Rolls
The Portfolio may enter into dollar rolls. Dollar rolls involve sales by the Portfolio of securities for delivery in the current month and the Portfolio’s simultaneously contracting to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Portfolio forgoes principal and interest paid on the securities. The Portfolio is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Portfolio is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. Dollar rolls are speculative techniques and may be considered to be borrowings by the Portfolio. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio earned income of $954 from dollar rolls which is included in interest income in the accompanying statement of operations.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 172,838 | | | 249,152 | | | | | $ | 3,604,851 | | | $ | 4,829,243 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 378,584 | | | 475,571 | | | | | | 7,632,246 | | | | 8,650,624 | |
Shares redeemed | | (923,993 | ) | | (1,795,391 | ) | | | | | (18,939,657 | ) | | | (34,393,034 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (372,571 | ) | | (1,070,668 | ) | | | | $ | (7,702,560 | ) | | $ | (20,913,167 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 42,406 | | | 93,891 | | | | | $ | 879,678 | | | $ | 1,805,722 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 98,129 | | | 120,506 | | | | | | 1,967,487 | | | | 2,179,958 | |
Shares redeemed | | (225,056 | ) | | (391,247 | ) | | | | | (4,612,782 | ) | | | (7,436,583 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (84,521 | ) | | (176,850 | ) | | | | $ | (1,765,617 | ) | | $ | (3,450,903 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
16
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk—Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments in fixed-income debt securities such as bonds or notes. Increases in interest rates may cause the value of the Portfolio’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 risk 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.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 5,352,104 | | $ | 5,811,401 | |
Long-term capital gains | | | 5,478,478 | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 10,830,582 | | | 5,811,401 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 10,830,582 | | $ | 5,811,401 | |
| | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 5,583,172 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 3,961,239 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 31,216,178 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 40,760,589 | |
| | | | |
(a) | The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
17
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BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
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On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the
19
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BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
20
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BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $20.31 | | | $19.18 | | | $18.94 | | | $17.76 | | | $15.30 | | | $17.65 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .25 | | | .49 | | | .43 | | | .46 | (b) | | .42 | | | .45 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | .44 | | | 1.66 | | | .30 | | | 1.12 | | | 2.47 | | | (2.29 | ) |
Contribution from Adviser | | .04 | | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | .73 | | | 2.15 | | | .73 | | | 1.58 | | | 2.89 | | | (1.84 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.55 | ) | | (.49 | ) | | (.49 | ) | | (.40 | ) | | (.43 | ) | | (.32 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (.46 | ) | | (.53 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | (.19 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.01 | ) | | (1.02 | ) | | (.49 | ) | | (.40 | ) | | (.43 | ) | | (.51 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $20.03 | | | $20.31 | | | $19.18 | | | $18.94 | | | $17.76 | | | $15.30 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 3.57 | % | | 11.79 | % | | 3.91 | % | | 9.07 | % | | 19.05 | % | | (10.58 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $153,875 | | | $163,608 | | | $175,005 | | | $193,600 | | | $197,334 | | | $171,670 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .72 | %(d) | | .73 | %(e) | | .71 | % | | .71 | % | | .79 | % | | .79 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .72 | %(d) | | .73 | %(e) | | .71 | % | | .76 | % | | .79 | % | | .79 | % |
Net investment income | | 2.48 | %(d) | | 2.53 | %(e) | | 2.29 | % | | 2.57 | %(b) | | 2.60 | % | | 2.76 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 28 | % | | 40 | % | | 52 | % | | 60 | % | | 81 | % | | 57 | % |
See footnote summary on page 22.
21
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BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $20.18 | | | $19.05 | | | $18.83 | | | $17.69 | | | $15.27 | | | $17.65 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .23 | | | .44 | | | .38 | | | .43 | (b) | | .36 | | | .39 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | .43 | | | 1.66 | | | .29 | | | 1.10 | | | 2.48 | | | (2.27 | ) |
Contribution from Adviser | | .04 | | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | .70 | | | 2.10 | | | .67 | | | 1.53 | | | 2.84 | | | (1.88 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.50 | ) | | (.44 | ) | | (.45 | ) | | (.39 | ) | | (.42 | ) | | (.31 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (.46 | ) | | (.53 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | (.19 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.96 | ) | | (.97 | ) | | (.45 | ) | | (.39 | ) | | (.42 | ) | | (.50 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $19.92 | | | $20.18 | | | $19.05 | | | $18.83 | | | $17.69 | | | $15.27 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 3.43 | % | | 11.56 | % | | 3.61 | % | | 8.79 | % | | 18.78 | % | | (10.80 | )% |
| | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $42,352 | | | $44,609 | | | $45,493 | | | $45,047 | | | $23,417 | | | $3,302 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .97 | %(d) | | .98 | %(e) | | .96 | % | | .96 | % | | 1.05 | % | | 1.05 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .97 | %(d) | | .98 | %(e) | | .96 | % | | 1.01 | % | | 1.05 | % | | 1.05 | % |
Net investment income | | 2.23 | %(d) | | 2.28 | %(e) | | 2.04 | % | | 2.35 | %(b) | | 2.29 | % | | 2.51 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 28 | % | | 40 | % | | 52 | % | | 60 | % | | 81 | % | | 57 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses waived or reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(c) | 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
22
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BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE PORTFOLIO’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AllianceBernstein Balanced Shares Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2007.
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 Fund’s Senior Officer (who is also the Fund’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fees in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fees for the Portfolio were reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Fund’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio 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 AllianceBernstein 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio and the overall arrangements between the Portfolio 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 research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Portfolio. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Portfolio’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Portfolio will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services provided at the Portfolio’s request by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are approved by the directors on a quarterly basis and (to the extent requested and paid) result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Portfolio to the Adviser than the fee rates stated in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Portfolio’s other service providers, also were considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Portfolio 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 Portfolio to the Adviser for calendar years 2005 and 2006 that had been prepared with an updated expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The directors reviewed the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and noted 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 Portfolio, including those relating to its subsidiaries which provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Portfolio. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability from fund advisory contracts because comparative
23
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BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that they were satisfied that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Portfolio was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Portfolio other than the fees and expense reimbursements payable under the Advisory Agreement, including but not limited to benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby the Adviser receives brokerage and research services from many of the brokers and dealers that execute purchases and sales of securities on behalf of its clients on an agency basis), 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 the Portfolio’s Class B shares, transfer agency fees paid by the Portfolio to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, and brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio to brokers affiliated with the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors also understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Portfolio.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the meeting, the directors receive detailed comparative performance information for the Portfolio at each regular Board meeting during the year. The directors noted that the Portfolio is a clone of another fund managed by the Adviser (the “Corresponding Fund”) and is managed to track the investment performance of its Corresponding Fund, although investment results may differ between the Portfolio and its Corresponding Fund due to differences in their expense ratios and other factors. At the meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Lipper showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Portfolio as compared to a group of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Group”) and as compared to a broader array of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Universe”), and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares as compared to a composite index (60% Russell 1000 Value Index/40% Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Index) (the “Index”), in each case for periods ended December 31, 2006 over the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (December 1992 inception). The directors noted that in the Performance Group and Performance Universe comparisons the Portfolio was in the 3rd quintile in the 1- and 5-year periods, 4th quintile in the 3-year period, and 1st quintile in the 10-year period. The comparative information showed that the Portfolio underperformed the Index in all periods reviewed. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Portfolio’s relative performance over time had been satisfactory.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser and information prepared by Lipper concerning fee rates paid by other funds in the same Lipper category as the Portfolio 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 Adviser informed the directors that there are no institutional products managed by it which have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. The directors reviewed information in the Adviser’s Form ADV and noted that it charged institutional clients lower fees for advising comparably sized accounts using strategies that differ from those of the Portfolio but which involve investments in securities of the same type that the Portfolio invests in (i.e., equity and fixed income securities). The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio has higher rates and breakpoint levels than the fee schedule applicable to its Corresponding Fund (which was organized many years before the Portfolio).
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Portfolio relative to institutional clients. The Adviser also noted that since mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets are relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Portfolio in comparison to the fees and expenses of funds within two comparison groups created by Lipper: an Expense Group and an Expense Universe. Lipper described an Expense Group as a representative sample of funds comparable to the Portfolio and an Expense Universe as a broader group, consisting of all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the Portfolio. The Class A expense ratio of the Portfolio was based on the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year expense ratio. The directors recognized
24
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
that the expense ratio information for the Portfolio potentially reflected on the Adviser’s provision of services, as the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Portfolio by others. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some funds in the Portfolio’s Lipper category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases were voluntary and perhaps temporary.
The directors noted that the Portfolio’s at approximate current size contractual advisory effective fee rate of 55 basis points, plus the 4 basis point impact of the latest fiscal year administrative expense reimbursement by the Portfolio pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, was lower than the Expense Group median. The directors also noted that the Portfolio’s total expense ratio was lower than the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians. The directors concluded that the Portfolio’s expense ratio was satisfactory.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors also considered presentations by an independent consultant discussing economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AllianceBernstein Funds. 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 establishing breakpoints that give effect to 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 Portfolio, 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 Portfolio’s breakpoint arrangements would result in a sharing of economies of scale in the event of a very significant increase in the Portfolio’s net assets.
25
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BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein Balanced Shares Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Balanced | | 55 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 45 bp on next $2.5 billion 40 bp on the balance | | $ | 202.9 | | Balanced Shares Portfolio |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $86,750 (0.04 % of the Fund’s average daily net assets) for such services.
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s total expense ratios for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year |
Balanced Shares Portfolio | | Class A 0.73 Class B 0.98 | % % | | December 31 |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2007 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 1-3, 2007. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | The AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were also affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients and sub-advised investment companies include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than managing that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if a fund is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different and legal and reputational risks are greater, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. However, with respect to the Portfolio, the Adviser represented that there is no institutional product that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio.
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Balanced Shares, Inc. a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Balanced Shares, Inc.:4
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee | |
Balanced Shares Portfolio | | Balanced Shares, Inc. | | 0.60% on first $200 million 0.50% on next $200 million 0.40% on the balance | | 0.60 | % |
The Adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment company with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services offered by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”)5 at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.6
4 | Although AllianceBernstein Balanced Shares, Inc. was affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG, the fund’s fee schedule was not amended since the fund already had lower breakpoints than the NYAG related master fee schedule. |
5 | It should be noted that Lipper does not consider average account size when constructing EGs. Funds with relatively small average account sizes tend to have higher transfer agent expense ratios than comparable sized funds that have relatively large average account sizes. Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
6 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that the Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
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BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee 7 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Balanced Shares Portfolio | | 0.550 | | 0.644 | | 3/19 |
Lipper also analyzed the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio in comparison to the Portfolio’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU8 is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective and load type as the subject Portfolio.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)9 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Balanced Shares Portfolio | | 0.714 | | 0.767 | | 6/19 | | 0.750 | | 15/35 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
The Adviser utilizes two profitability reporting systems, which operate independently but are aligned with each other, to estimate the Adviser’s profitability in connection with investment advisory services provided to the Portfolio. The Senior Officer has retained a consultant to provide independent advice regarding the alignment of the two profitability systems as well as the methodologies and allocations utilized by both profitability systems. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The Portfolio’s profitability information, prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors, was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio decreased during calendar year 2006, relative to 2005.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship provided the affiliates’ charges and services are competitive. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, and brokerage commissions. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur.
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $109,918 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection with Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $311,756 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
7 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. |
8 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
9 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
28
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, recordkeeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the relevant intermediary over the year.
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability decreased in 2006 in comparison to 2005. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $783 from the Portfolio.10
The Portfolio may effect brokerage transactions in the future through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and pay commissions for such transactions. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from any future business conducted with the Portfolio would be comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients. These credits and charges are not being passed onto any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for its clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding economies of scale and/or scope. Based on the independent consultant’s initial survey, there was a consensus that fund management companies benefited from economies of scale. However, due to the lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders.
The independent consultant conducted further studies of the Adviser’s operations to determine the existence of economies of scale and/or scope within the Adviser. The independent consultant also analyzed patterns related to advisory fees at the industry level. In a recent presentation to the Board of Directors, the independent consultant noted the potential for economies of scale and/or scope through the use of “pooling portfolios” and blend products. The independent consultant also remarked that there may be diseconomies as assets grow in less liquid and active markets. It was also observed that various factors, including fund size, family size, asset class, and investment style, had an impact on advisory fees.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $742 billion as of March 31, 2007, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information prepared by Lipper shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance rankings of the Portfolio11 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)12 for the periods ended December 31, 2006.13
| | | | | | | | | | |
Balanced Shares Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 11.79 | | 11.79 | | 11.78 | | 9/19 | | 31/64 |
3 year | | 8.21 | | 9.22 | | 8.97 | | 12/19 | | 29/47 |
5 year | | 6.17 | | 5.83 | | 6.12 | | 9/19 | | 22/44 |
10 year | | 8.89 | | 6.43 | | 6.65 | | 3/18 | | 3/33 |
10 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
11 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio shown were provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. Rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s Portfolio returns to be one or two basis points different from Lipper’s own Portfolio returns. To maintain consistency, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
12 | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s EU as the criteria for including in or excluding a fund from a PU is somewhat different from that of an EU. |
13 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the fund even if a fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
29
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)14 versus its benchmark.15 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.16
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending December 31, 2006 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Balanced Shares Portfolio | | 11.79 | | 8.21 | | 6.17 | | 8.89 | | 9.40 | | 9.79 | | 0.54 | | 10 |
Russell 1000 Value Index | | 22.25 | | 15.09 | | 10.86 | | 11.00 | �� | 12.99 | | 14.21 | | 0.54 | | 10 |
Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Bond Index | | 3.78 | | 3.44 | | 5.17 | | 6.26 | | 6.49 | | 4.20 | | 0.58 | | 10 |
60% Russell 1000 Value Index/40% Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Index | | 14.86 | | 10.43 | | 8.58 | | 9.10 | | 10.39 | | N/A | | N/A | | N/A |
Inception Date: December 28, 1992
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: June 4, 2007
14 | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
15 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through December 31, 2006. It should be noted that the “since inception” performance returns of the Portfolio’s benchmark goes back only through the nearest month-end after inception date. In contrast, the Portfolio’s since inception return goes back to the Portfolio’s actual inception date. |
16 | Portfolio and benchmark volatility and Sharpe Ratio information was obtained through Lipper LANA, a database maintained by Lipper. Volatility is a statistical measure of the tendency of a market price or yield to vary over time. A Sharpe Ratio is a risk adjusted measure of return that divides a portfolio’s return in excess of the riskless return by the portfolio’s standard deviation. A portfolio with a greater volatility would be seen as more risky than a portfolio with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky portfolio. A portfolio with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a portfolio with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
30
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,043.38 | | $ | 3.85 | | 0.76 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,021.03 | | $ | 3.81 | | 0.76 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,041.26 | | $ | 5.11 | | 1.01 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.79 | | $ | 5.06 | | 1.01 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes' annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Federal National Mortgage Assoc. (Common Stock and Bonds) | | $ | 18,522,640 | | 10.6 | % |
U.S. Treasury Bonds & Notes | | | 10,045,896 | | 5.7 | |
Federal Gold Loan Mortgage Corp. | | | 3,432,909 | | 2.0 | |
Kreditanstalt feur Wiederaufbau | | | 2,452,612 | | 1.4 | |
Google, Inc.-Class A | | | 2,093,520 | | 1.2 | |
Japan Finance Corp. for Municipal Enterprises | | | 2,072,093 | | 1.2 | |
Apple Computer, Inc. | | | 2,050,272 | | 1.2 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | 1,836,972 | | 1.1 | |
WellPoint, Inc. (Common Stock & Bonds) | | | 1,627,029 | | 0.9 | |
Credit Suisse Group | | | 1,505,381 | | 0.9 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 45,639,324 | | 26.2 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Finance | | $ | 43,711,926 | | 24.0 | % |
Mortgage Pass Throughs | | | 23,667,752 | | 13.0 | |
Information Technology | | | 13,151,053 | | 7.2 | |
Industrials | | | 12,372,200 | | 6.8 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 10,409,660 | | 5.7 | |
U.S. Treasuries | | | 10,045,895 | | 5.5 | |
Health Care | | | 9,688,401 | | 5.3 | |
Government Related | | | 9,023,156 | | 5.0 | |
Energy | | | 7,624,122 | | 4.2 | |
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities | | | 7,183,366 | | 4.0 | |
Materials | | | 6,370,827 | | 3.5 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 5,812,973 | | 3.2 | |
Other** | | | 11,293,006 | | 6.2 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 11,668,904 | | 6.4 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 182,023,241 | | 100.0 | % |
** | The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. “Other” represents less than 3.2% weightings in the following sectors: Asset Backed Securities, Capital Equipment, Construction & Housing, Collateralized Mortgage Obligations, Emerging Markets, Telecommunication Services and Utilities. |
| Please note: The sector classifications presented herein for the equity securities are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard and 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. |
2
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–63.0% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–24.3% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–4.5% | | | | | |
3i Group PLC | | 11,371 | | $ | 264,690 |
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | | 2,800 | | | 177,996 |
The Blackstone Group LP(a) | | 13,200 | | | 386,364 |
Credit Suisse Group | | 12,559 | | | 891,577 |
Credit Suisse Group (New York) (ADR) | | 8,650 | | | 613,804 |
Deutsche Bank AG | | 1,500 | | | 217,091 |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | 7,675 | | | 1,016,707 |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | 2,490 | | | 539,708 |
Janus Capital Group, Inc. | | 1,300 | | | 36,192 |
Lazard Ltd.–Class A | | 700 | | | 31,521 |
Legg Mason, Inc. | | 8,175 | | | 804,257 |
Macquarie Bank Ltd. | | 4,375 | | | 314,235 |
Man Group PLC | | 36,414 | | | 442,937 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. | | 13,450 | | | 1,124,151 |
Morgan Stanley | | 1,700 | | | 142,596 |
Nomura Holdings, Inc.(b) | | 14,100 | | | 273,869 |
UBS AG (Swiss Virt-X) | | 7,848 | | | 469,344 |
Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.–Class A | | 2,150 | | | 55,922 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,802,961 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–2.9% | | | | | |
Anglo Irish Bank Corp. PLC (London Exchange) | | 17,482 | | | 355,516 |
Bank Leumi Le-Israel | | 14,400 | | | 56,350 |
Barclays PLC | | 18,100 | | | 251,824 |
BNP Paribas SA | | 3,100 | | | 368,229 |
China Construction Bank Corp.–Class H | | 105,000 | | | 72,203 |
Comerica, Inc. | | 3,100 | | | 184,357 |
Credit Agricole SA | | 6,241 | | | 253,248 |
Fifth Third Bancorp | | 5,400 | | | 214,758 |
HBOS PLC | | 11,870 | | | 233,475 |
Keycorp | | 4,100 | | | 140,753 |
Kookmin Bank | | 1,200 | | | 105,250 |
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. | | 19 | | | 209,393 |
National City Corp. | | 6,700 | | | 223,244 |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC | | 26,264 | | | 332,331 |
Societe Generale | | 1,460 | | | 270,507 |
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. | | 37 | | | 344,929 |
SunTrust Banks, Inc. | | 2,150 | | | 184,341 |
U.S. Bancorp | | 8,200 | | | 270,190 |
UniCredito Italiano SpA | | 44,556 | | | 397,957 |
Wachovia Corp. | | 4,500 | | | 230,625 |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | 9,200 | | | 323,564 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,023,044 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER FINANCE–0.2% | | | |
ORIX Corp. | | 1,240 | | | 326,848 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–3.4% | | | |
Bank of America Corp. | | 23,500 | | $ | 1,148,915 |
Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings, Inc.–Class A | | 2,315 | | | 1,237,043 |
Citigroup, Inc. | | 23,500 | | | 1,205,315 |
Fortis | | 4,200 | | | 178,012 |
ING Groep NV | | 9,300 | | | 409,328 |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | 22,350 | | | 1,082,858 |
Moody's Corp. | | 5,400 | | | 335,880 |
NYSE Euronext | | 4,350 | | | 320,247 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,917,598 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–2.9% | | | |
ACE Ltd. | | 2,000 | | | 125,040 |
Allianz SE | | 1,500 | | | 349,796 |
Allstate Corp. | | 4,000 | | | 246,040 |
AMBAC Financial Group, Inc. | | 2,100 | | | 183,099 |
American International Group, Inc. | | 11,900 | | | 833,357 |
AON Corp. | | 2,900 | | | 123,569 |
Aviva PLC | | 14,900 | | | 221,186 |
Chubb Corp. | | 3,500 | | | 189,490 |
Fidelity National Financial, Inc.–Class A | | 6,200 | | | 146,940 |
Fondiaria-Sai SpA (ordinary shares) | | 2,300 | | | 111,196 |
Fondiaria-Sai SpA (saving shares) | | 700 | | | 24,781 |
Genworth Financial, Inc.– Class A | | 6,400 | | | 220,160 |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | | 2,600 | | | 256,126 |
MBIA, Inc. | | 2,400 | | | 149,328 |
MetLife, Inc. | | 4,400 | | | 283,712 |
Muenchener Rueckversicherungs AG | | 2,000 | | | 366,782 |
Old Republic International Corp. | | 7,900 | | | 167,954 |
Prudential Financial, Inc. | | 200 | | | 19,446 |
QBE Insurance Group Ltd. | | 10,869 | | | 286,779 |
Swiss Reinsurance | | 2,807 | | | 255,999 |
Torchmark Corp. | | 1,875 | | | 125,625 |
The Travelers Cos, Inc. | | 5,700 | | | 304,950 |
UnumProvident Corp. | | 3,900 | | | 101,829 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,093,184 |
| | | | | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)–6.5% | | | | | |
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. | | 1,825 | | | 176,697 |
Allied Properties Real Estate Investment Trust | | 3,940 | | | 79,697 |
Apartment Investment & Management Co.–Class A | | 3,600 | | | 181,512 |
Archstone-Smith Trust | | 1,550 | | | 91,621 |
Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust | | 60,000 | | | 115,437 |
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. | | 6,600 | | | 77,616 |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | | 1,550 | | | 184,264 |
3
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust | | 3,519 | | $ | 160,714 |
Boston Properties, Inc. | | 1,950 | | | 199,154 |
British Land Co. PLC | | 14,744 | | | 394,539 |
Brixton PLC | | 4,100 | | | 35,896 |
Camden Property Trust | | 1,800 | | | 120,546 |
Canadian Apartment Properties REI | | 6 | | | 107 |
Canadian Real Estate Investment Trust | | 4,473 | | | 122,312 |
CapitaMall Trust | | 81,600 | | | 225,311 |
Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust | | 4,920 | | | 99,491 |
DB RREEF Trust | | 228,170 | | | 378,794 |
Developers Diversified Realty Corp. | | 1,950 | | | 102,784 |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | | 5,400 | | | 203,472 |
Dundee Real Estate Investment Trust | | 3,320 | | | 143,364 |
Equity Residential | | 5,050 | | | 230,431 |
Essex Property Trust, Inc. | | 675 | | | 78,502 |
Federal Realty Investment Trust | | 950 | | | 73,397 |
Felcor Lodging Trust, Inc. | | 3,800 | | | 98,914 |
First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. | | 600 | | | 23,256 |
Fonciere Des Regions | | 1,250 | | | 182,333 |
General Growth Properties, Inc. | | 6,475 | | | 342,851 |
General Property Group | | 33,885 | | | 133,564 |
Great Portland Estates PLC | | 11,300 | | | 149,889 |
H&R Real Estate Investment | | 1,700 | | | 36,609 |
Hammerson PLC | | 4,850 | | | 138,888 |
Health Care Property Investors, Inc. | | 4,300 | | | 124,399 |
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | 8,829 | | | 204,126 |
ING Office Fund | | 110,600 | | | 163,632 |
Japan Real Estate Investment–Class A | | 14 | | | 164,532 |
Japan Retail Fund Investment Corp.–Class A | | 34 | | | 294,688 |
Kimco Realty Corp. | | 4,850 | | | 184,640 |
Klepierre | | 1,865 | | | 315,813 |
Land Securities Group PLC | | 11,341 | | | 394,957 |
LaSalle Hotel Properties | | 1,500 | | | 65,130 |
Macerich Co. | | 500 | | | 41,210 |
Macquarie Goodman Group | | 20,507 | | | 116,384 |
Maguire Properties, Inc. | | 2,700 | | | 92,691 |
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | | 2,250 | | | 118,080 |
Mirvac Group | | 60,702 | | | 292,794 |
Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. | | 5,400 | | | 146,880 |
Nippon Building Fund, Inc.–Class A | | 11 | | | 152,593 |
Nomura Real Estate Office Fund, Inc.–Class A | | 16 | | | 172,489 |
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. | | 4,300 | | | 68,069 |
Primaris Retail Real Estate Investment Trust | | 3,577 | | | 65,441 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Prologis | | 8,275 | | $ | 470,848 |
Public Storage | | 1,250 | | | 96,025 |
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust | | 10,471 | | | 232,474 |
Segro PLC | | 4,700 | | | 58,624 |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | | 5,550 | | | 516,372 |
SL Green Realty Corp. | | 1,200 | | | 148,668 |
Stockland | | 14,779 | | | 101,814 |
Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | 4,400 | | | 98,956 |
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. | | 2,800 | | | 79,492 |
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers | | 3,350 | | | 125,458 |
Taubman Centers, Inc. | | 2,050 | | | 101,701 |
UDR, Inc. | | 1,850 | | | 48,655 |
Unibail | | 2,325 | | | 594,583 |
Ventas, Inc. | | 7,000 | | | 253,750 |
Vornado Realty Trust | | 2,900 | | | 318,536 |
Westfield Group | | 22,589 | | | 381,150 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,387,616 |
| | | | | |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–3.1% | | | |
Beni Stabili SpA | | 122,900 | | | 178,840 |
Brookfield Properties Corp. | | 6,925 | | | 168,347 |
Citycon Oyj | | 29,700 | | | 190,358 |
Derwent Valley Holdings PLC | | 5,750 | | | 210,842 |
Deutsche Wohnen AG | | 1,900 | | | 98,473 |
Eurocastle Investment Ltd. | | 4,500 | | | 207,930 |
Forest City Enterprises, Inc.– Class A | | 2,850 | | | 175,218 |
Hang Lung Properties, Ltd. | | 74,000 | | | 255,517 |
IVG Immobilien AG | | 4,300 | | | 168,811 |
Keppel Land Ltd. | | 27,000 | | | 154,741 |
Kerry Properties Ltd. | | 74,746 | | | 469,447 |
Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd. | | 13,000 | | | 352,698 |
Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd. | | 15,100 | | | 423,228 |
New World Development Co., Ltd. | | 158,807 | | | 397,426 |
Norwegian Property ASA | | 10,900 | | | 135,699 |
NTT Urban Development Corp.(b) | | 235 | | | 455,039 |
Sino Land Co. | | 162,561 | | | 338,450 |
Sponda OYJ | | 13,300 | | | 192,489 |
Sumitomo Realty & Development | | 12,000 | | | 390,797 |
Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. | | 29,700 | | | 357,370 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,321,720 |
| | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–0.8% | | | | | |
Astoria Financial Corp. | | 2,300 | | | 57,592 |
Countrywide Financial Corp. | | 7,000 | | | 254,450 |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. | | 3,675 | | | 223,073 |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | 6,800 | | | 444,244 |
MGIC Investment Corp. | | 2,700 | | | 153,522 |
Washington Mutual, Inc. | | 7,000 | | | 298,480 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,431,361 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 42,304,332 |
| | | | | |
4
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–7.5% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–1.3% | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 47,050 | | $ | 1,310,343 |
Nokia OYJ | | 13,384 | | | 375,893 |
Qualcomm, Inc. | | 12,600 | | | 546,714 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,232,950 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–2.6% | | | | | |
Apple, Inc.(a) | | 16,800 | | | 2,050,272 |
Compal Electronics, Inc. | | 56,000 | | | 60,436 |
Fujitsu, Ltd. | | 20,000 | | | 147,325 |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | 24,400 | | | 1,088,728 |
International Business Machines Corp. | | 1,925 | | | 202,606 |
Lexmark International, Inc.– Class A(a) | | 2,300 | | | 113,413 |
Network Appliance, Inc.(a) | | 14,900 | | | 435,080 |
Sun Microsystems, Inc.(a) | | 32,700 | | | 172,002 |
Toshiba Corp. | | 26,000 | | | 226,533 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,496,395 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–0.3% | | | | | |
Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a) | | 950 | | | 36,508 |
AU Optronics Corp. | | 85,000 | | | 145,204 |
Avnet, Inc.(a) | | 2,500 | | | 99,100 |
Flextronics International Ltd.(a) | | 1,300 | | | 14,040 |
HON HAI Precision Industry Co. Ltd. | | 6,000 | | | 51,825 |
Sanmina-SCI Corp.(a) | | 9,400 | | | 29,422 |
Solectron Corp.(a) | | 29,600 | | | 108,928 |
Tech Data Corp.(a) | | 1,400 | | | 53,844 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 538,871 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–1.4% | | | | | |
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a) | | 4,550 | | | 221,312 |
eBay, Inc.(a) | | 5,800 | | | 186,644 |
Google, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 4,000 | | | 2,093,520 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,501,476 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–0.2% | | | |
Cap Gemini SA | | 2,224 | | | 162,594 |
Electronic Data Systems Corp. | | 3,200 | | | 88,736 |
Infosys Technologies, Ltd. | | 1,433 | | | 67,819 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 319,149 |
| | | | | |
OFFICE ELECTRONICS–0.2% | | | | | |
Canon, Inc. | | 7,250 | | | 425,162 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–0.9% | | | | | |
Broadcom Corp.–Class A(a) | | 19,300 | | | 564,525 |
Hynix Semiconductor, Inc.(a) | | 4,500 | | | 161,900 |
Nvidia Corp.(a) | | 7,000 | | | 289,170 |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | | 140 | | | 85,589 |
Siliconware Precision Industries Co. | | 36,000 | | | 76,834 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | 5,400 | | $ | 203,202 |
United Microelectronics Corp. | | 343,114 | | | 205,170 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,586,390 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE���0.6% | | | | | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a) | | 10,100 | | | 405,515 |
Microsoft Corp. | | 18,500 | | | 545,195 |
Oracle Corp.(a) | | 2,700 | | | 53,217 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,003,927 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 13,104,320 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–6.0% | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–0.6% | | | | | |
Autoliv, Inc. | | 2,300 | | | 130,801 |
BorgWarner, Inc. | | 1,375 | | | 118,305 |
Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin– Class B | | 2,200 | | | 307,437 |
Denso Corp. | | 3,500 | | | 136,887 |
Hyundai Mobis | | 1,710 | | | 162,232 |
Johnson Controls, Inc. | | 1,100 | | | 127,347 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 983,009 |
| | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–0.8% | | | | | |
Fiat SpA | | 13,474 | | | 400,217 |
General Motors Corp. | | 2,400 | | | 90,720 |
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | | 19,600 | | | 209,835 |
Renault SA | | 3,300 | | | 529,284 |
Suzuki Motor Corp. | | 1,400 | | | 39,757 |
Toyota Motor Corp. | | 2,200 | | | 138,746 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,408,559 |
| | | | | |
HOTELS RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–1.2% | | | | | |
Accor SA | | 2,581 | | | 228,163 |
Hilton Hotels Corp. | | 13,900 | | | 465,233 |
Las Vegas Sands Corp.(a) | | 700 | | | 53,473 |
McDonald’s Corp. | | 11,800 | | | 598,968 |
MGM Mirage(a) | | 600 | | | 49,488 |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | | 9,975 | | | 669,023 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,064,348 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.4% | | | | | |
Black & Decker Corp. | | 1,400 | | | 123,634 |
Centex Corp. | | 1,700 | | | 68,170 |
KB Home | | 2,800 | | | 110,236 |
Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. | | 1,900 | | | 55,917 |
Pulte Homes, Inc. | | 3,200 | | | 71,840 |
Sharp Corp. | | 11,000 | | | 208,532 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 638,329 |
| | | | | |
LEISURE EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS–0.0% | | | | | |
Mattel, Inc. | | 3,900 | | | 98,631 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–1.4% | | | |
CBS Corp.–Class B | | 7,800 | | | 259,896 |
Citadel Broadcasting Corp. | | 138 | | | 890 |
Comcast Corp.–Class A(a) | | 4,950 | | | 139,194 |
5
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENT | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Comcast Corp.-Special– Class A(a) | | 42,350 | | $ | 1,184,106 |
Gannett Co., Inc. | | 2,000 | | | 109,900 |
Grupo Televisa SA (ADR) | | 4,000 | | | 110,440 |
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc.(a) | | 5,500 | | | 62,700 |
Pearson PLC | | 6,521 | | | 109,848 |
Time Warner, Inc. | | 13,600 | | | 286,144 |
Viacom, Inc.–Class B(a) | | 3,800 | | | 158,194 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,421,312 |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–1.0% | | | | | |
Dollar Tree Stores, Inc.(a) | | 900 | | | 39,195 |
Family Dollar Stores, Inc. | | 4,800 | | | 164,736 |
Kohl’s Corp.(a) | | 9,725 | | | 690,767 |
Macy’s, Inc. | | 6,000 | | | 238,680 |
Saks, Inc. | | 3,400 | | | 72,590 |
Target Corp. | | 7,800 | | | 496,080 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,702,048 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–0.5% | | | | | |
Esprit Holdings Ltd. | | 14,500 | | | 184,229 |
The Gap, Inc. | | 8,400 | | | 160,440 |
Home Depot, Inc. | | 1,800 | | | 70,830 |
Inditex SA | | 3,421 | | | 201,357 |
Ltd. Brands, Inc. | | 3,650 | | | 100,193 |
Office Depot, Inc.(a) | | 3,300 | | | 99,990 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 817,039 |
| | | | | |
TEXTILES APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.1% | | | | | |
Jones Apparel Group, Inc. | | 3,300 | | | 93,225 |
VF Corp. | | 2,000 | | | 183,160 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 276,385 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,409,660 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–5.6% | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–1.1% | | | |
Celgene Corp.(a) | | 7,100 | | | 407,043 |
Genentech, Inc.(a) | | 9,150 | | | 692,289 |
Gilead Sciences, Inc.(a) | | 21,700 | | | 841,309 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,940,641 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–0.8% | | | | | |
Alcon, Inc. | | 6,525 | | | 880,288 |
Essilor International SA | | 1,748 | | | 208,197 |
Nobel Biocare Holding AG | | 630 | | | 205,652 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,294,137 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–1.2% | | | | | |
AmerisourceBergen Corp.–Class A | | 1,700 | | | 84,099 |
Cardinal Health, Inc. | | 800 | | | 56,512 |
McKesson Corp. | | 800 | | | 47,712 |
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.(a) | | 4,300 | | | 335,357 |
Tenet Healthcare Corp.(a) | | 10,600 | | | 69,006 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
WellPoint, Inc.(a) | | 18,400 | | $ | 1,468,872 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,061,558 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–2.5% | | | | | |
Abbott Laboratories | | 14,300 | | | 765,765 |
AstraZeneca PLC | | 3,000 | | | 160,773 |
Eli Lilly & Co. | | 1,500 | | | 83,820 |
GlaxoSmithKline PLC | | 5,400 | | | 140,670 |
Johnson & Johnson | | 2,500 | | | 154,050 |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | 13,200 | | | 657,360 |
Merck KGaA | | 1,608 | | | 220,006 |
Pfizer, Inc. | | 38,500 | | | 984,445 |
Roche Holding AG | | 1,663 | | | 294,661 |
Sanofi-Aventis | | 2,600 | | | 210,047 |
Schering-Plough Corp. | | 6,000 | | | 182,640 |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. (ADR) | | 7,200 | | | 297,000 |
Wyeth | | 4,200 | | | 240,828 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,392,065 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,688,401 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–5.0% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.8% | | | | | |
BAE Systems PLC | | 16,900 | | | 136,374 |
Boeing Co. | | 15,050 | | | 1,447,208 |
Honeywell International, Inc. | | 9,700 | | | 545,916 |
Lockheed Martin Corp. | | 1,000 | | | 94,130 |
Northrop Grumman Corp. | | 2,350 | | | 182,995 |
Spirit Aerosystems Holdings, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 13,600 | | | 490,280 |
United Technologies Corp. | | 2,300 | | | 163,139 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,060,042 |
| | | | | |
AIRLINES–0.2% | | | | | |
Air France-KLM | | 3,200 | | | 148,895 |
Deutsche Lufthansa AG | | 4,600 | | | 128,304 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 277,199 |
| | | | | |
BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.0% | | | | | |
Cie de Saint-Gobain | | 631 | | | 70,686 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–0.2% | | | | | |
Capita Group PLC | | 10,626 | | | 154,256 |
Pitney Bowes, Inc. | | 3,800 | | | 177,916 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 332,172 |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.4% | | | | | |
Fluor Corp. | | 3,300 | | | 367,521 |
Vinci SA | | 4,812 | | | 359,154 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 726,675 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.4% | | | | | |
ABB Ltd. | | 16,742 | | | 377,495 |
Emerson Electric Co. | | 3,800 | | | 177,840 |
Renewable Energy Corp. AS(a) | | 2,206 | | | 85,435 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 640,770 |
| | | | | |
6
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–0.8% | | | | | |
General Electric Co. | | 30,100 | | $ | 1,152,228 |
Tyco International, Ltd. | | 5,000 | | | 168,950 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,321,178 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–0.8% | | | | | |
Atlas Copco AB(b) | | 11,587 | | | 192,996 |
Cummins, Inc. | | 1,400 | | | 141,694 |
Deere & Co. | | 2,000 | | | 241,480 |
Eaton Corp. | | 2,400 | | | 223,200 |
NGK Insulators Ltd. | | 13,000 | | | 319,268 |
PACCAR, Inc. | | 2,400 | | | 208,896 |
SPX Corp. | | 1,425 | | | 125,129 |
Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd. | | 800 | | | 9,044 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,461,707 |
| | | | | |
MARINE–0.2% | | | | | |
Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd. | | 16,000 | | | 216,943 |
Nippon Yusen KK(b) | | 16,000 | | | 146,742 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 363,685 |
| | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–0.2% | | | |
Mitsui & Co. Ltd. | | 22,000 | | | 439,054 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,693,168 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–4.4% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–1.0% | | | | | |
Baker Hughes, Inc. | | 6,250 | | | 525,812 |
Halliburton Co. | | 7,250 | | | 250,125 |
Schlumberger, Ltd. | | 9,200 | | | 781,448 |
Technip SA | | 1,043 | | | 86,207 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,643,592 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–3.4% | | | | | |
BP PLC | | 7,100 | | | 85,430 |
Chevron Corp. | | 11,400 | | | 960,336 |
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.–Class H | | 160,000 | | | 178,506 |
China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd.–Class H | | 55,000 | | | 191,915 |
ConocoPhillips | | 6,600 | | | 518,100 |
ENI SpA | | 9,900 | | | 358,949 |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | 21,900 | | | 1,836,972 |
Marathon Oil Corp. | | 5,600 | | | 335,776 |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | 800 | | | 46,304 |
Petro-Canada | | 300 | | | 15,947 |
Petroleo Brasileiro SA (NY) (ADR) | | 3,200 | | | 341,376 |
Repsol YPF SA | | 4,300 | | | 170,231 |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC (Euronext Amsterdam)–Class A | | 6,244 | | | 254,199 |
Total SA | | 8,467 | | | 686,489 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,980,530 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,624,122 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–3.6% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–1.9% | | | | | |
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | | 3,800 | | $ | 305,406 |
Ashland, Inc. | | 2,000 | | | 127,900 |
BASF AG | | 2,700 | | | 353,207 |
Bayer AG | | 4,874 | | | 367,141 |
Dow Chemical Co. | | 6,500 | | | 287,430 |
E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co. | | 5,200 | | | 264,368 |
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. | | 1,550 | | | 80,817 |
Lubrizol Corp. | | 1,525 | | | 98,439 |
Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp. | | 25,500 | | | 234,087 |
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.(b) | | 12,400 | | | 94,180 |
Monsanto Co. | | 11,600 | | | 783,464 |
Nitto Denko Corp. | | 5,600 | | | 282,259 |
PPG Industries, Inc. | | 800 | | | 60,888 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,339,586 |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS–0.0% | | | | | |
Buzzi Unicem SpA | | 3,000 | | | 103,297 |
| | | | | |
CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–0.4% | | | | | |
Bemis, Inc. | | 2,700 | | | 89,586 |
Crown Holdings, Inc.(a) | | 4,600 | | | 114,862 |
Owens-Illinois, Inc.(a) | | 3,300 | | | 115,500 |
Smurfit-Stone Container Corp.(a) | | 7,000 | | | 93,170 |
Sonoco Products Co. | | 2,200 | | | 94,182 |
Temple-Inland, Inc. | | 3,100 | | | 190,743 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 698,043 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–1.3% | | | | | |
Antofagasta PLC | | 11,100 | | | 136,041 |
Arcelor Mittal (Euronext Amsterdam) | | 4,168 | | | 260,303 |
Cia Vale do Rio Doce (ADR) | | 6,000 | | | 267,300 |
JFE Holdings, Inc. | | 5,700 | | | 354,290 |
Kazakhmys PLC | | 2,800 | | | 70,494 |
MMC Norilsk Nickel (ADR) | | 484 | | | 101,156 |
POSCO | | 300 | | | 144,025 |
Rio Tinto PLC | | 3,162 | | | 241,905 |
Xstrata PLC | | 10,992 | | | 654,387 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,229,901 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,370,827 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–3.3% | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–0.5% | | | | | |
Cia de Bebidas das Americas (ADR) | | 1,000 | | | 70,000 |
The Coca-Cola Co. | | 2,000 | | | 104,620 |
Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. | | 8,300 | | | 199,200 |
Molson Coors Brewing Co.–Class B | | 1,900 | | | 175,674 |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | 5,950 | | | 385,858 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 935,352 |
| | | | | |
7
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–0.4% | | | | | |
Koninklijke Ahold NV(a) | | 16,700 | | $ | 209,466 |
The Kroger Co. | | 3,700 | | | 104,081 |
Safeway, Inc. | | 5,600 | | | 190,568 |
Tesco PLC | | 12,479 | | | 104,408 |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | | 1,400 | | | 67,354 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 675,877 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–0.9% | | | | | |
ConAgra Foods, Inc. | | 4,100 | | | 110,126 |
General Mills, Inc. | | 2,425 | | | 141,668 |
Kellogg Co. | | 3,100 | | | 160,549 |
Kraft Foods, Inc.–Class A | | 11,500 | | | 405,375 |
Nestle SA | | 1,132 | | | 430,130 |
Sara Lee Corp. | | 10,500 | | | 182,700 |
WM Wrigley Jr Co. | | 2,750 | | | 152,103 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,582,651 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–1.1% | | | | | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | | 3,200 | | | 207,520 |
Kimberly-Clark Corp. | | 2,025 | | | 135,452 |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | 21,550 | | | 1,318,644 |
Reckitt Benckiser PLC | | 3,767 | | | 206,227 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,867,843 |
| | | | | |
PERSONAL PRODUCTS–0.1% | | | | | |
L'Oreal SA | | 1,461 | | | 172,691 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–0.3% | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | 7,100 | | | 497,994 |
UST, Inc. | | 1,500 | | | 80,565 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 578,559 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,812,973 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.2% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.3% | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | 22,100 | | | 917,150 |
China Netcom Group Corp. Ltd. | | 59,000 | | | 162,870 |
Embarq Corp. | | 370 | | | 23,447 |
Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.(b) | | 31 | | | 137,185 |
Telefonica SA | | 6,138 | | | 136,596 |
Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk PT | | 61,000 | | | 66,172 |
TeliaSonera AB(b) | | 14,173 | | | 103,975 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | 16,400 | | | 675,188 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,222,583 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.9% | | | | | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | 11,250 | | | 696,712 |
American Tower Corp.– Class A(a) | | 1,100 | | | 46,200 |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Sprint Nextel Corp. | | | 16,200 | | $ | 335,502 |
Vodafone Group PLC | | | 152,455 | | | 510,848 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,589,262 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 3,811,845 |
| | | | | | |
UTILITIES–1.0% | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–0.5% | | | | | | |
Allegheny Energy, Inc.(a) | | | 1,800 | | | 93,132 |
American Electric Power Co., Inc. | | | 5,300 | | | 238,712 |
E.ON AG | | | 2,500 | | | 417,407 |
Entergy Corp. | | | 900 | | | 96,615 |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | | | 1,800 | | | 71,730 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 917,596 |
| | | | | | |
INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS & ENERGY TRADERS–0.2% | | | | | | |
Constellation Energy Group, Inc. | | | 2,200 | | | 191,774 |
International Power PLC | | | 17,777 | | | 152,805 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 344,579 |
| | | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–0.3% | | | | | | |
Ameren Corp. | | | 4,100 | | | 200,941 |
RWE AG | | | 1,960 | | | 207,917 |
Wisconsin Energy Corp. | | | 2,350 | | | 103,941 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 512,799 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,774,974 |
| | | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & HOUSING–0.1% | | | | | | |
BUILDING MATERIALS–0.1% | | | | | | |
CRH PLC | | | 4,204 | | | 206,988 |
| | | | | | |
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT–0.0% | | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–0.0% | | | | | | |
European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co., NV | | | 630 | | | 20,446 |
| | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $93,662,971) | | | | | | 109,822,056 |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | |
MORTGAGE PASS-THRU'S–13.6% | | | | | | |
FIXED RATE 30-YEAR–11.0% | | | | | | |
Federal Gold Loan Mortgage Corp. | | | | | | |
6.00%, TBA | | $ | 2,685 | | | 2,657,312 |
Series 2007 7.00%, 2/01/37 | | | 756 | | | 775,597 |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | | | | | |
4.50%, TBA | | | 1,220 | | | 1,109,056 |
6.00%, TBA | | | 795 | | | 785,808 |
6.50%, TBA | | | 3,150 | | | 3,179,531 |
8
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Series 2004 | | | | | | |
5.50%, 11/01/34 | | $ | 487 | | $ | 471,578 |
Series 2005 | | | | | | |
5.50%, 7/01/35 | | | 268 | | | 259,236 |
Series 2006 | | | | | | |
5.00%, 2/01/36 | | | 965 | | | 906,577 |
5.50%, 1/01/36-11/01/36 | | | 6,442 | | | 6,228,629 |
6.50%, 8/01/36-12/01/36 | | | 1,316 | | | 1,328,388 |
Series 2007 | | | | | | |
5.00%, 5/01/37 | | | 485 | | | 454,516 |
5.50%, 5/01/36 | | | 983 | | | 950,435 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 19,106,663 |
| | | | | | |
AGENCY ARMS–1.1% | | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. | | | | | | |
Series 2006 | | | | | | |
5.831%, 12/01/36(c) | | | 1,229 | | | 1,228,772 |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | | | | | |
Series 2005 | | | | | | |
4.182%, 9/01/35(c) | | | 130 | | | 130,956 |
Series 2006 | | | | | | |
5.481%, 5/01/36(c) | | | 66 | | | 65,856 |
5.802%, 3/01/36(c) | | | 156 | | | 156,877 |
5.862%, 11/01/36(c) | | | 119 | | | 120,229 |
5.927%, 6/01/36(c) | | | 115 | | | 115,806 |
Series 2007 | | | | | | |
5.776%, 1/01/37(c) | | | 169 | | | 169,231 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,987,727 |
| | | | | | |
FIXED RATE 15-YEAR–0.8% | | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | | | | | |
5.00%, TBA | | | 160 | | | 154,600 |
Series 2005 | | | | | | |
5.00%, 4/01/19-10/01/20 | | | 708 | | | 685,599 |
Series 2006 | | | | | | |
5.00%, 3/01/20-12/01/21 | | | 475 | | | 459,218 |
Series 2007 | | | | | | |
5.00%, 2/01/22 | | | 158 | | | 152,549 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,451,966 |
| | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY ARMS–0.7% | | | | | | |
Banc of America Funding Corp. | | | | | | |
Series 2007-C, Class 1A3 | | | | | | |
5.763%, 5/20/36(c) | | | 251 | | | 247,987 |
Bear Stearns Alt-A Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2006-1, Class 22A1 | | | | | | |
5.405%, 2/25/36(d) | | | 215 | | | 213,384 |
Series 2006-3, Class 22A1 | | | | | | |
6.219%, 5/25/36(d) | | | 68 | | | 68,201 |
Series 2007-1, Class 21A1 | | | | | | |
5.74%, 1/25/47(d) | | | 71 | | | 70,907 |
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2005-2, Class 1A4 | | | | | | |
5.107%, 5/25/35(d) | | | 137 | | | 134,708 |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Series 2006-AR1, Class 3A1 | | | | | | |
5.50%, 3/25/36(c) | | $ | 153 | | $ | 153,484 |
Indymac Index Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2006-AR7, Class 4A1 | | | | | | |
6.237%, 5/25/36(d) | | | 91 | | | 91,462 |
Residential Funding Mortgage Securities, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2005-SA3, Class 3A | | | | | | |
5.235%, 8/25/35(d) | | | 144 | | | 141,263 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,121,396 |
| | | | | | |
Total Mortgage Pass-Thru’s (cost $23,954,128) | | | | | | 23,667,752 |
| | | | | | |
U.S. TREASURIES–5.8% | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds | | | | | | |
4.50%, 2/15/36 | | | 2,490 | | | 2,254,618 |
8.75%, 5/15/17 | | | 2,885 | | | 3,696,406 |
U.S. Treasury Notes | | | | | | |
4.875%, 5/31/08-5/31/11 | | | 4,100 | | | 4,094,871 |
| | | | | | |
Total U.S. Treasuries (cost $10,138,558) | | | | | | 10,045,895 |
| | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES–4.1% | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE CMBS–4.1% | | | | | | |
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2001-PB1, Class A2 | | | | | | |
5.787%, 5/11/35 | | | 169 | | | 169,420 |
Series 2004-4, Class A3 | | | | | | |
4.128%, 7/10/42 | | | 200 | | | 194,399 |
Series 2004-6, Class A2 | | | | | | |
4.161%, 12/10/42 | | | 140 | | | 135,783 |
Series 2005-6, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.353%, 9/10/47(d) | | | 315 | | | 302,808 |
Series 2006-5, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.414%, 9/10/47 | | | 205 | | | 198,526 |
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2004-C1, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.529%, 4/15/40(d) | | | 110 | | | 108,146 |
Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp. | | | | | | |
Series 2003-CK2, Class A2 | | | | | | |
3.861%, 3/15/36 | | | 45 | | | 44,195 |
Series 2004-C1, Class A4 | | | | | | |
4.75%, 1/15/37 | | | 70 | | | 66,226 |
Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates | | | | | | |
Series 2006-C3, Class A3 | | | | | | |
5.827%, 6/15/38(d) | | | 190 | | | 190,347 |
Series 2006-C4, Class A3 | | | | | | |
5.467%, 9/15/39 | | | 235 | | | 228,103 |
9
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
GE Capital Commercial Mortgage Corp. | | | | | | |
Series 2005-C3, Class A3FX | | | | | | |
4.863%, 7/10/45 | | $ | 360 | | $ | 352,560 |
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II | | | | | | |
Series 2001-ROCK, Class C | | | | | | |
6.878%, 5/03/18(e) | | | 605 | | | 631,820 |
Series 2004-GG2, Class A6 | | | | | | |
5.396%, 8/10/38(d) | | | 80 | | | 78,256 |
Series 2007-GG10, Class A2 | | | | | | |
5.778%, 8/10/45 | | | 490 | | | 491,666 |
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp. | | | | | | |
Series 2004-C1, Class A2 | | | | | | |
4.302%, 1/15/38 | | | 60 | | | 57,208 |
Series 2005-LDP3, Class A2 | | | | | | |
4.851%, 8/15/42 | | | 100 | | | 97,719 |
Series 2005-LDP4, Class A2 | | | | | | |
4.79%, 10/15/42 | | | 210 | | | 204,952 |
Series 2005-LDP5, Class A2 | | | | | | |
5.198%, 12/15/44 | | | 60 | | | 59,104 |
Series 2006-CB14, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.481%, 12/12/44 | | | 50 | | | 48,775 |
Series 2006-CB15, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.814%, 6/12/43 | | | 110 | | | 109,270 |
Series 2006-CB16, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.552%, 5/12/45 | | | 200 | | | 195,408 |
LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2003-C3, Class A4 | | | | | | |
4.166%, 5/15/32 | | | 150 | | | 138,646 |
Series 2004-C4, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.132%, 6/15/29(d) | | | 40 | | | 39,346 |
Series 2004-C8, Class A2 | | | | | | |
4.201%, 12/15/29 | | | 125 | | | 121,198 |
Series 2005-C1, Class A4 | | | | | | |
4.742%, 2/15/30 | | | 120 | | | 112,313 |
Series 2005-C7, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.197%, 11/15/30 | | | 50 | | | 47,950 |
Series 2006-C3, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.661%, 3/15/39(d) | | | 285 | | | 281,370 |
Series 2006-C4, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.899%, 6/15/38(d) | | | 275 | | | 276,925 |
Series 2006-C6, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.372%, 9/15/39 | | | 225 | | | 218,203 |
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2005-CKI1, Class A6 | | | | | | |
5.417%, 11/12/37(d) | | | 40 | | | 38,616 |
Series 2005-MKB2, Class A2 | | | | | | |
4.806%, 9/12/42 | | | 320 | | | 314,092 |
Merrill Lynch/Countrywide Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2006-2, Class A4 | | | | | | |
6.105%, 6/12/46(d) | | | 110 | | | 110,822 |
Series 2006-3, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.414%, 7/12/46(d) | | | 280 | | | 270,863 |
Series 2007-6, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.485%, 3/12/51(d) | | | 260 | | | 251,581 |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Morgan Stanley Capital I | | | | | | |
Series 2004-HQ4, Class A5 | | | | | | |
4.59%, 4/14/40 | | $ | 190 | | $ | 182,320 |
Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2007-C30, Class A3 | | | | | | |
5.246%, 12/15/43 | | | 345 | | | 338,248 |
Series 2007-C32, Class A2 | | | | | | |
5.74%, 6/15/49(d) | | | 400 | | | 401,180 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 7,108,364 |
| | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY ADJUSTABLE RATE CMBS–0.0% | | | | | | |
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II | | | | | | |
Series 2007-EOP, Class E | | | | | | |
5.76%, 3/06/20(c)(e) | | | 75 | | | 75,002 |
| | | | | | |
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $7,271,046) | | | | | | 7,183,366 |
| | | | | | |
CORPORATES– INVESTMENT GRADES–3.0% | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–1.8% | | | | | | |
BASIC–0.1% | | | | | | |
The Dow Chemical Co. | | | | | | |
7.375%, 11/01/29 | | | 10 | | | 10,824 |
International Paper Co. | | | | | | |
5.30%, 4/01/15 | | | 55 | | | 51,938 |
International Steel Group, Inc. | | | | | | |
6.50%, 4/15/14 | | | 60 | | | 61,183 |
Lubrizol Corp. | | | | | | |
4.625%, 10/01/09 | | | 20 | | | 19,608 |
Westvaco Corp. | | | | | | |
8.20%, 1/15/30 | | | 15 | | | 15,870 |
Weyerhaeuser Co. | | | | | | |
5.95%, 11/01/08 | | | 35 | | | 35,257 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 194,680 |
| | | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–0.1% | | | | | | |
Boeing Capital Corp. | | | | | | |
4.75%, 8/25/08 | | | 35 | | | 34,760 |
Textron Financial Corp. | | | | | | |
4.125%, 3/03/08 | | | 80 | | | 79,351 |
Tyco International Group, SA | | | | | | |
6.00%, 11/15/13 | | | 85 | | | 87,281 |
Waste Management, Inc. | | | | | | |
6.875%, 5/15/09 | | | 40 | | | 40,909 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 242,301 |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– MEDIA–0.3% | | | | | | |
British Sky Broadcasting PLC | | | | | | |
8.20%, 7/15/09 | | | 20 | | | 20,975 |
Comcast Cable Communications Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | |
9.455%, 11/15/22 | | | 55 | | | 69,803 |
Comcast Cable Communications LLC | | | | | | |
6.875%, 6/15/09 | | | 50 | | | 51,194 |
10
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Comcast Cable Communications, Inc. | | | | | | |
6.20%, 11/15/08 | | $ | 40 | | $ | 40,317 |
Comcast Corp. | | | | | | |
5.30%, 1/15/14 | | | 40 | | | 38,557 |
5.50%, 3/15/11 | | | 50 | | | 49,749 |
Cox Enterprises, Inc. | | | | | | |
4.375%, 5/01/08(e) | | | 40 | | | 39,599 |
News America, Inc. | | | | | | |
6.55%, 3/15/33 | | | 45 | | | 43,888 |
RR Donnelley & Sons Co. | | | | | | |
4.95%, 4/01/14 | | | 25 | | | 22,839 |
Time Warner Entertainment Co. | | | | | | |
8.375%, 3/15/23 | | | 130 | | | 149,232 |
WPP Finance Corp. | | | | | | |
5.875%, 6/15/14 | | | 25 | | | 24,799 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 550,952 |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– TELECOMMUNI- CATIONS–0.6% | | | | | | |
AT&T Corp. | | | | | | |
7.30%, 11/15/11 | | | 40 | | | 42,579 |
8.00%, 11/15/31 | | | 15 | | | 17,829 |
British Telecommunications PLC | | | | | | |
8.625%, 12/15/10 | | | 100 | | | 109,277 |
Embarq Corp. | | | | | | |
6.738%, 6/01/13 | | | 5 | | | 5,095 |
7.082%, 6/01/16 | | | 240 | | | 241,344 |
New Cingular Wireless Services, Inc. | | | | | | |
7.875%, 3/01/11 | | | 95 | | | 102,142 |
8.75%, 3/01/31 | | | 50 | | | 62,331 |
Qwest Corp. | | | | | | |
8.875%, 3/15/12 | | | 10 | | | 10,775 |
Sprint Capital Corp. | | | | | | |
8.375%, 3/15/12 | | | 120 | | | 130,727 |
Telecom Italia Capital SA | | | | | | |
4.00%, 1/15/10 | | | 120 | | | 115,359 |
6.00%, 9/30/34 | | | 65 | | | 58,560 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | | | | |
4.90%, 9/15/15 | | | 35 | | | 32,761 |
Verizon New Jersey, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series A | | | | | | |
5.875%, 1/17/12 | | | 45 | | | 45,167 |
Vodafone Group PLC | | | | | | |
5.50%, 6/15/11 | | | 60 | | | 59,517 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,033,463 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL– AUTOMOTIVE–0.0% | | | | | | |
DaimlerChrysler North America | | | | | | |
4.875%, 6/15/10 | | | 25 | | | 24,524 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–OTHER–0.1% | | | | | | |
Centex Corp. | | | | | | |
5.45%, 8/15/12 | | | 34 | | | 32,441 |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | | | | | | |
7.375%, 11/15/15 | | $ | 81 | | $ | 80,146 |
7.875%, 5/01/12 | | | 84 | | | 87,473 |
Toll Brothers Finance Corp. | | | | | | |
6.875%, 11/15/12 | | | 40 | | | 40,770 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 240,830 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–0.3% | | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | | | | | |
7.75%, 1/15/27 | | | 85 | | | 99,408 |
Cadbury Schweppes US Finance LLC | | | | | | |
5.125%, 10/01/13(e) | | | 135 | | | 129,691 |
ConAgra Foods, Inc. | | | | | | |
7.875%, 9/15/10 | | | 19 | | | 20,268 |
Kraft Foods, Inc. | | | | | | |
4.125%, 11/12/09 | | | 115 | | | 111,407 |
The Kroger Co. | | | | | | |
7.80%, 8/15/07 | | | 45 | | | 45,113 |
Safeway, Inc. | | | | | | |
4.125%, 11/01/08 | | | 18 | | | 17,721 |
4.80%, 7/16/07 | | | 20 | | | 19,989 |
6.50%, 3/01/11 | | | 15 | | | 15,382 |
Wyeth | | | | | | |
5.50%, 2/01/14 | | | 40 | | | 39,423 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 498,402 |
| | | | | | |
ENERGY–0.1% | | | |
Amerada Hess Corp. | | | | | | |
7.875%, 10/01/29 | | | 55 | | | 61,995 |
Valero Energy Corp. | | | | | | |
6.875%, 4/15/12 | | | 45 | | | 47,125 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 109,120 |
| | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY–0.2% | | | |
Electronic Data Systems Corp. | | | | | | |
Series B | | | | | | |
6.50%, 8/01/13 | | | 145 | | | 143,311 |
IBM Corp. | | | | | | |
4.375%, 6/01/09 | | | 20 | | | 19,686 |
Motorola, Inc. | | | | | | |
6.50%, 9/01/25 | | | 70 | | | 66,958 |
7.50%, 5/15/25 | | | 15 | | | 15,783 |
7.625%, 11/15/10 | | | 5 | | | 5,270 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 251,008 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 3,145,280 |
| | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–0.8% | | | | | | |
BANKING–0.2% | | | |
Bank of America Corp. | | | | | | |
4.50%, 8/01/10 | | | 100 | | | 97,655 |
Citigroup, Inc. | | | | | | |
4.625%, 8/03/10 | | | 75 | | | 73,414 |
5.50%, 6/09/09(c) | | | 20 | | | 20,045 |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | | | | |
6.75%, 2/01/11 | | | 80 | | | 83,116 |
11
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | | | | | |
4.20%, 1/15/10 | | $ | 35 | | $ | 34,114 |
Zions Bancorporation | | | | | | |
5.50%, 11/16/15 | | | 35 | | | 33,639 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 341,983 |
| | | | | | |
BROKERAGE–0.1% | | | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | | | | | |
4.75%, 7/15/13 | | | 35 | | | 33,128 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. | | | | | | |
4.79%, 8/04/10 | | | 105 | | | 102,892 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 136,020 |
| | | | | | |
FINANCE–0.4% | | | |
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. | | | | | | |
4.00%, 3/22/11 | | | 65 | | | 60,927 |
4.25%, 12/19/07 | | | 55 | | | 54,675 |
General Electric Capital Corp. | | | | | | |
4.375%, 11/21/11 | | | 25 | | | 23,903 |
6.75%, 3/15/32 | | | 135 | | | 146,471 |
HSBC Finance Inc. | | | | | | |
6.50%, 11/15/08 | | | 80 | | | 81,123 |
7.00%, 5/15/12 | | | 40 | | | 42,115 |
iStar Financial, Inc. | | | | | | |
5.15%, 3/01/12 | | | 20 | | | 19,246 |
SLM Corp. | | | | | | |
4.50%, 7/26/10 | | | 55 | | | 50,854 |
5.375%, 1/15/13 | | | 165 | | | 145,711 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 625,025 |
| | | | | | |
INSURANCE–0.1% | | | |
Assurant, Inc. | | | | | | |
5.625%, 2/15/14 | | | 35 | | | 34,253 |
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corp. | | | | | | |
4.20%, 12/15/10 | | | 50 | | | 48,212 |
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc. | | | | | | |
5.75%, 3/15/14(e) | | | 35 | | | 33,860 |
WellPoint, Inc. | | | | | | |
3.50%, 9/01/07 | | | 65 | | | 64,789 |
3.75%, 12/14/07 | | | 16 | | | 15,875 |
4.25%, 12/15/09 | | | 80 | | | 77,493 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 274,482 |
| | | | | | |
REITS–0.0% | | | |
Simon Property Group LP | | | | | | |
6.375%, 11/15/07 | | | 30 | | | 30,084 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,407,594 |
| | | | | | |
UTILITY–0.4% | | | |
ELECTRIC–0.4% | | | |
Carolina Power & Light Co. | | | | | | |
6.50%, 7/15/12 | | | 65 | | | 67,388 |
Consumers Energy Co. | | | | | | |
Series C | | | | | | |
4.25%, 4/15/08 | | | 25 | | | 24,747 |
Exelon Corp. | | | | | | |
6.75%, 5/01/11 | | | 25 | | | 25,779 |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
FirstEnergy Corp. | | | | | | |
Series B | | | | | | |
6.45%, 11/15/11 | | $ | 65 | | $ | 66,652 |
Series C | | | | | | |
7.375%, 11/15/31 | | | 85 | | | 92,017 |
MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. | | | | | | |
5.875%, 10/01/12 | | | 30 | | | 30,259 |
Nisource Finance Corp. | | | | | | |
7.875%, 11/15/10 | | | 40 | | | 42,591 |
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. | | | | | | |
4.80%, 3/01/14 | | | 65 | | | 61,431 |
Progress Energy, Inc. | | | | | | |
7.10%, 3/01/11 | | | 19 | | | 19,909 |
Public Service Company of Colorado | | | | | | |
7.875%, 10/01/12 | | | 30 | | | 32,915 |
SPI Electricity & Gas Australia Holdings Pty Ltd. | | | | | | |
6.15%, 11/15/13(e) | | | 238 | | | 240,657 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 704,345 |
| | | | | | |
NATURAL GAS–0.0% | | | | | | |
Duke Energy Field Services Corp. | | | | | | |
7.875%, 8/16/10 | | | 15 | | | 15,930 |
Enterprise Products Operating L.P. | | | | | | |
Series B | | | | | | |
5.60%, 10/15/14 | | | 25 | | | 24,303 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 40,233 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 744,578 |
| | | | | | |
Total Corporates–Investment Grades (cost $5,403,705) | | | | | | 5,297,452 |
| | | | | | |
GOVERNMENT–RELATED –AGENCIES–2.9% | | | | | | |
Japan Finance Corp. for Municipal Enterprises | | | | | | |
1.55%, 2/21/12(b) | | | JPY 253,000 | | | 2,072,093 |
2.00%, 5/09/16(b) | | | 60,000 | | | 492,096 |
Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau | | | | | | |
1.75%, 3/23/10(b) | | | 114,000 | | | 939,560 |
Series INTL | | | | | | |
1.85%, 9/20/10(b) | | | 183,000 | | | 1,513,052 |
| | | | | | |
Total Government-Related–Agencies (cost $5,211,578) | | | | | | 5,016,801 |
| | | | | | |
GOVERNMENT-RELATED–NON-U.S. ISSUERS–1.4% | | | | | | |
SOVEREIGNS–1.4% | | | | | | |
Russian Federation | | | | | | |
7.5%, 3/31/30(b)(e)(f) | | | 1,104 | | | 1,212,134 |
12
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
United Mexican States | | | | | | |
5.625%, 1/15/17(b) | | $ | 928 | | $ | 908,512 |
7.50%, 1/14/12(b) | | | 285 | | | 305,377 |
| | | | | | |
Total Government-Related–Non-U.S. Issuers (cost $2,433,851) | | | | | | 2,426,023 |
| | | | | | |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES–1.4% | | | | | | |
HOME EQUITY LOANS–FLOATING RATE–0.9% | | | | | | |
Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2005–SD1, Class 1A1 | | | | | | |
5.47%, 4/25/22(c) | | | 8 | | | 8,256 |
Series 2007–HE3, Class M1 | | | | | | |
5.77%, 4/25/37(c) | | | 100 | | | 100,406 |
Credit-Based Asset Servicing & Securities, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2005–CB7, Class AF2 | | | | | | |
5.147%, 11/25/35(f) | | | 170 | | | 168,966 |
Home Equity Asset Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2007–3, Class M1 | | | | | | |
5.67%, 8/25/37(c) | | | 275 | | | 275,352 |
HSI Asset Securitization Corp. Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2006–OPT2, Class 2A1 | | | | | | |
5.40%, 1/25/36(c) | | | 43 | | | 42,587 |
Indymac Residential Asset Backed Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2006–D, Class 2A2 | | | | | | |
5.43%, 11/25/36(c) | | | 295 | | | 294,631 |
IXIS Real Estate Capital Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2006–HE3, Class A2 | | | | | | |
5.42%, 1/25/37(c) | | | 195 | | | 194,909 |
Lehman XS Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2007–4N, Class M1 | | | | | | |
5.77%, 3/25/47(c) | | | 265 | | | 264,995 |
RAAC Series | | | | | | |
Series 2006–SP3, Class A1 | | | | | | |
5.40%, 8/25/36(c) | | | 54 | | | 54,230 |
Residential Asset Securities Corp. | | | | | | |
Series 2003–KS3, Class A2 | | | | | | |
5.92%, 5/25/33(c) | | | 3 | | | 2,851 |
Specialty Underwriting & Residential Finance | | | | | | |
Series 2006–BC1, Class A2A | | | | | | |
5.40%, 12/25/36(c) | | | 29 | | | 28,538 |
Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2006–1, Class A1 | | | | | | |
5.40%, 1/25/36(c) | | | 63 | | | 63,215 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,498,936 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
HOME EQUITY LOANS–FIXED RATE–0.3% | | | | | | |
Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates | | | | | | |
Series 2007–S1, Class A3 | | | | | | |
5.81%, 11/25/36(d) | | $ | 275 | | $ | 269,671 |
Credit-Based Asset Servicing & Securities, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2003–CB1, Class AF | | | | | | |
3.45%, 1/25/33(f) | | | 35 | | | 33,956 |
Home Equity Mortgage Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2005–4, Class A3 | | | | | | |
4.742%, 1/25/36(f) | | | 80 | | | 79,535 |
Series 2006–1, Class A2 | | | | | | |
5.30%, 5/25/36(f) | | | 30 | | | 29,302 |
Residential Funding Mortgage Securities II, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2005–HI2, Class A3 | | | | | | |
4.46%, 5/25/35 | | | 126 | | | 124,861 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 537,325 |
| | | | | | |
CREDIT CARDS–FIXED RATE–0.1% | | | | | | |
MBNA Credit Card Master Note Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2003–A6, Class A6 | | | | | | |
2.75%, 10/15/10 | | | 85 | | | 83,142 |
Providian Gateway Master Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2004–DA, Class A | | | | | | |
3.35%, 9/15/11(e) | | | 120 | | | 119,531 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 202,673 |
| | | | | | |
AUTOS–FIXED RATE–0.1% | | | |
Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2005–SN1A, Class A3A | | | | | | |
4.10%, 6/15/08 | | | 95 | | | 94,808 |
Capital One Prime Auto Receivables Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2005–1, Class A3 | | | | | | |
4.32%, 8/15/09 | | | 79 | | | 78,281 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 173,089 |
| | | | | | |
Total Asset-Backed Securities (cost $2,408,406) | | | | | | 2,412,023 |
| | | | | | |
EMERGING MARKETS–NON-INVESTMENT GRADES–0.8% | | | | | | |
NON CORPORATE SECTORS–0.8% | | | | | | |
SOVEREIGN–0.8% | | | |
Republic of Brazil | | | | | | |
8.25%, 1/20/34(b) | | | 725 | | | 890,300 |
Republic of Panama | | | | | | |
9.375%, 4/01/29(b) | | | 200 | | | 265,000 |
13
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Republic of Peru | | | | | | |
7.35%, 7/21/25(b) | | $ | 215 | | $ | 239,725 |
| | | | | | |
Total Emerging Markets–Non-Investment Grades (cost $1,342,000) | | | | | | 1,395,025 |
| | | | | | |
GOVERNMENT-RELATED–SUPRANATIONALS–0.5% | | | | | | |
European Investment Bank | | | | | | |
1.25%, 9/20/12(b) (cost $853,218) | | JPY | 106,600 | | | 852,649 |
| | | | | | |
MORTGAGE CMO’S–0.5% | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE–0.3% | | | | | | |
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2005-A8, Class A1C1 | | | | | | |
5.25%, 8/25/36(d) | | $ | 119 | | | 116,357 |
Residential Accredit Loans, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2007-QS1, Class 1A1 | | | | | | |
6.00%, 1/25/37 | | | 162 | | | 162,471 |
Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2006-AR11, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.519%, 8/25/36(d) | | | 222 | | | 220,728 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 499,556 |
| | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY ADJUSTABLE RATE–0.2% | | | | | | |
Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2005-62, Class 2A1 | | | | | | |
6.029%, 12/25/35(c) | | | 68 | | | 67,799 |
Series 2006-OA14, Class 3A1 | | | | | | |
5.877%, 11/25/46(c) | | | 199 | | | 198,428 |
Series 2007-OA3, Class M1 | | | | | | |
5.63%, 4/25/47(c) | | | 75 | | | 74,490 |
Washington Mutual, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2005-AR2, Class 2A22 | | | | | | |
5.54%, 1/25/45(c) | | | 4 | | | 3,754 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 344,471 |
| | | | | | |
Total Mortgage CMO’s (cost $845,987) | | | | | | 844,027 |
| | | | | | |
CORPORATES–NON-INVESTMENT GRADES–0.4% | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–0.3% | | | | | | |
BASIC–0.1% | | | | | | |
Ineos Group Holdings PLC | | | | | | |
8.50%, 2/15/16(e) | | | 75 | | | 73,313 |
Packaging Corp. of America | | | | | | |
5.75%, 8/01/13 | | | 30 | | | 29,051 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 102,364 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– MEDIA–0.1% | | | | | | |
Cablevision Systems Corp. | | | | | | |
Series B | | | | | | |
8.00%, 4/15/12 | | $ | 45 | | $ | 44,437 |
Clear Channel Communications, Inc. | | | | | | |
5.50%, 9/15/14 | | | 85 | | | 72,638 |
DirecTV Holdings LLC | | | | | | |
6.375%, 6/15/15 | | | 40 | | | 37,600 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 154,675 |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– TELECOMMUNI- CATIONS–0.0% | | | | | | |
Qwest Communications International, Inc. | | | | | | |
7.50%, 2/15/14 | | | 25 | | | 25,312 |
Series B | | | | | | |
7.50%, 2/15/14 | | | 15 | | | 15,188 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 40,500 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–AUTOMOTIVE–0.1% | | | | | | |
Ford Motor Credit Co. | | | | | | |
7.375%, 10/28/09 | | | 160 | | | 158,825 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–OTHER–0.0% | | | | | | |
MGM Mirage | | | | | | |
8.375%, 2/01/11 | | | 40 | | | 40,900 |
| | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION– SERVICES–0.0% | | | | | | |
Hertz Corp. | | | | | | |
8.875%, 1/01/14 | | | 35 | | | 36,487 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 533,751 |
| | | | | | |
UTILITY–0.1% | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC–0.0% | | | | | | |
NRG Energy, Inc. | | | | | | |
7.25%, 2/01/14 | | | 5 | | | 5,012 |
7.375%, 2/01/16 | | | 35 | | | 35,088 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 40,100 |
| | | | | | |
NATURAL GAS–0.1% | | | | | | |
Williams Cos, Inc. | | | | | | |
7.875%, 9/01/21 | | | 40 | | | 43,000 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 83,100 |
| | | | | | |
Total Corporates– Non-Investment Grades (cost $634,184) | | | | | | 616,851 |
| | | | | | |
GOVERNMENT- RELATED– SOVEREIGNS–0.3% | | | | | | |
Government of Sweden | | | | | | |
Series 1043 | | | | | | |
5.00%, 1/28/09(b) (cost $507,650) | | | SEK 3,610 | | | 533,963 |
| | | | | | |
14
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
GOVERNMENT-RELATED–U.S. AGENCIES–0.1% | | | | | | |
AGENCY DEBENTURES–0.1% | | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | | | | | |
Series 2005 | | | | | | |
3.875%, 2/15/10 (cost $196,388) | | $ | 200 | | $ | 193,721 |
| | | | | | |
| | Shares | | |
NON-CONVERTIBLE– PREFERRED STOCKS–0.0% | | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–0.0% | | | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–0.0% | | | | | | |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (cost $47,684) | | | 100 | | | 46,733 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–6.7% | | | | | | | |
AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES–4.6% | | | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. | | | | | | | |
Zero Coupon, 7/09/07 | | $ | 3,995 | | $ | 3,991,037 | |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | | | | | | |
Zero Coupon, 7/27/07 | | | 3,990 | | | 3,975,867 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 7,966,904 | |
| | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–2.1% | | | | | | | |
The Bank of New York | | | | | | | |
4.25%, 7/02/07 | | | 3,702 | | | 3,702,000 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total Short-Term Investments (cost $11,668,907) | | | | | | 11,668,904 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–104.5% | | | | | | | |
(cost $166,580,261) | | | | | | 182,023,241 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(4.5)% | | | | | | (7,765,727 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 174,257,514 | |
| | | | | | | |
FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Type | | Number of Contracts | | Expiration Month | | Original Value | | Value at June 30, 2007 | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) |
Purchased Contracts | | | | | | |
EURO STOXX 50 Index | | | | 5 | | September 2007 | | $ | 299,816 | | $ | 305,542 | | $ | 5,726 |
15
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Contract Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value on Origination Date | | U.S. $ Value at June 30, 2007 | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) |
Buy Contracts: | | | | | | | | | |
Mexican Nuevo Peso settling 7/10/07 | | 11,881 | | $ | 1,088,439 | | $ | 1,099,305 | | $ | 10,866 |
| | | |
Sale Contracts: | | | | | | | | | |
Japanese Yen settling 7/06/07 | | 274,634 | | | 2,239,424 | | | 2,231,430 | | | 7,994 |
Japanese Yen settling 7/06/07 | | 457,876 | | | 3,777,859 | | | 3,720,295 | | | 57,564 |
Mexican Nuevo Peso settling 7/10/07 | | 12,790 | | | 1,188,076 | | | 1,183,426 | | | 4,650 |
Swedish Krona settling 7/30/07 | | 4,230 | | | 620,812 | | | 619,312 | | | 1,500 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | Position, or a portion thereof, has been segregated to collateralize forward currency exchange contracts. The aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $11,628,446. |
(c) | Floating Rate Security. Stated interest rate was in effect at June 30, 2007. |
(d) | Variable rate coupon, rate shown as of June 30, 2007. |
(e) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2007, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $2,555,607 or 1.5% of net assets. |
(f) | Coupon rate adjusts periodically based upon a predetermined schedule. Stated interest rate in effect at June 30, 2007. |
| ADR—American Depositary Receipt |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
16
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $166,580,261) | | $ | 182,023,241 | |
Cash | | | 4,130 | |
Foreign cash, at value (cost $790,509) | | | 797,445 | (a) |
Unrealized appreciation of forward currency exchange contracts | | | 82,574 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency contracts | | | 3,430,228 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 640,597 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 226,530 | |
Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts | | | 3,860 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 187,208,605 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency contracts | | | 12,669,786 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 121,632 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 48,340 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 34,113 | |
Foreign capital gain tax payable | | | 338 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 76,823 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 12,951,091 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 174,257,514 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 13,573 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 155,649,731 | |
Distributions in excess of net investment income | | | (40,934 | ) |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 3,075,850 | |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 15,559,294 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 174,257,514 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 10,653,315 | | 825,696 | | $ | 12.90 |
B | | $ | 163,604,199 | | 12,747,417 | | $ | 12.83 |
(a) | An amount equivalent to U.S. $22,231 has been segregated to collateralize margin requirements for the open futures contracts outstanding at June 30, 2007. |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
17
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Interest (net of foreign taxes withheld of $160) | | $ | 1,435,155 | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $66,847) | | | 1,037,094 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 2,472,249 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 421,772 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 177,499 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 92 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1,138 | |
Custodian | | | 143,955 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Audit | | | 21,695 | |
Printing | | | 16,428 | |
Legal | | | 3,254 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 750 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 8,359 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 841,942 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B) | | | (79,087 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 762,855 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 1,709,394 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 2,958,800 | |
Futures | | | 79,172 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | 270,818 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | 819,748 | (a) |
Futures | | | 525 | |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 40,583 | |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 4,169,646 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 5,879,040 | |
| | | | |
(a) | Net of accrued foreign capital gain taxes of $766. |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
18
| | |
|
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 1,709,394 | | | $ | 1,909,660 | |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 3,308,790 | | | | 3,214,278 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 860,856 | | | | 9,012,991 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 5,879,040 | | | | 14,136,929 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (272,718 | ) | | | (80,464 | ) |
Class B | | | (3,511,139 | ) | | | (611,974 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (188,141 | ) | | | –0– | |
Class B | | | (2,585,906 | ) | | | –0– | |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 38,832,954 | | | | 48,588,078 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase | | | 38,154,090 | | | | 62,032,569 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 136,103,424 | | | | 74,070,855 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including distributions in excess of net investment income and undistributed net investment income of ($40,934) and $2,033,529, respectively) | | $ | 174,257,514 | | | $ | 136,103,424 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
19
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BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio commenced operations on July 1, 2004. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
20
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. 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 asked 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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the policy of the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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.
7. Repurchase Agreements
It is the policy of the Portfolio that its custodian or designated subcustodian take control of securities as collateral under repurchase agreements and to determine on a daily basis that the value of such securities are sufficient to cover the value of the repurchase agreements. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines or if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization of collateral by the Portfolio may be delayed or limited.
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of an investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .55% of the first $2.5 billion, ..45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
21
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BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses on an annual basis to .75% and 1.00% of the daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. Prior to February 12, 2007, the Portfolio’s total operating expenses on an annual basis were limited to 1.20% and 1.45% of the daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2007 the Adviser waived fees in the amount of $32,087.
Pursuant to the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio has agreed to reimburse the Adviser for the cost of providing the Portfolio with certain legal and accounting services. Due to the Adviser’s agreement to limit total operating expenses as described above, the Adviser waived reimbursement for such services in the amount of $47,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007, amounted to $66,420, of which $175 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | Sales |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 56,512,728 | | $ | 32,391,817 |
U.S. government securities | | | 24,581,409 | | | 18,052,792 |
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 and foreign currency transactions) are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 17,351,183 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (1,908,203 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 15,442,980 | |
| | | | |
22
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
1. Financial Futures Contracts
The Portfolio may buy or sell financial futures contracts for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse effects of anticipated movements in the market. The Portfolio bears the market risk that arises from changes in the value of these financial instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures contracts and movements in the price of the securities hedged or used for cover.
At the time the Portfolio enters into a futures contract, the Portfolio deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. Pursuant to the contract, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio as unrealized gains or losses. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of the contract. When the contract is closed, the Portfolio 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.
2. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 net unrealized appreciation or depreciation by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
Risks may arise from the potential inability of the 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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
3. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
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BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
4. Dollar Rolls
The Portfolio may enter into dollar rolls. Dollar rolls involve sales by the Portfolio of securities for delivery in the current month and the Portfolio’s simultaneously contracting to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Portfolio forgoes principal and interest paid on the securities. The Portfolio is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Portfolio is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. Dollar rolls are speculative techniques and may be considered to be borrowings by the Portfolio. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio earned income of $11,314 from dollar rolls which is included in interest income in the accompanying statement of operations.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 35,342 | | | 7,034 | | | | | $ | 460,859 | | | $ | 80,464 | |
Shares redeemed | | (72,677 | ) | | –0 | – | | | | | (933,676 | ) | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | (37,335 | ) | | 7,034 | | | | | $ | (472,817 | ) | | $ | 80,464 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 3,055,750 | | | 5,107,705 | | | | | $ | 40,149,666 | | | $ | 60,618,810 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 470,089 | | | 53,682 | | | | | | 6,097,045 | | | | 611,974 | |
Shares redeemed | | (537,780 | ) | | (1,074,226 | ) | | | | | (6,940,940 | ) | | | (12,723,170 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 2,988,059 | | | 4,087,161 | | | | | $ | 39,305,771 | | | $ | 48,507,614 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk—Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments in fixed-income debt securities such as bonds or notes. Increases in interest rates may cause the value of the Portfolio’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 risk 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.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE: H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 692,438 | | | $ | 335,465 |
Net long-term capital gains | | | –0 | – | | | 3,149 |
| | | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 692,438 | | | $ | 338,614 |
| | | | | | | |
NOTE I: Component of Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 3,784,073 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 2,706,543 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (123,221 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 12,905,679 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 19,273,074 | |
| | | | |
(a) | Passive foreign investment company losses incurred after October 31, and within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the Portfolio’s next taxable year. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Portfolio deferred until January 1, 2007, post-October passive foreign investment company losses of $123,221. The Portfolio utilized $112,135 of capital loss carryforward for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. |
(b) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies and the tax treatment of certain derivative instruments and tax straddles. |
NOTE J: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee with respect to certain AllianceBernstein funds.
25
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BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiff’s time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE K: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
27
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BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | July 1, 2004(a) to December 31, 2004 | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $12.87 | | | $11.39 | | | $10.69 | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b)(c) | | .16 | | | .25 | | | .18 | | | .07 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | .41 | | | 1.32 | | | .60 | | | .62 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | .57 | | | 1.57 | | | .78 | | | .69 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.32 | ) | | (.09 | ) | | (.05 | ) | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.22 | ) | | –0 | – | | (.03 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.54 | ) | | (.09 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $12.90 | | | $12.87 | | | $11.39 | | | $10.69 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | 4.34 | % | | 13.92 | % | | 7.30 | % | | 6.90 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $10,654 | | | $11,111 | | | $9,746 | | | $9,089 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .76 | %(e) | | .99 | %(f) | | 1.20 | % | | 1.20 | %(e) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .86 | %(e) | | 1.07 | %(f) | | 1.54 | % | | 2.87 | %(e) |
Net investment income (c) | | 2.44 | %(e) | | 2.08 | %(f) | | 1.64 | % | | 1.36 | %(e) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 34 | % | | 203 | % | | 139 | % | | 44 | % |
See footnote summary on page 29.
28
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | July 1, 2004(a) to December 31, 2004 | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $12.81 | | | $11.34 | | | $10.67 | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b)(c) | | .14 | | | .22 | | | .15 | | | .06 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | .40 | | | 1.33 | | | .60 | | | .61 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | .54 | | | 1.55 | | | .75 | | | .67 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.30 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | (.05 | ) | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.22 | ) | | –0 | – | | (.03 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.52 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $12.83 | | | $12.81 | | | $11.34 | | | $10.67 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | 4.13 | % | | 13.75 | % | | 7.01 | % | | 6.70 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $163,604 | | | $124,992 | | | $64,325 | | | $17,866 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.01 | %(e) | | 1.23 | %(f) | | 1.45 | % | | 1.45 | %(e) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.12 | %(e) | | 1.31 | %(f) | | 1.77 | % | | 3.34 | %(e) |
Net investment income (c) | | 2.21 | %(e) | | 1.84 | %(f) | | 1.31 | % | | 1.49 | %(e) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 34 | % | | 203 | % | | 139 | % | | 44 | % |
(a) | Commencement of operations. |
(b) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(c) | Net of expenses waived and 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(f) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
29
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BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio (the “Portfolio”),2 prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003 is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 06/30/06 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Balanced | | 55 bp on 1st $2.5 billion | | $ | 101.1 | | Balanced Wealth |
| | 45 bp on next $2.5 billion | | | | | Strategy Portfolio |
| | 40 bp on the balance | | | | | |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. Indicated below is the reimbursement amount, which the Adviser received from the Portfolio in the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, expressed in dollars and as a percentage of average daily net assets:
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Amount | | | As a % of Average Daily Net Assets | |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | $ | 75,250 | 4 | | 0.15 | % |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on June 24, 2006 and presented to the Board of Directors on August 1, 2006 in accordance with the September 1, 2004 Assurance of Discontinuance between the NYAG and the Adviser. It also should be noted that references in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
2 | Future references to the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” |
3 | Most of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the New York State Attorney General. |
4 | The Adviser waived this expense reimbursement made by the Portfolio. |
30
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser agreed to waive that portion of its management fees and/or reimburse a portion of the Portfolio’s total operating expenses to the degree necessary to limit the Portfolio’s expenses to the amounts set forth below during the Portfolio’s first fiscal year. The waiver is terminable by the Adviser on May 1st of each year upon at least 60 days of written notice. The gross expense ratios of the Portfolio during the most recently completed fiscal year are also listed below.
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Cap Pursuant to Expense Limitation Undertaking | | | Gross Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year End |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | Class A 1.20 | % | | 1.54 | % | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.45 | % | | 1.77 | % | | |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses is reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if the Portfolio is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. However, with respect to the Portfolio, the Adviser represented that there is no institutional product that has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Balanced Wealth Strategy, a retail mutual fund, which has a similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Balanced Wealth Strategy:
| | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund | | Advisory Fees |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | Balanced Wealth Strategy | | 55 bp on 1st $2.5 billion |
| | | | 45 bp on next $2.5 billion |
| | | | 40 bp on the balance |
The Adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment companies with a similar investment style as the Portfolio.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis
31
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BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the Lipper group median at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.5
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Effective Management Fee6 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | 0.550 | | 0.650 | | 5/13 |
Lipper also analyzed the total expense ratio of the Portfolio in comparison to its Lipper Expense Group7 and Lipper Expense Universe.8 Lipper describes a Lipper Expense Group as a representative sample of comparable funds and a Lipper Expense Universe as a broader group, consisting of all funds in the same investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the subject Portfolio. The result of that analysis is set forth below:
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)9 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | 1.199 | | 0.793 | | 13/13 | | 0.702 | | 26/26 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE MANAGEMENT FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
A consultant was retained by the Senior Officer to work with the Adviser’s personnel to align the Adviser’s two profitability reporting systems. The alignment, which now has been completed, allows the Adviser’s management and the Directors to receive consistent presentations of the financial results and profitability although the two profitability reporting systems operate independently. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The profitability information for the Portfolio prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors was reviewed by the Senior Officer. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio increased during calendar year 2005 relative to 2004.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that they should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution, and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments,
5 | The effective management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” means that the Strategy has the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
6 | The effective management fee rate for the Portfolio would not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative, and other services. As previously mentioned, for the most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser waived such payment. In addition, the effective management fee does not reflect any fee waivers or expense reimbursements for expense caps that effectively reduced the contractual fee rate. |
7 | Lipper uses the following criteria in screening funds to be included in the Portfolio’s expense group: variable product, fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, and expense components and attributes. A Lipper Expense Group will typically consist of seven to twenty funds. |
8 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting a Lipper Expense Group when selecting a Lipper Expense Universe. Unlike the Lipper Expense Group, the Lipper Expense Universe allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
9 | Most recently completed fiscal year Class A share total expense ratio. |
32
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
front-end sales loads, contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) and commissions for providing brokerage services. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur. Additional information regarding distribution related fees can be found in the prospectus of the Portfolio.
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received the amount set forth below in Rule 12b-1 fees:
| | | |
Portfolio | | 12b-1 Fees Received |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | $ | 105,519 |
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability increased in 2005 in comparison to 2004. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $794 from the Portfolio.10
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection to Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, the Adviser determined that it made the following payment on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI:
| | | |
Portfolio | | Adviser Payment to ABI |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | $ | 21,378 |
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, keeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the firm over the year.
The Portfolio effected brokerage transactions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and paid commissions for such transactions during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business conducted with the Portfolio is comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients, including the Portfolio. These credits and charges are not being passed on to any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for the Portfolio and other clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that the breakpoints in the fee schedule in the Investment Advisory Agreement reflect a sharing of economies of scale to the extent the breakpoints are reached. Based on some of the professional literature that has considered economies of scale in the mutual fund industry it is thought that to the extent economies of scale exist, they may more often exist across a fund family as opposed to a specific fund. This is because the costs incurred by the Adviser, such as investment research or technology for trading or compliance systems can be spread across a greater asset base as the fund family increases in size. It is also possible that as the level of services required to operate a successful investment company has increased over time, and advisory firms have made such investments in their business to provide improved services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant made a presentation to the Board of Directors and the Senior Officer regarding possible economies of scale or scope in the mutual fund industry. Based on the presentation, it was evident that fund management companies benefit from economies of scale. However, due to lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were
10 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2005. |
33
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BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
being passed on to the shareholders. In the meantime, it is clear that to the extent a fund’s assets exceeds its initial breakpoint its shareholders benefit from a lower fee rate.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO.
With assets under management of $625 billion as June 30, 2006, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information below, which was prepared by Lipper, shows the 1 year performance ranking of the Portfolio11 relative to its Lipper Performance Group12 and Lipper Performance Universe13 for the periods ended April 30, 2006:
| | | | |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | Group | | Universe |
1 year | | 1/12 | | 2/47 |
Set forth below are the 1 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)14 versus its benchmarks:15
| | | | |
| | Periods Ending April 30, 2006 Annualized Performance |
Portfolio | | 1 Year | | Since Inception |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | 14.97 | | 12.23 |
S&P 500 Stock Index | | 11.72 | | 12.22 |
Lehman Aggregate Bond Index | | 2.26 | | 2.96 |
Lehman Aggregate Bond Index 60% S&P 500 Index / 40% Lehman Aggregate Bond Index | | 7.94 | | 8.52 |
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arms-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: September 7, 2006
11 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
12 | The Lipper Performance Group is identical to the Lipper Expense Group. |
13 | For the Lipper Performance Universe, Lipper included the Portfolio and all of the funds of the same Lipper Classification/ Objective and load type, regardless of asset size. |
14 | The performance returns shown are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
15 | The Adviser provided Strategy and benchmark performance return information for periods through April 30, 2006 in order to maintain consistency with Lipper’s performance rankings in the analysis. |
34
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Global Research Growth Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
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| | |
GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Global Research Growth Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,066.77 | | $ | 6.15 | | 1.20 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,018.84 | | $ | 6.01 | | 1.20 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,065.37 | | $ | 7.43 | | 1.45 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,017.60 | | $ | 7.25 | | 1.45 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. | | $ | 305,532 | | 2.9 | % |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 304,218 | | 2.9 | |
Credit Suisse Group | | | 296,601 | | 2.8 | |
American International Group, Inc. | | | 231,099 | | 2.2 | |
UBS AG (Swiss Virt-X) | | | 206,385 | | 2.0 | |
The Blackstone Group LP | | | 204,890 | | 2.0 | |
Rio Tinto PLC | | | 178,483 | | 1.7 | |
Total SA | | | 148,697 | | 1.4 | |
General Electric Co. | | | 141,636 | | 1.3 | |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | | 138,901 | | 1.3 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 2,156,442 | | 20.5 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 3,018,357 | | 29.3 | % |
Information Technology | | | 1,300,372 | | 12.6 | |
Health Care | | | 1,192,310 | | 11.6 | |
Industrials | | | 1,139,381 | | 11.1 | |
Energy | | | 1,062,776 | | 10.3 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 890,919 | | 8.7 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 873,228 | | 8.5 | |
Materials | | | 612,750 | | 5.9 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 124,151 | | 1.2 | |
Utilities | | | 83,602 | | 0.8 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 10,297,846 | | 100.0 | % |
| 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 and 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. |
2
| | |
GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
COUNTRY DIVERSIFICATION | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COUNTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
United States | | $ | 5,322,795 | | 51.7 | % |
Switzerland | | | 1,024,929 | | 9.9 | |
United Kingdom | | | 851,612 | | 8.3 | |
France | | | 430,864 | | 4.2 | |
Japan | | | 341,782 | | 3.3 | |
Russia | | | 225,386 | | 2.2 | |
Italy | | | 203,913 | | 2.0 | |
Bermuda | | | 181,201 | | 1.8 | |
Brazil | | | 179,397 | | 1.7 | |
Australia | | | 163,171 | | 1.6 | |
Spain | | | 157,534 | | 1.5 | |
Canada | | | 132,658 | | 1.3 | |
China | | | 125,500 | | 1.2 | |
Other* | | | 957,104 | | 9.3 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 10,297,846 | | 100.0 | % |
* | The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represents 1.2% or less in the following countries: Argentina, Cayman Islands, Finland, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Mexico, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan and Turkey. |
3
| | |
GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–98.1% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–28.7% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–14.8% | | | | | |
3i Group PLC | | 3,434 | | $ | 79,935 |
The Blackstone Group LP(a) | | 7,000 | | | 204,890 |
Credit Suisse Group | | 4,178 | | | 296,601 |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | 620 | | | 82,131 |
Janus Capital Group, Inc. | | 4,300 | | | 119,712 |
Legg Mason, Inc. | | 800 | | | 78,704 |
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. | | 4,100 | | | 305,532 |
Macquarie Bank Ltd. | | 1,241 | | | 89,135 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. | | 1,125 | | | 94,028 |
UBS AG (Swiss Virt-X) | | 3,451 | | | 206,385 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,557,053 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–4.7% | | | | | |
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA | | 4,461 | | | 109,093 |
Banco Itau Holding Financeira SA | | 1,200 | | | 53,282 |
Standard Chartered(a) | | 3,464 | | | 112,987 |
Turkiye Is Bankasi—Class C | | 24,497 | | | 113,828 |
UniCredito Italiano SpA | | 11,753 | | | 104,973 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 494,163 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–5.0% | | | | | |
Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings, Inc.—Class A | | 182 | | | 97,253 |
Citigroup, Inc. | | 1,380 | | | 70,780 |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | 6,279 | | | 304,218 |
NYSE Euronext | | 700 | | | 51,534 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 523,785 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–4.2% | | | | | |
American International Group, Inc. | | 3,300 | | | 231,099 |
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. | | 800 | | | 32,520 |
QBE Insurance Group Ltd. | | 2,806 | | | 74,036 |
Swiss Reinsurance | | 1,159 | | | 105,701 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 443,356 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,018,357 |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–12.4% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–2.7% | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 4,145 | | | 115,438 |
Juniper Networks, Inc.(a) | | 1,400 | | | 35,238 |
Nokia OYJ | | 3,045 | | | 85,520 |
Qualcomm, Inc. | | 1,100 | | | 47,729 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 283,925 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–3.2% | | | | | |
Apple, Inc.(a) | | 550 | | | 67,122 |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | 1,700 | | | 75,854 |
InnoLux Display Corp.(a) | | 4,000 | | | 16,525 |
International Business Machines Corp. | | 800 | | | 84,200 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Network Appliance, Inc.(a) | | 600 | | $ | 17,520 |
Sun Microsystems, Inc.(a) | | 14,333 | | | 75,391 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 336,612 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–0.4% | | | | | |
AU Optronics Corp. | | 9,330 | | | 15,939 |
HON HAI Precision Industry Co. Ltd. (GDR)(b) | | 1,609 | | | 27,807 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 43,746 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–1.5% | | | | | |
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a) | | 313 | | | 15,224 |
eBay, Inc.(a) | | 1,600 | | | 51,488 |
Google, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 172 | | | 90,022 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 156,734 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–0.7% | | | | | |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.—Class A(a) | | 570 | | | 42,801 |
Fiserv, Inc.(a) | | 300 | | | 17,040 |
Infosys Technologies Ltd. (ADR) | | 300 | | | 15,114 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 74,955 |
| | | | | |
OFFICE ELECTRONICS–0.5% | | | | | |
Canon, Inc. | | 850 | | | 49,847 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–1.6% | | | | | |
ASML Holding NV(a) | | 674 | | | 18,518 |
Broadcom Corp.—Class A(a) | | 750 | | | 21,937 |
KLA-Tencor Corp. | | 400 | | | 21,980 |
Novatek Microelectronics Corp. Ltd. | | 3,000 | | | 15,674 |
NVIDIA Corp.(a) | | 500 | | | 20,655 |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | | 22 | | | 13,450 |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (ADR) | | 1,635 | | | 18,198 |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | 881 | | | 33,152 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 163,564 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–1.8% | | | | | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a) | | 875 | | | 35,131 |
Citrix Systems, Inc.(a) | | 900 | | | 30,303 |
Microsoft Corp. | | 3,000 | | | 88,410 |
Oracle Corp.(a) | | 1,570 | | | 30,945 |
Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd. (ADR)(a) | | 200 | | | 6,200 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 190,989 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,300,372 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–11.4% | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–1.5% | | | | | |
Celgene Corp.(a) | | 500 | | | 28,665 |
Genentech, Inc.(a) | | 775 | | | 58,636 |
Gilead Sciences, Inc.(a) | | 1,700 | | | 65,909 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 153,210 |
| | | | | |
4
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–1.5% | | | | | |
Alcon, Inc. | | 485 | | $ | 65,431 |
Becton Dickinson & Co. | | 550 | | | 40,975 |
Nobel Biocare Holding AG(a) | | 150 | | | 48,965 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 155,371 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–2.8% | | | | | |
Aetna, Inc. | | 1,100 | | | 54,340 |
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a) | | 613 | | | 47,973 |
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.(a) | | 530 | | | 41,335 |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | 800 | | | 40,912 |
WellPoint, Inc.(a) | | 1,400 | | | 111,762 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 296,322 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–5.6% | | | | | |
Abbott Laboratories | | 800 | | | 42,840 |
Allergan, Inc. | | 500 | | | 28,820 |
Eli Lilly & Co. | | 770 | | | 43,028 |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | 2,100 | | | 104,580 |
Novartis AG | | 902 | | | 50,639 |
Roche Holding AG | | 482 | | | 85,404 |
Schering-Plough Corp. | | 2,100 | | | 63,924 |
Shionogi & Co. Ltd. | | 1,000 | | | 16,300 |
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. | | 400 | | | 25,841 |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. (ADR) | | 1,700 | | | 70,125 |
Wyeth | | 975 | | | 55,906 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 587,407 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,192,310 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–10.9% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–2.5% | | | | | |
BAE Systems PLC | | 8,819 | | | 71,165 |
Boeing Co. | | 980 | | | 94,237 |
United Technologies Corp. | | 1,300 | | | 92,209 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 257,611 |
| | | | | |
AIRLINES–0.5% | | | | | |
Continental Airlines, Inc.—Class B(a) | | 850 | | | 28,790 |
easyJet PLC(a) | | 2,124 | | | 22,245 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 51,035 |
| | | | | |
BUILDING PRODUCTS–1.3% | | | | | |
American Standard Cos, Inc. | | 1,000 | | | 58,980 |
Asahi Glass Co. Ltd. | | 2,000 | | | 26,967 |
Cie de Saint-Gobain | | 455 | | | 50,970 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 136,917 |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.6% | | | | | |
Vinci SA(a) | | 787 | | | 58,739 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–1.2% | | | | | |
ABB Ltd. | | 2,281 | | | 51,432 |
Emerson Electric Co. | | 1,700 | | | 79,560 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 130,992 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.9% | | | | | |
General Electric Co. | | 3,700 | | $ | 141,636 |
Siemens AG | | 402 | | | 57,567 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 199,203 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–1.7% | | | | | |
Atlas Copco AB(a) | | 4,514 | | | 75,186 |
Danaher Corp. | | 950 | | | 71,725 |
Deere & Co. | | 300 | | | 36,222 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 183,133 |
| | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–1.2% | | | | | |
Mitsubishi Corp. | | 1,600 | | | 41,923 |
Mitsui & Co. Ltd. | | 4,000 | | | 79,828 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 121,751 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,139,381 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–10.1% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–3.2% | | | | | |
Baker Hughes, Inc. | | 1,375 | | | 115,679 |
Nabors Industries Ltd.(a) | | 1,100 | | | 36,718 |
Schlumberger, Ltd. | | 1,255 | | | 106,599 |
Tenaris SA (ADR) | | 1,500 | | | 73,440 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 332,436 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–6.9% | | | | | |
Addax Petroleum Corp. | | 1,436 | | | 53,706 |
China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd.—Class H | | 33,000 | | | 115,149 |
Gazprom OAO (ADR) | | 3,053 | | | 127,921 |
LUKOIL (ADR) | | 996 | | | 76,393 |
Noble Energy, Inc. | | 2,076 | | | 129,522 |
Petro-Canada | | 1,482 | | | 78,952 |
Total SA | | 1,834 | | | 148,697 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 730,340 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,062,776 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–8.5% | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–0.4% | | | | | |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | 600 | | | 38,910 |
| | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–0.7% | | | | | |
Safeway, Inc. | | 700 | | | 23,821 |
Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV Series V | | 13,492 | | | 51,203 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 75,024 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–3.8% | | | | | |
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | | 1,700 | | | 56,253 |
Bunge Ltd. | | 1,325 | | | 111,962 |
China Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd. | | 3,000 | | | 10,351 |
Nestle SA | | 301 | | | 114,372 |
WM Wrigley Jr Co. | | 1,825 | | | 100,941 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 393,879 |
| | | | | |
5
| | |
GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–1.3% | | | | | |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | 2,270 | | $ | 138,901 |
| | | | | |
PERSONAL PRODUCTS–0.3% | | | | | |
L’Oreal SA | | 254 | | | 30,023 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–2.0% | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | 1,750 | | | 122,745 |
British American Tobacco PLC(a) | | 2,681 | | | 91,437 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 214,182 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 890,919 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–8.3% | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–0.4% | | | | | |
Denso Corp. | | 1,200 | | | 46,933 |
| | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–1.2% | | | | | |
Fiat SpA | | 3,331 | | | 98,941 |
Suzuki Motor Corp.(a) | | 900 | | | 25,558 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 124,499 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–0.4% | | | | | |
Apollo Group, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 800 | | | 46,744 |
| | | | | |
HOTELS RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–2.3% | | | | | |
Accor SA | | 649 | | | 57,372 |
Ctrip.com International Ltd. (ADR) | | 200 | | | 15,726 |
Hilton Hotels Corp. | | 2,500 | | | 83,675 |
Punch Taverns PLC | | 3,339 | | | 81,917 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 238,690 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.5% | | | | | |
Daiwa House Industry Co. Ltd. | | 2,000 | | | 28,586 |
Pulte Homes, Inc. | | 900 | | | 20,205 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 48,791 |
| | | | | |
LEISURE EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS–0.1% | | | | | |
Largan Precision Co., Ltd. | | 1,000 | | | 14,010 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–2.4% | | | | | |
Comcast Corp.—Class A(a) | | 2,950 | | | 82,954 |
Societe Television Francaise 1 | | 2,461 | | | 85,062 |
Time Warner, Inc. | | 3,900 | | | 82,056 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 250,072 |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–0.5% | | | | | |
Kohl’s Corp.(a) | | 775 | | | 55,048 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–0.5% | | | | | |
Inditex SA | | 823 | | | 48,441 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 873,228 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–5.8% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–1.1% | | | | | |
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | | 1,525 | | $ | 122,564 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–4.7% | | | | | |
Cia Vale do Rio Doce (ADR) | | 1,900 | | | 84,645 |
Cia Vale do Rio Doce (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 1,100 | | | 41,470 |
Rio Tinto PLC(a) | | 2,333 | | | 178,483 |
Sterlite Industries India Ltd. (ADR)(a) | | 3,800 | | | 55,746 |
Xstrata PLC | | 2,181 | | | 129,842 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 490,186 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 612,750 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.2% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.2% | | | | | |
Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk PT (ADR) | | 300 | | | 12,930 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | 300 | | | 12,351 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 25,281 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.0% | | | | | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | 1,150 | | | 71,219 |
MTN Group Ltd. | | 484 | | | 6,579 |
Vimpel-Communications (ADR) | | 200 | | | 21,072 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 98,870 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 124,151 |
| | | | | |
UTILITIES–0.8% | | | | | |
INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS & ENERGY TRADERS–0.8% | | | | | |
International Power PLC | | 9,726 | | | 83,602 |
| | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–98.1% (cost $8,523,758) | | | | | 10,297,846 |
Other assets less liabilities–1.9% | | | | | 200,178 |
| | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | $ | 10,498,024 |
| | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security is considered liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2007, the market value of this security amounted to $27,807 or 0.3% of net assets. |
| ADR—American Depositary Receipt |
| GDR—Global Depositary Receipt |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
6
| | |
GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | |
ASSETS | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $8,523,758) | | $ | 10,297,846 |
Cash | | | 67,736 |
Foreign cash, at value (cost $127,788) | | | 128,648 |
Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency contracts | | | 75,548 |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 19,779 |
Dividends receivable | | | 19,620 |
Receivable due from Adviser | | | 11,470 |
| | | |
Total assets | | | 10,620,647 |
| | | |
LIABILITIES | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency contracts | | | 57,398 |
Custodian fee payable | | | 40,922 |
Distribution fee payable | | | 2,200 |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 31 |
Accrued expenses | | | 22,013 |
| | | |
Total liabilities | | | 122,623 |
| | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 10,498,024 |
| | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 750 |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 8,054,454 |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 21,495 |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 646,255 |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 1,775,070 |
| | | |
| | $ | 10,498,024 |
| | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 148,599 | | 10,585 | | $ | 14.04 |
B | | $ | 10,349,425 | | 739,619 | | $ | 13.99 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
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GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $7,800) | | $ | 97,980 | |
Interest | | | 5,457 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 103,437 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 41,215 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 13,558 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 19 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1,438 | |
Custodian | | | 98,277 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Audit | | | 19,111 | |
Printing | | | 4,238 | |
Legal | | | 2,233 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 740 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 1,995 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 229,824 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B) | | | (150,316 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 79,508 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 23,929 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 659,056 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | 5,833 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (161,741 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (3,068 | ) |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 500,080 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 524,009 | |
| | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
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| | |
GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 23,929 | | | $ | 14,313 | |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 664,889 | | | | 359,268 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (164,809 | ) | | | 977,503 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 524,009 | | | | 1,351,084 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (549 | ) | | | –0– | |
Class B | | | (14,840 | ) | | | –0– | |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (5,328 | ) | | | (2,040 | ) |
Class B | | | (370,285 | ) | | | (149,106 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (2,278,892 | ) | | | 4,259,482 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | (2,145,885 | ) | | | 5,459,420 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 12,643,909 | | | | 7,184,489 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $21,495 and $12,955, respectively) | | $ | 10,498,024 | | | $ | 12,643,909 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
9
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GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Global Research Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio commenced operations on May 2, 2005. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
10
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. 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 asked 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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the policy of the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 an investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’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 on an annual basis to 1.20% and 1.45% of the daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Adviser waived fees in the amount of $103,316.
11
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GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Pursuant to the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio has agreed to reimburse the Adviser for the cost of providing the Portfolio with certain legal and accounting services. Due to the Adviser’s agreement to limit total operating expenses as described above, the Adviser waived reimbursement for such services in the amount of $47,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007, amounted to $12,727, none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to ..50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 5,914,288 | | | $ | 8,060,483 | |
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 | | $ | 1,863,518 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (89,430 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 1,774,088 | |
| | | | |
1. Financial Futures Contracts
The Portfolio may buy or sell financial futures contracts for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse effects of anticipated movements in the market. The Portfolio bears the market risk that arises from changes in the value of these financial instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures contracts and movements in the price of the securities hedged or used for cover.
12
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
At the time the Portfolio enters into a futures contract, the Portfolio deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Pursuant to the contract, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio as unrealized gains or losses. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of the contract. When the contract is closed, the Portfolio 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.
2. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 net unrealized appreciation or depreciation by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
Risks may arise from the potential inability of the 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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars, reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
3. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
13
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GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | –0– | | | –0– | | | | | $ | –0– | | | $ | 38 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 416 | | | 169 | | | | | | 5,877 | | | | 2,040 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 416 | | | 169 | | | | | $ | 5,877 | | | $ | 2,078 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 182,951 | | | 361,383 | | | | | $ | 2,577,184 | | | $ | 4,621,694 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 27,353 | | | 12,384 | | | | | | 385,125 | | | | 149,106 | |
Shares redeemed | | (387,436 | ) | | (41,356 | ) | | | | | (5,247,078 | ) | | | (513,396 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | (177,132 | ) | | 332,411 | | | | | $ | (2,284,769 | ) | | $ | 4,257,404 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE H: Components of Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 197,231 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 186,829 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (1,338 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 1,927,091 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 2,309,813 | |
| | | | |
(a) | Net capital losses incurred after October 31, and within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the Portfolio’s next taxable year. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Portfolio deferred until January 1, 2007, post-October capital losses of $1,338. |
(b) | The difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
14
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee with respect to certain AllianceBernstein funds.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
15
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GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
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GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | May 2, 2005(a) to December 31, 2005 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $13.70 | | | $12.11 | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b)(c) | | .06 | | | .05 | | | .01 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | .85 | | | 1.74 | | | 2.10 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | .91 | | | 1.79 | | | 2.11 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.05 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.52 | ) | | (.20 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.57 | ) | | (.20 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $14.04 | | | $13.70 | | | $12.11 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | 6.68 | % | | 15.04 | % | | 21.10 | % |
| | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $149 | | | $139 | | | $121 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.20 | %(e) | | 1.20 | %(f) | | 1.20 | %(e) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 4.00 | %(e) | | 4.61 | %(f) | | 7.47 | %(e) |
Net investment income (c) | | .81 | %(e) | | .41 | %(f) | | .13 | %(e) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 55 | % | | 64 | % | | 43 | % |
See footnote summary on page 19.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | May 2, 2005(a) to December 31, 2005 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $13.64 | | | $12.09 | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (b)(c) | | .03 | | | .02 | | | (.01 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | .86 | | | 1.73 | | | 2.10 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | .89 | | | 1.75 | | | 2.09 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.02 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.52 | ) | | (.20 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.54 | ) | | (.20 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $13.99 | | | $13.64 | | | $12.09 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | 6.54 | % | | 14.73 | % | | 20.90 | % |
| | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $10,349 | | | $12,505 | | | $7,063 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.45 | %(e) | | 1.45 | %(f) | | 1.45 | %(e) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 4.18 | %(e) | | 4.78 | %(f) | | 7.73 | %(e) |
Net investment income (loss) (c) | | .43 | %(e) | | .14 | %(f) | | (.14 | )%(e) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 55 | % | | 64 | % | | 43 | % |
(a) | Commencement of operations. |
(b) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(c) | Net of expenses waived and 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(f) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
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GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE PORTFOLIO’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AllianceBernstein Global Research Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2007.
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 Fund’s Senior Officer (who is also the Fund’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fees in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fees for the Portfolio were reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Fund’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio 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 AllianceBernstein 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio and the overall arrangements between the Portfolio 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 research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Portfolio. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Portfolio’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Portfolio will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services provided at the Portfolio’s request by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are approved by the directors on a quarterly basis and (to the extent requested and paid) result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Portfolio to the Adviser than the fee rates stated in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the Adviser had waived reimbursement payments from the Portfolio in the Portfolio’s last fiscal year. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Portfolio’s other service providers, also were considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Portfolio 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 Portfolio to the Adviser for calendar years 2005 and 2006 that had been prepared with an updated expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The directors reviewed the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and noted 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 Portfolio, including those relating to its subsidiaries which provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Portfolio. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability from fund advisory contracts because comparative
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors noted that the Adviser’s relationship with the Portfolio was not profitable to it in 2005 and 2006.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Portfolio other than the fees and expense reimbursements payable under the Advisory Agreement, including but not limited to benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby the Adviser receives brokerage and research services from many of the brokers and dealers that execute purchases and sales of securities on behalf of its clients on an agency basis), 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 the Portfolio’s Class B shares, transfer agency fees paid by the Portfolio to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, and brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio to brokers affiliated with the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors also understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Portfolio.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the meeting, the directors receive detailed comparative performance information for the Portfolio at each regular Board meeting during the year. The directors noted that the Portfolio is a clone of another fund managed by the Adviser (the “Corresponding Fund”) and is managed to track the investment performance of its Corresponding Fund, although investment results may differ between the Portfolio and its Corresponding Fund due to differences in their expense ratios and other factors. At the meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Lipper showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Portfolio as compared to a group of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Group”) and as compared to a broader array of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Universe”), and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares as compared to the Morgan Stanley Capital International World Index (Net) (the “Index”), in each case for periods ended December 31, 2006 over the 1-year period and the since inception period (May 2005 inception). The directors noted that in the Performance Group comparison the Portfolio was in the 5th quintile in the 1-year period and 3rd quintile in the since inception period, and in the Performance Universe comparison the Portfolio was in the 5th quintile in the 1-year period and 4th quintile in the since inception period. The comparative information showed that the Portfolio outperformed the Index in the since inception period and underperformed the Index in the 1-year period. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Portfolio’s relative performance over time had been satisfactory.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser and information prepared by Lipper concerning fee rates paid by other funds in the same Lipper category as the Portfolio 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 also considered the fees the Adviser charges other clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. For this purpose, they reviewed information in the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Fund’s Senior Officer disclosing the institutional fee schedule for institutional products managed by the Adviser that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. The directors noted that the institutional fee schedule for clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio had breakpoints at lower asset levels than those in the fee schedule applicable to the Portfolio but that the initial fee rate in the institutional fee schedule was higher than that for the Portfolio, so that the application of such fee schedule to the level of assets of the Portfolio would result in a fee rate that would be higher than that in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the Adviser is currently waiving its right to be reimbursed by the Portfolio for administrative expenses and that total compensation to the Adviser pursuant to the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement would be at a higher rate than under the institutional fee schedule but for such waiver. 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 directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio is the same as that for its Corresponding Fund.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Portfolio relative to institutional clients. The Adviser also noted that since mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are
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GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets are relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Portfolio in comparison to the fees and expenses of funds within two comparison groups created by Lipper: an Expense Group and an Expense Universe. Lipper described an Expense Group as a representative sample of funds comparable to the Portfolio and an Expense Universe as a broader group, consisting of all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the Portfolio. The Class A expense ratio of the Portfolio was based on the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year expense ratio. The expense ratio of the Portfolio reflected fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements as a result of an expense limitation undertaking by the Adviser. The directors recognized that the expense ratio information for the Portfolio potentially reflected on the Adviser’s provision of services, as the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Portfolio by others. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some funds in the Portfolio’s Lipper category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases were voluntary and perhaps temporary.
The directors noted that the Portfolio’s at approximate current size contractual advisory effective fee rate of 75 basis points was lower than the Expense Group median. The directors noted that in the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year, the administrative expense reimbursement of 90 basis points had been waived by the Adviser. The directors also noted that the Portfolio’s total expense ratio, which had been capped by the Adviser, was higher than the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians. The directors also noted the Fund’s relatively modest size (less than $15 million at February 28, 2007) and that the Adviser had reviewed with them steps being taken that are intended to reduce the expenses of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The directors concluded that the Portfolio’s expense ratio was acceptable in the Portfolio’s particular circumstances.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors also considered presentations by an independent consultant discussing economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AllianceBernstein Funds. 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 establishing breakpoints that give effect to 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 Portfolio, 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 Portfolio’s breakpoint arrangements would result in a sharing of economies of scale in the event of a very significant increase in the Portfolio’s net assets.
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GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein Global Research Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE CAPS & REIMBURSEMENTS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
International | | 75 bp on 1st $2.5 billion
65 bp on next $2.5 billion
60 bp on the balance | | $ | 13.6 | | Global Research Growth Portfolio |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser was due to receive $86,750 (0.90% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services but waived the amount in its entirety.
The Adviser has agreed to waive that portion of its management fees and/or reimburse the Portfolio for that portion of its total operating expenses to the degree necessary to limit the Portfolio’s expense ratios to the amounts set forth below for the Portfolio’s fiscal year. The waiver is terminable by the Adviser on May 1st of each year upon at least 60 days written notice. In addition, set forth below are the gross expense ratios of the Portfolio for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | | | |
Fund | | Expense Cap Pursuant to Expense Limitation Undertaking | | Gross Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year End |
Global Research Growth Portfolio | | Class A 1.20% | | 4.61 | % | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.45% | | 4.78 | % | | |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2007 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 1-3, 2007. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | The AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were also affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
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GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients and sub-advised investment companies include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses are usually reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than managing that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if a fund is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different and legal and reputational risks are greater, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee based on February 28, 2007 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Fund Advisory Fee5 | |
Global Research Growth Portfolio | | $13.6 | | Global Research Growth Schedule 80 bp on 1st $25 m 60 bp on next $25 m 50 bp on next $50 m 40 bp on the balance Minimum account size $50 m | | 0.800 | % | | 0.750 | % |
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Global Research Fund Growth, Inc. a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Global Research Growth Fund, Inc.:6
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee | |
Global Research Growth Portfolio | | Global Research Growth Fund, Inc. | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion
0.65% on next $2.5 billion
0.60% on the balance | | 0.75 | % |
4 | The Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300 million, it will negotiate a fee schedule. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. |
5 | Fund advisory fee based on February 28, 2007 net assets. It should be noted that the advisory fee shown for the Fund excludes any expense reimbursements related to expense caps. |
6 | It should be noted that the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the Portfolio has the same breakpoints in its advisory fee schedule as the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund. |
24
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|
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages and sponsors retail mutual funds, which are organized in jurisdictions outside the United States, generally Luxembourg and Japan, and sold to non-United States resident investors. The Adviser charges the following fees for Global Growth Trends Portfolio, which is a Luxembourg fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio:
| | | |
Fund | | Fee | |
Global Growth Trends Portfolio | | | |
Class A7 Class I (Institutional) | | 1.70
0.90 | %
% |
The Alliance Capital Investment Trust Management mutual funds (“ACITM”), which are offered to investors in Japan, have an “all-in” fee to compensate the Adviser for investment advisory as well as fund accounting and administrative related services. The fee schedule of the ACITM mutual fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio is as follows:
| | | | |
Portfolio | | ACITM Mutual Fund | | Fee8 |
Global Research Growth Portfolio | | Alliance Global Research Growth9 | | 0.30%10 |
| | Alliance Global Growth Opportunities H, I, P11 | | 1.00% |
| | Alliance Global Growth Opportunities P29 | | 0.80% |
| | Alliance Global Growth Opportunities P39 | | 0.85% |
The Adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment company with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services offered by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”)12 at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.13
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
7 | Class A shares of the fund are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory services and distribution related services. |
8 | The Japanese Yen-U.S. dollar currency exchange rate quoted at 4 p.m. on March 6, 2007 by Reuters was ¥116.62 per $1. At that currency exchange rate, every ¥1 billion would be equivalent to approximately $8.6 million. |
9 | This ACITM fund is privately placed or institutional. |
10 | The fund is offered to three institutional clients that are charged a separate fee for managing their assets in addition to the 0.30%. The first client is charged 0.33% for the first ¥2.5 billion, 0.195% for the next ¥2.5 billion, 0.105% for the next ¥5 billion and 0.06% thereafter. The second client is charged 0.40% for the first ¥2.5 billion, 0.25% for the next ¥2.5 billion, 0.15% for the next ¥5 billion and 0.10% thereafter. The third client is charged 0.40% for the first ¥6 billion and 0.20% thereafter. |
11 | Classes H and P of the ACITM fund are privately placed or institutional. |
12 | It should be noted that Lipper does not consider average account size when constructing EGs. Funds with relatively small average account sizes tend to have higher transfer agent expense ratios than comparable sized funds that have relatively large average account sizes. Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
13 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that the Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
25
| | |
GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee14 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Global Research Growth Portfolio | | 0.750 | | 0.900 | | 3/9 |
Lipper also analyzed the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio in comparison to the Portfolio’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU15 is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective and load type as the subject Portfolio.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)16 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Global Research Growth Portfolio | | 1.200 | | 0.990 | | 8/9 | | 0.990 | | 15/17 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
The Adviser utilizes two profitability reporting systems, which operate independently but are aligned with each other, to estimate the Adviser’s profitability in connection with investment advisory services provided to the Portfolio. The Senior Officer has retained a consultant to provide independent advice regarding the alignment of the two profitability systems as well as the methodologies and allocations utilized by both profitability systems. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The Portfolio’s profitability information, prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors, was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability for the Portfolio was considered not meaningful in percentage terms since revenues in 2006 were negative.
Although the Adviser did not earn a profit for managing the Portfolio’s investments in 2006, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship provided the affiliates’ charges and services are competitive. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, and brokerage commissions. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur.
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $23,795 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection with Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Adviser determined that it made payment in the amount of $200,000 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional
14 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. In addition, the contractual management fee does not reflect any advisory fee waivers or expense caps that would effectively reduce the actual management fee. |
15 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
16 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
26
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|
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
distribution support, recordkeeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the relevant intermediary over the year.
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability decreased in 2006 in comparison to 2005. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $783 from the Portfolio.17
The Portfolio may effect brokerage transactions in the future through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and pay commissions for such transactions. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from any future business conducted with the Portfolio would be comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients. These credits and charges are not being passed onto any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for its clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding economies of scale and/or scope. Based on the independent consultant’s initial survey, there was a consensus that fund management companies benefited from economies of scale. However, due to the lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders.
The independent consultant conducted further studies of the Adviser’s operations to determine the existence of economies of scale and/or scope within the Adviser. The independent consultant also analyzed patterns related to advisory fees at the industry level. In a recent presentation to the Board of Directors, the independent consultant noted the potential for economies of scale and/or scope through the use of “pooling portfolios” and blend products. The independent consultant also remarked that there may be diseconomies as assets grow in less liquid and active markets. It was also observed that various factors, including fund size, family size, asset class, and investment style, had an impact on advisory fees.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $742 billion as of March 31, 2007, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information prepared by Lipper shows the 1 year and since inception performance rankings of the Portfolio18 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)19 for the periods ended December 31, 2006.20
| | | | | | | | | | |
Global Research Growth Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 15.04 | | 17.66 | | 17.98 | | 8/9 | | 19/21 |
Since Inception | | 20.94 | | 20.69 | | 21.60 | | 4/9 | | 13/21 |
17 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
18 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the 1 year performance return of the Portfolio were provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. Rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s Portfolio returns to be one or two basis points different from Lipper’s own Portfolio returns. To maintain consistency, the 1 year performance return of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. Lipper calculated the Portfolio’s since inception performance from the nearest month-end of the Portfolio’s true inception date. |
19 | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s EU as the criteria for including in or excluding a fund from a PU is somewhat different from that of an EU. |
20 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the fund even if a fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
27
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GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below are the 1 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)21 versus its benchmark.22 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.23
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Periods Ending December 31, 2006 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Global Research Growth Portfolio | | 15.04 | | 22.02 | | 9.87 | | 0.95 | | 1 |
MSCI World Index (Net) | | 20.07 | | 20.03 | | 6.98 | | 1.90 | | 1 |
MSCI World Growth (Net) | | 15.15 | | 17.03 | | 7.77 | | 1.19 | | 1 |
Inception Date: May 2, 2005 | | | | | | | | | | |
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: June 4, 2007
21 | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
22 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through December 31, 2006. It should be noted that the “since inception” performance returns of the Portfolio’s benchmark goes back only through the nearest month-end after inception date. In contrast, the Portfolio’s since inception return goes back to the Portfolio’s actual inception date. |
23 | Portfolio and benchmark volatility and Sharpe Ratio information was obtained through Lipper LANA, a database maintained by Lipper. Volatility is a statistical measure of the tendency of a market price or yield to vary over time. A Sharpe Ratio is a risk adjusted measure of return that divides a portfolio’s return in excess of the riskless return by the portfolio’s standard deviation. A portfolio with a greater volatility would be seen as more risky than a portfolio with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky portfolio. A portfolio with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a portfolio with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
28
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Global Technology Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
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GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Global Technology Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,088.21 | | $ | 4.71 | | 0.91 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.28 | | $ | 4.56 | | 0.91 | % |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,086.78 | | $ | 6.00 | | 1.16 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.04 | | $ | 5.81 | | 1.16 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | | $ | 21,547,545 | | 7.7 | % |
Microsoft Corp. | | | 15,115,163 | | 5.4 | |
Nokia OYJ | | | 13,807,007 | | 5.0 | |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | | 13,122,742 | | 4.7 | |
International Business Machines Corp. | | | 13,029,950 | | 4.7 | |
Google, Inc.-Class A | | | 12,299,430 | | 4.4 | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | | 11,779,086 | | 4.3 | |
Sun Microsystems, Inc. | | | 11,771,880 | | 4.2 | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 10,898,172 | | 3.9 | |
Canon, Inc. | | | 8,787,658 | | 3.2 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 132,158,633 | | 47.5 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Information Technology | | $ | 237,537,034 | | 87.5 | % |
Telecommunication Services | | | 23,116,173 | | 8.5 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 9,317,424 | | 3.5 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 1,415,000 | | 0.5 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 271,385,631 | | 100.0 | % |
| Please Note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the sector categorization methodology of the Adviser. 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. |
2
| | |
| | |
COUNTRY BREAKDOWN | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COUNTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
United States | | $ | 198,644,248 | | 73.2 | % |
Taiwan | | | 14,346,231 | | 5.3 | |
Finland | | | 13,807,007 | | 5.1 | |
Mexico | | | 11,779,086 | | 4.3 | |
Japan | | | 8,787,658 | | 3.2 | |
India | | | 6,807,900 | | 2.5 | |
China | | | 4,038,278 | | 1.5 | |
Canada | | | 3,379,831 | | 1.3 | |
Russia | | | 2,096,664 | | 0.8 | |
South Korea | | | 2,018,584 | | 0.7 | |
Netherlands | | | 1,532,877 | | 0.6 | |
Indonesia | | | 1,384,355 | | 0.5 | |
South Africa | | | 1,347,912 | | 0.5 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 1,415,000 | | 0.5 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 271,385,631 | | 100.0 | % |
3
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GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–91.7% | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–81.6% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–20.5% | | | | | |
Ciena Corp.(a) | | 46,900 | | $ | 1,694,497 |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 773,700 | | | 21,547,545 |
Foundry Networks, Inc.(a) | | 203,400 | | | 3,388,644 |
Juniper Networks, Inc.(a) | | 219,600 | | | 5,527,332 |
Nokia OYJ | | 491,610 | | | 13,807,007 |
Qualcomm, Inc. | | 179,900 | | | 7,805,861 |
Research In Motion Ltd.(a) | | 16,900 | | | 3,379,831 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 57,150,717 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–15.1% | | | | | |
Apple, Inc.(a) | | 89,300 | | | 10,898,172 |
Data Domain, Inc.(a) | | 29,600 | | | 680,800 |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | 294,100 | | | 13,122,742 |
InnoLux Display Corp.(a) | | 703,000 | | | 2,904,238 |
Network Appliance, Inc.(a) | | 86,598 | | | 2,528,661 |
Sun Microsystems, Inc.(a) | | 2,238,000 | | | 11,771,880 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 41,906,493 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–0.4% | | | | | |
Itron, Inc.(a) | | 14,500 | | | 1,130,130 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET–5.4% | | | | | |
eBay, Inc.(a) | | 65,400 | | | 2,104,572 |
Google, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 23,500 | | | 12,299,430 |
Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd. (ADR)(a) | | 21,000 | | | 651,000 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 15,055,002 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET INFRASTRUCTURE–2.1% | | | | | |
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a) | | 43,900 | | | 2,135,296 |
Equinix, Inc.(a) | | 25,400 | | | 2,323,338 |
Switch & Data Facilities Co., Inc.(a) | | 72,800 | | | 1,397,032 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,855,666 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–9.5% | | | | | |
Accenture Ltd.–Class A | | 52,100 | | | 2,234,569 |
Alliance Data Systems Corp.(a) | | 35,700 | | | 2,758,896 |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.–Class A(a) | | 52,800 | | | 3,964,752 |
Fiserv, Inc.(a) | | 43,425 | | | 2,466,540 |
Infosys Technologies Ltd. (ADR) | | 41,080 | | | 2,069,610 |
International Business Machines Corp. | | 123,800 | | | 13,029,950 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 26,524,317 |
| | | | | |
OFFICE ELECTRONICS–3.2% | | | | | |
Canon, Inc. | | 149,850 | | | 8,787,658 |
| | | | | |
OTHER–0.1% | | | | | |
Enernoc, Inc.(a) | | 4,200 | | | 160,146 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–11.9% | | | | | |
ASML Holding NV(a) | | 55,791 | | $ | 1,532,877 |
Broadcom Corp.–Class A(a) | | 91,050 | | | 2,663,213 |
Intel Corp. | | 353,600 | | | 8,401,536 |
Intersil Corp.–Class A | | 55,500 | | | 1,746,030 |
KLA-Tencor Corp. | | 48,900 | | | 2,687,055 |
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. | | 64,200 | | | 2,144,922 |
Nvidia Corp.(a) | | 52,700 | | | 2,177,037 |
ON Semiconductor Corp.(a) | | 315,900 | | | 3,386,448 |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (GDR)(b) | | 6,590 | | | 2,018,584 |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (ADR) | | 257,852 | | | 2,869,893 |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | 93,600 | | | 3,522,168 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 33,149,763 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–13.4% | | | | | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a) | | 145,200 | | | 5,829,780 |
Citrix Systems, Inc.(a) | | 136,400 | | | 4,592,588 |
McAfee, Inc.(a) | | 58,000 | | | 2,041,600 |
Microsoft Corp. | | 512,900 | | | 15,115,163 |
Opsware, Inc.(a) | | 137,900 | | | 1,311,429 |
Oracle Corp.(a) | | 287,500 | | | 5,666,625 |
Salesforce.com, Inc.(a) | | 67,500 | | | 2,893,050 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 37,450,235 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 227,170,127 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–6.8% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.6% | | | | | |
American Tower Corp.– Class A(a) | | 38,900 | | | 1,633,800 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.7% | | | | | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | 46,900 | | | 1,930,873 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–5.5% | | | | | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | 190,200 | | | 11,779,086 |
MTN Group Ltd. | | 99,163 | | | 1,347,912 |
Vimpel-Communications (ADR) | | 19,900 | | | 2,096,664 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 15,223,662 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 18,788,335 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–3.3% | | | | | |
INTERNET–0.6% | | | | | |
Ctrip.com International Ltd. (ADR) | | 20,600 | | | 1,619,778 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–2.7% | | | | | |
Comcast Corp.–Class A(a) | | 89,750 | | | 2,523,770 |
Focus Media Holding Ltd. (ADR)(a) | | 35,000 | | | 1,767,500 |
4
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Time Warner, Inc. | | 161,900 | | $ | 3,406,376 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,697,646 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,317,424 |
| | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $212,296,541) | | | | | 255,275,886 |
| | | | | |
WARRANTS–5.3% | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–3.7% | | | | | |
CONTRACT MANUFACTURING–1.4% | | | | | |
HON HAI Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Citigroup Global Markets, expiring 1/17/12(a)(b) | | 439,251 | | | 3,799,961 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS–1.1% | | | | | |
AU Optronics Corp. (CSFB), expiring 3/05/09(a) | | 862,658 | | | 1,467,381 |
Largan Precision Co. Ltd., Citigroup Global Markets, expiring 1/20/10(a) | | 124,645 | | | 1,746,277 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,213,658 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–0.6% | | | | | |
Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., expiring 8/20/07(a)(b) | | 63,596 | | | 1,794,806 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–0.6% | | | | | |
Novatek Microelectronics Corp., Ltd., expiring 11/02/16(a)(b) | | 297,477 | | | 1,558,482 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,366,907 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.6% | | | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.6% | | | | | | |
Bharti Airtel Ltd., Merrill Lynch, expiring 3/17/11(a)(b) | | | 141,242 | | $ | 2,943,483 |
Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk PT, expiring 3/23/17(a)(b) | | | 1,295,000 | | | 1,384,355 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 4,327,838 |
| | | | | | |
Total Warrants (cost $11,971,987) | | | | | | 14,694,745 |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | |
| | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–0.5% | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–0.5% | | | | | | |
The Bank of New York 4.25%, 7/02/07 (cost $1,415,000) | | $ | 1,415 | | | 1,415,000 |
| | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–97.5% (cost $225,683,528) | | | | | | 271,385,631 |
Other assets less liabilities–2.5% | | | | | | 6,941,043 |
| | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 278,326,674 |
| | | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2007, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $13,499,671 or 4.9% of net assets. |
| ADR—American Depositary Receipt |
| GDR—Global Depositary Receipt |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
5
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $225,683,528) | | $ | 271,385,631 | |
Foreign cash, at value (cost $7,995,608) | | | 8,004,660 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 6,035,537 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 208,203 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 55,231 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 285,689,262 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Due to custodian | | | 14,642 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 6,653,786 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 383,482 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 176,098 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 41,061 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 19,223 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 74,237 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 7,362,588 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 278,326,674 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 15,034 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 470,237,239 | |
Accumulated net investment loss | | | (441,978 | ) |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (237,194,859 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 45,711,238 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 278,326,674 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 83,208,484 | | 4,437,020 | | $ | 18.75 |
B | | $ | 195,118,190 | | 10,597,469 | | $ | 18.41 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $86,061) | | $ | 996,599 | |
Interest | | | 22,535 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 1,019,134 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 1,008,807 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 231,197 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,017 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 2,256 | |
Custodian | | | 98,249 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Printing | | | 34,142 | |
Audit | | | 19,110 | |
Legal | | | 8,575 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 764 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 5,384 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 1,456,501 | |
| | | | |
Net investment loss | | | (437,367 | ) |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 23,548,674 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (129,005 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (358,954 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (38,335 | ) |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 23,022,380 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 22,585,013 | |
| | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
| | |
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (437,367 | ) | | $ | (1,156,691 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 23,419,669 | | | | 20,210,435 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (397,289 | ) | | | 694,421 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 22,585,013 | | | | 19,748,165 | |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (8,426,858 | ) | | | (3,435,670 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase | | | 14,158,155 | | | | 16,312,495 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 264,168,519 | | | | 247,856,024 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including accumulated net investment loss of ($441,978) and ($4,611), respectively) | | $ | 278,326,674 | | | $ | 264,168,519 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Global Technology Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. Prior to February 1, 2006, the Portfolio’s objective was to seek growth of capital. Current income was incidental to the Portfolio’s objective. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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. 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 asked prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases
9
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the Portfolio’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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio 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 Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of 1% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007, amounted to $348,239, of which $812 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
10
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| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 161,271,264 | | | $ | 173,891,968 | |
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 | | $ | 46,415,094 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (712,991 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 45,702,103 | |
| | | | |
1. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 depreciation by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
Risks may arise from the potential inability of the 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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
2. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
11
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 221,318 | | | 471,249 | | | | | $ | 3,914,318 | | | $ | 7,606,999 | |
Shares redeemed | | (823,518 | ) | | (1,721,643 | ) | | | | | (14,533,999 | ) | | | (27,726,186 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (602,200 | ) | | (1,250,394 | ) | | | | $ | (10,619,681 | ) | | $ | (20,119,187 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 1,445,130 | | | 3,850,328 | | | | | $ | 25,058,879 | | | $ | 61,419,683 | |
Shares redeemed | | (1,319,436 | ) | | (2,850,110 | ) | | | | | (22,866,056 | ) | | | (44,736,166 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 125,694 | | | 1,000,218 | | | | | $ | 2,192,823 | | | $ | 16,683,517 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
12
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| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE H: Components of Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | $ | (258,717,727 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 44,207,115 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (214,510,612 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | On December 31, 2006, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $258,713,116 of which $65,171,509 expires in the year 2009, $172,308,210 expires in the year 2010, and $21,233,397 expires in the year 2011. To the extent future capital gains are offset by capital loss carryforwards, such gains will not be distributed. During the current fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized capital loss carryforwards of $21,108,187. Net capital losses and net foreign currency losses incurred after October 31, and within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first business day of Portfolio’s next taxable year. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Portfolio deferred to January 1, 2007, post October foreign currency losses of $4,611. |
(b) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”),
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GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
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GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $17.23 | | | $15.86 | | | $15.27 | | | $14.49 | | | $10.05 | | | $17.24 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (a) | | (.01 | ) | | (.05 | ) | | (.05 | ) | | (.03 | )(b) | | (.11 | ) | | (.13 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | 1.53 | | | 1.42 | | | .64 | | | .81 | | | 4.55 | | | (7.06 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 1.52 | | | 1.37 | | | .59 | | | .78 | | | 4.44 | | | (7.19 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $18.75 | | | $17.23 | | | $15.86 | | | $15.27 | | | $14.49 | | | $10.05 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 8.82 | % | | 8.64 | % | | 3.86 | % | | 5.38 | % | | 44.18 | % | | (41.71 | )% |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $83,209 | | | $86,819 | | | $99,781 | | | $117,145 | | | $130,127 | | | $93,369 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .91 | %(d) | | .92 | %(e) | | .92 | % | | .88 | % | | 1.11 | % | | 1.20 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .91 | %(d) | | .92 | %(e) | | .92 | % | | 1.06 | % | | 1.11 | % | | 1.20 | % |
Net investment loss | | (.16 | )%(d) | | (.30 | )%(e) | | (.32 | )% | | (.22 | )%(b) | | (.86 | )% | | (1.01 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 62 | % | | 117 | % | | 98 | % | | 86 | % | | 90 | % | | 68 | % |
See footnote summary on page 17.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $16.94 | | | $15.63 | | | $15.08 | | | $14.35 | | | $ 9.98 | | | $17.15 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (a) | | (.03 | ) | | (.09 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | (.07 | )(b) | | (.14 | ) | | (.16 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | 1.50 | | | 1.40 | | | .63 | | | .80 | | | 4.51 | | | (7.01 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 1.47 | | | 1.31 | | | .55 | | | .73 | | | 4.37 | | | (7.17 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $18.41 | | | $16.94 | | | $15.63 | | | $15.08 | | | $14.35 | | | $ 9.98 | |
| | | | | | �� | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 8.68 | % | | 8.38 | % | | 3.65 | % | | 5.09 | % | | 43.79 | % | | (41.81 | )% |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $195,118 | | | $177,350 | | | $148,075 | | | $164,721 | | | $187,319 | | | $99,528 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.16 | %(d) | | 1.18 | %(e) | | 1.17 | % | | 1.13 | % | | 1.37 | % | | 1.46 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.16 | %(d) | | 1.18 | %(e) | | 1.17 | % | | 1.31 | % | | 1.37 | % | | 1.46 | % |
Net investment loss | | (.40 | )%(d) | | (.55 | )%(e) | | (.57 | )% | | (.47 | )%(b) | | (1.11 | )% | | (1.27 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 62 | % | | 117 | % | | 98 | % | | 86 | % | | 90 | % | | 68 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses reimbursed or waived by the Adviser. |
(c) | 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
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GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE PORTFOLIO’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AllianceBernstein Global Technology Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2007.
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 Fund’s Senior Officer (who is also the Fund’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fees in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fees for the Portfolio were reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Fund’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio 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 AllianceBernstein 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio and the overall arrangements between the Portfolio 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 research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Portfolio. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Portfolio’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Portfolio will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services provided at the Portfolio’s request by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are approved by the directors on a quarterly basis and (to the extent requested and paid) result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Portfolio to the Adviser than the fee rates stated in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Portfolio’s other service providers, also were considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Portfolio 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 Portfolio to the Adviser for calendar years 2005 and 2006 that had been prepared with an updated expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The directors reviewed the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and noted 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 Portfolio, including those relating to its subsidiaries which provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Portfolio. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability from fund advisory contracts because comparative
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that they were satisfied that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Portfolio was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Portfolio other than the fees and expense reimbursements payable under the Advisory Agreement, including but not limited to benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby the Adviser receives brokerage and research services from many of the brokers and dealers that execute purchases and sales of securities on behalf of its clients on an agency basis), 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 the Portfolio’s Class B shares, transfer agency fees paid by the Portfolio to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, and brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio to brokers affiliated with the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors also understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Portfolio.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the meeting, the directors receive detailed comparative performance information for the Portfolio at each regular Board meeting during the year. The directors noted that the Portfolio is a clone of another fund managed by the Adviser (the “Corresponding Fund”) and is managed to track the investment performance of its Corresponding Fund, although investment results may differ between the Portfolio and its Corresponding Fund due to differences in their expense ratios and other factors. At the meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Lipper showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Portfolio as compared to a group of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Group”) and as compared to a broader array of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Universe”) for periods ended December 31, 2006 over the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares as compared to the Morgan Stanley Capital International World Information Technology Index (Net) (the “Index”) over the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods. The directors noted that in the Performance Group comparison the Portfolio was in the 2nd quintile in the 1-year period, 4th quintile in the 3- and 5-year periods and 1 out of 1 in the 10-year period, and in the Performance Universe comparison the Portfolio was in the 3rd quintile in the 1-year period, 4th quintile in the 3- and 5-year periods and 3 out of 4 in the 10-year period. The comparative information showed that the Portfolio outperformed the Index in the 3-year period and underperformed the Index in the 1- and 5-year periods. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Portfolio’s relative performance over time had been satisfactory.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser and information prepared by Lipper concerning fee rates paid by other funds in the same Lipper category as the Portfolio 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 Adviser informed the directors that there are no institutional products managed by it which have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. The directors reviewed information in the Adviser’s Form ADV and noted that it charged institutional clients lower fees for advising comparably sized accounts using strategies that differ from those of the Portfolio but which involve investments in securities of the same type that the Portfolio invests in (i.e., equity securities). The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio is the same as that for its Corresponding Fund except that the Portfolio’s fee rate is a monthly fee based on average daily net assets whereas the Corresponding Fund’s fee rate is a quarterly fee based on net asset value at the end of each quarter.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Portfolio relative to institutional clients. The Adviser also noted that since mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets are relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Portfolio in comparison to the fees and expenses of funds within two comparison groups created by Lipper: an Expense Group and an Expense Universe. Lipper described an Expense Group as a representative sample of funds comparable to the Portfolio and an Expense Universe as a
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CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
broader group, consisting of all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the Portfolio. The Class A expense ratio of the Portfolio was based on the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year expense ratio. The directors recognized that the expense ratio information for the Portfolio potentially reflected on the Adviser’s provision of services, as the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Portfolio by others. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some funds in the Portfolio’s Lipper category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases were voluntary and perhaps temporary.
The directors noted that the Portfolio’s at approximate current size contractual advisory effective fee rate of 75 basis points was lower than the Expense Group median. The directors noted that the latest fiscal year administrative expense reimbursement by the Portfolio pursuant to the Advisory Agreement was 3 basis points, and that as a result the rate of total compensation received by the Adviser from the Portfolio pursuant to the Advisory Agreement was essentially the same as the Expense Group median. The directors also noted that the Portfolio’s total expense ratio was higher than the Expense Group median and lower than the Expense Universe median. The directors concluded that the Portfolio’s expense ratio was satisfactory.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors also considered presentations by an independent consultant discussing economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AllianceBernstein Funds. 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 establishing breakpoints that give effect to 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 Portfolio, 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 Portfolio’s breakpoint arrangements would result in a sharing of economies of scale in the event of a very significant increase in the Portfolio’s net assets.
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SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein Global Technology Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Specialty | | 75 bp on 1st $2.5 billion | | $ | 434.2 | | Global Technology Portfolio |
| | 65 bp on next $2.5 billion | | | | | |
| | 60 bp on the balance | | | | | |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $86,750 (0.03% of the Fund’s average daily net assets) for such services.
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s total expense ratios for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year |
Global Technology Portfolio | | Class A 0.92 | % | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.18 | % | | |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2007 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 1-3, 2007. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | The AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were also affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
21
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GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients and sub-advised investment companies include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than managing that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if a fund is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different and legal and reputational risks are greater, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. However, with respect to the Portfolio, the Adviser represented that there is no institutional product that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio.
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Global Technology Fund, Inc., a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Global Technology Fund, Inc.:4
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee | |
Global Technology Portfolio5 | | Global Technology Fund, Inc. | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion | | 0.75 | % |
| | | | 0.65% on next $2.5 billion | | | |
| | | | 0.60% on the balance | | | |
The Adviser also manages and sponsors retail mutual funds, which are organized in jurisdictions outside the United States, generally Luxembourg and Japan, and sold to non-United States resident investors. The Adviser charges the following fees for International Technology Portfolio, which is a Luxembourg fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio:
| | | |
Fund | | Fee | |
International Technology Portfolio | | | |
Class A6 | | 1.95 | % |
Class I (Institutional) | | 1.15 | % |
4 | It should be noted that the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the Portfolio has the same breakpoints in its advisory fee schedule as the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund. |
5 | The advisory fees of AllianceBernstein Global Technology Fund, Inc. are based on the fund’s net assets at each quarter end and are paid to the Adviser quarterly, in contrast to the Portfolio, whose advisory fees are based on the Portfolio’s average daily net assets and are paid on a monthly basis. |
6 | Class A shares of the fund are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory services and distribution related services. |
22
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| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment company with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services offered by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”)7 at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.8
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee9 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Global Technology Portfolio | | 0.750 | | 0.775 | | 3/8 |
Lipper also analyzed the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio in comparison to the Portfolio’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU10 is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective and load type as the subject Portfolio.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)11 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Global Technology Portfolio | | 0.920 | | 0.896 | | 6/8 | | 0.986 | | 7/15 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
The Adviser utilizes two profitability reporting systems, which operate independently but are aligned with each other, to estimate the Adviser’s profitability in connection with investment advisory services provided to the Portfolio. The Senior Officer has retained a consultant to provide independent advice regarding the alignment of the two profitability systems as well as the methodologies and allocations utilized by both profitability systems. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The Portfolio’s profitability information, prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors, was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio decreased during calendar year 2006, relative to 2005.
7 | It should be noted that Lipper does not consider average account size when constructing EGs. Funds with relatively small average account sizes tend to have higher transfer agent expense ratios than comparable sized funds that have relatively Small average account sizes. Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
8 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that the Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
9 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. |
10 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
11 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
23
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship provided the affiliates’ charges and services are competitive. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, and brokerage commissions. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur.
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $400,033 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection with Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $416,302 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, recordkeeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the relevant intermediary over the year.
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability decreased in 2006 in comparison to 2005. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $783 from the Portfolio.12
The Portfolio effected brokerage transactions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and paid commissions for such transactions during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business conducted with the Portfolio is comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients, including the Portfolio. These credits and charges are not being passed onto any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for the Portfolio and other clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding economies of scale and/or scope. Based on the independent consultant’s initial survey, there was a consensus that fund management companies benefited from economies of scale. However, due to the lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders.
The independent consultant conducted further studies of the Adviser’s operations to determine the existence of economies of scale and/or scope within the Adviser. The independent consultant also analyzed patterns related to advisory fees at the industry level. In a recent presentation to the Board of Directors, the independent consultant noted the potential for economies of scale and/or scope through the use of “pooling portfolios” and blend products. The independent consultant also remarked that there may be diseconomies as assets grow in less liquid and active markets. It was also observed that various factors, including fund size, family size, asset class, and investment style, had an impact on advisory fees.
12 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
24
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| | |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $742 billion as of March 31, 2007, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information prepared by Lipper shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance rankings of the Portfolio13 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”) 14 for the periods ended December 31, 2006.15
| | | | | | | | | | |
Global Technology Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 8.64 | | 8.16 | | 8.16 | | 3/8 | | 7/16 |
3 year | | 5.94 | | 6.19 | | 7.18 | | 5/8 | | 11/16 |
5 year | | -0.01 | | 0.71 | | 0.99 | | 6/8 | | 12/16 |
10 year | | 6.04 | | N/A | | 8.09 | | 1/1 | | 3/4 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)16 versus its benchmark.17 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.18
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending December 31, 2006 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Global Technology Portfolio | | 8.64 | | 5.94 | | -0.01 | | 6.04 | | 6.44 | | 22.31 | | 0.01 | | 5 |
MSCI World IT Index (Net) | | 9.31 | | 5.50 | | 1.33 | | N/A | | N/A | | 23.12 | | 0.07 | | 5 |
Inception Date: January 11, 1996
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: June 4, 2007
13 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio shown were provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. Rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s Portfolio returns to be one or two basis points different from Lipper’s own Portfolio returns. To maintain consistency, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
14 | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s EU as the criteria for including in or excluding a fund from a PU is somewhat different from that of an EU. |
15 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the fund even if a fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
16 | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
17 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through December 31, 2006. It should be noted that the “since inception” performance returns of the Portfolio’s benchmark goes back only through the nearest month-end after inception date. In contrast, the Portfolio’s since inception return goes back to the Portfolio’s actual inception date. |
18 | Portfolio and benchmark volatility and Sharpe Ratio information was obtained through Lipper LANA, a database maintained by Lipper. Volatility is a statistical measure of the tendency of a market price or yield to vary over time. A Sharpe Ratio is a risk adjusted measure of return that divides a portfolio’s return in excess of the riskless return by the portfolio’s standard deviation. A portfolio with a greater volatility would be seen as more risky than a portfolio with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky portfolio. A portfolio with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a portfolio with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
25
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Growth Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Growth Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,073.01 | | $ | 4.68 | | 0.91 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.28 | | $ | 4.56 | | 0.91 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,071.35 | | $ | 5.96 | | 1.16 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.04 | | $ | 5.81 | | 1.16 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Google, Inc.—Class A | | $ | 9,996,558 | | 4.7 | % |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | | 9,978,751 | | 4.7 | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 8,802,745 | | 4.1 | |
American International Group, Inc. | | | 7,349,649 | | 3.5 | |
Boeing Co. | | | 7,314,891 | | 3.4 | |
WellPoint, Inc. | | | 7,048,190 | | 3.3 | |
Comcast Corp.—Class A | | | 6,966,027 | | 3.3 | |
CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc.—Class A | | | 6,900,325 | | 3.3 | |
Legg Mason, Inc. | | | 6,596,379 | | 3.1 | |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | | 6,387,622 | | 3.0 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 77,341,137 | | 36.4 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 53,207,562 | | 25.0 | % |
Information Technology | | | 53,194,786 | | 25.0 | |
Health Care | | | 38,936,715 | | 18.3 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 34,314,672 | | 16.2 | |
Industrials | | | 21,240,717 | | 10.0 | |
Energy | | | 9,978,751 | | 4.7 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 1,157,685 | | 0.6 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 382,000 | | 0.2 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 212,412,888 | | 100.0 | % |
| 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 and 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. |
2
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–99.7% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–25.0% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–12.4% | | | | | |
The Charles Schwab Corp. | | 180,080 | | $ | 3,695,242 |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | 29,470 | | | 6,387,622 |
Greenhill & Co., Inc. | | 38,800 | | | 2,665,948 |
Legg Mason, Inc. | | 67,050 | | | 6,596,379 |
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. | | 29,885 | | | 2,227,030 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. | | 57,350 | | | 4,793,313 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 26,365,534 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–5.9% | | | | | |
Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings, Inc.—Class A | | 9,743 | | | 5,206,269 |
Citigroup, Inc. | | 41,820 | | | 2,144,948 |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | 108,170 | | | 5,240,837 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 12,592,054 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–3.5% | | | | | |
American International Group, Inc. | | 104,950 | | | 7,349,649 |
| | | | | |
REAL ESTATE–3.2% | | | | | |
CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 189,050 | | | 6,900,325 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 53,207,562 |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–25.0% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–4.8% | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 158,600 | | | 4,417,010 |
Qualcomm, Inc. | | 133,320 | | | 5,784,755 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,201,765 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–5.8% | | | | | |
Apple, Inc.(a) | | 72,130 | | | 8,802,745 |
Network Appliance, Inc.(a) | | 35,750 | | | 1,043,900 |
Sun Microsystems, Inc.(a) | | 459,630 | | | 2,417,654 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 12,264,299 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–2.4% | | | | | |
Amphenol Corp.—Class A | | 145,210 | | | 5,176,737 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–6.1% | | | | | |
eBay, Inc.(a) | | 73,270 | | | 2,357,829 |
Google, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 19,100 | | | 9,996,558 |
VistaPrint, Ltd.(a) | | 19,110 | | | 730,957 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 13,085,344 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–1.7% | | | | | |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.—Class A(a) | | 33,560 | | | 2,520,020 |
Iron Mountain, Inc.(a) | | 39,960 | | | 1,044,155 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,564,175 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–4.2% | | | | | |
Broadcom Corp.—Class A(a) | | 147,860 | | $ | 4,324,905 |
NVIDIA Corp.(a) | | 110,810 | | | 4,577,561 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,902,466 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 53,194,786 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–18.3% | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–6.1% | | | | | |
Celgene Corp.(a) | | 40,850 | | | 2,341,931 |
Genentech, Inc.(a) | | 78,200 | | | 5,916,612 |
Gilead Sciences, Inc.(a) | | 123,560 | | | 4,790,421 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 13,048,964 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–1.9% | | | | | |
Alcon, Inc. | | 29,520 | | | 3,982,543 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–5.6% | | | | | |
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.(a) | | 53,510 | | | 4,173,245 |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | 12,320 | | | 630,045 |
WellPoint, Inc.(a) | | 88,290 | | | 7,048,190 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,851,480 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–4.7% | | | | | |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | 68,510 | | | 3,411,798 |
Schering-Plough Corp. | | 31,800 | | | 967,992 |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. (ADR) | | 137,550 | | | 5,673,938 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,053,728 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 38,936,715 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–16.2% | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–1.1% | | | | | |
Johnson Controls, Inc. | | 19,400 | | | 2,245,938 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–1.1% | | | | | |
Strayer Education, Inc. | | 18,270 | | | 2,406,342 |
| | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–2.0% | | | | | |
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 49,970 | | | 4,261,442 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–3.3% | | | | | |
Comcast Corp.—Class A(a) | | 247,725 | | | 6,966,027 |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–2.6% | | | | | |
Kohl’s Corp.(a) | | 76,985 | | | 5,468,244 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–2.5% | | | | | |
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.(a) | | 90,260 | | | 5,250,424 |
| | | | | |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–3.6% | | | | | |
Coach, Inc.(a) | | 46,720 | | | 2,214,061 |
Under Armour, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 120,530 | | | 5,502,194 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,716,255 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 34,314,672 |
| | | | | |
3
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–10.0% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–4.0% | | | | | |
Boeing Co. | | 76,070 | | $ | 7,314,891 |
United Technologies Corp. | | 15,020 | | | 1,065,369 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,380,260 |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.7% | | | | | |
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.(a) | | 26,580 | | | 1,528,616 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–2.5% | | | | | |
Ametek, Inc. | | 84,760 | | | 3,363,277 |
Emerson Electric Co. | | 42,320 | | | 1,980,576 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,343,853 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–2.8% | | | | | |
Actuant Corp.—Class A | | 6,730 | | | 424,393 |
Danaher Corp. | | 73,690 | | | 5,563,595 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,987,988 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 21,240,717 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–4.7% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–4.7% | | | | | |
Schlumberger, Ltd. | | 117,480 | | | 9,978,751 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–0.5% | | | | | |
PERSONAL PRODUCTS–0.5% | | | | | |
Bare Escentuals, Inc.(a) | | 33,900 | | | 1,157,685 |
| | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $156,461,606) | | | | | 212,030,888 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–0.2% | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–0.2% | | | | | | |
The Bank of New York 4.25%, 7/02/07 (cost $382,000) | | $ | 382 | | $ | 382,000 |
| | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.9% (cost $156,843,606) | | | | | | 212,412,888 |
Other assets less liabilities–0.1% | | | | | | 128,641 |
| | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 212,541,529 |
| | | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
| ADR—American Depositary Receipt |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
4
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $156,843,606) | | $ | 212,412,888 | |
Cash | | | 717 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 1,702,257 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 84,851 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 5,270 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 214,205,983 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 1,152,425 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 143,916 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 137,095 | |
Printing fee payable | | | 117,001 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 27,253 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 19,223 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 67,482 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 1,664,454 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 212,541,529 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 9,889 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 225,215,793 | |
Accumulated net investment loss | | | (436,484 | ) |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment transactions | | | (67,816,951 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments | | | 55,569,282 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 212,541,529 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 85,500,955 | | 3,930,328 | | $ | 21.75 |
B | | $ | 127,040,574 | | 5,958,702 | | $ | 21.32 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
5
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $13,691) | | $ | 714,119 | |
Interest | | | 13,245 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 727,364 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 822,540 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 161,996 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,015 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1,466 | |
Custodian | | | 61,256 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Printing | | | 35,221 | |
Audit | | | 19,111 | |
Legal | | | 7,707 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 740 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 5,796 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 1,163,848 | |
| | | | |
Net investment loss | | | (436,484 | ) |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 12,229,381 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | 3,505,048 | |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment transactions | | | 15,734,429 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 15,297,945 | |
| | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
| | |
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (436,484 | ) | | $ | (907,564 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 12,229,381 | | | | 30,221,262 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | 3,505,048 | | | | (35,533,738 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | 15,297,945 | | | | (6,220,040 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (27,552,606 | ) | | | (60,113,680 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (12,254,661 | ) | | | (66,333,720 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 224,796,190 | | | | 291,129,910 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including accumulated net investment loss of ($436,484) and $0, respectively) | | $ | 212,541,529 | | | $ | 224,796,190 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. Prior to February 1, 2006, the Portfolio’s investment objective was to seek to provide long-term growth of capital. Current income was incidental to the Portfolio’s objective. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
8
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. 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 asked 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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the Portfolio’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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio 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 Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007, amounted to $70,594 none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
9
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 44,254,883 | | | $ | 70,925,665 | |
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 are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 56,174,850 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (605,568 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 55,569,282 | |
| | | | |
1. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 depreciation by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars, reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
10
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) call options and purchase put options on U.S. securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 68,361 | | 269,283 | | | | | $ | 1,435,894 | | | $ | 5,345,370 | |
Shares redeemed | | (747,646) | | (1,689,477 | ) | | | | | (15,740,916 | ) | | | (33,240,111 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (679,285) | | (1,420,194 | ) | | | | $ | (14,305,022 | ) | | $ | (27,894,741 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 120,834 | | 496,149 | | | | | $ | 2,464,192 | | | $ | 9,823,717 | |
Shares redeemed | | (763,655) | | (2,210,469 | ) | | | | | (15,711,776 | ) | | | (42,042,656 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (642,821) | | (1,714,320 | ) | | | | $ | (13,247,584 | ) | | $ | (32,218,939 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
11
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE H: Components of Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | $ | (79,551,192 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 51,569,094 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (27,982,098 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | On December 31, 2006, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $79,551,192 of which $64,635,720 expires in the year 2010 and $14,915,472 expires in the year 2011. To the extent future capital gains are offset by capital loss carryforwards, such gains will not be distributed. During the current fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized capital loss carryforwards of $30,545,514. |
(b) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the tax treatment of dividends received. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $20.27 | | | $20.49 | | | $18.30 | | | $15.95 | | | $11.81 | | | $16.42 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (a) | | (.03 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | (.07 | ) | | (.06 | ) | | (.06 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | 1.51 | | | (.18 | ) | | 2.27 | | | 2.42 | | | 4.20 | | | (4.55 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 1.48 | | | (.22 | ) | | 2.19 | | | 2.35 | | | 4.14 | | | (4.61 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $21.75 | | | $20.27 | | | $20.49 | | | $18.30 | | | $15.95 | | | $11.81 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (b) | | 7.30 | % | | (1.07 | )% | | 11.97 | % | | 14.73 | % | | 35.06 | % | | (28.08 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $85,501 | | | $93,459 | | | $123,535 | | | $137,345 | | | $141,809 | | | $121,439 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses | | .91 | %(c) | | .90 | %(d) | | .88 | % | | .88 | % | | .89 | % | | .88 | % |
Net investment loss | | (.25 | )%(c) | | (.22 | )%(d) | | (.43 | )% | | (.43 | )% | | (.43 | )% | | (.44 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 20 | % | | 55 | % | | 49 | % | | 56 | % | | 49 | % | | 38 | % |
See footnote summary on page 16.
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $19.90 | | | $20.15 | | | $18.05 | | | $15.76 | | | $11.70 | | | $16.31 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (a) | | (.05 | ) | | (.09 | ) | | (.12 | ) | | (.11 | ) | | (.09 | ) | | (.09 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | 1.47 | | | (.16 | ) | | 2.22 | | | 2.40 | | | 4.15 | | | (4.52 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 1.42 | | | (.25 | ) | | 2.10 | | | 2.29 | | | 4.06 | | | (4.61 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $21.32 | | | $19.90 | | | $20.15 | | | $18.05 | | | $15.76 | | | $11.70 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (b) | | 7.14 | % | | (1.24 | )% | | 11.64 | % | | 14.53 | % | | 34.70 | % | | (28.26 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $127,041 | | | $131,337 | | | $167,595 | | | $152,899 | | | $120,460 | | | $71,724 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses | | 1.16 | %(c) | | 1.15 | %(d) | | 1.13 | % | | 1.13 | % | | 1.14 | % | | 1.13 | % |
Net investment loss | | (.50 | )%(c) | | (.47 | )%(d) | | (.68 | )% | | (.68 | )% | | (.68 | )% | | (.69 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 20 | % | | 55 | % | | 49 | % | | 56 | % | | 49 | % | | 38 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(d) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
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CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE PORTFOLIO’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AllianceBernstein Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2007.
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 Fund’s Senior Officer (who is also the Fund’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fees in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fees for the Portfolio were reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Fund’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio 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 AllianceBernstein 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio and the overall arrangements between the Portfolio 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 research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Portfolio. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Portfolio’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Portfolio will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services provided at the Portfolio’s request by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are approved by the directors on a quarterly basis and (to the extent requested and paid) result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Portfolio to the Adviser than the fee rates stated in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Portfolio’s other service providers, also were considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Portfolio 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 Portfolio to the Adviser for calendar years 2005 and 2006 that had been prepared with an updated expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The directors reviewed the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and noted 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 Portfolio, including those relating to its subsidiaries which provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Portfolio. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability from fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability
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CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
of the Adviser’s relationship with the Portfolio before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that they were satisfied that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Portfolio was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Portfolio other than the fees and expense reimbursements payable under the Advisory Agreement, including but not limited to benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby the Adviser receives brokerage and research services from many of the brokers and dealers that execute purchases and sales of securities on behalf of its clients on an agency basis), 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 the Portfolio’s Class B shares, transfer agency fees paid by the Portfolio to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, and brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio to brokers affiliated with the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors also understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Portfolio.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the meeting, the directors receive detailed comparative performance information for the Portfolio at each regular Board meeting during the year. The directors noted that the Portfolio is a clone of another fund managed by the Adviser (the “Corresponding Fund”) and is managed to track the investment performance of its Corresponding Fund, although investment results may differ between the Portfolio and its Corresponding Fund due to differences in their expense ratios and other factors. At the meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Lipper showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Portfolio as compared to a group of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Group”) and as compared to a broader array of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Universe”), and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares as compared to the Russell 3000 Growth Index (the “Index”), in each case for periods ended December 31, 2006 over the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (September 1990 inception). The directors noted that in the Performance Group and Performance Universe comparisons the Portfolio was in the 5th quintile in the 1-year period, 4th quintile in the 3-year period and 3rd quintile in the 5-year period, and in the 10-year period the Portfolio was in the 5th quintile in the Performance Group comparison and 4th quintile in the Performance Universe comparison. The comparative information showed that the Portfolio outperformed the Index in all periods reviewed except in the 1-year period when it underperformed the Index. Based on their review and their discussion of the reasons for the Portfolio’s performance with the Adviser (including the Adviser’s view that its “high conviction” style of growth investing had been out of favor for several years), and of the enhancements to its investment process being implemented by the Adviser with a view to improving investment performance, the directors retained confidence in the Adviser’s ability to advise the Portfolio and concluded that the Portfolio’s investment performance was understandable. The directors informed the Adviser that they planned to closely monitor the Portfolio’s performance.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser and information prepared by Lipper concerning fee rates paid by other funds in the same Lipper category as the Portfolio 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 also considered the fees the Adviser charges other clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. For this purpose, they reviewed information in the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Fund’s Senior Officer disclosing the institutional fee schedule for institutional products managed by the Adviser that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. The directors noted that the institutional fee schedule for clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio had breakpoints at lower asset levels than those in the fee schedule applicable to the Portfolio and that the application of the institutional fee schedule to the level of assets of the Portfolio would result in a fee rate that would be lower than that in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. 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 directors also reviewed information that indicated that the Portfolio pays a higher fee rate than certain registered investment companies with a similar investment style as the Portfolio that are sub-advised by the Adviser. The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio is the same as that for its Corresponding Fund.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Portfolio relative to institutional clients and sub-advised funds. The Adviser also noted that since mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets are relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Portfolio in comparison to the fees and expenses of funds within two comparison groups created by Lipper: an Expense Group and an Expense Universe. Lipper described an Expense Group as a representative sample of funds comparable to the Portfolio and an Expense Universe as a broader group, consisting of all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the Portfolio. The Class A expense ratio of the Portfolio was based on the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year expense ratio. The directors recognized that the expense ratio information for the Portfolio potentially reflected on the Adviser’s provision of services, as the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Portfolio by others. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some funds in the Portfolio’s Lipper category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases were voluntary and perhaps temporary.
The directors noted that the Portfolio’s at approximate current size contractual advisory effective fee rate of 75 basis points was the same as the Expense Group median. The directors noted that the latest fiscal year administrative expense reimbursement by the Portfolio pursuant to the Advisory Agreement was 3 basis points, and that as a result the rate of total compensation received by the Adviser from the Portfolio pursuant to the Advisory Agreement was higher than the Expense Group median. The directors also noted that the Portfolio’s total expense ratio was higher than the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians. The directors also noted that the Adviser had reviewed with them steps being taken that are intended to reduce the expenses of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The directors concluded that the Portfolio’s expense ratio was acceptable.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors also considered presentations by an independent consultant discussing economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AllianceBernstein Funds. 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 establishing breakpoints that give effect to 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 Portfolio, 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 Portfolio’s breakpoint arrangements would result in a sharing of economies of scale in the event of a very significant increase in the Portfolio’s net assets.
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SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Growth | | 75 bp on 1st $2.5 billion | | $ | 217.0 | | Growth Portfolio |
| | 65 bp on next $2.5 billion | | | | | |
| | 60 bp on the balance | | | | | |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $86,750 (0.03% of the Fund’s average daily net assets) for such services.
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s total expense ratios for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year |
Growth Portfolio | | Class A | | 0.90 | % | | December 31 |
| | Class B | | 1.15 | % | | |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients and sub-advised
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2007 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 1-3, 2007. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | The AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were also affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
20
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| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
investment companies include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than managing that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if a fund is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different and legal and reputational risks are greater, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee based on February 28, 2007 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Growth Portfolio | | $ | 217.0 | | U.S. Growth Schedule | | 0.400 | % | | 0.750 | % |
| | | | | 80 bp on 1st $25m | | | | | | |
| | | | | 50 bp on next $25m | | | | | | |
| | | | | 40 bp on next $50m | | | | | | |
| | | | | 30 bp on next $100m | | | | | | |
| | | | | 25 bp on the balance | | | | | | |
| | | | | Minimum account size $10m | | | | | | |
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Growth Fund, a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Growth Fund:5
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee | |
Growth Portfolio | | Growth Fund | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion | | 0.75 | % |
| | | | 0.65% on next $2.5 billion | | | |
| | | | 0.60% on the balance | | | |
The Alliance Capital Investment Trust Management mutual funds (“ACITM”), which are offered to investors in Japan, have an “all-in” fee to compensate the Adviser for investment advisory as well as fund accounting and administrative related services. The fee schedule of the ACITM mutual fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio is as follows:
| | | | | |
Portfolio | | ACITM Mutual Fund | | Fee | |
Growth Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein U.S. Growth Stock Fund A/B6 | | 0.75 | % |
4 | The Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300 million, it will negotiate a fee schedule. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. |
5 | It should be noted that the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the Portfolio has the same breakpoints in its advisory fee schedule as the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund. |
6 | This ACITM fund is privately placed or institutional. |
21
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment company with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services offered by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”)7 at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.8
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee9 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Growth Portfolio | | 0.750 | | 0.750 | | 7/13 |
Lipper also analyzed the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio in comparison to the Portfolio’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU10 is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective and load type as the subject Portfolio.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)11 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Growth Portfolio | | 0.880 | | 0.775 | | 10/13 | | 0.814 | | 33/50 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
The Adviser utilizes two profitability reporting systems, which operate independently but are aligned with each other, to estimate the Adviser’s profitability in connection with investment advisory services provided to the Portfolio. The Senior Officer has retained a consultant to provide independent advice regarding the alignment of the two profitability systems as well as the methodologies and allocations utilized by both profitability systems. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The Portfolio’s profitability information, prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors, was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio increased during calendar year 2006, relative to 2005.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to
7 | It should be noted that Lipper does not consider average account size when constructing EGs. Funds with relatively small average account sizes tend to have higher transfer agent expense ratios than comparable sized funds that have relatively large average account sizes. Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
8 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that the Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
9 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. |
10 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
11 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
22
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| | |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship provided the affiliates’ charges and services are competitive. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, and brokerage commissions. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur.
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the ‘40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $364,558 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection with Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $365,270 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, recordkeeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the relevant intermediary over the year.
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability decreased in 2006 in comparison to 2005. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $783 from the Portfolio.12
The Portfolio effected brokerage transactions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and paid commissions for such transactions during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business conducted with the Portfolio is comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients, including the Portfolio. These credits and charges are not being passed onto any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for the Portfolio and other clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding economies of scale and/or scope. Based on the independent consultant’s initial survey, there was a consensus that fund management companies benefited from economies of scale. However, due to the lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders.
The independent consultant conducted further studies of the Adviser’s operations to determine the existence of economies of scale and/or scope within the Adviser. The independent consultant also analyzed patterns related to advisory fees at the industry level. In a recent presentation to the Board of Directors, the independent consultant noted the potential for economies of scale and/or scope through the use of “pooling portfolios” and blend products. The independent consultant also remarked that there may be diseconomies as assets grow in less liquid and active markets. It was also observed that various factors, including fund size, family size, asset class, and investment style, had an impact on advisory fees.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $742 billion as of March 31, 2007, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
12 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
23
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The information prepared by Lipper shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance rankings of the Portfolio13 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)14 for the periods ended December 31, 2006.15
| | | | | | | | | | |
Growth Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | -1.07 | | 6.67 | | 7.89 | | 12/13 | | 57/59 |
3 year | | 8.32 | | 8.36 | | 9.72 | | 8/13 | | 35/52 |
5 year | | 4.30 | | 4.30 | | 4.45 | | 6/12 | | 25/45 |
10 year | | 5.77 | | 6.45 | | 6.84 | | 7/8 | | 15/20 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)16 versus its benchmark.17 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.18
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending December 31, 2006 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Growth Portfolio | | -1.07 | | 8.32 | | 4.30 | | 5.78 | | 9.95 | | 20.63 | | 0.20 | | 10 |
Russell 3000 Growth Index | | 9.46 | | 7.17 | | 3.02 | | 5.34 | | 8.83 | | 19.37 | | 0.17 | | 10 |
Inception Date: September 15, 1994 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: June 4, 2007
13 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio shown were provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. Rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s Portfolio returns to be one or two basis points different from Lipper’s own Portfolio returns. To maintain consistency, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
14 | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s EU as the criteria for including in or excluding a fund from a PU is somewhat different from that of an EU. |
15 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the fund even if a fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
16 | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
17 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through December 31, 2006. It should be noted that the “since inception” performance returns of the Portfolio’s benchmark goes back only through the nearest month-end after inception date. In contrast, the Portfolio’s since inception return goes back to the Portfolio’s actual inception date. |
18 | Portfolio and benchmark volatility and Sharpe Ratio information was obtained through Lipper LANA, a database maintained by Lipper. Volatility is a statistical measure of the tendency of a market price or yield to vary over time. A Sharpe Ratio is a risk adjusted measure of return that divides a portfolio’s return in excess of the riskless return by the portfolio’s standard deviation. A portfolio with a greater volatility would be seen as more risky than a portfolio with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky portfolio. A portfolio with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a portfolio with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
24
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,060.98 | | $ | 3.07 | | 0.60 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,021.82 | | $ | 3.01 | | 0.60 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,059.65 | | $ | 4.34 | | 0.85 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.58 | | $ | 4.26 | | 0.85 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
American International Group, Inc. | | $ | 112,048,000 | | 4.6 | % |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | | 102,340,275 | | 4.2 | |
Emerson Electric Co. | | | 86,598,720 | | 3.5 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 86,584,995 | | 3.5 | |
Sun Microsystems, Inc. | | | 80,766,774 | | 3.3 | |
WellPoint, Inc. | | | 79,766,136 | | 3.3 | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | 79,112,215 | | 3.2 | |
Time Warner, Inc. | | | 76,926,448 | | 3.1 | |
Citigroup, Inc. | | | 76,719,582 | | 3.1 | |
Loews Corp. (Common and Carolina Group) | | | 74,222,990 | | 3.0 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 855,086,135 | | 34.8 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 712,049,835 | | 29.0 | % |
Health Care | | | 396,203,123 | | 16.1 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 321,986,820 | | 13.1 | |
Information Technology | | | 281,666,577 | | 11.5 | |
Energy | | | 179,528,697 | | 7.3 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 168,043,290 | | 6.9 | |
Industrials | | | 161,356,399 | | 6.6 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 108,740,776 | | 4.4 | |
Materials | | | 52,240,500 | | 2.1 | |
Utilities | | | 27,137,973 | | 1.1 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 45,480,000 | | 1.9 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 2,454,433,990 | | 100.0 | % |
| 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 and 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. |
2
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–98.2% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–29.0% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–4.8% | | | | | |
The Bank of New York Co., Inc. | | 835,100 | | $ | 34,606,544 |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | 67,800 | | | 8,981,466 |
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. | | 254,400 | | | 18,957,888 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. | | 375,400 | | | 31,375,932 |
Northern Trust Corp. | | 393,900 | | | 25,304,136 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 119,225,966 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–2.5% | | | | | |
Wachovia Corp. | | 230,500 | | | 11,813,125 |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | 1,150,000 | | | 40,445,500 |
Zions Bancorporation | | 106,800 | | | 8,213,988 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 60,472,613 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–8.5% | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. | | 925,200 | | | 45,233,028 |
Citigroup, Inc. | | 1,495,800 | | | 76,719,582 |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | 1,787,100 | | | 86,584,995 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 208,537,605 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–11.7% | | | | | |
ACE Ltd. | | 693,200 | | | 43,338,864 |
Allstate Corp. | | 186,100 | | | 11,447,011 |
American International Group, Inc. | | 1,600,000 | | | 112,048,000 |
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. | | 1,355,700 | | | 55,109,205 |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | | 147,600 | | | 14,540,076 |
Loews Corp. | | 642,300 | | | 32,744,454 |
Willis Group Holdings Ltd. | | 392,400 | | | 17,289,144 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 286,516,754 |
| | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–1.5% | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | 570,900 | | | 37,296,897 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 712,049,835 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–16.2% | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–1.7% | | | | | |
Alcon, Inc. | | 66,500 | | | 8,971,515 |
Becton Dickinson & Co. | | 418,900 | | | 31,208,050 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 40,179,565 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–9.2% | | | | | |
Aetna, Inc. | | 581,700 | | | 28,735,980 |
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a) | | 332,600 | | | 26,029,276 |
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.(a) | | 223,800 | | | 17,454,162 |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | 1,434,900 | | | 73,380,786 |
WellPoint, Inc.(a) | | 999,200 | | | 79,766,136 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 225,366,340 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–5.3% | | | | | |
Eli Lilly & Co. | | 727,100 | | $ | 40,630,348 |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | 592,500 | | | 29,506,500 |
Schering-Plough Corp. | | 501,000 | | | 15,250,440 |
Wyeth | | 789,500 | | | 45,269,930 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 130,657,218 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 396,203,123 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–13.1% | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–0.9% | | | | | |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | 333,100 | | | 21,601,535 |
| | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–2.4% | | | | | |
CVS Caremark Corp. | | 629,100 | | | 22,930,695 |
Safeway, Inc. | | 477,700 | | | 16,256,131 |
Walgreen Co. | | 485,100 | | | 21,121,254 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 60,308,080 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–1.7% | | | | | |
Campbell Soup Co. | | 544,700 | | | 21,139,807 |
Kellogg Co. | | 408,300 | | | 21,145,857 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 42,285,664 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–4.2% | | | | | |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | 1,672,500 | | | 102,340,275 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–3.9% | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | 769,500 | | | 53,972,730 |
Loews Corp.—Carolina Group | | 536,800 | | | 41,478,536 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 95,451,266 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 321,986,820 |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–11.5% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–1.4% | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 1,186,600 | | | 33,046,810 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–4.1% | | | | | |
International Business Machines Corp. | | 195,900 | | | 20,618,475 |
Sun Microsystems, Inc.(a) | | 15,354,900 | | | 80,766,774 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 101,385,249 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–2.1% | | | | | |
Accenture Ltd.—Class A | | 855,800 | | | 36,705,262 |
Fiserv, Inc.(a) | | 268,400 | | | 15,245,120 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 51,950,382 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–0.7% | | | | | |
International Rectifier Corp.(a) | | 434,029 | | | 16,171,921 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–3.2% | | | | | |
Microsoft Corp. | | 2,684,500 | | | 79,112,215 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 281,666,577 |
| | | | | |
3
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–7.3% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–0.3% | | | | | |
Nabors Industries Ltd.(a) | | 249,000 | | $ | 8,311,620 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–7.0% | | | | | |
Chevron Corp. | | 577,700 | | | 48,665,448 |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | 863,100 | | | 72,396,828 |
Total SA (ADR) | | 619,348 | | | 50,154,801 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 171,217,077 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 179,528,697 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–6.9% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–0.4% | | | | | |
Apollo Group, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 166,400 | | | 9,722,752 |
| | | | | |
HOTELS RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.8% | | | | | |
McDonald’s Corp. | | 367,200 | | | 18,639,072 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–5.7% | | | | | |
Comcast Corp.—Class A(a) | | 637,100 | | | 17,915,252 |
News Corp.—Class A | | 1,455,300 | | | 30,866,913 |
Omnicom Group, Inc. | | 120,000 | | | 6,350,400 |
Time Warner, Inc. | | 3,656,200 | | | 76,926,448 |
Viacom, Inc.—Class B(a) | | 183,100 | | | 7,622,453 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 139,681,466 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 168,043,290 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–6.6% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.0% | | | | | |
United Technologies Corp. | | 325,000 | | | 23,052,250 |
| | | | | |
AIRLINES–0.2% | | | | | |
Southwest Airlines Co. | | 327,900 | | | 4,888,989 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–3.5% | | | | | |
Emerson Electric Co. | | 1,850,400 | | | 86,598,720 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.9% | | | | | |
General Electric Co. | | 1,223,000 | | | 46,816,440 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 161,356,399 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.4% | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.4% | | | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | | 1,754,400 | | $ | 72,807,600 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 872,800 | | | 35,933,176 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 108,740,776 | |
| | | | | | | |
MATERIALS–2.1% | | | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–2.1% | | | | | | | |
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | | | 650,000 | | | 52,240,500 | |
| | | | | | | |
UTILITIES–1.1% | | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–0.2% | | | | | | | |
The Southern Co. | | | 147,700 | | | 5,064,633 | |
| | | | | | | |
INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS & ENERGY TRADERS–0.9% | | | | | | | |
The AES Corp.(a) | | | 996,000 | | | 21,792,480 | |
| | | | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–0.0% | | | | | | | |
PG&E Corp. | | | 6,200 | | | 280,860 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 27,137,973 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $1,934,455,586) | | | | | | 2,408,953,990 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.9% | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–1.9% | | | | | | | |
The Bank of New York 4.25%, 7/02/07 (cost $45,480,000) | | $ | 45,480 | | | 45,480,000 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.1% (cost $1,979,935,586) | | | | | | 2,454,433,990 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(0.1)% | | | | | | (1,426,026 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 2,453,007,964 | |
| | | | | | | |
4
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
| ADR—American Depositary Receipt |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | |
ASSETS | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $1,979,935,586) | | $ | 2,454,433,990 |
Cash | | | 3,275 |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 25,904,060 |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 2,233,761 |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 113,766 |
| | | |
Total assets | | | 2,482,688,852 |
| | | |
LIABILITIES | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 25,198,068 |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 2,370,096 |
Advisory fee payable | | | 1,165,443 |
Distribution fee payable | | | 421,973 |
Administrative fee payable | | | 19,223 |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 |
Accrued expenses | | | 506,026 |
| | | |
Total liabilities | | | 29,680,888 |
| | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 2,453,007,964 |
| | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 91,266 |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 1,828,007,012 |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 16,061,698 |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 134,349,584 |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments | | | 474,498,404 |
| | | |
| | $ | 2,453,007,964 |
| | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 502,267,882 | | 18,557,367 | | $ | 27.07 |
B | | $ | 1,950,740,082 | | 72,708,972 | | $ | 26.83 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
5
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $125,119) | | $ | 24,618,922 | |
Interest | | | 1,641,506 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 26,260,428 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 6,886,288 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 2,489,875 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,177 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 4,529 | |
Printing | | | 339,501 | |
Custodian | | | 123,909 | |
Legal | | | 57,285 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Audit | | | 19,111 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 1,335 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 55,320 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 10,025,330 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 16,235,098 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 139,951,673 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (16,014,876 | ) |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment transactions | | | 123,936,797 | |
| | | | |
Contribution from Adviser (see Note B) | | | 5,490,338 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 145,662,233 | |
| | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
| | |
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 16,235,098 | | | $ | 30,599,546 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 139,951,673 | | | | 137,341,083 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (16,014,876 | ) | | | 230,009,742 | |
Contribution from Adviser | | | 5,490,338 | | | | –0– | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 145,662,233 | | | | 397,950,371 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (7,215,789 | ) | | | (7,445,666 | ) |
Class B | | | (23,356,429 | ) | | | (21,954,052 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (24,491,029 | ) | | | (27,071,472 | ) |
Class B | | | (96,075,101 | ) | | | (98,572,218 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (85,211,555 | ) | | | (344,275,984 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (90,687,670 | ) | | | (101,369,021 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 2,543,695,634 | | | | 2,645,064,655 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $16,061,698 and $30,398,818, respectively) | | $ | 2,453,007,964 | | | $ | 2,543,695,634 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. Prior to February 1, 2006, the Portfolio’s investment objective was to seek reasonable current income and reasonable opportunity for appreciation through investments primarily in dividend-paying, common stocks of good quality. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
8
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. 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 asked 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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the Portfolio’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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio 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 Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .55% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, under the terms of an investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .625% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
During the period ended June 30, 2007, and in response to the Independent Director’s request, the Adviser made a payment of $5,490,338 to the Portfolio in connection with an error made by the Adviser in processing a claim for class action settlement proceeds on behalf of the Portfolio.
9
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007 amounted to $1,019,260, of which $68,333 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 597,570,110 | | | $ | 741,405,173 | |
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 are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 479,974,785 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (5,476,381 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 474,498,404 | |
| | | | |
1. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 depreciation by the Portfolio.
10
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
Risks may arise from the potential inability of the 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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars, reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
2. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 835,144 | | | 2,064,629 | | | | | $ | 23,010,516 | | | $ | 51,573,410 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 1,167,409 | | | 1,481,422 | | | | | | 31,706,818 | | | | 34,517,138 | |
Shares redeemed | | (2,928,910 | ) | | (7,031,345 | ) | | | | | (80,925,219 | ) | | | (177,773,452 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (926,357 | ) | | (3,485,294 | ) | | | | $ | (26,207,885 | ) | | $ | (91,682,904 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 956,012 | | | 5,483,289 | | | | | $ | 26,315,520 | | | $ | 132,876,586 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 4,434,888 | | | 5,215,330 | | | | | | 119,431,530 | | | | 120,526,270 | |
Shares redeemed | | (7,461,099 | ) | | (20,044,146 | ) | | | | | (204,750,720 | ) | | | (505,995,936 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (2,070,199 | ) | | (9,345,527 | ) | | | | $ | (59,003,670 | ) | | $ | (252,593,080 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which
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GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 29,399,718 | | $ | 35,565,876 | |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 125,643,690 | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 155,043,408 | | | 35,565,876 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 155,043,408 | | $ | 35,565,876 | |
| | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 37,965,099 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 112,649,399 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 485,261,641 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 635,876,139 | |
| | | | |
(a) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
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(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance
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GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
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GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $27.19 | | | $24.88 | | | $24.08 | | | $21.80 | | | $16.62 | | | $22.16 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .21 | | | .36 | | | .31 | | | .36 | (b) | | .23 | | | .22 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | 1.40 | | | 3.66 | | | .85 | | | 2.12 | | | 5.15 | | | (5.01 | ) |
Contribution from Adviser | | .06 | | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 1.67 | | | 4.02 | | | 1.16 | | | 2.48 | | | 5.38 | | | (4.79 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.41 | ) | | (.37 | ) | | (.36 | ) | | (.20 | ) | | (.20 | ) | | (.12 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (1.38 | ) | | (1.34 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | (.63 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.79 | ) | | (1.71 | ) | | (.36 | ) | | (.20 | ) | | (.20 | ) | | (.75 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $27.07 | | | $27.19 | | | $24.88 | | | $24.08 | | | $21.80 | | | $16.62 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 6.10 | % | | 17.29 | % | | 4.86 | % | | 11.46 | % | | 32.50 | % | | (22.05 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $502,268 | | | $529,732 | | | $571,372 | | | $627,689 | | | $603,673 | | | $456,402 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .60 | %(d) | | .61 | %(e) | | .59 | % | | .60 | % | | .66 | % | | .68 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .60 | %(d) | | .61 | %(e) | | .59 | % | | .65 | % | | .66 | % | | .68 | % |
Net investment income | | 1.49 | %(d) | | 1.42 | %(e) | | 1.29 | % | | 1.62 | %(b) | | 1.25 | % | | 1.15 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 25 | % | | 60 | % | | 72 | % | | 50 | % | | 57 | % | | 69 | % |
See footnote summary on page 17.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $26.93 | | | $24.65 | | | $23.87 | | | $21.62 | | | $16.49 | | | $22.03 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .17 | | | .29 | | | .25 | | | .31 | (b) | | .18 | | | .17 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | 1.39 | | | 3.63 | | | .83 | | | 2.10 | | | 5.11 | | | (4.98 | ) |
Contribution from Adviser | | .06 | | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 1.62 | | | 3.92 | | | 1.08 | | | 2.41 | | | 5.29 | | | (4.81 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.34 | ) | | (.30 | ) | | (.30 | ) | | (.16 | ) | | (.16 | ) | | (.10 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (1.38 | ) | | (1.34 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | (.63 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.72 | ) | | (1.64 | ) | | (.30 | ) | | (.16 | ) | | (.16 | ) | | (.73 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $26.83 | | | $26.93 | | | $24.65 | | | $23.87 | | | $21.62 | | | $16.49 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 5.97 | % | | 16.98 | % | | 4.60 | % | | 11.22 | % | | 32.18 | % | | (22.26 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $1,950,740 | | | $2,013,964 | | | $2,073,693 | | | $2,044,741 | | | $1,671,671 | | | $1,067,952 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .85 | %(d) | | .86 | %(e) | | .85 | % | | .85 | % | | .91 | % | | .93 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .85 | %(d) | | .86 | %(e) | | .85 | % | | .90 | % | | .91 | % | | .93 | % |
Net investment income | | 1.24 | %(d) | | 1.17 | %(e) | | 1.05 | % | | 1.39 | %(b) | | .99 | % | | .91 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 25 | % | | 60 | % | | 72 | % | | 50 | % | | 57 | % | | 69 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses reimbursed or waived by the Adviser. |
(c) | 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
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GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE PORTFOLIO’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AllianceBernstein Growth and Income Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2007.
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 Fund’s Senior Officer (who is also the Fund’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fees in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fees for the Portfolio were reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Fund’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio 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 AllianceBernstein 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio and the overall arrangements between the Portfolio 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 research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Portfolio. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Portfolio’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Portfolio will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services provided at the Portfolio’s request by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are approved by the directors on a quarterly basis and (to the extent requested and paid) result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Portfolio to the Adviser than the fee rates stated in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Portfolio’s other service providers, also were considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Portfolio 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 Portfolio to the Adviser for calendar years 2005 and 2006 that had been prepared with an updated expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The directors reviewed the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and noted 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 Portfolio, including those relating to its subsidiaries which provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Portfolio. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability from fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability
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of the Adviser’s relationship with the Portfolio before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that they were satisfied that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Portfolio was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Portfolio other than the fees and expense reimbursements payable under the Advisory Agreement, including but not limited to benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby the Adviser receives brokerage and research services from many of the brokers and dealers that execute purchases and sales of securities on behalf of its clients on an agency basis), 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 the Portfolio’s Class B shares, transfer agency fees paid by the Portfolio to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, and brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio to brokers affiliated with the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors also understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Portfolio.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the meeting, the directors receive detailed comparative performance information for the Portfolio at each regular Board meeting during the year. The directors noted that the Portfolio is a clone of another fund managed by the Adviser (the “Corresponding Fund”) and is managed to track the investment performance of its Corresponding Fund, although investment results may differ between the Portfolio and its Corresponding Fund due to differences in their expense ratios and other factors. At the meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Lipper showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Portfolio as compared to a group of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Group”) and as compared to a broader array of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Universe”), and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares as compared to the Russell 1000 Value Index (the “Index”), in each case for periods ended December 31, 2006 over the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (January 1991 inception). The directors noted that in the Performance Group comparison the Portfolio was in the 4th quintile in the 1- and 5-year periods, 5th quintile in the 3-year period and 3rd quintile in the 10-year period, and in the Performance Universe comparison the Portfolio was in the 4th quintile in the 1- and 3-year periods, 3rd quintile in the 5-year period and 2nd quintile in the 10-year period. The comparative information showed that the Portfolio underperformed the Index in all periods reviewed. Based on their review and their discussion of the reasons for the Portfolio’s performance with the Adviser, the directors retained confidence in the Adviser’s ability to advise the Portfolio and concluded that the Portfolio’s investment performance was understandable. The directors informed the Adviser that they planned to continue to closely monitor the Portfolio’s performance.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser and information prepared by Lipper concerning fee rates paid by other funds in the same Lipper category as the Portfolio 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 also considered the fees the Adviser charges other clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. For this purpose, they reviewed information in the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Fund’s Senior Officer disclosing the institutional fee schedule for institutional products managed by the Adviser that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. The directors noted that the institutional fee schedule for clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio had breakpoints at lower asset levels than those in the fee schedule applicable to the Portfolio and that the application of the institutional fee schedule to the level of assets of the Portfolio would result in a fee rate that would be lower than that in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. 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 directors also reviewed information that indicated that the Portfolio pays a higher fee rate than certain registered investment companies with a similar investment style as the Portfolio that are sub-advised by the Adviser. The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio is the same as that for its Corresponding Fund.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Portfolio relative to institutional clients and sub-advised funds. The Adviser also noted that since mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets are relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
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GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Portfolio in comparison to the fees and expenses of funds within two comparison groups created by Lipper: an Expense Group and an Expense Universe. Lipper described an Expense Group as a representative sample of funds comparable to the Portfolio and an Expense Universe as a broader group, consisting of all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the Portfolio. The Class A expense ratio of the Portfolio was based on the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year expense ratio. The directors recognized that the expense ratio information for the Portfolio potentially reflected on the Adviser’s provision of services, as the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Portfolio by others. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some funds in the Portfolio’s Lipper category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases were voluntary and perhaps temporary.
The directors noted that the Portfolio’s at approximate current size contractual advisory effective fee rate of 54.8 basis points, plus the less than 1 basis point impact of the latest fiscal year administrative expense reimbursement by the Portfolio pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, was lower than the Expense Group median. The directors also noted that the Portfolio’s total expense ratio was the same as the Expense Group median and lower than the Expense Universe median. The directors concluded that the Portfolio’s expense ratio was satisfactory.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors also considered presentations by an independent consultant discussing economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AllianceBernstein Funds. 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 establishing breakpoints that give effect to 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 Portfolio, 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 Portfolio’s breakpoint arrangements would result in a sharing of economies of scale in the event of a very significant increase in the Portfolio’s net assets.
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GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Value | | 55 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 45 bp on next $2.5 billion 40 bp on the balance | | $ | 2,480.1 | | Growth & Income Portfolio |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $86,750 (0.003% of the Fund’s average daily net assets) for such services.
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s total expense ratios for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | Class A 0.61 Class B 0.86 | % % | | December 31 |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2007 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 1-3, 2007. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | The AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were also affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
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GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients and sub-advised investment companies include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than managing that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if a fund is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different and legal and reputational risks are greater, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee based on February 28, 2007 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Growth & Income | | $ | 2,480.1 | | Relative Value Schedule | | 0.262 | % | | 0.550 | % |
Portfolio | | | | | 65 bp on 1st $25m 50 bp on next $25m 40 bp on next $50m 30 bp on next $100m 25 bp on the balance Minimum account size $10m | | | | | | |
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, Inc. a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, Inc.:5
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | Growth & Income Fund, Inc. | | 0.55% on first $2.5 billion 0.45% on next $2.5 billion 0.40% on the balance | | 0.55% |
4 | The Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300 million, it will negotiate a fee schedule. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. |
5 | It should be noted that the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the Portfolio has the same breakpoints in its advisory fee schedule as the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund. |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages and sponsors retail mutual funds, which are organized in jurisdictions outside the United States, generally Luxembourg and Japan, and sold to non-United States resident investors. The Adviser charges the following fees for American Value Portfolio, which is a Luxembourg fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Fund:
| | | |
Fund | | Fee | |
American Value Portfolio Class A6 | | 1.50 | % |
Class I (Institutional) | | 0.70 | % |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory investment services to certain other investment companies managed by other fund families. The Adviser charges the following fees for each of these sub-advisory relationships:
| | | | |
Portfolio | | Sub-Advised Fund | | Fee Schedule |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | Client No. 1 | | 0.30% on first $1 billion 0.25% on next $500 million 0.20% thereafter |
| | |
| | Client No.27 | | 0.30% |
| | |
| | Client No.37 | | 0.60% on first $1 billion 0.55% on next $500 million 0.50% on next $500 million 0.45% on next $500 million 0.40% thereafter |
It is fair to note that the services the Adviser provides, pursuant to the sub-advisory agreements are generally confined to the services related to the investment process; in other words, they are not as comprehensive as the services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. In addition, to the extent that certain of these sub-advisory relationships are with affiliates of the Adviser, the fee schedules may not reflect arm’s-length bargaining or negotiations.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services offered by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”)8 at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.9
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
The Portfolio’s original EG had an insufficient number of peers in the view of the Senior Officer and the Adviser. Consequently, at the request of the Adviser and the Senior Officer, Lipper expanded the Fund’s EG to include peers that have similar but not the same Lipper investment classification/objective.
6 | Class A shares of the funds are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory services and distribution related services. |
7 | The client is an affiliate of the Adviser. |
8 | It should be noted that Lipper does not consider average account size when constructing EGs. Funds with relatively small average account sizes tend to have higher transfer agent expense ratios than comparable sized funds that have relatively large average account sizes. Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
9 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that the Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
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GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee10 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Growth & Income Portfolio11 | | 0.548 | | 0.560 | | 8/19 |
However, because Lipper had expanded the EG of the Fund, under Lipper’s standard guidelines, the Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”) was also expanded to include the universes of those peers that had a similar but not the same Lipper investment classification/objective.12 A “normal” EU will include funds that have the same investment classification/objective as the subject Fund.13
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)14 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Growth & Income Portfolio15 | | 0.595 | | 0.595 | | 9/19 | | 0.788 | | 18/113 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
The Adviser utilizes two profitability reporting systems, which operate independently but are aligned with each other, to estimate the Adviser’s profitability in connection with investment advisory services provided to the Portfolio. The Senior Officer has retained a consultant to provide independent advice regarding the alignment of the two profitability systems as well as the methodologies and allocations utilized by both profitability systems. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The Portfolio’s profitability information, prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors, was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio decreased during calendar year 2006, relative to 2005.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship provided the affiliates’ charges and services are competitive. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, and brokerage commissions. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur.
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $4,944,774 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection with Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $1,901,635 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
10 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. |
11 | The Portfolio’s EG includes the Portfolio, seven other variable insurance product (“VIP”) Large-Cap Value funds (“LCVE”) and eleven VIP Large-Cap Core funds (“LCCE”). |
12 | It should be noted that the expansion of the Portfolio’s EU was not requested by the Adviser or the Senior Officer. They requested that only the EG be expanded. |
13 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG peer when selecting an EU peer. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
14 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
15 | The Portfolio’s EU includes the Portfolio, EG and all other VIP LCVE and LCCE funds, excluding outliers. |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, recordkeeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the relevant intermediary over the year.
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability decreased in 2006 in comparison to 2005. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $783 from the Portfolio.16
The Portfolio effected brokerage transactions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and paid commissions for such transactions during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business conducted with the Portfolio is comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients, including the Portfolio. These credits and charges are not being passed onto any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for the Portfolio and other clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding economies of scale and/or scope. Based on the independent consultant’s initial survey, there was a consensus that fund management companies benefited from economies of scale. However, due to the lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders.
The independent consultant conducted further studies of the Adviser’s operations to determine the existence of economies of scale and/or scope within the Adviser. The independent consultant also analyzed patterns related to advisory fees at the industry level. In a recent presentation to the Board of Directors, the independent consultant noted the potential for economies of scale and/or scope through the use of “pooling portfolios” and blend products. The independent consultant also remarked that there may be diseconomies as assets grow in less liquid and active markets. It was also observed that various factors, including fund size, family size, asset class, and investment style, had an impact on advisory fees.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $742 billion as of March 31, 2007, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information prepared by Lipper shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance rankings of the Portfolio17 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)18 for the periods ended December 31, 2006.19
| | | | | | | | | | |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 17.29 | | 17.44 | | 19.31 | | 5/8 | | 34/45 |
3 year | | 11.09 | | 11.68 | | 12.12 | | 7/8 | | 31/42 |
5 year | | 7.20 | | 7.43 | | 7.52 | | 5/8 | | 21/35 |
10 year | | 10.87 | | 10.87 | | 8.61 | | 3/5 | | 4/14 |
16 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
17 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio shown were provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. Rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s Portfolio returns to be one or two basis points different from Lipper’s own Portfolio returns. To maintain consistency, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
18 | The Portfolio’s PG and PU are not identical to the Portfolio’s EG and EU. The criteria for including in or excluding a fund in/from a PU is somewhat different from that of an EU. |
19 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the fund even if a fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
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GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)20 versus its benchmark.21 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.22
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending December 31, 2006 Annualized Performance |
| | | | | | | | | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | 17.29 | | 11.09 | | 7.20 | | 10.87 | | 11.74 | | 16.06 | | 0.49 | | 10 |
Russell 1000 Value Index | | 22.25 | | 15.09 | | 10.86 | | 11.00 | | 13.48 | | 14.21 | | 0.54 | | 10 |
Inception Date: January 14, 1991 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: June 4, 2007
20 | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
21 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through December 31, 2006. It should be noted that the “since inception” performance returns of the Portfolio’s benchmark goes back only through the nearest month-end after inception date. In contrast, the Portfolio’s since inception return goes back to the Portfolio’s actual inception date. |
22 | Portfolio and benchmark volatility and Sharpe Ratio information was obtained through Lipper LANA, a database maintained by Lipper. Volatility is a statistical measure of the tendency of a market price or yield to vary over time. A Sharpe Ratio is a risk adjusted measure of return that divides a portfolio’s return in excess of the riskless return by the portfolio’s standard deviation. A portfolio with a greater volatility would be seen as more risky than a portfolio with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky portfolio. A portfolio with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a portfolio with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
26
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GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Portfolio (the “Portfolio”),2 prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003 is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 06/30/06 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Value | | 55 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 45 bp on next $2.5 billion 40 bp on the balance | | $ | 2,369.0 | | Growth & Income Portfolio |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. Indicated below is the reimbursement amount, which the Adviser received from the Portfolio in the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Amount | | As a % of Average Daily Net Assets | |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | $ | 75,250 | | 0.00 | % |
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s total expense ratios for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | Class A 0.59 | % | | December 31 |
| | Class B 0.85 | % | | |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on June 24, 2006 and presented to the Board of Directors on August 1, 2006 in accordance with the September 1, 2004 Assurance of Discontinuance between the NYAG and the Adviser. It also should be noted that references in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
2 | Future references to the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” |
3 | Most of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the New York State Attorney General. |
27
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses is reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if the Portfolio is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. It should be noted that the Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300, it will negotiate a fee schedule. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. To the extent that certain of these institutional relationships are with affiliates of the Adviser, the fee schedules may not reflect arms-length bargaining or negotiations. In addition to the AllianceBernstein institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AllianceBernstein institutional fee schedule been applied to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee:
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 06/30/06 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein Institutional Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Institutional Advisory Fee | | | Fund Advisory Fee4 | |
Growth & Income | | $2,369.0 | | Relative Value Schedule | | 0.262 | % | | 0.543 | %5 |
Portfolio | | | | 65 bp on the first $25 million 50 bp on the next $25 million 40 bp on the next $50 million 30 bp on the next $100 million 25 bp on the balance Minimum account size $10m | | | | | | |
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, Inc., a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, Inc.:
| | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | Growth & Income Fund, Inc. | | 55 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 45 bp on next $2.5 billion 40 bp on the balance |
4 | Fund advisory information was provided by Lipper. See Section II for additional discussion. |
5 | This effective advisory fee rate is based on a hypothetical asset level ($2.675 billion) used by Lipper. |
28
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages and sponsors retail mutual funds, which are organized in jurisdictions outside the United States, generally Luxembourg, and sold to non-United States resident investors. The Adviser charges the following “all-in” fee6 for the Luxembourg fund that has a similar investment style as the Portfolio:
| | | |
Fund | | Fee | |
Equity Value | | 1.50 | % |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory investment services to certain other investment companies managed by other fund families. The Adviser charges the following fees for each of these sub-advisory relationships:
| | | | |
Portfolio | | Sub-Advised Fund | | Fee Schedule |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | Client No. 1 | | 0.30% on first $1 billion 0.25% on next $500 million 0.20% thereafter |
| | |
| | Client No. 2 | | 0.60% on first $1 billion 0.55% thereafter |
| | |
| | Client No.37 | | 0.60% on first $1 billion 0.55% on next $500 million 0.50% on next $500 million 0.45% on next $500 million 0.40% thereafter |
| | |
| | Client No.47 | | 0.30% |
It is fair to note that the services of the Adviser provides, pursuant to the sub-advisory agreements are generally confined to the services related to the investment process; in other words, they are not as comprehensive as the services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. In addition, to the extent that certain of these sub-advisory relationships are with affiliates of the Adviser, the fee schedules may not reflect arms-length bargaining or negotiations.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the Lipper group median at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.8
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Effective Management Fee9 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | 0.543 | | 0.557 | | 6/14 |
6 | The “all-in” fee shown is for the Class A shares of Equity Value. This fee covers investment advisory services and distribution related services. |
7 | The client is an affiliate of the Adviser. |
8 | The effective management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” means that the Portfolio has the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
9 | The effective management fee rate for the Portfolio does not reflect expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative, and other services. |
29
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Lipper also analyzed the total expense ratio of the Portfolio in comparison to its Lipper Expense Group10 and Lipper Expense Universe.11 Lipper describes a Lipper Expense Group as a representative sample of comparable funds and a Lipper Expense Universe as a broader group, consisting of all funds in the same investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the subject Portfolio. The result of that analysis is set forth below:
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)12 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | 0.595 | | 0.595 | | 7/14 | | 0.841 | | 14/128 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE MANAGEMENT FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
A consultant was retained by the Senior Officer to work with the Adviser’s personnel to align the Adviser’s two profitability reporting systems. The alignment, which now has been completed, allows the Adviser’s management and the Directors to receive consistent presentations of the financial results and profitability although the two profitability reporting systems operate independently. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The profitability information for the Portfolio prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors was reviewed by the Senior Officer. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio increased during calendar year 2005 relative to 2004.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that they should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution, and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, front-end sales loads, contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) and commissions for providing brokerage services. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur. Additional information regarding distribution related fees can be found in the prospectus of the Portfolio.
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received the amount set forth below in Rule 12b-1 fees:
| | | |
Portfolio | | 12b-1 Fees Received |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | $ | 5,194,420 |
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection to Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, the Adviser determined that it made the following payment on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI:
| | | |
Portfolio | | Adviser Payment to ABI |
Growth Portfolio | | $ | 1,981,357 |
10 | Lipper uses the following criteria in screening funds to be included in the Portfolios expense group: variable product, fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, and expense components and attributes. A Lipper Expense Group will typically consist of seven to twenty funds. |
11 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting a Lipper Expense Group when selecting a Lipper Expense Universe. Unlike the Lipper Expense Group, the Lipper Expense Universe allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
12 | Most recently completed fiscal year Class A share total expense ratio. |
30
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| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, keeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the firm over the year.
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability increased in 2005 in comparison to 2004. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $794 from the Portfolio.13
The Portfolio effected brokerage transactions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and paid commissions for such transactions during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business conducted with the Portfolio is comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients, including the Portfolio. These credits and charges are not being passed on to any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for the Portfolio and other clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that the breakpoints in the fee schedule in the Investment Advisory Agreement reflect a sharing of economies of scale to the extent the breakpoints are reached. Based on some of the professional literature that has considered economies of scale in the mutual fund industry it is thought that to the extent economies of scale exist, they may more often exist across a fund family as opposed to a specific fund. This is because the costs incurred by the Adviser, such as investment research or technology for trading or compliance systems can be spread across a greater asset base as the fund family increases in size. It is also possible that as the level of services required to operate a successful investment company has increased over time, and advisory firms have made such investments in their business to provide improved services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant made a presentation to the Board of Directors and the Senior Officer regarding possible economies of scale or scope in the mutual fund industry. Based on the presentation, it was evident that fund management companies benefit from economies of scale. However, due to lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders. In the meantime, it is clear that to the extent a fund’s assets exceeds its initial breakpoint its shareholders benefit from a lower fee rate.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO.
With assets under management of $625 billion as June 30, 2006, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information below, which was prepared by Lipper, shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance rankings of the Portfolio14 relative to its Lipper Performance Group15 and Lipper Performance Universe16 for the periods ended April 30, 2006:
| | | | |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | Group | | Universe |
1 year | | 2/4 | | 39/51 |
3 year | | 4/4 | | 38/47 |
5 year | | 2/3 | | 19/33 |
10 year | | 1/2 | | 2/12 |
13 The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2005.
14 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
15 | The Lipper Performance Group is identical to the Lipper Expense Group. |
16 | For the Lipper Performance Universe, Lipper included the Portfolio and all of the funds of the same Lipper Classification/ Objective and load type, regardless of asset size. |
31
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)17 versus its benchmarks:18
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Periods Ending April 30, 2006 Annualized Performance |
Portfolio | | 1 Year | | 3 Year | | 5 Year | | 10 Year | | Since Inception |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | 9.45 | | 17.72 | | 5.22 | | 11.34 | | 11.45 |
Russell 1000 Value Index | | 13.31 | | 21.77 | | 7.79 | | 10.97 | | 13.12 |
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arms-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: September 7, 2006
17 | The performance returns shown are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
18 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through April 30, 2006 in order to maintain consistency with Lipper’s performance rankings in the analysis. |
32
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein International Growth Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
International Growth Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,106.07 | | $ | 5.95 | | 1.14 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.14 | | $ | 5.71 | | 1.14 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,104.84 | | $ | 7.25 | | 1.39 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,017.90 | | $ | 6.95 | | 1.39 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Credit Suisse Group | | $ | 3,110,829 | | 2.4 | % |
Total SA | | | 3,103,756 | | 2.4 | |
UniCredito Italiano SpA | | | 2,889,374 | | 2.2 | |
Nestle SA | | | 2,640,816 | | 2.0 | |
Fiat SpA | | | 2,511,230 | | 1.9 | |
Nomura Holdings, Inc. | | | 2,478,421 | | 1.9 | |
Investimentos Itau, SA | | | 2,282,153 | | 1.7 | |
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. | | | 2,226,179 | | 1.7 | |
Cia Vale Do Rio Doce (ADR and Sponsored ADR) | | | 2,203,945 | | 1.7 | |
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, SA | | | 2,133,739 | | 1.6 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 25,580,442 | | 19.5 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 34,684,672 | | 26.6 | % |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 16,819,365 | | 12.9 | |
Industrials | | | 14,054,740 | | 10.8 | |
Health Care | | | 12,186,515 | | 9.3 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 11,006,297 | | 8.4 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 10,820,614 | | 8.3 | |
Energy | | | 10,365,080 | | 7.9 | |
Information Technology | | | 7,392,576 | | 5.7 | |
Materials | | | 6,287,490 | | 4.8 | |
Utilities | | | 4,501,401 | | 3.5 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 2,326,000 | | 1.8 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 130,444,750 | | 100.0 | % |
| 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 and 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. |
2
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
COUNTRY DIVERSIFICATION | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COUNTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Japan | | $ | 18,270,411 | | 14.0 | % |
France | | | 17,451,983 | | 13.4 | |
United Kingdom | | | 14,512,368 | | 11.1 | |
Switzerland | | | 13,232,553 | | 10.1 | |
Brazil | | | 7,802,765 | | 6.0 | |
Spain | | | 5,834,839 | | 4.5 | |
Italy | | | 5,400,604 | | 4.1 | |
South Africa | | | 4,123,264 | | 3.2 | |
Mexico | | | 4,053,394 | | 3.1 | |
Germany | | | 3,640,479 | | 2.8 | |
Australia | | | 3,565,683 | | 2.7 | |
Russia | | | 3,152,036 | | 2.4 | |
Other | | | 27,078,371 | | 20.8 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 2,326,000 | | 1.8 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 130,444,750 | | 100.0 | % |
* | The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represents 2.4% or less in the following countries: Austria, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan and Turkey. |
3
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–97.8% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–26.5% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–7.8% | | | | | |
3i Group PLC | | 56,766 | | $ | 1,321,377 |
Credit Suisse Group | | 43,820 | | | 3,110,829 |
Macquarie Bank Ltd. | | 21,694 | | | 1,558,176 |
Nomura Holdings, Inc. | | 127,600 | | | 2,478,421 |
UBS AG (Swiss Virt-X) | | 28,895 | | | 1,728,046 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,196,849 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–15.9% | | | | | |
Allied Irish Banks PLC | | 38,326 | | | 1,046,949 |
Anglo Irish Bank Corp. PLC (Dublin) | | 55,731 | | | 1,143,793 |
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA | | 87,252 | | | 2,133,739 |
Banco Santander Chile, SA (ADR) | | 6,300 | | | 312,102 |
Bank Central Asia Tbk PT | | 995,500 | | | 600,281 |
Bank Hapoalim BM | | 120,758 | | | 588,321 |
BNP Paribas SA | | 15,702 | | | 1,865,140 |
Commerzbank AG | | 20,805 | | | 992,309 |
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, Ltd.—Class H | | 2,692,000 | | | 1,496,369 |
Investimentos Itau, SA | | 367,162 | | | 2,282,153 |
Kookmin Bank (ADR) | | 14,308 | | | 1,255,098 |
Malayan Banking Bhd | | 246,100 | | | 855,224 |
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. | | 202 | | | 2,226,179 |
Turkiye Is Bankasi—Class C | | 207,668 | | | 964,953 |
UniCredito Italiano SpA | | 323,500 | | | 2,889,374 |
VTB Bank OJSC (GDR)(a)(b) | | 10,500 | | | 115,290 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 20,767,274 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–1.8% | | | | | |
FirstRand Ltd. | | 383,559 | | | 1,219,265 |
ING Groep NV | | 25,557 | | | 1,124,861 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,344,126 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–1.0% | | | | | |
Prudential PLC | | 1,085 | | | 15,444 |
Swiss Reinsurance | | 14,923 | | | 1,360,979 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,376,423 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 34,684,672 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–12.8% | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–0.8% | | | | | |
Denso Corp. | | 27,700 | | | 1,083,365 |
| | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–2.7% | | | | | |
Fiat SpA | | 84,545 | | | 2,511,230 |
Suzuki Motor Corp. | | 37,100 | | | 1,053,566 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,564,796 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–2.1% | | | | | |
Accor SA | | 18,507 | | $ | 1,636,033 |
OPAP, SA | | 30,727 | | | 1,085,686 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,721,719 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–1.4% | | | | | |
Daiwa House Industry Co. Ltd. | | 37,000 | | | 528,840 |
Sony Corp. | | 12,700 | | | 651,914 |
Urbi Desarrollos Urbanos SA de C.V.(b) | | 149,800 | | | 689,827 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,870,581 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–3.7% | | | | | |
Eutelsat Communications(b) | | 16,110 | | | 391,696 |
Grupo Televisa SA (ADR) | | 30,900 | | | 853,149 |
Naspers Ltd.—Class N | | 43,353 | | | 1,113,842 |
SES Global -FDR | | 27,855 | | | 601,541 |
Societe Television Francaise 1 | | 27,255 | | | 942,039 |
WPP Group PLC | | 62,895 | | | 940,687 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,842,954 |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–0.8% | | | | | |
Lotte Shopping Co. Ltd. | | 2,765 | | | 1,077,158 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–1.3% | | | | | |
Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. | | 8,100 | | | 576,521 |
Inditex SA | | 12,479 | | | 734,503 |
Praktiker Bau- und Heimwerkermaerkte AG | | 8,574 | | | 347,768 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,658,792 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 16,819,365 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–10.7% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–0.6% | | | | | |
BAE Systems PLC | | 96,244 | | | 776,640 |
| | | | | |
AIRLINES–0.6% | | | | | |
easyJet PLC(b) | | 71,197 | | | 745,657 |
| | | | | |
BUILDING PRODUCTS–1.9% | | | | | |
Asahi Glass Co. Ltd. | | 48,000 | | | 647,204 |
Cie de Saint-Gobain | | 16,134 | | | 1,807,373 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,454,577 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–1.0% | | | | | |
Capita Group PLC | | 93,365 | | | 1,355,365 |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–1.2% | | | | | |
Vinci SA | | 20,692 | | | 1,544,391 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.4% | | | | | |
Fuji Electric Holdings Co. Ltd. | | 109,000 | | | 552,883 |
| | | | | |
4
| | |
|
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–0.6% | | | | | |
Barloworld Ltd. | | 26,031 | | $ | 723,306 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–2.0% | | | | | |
Atlas Copco AB | | 96,822 | | | 1,612,693 |
Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd. | | 22,100 | | | 767,885 |
Tata Motors Ltd. | | 17,660 | | | 290,857 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,671,435 |
| | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–1.6% | | | | | |
Mitsui & Co. Ltd. | | 67,000 | | | 1,337,119 |
Wolseley PLC | | 34,083 | | | 817,982 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,155,101 |
| | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE–0.8% | | | | | |
Cia de Concessoes Rodoviarias | | 24,400 | | | 453,215 |
Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide | | 8,738 | | | 622,170 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,075,385 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 14,054,740 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–9.3% | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–1.5% | | | | | |
CSL Ltd./Australia | | 26,969 | | | 2,007,506 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–2.0% | | | | | |
Essilor International SA | | 14,670 | | | 1,747,282 |
Nobel Biocare Holding AG | | 2,625 | | | 856,882 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,604,164 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–5.8% | | | | | |
Merck KGaA | | 12,266 | | | 1,678,232 |
Novartis AG | | 35,212 | | | 1,976,822 |
Roche Holding AG | | 8,794 | | | 1,558,179 |
Shionogi & Co. Ltd. | | 72,000 | | | 1,173,612 |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. (ADR) | | 28,800 | | | 1,188,000 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,574,845 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 12,186,515 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–8.4% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.7% | | | | | |
Telefonica SA | | 68,343 | | | 1,520,910 |
Telekom Austria AG | | 34,697 | | | 864,053 |
Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk PT | | 1,120,500 | | | 1,215,506 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,600,469 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–5.7% | | | | | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | 32,600 | | $ | 2,018,918 |
Bharti Airtel Ltd.(b) | | 94,349 | | | 1,939,289 |
MTN Group Ltd. | | 78,486 | | | 1,066,852 |
NTT DoCoMo, Inc. | | 404 | | | 638,966 |
Orascom Telecom Holding SAE (GDR)(a) | | 10,604 | | | 688,200 |
Turkcell Iletisim Hizmet AS | | 0 | | | 3 |
Vimpel-Communications (ADR) | | 10,000 | | | 1,053,600 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,405,828 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,006,297 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–8.3% | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–1.6% | | | | | |
Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV (ADR) | | 12,500 | | | 491,500 |
Pernod-Ricard, SA | | 7,272 | | | 1,605,566 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,097,066 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–2.0% | | | | | |
Nestle SA | | 6,950 | | | 2,640,816 |
| | | | | |
PERSONAL PRODUCTS–1.5% | | | | | |
L’Oreal SA | | 16,613 | | | 1,963,668 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–3.2% | | | | | |
Altadis SA | | 14,290 | | | 944,417 |
British American Tobacco PLC | | 38,162 | | | 1,301,533 |
Japan Tobacco, Inc. | | 380 | | | 1,873,114 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,119,064 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,820,614 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–7.9% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–0.6% | | | | | |
Technip SA | | 10,224 | | | 845,039 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–7.3% | | | | | |
Gazprom OAO (ADR) | | 33,207 | | | 1,391,373 |
MOL Hungarian Oil and Gas NyRt | | 4,281 | | | 645,049 |
Petro-Canada | | 21,605 | | | 1,150,982 |
Petroleo Brasileiro SA (NY) (ADR) | | 17,300 | | | 1,845,564 |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC—Class A | | 33,979 | | | 1,383,317 |
Total SA | | 38,281 | | | 3,103,756 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,520,041 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,365,080 |
| | | | | |
5
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–5.7% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–1.5% | | | | | |
Nokia OYJ | | 68,283 | | $ | 1,917,748 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–1.2% | | | | | |
AU Optronics Corp. (ADR) | | 28,000 | | | 481,600 |
Hoya Corp. | | 16,400 | | | 544,039 |
Integra Group Holdings (GDR)(b) | | 32,515 | | | 591,773 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,617,412 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–1.4% | | | | | |
Indra Sistemas SA | | 20,102 | | | 501,269 |
LogicaCMG PLC | | 266,999 | | | 809,117 |
Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. | | 20,335 | | | 575,229 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,885,615 |
| | | | | |
OFFICE ELECTRONICS–1.3% | | | | | |
Canon, Inc. | | 28,100 | | | 1,647,869 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–0.3% | | | | | |
Novatek Microelectronics Corp. Ltd. | | 62,000 | | | 323,932 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,392,576 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–4.8% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–0.4% | | | | | |
Nitto Denko Corp. | | 9,700 | | | 488,914 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–4.4% | | | | | |
Cia Vale do Rio Doce (ADR) | | 29,500 | | | 1,314,225 |
Cia Vale do Rio Doce (Sponsored)(ADR) | | 23,600 | | | 889,720 |
Rio Tinto PLC | | 17,840 | | | 1,364,828 |
Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA | | 9,300 | | | 612,768 |
Xstrata PLC | | 27,162 | | | 1,617,035 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,798,576 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,287,490 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
UTILITIES–3.4% | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–1.8% | | | | | | |
CEZ | | | 16,820 | | $ | 864,927 |
Cia Energetica de Minas Gerais (ADR) | | | 19,200 | | | 405,120 |
Fortum Oyj | | | 37,378 | | | 1,167,969 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,438,016 |
| | | | | | |
INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS & ENERGY TRADERS–0.8% | | | | | | |
International Power PLC | | | 122,433 | | | 1,052,396 |
| | | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–0.8% | | | | | | |
National Grid PLC | | | 68,517 | | | 1,010,989 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 4,501,401 |
| | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $95,366,660) | | | | | | 128,118,750 |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | |
| | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.8% | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–1.8% | | | | | | |
The Bank of New York 4.25%, 7/02/07 (cost $2,326,000) | | $ | 2,326 | | | 2,326,000 |
| | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.6% (cost $97,692,660) | | | | | | 130,444,750 |
Other assets less liabilities–0.4% | | | | | | 531,156 |
| | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 130,975,906 |
| | | | | | |
(a) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2007, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $803,490 or 0.6% of net assets. |
(b) | Non-income producing security. |
| ADR—American Depositary Receipt |
| GDR—Global Depositary Receipt |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
6
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | |
ASSETS | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $97,692,660) | | $ | 130,444,750 |
Cash | | | 386 |
Foreign cash, at value (cost $442,347) | | | 447,045 |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 269,000 |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 172,175 |
| | | |
Total assets | | | 131,333,356 |
| | | |
LIABILITIES | | | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 88,206 |
Advisory fee payable | | | 82,887 |
Custodian fee payable | | | 66,673 |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 44,881 |
Printing fee payable | | | 19,857 |
Administrative fee payable | | | 19,261 |
Foreign capital gain tax payable | | | 10,043 |
Distribution fee payable | | | 8,306 |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 |
Accrued expenses | | | 17,277 |
| | | |
Total liabilities | | | 357,450 |
| | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 130,975,906 |
| | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 4,416 |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 87,206,403 |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 978,322 |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 9,999,003 |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 32,787,762 |
| | | |
| | $ | 130,975,906 |
| | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 91,592,069 | | 3,082,629 | | $ | 29.71 |
B | | $ | 39,383,837 | | 1,332,976 | | $ | 29.55 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $259,687) | | $ | 1,691,863 | |
Interest | | | 65,060 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 1,756,923 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 467,267 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 47,528 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,320 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 579 | |
Custodian | | | 147,528 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Audit | | | 19,121 | |
Printing | | | 17,206 | |
Legal | | | 3,153 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 721 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 6,066 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 757,489 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 999,434 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 10,058,644 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (16,432 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | 1,274,518 | (a) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 2,981 | |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 11,319,711 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 12,319,145 | |
| | | | |
(a) | Net of accrued foreign capital gain taxes of $28,181. |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
8
| | |
|
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 999,434 | | | $ | 1,048,609 | |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 10,042,212 | | | | 14,218,388 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 1,277,499 | | | | 8,168,028 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 12,319,145 | | | | 23,435,025 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (845,267 | ) | | | (654,473 | ) |
Class B | | | (287,688 | ) | | | (210,045 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (9,723,300 | ) | | | (436,315 | ) |
Class B | | | (4,187,332 | ) | | | (172,059 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 16,723,921 | | | | 11,361,709 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase | | | 13,999,479 | | | | 33,323,842 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 116,976,427 | | | | 83,652,585 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $978,322 and $1,111,843, respectively) | | $ | 130,975,906 | | | $ | 116,976,427 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
9
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein International Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
10
| | |
|
|
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. 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 asked 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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the policy of the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, under the terms of an investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of 1% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007, amounted to $183,388, none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12B-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 53,995,667 | | | $ | 49,736,310 | |
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 | | $ | 33,979,076 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (1,226,986 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 32,752,090 | |
| | | | |
1. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 depreciation by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
Risks may arise from the potential inability of the 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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 534,193 | | | 1,366,384 | | | | | $ | 16,975,664 | | | $ | 36,908,105 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 356,204 | | | 43,131 | | | | | | 10,568,567 | | | | 1,090,788 | |
Shares redeemed | | (496,301 | ) | | (1,128,436 | ) | | | | | (15,624,272 | ) | | | (29,927,872 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 394,096 | | | 281,079 | | | | | $ | 11,919,959 | | | $ | 8,071,021 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 177,391 | | | 492,302 | | | | | $ | 5,573,731 | | | $ | 13,161,869 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 151,644 | | | 15,175 | | | | | | 4,475,020 | | | | 382,104 | |
Shares redeemed | | (165,631 | ) | | (381,609 | ) | | | | | (5,244,789 | ) | | | (10,253,285 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 163,404 | | | 125,868 | | | | | $ | 4,803,962 | | | $ | 3,290,688 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio 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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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 864,518 | | $ | 248,717 | |
Long-term capital gains | | | 608,374 | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 1,472,892 | | | 248,717 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 1,472,892 | | $ | 248,717 | |
| | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 3,241,761 | |
Undistributed long term capital gain | | | 11,781,216 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 31,466,552 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 46,489,529 | |
| | | | |
(a) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, and the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA
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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
16
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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $30.37 | | | $24.27 | | | $20.18 | | | $16.28 | | | $11.48 | | | $12.18 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .26 | | | .30 | | | .25 | | | .11 | (b) | | .04 | | | .07 | (b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | 2.96 | | | 6.18 | | | 3.94 | | | 3.83 | | | 4.91 | | | (.56 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 3.22 | | | 6.48 | | | 4.19 | | | 3.94 | | | 4.95 | | | (.49 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.31 | ) | | (.23 | ) | | (.10 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | (.15 | ) | | (.21 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (3.57 | ) | | (.15 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (3.88 | ) | | (.38 | ) | | (.10 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | (.15 | ) | | (.21 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $29.71 | | | $30.37 | | | $24.27 | | | $20.18 | | | $16.28 | | | $11.48 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 10.61 | % | | 27.04 | % | | 20.84 | % | | 24.27 | % | | 43.46 | % | | (4.19 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $91,592 | | | $81,655 | | | $58,438 | | | $41,198 | | | $34,302 | | | $27,136 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.14 | %(d) | | 1.23 | %(e) | | 1.41 | % | | 1.65 | % | | 2.17 | % | | 1.54 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.14 | %(d) | | 1.23 | %(e) | | 1.41 | % | | 1.81 | % | | 2.17 | % | | 1.98 | % |
Net investment income | | 1.68 | %(d) | | 1.11 | %(e) | | 1.16 | % | | .65 | %(b) | | .34 | % | | .61 | %(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 41 | % | | 74 | % | | 43 | % | | 60 | % | | 44 | % | | 46 | % |
See footnote summary on page 18.
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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $30.20 | | | $24.16 | | | $20.11 | | | $16.24 | | | $11.47 | | | $12.17 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .22 | | | .22 | | | .21 | | | .07 | (b) | | .02 | | | .03 | (b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | 2.95 | | | 6.16 | | | 3.91 | | | 3.82 | | | 4.88 | | | (.53 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 3.17 | | | 6.38 | | | 4.12 | | | 3.89 | | | 4.90 | | | (.50 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.25 | ) | | (.19 | ) | | (.07 | ) | | (.02 | ) | | (.13 | ) | | (.20 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (3.57 | ) | | (.15 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (3.82 | ) | | (.34 | ) | | (.07 | ) | | (.02 | ) | | (.13 | ) | | (.20 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $29.55 | | | $30.20 | | | $24.16 | | | $20.11 | | | $16.24 | | | $11.47 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 10.48 | % | | 26.70 | % | | 20.55 | % | | 23.97 | % | | 43.07 | % | | (4.26 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $39,384 | | | $35,321 | | | $25,215 | | | $14,501 | | | $7,376 | | | $3,609 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.39 | %(d) | | 1.48 | %(e) | | 1.66 | % | | 1.90 | % | | 2.41 | % | | 1.79 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.39 | %(d) | | 1.48 | %(e) | | 1.66 | % | | 2.06 | % | | 2.41 | % | | 2.23 | % |
Net investment income | | 1.43 | %(d) | | .81 | %(e) | | .95 | % | | .41 | %(b) | | .13 | % | | .28 | %(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 41 | % | | 74 | % | | 43 | % | | 60 | % | | 44 | % | | 46 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses waived or reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(c) | 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
18
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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE PORTFOLIO’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AllianceBernstein International Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2007.
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 Fund’s Senior Officer (who is also the Fund’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fees in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fees for the Portfolio were reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Fund’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio 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 AllianceBernstein 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio and the overall arrangements between the Portfolio 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 research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Portfolio. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Portfolio’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Portfolio will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services provided at the Portfolio’s request by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are approved by the directors on a quarterly basis and (to the extent requested and paid) result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Portfolio to the Adviser than the fee rates stated in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Portfolio’s other service providers, also were considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Portfolio 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 Portfolio to the Adviser for calendar years 2005 and 2006 that had been prepared with an updated expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The directors reviewed the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and noted 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 Portfolio, including those relating to its subsidiaries which provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Portfolio. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability from fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability
19
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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
of the Adviser’s relationship with the Portfolio before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that they were satisfied that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Portfolio was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Portfolio other than the fees and expense reimbursements payable under the Advisory Agreement, including but not limited to benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby the Adviser receives brokerage and research services from many of the brokers and dealers that execute purchases and sales of securities on behalf of its clients on an agency basis), 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 the Portfolio’s Class B shares, transfer agency fees paid by the Portfolio to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, and brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio to brokers affiliated with the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors also understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Portfolio.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the meeting, the directors receive detailed comparative performance information for the Portfolio at each regular Board meeting during the year. The directors noted that the Portfolio is a clone of another fund managed by the Adviser (the “Corresponding Fund”) and is managed to track the investment performance of its Corresponding Fund, although investment results may differ between the Portfolio and its Corresponding Fund due to differences in their expense ratios and other factors. At the meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Lipper showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Portfolio as compared to a group of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Group”) and as compared to a broader array of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Universe”) for periods ended December 31, 2006 over the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares as compared to the Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World (ex-US) Index (Net) (the “Index”) over the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods. The directors noted that in the Performance Group and Performance Universe comparisons the Portfolio was in the 1st quintile in all periods reviewed except in the 1- and 3-year periods when the Portfolio was in the 2nd quintile in the Performance Group comparison. The comparative information showed that the Portfolio outperformed the Index in all periods reviewed. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Portfolio’s relative performance over time had been satisfactory.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser and information prepared by Lipper concerning fee rates paid by other funds in the same Lipper category as the Portfolio 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 also considered the fees the Adviser charges other clients with a similar investment style as the Portfolio. For this purpose, they reviewed information in the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Fund’s Senior Officer disclosing the institutional fee schedule for institutional products managed by the Adviser that have a similar investment style as the Portfolio. The directors noted that the institutional fee schedule for clients with a similar investment style as the Portfolio had breakpoints at lower asset levels than those in the fee schedule applicable to the Portfolio and that the application of the institutional fee schedule to the level of assets of the Portfolio would result in a fee rate that would be lower than that in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. 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 directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio is the same as that for its Corresponding Fund.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Portfolio relative to institutional clients. The Adviser also noted that since mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets are relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Portfolio in comparison to the fees and expenses of funds within two comparison groups created by Lipper: an Expense Group and an Expense Universe. Lipper described an Expense Group as a representative sample of funds comparable to the Portfolio and an Expense Universe as a
20
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
broader group, consisting of all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the Portfolio. The Class A expense ratio of the Portfolio was based on the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year expense ratio. The directors recognized that the expense ratio information for the Portfolio potentially reflected on the Adviser’s provision of services, as the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Portfolio by others. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some funds in the Portfolio’s Lipper category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases were voluntary and perhaps temporary.
The directors noted that the Portfolio’s at approximate current size contractual advisory effective fee rate of 75 basis points, plus the 8 basis point impact of the latest fiscal year administrative expense reimbursement by the Portfolio pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, was lower than the Expense Group median. The directors also noted that the Portfolio’s total expense ratio was higher than the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians. The directors noted that the Portfolio’s relatively modest size (less than $125 million as of February 28, 2007) adversely affected the Portfolio’s expense ratio. For example, it resulted in the administrative expense reimbursement, which does not vary with a Portfolio’s size, having a significant effect on the Portfolio’s expense ratio. The directors also noted that the Adviser had reviewed with them steps being taken that are intended to reduce the expenses of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The directors concluded that the Portfolio’s expense ratio was acceptable in the Portfolio’s particular circumstances.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors also considered presentations by an independent consultant discussing economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AllianceBernstein Funds. 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 establishing breakpoints that give effect to 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 Portfolio, 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 Portfolio’s breakpoint arrangements would result in a sharing of economies of scale in the event of a very significant increase in the Portfolio’s net assets.
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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein International Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
International | | 75 bp on 1st $2.5 billion | | $ | 120.5 | | International Growth |
| | 65 bp on next $2.5 billion | | | | | Portfolio |
| | 60 bp on the balance | | | | | |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $86,750 (0.08% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s total expense ratios for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year |
International Growth Portfolio | | Class A | | 1.23 | % | | December 31 |
| | Class B | | 1.48 | % | | |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2007 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 1-3, 2007. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | The AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were also affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients and sub-advised investment companies include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than managing that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if a fund is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different and legal and reputational risks are greater, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee based on February 28, 2007 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee5 | |
International Growth Portfolio | | $ | 120.5 | | International Large Cap | | 0.566 | % | | 0.750 | % |
| | | | | Growth Schedule6 | | | | | | |
| | | | | 80 bp on 1st $25m | | | | | | |
| | | | | 60 bp on next $25m | | | | | | |
| | | | | 50 bp on next $50m | | | | | | |
| | | | | 40 bp on the balance | | | | | | |
| | | | | Minimum account size $25m | | | | | | |
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein International Growth Fund, Inc. a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein International Growth Fund, Inc.:7
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee | |
International Growth Portfolio | | International Growth Fund, Inc. | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion | | 0.75 | % |
| | | | 0.65% on next $2.5 billion | | | |
| | | | 0.60% on the balance | | | |
4 | The Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300 million, it will negotiate a fee schedule. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. |
5 | Fund advisory fee based on February 28, 2007 net assets. |
6 | Fees shown for the International Large Cap Growth Strategy, which is similar but more concentrated that the Portfolio’s strategy. |
7 | It should be noted that the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the Portfolio has the same breakpoints in its advisory fee schedule as the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund. |
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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services offered by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”)8 at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.9
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee10 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
International Growth Portfolio | | 0.750 | | 0.955 | | 2/12 |
Lipper also analyzed the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio in comparison to the Portfolio’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU11 is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective and load type as the subject Portfolio.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)12 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
International Growth Portfolio | | 1.414 | | 1.207 | | 10/12 | | 1.126 | | 20/22 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
The Adviser utilizes two profitability reporting systems, which operate independently but are aligned with each other, to estimate the Adviser’s profitability in connection with investment advisory services provided to the Portfolio. The Senior Officer has retained a consultant to provide independent advice regarding the alignment of the two profitability systems as well as the methodologies and allocations utilized by both profitability systems. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The Portfolio’s profitability information, prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors, was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio increased during calendar year 2006, relative to 2005.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business
8 | It should be noted that Lipper does not consider average account size when constructing EGs. Funds with relatively small average account sizes tend to have higher transfer agent expense ratios than comparable sized funds that have relatively large average account sizes. Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
9 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that the Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
10 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. |
11 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
12 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship provided the affiliates’ charges and services are competitive. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, and brokerage commissions. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur.
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $76,398 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection with Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Adviser determined that it made payment in the amount of $252,888 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, recordkeeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the relevant intermediary over the year.
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability decreased in 2006 in comparison to 2005. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $783 from the Portfolio.13
The Portfolio may effect brokerage transactions in the future through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and pay commissions for such transactions. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from any future business conducted with the Portfolio would be comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients. These credits and charges are not being passed onto any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for its clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding economies of scale and/or scope. Based on the independent consultant’s initial survey, there was a consensus that fund management companies benefited from economies of scale. However, due to the lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders.
The independent consultant conducted further studies of the Adviser’s operations to determine the existence of economies of scale and/or scope within the Adviser. The independent consultant also analyzed patterns related to advisory fees at the industry level. In a recent presentation to the Board of Directors, the independent consultant noted the potential for economies of scale and/or scope through the use of “pooling portfolios” and blend products. The independent consultant also remarked that there may be diseconomies as assets grow in less liquid and active markets. It was also observed that various factors, including fund size, family size, asset class, and investment style, had an impact on advisory fees.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $742 billion as of March 31, 2007, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
13 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The information prepared by Lipper shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance rankings of the Portfolio14 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)15 for the periods ended December 31, 2006.16
| | | | | | | | | | |
International Growth Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 27.04 | | 25.95 | | 24.13 | | 4/12 | | 6/30 |
3 year | | 24.02 | | 19.88 | | 18.37 | | 3/11 | | 5/26 |
5 year | | 21.26 | | 11.94 | | 12.05 | | 1/11 | | 2/26 |
10 year | | 12.53 | | 8.27 | | 7.96 | | 1/7 | | 2/14 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)17 versus its benchmark.18 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.19
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending December 31, 2006 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
International Growth Portfolio | | 27.04 | | 24.02 | | 21.26 | | 12.53 | | 12.66 | | 14.07 | | 1.27 | | 5 |
MSCI All Country World ex US Index (Net) | | 26.65 | | 21.32 | | 16.42 | | N/A | | N/A | | 13.66 | | 1.01 | | 5 |
MSCI World ex US Index (Net) | | 25.71 | | 20.10 | | 15.25 | | 7.96 | | 7.87 | | 13.37 | | 0.95 | | 5 |
Inception Date: September 23, 1994
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: June 4, 2007
14 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio shown were provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. Rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s Portfolio returns to be one or two basis points different from Lipper’s own Portfolio returns. To maintain consistency, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
15 | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s EU as the criteria for including in or excluding a fund from a PU is somewhat different from that of an EU. |
16 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the fund even if a fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
17 | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
18 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through December 31, 2006. It should be noted that the “since inception” performance returns of the Portfolio’s benchmark goes back only through the nearest month-end after inception date. In contrast, the Portfolio’s since inception return goes back to the Portfolio’s actual inception date. |
19 | Portfolio and benchmark volatility and Sharpe Ratio information was obtained through Lipper LANA, a database maintained by Lipper. Volatility is a statistical measure of the tendency of a market price or yield to vary over time. A Sharpe Ratio is a risk adjusted measure of return that divides a portfolio’s return in excess of the riskless return by the portfolio’s standard deviation. A portfolio with a greater volatility would be seen as more risky than a portfolio with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky portfolio. A portfolio with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a portfolio with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
26
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein International Research Growth Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
International Research Growth Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,118.58 | | $ | 6.57 | | 1.25 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,018.60 | | $ | 6.26 | | 1.25 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,117.12 | | $ | 7.87 | | 1.50 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,017.36 | | $ | 7.50 | | 1.50 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Credit Suisse Group | | $ | 3,070,861 | | 3.7 | % |
UBS AG | | | 2,442,169 | | 3.0 | |
Macquarie Bank Ltd. | | | 2,197,780 | | 2.7 | |
Rio Tinto PLC | | | 2,052,291 | | 2.5 | |
Cia Vale do Rio Doce ADR | | | 1,764,360 | | 2.2 | |
Xstrata PLC | | | 1,717,645 | | 2.1 | |
QBE Insurance Group Ltd. | | | 1,637,796 | | 2.0 | |
UniCredito Italiano SpA | | | 1,615,486 | | 2.0 | |
Total SA | | | 1,600,241 | | 2.0 | |
Nokia OYJ | | | 1,599,036 | | 1.9 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 19,697,665 | | 24.1 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 24,124,347 | | 29.9 | % |
Energy | | | 10,854,620 | | 13.5 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 8,718,449 | | 10.8 | |
Industrials | | | 7,568,650 | | 9.4 | |
Materials | | | 7,260,850 | | 9.0 | |
Information Technology | | | 5,535,151 | | 6.9 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 5,226,997 | | 6.5 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 4,829,798 | | 6.0 | |
Health Care | | | 4,829,222 | | 6.0 | |
Utilities | | | 1,216,988 | | 1.5 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 435,000 | | 0.5 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 80,600,072 | | 100.0 | % |
| 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 and 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. |
2
| | |
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
COUNTRY DIVERSIFICATION | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COUNTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
United Kingdom | | $ | 12,009,109 | | 14.9 | % |
Switzerland | | | 11,551,844 | | 14.3 | |
Japan | | | 8,496,640 | | 10.5 | |
France | | | 8,136,206 | | 10.1 | |
Australia | | | 7,796,345 | | 9.7 | |
Brazil | | | 4,460,639 | | 5.5 | |
Italy | | | 3,179,570 | | 4.0 | |
China | | | 2,991,298 | | 3.7 | |
Russia | | | 2,593,026 | | 3.2 | |
Spain | | | 2,477,591 | | 3.1 | |
Mexico | | | 2,060,421 | | 2.6 | |
Germany | | | 1,831,395 | | 2.3 | |
Other* | | | 12,580,988 | | 15.6 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 435,000 | | 0.5 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 80,600,072 | | 100.0 | % |
* | The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represents 2.0% or less in the following countries: Argentina, Austria, Canada, Egypt, Finland, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Malaysia, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan and Turkey. |
3
| | |
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–98.0% | | | |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–29.5% | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–13.6% | | | |
BlueBay Asset Management/United Kingdom(a) | | 59,876 | | $ | 591,734 |
Credit Suisse Group | | 43,257 | | | 3,070,861 |
Macquarie Bank Ltd. | | 30,599 | | | 2,197,781 |
Man Group PLC | | 80,333 | | | 977,164 |
Nomura Holdings, Inc. | | 43,800 | | | 850,743 |
Partners Group | | 7,553 | | | 1,013,473 |
UBS AG (Swiss Virt-X) | | 40,836 | | | 2,442,169 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,143,925 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–12.1% | | | |
Allied Irish Banks PLC | | 24,358 | | | 665,618 |
Anglo Irish Bank Corp. PLC (London Exchange) | | 45,102 | | | 917,201 |
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA | | 28,317 | | | 692,489 |
Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT | | 1,479,500 | | | 511,478 |
BNP Paribas SA | | 5,018 | | | 596,056 |
China Construction Bank Corp.–Class H | | 1,453,000 | | | 999,152 |
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, Ltd.–Class H | | 1,459,000 | | | 810,996 |
Investimentos Itau SA | | 88,455 | | | 549,806 |
Malayan Banking Berhad | | 216,400 | | | 752,013 |
Standard Chartered | | 38,798 | | | 1,265,489 |
Turkiye Is Bankasi–Class C | | 103,535 | | | 481,086 |
UniCredito Italiano SpA | | 180,873 | | | 1,615,486 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,856,870 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–1.0% |
Deutsche Boerse AG | | 3,316 | | | 372,320 |
IG Group Holdings PLC | | 72,801 | | | 429,800 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 802,120 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–2.8% | | | |
QBE Insurance Group Ltd. | | 62,073 | | | 1,637,796 |
Swiss Reinsurance | | 7,496 | | | 683,636 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,321,432 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 24,124,347 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–13.3% | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–3.5% | | | |
Schlumberger, Ltd. | | 5,700 | | | 484,158 |
Tenaris SA (ADR) | | 20,000 | | | 979,200 |
WorleyParsons Ltd. | | 48,556 | | | 1,396,718 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,860,076 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–9.8% | | | |
Addax Petroleum Corp. | | 6,892 | | | 257,758 |
China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd.–Class H | | 338,500 | | | 1,181,150 |
Gazprom OAO (ADR) | | 31,871 | | | 1,335,395 |
LUKOIL (ADR) | | 12,420 | | | 952,614 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Oil Search Ltd. | | 259,601 | | $ | 921,838 |
Origin Energy Ltd. | | 60,675 | | | 510,194 |
Petroleo Brasileiro SA (NY) (ADR) | | 11,580 | | | 1,235,354 |
Total SA | | 19,737 | | | 1,600,241 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,994,544 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,854,620 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–10.6% | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–0.6% | | | |
Denso Corp. | | 13,500 | | | 527,994 |
| | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–2.2% | | | |
Fiat SpA | | 45,887 | | | 1,362,976 |
Suzuki Motor Corp. | | 15,000 | | | 425,970 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,788,946 |
| | | | | |
HOTELS RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–1.9% |
Accor SA | | 7,347 | | | 649,481 |
Punch Taverns PLC | | 35,983 | | | 882,785 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,532,266 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–1.1% | | | |
Gafisa SA (ADR)(a) | | 6,800 | | | 212,160 |
Sony Corp. | | 6,600 | | | 338,790 |
Urbi Desarrollos Urbanos SA de C.V.(a) | | 72,100 | | | 332,019 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 882,969 |
| | | | | |
LEISURE EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS–0.6% |
Largan Precision Co., Ltd. | | 37,000 | | | 518,372 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–3.0% | | | |
Eutelsat Communications | | 14,804 | | | 359,942 |
Grupo Televisa SA (ADR) | | 21,300 | | | 588,093 |
Pearson PLC | | 28,880 | | | 486,490 |
Premiere AG(a) | | 20,035 | | | 479,320 |
WPP Group PLC | | 34,906 | | | 522,071 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,435,916 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–1.0% | | | |
Esprit Holdings Ltd. | | 31,369 | | | 398,558 |
Inditex SA | | 7,345 | | | 432,320 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 830,878 |
| | | | | |
TEXTILES APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.2% |
Geox SpA | | 10,919 | | | 201,108 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,718,449 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–9.2% | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–0.7% | | | |
BAE Systems PLC | | 76,137 | | | 614,387 |
| | | | | |
BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.9% | | | |
Asahi Glass Co. Ltd. | | 22,000 | | | 296,635 |
Cie de Saint-Gobain | | 3,873 | | | 433,864 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 730,499 |
| | | | | |
4
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–0.6% |
Michael Page International PLC | | 49,605 | | $ | 521,148 |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–1.1% | | | |
Vinci SA | | 11,580 | | | 864,297 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.6% | | | |
ABB Ltd. | | 14,588 | | | 328,927 |
Fuji Electric Holdings Co. Ltd. | | 31,000 | | | 157,242 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 486,169 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–2.9% | | | |
Atlas Copco AB | | 68,634 | | | 1,143,186 |
Komatsu Ltd. | | 26,300 | | | 762,255 |
NGK Insulators Ltd. | | 9,000 | | | 221,032 |
NSK Ltd. | | 23,000 | | | 237,783 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,364,256 |
| | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–2.4% |
Mitsubishi Corp. | | 35,500 | | | 930,172 |
Mitsui & Co. Ltd. | | 53,000 | | | 1,057,722 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,987,894 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,568,650 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–8.9% | | | |
CHEMICALS–1.5% | | | |
Bayer AG | | 8,099 | | | 610,067 |
Incitec Pivot Ltd. | | 4,852 | | | 327,849 |
Nitto Denko Corp. | | 5,800 | | | 292,340 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,230,256 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–7.4% | | | |
Cia Vale do Rio Doce (ADR) | | 46,800 | | | 1,764,360 |
Minara Resources Ltd. | | 80,921 | | | 496,297 |
Rio Tinto PLC | | 26,826 | | | 2,052,291 |
Xstrata PLC | | 28,852 | | | 1,717,646 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,030,594 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,260,850 |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–6.8% | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–2.0% | | | |
Delta Networks, Inc.(a) | | 25,000 | | | 14,388 |
Nokia OYJ | | 56,935 | | | 1,599,035 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,613,423 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–0.7% | | | |
AU Optronics Corp. | | 126,000 | | | 215,243 |
Hoya Corp. | | 9,900 | | | 328,414 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 543,657 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–1.4% | | | |
Cap Gemini SA | | 3,711 | | | 271,307 |
Infosys Technologies Ltd. (ADR) | | 12,300 | | | 619,674 |
Otsuka Corp. | | 2,600 | | | 246,583 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,137,564 |
| | | | | |
OFFICE ELECTRONICS–1.6% | | | |
Canon, Inc. | | 22,100 | | | 1,296,011 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–1.1% | | | |
ASML Holding NV(a) | | 9,132 | | $ | 250,905 |
Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, Ltd. (a) | | 450,000 | | | 395,781 |
Novatek Microelectronics Corp. Ltd. | | 57,000 | | | 297,809 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 944,495 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,535,150 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–6.4% | | | |
BEVERAGES–1.8% | | | |
Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV (ADR) | | 14,668 | | | 576,746 |
Pernod–Ricard, SA | | 3,904 | | | 861,954 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,438,700 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–1.7% | | | |
Nestle SA | | 3,684 | | | 1,399,823 |
| | | | | |
PERSONAL PRODUCTS–1.1% | | | |
L’Oreal SA | | 7,431 | | | 878,349 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–1.8% | | | |
Altadis SA | | 5,489 | | | 362,764 |
British American Tobacco PLC | | 26,126 | | | 891,040 |
Japan Tobacco, Inc. | | 52 | | | 256,321 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,510,125 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,226,997 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–5.9% |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.7% | | | | | |
Iliad SA | | 3,560 | | | 358,591 |
Neuf Cegetel(a) | | 9,442 | | | 369,426 |
Telefonica SA | | 44,487 | | | 990,017 |
Telekom Austria AG | | 19,736 | | | 491,482 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,209,516 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–3.2% | | | | | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | 9,100 | | | 563,563 |
Bharti Airtel Ltd.(a) | | 11,968 | | | 245,996 |
China Mobile Ltd. | | 14,271 | | | 153,542 |
Orascom Telecom Holding SAE (GDR)(b) | | 4,547 | | | 295,100 |
Vimpel–Communications (ADR) | | 2,895 | | | 305,017 |
Vodafone Group PLC | | 315,465 | | | 1,057,064 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,620,282 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,829,798 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–5.9% | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–0.4% | | | |
CSL Ltd./Australia | | 4,136 | | | 307,874 |
| | | | | |
5
| | |
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–1.5% | | | | | |
Essilor International SA | | 7,495 | | $ | 892,698 |
Nobel Biocare Holding AG | | 1,108 | | | 361,686 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,254,384 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–4.0% | | | |
Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd. | | 10,200 | | | 270,633 |
Merck KGaA | | 2,702 | | | 369,687 |
Novartis AG | | 19,671 | | | 1,104,341 |
Roche Holding AG | | 6,473 | | | 1,146,929 |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. (ADR) | | 9,100 | | | 375,375 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,266,965 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,829,223 |
| | | | | |
UTILITIES–1.5% | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–0.9% | | | |
Cia Energetica de Minas Gerais (ADR) | | 33,126 | | | 698,958 |
| | | | | |
INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS & ENERGY TRADERS–0.6% | | | | | |
NTPC Ltd. | | 138,000 | | | 518,030 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,216,988 |
| | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $59,143,208) | | | | | 80,165,072 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–0.6% | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–0.6% |
The Bank of New York 4.25%, 7/02/07 (cost $435,000) | | 435 | | $ | 435,000 |
| | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–98.6% | | | | | |
(cost $59,578,208) | | | | | 80,600,072 |
Other assets less liabilities–1.4% | | | | | 1,175,695 |
| | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | $ | 81,775,767 |
| | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2007, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $295,100 or 0.4% of net assets. |
| ADR–American Depositary Receipt |
| GDR–Global Depositary Receipt |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
6
| | |
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | |
ASSETS | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $59,578,208) | | $ | 80,600,072 |
Cash | | | 6,063 |
Foreign cash, at value (cost $1,366,440) | | | 1,372,233 |
Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency contracts | | | 2,783,416 |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 267,864 |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 23,079 |
| | | |
Total assets | | | 85,052,727 |
| | | |
LIABILITIES | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency contracts | | | 2,970,883 |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 119,029 |
Advisory fee payable | | | 52,147 |
Foreign capital gain tax payable | | | 42,269 |
Administrative fee payable | | | 19,185 |
Distribution fee payable | | | 2,585 |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 |
Accrued expenses | | | 70,803 |
| | | |
Total liabilities | | | 3,276,960 |
| | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 81,775,767 |
| | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 3,522 |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 51,615,730 |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 566,093 |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 8,568,035 |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 21,022,387 |
| | | |
| | $ | 81,775,767 |
| | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 69,604,588 | | 2,993,745 | | $ | 23.25 |
B | | $ | 12,171,179 | | 528,316 | | $ | 23.04 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
| | |
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $117,494) | | $ | 1,090,299 | |
Interest | | | 30,040 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 1,120,339 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 298,867 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 15,085 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,395 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 249 | |
Custodian | | | 113,257 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Audit | | | 19,326 | |
Printing | | | 10,450 | |
Legal | | | 5,350 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 721 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 2,694 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 514,394 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 605,945 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 8,714,605 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (38,401 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (420,674 | )(a) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (3,135 | ) |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 8,252,395 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 8,858,340 | |
| | | | |
(a) | Net of accrued foreign capital loss taxes of $18,788. |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
8
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INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 605,945 | | | $ | 527,078 | |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 8,676,204 | | | | 12,764,940 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (423,809 | ) | | | 4,487,325 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 8,858,340 | | | | 17,779,343 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (471,909 | ) | | | (276,971 | ) |
Class B | | | (54,905 | ) | | | (27,309 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (5,676,789 | ) | | | –0– | |
Class B | | | (1,002,501 | ) | | | –0– | |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 125,998 | | | | (13,056,548 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase | | | 1,778,234 | | | | 4,418,515 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 79,997,533 | | | | 75,579,018 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $566,093 and $486,962, respectively) | | $ | 81,775,767 | | | $ | 79,997,533 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
9
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INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein International Research Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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. 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 asked prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Pur - -
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chases 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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the policy of the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of 1% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007 amounted to $120,846, none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
11
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INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 37,109,355 | | | $ | 44,329,781 | |
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 | | $ | 21,207,776 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (185,912 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 21,021,864 | |
| | | | |
1. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 depreciation by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars, reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
2. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
12
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 158,716 | | | 324,654 | | | | | $ | 3,940,493 | | | $ | 6,617,370 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 266,408 | | | 14,547 | | | | | | 6,148,698 | | | | 276,971 | |
Shares redeemed | | (415,629 | ) | | (974,629 | ) | | | | | (9,853,211 | ) | | | (19,408,701 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | 9,495 | | | (635,428 | ) | | | | $ | 235,980 | | | $ | (12,514,360 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 30,494 | | | 173,170 | | | | | $ | 727,618 | | | $ | 3,452,225 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 46,236 | | | 1,446 | | | | | | 1,057,406 | | | | 27,309 | |
Shares redeemed | | (80,909 | ) | | (204,263 | ) | | | | | (1,895,006 | ) | | | (4,021,722 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (4,179 | ) | | (29,647 | ) | | | | $ | (109,982 | ) | | $ | (542,188 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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
13
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INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
are included in the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 304,280 | | $ | 324,305 |
| | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 304,280 | | | 324,305 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 304,280 | | $ | 324,305 |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 803,705 | |
Undistributed long term capital gains | | | 6,381,072 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (20,607 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 21,340,109 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 28,504,279 | |
| | | | |
(a) | On December 31, 2006, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $20,607 of which $20,607 will expire in the year 2008. To the extent future capital gains are offset by capital loss carryforwards, such gains will not be distributed. Based on certain provisions in the Internal Revenue Code, various limitations regarding the future utilization of these carryforwards, brought forward as a result of the Portfolio’s merger with Brinson Series Trust Global Equity Portfolio, may apply. During the fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized capital loss carryforwards of $6,087,308. |
(b) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect
14
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
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INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
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INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $22.78 | | | $18.09 | | | $15.26 | | | $13.01 | | | $ 9.90 | | | $11.69 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .18 | | | .14 | | | .11 | | | .08 | (b) | | .02 | | | –0 | –(b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | 2.51 | | | 4.63 | | | 2.80 | | | 2.20 | | | 3.11 | | | (1.78 | ) |
Contribution from Adviser | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | .01 | | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 2.69 | | | 4.77 | | | 2.91 | | | 2.29 | | | 3.13 | | | (1.78 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.17 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | (.02 | ) | | (.01 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (2.05 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (2.22 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | (.02 | ) | | (.01 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $23.25 | | | $22.78 | | | $18.09 | | | $15.26 | | | $13.01 | | | $ 9.90 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 11.86 | % | | 26.45 | % | | 19.16 | % | | 17.62 | % | | 31.59 | % | | (15.28 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $69,605 | | | $67,982 | | | $65,496 | | | $58,341 | | | $53,425 | | | $46,478 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.25 | %(d) | | 1.25 | %(e) | | 1.30 | % | | 1.33 | % | | 1.80 | % | | 1.36 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.25 | %(d) | | 1.25 | %(e) | | 1.30 | % | | 1.50 | % | | 1.80 | % | | 1.66 | % |
Net investment income | | 1.56 | %(d) | | .71 | %(e) | | .67 | % | | .63 | %(b) | | .22 | % | | .04 | %(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 48 | % | | 79 | % | | 93 | % | | 128 | % | | 96 | % | | 70 | % |
See footnote summary on page 18.
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INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $22.57 | | | $17.94 | | | $15.15 | | | $12.93 | | | $ 9.87 | | | $11.68 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | | .15 | | | .09 | | | .06 | | | .05 | (b) | | (.02 | ) | | (.03 | )(b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | 2.48 | | | 4.59 | | | 2.79 | | | 2.20 | | | 3.09 | | | (1.78 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 2.63 | | | 4.68 | | | 2.85 | | | 2.25 | | | 3.07 | | | (1.81 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.11 | ) | | (.05 | ) | | (.06 | ) | | (.03 | ) | | (.01 | ) | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (2.05 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (2.16 | ) | | (.05 | ) | | (.06 | ) | | (.03 | ) | | (.01 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $23.04 | | | $22.57 | | | $17.94 | | | $15.15 | | | $12.93 | | | $9.87 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 11.71 | % | | 26.11 | % | | 18.85 | % | | 17.41 | % | | 31.11 | % | | (15.50 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $12,171 | | | $12,016 | | | $10,083 | | | $7,065 | | | $2,766 | | | $467 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.50 | %(d) | | 1.50 | %(e) | | 1.56 | % | | 1.56 | % | | 2.05 | % | | 1.63 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.50 | %(d) | | 1.50 | %(e) | | 1.56 | % | | 1.73 | % | | 2.05 | % | | 1.92 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | 1.30 | %(d) | | .46 | %(e) | | .39 | % | | .35 | %(b) | | (.17 | )% | | (.25 | )%(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 48 | % | | 79 | % | | 93 | % | | 128 | % | | 96 | % | | 70 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses reimbursed or waived by the Adviser. |
(c) | 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
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INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE PORTFOLIO’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AllianceBernstein International Research Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2007.
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 Fund’s Senior Officer (who is also the Fund’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fees in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fees for the Portfolio were reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Fund’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio 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 AllianceBernstein 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio and the overall arrangements between the Portfolio 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 research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Portfolio. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Portfolio’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Portfolio will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services provided at the Portfolio’s request by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are approved by the directors on a quarterly basis and (to the extent requested and paid) result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Portfolio to the Adviser than the fee rates stated in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Portfolio’s other service providers, also were considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Portfolio 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 Portfolio to the Adviser for calendar years 2005 and 2006 that had been prepared with an updated expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The directors reviewed the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and noted 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 Portfolio, including those relating to its subsidiaries which provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Portfolio. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability from fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability
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INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
of the Adviser’s relationship with the Portfolio before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that they were satisfied that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Portfolio was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Portfolio other than the fees and expense reimbursements payable under the Advisory Agreement, including but not limited to benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby the Adviser receives brokerage and research services from many of the brokers and dealers that execute purchases and sales of securities on behalf of its clients on an agency basis), 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 the Portfolio’s Class B shares, transfer agency fees paid by the Portfolio to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, and brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio to brokers affiliated with the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors also understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Portfolio.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the meeting, the directors receive detailed comparative performance information for the Portfolio at each regular Board meeting during the year. The directors noted that the Portfolio is a clone of another fund managed by the Adviser (the “Corresponding Fund”) and is managed to track the investment performance of its Corresponding Fund, although investment results may differ between the Portfolio and its Corresponding Fund due to differences in their expense ratios and other factors. At the meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Lipper showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Portfolio as compared to a group of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Group”) and as compared to a broader array of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Universe”) for periods ended December 31, 2006 over the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares as compared to the Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia and Far East Index (Net) (the “Index”) over the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods and the since inception period (December 1992 inception). The directors noted that the Portfolio was in the 2nd quintile in the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods of the Performance Group and Performance Universe comparisons, 5th quintile in the 10-year period of the Performance Group comparison and 4th quintile in the 10-year period of the Performance Universe comparison. The comparative information showed that the Portfolio outperformed the Index in the 1-year and 3-year periods and underperformed the Index in the 5-year and since inception periods. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Portfolio’s relative performance over time had been satisfactory.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser and information prepared by Lipper concerning fee rates paid by other funds in the same Lipper category as the Portfolio 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 also considered the fees the Adviser charges other clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. For this purpose, they reviewed information in the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Fund’s Senior Officer disclosing the institutional fee schedule for institutional products managed by the Adviser that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. The directors noted that the institutional fee schedule for clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio had breakpoints at lower asset levels than those in the fee schedule applicable to the Portfolio and that the application of the institutional fee schedule to the level of assets of the Portfolio would result in a fee rate that would be lower than that in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. 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 directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio is the same as that for its Corresponding Fund.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Portfolio relative to institutional clients. The Adviser also noted that since mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets are relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Portfolio in comparison to the fees and expenses of funds within two comparison groups created by Lipper: an Expense Group and an Expense Universe. Lipper
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
described an Expense Group as a representative sample of funds comparable to the Portfolio and an Expense Universe as a broader group, consisting of all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the Portfolio. The Class A expense ratio of the Portfolio was based on the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year expense ratio. The directors recognized that the expense ratio information for the Portfolio potentially reflected on the Adviser’s provision of services, as the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Portfolio by others. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some funds in the Portfolio’s Lipper category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases were voluntary and perhaps temporary.
The directors noted that the Portfolio’s at approximate current size contractual advisory effective fee rate of 75 basis points, plus the 11 basis point impact of the latest fiscal year administrative expense reimbursement by the Portfolio pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, was lower than the Expense Group median. The directors also noted that the Portfolio’s total expense ratio was higher than the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians. The directors noted that the Portfolio’s relatively modest size (approximately $78 million as of February 28, 2007) adversely affected the Portfolio’s expense ratio. For example, it resulted in the administrative expense reimbursement, which does not vary with a Portfolio’s size, having a significant effect on the Portfolio’s expense ratio. The directors also noted that the Adviser had reviewed with them steps being taken that are intended to reduce the expenses of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The directors concluded that the Portfolio’s expense ratio was acceptable in the Portfolio’s particular circumstances.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors also considered presentations by an independent consultant discussing economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AllianceBernstein Funds. 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 establishing breakpoints that give effect to 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 Portfolio, 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 Portfolio’s breakpoint arrangements would result in a sharing of economies of scale in the event of a very significant increase in the Portfolio’s net assets.
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INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein International Research Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
International | | 75 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 65 bp on next $2.5 billion 60 bp on the balance | | $ | 77.4 | | International Research Growth Portfolio |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $86,750 (0.11% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s total expense ratios for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year |
International Research Growth Portfolio | | Class A Class B | | 1.25 1.50 | % % | | December 31 |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2007 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 1-3, 2007. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | The AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were also affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients and sub-advised investment companies include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than managing that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if a fund is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different and legal and reputational risks are greater, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee based on February 28, 2007 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee5 | |
International Research Growth Portfolio | | $ | 77.4 | | International Research Growth
85 bp on 1st $25m
65 bp on next $25m
55 bp on next $50m
45 bp on the balance
Minimum Account Size: None | | 0.679 | % | | 0.750 | % |
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein International Research Growth Fund, Inc. a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein International Research Growth Fund, Inc.:6
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee | |
International Research Growth Portfolio | | International Research Growth Fund, Inc. | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion 0.65% on next $2.5 billion 0.60% on the balance | | 0.75 | % |
4 | The Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300 million, it will negotiate a fee schedule. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. |
5 | Fund advisory fee based on February 28, 2007 net assets. |
6 | It should be noted that the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the Portfolio has the same breakpoints in its advisory fee schedule as the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund. |
23
| | |
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment company with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services offered by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”)7 at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.8
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee9 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
International Research Growth Portfolio | | 0.750 | | 0.963 | | 2/12 |
Lipper also analyzed the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio in comparison to the Portfolio’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU10 is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective and load type as the subject Portfolio.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)11 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
International Research Growth Portfolio | | 1.305 | | 1.207 | | 9/12 | | 1.126 | | 17/22 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
The Adviser utilizes two profitability reporting systems, which operate independently but are aligned with each other, to estimate the Adviser’s profitability in connection with investment advisory services provided to the Portfolio. The Senior Officer has retained a consultant to provide independent advice regarding the alignment of the two profitability systems as well as the methodologies and allocations utilized by both profitability systems. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The Portfolio’s profitability information, prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors, was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio decreased during calendar year 2006, relative to 2005.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to
7 | It should be noted that Lipper does not consider average account size when constructing EGs. Funds with relatively small average account sizes tend to have higher transfer agent expense ratios than comparable sized funds that have relatively large average account sizes. Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
8 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that the Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
9 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. |
10 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
11 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
24
| | |
|
|
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship provided the affiliates’ charges and services are competitive. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, and brokerage commissions. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur.
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $28,207 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection with Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Adviser determined that it made payment in the amount of $125,570 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, recordkeeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the relevant intermediary over the year.
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability decreased in 2006 in comparison to 2005. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $783 from the Portfolio.12
The Portfolio may effect brokerage transactions in the future through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and pay commissions for such transactions. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from any future business conducted with the Portfolio would be comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients. These credits and charges are not being passed onto any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for its clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding economies of scale and/or scope. Based on the independent consultant’s initial survey, there was a consensus that fund management companies benefited from economies of scale. However, due to the lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders.
The independent consultant conducted further studies of the Adviser’s operations to determine the existence of economies of scale and/or scope within the Adviser. The independent consultant also analyzed patterns related to advisory fees at the industry level. In a recent presentation to the Board of Directors, the independent consultant noted the potential for economies of scale and/or scope through the use of “pooling portfolios” and blend products. The independent consultant also remarked that there may be diseconomies as assets grow in less liquid and active markets. It was also observed that various factors, including fund size, family size, asset class, and investment style, had an impact on advisory fees.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $742 billion as of March 31, 2007, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
12 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
25
| | |
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The information prepared by Lipper shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance rankings of the Portfolio13 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)14 for the periods ended December 31, 2006.15
| | | | | | | | | | |
International Research Growth Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 26.46 | | 25.95 | | 24.13 | | 4/12 | | 7/30 |
3 year | | 21.01 | | 19.88 | | 18.37 | | 3/11 | | 6/26 |
5 year | | 14.59 | | 11.94 | | 12.05 | | 4/11 | | 9/26 |
10 year16 | | 7.25 | | 8.23 | | 7.96 | | 6/7 | | 9/14 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)17 versus its benchmark.18 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.19
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending December 31, 2006 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
International Research Growth Portfolio | | 26.45 | | 21.02 | | 14.59 | | 8.36 | | 14.72 | | 0.84 | | 5 |
MSCI EAFE Index (Net) Inception Date: December 28, 1992 | | 26.34 | | 19.93 | | 14.98 | | 9.45 | | 13.43 | | 0.93 | | 5 |
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: June 4, 2007
13 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio shown were provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. Rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s Portfolio returns to be one or two basis points different from Lipper’s own Portfolio returns. To maintain consistency, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
14 | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s EU as the criteria for including in or excluding a fund from a PU is somewhat different from that of an EU. |
15 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the fund even if a fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
16 | The Portfolio’s 10 year return was provided by Lipper. |
17 | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
18 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through December 31, 2006. It should be noted that the “since inception” performance returns of the Portfolio’s benchmark goes back only through the nearest month-end after inception date. In contrast, the Portfolio’s since inception return goes back to the Portfolio’s actual inception date. |
19 | Portfolio and benchmark volatility and Sharpe Ratio information was obtained through Lipper LANA, a database maintained by Lipper. Volatility is a statistical measure of the tendency of a market price or yield to vary over time. A Sharpe Ratio is a risk adjusted measure of return that divides a portfolio’s return in excess of the riskless return by the portfolio’s standard deviation. A portfolio with a greater volatility would be seen as more risky than a portfolio with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky portfolio. A portfolio with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a portfolio with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
26
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein International Value Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
International Value Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,104.70 | | $ | 4.28 | | 0.82 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.73 | | $ | 4.11 | | 0.82 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,103.36 | | $ | 5.58 | | 1.07 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.49 | | $ | 5.36 | | 1.07 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Renault SA | | $ | 91,774,646 | | 3.4 | % |
Allianz SE | | | 89,384,554 | | 3.3 | |
ING Groep NV | | | 76,045,793 | | 2.8 | |
E.ON AG | | | 75,583,994 | | 2.8 | |
BASF AG | | | 71,609,434 | | 2.6 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | 67,780,303 | | 2.5 | |
JFE Holdings, Inc. | | | 67,221,894 | | 2.5 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC | | | 66,361,486 | | 2.5 | |
ORIX Corp. | | | 65,772,925 | | 2.4 | |
Muenchener Rueckversicherungs AG | | | 65,103,833 | | 2.4 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 736,638,862 | | 27.2 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 975,440,253 | | 36.3 | % |
Materials | | | 356,185,701 | | 13.3 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 283,233,528 | | 10.5 | |
Energy | | | 257,657,472 | | 9.6 | |
Information Technology | | | 205,863,938 | | 7.7 | |
Industrials | | | 166,489,514 | | 6.2 | |
Utilities | | | 120,958,739 | | 4.5 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 109,009,360 | | 4.1 | |
Health Care | | | 78,186,890 | | 2.9 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 40,172,394 | | 1.5 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 91,473,000 | | 3.4 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 2,684,670,789 | | 100.0 | % |
| 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 and 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. |
2
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
COUNTRY DIVERSIFICATION | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COUNTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Japan | | $ | 546,432,685 | | 20.3 | % |
France | | | 445,320,199 | | 16.6 | |
United Kingdom | | | 440,307,802 | | 16.4 | |
Germany | | | 410,795,013 | | 15.3 | |
Netherlands | | | 189,885,758 | | 7.1 | |
South Korea | | | 130,729,227 | | 4.9 | |
Italy | | | 101,075,740 | | 3.8 | |
Taiwan | | | 78,739,726 | | 2.9 | |
Brazil | | | 55,430,928 | | 2.1 | |
Switzerland | | | 45,178,718 | | 1.7 | |
Hong Kong | | | 42,644,130 | | 1.6 | |
Spain | | | 33,705,691 | | 1.2 | |
Other* | | | 72,952,172 | | 2.7 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 91,473,000 | | 3.4 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 2,684,670,789 | | 100.0 | % |
* | The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represents 1.2% or less in the following countries: Belgium, China, Israel and Sweden. |
3
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–95.6% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–36.0% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–3.1% | | | | | |
Credit Suisse Group | | 636,400 | | $ | 45,178,718 |
Deutsche Bank AG | | 267,300 | | | 38,685,704 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 83,864,422 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–17.8% | | | | | |
Bank Hapoalim BM | | 990,700 | | | 4,826,591 |
Barclays PLC | | 3,560,100 | | | 49,531,352 |
BNP Paribas SA | | 570,620 | | | 67,780,303 |
Credit Agricole SA | | 1,283,123 | | | 52,066,596 |
HBOS PLC | | 2,903,550 | | | 57,110,848 |
Kookmin Bank | | 247,600 | | | 21,716,662 |
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. | | 4,562 | | | 50,276,378 |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC | | 5,244,522 | | | 66,361,486 |
Societe Generale | | 293,931 | | | 54,459,071 |
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. | | 6,058 | | | 56,475,140 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 480,604,427 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER FINANCE–2.4% | | | | | |
ORIX Corp. | | 249,530 | | | 65,772,925 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–4.0% | | | | | |
Fortis | | 750,900 | | | 31,826,015 |
ING Groep NV | | 1,727,771 | | | 76,045,793 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 107,871,808 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–8.0% | | | | | |
Allianz SE | | 383,300 | | | 89,384,554 |
Aviva PLC | | 2,472,997 | | | 36,710,960 |
Fondiaria-Sai SpA (ordinary shares) | | 372,337 | | | 18,001,012 |
Fondiaria-Sai SpA (saving shares) | | 51,100 | | | 1,809,038 |
Friends Provident PLC | | 1,860,755 | | | 6,660,773 |
Muenchener Rueckversicherungs AG | | 355,000 | | | 65,103,833 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 217,670,170 |
| | | | | |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–0.7% | | | | | |
Leopalace21 Corp. | | 223,700 | | | 7,644,416 |
Sino Land Co. | | 5,769,528 | | | 12,012,085 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 19,656,501 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 975,440,253 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–13.2% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–4.2% | | | | | |
BASF AG | | 547,400 | | | 71,609,434 |
Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp. | | 2,551,000 | | | 23,417,915 |
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. | | 2,457,000 | | | 18,661,369 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 113,688,718 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS–0.7% | | | | | |
Buzzi Unicem SpA | | 513,712 | | $ | 17,688,322 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–8.1% | | | | | |
Antofagasta PLC | | 864,300 | | | 10,592,842 |
Arcelor Mittal (Euronext Amsterdam) | | 779,824 | | | 48,702,118 |
JFE Holdings, Inc. | | 1,081,500 | | | 67,221,894 |
Kazakhmys PLC | | 785,100 | | | 19,765,926 |
POSCO | | 57,800 | | | 27,748,851 |
Xstrata PLC | | 756,180 | | | 45,017,647 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 219,049,278 |
| | | | | |
PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS–0.2% | | | | | |
Svenska Cellulosa AB-Class B | | 344,400 | | | 5,759,383 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 356,185,701 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–10.5% | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–3.2% | | | | | |
Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin—Class B | | 395,100 | | | 55,212,897 |
Hyundai Mobis | | 313,312 | | | 29,724,704 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 84,937,601 |
| | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–5.3% | | | | | |
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | | 2,475,000 | | | 26,497,092 |
Renault SA | | 572,200 | | | 91,774,646 |
Toyota Motor Corp. | | 414,100 | | | 26,115,794 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 144,387,532 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–2.0% | | | | | |
George Wimpey PLC | | 336,800 | | | 3,371,393 |
Persimmon PLC | | 79,131 | | | 1,829,857 |
Sharp Corp. | | 2,351,000 | | | 44,569,071 |
Taylor Wimpey PLC | | 574,800 | | | 4,138,074 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 53,908,395 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 283,233,528 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–9.5% | | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–9.5% | | | | | |
BP PLC | | 1,169,600 | | | 14,072,995 |
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.—Class H | | 27,374,000 | | | 30,540,183 |
ENI SpA | | 1,753,500 | | | 63,577,367 |
Petroleo Brasileiro SA (NY) (ADR) | | 519,600 | | | 55,430,928 |
Repsol YPF SA | | 851,400 | | | 33,705,691 |
Total SA | | 744,100 | | | 60,330,308 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 257,657,472 |
| | | | | |
4
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–7.4% | | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–3.2% | | | | | |
Compal Electronics, Inc. (GDR)(a) | | 2,164,015 | | $ | 11,687,196 |
Fujitsu, Ltd. | | 3,702,000 | | | 27,269,854 |
Toshiba Corp. | | 5,545,000 | | | 48,312,416 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 87,269,466 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–0.9% | | | | | |
AU Optronics Corp. | | 13,322,400 | | | 22,758,396 |
| | | | | |
OFFICE ELECTRONICS–0.0% | | | | | |
Canon, Inc. | | 50 | | | 2,932 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–3.3% | | | | | |
Hynix Semiconductor, Inc.(b) | | 810,700 | | | 29,167,124 |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | | 25,510 | | | 15,595,603 |
Siliconware Precision Industries Co. | | 3,214,000 | | | 6,859,607 |
United Microelectronics Corp. | | 62,603,422 | | | 37,434,528 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 89,056,862 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 199,087,656 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–6.1% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–2.0% | | | | | |
BAE Systems PLC | | 3,426,500 | | | 27,650,117 |
European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co., NV | | 812,550 | | | 26,370,288 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 54,020,405 |
| | | | | |
AIRLINES–1.8% | | | | | |
Air France-KLM | | 515,700 | | | 23,995,317 |
Deutsche Lufthansa AG | | 898,200 | | | 25,052,750 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 49,048,067 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–0.2% | | | | | |
Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd. | | 575,000 | | | 6,500,597 |
| | | | | |
MARINE–2.1% | | | | | |
Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd. | | 2,925,000 | | | 39,659,841 |
Nippon Yusen KK | | 1,882,000 | | | 17,260,604 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 56,920,445 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 166,489,514 |
| | | | | |
UTILITIES–4.5% | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–2.8% | | | | | |
E.ON AG | | 452,700 | | | 75,583,994 |
| | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–1.7% | | | | | |
RWE AG | | 427,740 | | | 45,374,745 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 120,958,739 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.0% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.8% | | | | | |
China Netcom Group Corp. Ltd. | | 11,096,500 | | $ | 30,632,045 |
Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. | | 4,377 | | | 19,369,612 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 50,001,657 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.2% | | | | | |
Vodafone Group PLC | | 17,609,975 | | | 59,007,703 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 109,009,360 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–2.9% | | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–2.9% | | | | | |
AstraZeneca PLC | | 586,800 | | | 31,447,119 |
GlaxoSmithKline PLC | | 270,200 | | | 7,038,710 |
Sanofi-Aventis | | 491,427 | | | 39,701,061 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 78,186,890 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–1.5% | | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–1.4% | | | | | |
Koninklijke Ahold NV(b) | | 3,090,800 | | | 38,767,559 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–0.1% | | | | | |
Japan Tobacco, Inc. | | 285 | | | 1,404,835 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 40,172,394 |
| | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $2,013,140,186) | | | | | 2,586,421,507 |
| | | | | |
NON-CONVERTIBLE– PREFERRED STOCKS–0.2% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–0.2% | | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–0.2% | | | | | |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (cost $6,812,005) | | 14,500 | | | 6,776,282 |
| | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–3.4% | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–3.4% | | | | | |
The Bank of New York 4.25%, 7/02/07 (cost $91,473,000) | | $91,473 | | | 91,473,000 |
| | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.2% (cost $2,111,425,191) | | | | | 2,684,670,789 |
Other assets less liabilities–0.8% | | | | | 20,433,880 |
| | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | $ | 2,705,104,669 |
| | | | | |
5
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Type | | Number of Contracts | | Expiration Month | | Original Value | | Value at June 30, 2007 | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) |
Purchased Contracts | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
EURO STOXX 50 Index | | 530 | | September 2007 | | $ | 31,780,548 | | $ | 32,387,494 | | $ | 606,946 |
(a) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2007, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $11,687,196 or 0.4% of net assets. |
(b) | Non-income producing security. |
| ADR—American Depositary Receipt |
| GDR—Global Depositary Receipt |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
6
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $2,111,425,191) | | $ | 2,684,670,789 | |
Cash | | | 3,163 | |
Foreign cash, at value (cost $14,468,462) | | | 14,907,187 | (a) |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 6,614,250 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 3,013,207 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 2,640,488 | |
Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts | | | 502,132 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 2,712,351,216 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 2,432,434 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 2,347,196 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 1,685,730 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 521,031 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 26,685 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 233,412 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 7,246,547 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 2,705,104,669 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 103,979 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 2,027,893,232 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 13,377,030 | |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 89,473,454 | |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 574,256,974 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 2,705,104,669 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 195,911,866 | | 7,466,668 | | $ | 26.24 |
B | | $ | 2,509,192,803 | | 96,512,179 | | $ | 26.00 |
(a) | An amount equivalent to U.S. $2,356,432 has been segregated to collateralize margin requirements for the open futures contracts outstanding at June 30, 2007. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $5,085,039) | | $ | 40,864,987 | |
Interest | | | 2,167,230 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 43,032,217 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 8,695,463 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 2,694,460 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 171 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 2,314 | |
Custodian | | | 507,279 | |
Printing | | | 161,939 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Legal | | | 28,992 | |
Audit | | | 19,101 | |
Director’ fees | | | 746 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 33,754 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 12,191,219 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 30,840,998 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 84,939,060 | |
Futures | | | 6,170,084 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (1,236,000 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | 117,553,330 | |
Futures | | | 9,885 | |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 225,767 | |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 207,662,126 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 238,503,124 | |
| | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
| | |
|
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 30,840,998 | | | $ | 21,473,039 | |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 89,873,144 | | | | 96,785,438 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 117,788,982 | | | | 302,694,031 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 238,503,124 | | | | 420,952,508 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (2,121,228 | ) | | | (1,113,605 | ) |
Class B | | | (24,321,058 | ) | | | (15,878,596 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (7,015,301 | ) | | | (1,462,755 | ) |
Class B | | | (91,158,928 | ) | | | (22,570,291 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 572,670,898 | | | | 741,355,980 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase | | | 686,557,507 | | | | 1,121,283,241 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 2,018,547,162 | | | | 897,263,921 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $13,377,030 and $8,978,318, respectively) | | $ | 2,705,104,669 | | | $ | 2,018,547,162 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
9
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein International Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio commenced operations on May 10, 2001. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
10
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. 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 asked 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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the policy of the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of 1% of the Portfolio’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 on an annual basis to 1.20% and 1.45% of the daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.
11
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007, amounted to $1,661,429, of which $49,237 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 743,584,553 | | | $ | 286,636,660 | |
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 futures and foreign currency transactions) are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 580,846,274 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (7,600,676 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 573,245,598 | |
| | | | |
1. Financial Futures Contracts
The Portfolio may buy or sell financial futures contracts for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse effects of anticipated movements in the market. The Portfolio bears the market risk that arises from changes in the value of these financial instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures contracts and movements in the price of the securities hedged or used for cover.
12
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
At the time the Portfolio enters into a futures contract, the Portfolio deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Pursuant to the contract, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio as unrealized gains or losses. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of the contract. When the contract is closed, the Portfolio 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.
2. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 depreciation by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars, reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
3. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
13
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 2,862,947 | | | 2,902,550 | | | | | $ | 73,198,587 | | | $ | 63,224,190 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 352,353 | | | 125,676 | | | | | | 9,136,529 | | | | 2,576,360 | |
Shares redeemed | | (949,844 | ) | | (800,418 | ) | | | | | (24,399,385 | ) | | | (17,692,729 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 2,265,456 | | | 2,227,808 | | | | | $ | 57,935,731 | | | $ | 48,107,821 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 17,173,063 | | | 32,602,691 | | | | | $ | 437,183,370 | | | $ | 709,380,668 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 4,493,385 | | | 1,889,380 | | | | | | 115,479,986 | | | | 38,448,887 | |
Shares redeemed | | (1,490,322 | ) | | (2,564,379 | ) | | | | | (37,928,189 | ) | | | (54,581,396 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 20,176,126 | | | 31,927,692 | | | | | $ | 514,735,167 | | | $ | 693,248,159 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 22,004,118 | | $ | 5,167,063 |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 19,021,129 | | | 5,404,938 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 41,025,247 | | $ | 10,572,001 |
| | | | | | |
14
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 66,357,230 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 57,646,765 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 439,216,854 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 563,220,849 | |
| | | | |
(a) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies, and the recognition for tax purposes of gains/losses on certain derivative instruments. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
| (i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
| (ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
| (iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified
15
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions
16
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
17
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $24.96 | | | $19.07 | | | $16.70 | | | $13.45 | | | $ | 9.35 | | | $ | 9.87 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .38 | | | .38 | | | .26 | (b) | | .20 | (b) | | | .13 | (b) | | | .13 | (b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | 2.22 | | | 6.21 | | | 2.49 | | | 3.16 | | | | 4.01 | | | | (.64 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 2.60 | | | 6.59 | | | 2.75 | | | 3.36 | | | | 4.14 | | | | (.51 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.31 | ) | | (.30 | ) | | (.10 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | | (.04 | ) | | | (.01 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (1.01 | ) | | (.40 | ) | | (.28 | ) | | (.03 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.32 | ) | | (.70 | ) | | (.38 | ) | | (.11 | ) | | | (.04 | ) | | | (.01 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $26.24 | | | $24.96 | | | $19.07 | | | $16.70 | | | | $13.45 | | | $ | 9.35 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 10.47 | % | | 35.36 | % | | 16.92 | % | | 25.12 | % | | | 44.36 | % | | | (5.15 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $195,912 | | | $129,837 | | | $56,692 | | | $47,095 | | | | $31,628 | | | | $14,391 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .82 | %(d) | | .85 | %(e) | | .86 | % | | .95 | % | | | 1.20 | % | | | 1.17 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .82 | %(d) | | .85 | %(e) | | .87 | % | | 1.13 | % | | | 1.49 | % | | | 2.20 | % |
Net investment income | | 2.95 | %(d) | | 1.75 | %(e) | | 1.54 | %(b) | | 1.42 | %(b) | | | 1.16 | %(b) | | | 1.30 | %(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 13 | % | | 25 | % | | 18 | % | | 23 | % | | | 14 | % | | | 19 | % |
See footnote summary on page 19.
18
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $24.74 | | | $18.93 | | | $16.61 | | | $13.39 | | | $ | 9.33 | | | $ | 9.87 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .33 | | | .33 | | | .19 | (b) | | .15 | (b) | | | .08 | (b) | | | .08 | (b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | 2.21 | | | 6.16 | | | 2.50 | | | 3.16 | | | | 4.01 | | | | (.61 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 2.54 | | | 6.49 | | | 2.69 | | | 3.31 | | | | 4.09 | | | | (.53 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.27 | ) | | (.28 | ) | | (.09 | ) | | (.06 | ) | | | (.03 | ) | | | (.01 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (1.01 | ) | | (.40 | ) | | (.28 | ) | | (.03 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.28 | ) | | (.68 | ) | | (.37 | ) | | (.09 | ) | | | (.03 | ) | | | (.01 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $26.00 | | | $24.74 | | | $18.93 | | | $16.61 | | | | $13.39 | | | | $9.33 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 10.34 | % | | 35.05 | % | | 16.58 | % | | 24.86 | % | | | 43.95 | % | | | (5.36 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $2,509,193 | | | $1,888,710 | | | $840,572 | | | $284,443 | | | | $112,336 | | | | $26,133 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.07 | %(d) | | 1.10 | %(e) | | 1.11 | % | | 1.20 | % | | | 1.45 | % | | | 1.44 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.07 | %(d) | | 1.10 | %(e) | | 1.12 | % | | 1.38 | % | | | 1.74 | % | | | 2.47 | % |
Net investment income | | 2.64 | %(d) | | 1.53 | %(e) | | 1.08 | %(b) | | 1.07 | %(b) | | | .38 | %(b) | | | .86 | %(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 13 | % | | 25 | % | | 18 | % | | 23 | % | | | 14 | % | | | 19 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses reimbursed or waived by the Adviser. |
(c) | 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
19
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE PORTFOLIO’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AllianceBernstein International Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2007.
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 Fund’s Senior Officer (who is also the Fund’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fees in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fees for the Portfolio were reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Fund’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio 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 AllianceBernstein 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio and the overall arrangements between the Portfolio 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 research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Portfolio. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Portfolio’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Portfolio will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services provided at the Portfolio’s request by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are approved by the directors on a quarterly basis and (to the extent requested and paid) result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Portfolio to the Adviser than the fee rates stated in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Portfolio’s other service providers, also were considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Portfolio 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 Portfolio to the Adviser for calendar years 2005 and 2006 that had been prepared with an updated expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The directors reviewed the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and noted 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 Portfolio, including those relating to its subsidiaries which provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Portfolio. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability from fund advisory contracts because comparative
20
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that they were satisfied that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Portfolio was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Portfolio other than the fees and expense reimbursements payable under the Advisory Agreement, including but not limited to benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby the Adviser receives brokerage and research services from many of the brokers and dealers that execute purchases and sales of securities on behalf of its clients on an agency basis), 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 the Portfolio’s Class B shares, transfer agency fees paid by the Portfolio to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, and brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio to brokers affiliated with the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors also understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Portfolio.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the meeting, the directors receive detailed comparative performance information for the Portfolio at each regular Board meeting during the year. The directors noted that the Portfolio is a clone of another fund managed by the Adviser (the “Corresponding Fund”) and is managed to track the investment performance of its Corresponding Fund, although investment results may differ between the Portfolio and its Corresponding Fund due to differences in their expense ratios and other factors. At the meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Lipper showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Portfolio as compared to a group of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Group”) and as compared to a broader array of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Universe”), and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares as compared to the Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia and Far East Index (Net) (the “Index”), in each case for periods ended December 31, 2006 over the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (May 2001 inception). The directors noted that in the Performance Group and Performance Universe comparisons the Portfolio was in the 1st quintile in all periods reviewed. The comparative information showed that the Portfolio outperformed the Index in all periods reviewed. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Portfolio’s relative performance over time had been satisfactory.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser and information prepared by Lipper concerning fee rates paid by other funds in the same Lipper category as the Portfolio 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 also considered the fees the Adviser charges other clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. For this purpose, they reviewed information in the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Fund’s Senior Officer disclosing the institutional fee schedule for institutional products managed by the Adviser that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. The directors noted that the institutional fee schedule for clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio had breakpoints at lower asset levels than those in the fee schedule applicable to the Portfolio and that the application of the institutional fee schedule to the level of assets of the Portfolio would result in a fee rate that would be lower than that in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. 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 directors also reviewed information that indicated that the Portfolio pays a higher fee rate than certain registered investment companies with a similar investment style as the Portfolio that are sub-advised by the Adviser. The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio is the same as that for its Corresponding Fund.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Portfolio relative to institutional clients and sub-advised funds. The Adviser also noted that since mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets are relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
21
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Portfolio in comparison to the fees and expenses of funds within two comparison groups created by Lipper: an Expense Group and an Expense Universe. Lipper described an Expense Group as a representative sample of funds comparable to the Portfolio and an Expense Universe as a broader group, consisting of all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the Portfolio. The Class A expense ratio of the Portfolio was based on the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year expense ratio. The directors recognized that the expense ratio information for the Portfolio potentially reflected on the Adviser’s provision of services, as the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Portfolio by others. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some funds in the Portfolio’s Lipper category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases were voluntary and perhaps temporary.
The directors noted that the Portfolio’s at approximate current size contractual advisory effective fee rate of 75 basis points, plus the 1 basis point impact of the latest fiscal year administrative expense reimbursement by the Portfolio pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, was lower than the Expense Group median. The directors also noted that the Portfolio’s total expense ratio, which had been capped by the Adviser (although the expense ratio was currently lower than the cap) was lower than the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians. The directors concluded that the Portfolio’s expense ratio was satisfactory.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors also considered presentations by an independent consultant discussing economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AllianceBernstein Funds. 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 establishing breakpoints that give effect to 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 Portfolio, 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 Portfolio’s breakpoint arrangements would result in a sharing of economies of scale in the event of a very significant increase in the Portfolio’s net assets.
22
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein International Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE CAPS & REIMBURSEMENTS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
International | | 75 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 65 bp on next $2.5 billion 60 bp on the balance | | $ | 2,164.9 | | International Value Portfolio |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $86,750 (0.01% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2007 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 1-3, 2007. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | The AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were also affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser has agreed to waive that portion of its management fees and/or reimburse the Portfolio for that portion of its total operating expenses to the degree necessary to limit the Portfolio’s expense ratios to the amounts set forth below for the Portfolio’s fiscal year. The waiver is terminable by the Adviser on May 1st of each year upon at least 60 days written notice. It should be noted that the Portfolio was operating below its expense caps for the most recent fiscal year; accordingly the expense limitation undertaking of the Portfolio was of no effect. In addition, set forth below are the gross expense ratios of the Portfolio for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | Expense Cap Pursuant to Expense Limitation Undertaking | | | Gross Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year End |
International Value Portfolio | | Class A Class B | | 1.20 1.45 | % % | | 0.85 1.10 | % % | | December 31 |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients and sub-advised investment companies include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than managing that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if a fund is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different and legal and reputational risks are greater, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee based on February 28, 2007 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee5 | |
International Value Portfolio | | $ | 2,164.9 | | International Strategic Value Schedule 90 bp on 1st $25m 70 bp on next $25m 60 bp on next $50m 50 bp on the balance Minimum account size $25m | | 0.509 | % | | 0.750 | % |
4 | The Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300 million, it will negotiate a fee schedule. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. |
5 | Fund advisory fee based on February 28, 2007 net assets. |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein International Value Fund a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein International Value Fund:6
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee | |
Value Portfolio | | International Value Fund | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion 0.65% on next $2.5 billion 0.60% on the balance | | 0.75 | % |
The Alliance Capital Investment Trust Management mutual funds (“ACITM”), which are offered to investors in Japan, have an “all-in” fee to compensate the Adviser for investment advisory as well as fund accounting and administrative related services. The fee schedule of the ACITM mutual fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio is as follows:
| | | | |
Portfolio | | ACITM Mutual Fund | | Fee7 |
International Value Portfolio | | Alliance International Diversified Value8 | | 0.10%9 |
| | AllianceBernstein International Value Equity A8 | | 0.30%10 |
| | AllianceBernstein Kokusai Value Stock8 | | 0.70% |
| | Bernstein Kokusai Strategic Value8 | | 0.95% on first ¥1 billion 0.85% on next ¥1.5 billion 0.70% on next ¥2.5 billion 0.60% on next ¥5 billion 0.50% thereafter |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory services to certain other investment companies managed by other fund families. The Adviser charges the fees set forth below for the following sub-advisory relationships:
| | | | |
Portfolio | | Sub-advised Fund | | Fee Schedule |
International Value Fund | | Client # 1 | | 0.65% on 1st $75 million 0.50% on next $25 million 0.40% on next $200 million 0.35% on next $450 million 0.30% thereafter |
| | Client # 211 | | 0.60% on 1st $1 billion 0.55% on next $500 million 0.50% on next $500 million 0.45% on next $500 million 0.40% thereafter |
6 | It should be noted that the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the Portfolio has the same breakpoints in its advisory fee schedule as the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund. |
7 | The Japanese Yen-U.S. dollar currency exchange rate quoted at 4 p.m. on March 6, 2007 by Reuters was ¥116.62 per $1. At that currency exchange rate, every ¥1 billion would be equivalent to approximately $8.6 million. |
8 | This ACITM fund is privately placed or institutional. |
9 | In addition to the 0.10%, the Adviser charges the institutional account 0.5175% for the first ¥2.5 billion, 0.375% for the next ¥2.5 billion, 0.3275% for the next ¥2.5 billion, 0.28% for the next ¥10 billion and 0.185% thereafter. |
10 | The fund is offered to two institutional clients that are charged a separate fee for managing their assets in addition to the 0.30%. The first client is charged 0.33% for the first ¥2.5 billion, 0.195% for the next ¥2.5 billion, 0.105% for the next ¥5 billion and 0.06% thereafter. The second client is charged 0.40% for the first ¥2.5 billion, 0.25% for the next ¥2.5 billion, 0.15% for the next ¥5 billion and 0.10% thereafter. |
11 | This is the fee schedule of a fund managed by an affiliate of the Adviser. |
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
Portfolio | | Sub-advised Fund | | Fee Schedule |
| | Client # 3 | | 0.70% on 1st $25 million 0.45% on next $25 million 0.35% on next $200 million 0.33% thereafter |
| | |
| | Client # 4 | | 0.45% on 1st $200 million 0.36% on next $300 million 0.32% thereafter |
| | |
| | Client # 5 | | 0.55% on 1st $150 million 0.50% on next $150 million 0.20% thereafter |
| | |
| | Client # 6 | | 0.55% on 1st $150 million 0.40% thereafter |
| | |
| | Client # 7 | | 0.50% |
| | |
| | Client # 8 | | 0.30% |
| | |
| | Client # 9 | | 0.22% on 1st $1 billion 0.18% on next $1.5 billion 0.16% thereafter +/- Performance Fee |
| | |
| | Client # 10 | | 0.60% on 1st $50 million 0.40% on next $50 million 0.30% on next $300 million 0.25% thereafter |
It is fair to note that the services the Adviser provides pursuant to sub-advisory agreements are generally confined to the services related to the investment process; in other words, they are not as comprehensive as the services provided to the Funds by the Adviser. In addition, to the extent that certain of these sub-advisory relationships are with affiliates of the Adviser, the fee schedules may not reflect arm’s-length bargaining or negotiations.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services offered by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”)12 at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.13
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
12 | It should be noted that Lipper does not consider average account size when constructing EGs. Funds with relatively small average account sizes tend to have higher transfer agent expense ratios than comparable sized funds that have relatively large average account sizes. Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
13 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that the Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Portfolio’s original EG had an insufficient number of peers in the view of the Senior Officer and the Adviser. Consequently, at the request of the Adviser and the Senior Officer, Lipper expanded the Portfolio’s EG to include peers that have similar but not the same Lipper investment classification/objective.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee14 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
International Value Portfolio15 | | 0.750 | | 0.773 | | 5/16 |
However, because Lipper had expanded the EG of the Portfolio under Lipper’s standard guidelines, the Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”) was also expanded to include the universes of those peers that had a similar but not the same Lipper investment classification/objective.16 A “normal” EU will include funds that have the same investment classification/objective as the subject Portfolio.17
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)18 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
International Value Portfolio19 | | 0.860 | | 0.959 | | 2/16 | | 1.001 | | 8/52 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a total expense ratio basis than it does on a management fee basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
The Adviser utilizes two profitability reporting systems, which operate independently but are aligned with each other, to estimate the Adviser’s profitability in connection with investment advisory services provided to the Portfolio. The Senior Officer has retained a consultant to provide independent advice regarding the alignment of the two profitability systems as well as the methodologies and allocations utilized by both profitability systems. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The Portfolio’s profitability information, prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors, was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio increased during calendar year 2006, relative to 2005.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship provided the affiliates’ charges and services are competitive. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, and brokerage commissions. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur.
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $3,247,442 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
14 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. In addition, the contractual management fee does not reflect any advisory fee waivers or expense caps that would effectively reduce the actual management fee. |
15 | The Portfolio’s EG includes the Portfolio, five other variable insurance product (“VIP”) International Value funds (“IFVE”) and ten VIP International Core funds (“IFCE”). |
16 | It should be noted that the expansion of the Portfolio’s EU was not requested by the Adviser or the Senior Officer. They requested that only the EG be expanded. |
17 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG peer when selecting an EU peer. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
18 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
19 | The Portfolio’s EU includes the Portfolio, EG and all other VIP IFVE and IFCE funds, excluding outliers. |
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection with Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Adviser determined that it made payment in the amount of $1,518,773 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, recordkeeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the relevant intermediary over the year.
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability decreased in 2006 in comparison to 2005. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $783 from the Portfolio.20
The Portfolio effected brokerage transactions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and paid commissions for such transactions during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business conducted with the Portfolio is comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients, including the Portfolio. These credits and charges are not being passed onto any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for the Portfolio and other clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding economies of scale and/or scope. Based on the independent consultant’s initial survey, there was a consensus that fund management companies benefited from economies of scale. However, due to the lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders.
The independent consultant conducted further studies of the Adviser’s operations to determine the existence of economies of scale and/or scope within the Adviser. The independent consultant also analyzed patterns related to advisory fees at the industry level. In a recent presentation to the Board of Directors, the independent consultant noted the potential for economies of scale and/or scope through the use of “pooling portfolios” and blend products. The independent consultant also remarked that there may be diseconomies as assets grow in less liquid and active markets. It was also observed that various factors, including fund size, family size, asset class, and investment style, had an impact on advisory fees.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $742 billion as of March 31, 2007, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
20 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
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| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The information prepared by Lipper shows the 1, 3 and 5 year performance rankings of the Portfolio21 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)22 for the periods ended December 31, 2006.23
| | | | | | | | | | |
International Value Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 35.36 | | 28.50 | | 27.37 | | 1/6 | | 1/16 |
3 year | | 25.57 | | 20.38 | | 20.28 | | 1/6 | | 2/16 |
5 year | | 22.08 | | 16.46 | | 15.15 | | 1/6 | | 3/16 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)24 versus its benchmark.25 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.26
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending December 31, 2006 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
International Value Portfolio | | 35.36 | | 25.57 | | 22.08 | | 19.06 | | 14.76 | | 1.29 | | 5 |
MSCI EAFE Index (Net) | | 26.34 | | 19.93 | | 14.98 | | 10.80 | | 13.43 | | 0.93 | | 5 |
Inception Date: May 10, 2001
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: June 4, 2007
21 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio shown were provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. Rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s Portfolio returns to be one or two basis points different from Lipper’s own Portfolio returns. To maintain consistency, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
22 | The Portfolio’s PG and PU are not identical to the Portfolio’s EG and EU. The criteria for including in or excluding a fund in/from a PU is somewhat different from that of an EU. |
23 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the fund even if a fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
24 | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
25 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through December 31, 2006. It should be noted that the “since inception” performance returns of the Portfolio’s benchmark goes back only through the nearest month-end after inception date. In contrast, the Portfolio’s since inception return goes back to the Portfolio’s actual inception date. |
26 | Portfolio and benchmark volatility and Sharpe Ratio information was obtained through Lipper LANA, a database maintained by Lipper. Volatility is a statistical measure of the tendency of a market price or yield to vary over time. A Sharpe Ratio is a risk adjusted measure of return that divides a portfolio’s return in excess of the riskless return by the portfolio’s standard deviation. A portfolio with a greater volatility would be seen as more risky than a portfolio with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky portfolio. A portfolio with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a portfolio with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
29
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Large Cap Growth Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,059.17 | | $ | 4.29 | | 0.84 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.63 | | $ | 4.21 | | 0.84 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,057.64 | | $ | 5.56 | | 1.09 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.39 | | $ | 5.46 | | 1.09 | % |
* Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).
1
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Google, Inc.—Class A | | $ | 50,019,427 | | 6.3 | % |
Apple, Inc. | | | 48,986,856 | | 6.1 | |
WellPoint, Inc. | | | 35,125,200 | | 4.4 | |
Boeing Co. | | | 31,405,856 | | 3.9 | |
Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings, Inc.—Class A | | | 29,464,610 | | 3.7 | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | | | 29,298,200 | | 3.7 | |
Comcast Corp.—Special—Class A | | | 26,314,554 | | 3.3 | |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | | 24,804,258 | | 3.1 | |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | | 24,400,715 | | 3.1 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | 20,296,095 | | 2.5 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 320,115,771 | | 40.1 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Information Technology | | $ | 235,807,161 | | 29.6 | % |
Financials | | | 149,723,494 | | 18.8 | |
Health Care | | | 145,093,553 | | 18.1 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 80,629,062 | | 10.1 | |
Industrials | | | 79,033,108 | | 9.9 | |
Energy | | | 37,765,568 | | 4.7 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 31,708,240 | | 4.0 | |
Materials | | | 26,530,010 | | 3.3 | |
Telecommunications Services | | | 10,072,914 | | 1.3 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 1,623,000 | | 0.2 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 797,986,110 | | 100.0 | % |
| 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 and 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. |
2
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–99.8% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–29.5% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–5.3% | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 1,052,000 | | $ | 29,298,200 |
Qualcomm, Inc. | | 301,650 | | | 13,088,593 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 42,386,793 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–11.1% | | | | | |
Apple, Inc.(a) | | 401,400 | | | 48,986,856 |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | 555,900 | | | 24,804,258 |
Network Appliance, Inc.(a) | | 357,350 | | | 10,434,620 |
Sun Microsystems, Inc.(a) | | 790,250 | | | 4,156,715 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 88,382,449 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–7.5% | | | | | |
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a) | | 109,700 | | | 5,335,808 |
eBay, Inc.(a) | | 157,050 | | | 5,053,869 |
Google, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 95,570 | | | 50,019,427 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 60,409,104 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–3.2% | | | | | |
Broadcom Corp.—Class A(a) | | 462,150 | | | 13,517,887 |
NVIDIA Corp.(a) | | 169,500 | | | 7,002,045 |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | 129,600 | | | 4,876,848 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 25,396,780 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–2.4% | | | | | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a) | | 241,850 | | | 9,710,278 |
Microsoft Corp. | | 323,100 | | | 9,521,757 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 19,232,035 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 235,807,161 |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–18.8% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–12.3% | | | | | |
The Blackstone Group LP(a) | | 317,900 | | | 9,304,933 |
Credit Suisse Group (New York) (ADR) | | 202,000 | | | 14,333,920 |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | 184,500 | | | 24,440,715 |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | 51,810 | | | 11,229,818 |
Lazard Ltd.—Class A | | 15,600 | | | 702,468 |
Legg Mason, Inc. | | 196,990 | | | 19,379,876 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. | | 221,900 | | | 18,546,402 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 97,938,132 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–6.5% | | | | | |
Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings, Inc.—Class A | | 55,140 | | | 29,464,610 |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | 137,150 | | | 6,644,918 |
Moody’s Corp. | | 128,100 | | | 7,967,820 |
NYSE Euronext | | 104,700 | | | 7,708,014 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 51,785,362 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 149,723,494 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–18.2% | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–5.9% | | | | | |
Celgene Corp.(a) | | 172,000 | | $ | 9,860,760 |
Genentech, Inc.(a) | | 220,600 | | | 16,690,596 |
Gilead Sciences, Inc.(a) | | 523,500 | | | 20,296,095 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 46,847,451 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–2.2% | | | | | |
Alcon, Inc. | | 130,900 | | | 17,659,719 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–5.4% | | | | | |
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.(a) | | 102,250 | | | 7,974,478 |
WellPoint, Inc.(a) | | 440,000 | | | 35,125,200 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 43,099,678 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–4.7% | | | | | |
Abbott Laboratories | | 341,500 | | | 18,287,325 |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | 162,000 | | | 8,067,600 |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. (ADR) | | 124,600 | | | 5,139,750 |
Wyeth | | 104,500 | | | 5,992,030 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 37,486,705 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 145,093,553 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–10.1% | | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–3.2% | | | | | |
Hilton Hotels Corp. | | 236,850 | | | 7,927,370 |
McDonald’s Corp. | | 91,900 | | | 4,664,844 |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | | 189,500 | | | 12,709,765 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 25,301,979 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–3.3% | | | | | |
Comcast Corp.—Special— Class A(a) | | 941,150 | | | 26,314,554 |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–3.6% | | | | | |
Kohl’s Corp.(a) | | 234,300 | | | 16,642,329 |
Target Corp. | | 194,500 | | | 12,370,200 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 29,012,529 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 80,629,062 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–9.9% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–7.5% | | | | | |
Boeing Co. | | 326,600 | | | 31,405,856 |
Honeywell International, Inc. | | 234,200 | | | 13,180,776 |
Spirit Aerosystems Holdings, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 326,900 | | | 11,784,745 |
United Technologies Corp. | | 51,800 | | | 3,674,174 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 60,045,551 |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–1.1% | | | | | |
Fluor Corp. | | 79,750 | | | 8,881,757 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.6% | | | | | |
Emerson Electric Co. | | 92,100 | | | 4,310,280 |
| | | | | |
3
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–0.7% | | | | | |
Deere & Co. | | 48,000 | | $ | 5,795,520 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 79,033,108 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–4.7% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–4.7% | | | | | |
Baker Hughes, Inc. | | 150,400 | | | 12,653,152 |
Halliburton Co. | | 175,400 | | | 6,051,300 |
Schlumberger, Ltd. | | 219,400 | | | 18,635,836 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 37,340,288 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–0.0% | | | | | |
Petro-Canada | | 8,000 | | | 425,280 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 37,765,568 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–4.0% | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–0.9% | | | | | |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | 116,800 | | | 7,574,480 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–0.5% | | | | | |
WM Wrigley Jr Co. | | 67,300 | | | 3,722,363 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–2.6% | | | | | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | | 74,800 | | | 4,850,780 |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | 254,300 | | | 15,560,617 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 20,411,397 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 31,708,240 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–3.3% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–3.3% | | | | | |
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | | 93,200 | | | 7,490,484 |
Monsanto Co. | | 281,900 | | | 19,039,526 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 26,530,010 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.3% | | | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.3% | | | | | | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | | 162,650 | | $ | 10,072,914 |
| | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $648,028,333) | | | | | | 796,363,110 |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–0.2% | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–0.2% | | | | | | |
The Bank of New York 4.25%, 7/02/07 (cost $1,623,000) | | $ | 1,623 | | | 1,623,000 |
| | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.0% (cost $649,651,333) | | | | | | 797,986,110 |
Other assets less liabilities–0.0% | | | | | | 281,008 |
| | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 798,267,118 |
| | | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
| ADR—American Depositary Receipt |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
4
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $649,651,333) | | $ | 797,986,110 | |
Cash | | | 886 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 35,075,521 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 527,310 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 70,432 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 833,660,259 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 28,310,346 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 6,076,139 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 535,926 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 86,021 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 19,185 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 365,465 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 35,393,141 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 798,267,118 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 28,336 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 1,155,581,643 | |
Accumulated net investment loss | | | (539,248 | ) |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment transactions | | | (505,138,390 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments | | | 148,334,777 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 798,267,118 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 400,043,153 | | 14,055,246 | | $ | 28.46 |
B | | $ | 398,223,965 | | 14,280,601 | | $ | 27.89 |
See | Notes to Financial Statements. |
5
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $14,608) | | $ | 3,658,009 | |
Interest | | | 60,180 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 3,718,189 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 3,329,186 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 541,174 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 2,720 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 2,596 | |
Printing | | | 146,704 | |
Custodian | | | 124,034 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Legal | | | 24,142 | |
Audit | | | 19,101 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 1,461 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 19,319 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 4,257,437 | |
| | | | |
Net investment loss | | | (539,248 | ) |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 54,654,008 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (2,535,530 | ) |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment transactions | | | 52,118,478 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 51,579,230 | |
| | | | |
(a) | On April 30, 2007, the portfolio had a redemption-in-kind with total proceeds in the amount of $66,857,006. The gain on investments of $8,292,069 will not be realized for tax purposes. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
| | |
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (539,248 | ) | | $ | (2,560,371 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 54,654,008 | | | | 170,521,755 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (2,535,530 | ) | | | (181,181,117 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | 51,579,230 | | | | (13,219,733 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (183,755,576 | ) | | | (299,769,320 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (132,176,346 | ) | | | (312,989,053 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 930,443,464 | | | | 1,243,432,517 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including accumulated net investment loss of ($539,248) and $0, respectively) | | $ | 798,267,118 | | | $ | 930,443,464 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Large Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. Prior to February 1, 2006, the Portfolio’s investment objective was to seek growth of capital by pursuing aggressive investment policies. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
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2. 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 asked 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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the Portfolio’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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio 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 Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of 1% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007, amounted to $583,865, of which $9,820 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 400,683,049 | | | $ | 583,200,434 | |
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 are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 154,323,159 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (5,988,382 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 148,334,777 | |
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1. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 depreciation by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
Risks may arise from the potential inability of the 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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars, reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
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2. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 807,882 | | | 581,760 | | | | | $ | 21,929,290 | | | $ | 15,508,284 | |
Shares redeemed | | (4,393,433 | ) | | (5,875,107 | ) | | | | | (122,881,216 | ) | | | (153,191,993 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (3,585,551 | ) | | (5,293,347 | ) | | | | $ | (100,951,926 | ) | | $ | (137,683,709 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 357,136 | | | 1,838,427 | | | | | $ | 9,654,872 | | | $ | 48,018,290 | |
Shares redeemed | | (3,385,012 | ) | | (8,052,806 | ) | | | | | (92,458,522 | ) | | | (210,103,901 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (3,027,876 | ) | | (6,214,379 | ) | | | | $ | (82,803,650 | ) | | $ | (162,085,611 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE H: Components of Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | $ | (554,213,221 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 145,291,130 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (408,922,091 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | On December 31, 2006, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $554,213,221 of which $387,106,878 will expire in the year 2010 and $167,106,343 will expire in the year 2011. To the extent future capital gains are offset by capital loss carryforwards, such gains will not be distributed. During the current fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized capital loss carryforwards of $151,186,783. |
(b) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”),
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Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
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LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $26.87 | | | $26.99 | | | $23.44 | | | $21.58 | | | $17.45 | | | $25.16 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | | .00 | (b) | | (.03 | ) | | (.07 | ) | | (.03 | )(c) | | (.05 | )(c) | | (.08 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | 1.59 | | | (.09 | ) | | 3.62 | | | 1.89 | | | 4.18 | | | (7.63 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 1.59 | | | (.12 | ) | | 3.55 | | | 1.86 | | | 4.13 | | | (7.71 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $28.46 | | | $26.87 | | | $26.99 | | | $23.44 | | | $21.58 | | | $17.45 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | 5.92 | % | | (.44 | )% | | 15.15 | % | | 8.62 | % | | 23.67 | % | | (30.64 | )% |
| | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $400,043 | | | $474,069 | | | $618,980 | | | $656,544 | | | $917,935 | | | $869,130 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .84 | %(e) | | .84 | %(g) | | .81 | % | | .81 | % | | 1.04 | % | | 1.05 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .84 | %(e) | | .84 | %(g) | | .81 | % | | .98 | % | | 1.05 | % | | 1.05 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | .00 | %(e)(f) | | (.12 | )%(g) | | (.28 | )% | | (.13 | )%(c) | | (.24 | )%(c) | | (.41 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 46 | % | | 81 | % | | 54 | % | | 73 | % | | 79 | % | | 109 | % |
See footnote summary on page 16.
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LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $26.37 | | | $26.55 | | | $23.11 | | | $21.33 | | | $17.29 | | | $25.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (a) | | (.03 | ) | | (.09 | ) | | (.12 | ) | | (.08 | )(c) | | (.09 | )(c) | | (.13 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | 1.55 | | | (.09 | ) | | 3.56 | | | 1.86 | | | 4.13 | | | (7.58 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 1.52 | | | (.18 | ) | | 3.44 | | | 1.78 | | | 4.04 | | | (7.71 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $27.89 | | | $26.37 | | | $26.55 | | | $23.11 | | | $21.33 | | | $17.29 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | 5.76 | % | | (.68 | )% | | 14.89 | % | | 8.34 | % | | 23.37 | % | | (30.84 | )% |
| | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $398,224 | | | $456,374 | | | $624,453 | | | $603,050 | | | $693,764 | | | $493,937 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.09 | %(e) | | 1.08 | %(g) | | 1.06 | % | | 1.06 | % | | 1.29 | % | | 1.31 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.09 | %(e) | | 1.08 | %(g) | | 1.06 | % | | 1.24 | % | | 1.30 | % | | 1.31 | % |
Net investment loss | | (.25 | )%(e) | | (.37 | )%(g) | | (.53 | )% | | (.38 | )%(c) | | (.49 | )%(c) | | (.64 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 46 | % | | 81 | % | | 54 | % | | 73 | % | | 79 | % | | 109 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Amount is less than $0.005. |
(c) | Net of expenses reimbursed or waived 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(f) | Ratio is less than .005% |
(g) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
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LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE PORTFOLIO’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AllianceBernstein Large Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2007.
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 Fund’s Senior Officer (who is also the Fund’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fees in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fees for the Portfolio were reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Fund’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio 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 AllianceBernstein 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio and the overall arrangements between the Portfolio 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 research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Portfolio. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Portfolio’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Portfolio will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services provided at the Portfolio’s request by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are approved by the directors on a quarterly basis and (to the extent requested and paid) result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Portfolio to the Adviser than the fee rates stated in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Portfolio’s other service providers, also were considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Portfolio 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 Portfolio to the Adviser for calendar years 2005 and 2006 that had been prepared with an updated expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The directors reviewed the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and noted 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 Portfolio, including those relating to its subsidiaries which provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Portfolio. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability from fund advisory contracts because comparative
17
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LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that they were satisfied that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Portfolio was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Portfolio other than the fees and expense reimbursements payable under the Advisory Agreement, including but not limited to benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby the Adviser receives brokerage and research services from many of the brokers and dealers that execute purchases and sales of securities on behalf of its clients on an agency basis), 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 the Portfolio’s Class B shares, transfer agency fees paid by the Portfolio to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, and brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio to brokers affiliated with the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors also understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Portfolio.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the meeting, the directors receive detailed comparative performance information for the Portfolio at each regular Board meeting during the year. The directors noted that the Portfolio is a clone of another fund managed by the Adviser (the “Corresponding Fund”) and is managed to track the investment performance of its Corresponding Fund, although investment results may differ between the Portfolio and its Corresponding Fund due to differences in their expense ratios and other factors. At the meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Lipper showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Portfolio as compared to a group of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Group”) and as compared to a broader array of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Universe”), and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares as compared to the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the “Index”), in each case for periods ended December 31, 2006 over the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (June 1992 inception). The directors noted that in the Performance Group comparison the Portfolio was in the 5th quintile in the 1- and 5-year periods, 3rd quintile in the 3-year period and 4th quintile in the 10-year period, and in the Performance Universe comparison the Portfolio was in the 5th quintile in the 1-year period, 3rd quintile in the 3- and 10-year periods, and 4th quintile in the 5-year period. The comparative information showed that the Portfolio outperformed the Index in the 3- and 10-year and since inception periods and underperformed the Index in the 1- and 5-year periods. Based on their review and their discussion of the reasons for the Portfolio’s performance with the Adviser (including the Adviser’s view that its “high conviction” style of growth investing had been out of favor for several years), and of the enhancements to its investment process being implemented by the Adviser with a view to improving investment performance, the directors retained confidence in the Adviser’s ability to advise the Portfolio and concluded that the Portfolio’s investment performance was understandable. The directors informed the Adviser that they planned to closely monitor the Portfolio’s performance.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser and information prepared by Lipper concerning fee rates paid by other funds in the same Lipper category as the Portfolio 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 also considered the fees the Adviser charges other clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. For this purpose, they reviewed information in the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Fund’s Senior Officer disclosing the institutional fee schedule for institutional products managed by the Adviser that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. The directors noted that the institutional fee schedule for clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio had breakpoints at lower asset levels than those in the fee schedule applicable to the Portfolio and that the application of the institutional fee schedule to the level of assets of the Portfolio would result in a fee rate that would be lower than that in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. 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 directors also reviewed information that indicated that the Portfolio pays a higher fee rate than certain registered investment companies with a similar investment style as the Portfolio that are sub-advised by the Adviser. The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio is the same as that for its Corresponding Fund.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Portfolio relative to institutional clients and sub-advised funds. The Adviser also noted that since mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets are relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Portfolio in comparison to the fees and expenses of funds within two comparison groups created by Lipper: an Expense Group and an Expense Universe. Lipper described an Expense Group as a representative sample of funds comparable to the Portfolio and an Expense Universe as a broader group, consisting of all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the Portfolio. The Class A expense ratio of the Portfolio was based on the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year expense ratio. The directors recognized that the expense ratio information for the Portfolio potentially reflected on the Adviser’s provision of services, as the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Portfolio by others. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some funds in the Portfolio’s Lipper category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases were voluntary and perhaps temporary.
The directors noted that the Portfolio’s at approximate current size contractual advisory effective fee rate of 75 basis points was higher than the Expense Group median. The directors noted that the latest fiscal year administrative expense reimbursement by the Portfolio pursuant to the Advisory Agreement was 1 basis point. The directors also noted that the Portfolio’s total expense ratio was higher than the Expense Group median and essentially the same as the Expense Universe median. The directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was satisfactory.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors also considered presentations by an independent consultant discussing economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AllianceBernstein Funds. 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 establishing breakpoints that give effect to 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 Portfolio, 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 Portfolio’s breakpoint arrangements would result in a sharing of economies of scale in the event of a very significant increase in the Portfolio’s net assets.
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LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein Large Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Growth | | 75 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 65 bp on next $2.5 billion 60 bp on the balance | | $ | 883.9 | | Large Cap Growth Portfolio |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $86,750 (0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets) for such services.
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s total expense ratios for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | Class A | | 0.84 | % | | December 31 |
| | Class B | | 1.08 | % | | |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2007 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 1-3, 2007. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | The AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were also affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients and sub-advised investment companies include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than managing that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if a fund is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different and legal and reputational risks are greater, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee based on February 28, 2007 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | $883.9 | | Large Cap Growth Schedule | | 0.287 | % | | 0.750 | % |
| | | | 80 bp on 1st $25m | | | | | | |
| | | | 50 bp on next $25m | | | | | | |
| | | | 40 bp on next $50m | | | | | | |
| | | | 30 bp on next $100m | | | | | | |
| | | | 25 bp on the balance | | | | | | |
| | | | Minimum account size $10m | | | | | | |
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc., a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc.:5
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee | |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc. | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion | | 0.75 | % |
| | | | 0.65% on next $2.5 billion | | | |
| | | | 0.60% on the balance | | | |
4 | The Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300 million, it will negotiate a fee schedule. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. |
5 | It should be noted that the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the Portfolio has the same breakpoints in its advisory fee schedule as the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund. |
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LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages and sponsors retail mutual funds, which are organized in jurisdictions outside the United States, generally Luxembourg and Japan, and sold to non-United States resident investors. The Adviser charges the following fees for American Growth Portfolio, which is a Luxembourg fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio:
| | | |
Fund | | Fee | |
American Growth Portfolio | | | |
Class A6 | | 1.50 | % |
Class I (Institutional) | | 0.70 | % |
The Alliance Capital Investment Trust Management mutual funds (“ACITM”), which are offered to investors in Japan, have an “all-in” fee to compensate the Adviser for investment advisory as well as fund accounting and administrative related services. The fee schedule of the ACITM mutual fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio is as follows:
| | | | | |
Portfolio | | ACITM Mutual Fund | | Fee | |
Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc. | | Alliance American Premier Growth—Hedged /Non-Hedged | | 0.95 | % |
| | Alliance American Premier Growth F / FB / FVA7 | | 0.70 | % |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory services to certain other investment companies managed by other fund families. The Adviser charges the fees set forth below for each of these sub-advisory relationships:
| | | | | |
Fund | | Sub-advised Fund | | | Fee Schedule |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | Client | #18 | | 0.60% on 1st $1 billion |
| | | | | 0.55% on next $500 million |
| | | | | 0.50% on next $500 million |
| | | | | 0.45% on next $500 million |
| | | | | 0.40% thereafter |
| | Client | #2 | | 0.35% on 1st $50 million |
| | | | | 0.30% on next $100 million |
| | | | | 0.25% thereafter |
| | Client | #3 | | 0.40% on first $300 million |
| | | | | 0.37% on next $300 million |
| | | | | 0.35% on next $300 million |
| | | | | 0.32% on next $600 million |
| | | | | 0.25% thereafter |
| | Client | #4 | | 0.35% |
It is fair to note that the services the Adviser provides pursuant to sub-advisory agreements are generally confined to the services related to the investment process; in other words, they are not as comprehensive as the services provided to the Portfolios by the Adviser. In addition, to the extent that certain of these sub-advisory relationships are with affiliates of the Adviser, the fee schedules may not reflect arm’s-length bargaining or negotiations.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services offered by other investment advisers. Lipper’s
6 | Class A shares of the funds are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory services and distribution related services. |
7 | This ACITM fund is privately placed or institutional. |
8 | This is the fee schedule of a fund managed by an affiliate of the Adviser. |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”)9 at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.10
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee11 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | 0.750 | | 0.688 | | 9/13 |
Lipper also analyzed the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio in comparison to the Portfolio’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU12 is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective and load type as the subject Portfolio.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)13 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | 0.814 | | 0.691 | | 10/13 | | 0.807 | | 40/74 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
The Adviser utilizes two profitability reporting systems, which operate independently but are aligned with each other, to estimate the Adviser’s profitability in connection with investment advisory services provided to the Portfolio. The Senior Officer has retained a consultant to provide independent advice regarding the alignment of the two profitability systems as well as the methodologies and allocations utilized by both profitability systems. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The Portfolio’s profitability information, prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors, was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio increased during calendar year 2006, relative to 2005.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship provided the affiliates’ charges and services are competitive. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution and brokerage related services to
23
9 | It should be noted that Lipper does not consider average account size when constructing EGs. Funds with relatively small average account sizes tend to have higher transfer agent expense ratios than comparable sized funds that have relatively large average account sizes. Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
10 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that the Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
11 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. |
12 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
13 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
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LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, and brokerage commissions. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur.
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $1,286,947 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection with Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $987,151 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, recordkeeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the relevant intermediary over the year.
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability decreased in 2006 in comparison to 2005. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $783 from the Portfolio.14
The Portfolio effected brokerage transactions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and paid commissions for such transactions during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business conducted with the Portfolio is comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients, including the Portfolio. These credits and charges are not being passed onto any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for the Portfolio and other clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding economies of scale and/or scope. Based on the independent consultant’s initial survey, there was a consensus that fund management companies benefited from economies of scale. However, due to the lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders.
The independent consultant conducted further studies of the Adviser’s operations to determine the existence of economies of scale and/or scope within the Adviser. The independent consultant also analyzed patterns related to advisory fees at the industry level. In a recent presentation to the Board of Directors, the independent consultant noted the potential for economies of scale and/or scope through the use of “pooling portfolios” and blend products. The independent consultant also remarked that there may be diseconomies as assets grow in less liquid and active markets. It was also observed that various factors, including fund size, family size, asset class, and investment style, had an impact on advisory fees.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $742 billion as of March 31, 2007, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
14 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
24
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The information prepared by Lipper shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance rankings of the Portfolio15 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)16 for the periods ended December 31, 2006.17
| | | | | | | | | | |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | -0.44 | | 4.62 | | 6.53 | | 12/13 | | 87/92 |
3 year | | 7.58 | | 7.58 | | 7.04 | | 7/13 | | 36/87 |
5 year | | 1.32 | | 2.79 | | 2.21 | | 8/9 | | 54/73 |
10 year | | 6.81 | | 7.24 | | 6.13 | | 6/8 | | 15/35 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)18 versus its benchmark.19 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.20
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending December 31, 2006 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | -0.44 | | 7.58 | | 1.32 | | 6.81 | | 10.52 | | 19.97 | | 0.24 | | 10 |
Russell 1000 Growth Index | | 9.07 | | 6.87 | | 2.69 | | 5.44 | | 8.77 | | 19.24 | | 0.18 | | 10 |
Inception Date: June 26, 1992
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: June 4, 2007
15 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio shown were provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. Rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s Portfolio returns to be one or two basis points different from Lipper’s own Portfolio returns. To maintain consistency, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
16 | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s EU as the criteria for including in or excluding a fund from a PU is somewhat different from that of an EU. |
17 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the fund even if a fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
18 | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
19 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through December 31, 2006. It should be noted that the “since inception” performance returns of the Portfolio’s benchmark goes back only through the nearest month-end after inception date. In contrast, the Portfolio’s since inception return goes back to the Portfolio’s actual inception date. |
20 | Portfolio and benchmark volatility and Sharpe Ratio information was obtained through Lipper LANA, a database maintained by Lipper. Volatility is a statistical measure of the tendency of a market price or yield to vary over time. A Sharpe Ratio is a risk adjusted measure of return that divides a portfolio’s return in excess of the riskless return by the portfolio’s standard deviation. A portfolio with a greater volatility would be seen as more risky than a portfolio with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky portfolio. A portfolio with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a portfolio with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
25
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Real Estate Investment Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 933.70 | | $ | 3.88 | | 0.81 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.78 | | $ | 4.06 | | 0.81 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 932.93 | | $ | 5.08 | | 1.06 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.54 | | $ | 5.31 | | 1.06 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | | $ | 7,089,648 | | 7.5 | % |
ProLogis | | | 6,600,400 | | 7.0 | |
Vornado Realty Trust | | | 5,360,192 | | 5.7 | |
Ventas, Inc. | | | 4,234,000 | | 4.5 | |
General Growth Properties, Inc. | | | 4,177,755 | | 4.4 | |
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | | 3,353,325 | | 3.6 | |
Kimco Realty Corp. | | | 3,319,704 | | 3.5 | |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | | | 3,185,984 | | 3.4 | |
Boston Properties, Inc. | | | 3,125,178 | | 3.3 | |
Forest City Enterprises, Inc.-Class A | | | 3,000,224 | | 3.2 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 43,446,410 | | 46.1 | % |
INDUSTRY DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
INDUSTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Multi-Family | | $ | 15,056,654 | | 16.2 | % |
Diversified/Specialty | | | 14,015,082 | | 15.1 | |
Regional Mall | | | 13,236,920 | | 14.3 | |
Lodging | | | 12,794,349 | | 13.8 | |
Office | | | 10,501,522 | | 11.3 | |
Health Care | | | 9,199,996 | | 9.9 | |
Shopping Center/Other Retail | | | 9,122,566 | | 9.9 | |
Industrial Warehouse Distribution | | | 6,600,400 | | 7.1 | |
Self Storage | | | 2,066,458 | | 2.2 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 149,000 | | 0.2 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 92,742,947 | | 100.0 | % |
| Please Note: The industry classifications presented herein are based on the industry categorization methodology of the Adviser.
|
2
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–98.1% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
EQUITY: OTHER–24.6% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED/SPECIALTY–14.9% | | | |
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. | | 30,500 | | $ | 2,953,010 |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | | 71,700 | | | 2,701,656 |
Forest City Enterprises, Inc.—Class A | | 48,800 | | | 3,000,224 |
Vornado Realty Trust | | 48,800 | | | 5,360,192 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 14,015,082 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–9.7% | | | | | |
Health Care Property Investors, Inc. | | 56,100 | | | 1,622,973 |
Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. | | 85,600 | | | 2,328,320 |
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. | | 64,100 | | | 1,014,703 |
Ventas, Inc. | | 116,800 | | | 4,234,000 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,199,996 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 23,215,078 |
| | | | | |
RETAIL–23.7% | | | | | |
REGIONAL MALL–14.0% | | | | | |
General Growth Properties, Inc. | | 78,900 | | | 4,177,755 |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | | 76,200 | | | 7,089,648 |
Taubman Centers, Inc. | | 39,700 | | | 1,969,517 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 13,236,920 |
| | | | | |
SHOPPING CENTER/OTHER RETAIL–9.7% | | | | | |
Developers Diversified Realty Corp. | | 34,800 | | | 1,834,308 |
Federal Realty Investment Trust | | 9,400 | | | 726,244 |
Kimco Realty Corp. | | 87,200 | | | 3,319,704 |
Ramco-Gershenson Properties | | 29,500 | | | 1,059,935 |
Saul Centers, Inc. | | 14,100 | | | 639,435 |
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers | | 41,200 | | | 1,542,940 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,122,566 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 22,359,486 |
| | | | | |
RESIDENTIAL–18.1% | | | | | |
MULTI-FAMILY–15.9% | | | | | |
Apartment Investment & Management Co.—Class A | | 51,200 | | | 2,581,504 |
Archstone-Smith Trust | | 11,300 | | | 667,943 |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | | 26,800 | | | 3,185,984 |
Camden Property Trust | | 37,900 | | | 2,538,163 |
Equity Residential | | 48,400 | | | 2,208,492 |
Essex Property Trust, Inc. | | 6,700 | | | 779,210 |
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | | 45,100 | | | 2,366,848 |
UDR, Inc. | | 27,700 | | | 728,510 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 15,056,654 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Shares or Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
SELF STORAGE–2.2% | | | | | | |
Public Storage | | | 26,900 | | $ | 2,066,458 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 17,123,112 |
| | | | | | |
LODGING–13.6% | | | | | | |
LODGING–13.6% | | | | | | |
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. | | | 8,500 | | | 99,960 |
Equity Inns, Inc. | | | 6,599 | | | 147,818 |
FelCor Lodging Trust, Inc. | | | 82,000 | | | 2,134,460 |
Hilton Hotels Corp. | | | 47,600 | | | 1,593,172 |
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | | 145,040 | | | 3,353,325 |
LaSalle Hotel Properties | | | 11,600 | | | 503,672 |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | | | 39,900 | | | 2,676,093 |
Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | | 79,800 | | | 1,794,702 |
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. | | | 17,300 | | | 491,147 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 12,794,349 |
| | | | | | |
OFFICE–11.1% | | | | | | |
OFFICE–11.1% | | | | | | |
Boston Properties, Inc. | | | 30,600 | | | 3,125,178 |
Brookfield Properties Corp. | | | 108,750 | | | 2,643,712 |
Maguire Properties, Inc. | | | 57,020 | | | 1,957,496 |
SL Green Realty Corp. | | | 22,400 | | | 2,775,136 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 10,501,522 |
| | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–7.0% | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION–7.0% | | | |
ProLogis | | | 116,000 | | | 6,600,400 |
| | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $61,270,734) | | | | | | 92,593,947 |
| | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–0.2% | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–0.2% | | | | | | |
The Bank of New York 4.25%, 7/02/07 (cost $149,000) | | $ | 149 | | | 149,000 |
| | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–98.3% (cost $61,419,734) | | | | | | 92,742,947 |
Other assets less liabilities–1.7% | | | | | | 1,589,451 |
| | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 94,332,398 |
| | | | | | |
See | Notes to Financial Statements |
3
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $61,419,734) | | $ | 92,742,947 | |
Cash | | | 13,769 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 1,166,935 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 294,323 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 260,078 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 94,478,052 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 46,386 | |
Audit fee payable | | | 21,686 | |
Printing fee payable | | | 19,652 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 19,185 | |
Custodian fee payable | | | 17,516 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 9,160 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 6,660 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 5,350 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 145,654 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 94,332,398 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 5,320 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 53,308,812 | |
Distributions in excess of net investment income | | | (162,265 | ) |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 9,857,318 | |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments | | | 31,323,213 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 94,332,398 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 64,704,323 | | 3,648,420 | | $ | 17.73 |
B | | $ | 29,628,075 | | 1,671,305 | | $ | 17.73 |
See | Notes to Financial Statements. |
4
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $7,209) | | $ | 310,552 | |
Interest | | | 31,334 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 341,886 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 307,698 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 42,439 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 979 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 425 | |
Custodian | | | 56,309 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Audit | | | 21,687 | |
Printing | | | 11,452 | |
Legal | | | 3,899 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 726 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 1,832 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 494,446 | |
| | | | |
Net investment loss | | | (152,560 | ) |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 9,960,120 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (16,313,537 | ) |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment transactions | | | (6,353,417 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (6,505,977 | ) |
| | | | |
See | Notes to Financial Statements. |
5
| | |
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | $ | (152,560 | ) | | $ | 1,287,745 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 9,960,120 | | | | 16,269,378 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (16,313,537 | ) | | | 13,184,606 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (6,505,977 | ) | | | 30,741,729 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (931,803 | ) | | | (1,453,595 | ) |
Class B | | | (356,998 | ) | | | (500,621 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (11,126,096 | ) | | | (9,286,857 | ) |
Class B | | | (5,149,348 | ) | | | (3,779,939 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 4,624,695 | | | | 6,020,754 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | (19,445,527 | ) | | | 21,741,471 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 113,777,925 | | | | 92,036,454 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including distributions in excess of investment income and undistributed net investment income of ($162,265) and $1,279,096, respectively) | | $ | 94,332,398 | | | $ | 113,777,925 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See | Notes to Financial Statements. |
6
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Real Estate Investment Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is total return from long-term growth of capital and income. Prior to February 1, 2006, the Portfolio’s objective was to seek total return from long-term growth of capital and income principally through investing in equity securities of companies that are primarily engaged in or related to the real estate industry. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. 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 asked 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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the policy of the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .55% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .90% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007 amounted to $29,595, none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC, and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
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The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U. S. government securities) | | $ | 26,363,912 | | | $ | 38,510,328 | |
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 are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 32,899,702 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (1,576,489 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 31,323,213 | |
| | | | |
1. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 net unrealized appreciation or depreciation by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars, reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 260,051 | | | 607,488 | | | | | $ | 6,060,408 | | | $ | 12,929,499 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 624,115 | | | 569,785 | | | | | | 12,057,899 | | | | 10,740,452 | |
Shares redeemed | | (753,933 | ) | | (1,021,095 | ) | | | | | (17,294,849 | ) | | | (21,832,571 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 130,233 | | | 156,178 | | | | | $ | 823,458 | | | $ | 1,837,380 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 101,478 | | | 320,262 | | | | | $ | 2,384,430 | | | $ | 6,882,186 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 285,155 | | | 227,085 | | | | | | 5,506,346 | | | | 4,280,560 | |
Shares redeemed | | (182,964 | ) | | (327,525 | ) | | | | | (4,089,539 | ) | | | (6,979,372 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 203,669 | | | 219,822 | | | | | $ | 3,801,237 | | | $ | 4,183,374 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Concentration of Risk—Although the Portfolio does not invest directly in real estate, it invests primarily in Real Estate Equity Securities and has a policy of concentration of its investments in the real estate industry. Therefore, an investment in the Portfolio is subject to certain risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate and with the real estate industry in general. To the extent that assets underlying the Portfolio’s investments are concentrated geographically, by property type or in certain other respects, the Portfolio may be subject to additional risks.
In addition, investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. REITs are dependent upon management skills, are not diversified, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation. REITs are also subject
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to the possibilities of failing to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code and failing to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. REITs (especially mortgage REITs) also are subject to interest rate risks.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims of losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 2,994,315 | | $ | 6,167,554 |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 12,026,697 | | | 5,777,454 |
| | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 15,021,012 | | | 11,945,008 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 15,021,012 | | $ | 11,945,008 |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 3,825,036 | |
Undistributed long term capital gain | | | 13,709,646 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 47,553,806 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 65,088,488 | |
| | | | |
(a) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and
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Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Portfolio’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 must be incorporated no later than the last day on which a NAV is calculated preceding the Portfolio’s 2007 semi-annual report. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net assets value, beginning of period | | $22.83 | | | $19.98 | | | $20.66 | | | $15.62 | | | $11.52 | | | $11.50 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | | (.02 | ) | | .29 | | | .32 | | | .39 | (b) | | .46 | | | .44 | (b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (1.17 | ) | | 6.02 | | | 1.84 | | | 5.05 | | | 3.99 | | | (.12 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (1.19 | ) | | 6.31 | | | 2.16 | | | 5.44 | | | 4.45 | | | .32 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.30 | ) | | (.47 | ) | | (.68 | ) | | (.40 | ) | | (.35 | ) | | (.30 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (3.61 | ) | | (2.99 | ) | | (2.16 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (3.91 | ) | | (3.46 | ) | | (2.84 | ) | | (.40 | ) | | (.35 | ) | | (.30 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $17.73 | | | $22.83 | | | $19.98 | | | $20.66 | | | $15.62 | | | $11.52 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (6.63 | )% | | 35.22 | % | | 11.67 | % | | 35.63 | % | | 39.30 | % | | 2.60 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $64,704 | | | $80,317 | | | $67,161 | | | $88,441 | | | $68,717 | | | $50,062 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .81 | %(d) | | .83 | %(e) | | .83 | % | | .77 | % | | 1.24 | % | | 1.06 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .81 | %(d) | | .83 | %(e) | | .83 | % | | .99 | % | | 1.24 | % | | 1.29 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | (.17 | )%(d) | | 1.33 | %(e) | | 1.64 | % | | 2.26 | %(b) | | 3.50 | % | | 3.70 | %(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 24 | % | | 47 | % | | 46 | % | | 35 | % | | 23 | % | | 31 | % |
See footnote summary on page 16.
15
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net assets value, beginning of period | | $22.80 | | | $19.94 | | | $20.54 | | | $15.55 | | | $11.48 | | | $11.49 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | | (.06 | ) | | .22 | | | .38 | | | .34 | (b) | | .43 | | | .40 | (b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (1.15 | ) | | 6.03 | | | 1.72 | | | 5.03 | | | 3.98 | | | (.11 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (1.21 | ) | | 6.25 | | | 2.10 | | | 5.37 | | | 4.41 | | | .29 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.25 | ) | | (.40 | ) | | (.54 | ) | | (.38 | ) | | (.34 | ) | | (.30 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (3.61 | ) | | (2.99 | ) | | (2.16 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (3.86 | ) | | (3.39 | ) | | (2.70 | ) | | (.38 | ) | | (.34 | ) | | (.30 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $17.73 | | | $22.80 | | | $19.94 | | | $20.54 | | | $15.55 | | | $11.48 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (6.71 | )% | | 34.88 | % | | 11.40 | % | | 35.28 | % | | 39.02 | % | | 2.31 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $29,628 | | | $33,461 | | | $24,875 | | | $67,457 | | | $43,919 | | | $16,626 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.06 | %(d) | | 1.08 | %(e) | | 1.06 | % | | 1.02 | % | | 1.49 | % | | 1.31 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.06 | %(d) | | 1.08 | %(e) | | 1.06 | % | | 1.24 | % | | 1.49 | % | | 1.52 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | (.52 | )%(d) | | 1.04 | %(e) | | 2.11 | % | | 2.02 | %(b) | | 3.22 | % | | 3.43 | %(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 24 | % | | 47 | % | | 46 | % | | 35 | % | | 23 | % | | 31 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses reimbursed or waived by the Adviser. |
(c) | 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
16
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE PORTFOLIO’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AllianceBernstein Real Estate Investment Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2007.
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 Fund’s Senior Officer (who is also the Fund’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fees in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fees for the Portfolio were reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Fund’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio 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 AllianceBernstein 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio and the overall arrangements between the Portfolio 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 research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Portfolio. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Portfolio’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Portfolio will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services provided at the Portfolio’s request by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are approved by the directors on a quarterly basis and (to the extent requested and paid) result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Portfolio to the Adviser than the fee rates stated in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Portfolio’s other service providers, also were considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Portfolio 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 Portfolio to the Adviser for calendar years 2005 and 2006 that had been prepared with an updated expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The directors reviewed the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and noted 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 Portfolio, including those relating to its subsidiaries which provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Portfolio. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability from fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
of the Adviser’s relationship with the Portfolio before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that they were satisfied that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Portfolio was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Portfolio other than the fees and expense reimbursements payable under the Advisory Agreement, including but not limited to benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby the Adviser receives brokerage and research services from many of the brokers and dealers that execute purchases and sales of securities on behalf of its clients on an agency basis), 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 the Portfolio’s Class B shares, transfer agency fees paid by the Portfolio to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, and brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio to brokers affiliated with the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors also understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Portfolio.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the meeting, the directors receive detailed comparative performance information for the Portfolio at each regular Board meeting during the year. The directors noted that the Portfolio is a clone of another fund managed by the Adviser (the “Corresponding Fund”) and is managed to track the investment performance of its Corresponding Fund, although investment results may differ between the Portfolio and its Corresponding Fund due to differences in their expense ratios and other factors. At the meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Lipper showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Portfolio as compared to a group of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Group”) and as compared to a broader array of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Universe”), and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares as compared to the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts Equity Index (the “Index”), in each case for periods ended December 31, 2006 over the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (January 1997 inception). The directors noted that in the Performance Group comparison the Portfolio was in the 3rd quintile in the 1-year period and 4th quintile in the 3- and 5-year periods, and in the Performance Universe comparison the Portfolio was in the 4th quintile in the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods. The comparative information showed that the Portfolio outperformed the Index in all periods reviewed. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Portfolio’s relative performance over time had been satisfactory.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser and information prepared by Lipper concerning fee rates paid by other funds in the same Lipper category as the Portfolio 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 also considered the fees the Adviser charges other clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. For this purpose, they reviewed information in the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Fund’s Senior Officer disclosing the institutional fee schedule for institutional products managed by the Adviser that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. The directors noted that the institutional fee schedule for clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio had breakpoints at lower asset levels than those in the fee schedule applicable to the Portfolio although the initial fee rates in the institutional fee schedule were higher, and that the application of such fee schedule to the level of assets of the Portfolio would result in a fee rate that would be higher than that in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement prior to taking account of the administrative expense reimbursements made to the Adviser. The directors noted that adding the eight basis point administrative expense reimbursement to the Adviser resulted in a lower rate of total compensation to the Adviser under the institutional fee schedule than what is paid by the Portfolio. 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 directors also reviewed information that indicated that the Portfolio pays a higher fee rate than certain registered investment companies with a similar investment style as the Portfolio that are sub-advised by the Adviser. The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio is the same as that for its Corresponding Fund.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Portfolio relative to institutional clients and sub-advised funds. The Adviser also noted that since mutual funds are constantly issuing and
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets are relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Portfolio in comparison to the fees and expenses of funds within two comparison groups created by Lipper: an Expense Group and an Expense Universe. Lipper described an Expense Group as a representative sample of funds comparable to the Portfolio and an Expense Universe as a broader group, consisting of all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the Portfolio. The Class A expense ratio of the Portfolio was based on the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year expense ratio. The directors recognized that the expense ratio information for the Portfolio potentially reflected on the Adviser’s provision of services, as the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Portfolio by others. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some funds in the Portfolio’s Lipper category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases were voluntary and perhaps temporary.
The directors noted that the Portfolio’s at approximate current size contractual advisory effective fee rate of 55 basis points, plus the 8 basis point impact of the latest fiscal year administrative expense reimbursement by the Portfolio pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, was lower than the Expense Group median. The directors also noted that the Portfolio’s total expense ratio was lower than the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians. The directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was satisfactory.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors also considered presentations by an independent consultant discussing economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AllianceBernstein Funds. 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 establishing breakpoints that give effect to 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 Portfolio, 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 Portfolio’s breakpoint arrangements would result in a sharing of economies of scale in the event of a very significant increase in the Portfolio’s net assets.
19
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein Real Estate Investment Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Value | | 55 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 45 bp on next $2.5 billion 40 bp on the balance | | $ | 117.9 | | Real Estate Investment Portfolio |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $86,750 (0.08% of the Fund’s average daily net assets) for such services.
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s total expense ratios for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio | | Class A Class B | | 0.83 1.08 | % % | | December 31 |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2007 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 1-3, 2007. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | The AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were also affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients and sub-advised investment companies include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than managing that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if a fund is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different and legal and reputational risks are greater, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee based on February 28, 2007 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio | | $ | 117.9 | | Domestic REIT Strategy Schedule 70 bp on 1st $25m 60 bp on next $25m 50 bp on next $25m negotiable on the balance Minimum account size $10m | | 0.564 | %5 | | 0.550 | % |
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Global Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc. a retail mutual fund, which has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Global Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc.:6
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee | |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio7 | | Global Real Estate Investment, Inc. | | 0.55% on first $2.5 billion 0.45% on next $2.5 billion 0.40% on the balance | | 0.55 | % |
4 | The Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300 million, it will negotiate a fee schedule. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. |
5 | Assumes 50 bp on the balance. |
6 | It should be noted that the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the Portfolio has the same breakpoints in its advisory fee schedule as the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund. |
7 | It should be noted that the Portfolio’s investment guidelines are more restrictive than that of AllianceBernstein Global Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc. The Portfolio primarily invests in equity securities of U.S. real estate investment trusts (“REITS”) and other U.S. real estate industry companies, in contrast to the AllianceBernstein Global Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc., which may invest in equities of non-U.S. REITS and other non-U.S. real estate industry companies. |
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages and sponsors retail mutual funds, which are organized in jurisdictions outside the United States, generally Luxembourg and Japan, and sold to non-United States resident investors. The Adviser charges the following fees for U.S. Real Estate Portfolio, which is a Luxembourg fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Fund:
| | | |
Fund | | Fee | |
U.S. Real Estate Portfolio | | | |
Class A8 | | 1.75 | % |
Class I (Institutional) | | 0.95 | % |
The Adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment company with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services offered by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”)9 at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.10
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee11 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio | | 0.550 | | 0.834 | | 1/15 |
Lipper also analyzed the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio in comparison to the Fund’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU12 is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective and load type as the subject Fund.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)13 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio | | 0.832 | | 0.905 | | 2/15 | | 0.921 | | 4/18 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
The Adviser utilizes two profitability reporting systems, which operate independently but are aligned with each other, to estimate the Adviser’s profitability in connection with investment advisory services provided to the Portfolio. The Senior
8 | Class A shares of the funds are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory services and distribution related services. |
9 | It should be noted that Lipper does not consider average account size when constructing EGs. Funds with relatively small average account sizes tend to have higher transfer agent expense ratios than comparable sized funds that have relatively large average account sizes. Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
10 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that the Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
11 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. |
12 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
13 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
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Officer has retained a consultant to provide independent advice regarding the alignment of the two profitability systems as well as the methodologies and allocations utilized by both profitability systems. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The Portfolio’s profitability information, prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors, was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio decreased during calendar year 2006, relative to 2005.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship provided the affiliates’ charges and services are competitive. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, and brokerage commissions. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur.
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $73,262 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection with Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $172,555 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, recordkeeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the relevant intermediary over the year.
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability decreased in 2006 in comparison to 2005. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $783 from the Portfolio.14
The Portfolio may effect brokerage transactions in the future through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and pay commissions for such transactions. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from any future business conducted with the Portfolio would be comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients. These credits and charges are not being passed onto any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for its clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding economies of scale and/or scope. Based on the independent consultant’s initial survey, there was a consensus that fund management companies benefited from economies of scale. However, due to the lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders.
The independent consultant conducted further studies of the Adviser’s operations to determine the existence of economies of scale and/or scope within the Adviser. The independent consultant also analyzed patterns related to advisory fees at the industry level. In a recent presentation to the Board of Directors, the independent consultant noted the potential for
14 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
23
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
economies of scale and/or scope through the use of “pooling portfolios” and blend products. The independent consultant also remarked that there may be diseconomies as assets grow in less liquid and active markets. It was also observed that various factors, including fund size, family size, asset class, and investment style, had an impact on advisory fees.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $742 billion as of March 31, 2007, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information prepared by Lipper shows the 1, 3 and 5 year performance rankings of the Portfolio15 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)16 for the periods ended December 31, 2006.17
| | | | | | | | | | |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 35.22 | | 35.84 | | 36.35 | | 9/15 | | 14/22 |
3 year | | 26.99 | | 27.09 | | 27.28 | | 8/12 | | 12/18 |
5 year | | 23.96 | | 24.09 | | 24.14 | | 7/10 | | 8/13 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)18 versus its benchmark.19 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.20
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending December 31, 2006 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio | | 35.22 | | 26.99 | | 23.96 | | 14.60 | | 14.49 | | 1.39 | | 5 |
NAREIT Equity Index | | 35.06 | | 25.85 | | 23.20 | | 14.48 | | 14.16 | | 1.38 | | 5 |
Inception Date: January 9, 1997 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: June 4, 2007
15 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio shown were provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. Rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s Portfolio returns to be one or two basis points different from Lipper’s own Portfolio returns. To maintain consistency, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
16 | The Fund’s PG is identical to the Fund’s EG. The Fund’s PU is not identical to the Fund’s EU as the criteria for including or excluding a fund from a PU is somewhat different from that of an EU. |
17 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the fund even if a fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
18 | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
19 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through December 31, 2006. It should be noted that the “since inception” performance returns of the Portfolio’s benchmark goes back only through the nearest month-end after inception date. In contrast, the Portfolio’s since inception return goes back to the Portfolio’s actual inception date. |
20 | Portfolio and benchmark volatility and Sharpe Ratio information was obtained through Lipper LANA, a database maintained by Lipper. Volatility is a statistical measure of the tendency of a market price or yield to vary over time. A Sharpe Ratio is a risk adjusted measure of return that divides a portfolio’s return in excess of the riskless return by the portfolio’s standard deviation. A portfolio with a greater volatility would be seen as more risky than a portfolio with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky portfolio. A portfolio with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a portfolio with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
24
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Small Cap Growth Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,120.86 | | $ | 6.36 | | 1.21 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,018.79 | | $ | 6.06 | | 1.21 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,119.01 | | $ | 7.67 | | 1.46 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,017.55 | | $ | 7.30 | | 1.46 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Resources Connection, Inc. | | $ | 1,380,288 | | 2.1 | % |
DealerTrack Holdings, Inc. | | | 1,285,716 | | 1.9 | |
LKQ Corp. | | | 1,219,684 | | 1.8 | |
VistaPrint Ltd. | | | 1,174,275 | | 1.8 | |
Strayer Education, Inc. | | | 1,053,680 | | 1.6 | |
Orient-Express Hotels Ltd.—Class A | | | 1,041,300 | | 1.6 | |
Baldor Electric Co. | | | 1,029,952 | | 1.6 | |
Astec Industries, Inc. | | | 1,017,502 | | 1.5 | |
Bill Barrett Corp. | | | 1,016,508 | | 1.5 | |
Bucyrus International, Inc.—Class A | | | 997,998 | | 1.5 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 11,216,903 | | 16.9 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Information Technology | | $ | 16,745,411 | | 25.1 | % |
Industrials | | | 15,074,720 | | 22.6 | |
Health Care | | | 10,683,113 | | 16.0 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 10,207,952 | | 15.3 | |
Energy | | | 6,551,117 | | 9.8 | |
Financials | | | 3,486,278 | | 5.2 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 1,562,442 | | 2.3 | |
Technology | | | 582,390 | | 0.9 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 341,964 | | 0.5 | |
Consumer Services | | | 222,240 | | 0.3 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 1,338,000 | | 2.0 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 66,795,627 | | 100.0 | % |
| 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 and 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. |
2
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–98.6% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–25.2% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–2.1% | | | | | |
Dycom Industries, Inc.(a) | | 27,200 | | $ | 815,456 |
Netgear, Inc.(a) | | 15,900 | | | 576,375 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,391,831 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–1.1% | | | | | |
Synaptics, Inc.(a) | | 21,300 | | | 762,327 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–5.7% | | | | | |
DealerTrack Holdings, Inc.(a) | | 34,900 | | | 1,285,716 |
LoopNet, Inc.(a) | | 23,400 | | | 545,922 |
Omniture, Inc.(a) | | 12,100 | | | 277,332 |
Switch & Data Facilities Co., Inc.(a) | | 24,800 | | | 475,912 |
VistaPrint, Ltd.(a) | | 30,700 | | | 1,174,275 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,759,157 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–2.9% | | | | | |
Authorize.Net Holdings, Inc.(a) | | 39,900 | | | 713,811 |
Enernoc, Inc.(a) | | 400 | | | 15,252 |
Euronet Worldwide, Inc.(a) | | 4,300 | | | 125,388 |
Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc.(a) | | 31,600 | | | 506,232 |
VeriFone Holdings, Inc.(a) | | 16,200 | | | 571,050 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,931,733 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–6.9% | | | | | |
Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc.(a) | | 93,700 | | | 908,890 |
Eagle Test Systems, Inc.(a) | | 36,610 | | | 587,957 |
Hittite Microwave Corp.(a) | | 20,800 | | | 888,784 |
Integrated Device Technology, Inc.(a) | | 32,430 | | | 495,206 |
ON Semiconductor Corp.(a) | | 83,100 | | | 890,832 |
Verigy Ltd.(a) | | 29,200 | | | 835,412 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,607,081 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–6.5% | | | | | |
Blackbaud, Inc. | | 26,020 | | | 574,521 |
Commvault Systems, Inc.(a) | | 21,900 | | | 378,213 |
MICROS Systems, Inc.(a) | | 18,100 | | | 984,640 |
Quest Software, Inc.(a) | | 36,420 | | | 589,640 |
THQ, Inc.(a) | | 27,350 | | | 834,722 |
Ultimate Software Group, Inc.(a) | | 32,200 | | | 931,546 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,293,282 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 16,745,411 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–22.7% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.4% | | | | | |
Hexcel Corp.(a) | | 44,400 | | | 935,508 |
| | | | | |
AIR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS–0.5% | | | | | |
UTI Worldwide, Inc. | | 12,100 | | | 324,159 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.7% | | | | | |
Dayton Superior Corp.(a) | | 36,900 | | $ | 498,150 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–8.3% | | | | | |
Huron Consulting Group, Inc.(a) | | 13,627 | | | 994,907 |
Innerworkings, Inc.(a) | | 17,600 | | | 281,952 |
Kenexa Corp.(a) | | 17,700 | | | 667,467 |
Knoll, Inc. | | 38,600 | | | 864,640 |
Resources Connection, Inc.(a) | | 41,600 | | | 1,380,288 |
Stericycle, Inc.(a) | | 19,980 | | | 888,311 |
Taleo Corp.—Class A(a) | | 19,000 | | | 428,070 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,505,635 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–1.6% | | | | | |
Baldor Electric Co. | | 20,900 | | | 1,029,952 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–6.5% | | | | | |
Astec Industries, Inc.(a) | | 24,100 | | | 1,017,502 |
Bucyrus International, Inc.— Class A | | 14,100 | | | 997,998 |
IDEX Corp. | | 24,655 | | | 950,204 |
RBC Bearings, Inc.(a) | | 22,100 | | | 911,625 |
Watts Water Technologies, Inc.—Class A | | 12,600 | | | 472,122 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,349,451 |
| | | | | |
MARINE–1.5% | | | | | |
Kirby Corp.(a) | | 25,900 | | | 994,301 |
| | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–2.2% | | | | | |
Houston Wire & Cable Co.(a) | | 20,400 | | | 579,564 |
MSC Industrial Direct Co.— Class A | | 15,600 | | | 858,000 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,437,564 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 15,074,720 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–16.1% | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–1.5% | | | | | |
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | | 14,400 | | | 648,864 |
Amicus Therapeutics, Inc.(a) | | 13,100 | | | 150,650 |
Array Biopharma, Inc.(a) | | 14,200 | | | 165,714 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 965,228 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–4.2% | | | | | |
Abaxis, Inc.(a) | | 19,900 | | | 415,114 |
ArthroCare Corp.(a) | | 15,400 | | | 676,214 |
Hansen Medical, Inc.(a) | | 26,720 | | | 504,741 |
Meridian Bioscience, Inc. | | 43,450 | | | 941,127 |
TomoTherapy, Inc.(a) | | 11,500 | | | 252,080 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,789,276 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–4.1% | | | | | |
HealthExtras, Inc.(a) | | 21,900 | | | 647,802 |
LHC Group, Inc.(a) | | 35,700 | | | 935,340 |
Psychiatric Solutions, Inc.(a) | | 17,900 | | | 649,054 |
WellCare Health Plans, Inc.(a) | | 5,469 | | | 494,999 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,727,195 |
| | | | | |
3
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY–1.4% | | | | | |
Trizetto Group(a) | | 48,600 | | $ | 940,896 |
| | | | | |
LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–4.1% | | | | | |
Advanced Magnetics, Inc.(a) | | 10,100 | | | 587,416 |
Icon PLC (ADR)(a) | | 22,200 | | | 971,028 |
Nektar Therapeutics(a) | | 38,400 | | | 364,416 |
Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.(a) | | 10,100 | | | 780,427 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,703,287 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–0.8% | | | | | |
Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | | 17,700 | | | 146,379 |
Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | | 7,500 | | | 119,925 |
Pozen, Inc.(a) | | 16,100 | | | 290,927 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 557,231 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,683,113 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–15.4% | | | | | |
DISTRIBUTORS–1.8% | | | | | |
LKQ Corp.(a) | | 49,460 | | | 1,219,684 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–2.4% | | | | | |
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.(a) | | 12,900 | | | 501,939 |
Strayer Education, Inc. | | 8,000 | | | 1,053,680 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,555,619 |
| | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–5.6% | | | | | |
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.(a) | | 37,900 | | | 540,075 |
Home Inns & Hotels Management, Inc. (ADR)(a) | | 19,200 | | | 618,432 |
Life Time Fitness, Inc.(a) | | 17,700 | | | 942,171 |
Orient-Express Hotels, Ltd.— Class A | | 19,500 | | | 1,041,300 |
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.— Class A(a) | | 46,300 | | | 592,177 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,734,155 |
| | | | | |
LEISURE EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS–0.5% | | | | | |
MarineMax, Inc.(a) | | 17,700 | | | 354,354 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–1.0% | | | | | |
Morningstar, Inc.(a) | | 14,500 | | | 681,862 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–3.3% | | | | | |
Citi Trends, Inc.(a) | | 18,900 | | | 717,444 |
Coldwater Creek, Inc.(a) | | 37,350 | | | 867,641 |
Zumiez, Inc.(a) | | 15,390 | | | 581,434 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,166,519 |
| | | | | |
TEXTILES APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.8% | | | | | |
Under Armour, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 10,860 | | | 495,759 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,207,952 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–9.9% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–6.5% | | | | | |
Complete Production Services, Inc.(a) | | 25,900 | | $ | 669,515 |
Core Laboratories NV(a) | | 7,984 | | | 811,893 |
Dril-Quip, Inc.(a) | | 18,500 | | | 831,575 |
FMC Technologies, Inc.(a) | | 6,000 | | | 475,320 |
Tesco Corp.(a) | | 16,700 | | | 526,885 |
W-H Energy Services, Inc.—Class H(a) | | 16,100 | | | 996,751 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,311,939 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–3.4% | | | | | |
Bill Barrett Corp.(a) | | 27,600 | | | 1,016,508 |
Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.(a) | | 9,000 | | | 373,230 |
EXCO Resources, Inc.(a) | | 27,500 | | | 479,600 |
Penn Virginia Corp. | | 9,200 | | | 369,840 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,239,178 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,551,117 |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–5.2% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–3.2% | | | | | |
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.(a) | | 6,000 | | | 772,560 |
GFI Group, Inc.(a) | | 1,000 | | | 72,480 |
Greenhill & Co., Inc. | | 12,000 | | | 824,520 |
OptionsXpress Holdings, Inc. | | 18,180 | | | 466,499 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,136,059 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–1.2% | | | | | |
Community Bancorp(a) | | 13,600 | | | 380,528 |
First Republic Bank | | 7,600 | | | 407,816 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 788,344 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–0.4% | | | | | |
Primus Guaranty Ltd.(a) | | 27,530 | | | 295,121 |
| | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–0.4% | | | | | |
Clayton Holdings, Inc.(a) | | 23,420 | | | 266,754 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,486,278 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.4% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.4% | | | | | |
Cbeyond, Inc.(a) | | 16,600 | | | 639,266 |
NTELOS Holdings Corp. | | 33,400 | | | 923,176 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,562,442 |
| | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY–0.9% | | | | | |
COMPUTER PERIPHERALS–0.4% | | | | | |
Data Domain, Inc.(a) | | 10,000 | | | 230,000 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–0.5% | | | | | |
PROS Holdings, Inc.(a) | | 26,900 | | | 352,390 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 582,390 |
| | | | | |
4
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–0.5% | | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–0.5% | | | | | |
Hain Celestial Group, Inc.(a) | | 12,600 | | $ | 341,964 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER SERVICES–0.3% | | | | | |
MISCELLANEOUS–0.3% | | | | | |
comScore, Inc.(a) | | 9,600 | | | 222,240 |
| | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $49,629,505) | | | | | 65,457,627 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–2.0% | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–2.0% | | | | | | | |
The Bank of New York 4.25%, 7/02/07 (cost $1,338,000) | | $ | 1,338 | | $ | 1,338,000 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.6% (cost $50,967,505) | | | | | | 66,795,627 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(0.6)% | | | | | | (385,838 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 66,409,789 | |
| | | | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
| ADR—American Depositary Receipt |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
5
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $50,967,505) | | $ | 66,795,627 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 736,762 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 5,559 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 1,422 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 67,539,370 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Due to custodian | | | 10,324 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 843,789 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 106,723 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 42,414 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 19,185 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 4,574 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 102,513 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 1,129,581 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 66,409,789 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 4,390 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 97,331,219 | |
Accumulated net investment loss | | | (358,723 | ) |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment transactions | | | (46,395,219 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments | | | 15,828,122 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 66,409,789 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 44,941,720 | | 2,954,133 | | $ | 15.21 |
B | | $ | 21,468,069 | | 1,435,824 | | $ | 14.95 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends | | $ | 75,092 | |
Interest | | | 20,660 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 95,752 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 258,813 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 27,488 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,301 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 607 | |
Custodian | | | 73,672 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Audit | | | 19,601 | |
Printing | | | 11,140 | |
Legal | | | 4,666 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 755 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 1,509 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 446,552 | |
| | | | |
Net investment loss | | | (350,800 | ) |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 6,452,183 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | 1,772,685 | |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment transactions | | | 8,224,868 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 7,874,068 | |
| | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
| | |
|
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (350,800 | ) | | $ | (722,442 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 6,452,183 | | | | 8,848,126 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | 1,772,685 | | | | (861,528 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 7,874,068 | | | | 7,264,156 | |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (12,032,360 | ) | | | (8,615,766 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (4,158,292 | ) | | | (1,351,610 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 70,568,081 | | | | 71,919,691 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including accumulated net investment loss of ($358,723) and ($7,923), respectively) | | $ | 66,409,789 | | | $ | 70,568,081 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Small Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. Prior to February 1, 2006, the Portfolio’s investment objective was to seek growth of capital by pursuing aggressive investment policies. Current income is incidental to the Portfolio’s objective. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 Exchange, 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
9
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. 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 asked 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 and loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, foreign currency exchange contracts, holdings 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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the policy of the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of 1% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
10
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| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007 amounted to $69,226, none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to ..50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 27,441,379 | | | $ | 39,906,090 | |
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 are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 16,652,759 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (824,637 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 15,828,122 | |
| | | | |
1. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 depreciation by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
11
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series 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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars, reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
2. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 79,645 | | | 802,592 | | | | | $ | 1,130,371 | | | $ | 10,449,898 | |
Shares redeemed | | (698,830 | ) | | (1,264,557 | ) | | | | | (10,079,392 | ) | | | (16,507,629 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (619,185 | ) | | (461,965 | ) | | | | $ | (8,949,021 | ) | | $ | (6,057,731 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 112,753 | | | 520,053 | | | | | $ | 1,561,375 | | | $ | 6,865,945 | |
Shares redeemed | | (329,482 | ) | | (725,793 | ) | | | | | (4,644,714 | ) | | | (9,423,980 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (216,729 | ) | | (205,740 | ) | | | | $ | (3,083,339 | ) | | $ | (2,558,035 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
12
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE H: Components of Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | $ | (52,050,020 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 13,250,132 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (38,799,888 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | On December 31, 2006, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carrryforward of $52,050,020 of which $120,803 expires in the year 2008, $6,605,979 expires in the year 2009, and $45,323,838 expires in 2010. To the extent future capital gains are offset by capital loss carryforwards, such gains will not be distributed. Based on certain provisions in the Internal Revenue Code, various limitations regarding the future utilization of these carryforwards, brought forward as a result of the Portfolio’s merger with Brinson Series Trust Small Cap Growth Portfolio, may apply. During the current fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized capital loss carryforwards of $8,207,426. |
(b) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
13
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges,
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
15
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SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $13.57 | | | $12.26 | | | $11.65 | | | $10.17 | | | $ 6.83 | | | $10.01 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (a) | | (.07 | ) | | (.12 | ) | | (.11 | ) | | (.10 | )(b) | | (.09 | ) | | (.07 | )(b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | 1.71 | | | 1.43 | | | .72 | | | 1.58 | | | 3.43 | | | (3.11 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 1.64 | | | 1.31 | | | .61 | | | 1.48 | | | 3.34 | | | (3.18 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $15.21 | | | $13.57 | | | $12.26 | | | $11.65 | | | $10.17 | | | $ 6.83 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 12.09 | % | | 10.69 | % | | 5.24 | % | | 14.55 | % | | 48.90 | % | | (31.77 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $44,942 | | | $48,498 | | | $49,453 | | | $61,661 | | | $61,079 | | | $86,093 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.21 | %(d) | | 1.16 | %(e) | | 1.18 | % | | 1.14 | % | | 1.36 | % | | 1.11 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.21 | %(d) | | 1.16 | %(e) | | 1.18 | % | | 1.30 | % | | 1.36 | % | | 1.25 | % |
Net investment loss | | (.94 | )%(d) | | (.90 | )%(e) | | (.93 | )% | | (.93 | )%(b) | | (1.10 | )% | | (.86 | )%(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 40 | % | | 76 | % | | 90 | % | | 92 | % | | 129 | % | | 111 | % |
See footnote summary on page 17.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $13.36 | | | $12.09 | | | $11.53 | | | $10.08 | | | $ 6.78 | | | $ 9.98 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (a) | | (.08 | ) | | (.15 | ) | | (.13 | ) | | (.12 | )(b) | | (.11 | ) | | (.09 | )(b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | 1.67 | | | 1.42 | | | .69 | | | 1.57 | | | 3.41 | | | (3.11 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 1.59 | | | 1.27 | | | .56 | | | 1.45 | | | 3.30 | | | (3.20 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $14.95 | | | $13.36 | | | $12.09 | | | $11.53 | | | $10.08 | | | $ 6.78 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 11.90 | % | | 10.51 | % | | 4.86 | % | | 14.39 | % | | 48.67 | % | | (32.06 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $21,468 | | | $22,070 | | | $22,467 | | | $24,448 | | | $15,846 | | | $5,101 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.46 | %(d) | | 1.41 | %(e) | | 1.43 | % | | 1.40 | % | | 1.61 | % | | 1.37 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.46 | %(d) | | 1.41 | %(e) | | 1.43 | % | | 1.56 | % | | 1.61 | % | | 1.51 | % |
Net investment loss | | (1.19 | )%(d) | | (1.15 | )%(e) | | (1.18 | )% | | (1.19 | )%(b) | | (1.37 | )% | | (1.10 | )%(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 40 | % | | 76 | % | | 90 | % | | 92 | % | | 129 | % | | 111 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses reimbursed or waived by the Adviser. |
(c) | 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
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SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE PORTFOLIO’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AllianceBernstein Small Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2007.
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 Fund’s Senior Officer (who is also the Fund’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fees in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fees for the Portfolio were reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Fund’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio 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 AllianceBernstein 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio and the overall arrangements between the Portfolio 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 research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Portfolio. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Portfolio’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Portfolio will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services provided at the Portfolio’s request by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are approved by the directors on a quarterly basis and (to the extent requested and paid) result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Portfolio to the Adviser than the fee rates stated in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Portfolio’s other service providers, also were considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Portfolio 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 Portfolio to the Adviser for calendar years 2005 and 2006 that had been prepared with an updated expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The directors reviewed the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and noted 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 Portfolio, including those relating to its subsidiaries which provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Portfolio. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability from fund advisory contracts because comparative
18
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that they were satisfied that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Portfolio was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Portfolio other than the fees and expense reimbursements payable under the Advisory Agreement, including but not limited to benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby the Adviser receives brokerage and research services from many of the brokers and dealers that execute purchases and sales of securities on behalf of its clients on an agency basis), 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 the Portfolio’s Class B shares, transfer agency fees paid by the Portfolio to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, and brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio to brokers affiliated with the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors also understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Portfolio.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the meeting, the directors receive detailed comparative performance information for the Portfolio at each regular Board meeting during the year. The directors noted that the Portfolio is a clone of another fund managed by the Adviser (the “Corresponding Fund”) and is managed to track the investment performance of its Corresponding Fund, although investment results may differ between the Portfolio and its Corresponding Fund due to differences in their expense ratios and other factors. At the meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Lipper showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Portfolio as compared to a group of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Group”) and as compared to a broader array of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Universe”), and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares as compared to the Russell 2000 Growth Index (the “Index”), in each case for periods ended December 31, 2006 over the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (August 1996 inception). The directors also reviewed information prepared by the Adviser based on information from Lipper showing that the Fund outperformed the Index and was in the second quintile of the Performance Universe in the quarter ended March 31, 2007. The directors noted that in the Performance Group comparison the Portfolio was in the 4th quintile in the 1-year period, 3rd quintile in the 3- and 5-year periods and 5th quintile in the 10-year period and in the Performance Universe comparison the Portfolio was in the 3rd quintile in the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods and 5th quintile in the 10-year period. The comparative information showed that the Portfolio underperformed the Index in all periods reviewed. Based on their review and their discussion with the Adviser concerning the Portfolio’s performance and the improved performance in the first quarter of 2007, the directors concluded that the Portfolio’s relative performance over time had been satisfactory.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser and information prepared by Lipper concerning fee rates paid by other funds in the same Lipper category as the Portfolio 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 also considered the fees the Adviser charges other clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. For this purpose, they reviewed information in the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Fund’s Senior Officer disclosing the institutional fee schedule for institutional products managed by the Adviser that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. The directors noted that the institutional fee schedule for clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio had breakpoints at lower asset levels than those in the fee schedule applicable to the Portfolio although the institutional fee schedule provided for higher rates on the first $150 million of assets, and that the application of such fee schedule to the level of assets of the Portfolio would result in a fee rate that would be higher than that in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement, even after taking into account the 12 basis point expense ratio impact of the administrative expense reimbursement provision in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. 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 directors also reviewed information that indicated that the Portfolio pays a higher fee rate than certain registered investment companies with a similar investment style as the Portfolio that are sub-advised by the Adviser. The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio is the same as that for its Corresponding Fund.
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SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Portfolio relative to institutional clients and sub-advised funds. The Adviser also noted that since mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets are relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Portfolio in comparison to the fees and expenses of funds within two comparison groups created by Lipper: an Expense Group and an Expense Universe. Lipper described an Expense Group as a representative sample of funds comparable to the Portfolio and an Expense Universe as a broader group, consisting of all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the Portfolio. The Class A expense ratio of the Portfolio was based on the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year expense ratio. The directors recognized that the expense ratio information for the Portfolio potentially reflected on the Adviser’s provision of services, as the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Portfolio by others. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some funds in the Portfolio’s Lipper category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases were voluntary and perhaps temporary.
The directors noted that the Portfolio’s at approximate current size contractual advisory effective fee rate of 75 basis points was lower than the Expense Group median. The directors noted that the latest fiscal year administrative expense reimbursement by the Portfolio pursuant to the Advisory Agreement was 12 basis points, and that as a result the rate of total compensation received by the Adviser from the Portfolio pursuant to the Advisory Agreement was higher than the Expense Group median. The directors also noted that the Portfolio’s total expense ratio was higher than the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians. The directors noted that the Portfolio’s relatively modest size (approximately $70 million as of February 28, 2007) adversely affected the Portfolio’s expense ratio. For example, it resulted in the administrative expense reimbursement, which does not vary with a Portfolio’s size, having a significant effect on the Portfolio’s expense ratio. The directors also noted that the Adviser had reviewed with them steps being taken that are intended to reduce the expenses of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable in the Portfolio’s particular circumstances.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors also considered presentations by an independent consultant discussing economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AllianceBernstein Funds. 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 establishing breakpoints that give effect to 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 Portfolio, 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 Portfolio’s breakpoint arrangements would result in a sharing of economies of scale in the event of a very significant increase in the Portfolio’s net assets.
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SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein Small Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | |
Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Growth | | 75 bp on 1st $2.5 billion | | $70.0 | | Small Cap Growth Portfolio |
| | 65 bp on next $2.5 billion | | | | |
| | 60 bp on the balance | | | | |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $86,750 (0.12% of the Fund’s average daily net assets) for such services.
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s total expense ratios for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | Class A | | 1.16 | % | | December 31 |
| | Class B | | 1.41 | % | | |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2007 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 1-3, 2007. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | The AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were also affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
21
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients and sub-advised investment companies include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than managing that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if a fund is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different and legal and reputational risks are greater, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee based on February 28, 2007 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | $ | 70.0 | | Small Cap Growth Schedule 100 bp on 1st $50m 85 bp on next $50m 75 bp on the balance Minimum account size $10m | | 0.957 | % | | 0.750 | % |
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Cap Fund, Inc.—Small Cap Growth Fund, a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Cap Fund, Inc.—Small Cap Growth Portfolio:5
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee | |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio6 | | Cap Fund, Inc—Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion 0.65% on next $2.5 billion 0.60% on the balance | | 0.75 | % |
4 | The Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300 million, it will negotiate a fee schedule. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. |
5 | It should be noted that the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the Portfolio has the same breakpoints in its advisory fee schedule as the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund. |
6 | The advisory fees of the Portfolio are paid on a monthly basis and are based on the portfolio’s average daily net assets, in contrast to AllianceBernstein Cap Fund, Inc.—Small Cap Growth Portfolio, whose fees are based on the portfolio’s net assets at the end of each quarter and are paid to the Adviser quarterly. The breakpoints in the fee schedules are the same for the Portfolio and the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund. |
22
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory services to certain other investment companies managed by other fund families. The Adviser charges the fees set forth below for each of these sub-advisory relationships:
| | | | | |
Fund | | Sub-advised Fund | | | Fee Schedule |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | Client | #17 | | 0.60% on 1st $1 billion |
| | | | | 0.55% on next $500 million |
| | | | | 0.50% on next $500 million |
| | | | | 0.45% on next $500 million |
| | | | | 0.40% thereafter |
| | Client | #2 | | 0.65% on 1st $25 million |
| | | | | 0.60% on next $75 million |
| | | | | 0.55% thereafter |
It is fair to note that the services the Adviser provides pursuant to sub-advisory agreements are generally confined to the services related to the investment process; in other words, they are not as comprehensive as the services provided to the Portfolios by the Adviser. In addition, to the extent that certain of these sub-advisory relationships are with affiliates of the Adviser, the fee schedules may not reflect arm’s-length bargaining or negotiations.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services offered by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”)8 at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.9
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee10 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | 0.750 | | 0.800 | | 2/13 |
Lipper also analyzed the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio in comparison to the Portfolio’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU11 is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective and load type as the subject Portfolio.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)12 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | 1.178 | | 0.992 | | 11/13 | | 0.990 | | 33/37 |
7 | This is the fee schedule of a fund managed by an affiliate of the Adviser. |
8 | It should be noted that Lipper does not consider average account size when constructing EGs. Funds with relatively small average account sizes tend to have higher transfer agent expense ratios than comparable sized funds that have relatively small average account sizes. Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
9 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that the Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
10 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. |
11 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
12 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
23
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
The Adviser utilizes two profitability reporting systems, which operate independently but are aligned with each other, to estimate the Adviser’s profitability in connection with investment advisory services provided to the Portfolio. The Senior Officer has retained a consultant to provide independent advice regarding the alignment of the two profitability systems as well as the methodologies and allocations utilized by both profitability systems. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The Portfolio’s profitability information, prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors, was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio increased during calendar year 2006, relative to 2005.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship provided the affiliates’ charges and services are competitive. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, and brokerage commissions. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur.
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $58,239 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection with Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $257,141 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, recordkeeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the relevant intermediary over the year.
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability decreased in 2006 in comparison to 2005. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $783 from the Portfolio.13
The Portfolio effected brokerage transactions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and paid commissions for such transactions during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business conducted with the Portfolio is comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients, including the Portfolio. These credits and charges are not being passed onto any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for the Portfolio and other clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
13 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
24
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding economies of scale and/or scope. Based on the independent consultant’s initial survey, there was a consensus that fund management companies benefited from economies of scale. However, due to the lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders.
The independent consultant conducted further studies of the Adviser’s operations to determine the existence of economies of scale and/or scope within the Adviser. The independent consultant also analyzed patterns related to advisory fees at the industry level. In a recent presentation to the Board of Directors, the independent consultant noted the potential for economies of scale and/or scope through the use of “pooling portfolios” and blend products. The independent consultant also remarked that there may be diseconomies as assets grow in less liquid and active markets. It was also observed that various factors, including fund size, family size, asset class, and investment style, had an impact on advisory fees.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $742 billion as of March 31, 2007, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information prepared by Lipper shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance rankings of the Portfolio14 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)15 for the periods ended December 31, 2006.16
| | | | | | | | | | |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 10.69 | | 11.04 | | 12.39 | | 8/13 | | 26/47 |
3 year | | 10.09 | | 9.82 | | 9.82 | | 6/13 | | 22/45 |
5 year | | 6.27 | | 5.91 | | 5.77 | | 5/12 | | 17/38 |
10 year | | 3.95 | | 4.80 | | 5.39 | | 5/6 | | 14/16 |
14 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio shown were provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. Rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s Portfolio returns to be one or two basis points different from Lipper’s own Portfolio returns. To maintain consistency, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
15 | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s EU as the criteria for including in or excluding a fund from a PU is somewhat different from that of an EU. |
16 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the fund even if a fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
25
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)17 versus its benchmark.18 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.19
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending December 31, 2006 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | 10.69 | | 10.09 | | 6.27 | | 3.95 | | 4.41 | | 22.92 | | 0.12 | | 10 |
Russell 2000 Growth Index | | 13.35 | | 10.51 | | 6.93 | | 4.88 | | 5.26 | | 25.90 | | 0.17 | | 10 |
Inception Date: August 5, 1996
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: June 4, 2007
17 | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
18 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through December 31, 2006. It should be noted that the “since inception” performance returns of the Portfolio’s benchmark goes back only through the nearest month-end after inception date. In contrast, the Portfolio’s since inception return goes back to the Portfolio’s actual inception date. |
19 | Portfolio and benchmark volatility and Sharpe Ratio information was obtained through Lipper LANA, a database maintained by Lipper. Volatility is a statistical measure of the tendency of a market price or yield to vary over time. A Sharpe Ratio is a risk adjusted measure of return that divides a portfolio’s return in excess of the riskless return by the portfolio’s standard deviation. A portfolio with a greater volatility would be seen as more risky than a portfolio with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky portfolio. A portfolio with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a portfolio with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
26
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,137.70 | | $ | 4.45 | | 0.84 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.63 | | $ | 4.21 | | 0.84 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,137.51 | | $ | 5.78 | | 1.09 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.39 | | $ | 5.46 | | 1.09 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
SPX Corp. | | $ | 8,482,446 | | 1.7 | % |
Celanese Corp.—Series A | | | 8,329,944 | | 1.6 | |
Arch Capital Group Ltd. | | | 8,284,068 | | 1.6 | |
Kennametal, Inc. | | | 7,956,910 | | 1.6 | |
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. | | | 7,476,490 | | 1.5 | |
Lubrizol Corp. | | | 7,461,980 | | 1.5 | |
Reliant Energy, Inc. | | | 7,397,775 | | 1.5 | |
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | | | 7,397,720 | | 1.5 | |
ArvinMeritor, Inc. | | | 7,397,040 | | 1.4 | |
Platinum Underwriters Holdings Ltd. | | | 6,915,250 | | 1.4 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 77,099,623 | | 15.3 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Industrials | | $ | 119,525,082 | | 23.4 | % |
Financials | | | 106,616,857 | | 20.9 | |
Materials | | | 57,348,483 | | 11.2 | |
Information Technology | | | 51,339,495 | | 10.0 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 42,760,180 | | 8.4 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 37,114,754 | | 7.3 | |
Utilities | | | 27,913,133 | | 5.5 | |
Health Care | | | 24,312,348 | | 4.8 | |
Energy | | | 14,831,502 | | 2.9 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 28,390,000 | | 5.6 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 510,151,834 | | 100.0 | % |
| 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 and 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. |
2
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–95.8% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–23.8% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.1% | | | | | |
Goodrich Corp. | | 89,275 | | $ | 5,317,219 |
| | | | | |
AIRLINES–1.7% | | | | | |
Alaska Air Group, Inc.(a) | | 109,700 | | | 3,056,242 |
Continental Airlines, Inc.— Class B(a) | | 94,700 | | | 3,207,489 |
Skywest, Inc. | | 93,000 | | | 2,216,190 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,479,921 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–3.4% | | | | | |
IKON Office Solutions, Inc. | | 414,000 | | | 6,462,540 |
Kelly Services, Inc.—Class A | | 83,000 | | | 2,279,180 |
Quebecor World, Inc. | | 168,000 | | | 2,041,200 |
United Stationers, Inc.(a) | | 94,595 | | | 6,303,811 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 17,086,731 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–3.1% | | | | | |
Acuity Brands, Inc. | | 70,600 | | | 4,255,768 |
Cooper Industries, Ltd.— Class A | | 84,400 | | | 4,818,396 |
Regal-Beloit Corp. | | 140,300 | | | 6,529,562 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 15,603,726 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–6.9% | | | | | |
AGCO Corp.(a) | | 60,000 | | | 2,604,600 |
Briggs & Stratton Corp. | | 170,900 | | | 5,393,604 |
Kennametal, Inc. | | 97,000 | | | 7,956,910 |
Mueller Industries, Inc. | | 131,000 | | | 4,511,640 |
SPX Corp. | | 96,600 | | | 8,482,446 |
Terex Corp.(a) | | 71,000 | | | 5,772,300 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 34,721,500 |
| | | | | |
ROAD & RAIL–6.3% | | | | | |
Arkansas Best Corp. | | 127,000 | | | 4,949,190 |
Avis Budget Group, Inc.(a) | | 215,000 | | | 6,112,450 |
Con-way, Inc. | | 115,625 | | | 5,809,000 |
Laidlaw International, Inc. | | 126,600 | | | 4,374,030 |
Ryder System, Inc. | | 99,000 | | | 5,326,200 |
Werner Enterprises, Inc. | | 245,100 | | | 4,938,765 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 31,509,635 |
| | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–1.3% | | | | | |
GATX Corp. | | 138,200 | | | 6,806,350 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 119,525,082 |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–21.2% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–1.1% | | | | | |
A.G. Edwards, Inc. | | 66,900 | | | 5,656,395 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–4.6% | | | | | |
Central Pacific Financial Corp. | | 133,900 | | | 4,420,039 |
The South Financial Group, Inc. | | 164,000 | | | 3,712,960 |
Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. | | 218,600 | | | 4,890,082 |
Trustmark Corp. | | 139,806 | | | 3,615,383 |
UnionBanCal Corp. | | 45,900 | | | 2,740,230 |
Whitney Holding Corp. | | 130,900 | | | 3,940,090 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 23,318,784 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–8.4% | | | | | |
Arch Capital Group Ltd.(a) | | 114,200 | | $ | 8,284,068 |
Aspen Insurance Holdings, Ltd. | | 208,000 | | | 5,838,560 |
Fidelity National Financial, Inc.—Class A | | 231,000 | | | 5,474,700 |
Old Republic International Corp. | | 286,875 | | | 6,098,963 |
PartnerRe, Ltd. | | 17,700 | | | 1,371,750 |
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. | | 199,000 | | | 6,915,250 |
RenaissanceRe Holdings, Ltd. | | 33,600 | | | 2,082,864 |
StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. | | 112,000 | | | 5,877,760 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 41,943,915 |
| | | | | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITs)–3.4% | | | | | |
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. | | 211,000 | | | 2,481,360 |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | | 55,800 | | | 2,102,544 |
FelCor Lodging Trust, Inc. | | 189,600 | | | 4,935,288 |
Highland Hospitality Corp. | | 138,000 | | | 2,649,600 |
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | | 60,000 | | | 3,148,800 |
Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | 85,500 | | | 1,922,895 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 17,240,487 |
| | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–3.7% | | | | | |
Astoria Financial Corp. | | 175,900 | | | 4,404,536 |
Provident Financial Services, Inc. | | 247,000 | | | 3,892,720 |
Radian Group, Inc. | | 83,800 | | | 4,525,200 |
Sovereign Bancorp, Inc. | | 42,500 | | | 898,450 |
Webster Financial Corp. | | 111,000 | | | 4,736,370 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 18,457,276 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 106,616,857 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–11.4% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–6.9% | | | | | |
Ashland, Inc. | | 80,825 | | | 5,168,759 |
Celanese Corp.—Series A | | 214,800 | | | 8,329,944 |
Cytec Industries, Inc. | | 97,300 | | | 6,204,821 |
Lubrizol Corp. | | 115,600 | | | 7,461,980 |
Rockwood Holdings, Inc.(a) | | 202,400 | | | 7,397,720 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 34,563,224 |
| | | | | |
CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–1.8% | | | | | |
Owens-Illinois, Inc.(a) | | 109,100 | | | 3,818,500 |
Silgan Holdings, Inc. | | 93,480 | | | 5,167,574 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,986,074 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–2.7% | | | | | |
Chaparral Steel Co. | | 20,600 | | | 1,480,522 |
Commercial Metals Co. | | 73,800 | | | 2,492,226 |
Metal Management, Inc. | | 104,100 | | | 4,587,687 |
Steel Dynamics, Inc. | | 125,000 | | | 5,238,750 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 13,799,185 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 57,348,483 |
| | | | | |
3
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–10.2% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–2.3% | | | | | |
Andrew Corp.(a) | | 385,800 | | $ | 5,570,952 |
CommScope, Inc.(a) | | 104,700 | | | 6,109,245 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,680,197 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–3.8% | | | | | |
Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a) | | 121,500 | | | 4,669,245 |
AVX Corp. | | 63,400 | | | 1,061,316 |
Celestica, Inc.(a) | | 167,005 | | | 1,043,781 |
Checkpoint Systems, Inc.(a) | | 121,500 | | | 3,067,875 |
Sanmina-SCI Corp.(a) | | 411,679 | | | 1,288,555 |
Solectron Corp.(a) | | 107,400 | | | 395,232 |
Tech Data Corp.(a) | | 49,500 | | | 1,903,770 |
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.(a) | | 351,000 | | | 5,552,820 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 18,982,594 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–0.9% | | | | | |
Covansys Corp.(a) | | 85,000 | | | 2,884,050 |
CSG Systems International, Inc.(a) | | 71,200 | | | 1,887,512 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,771,562 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–3.2% | | | | | |
Amkor Technology, Inc.(a) | | 170,000 | | | 2,677,500 |
Siliconware Precision Industries Co. (ADR) | | 239,058 | | | 2,629,638 |
Spansion, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 240,000 | | | 2,664,000 |
Teradyne, Inc.(a) | | 159,600 | | | 2,805,768 |
Zoran Corp.(a) | | 255,900 | | | 5,128,236 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 15,905,142 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 51,339,495 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–8.5% | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–3.4% | | | | | |
ArvinMeritor, Inc. | | 333,200 | | | 7,397,040 |
Autoliv, Inc. | | 38,500 | | | 2,189,495 |
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp.(a) | | 203,000 | | | 7,476,490 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 17,063,025 |
| | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–2.0% | | | | | |
Jack in the Box, Inc.(a) | | 47,700 | | | 3,383,838 |
Papa John’s International, Inc.(a) | | 137,654 | | | 3,958,929 |
Vail Resorts, Inc.(a) | | 44,200 | | | 2,690,454 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,033,221 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.9% | | | | | |
Furniture Brands International, Inc. | | 186,000 | | | 2,641,200 |
KB Home | | 52,000 | | | 2,047,240 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,688,440 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–0.5% | | | | | |
Dillard’s, Inc.—Class A | | 70,000 | | $ | 2,515,100 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–0.9% | | | | | |
AutoNation, Inc.(a) | | 121,149 | | | 2,718,584 |
Office Depot, Inc.(a) | | 55,000 | | | 1,666,500 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,385,084 |
| | | | | |
TEXTILES APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.8% | | | | | |
VF Corp. | | 44,500 | | | 4,075,310 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 42,760,180 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–7.4% | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–1.3% | | | | | |
Molson Coors Brewing Co.—Class B | | 68,600 | | | 6,342,756 |
| | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–3.6% | | | | | |
Performance Food Group Co.(a) | | 211,100 | | | 6,858,639 |
Ruddick Corp. | | 196,000 | | | 5,903,520 |
SUPERVALU, Inc. | | 113,700 | | | 5,266,584 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 18,028,743 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–1.2% | | | | | |
Corn Products International, Inc. | | 138,300 | | | 6,285,735 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–1.3% | | | | | |
Universal Corp. | | 106,000 | | | 6,457,520 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 37,114,754 |
| | | | | |
UTILITIES–5.6% | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–3.0% | | | | | |
Allegheny Energy, Inc.(a) | | 44,000 | | | 2,276,560 |
Northeast Utilities | | 192,200 | | | 5,450,792 |
Reliant Energy, Inc.(a) | | 274,500 | | | 7,397,775 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 15,125,127 |
| | | | | |
INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS & ENERGY TRADERS–0.7% | | | | | |
Constellation Energy Group, Inc. | | 41,000 | | | 3,573,970 |
| | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–1.9% | | | | | |
Puget Energy, Inc. | | 171,800 | | | 4,154,124 |
Wisconsin Energy Corp. | | 114,400 | | | 5,059,912 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,214,036 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 27,913,133 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–4.8% | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–2.7% | | | | | |
Genesis HealthCare Corp.(a) | | 66,000 | | | 4,515,720 |
Kindred Healthcare, Inc.(a) | | 130,000 | | | 3,993,600 |
Molina Healthcare, Inc.(a) | | 92,925 | | | 2,836,071 |
Universal Health Services, Inc.—Class B | | 37,800 | | | 2,324,700 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 13,670,091 |
| | | | | |
LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–1.4% | | | | | |
PerkinElmer, Inc. | | 262,300 | | | 6,835,538 |
| | | | | |
4
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–0.7% | | | | | |
Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc.(a) | | 61,375 | | $ | 2,100,866 |
King Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | | 83,375 | | | 1,705,853 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,806,719 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 24,312,348 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–2.9% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–2.3% | | | | | |
Hanover Compressor Co.(a) | | 248,233 | | | 5,920,357 |
Oil States International, Inc.(a) | | 62,000 | | | 2,563,080 |
Rowan Cos., Inc. | | 52,900 | | | 2,167,842 |
Todco(a) | | 27,100 | | | 1,279,391 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,930,670 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–0.6% | | | | | |
Hess Corp. | | 49,200 | | | 2,900,832 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 14,831,502 |
| | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $387,594,640) | | | | | 481,761,834 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–5.7% | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–5.7% | | | | | | | |
The Bank of New York 4.25%, 7/02/07 (cost $28,390,000) | | $ | 28,390 | | $ | 28,390,000 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–101.5% (cost $415,984,640) | | | | | | 510,151,834 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(1.5)% | | | | | | (7,453,908 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 502,697,926 | |
| | | | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
| ADR—American Depositary Receipt |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
5
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | |
ASSETS | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $415,984,640) | | $ | 510,151,834 |
Cash | | | 1,579 |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 505,628 |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 396,109 |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 28,636 |
| | | |
Total assets | | | 511,083,786 |
| | | |
LIABILITIES | | | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 7,277,171 |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 607,825 |
Advisory fee payable | | | 322,440 |
Distribution fee payable | | | 67,760 |
Administrative fee payable | | | 11,760 |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 66 |
Accrued expenses | | | 98,838 |
| | | |
Total liabilities | | | 8,385,860 |
| | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 502,697,926 |
| | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 26,319 |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 384,849,879 |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 1,056,689 |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 22,597,845 |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments | | | 94,167,194 |
| | | |
| | $ | 502,697,926 |
| | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 181,175,864 | | 9,463,614 | | $ | 19.14 |
B | | $ | 321,522,062 | | 16,855,677 | | $ | 19.08 |
See | Notes to Financial Statements. |
6
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | |
Dividends | | $ | 2,941,869 |
Interest | | | 418,378 |
| | | |
Total investment income | | | 3,360,247 |
| | | |
EXPENSES | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 1,708,815 |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 352,964 |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,155 |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1,886 |
Custodian | | | 74,512 |
Administrative | | | 47,000 |
Printing | | | 38,881 |
Audit | | | 19,122 |
Legal | | | 9,693 |
Directors’ fees | | | 757 |
Miscellaneous | | | 8,075 |
| | | |
Total expenses | | | 2,262,860 |
| | | |
Net investment income | | | 1,097,387 |
| | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 22,785,945 |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | 33,320,983 |
| | | |
Net gain on investment transactions | | | 56,106,928 |
| | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 57,204,315 |
| | | |
See | Notes to Financial Statements. |
7
| | |
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 1,097,387 | | | $ | 3,641,634 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 22,785,945 | | | | 30,916,131 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | 33,320,983 | | | | 14,815,682 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 57,204,315 | | | | 49,373,447 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (1,546,634 | ) | | | (603,339 | ) |
Class B | | | (2,098,492 | ) | | | (500,061 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (11,437,901 | ) | | | (9,975,197 | ) |
Class B | | | (19,627,077 | ) | | | (14,763,715 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 68,987,497 | | | | 67,035,082 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase | | | 91,481,708 | | | | 90,566,217 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 411,216,218 | | | | 320,650,001 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $1,056,689 and $3,604,428, respectively) | | $ | 502,697,926 | | | $ | 411,216,218 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), formerly AllianceBernstein Small Cap Value Portfolio, is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio commenced operations on May 1, 2001. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
9
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. 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 asked 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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the policy of the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of 1% of the Portfolio’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 on an annual basis to 1.20% and 1.45% of the daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.
10
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007, amounted to $130,910, none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 101,819,678 | | | $ | 75,361,350 | |
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 are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 106,065,953 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (11,898,759 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 94,167,194 | |
| | | | |
1. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 net unrealized appreciation or depreciation by the Portfolio.
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SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars, reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
2. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 1,852,782 | | | 2,333,093 | | | | | $ | 36,130,325 | | | $ | 40,439,189 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 671,730 | | | 640,735 | | | | | | 12,984,535 | | | | 10,578,536 | |
Shares redeemed | | (1,901,170 | ) | | (2,003,188 | ) | | | | | (36,622,545 | ) | | | (34,746,319 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 623,342 | | | 970,640 | | | | | $ | 12,492,315 | | | $ | 16,271,406 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 2,852,789 | | | 3,705,438 | | | | | $ | 55,563,066 | | | $ | 63,976,712 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 1,128,015 | | | 927,889 | | | | | | 21,725,569 | | | | 15,263,776 | |
Shares redeemed | | (1,092,940 | ) | | (1,639,985 | ) | | | | | (20,793,453 | ) | | | (28,476,812 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 2,887,864 | | | 2,993,342 | | | | | $ | 56,495,182 | | | $ | 50,763,676 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
12
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 5,332,956 | | $ | 5,220,753 |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 20,509,356 | | | 8,787,944 |
| | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 25,842,312 | | | 14,008,697 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 25,842,312 | | $ | 14,008,697 |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 6,907,312 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 27,638,326 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 60,781,879 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 95,327,517 | |
| | | | |
(a) | The differences between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on |
13
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SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the
14
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after
15
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SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
16
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SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $18.08 | | | $17.06 | | | $16.84 | | | $14.49 | | | $10.46 | | | $11.18 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .06 | | | .20 | | | .09 | (b) | | .14 | (b) | | .04 | (b) | | .12 | (b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | 2.44 | | | 2.14 | | | 1.02 | | | 2.60 | | | 4.23 | | | (.81 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 2.50 | | | 2.34 | | | 1.11 | | | 2.74 | | | 4.27 | | | (.69 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (0.17 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | (.13 | ) | | (.03 | ) | | (.07 | ) | | (.02 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (1.27 | ) | | (1.24 | ) | | (.76 | ) | | (.36 | ) | | (.17 | ) | | (.01 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.44 | ) | | (1.32 | ) | | (.89 | ) | | (.39 | ) | | (.24 | ) | | (.03 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $19.14 | | | $18.08 | | | $17.06 | | | $16.84 | | | $14.49 | | | $10.46 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 13.77 | % | | 14.42 | % | | 6.91 | % | | 19.30 | % | | 41.26 | % | | (6.20 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $181,176 | | | $159,804 | | | $134,235 | | | $118,981 | | | $90,949 | | | $55,592 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .84 | %(d) | | .86 | %(e) | | .87 | % | | .86 | % | | 1.20 | % | | 1.13 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .84 | %(d) | | .86 | %(e) | | .87 | % | | 1.09 | % | | 1.28 | % | | 1.41 | % |
Net investment income | | .63 | %(d) | | 1.15 | %(e) | | .53 | %(b) | | .96 | %(b) | | .34 | %(b) | | 1.04 | %(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 17 | % | | 46 | % | | 33 | % | | 30 | % | | 21 | % | | 28 | % |
See footnote summary on page 18.
17
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SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $18.00 | | | $16.99 | | | $16.79 | | | $14.46 | | | $10.46 | | | $11.20 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .04 | | | .16 | | | .05 | (b) | | .11 | (b) | | .01 | (b) | | .08 | (b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | 2.45 | | | 2.13 | | | 1.01 | | | 2.59 | | | 4.22 | | | (.79 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 2.49 | | | 2.29 | | | 1.06 | | | 2.70 | | | 4.23 | | | (.71 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (0.14 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | (.10 | ) | | (.01 | ) | | (.06 | ) | | (.02 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (1.27 | ) | | (1.24 | ) | | (.76 | ) | | (.36 | ) | | (.17 | ) | | (.01 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.41 | ) | | (1.28 | ) | | (.86 | ) | | (.37 | ) | | (.23 | ) | | (.03 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $19.08 | | | $18.00 | | | $16.99 | | | $16.79 | | | $14.46 | | | $10.46 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 13.75 | % | | 14.20 | % | | 6.63 | % | | 19.08 | % | | 40.89 | % | | (6.37 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $321,522 | | | $251,412 | | | $186,415 | | | $142,516 | | | $82,954 | | | $22,832 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.09 | %(d) | | 1.11 | %(e) | | 1.12 | % | | 1.12 | % | | 1.45 | % | | 1.43 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.09 | %(d) | | 1.11 | %(e) | | 1.12 | % | | 1.34 | % | | 1.53 | % | | 1.70 | % |
Net investment income | | .39 | %(d) | | .91 | %(e) | | .29 | %(b) | | .75 | %(b) | | .05 | %(b) | | .74 | %(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 17 | % | | 46 | % | | 33 | % | | 30 | % | | 21 | % | | 28 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses reimbursed or waived by the Adviser. |
(c) | 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
18
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SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE PORTFOLIO’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2007.
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 Fund’s Senior Officer (who is also the Fund’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fees in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fees for the Portfolio were reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Fund’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio 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 AllianceBernstein 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio and the overall arrangements between the Portfolio 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 research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Portfolio. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Portfolio’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Portfolio will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services provided at the Portfolio’s request by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are approved by the directors on a quarterly basis and (to the extent requested and paid) result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Portfolio to the Adviser than the fee rates stated in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Portfolio’s other service providers, also were considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Portfolio 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 Portfolio to the Adviser for calendar years 2005 and 2006 that had been prepared with an updated expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The directors reviewed the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and noted 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 Portfolio, including those relating to its subsidiaries which provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Portfolio. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability from fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability
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SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
of the Adviser’s relationship with the Portfolio before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that they were satisfied that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Portfolio was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Portfolio other than the fees and expense reimbursements payable under the Advisory Agreement, including but not limited to benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby the Adviser receives brokerage and research services from many of the brokers and dealers that execute purchases and sales of securities on behalf of its clients on an agency basis), 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 the Portfolio’s Class B shares, transfer agency fees paid by the Portfolio to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, and brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio to brokers affiliated with the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors also understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Portfolio.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the meeting, the directors receive detailed comparative performance information for the Portfolio at each regular Board meeting during the year. The directors noted that the Portfolio is a clone of another fund managed by the Adviser (the “Corresponding Fund”) and is managed to track the investment performance of its Corresponding Fund, although investment results may differ between the Portfolio and its Corresponding Fund due to differences in their expense ratios and other factors. At the meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Lipper showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Portfolio as compared to a group of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Group”) and as compared to a broader array of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Universe”), and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares as compared to the Russell 2500 Value Index (the “Index”), in each case for periods ended December 31, 2006 over the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (May 2001 inception). The directors noted that in the Performance Group comparison the Portfolio was in the 3rd quintile in the 1-year period, 5th quintile in the 3-year period and 1st quintile in the 5-year period, and in the Performance Universe comparison the Portfolio was in the 3rd quintile in the 1-year period, 4th quintile in the 3-year period and 1st quintile in the 5-year period. The comparative information showed that the Portfolio outperformed the Index in the 5-year and since inception periods and underperformed the Index in the 1- and 3-year periods. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Portfolio’s relative performance over time had been satisfactory.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser and information prepared by Lipper concerning fee rates paid by other funds in the same Lipper category as the Portfolio 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 also considered the fees the Adviser charges other clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. For this purpose, they reviewed information in the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Fund’s Senior Officer disclosing the institutional fee schedule for institutional products managed by the Adviser that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. The directors noted that the institutional fee schedule for clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio had breakpoints at lower asset levels than those in the fee schedule applicable to the Portfolio and that the application of the institutional fee schedule to the level of assets of the Portfolio would result in a fee rate that would be lower than that in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. 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 directors also reviewed information that indicated that the Portfolio pays a higher fee rate than certain registered investment companies with a similar investment style as the Portfolio that are sub-advised by the Adviser. The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio is the same as that for its Corresponding Fund.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Portfolio relative to institutional clients and sub-advised funds. The Adviser also noted that since mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets are relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
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The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Portfolio in comparison to the fees and expenses of funds within two comparison groups created by Lipper: an Expense Group and an Expense Universe. Lipper described an Expense Group as a representative sample of funds comparable to the Portfolio and an Expense Universe as a broader group, consisting of all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the Portfolio. The Class A expense ratio of the Portfolio was based on the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year expense ratio. The directors recognized that the expense ratio information for the Portfolio potentially reflected on the Adviser’s provision of services, as the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Portfolio by others. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some funds in the Portfolio’s Lipper category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases were voluntary and perhaps temporary.
The directors noted that the Portfolio’s at approximate current size contractual advisory effective fee rate of 75 basis points was the same as the Expense Group median. The directors noted that the latest fiscal year administrative expense reimbursement by the Portfolio pursuant to the Advisory Agreement was 2 basis points, and that as a result the rate of total compensation received by the Adviser from the Portfolio pursuant to the Advisory Agreement was higher than the Expense Group median. The directors also noted that the Portfolio’s total expense ratio, which had been capped by the Adviser (although the expense ratio was currently lower than the cap) was the same as the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians. The directors concluded that the Portfolio’s expense ratio was satisfactory.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors also considered presentations by an independent consultant discussing economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AllianceBernstein Funds. 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 establishing breakpoints that give effect to 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 Portfolio, 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 Portfolio’s breakpoint arrangements would result in a sharing of economies of scale in the event of a very significant increase in the Portfolio’s net assets.
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SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE CAPS & REIMBURSEMENTS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Specialty | | 75 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 65 bp on next $2.5 billion 60 bp on the balance | | $ | 434.2 | | Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $86,750 (0.02% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
The Adviser has agreed to waive that portion of its management fees and/or reimburse the Portfolio for that portion of its total operating expenses to the degree necessary to limit the Portfolio’s expense ratios to the amounts set forth below for the Portfolio’s fiscal year. The waiver is terminable by the Adviser on May 1st of each year upon at least 60 days written notice. It should be noted that the Portfolio was operating below its expense caps for the most recent fiscal year; accordingly the
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2007 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 1-3, 2007. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | The AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were also affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
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expense limitation undertaking of the Portfolio was of no effect. In addition, set forth below are the gross expense ratios of the Portfolio for the most recently completed fiscal year:
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Fund | | Expense Cap Pursuant to Expense Limitation Undertaking | | | Gross Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year End |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | Class A Class B | | 1.20 1.45 | % % | | 0.86 1.11 | % % | | December 31 |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients and sub-advised investment companies include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than managing that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if a fund is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different and legal and reputational risks are greater, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee based on February 28, 2007 net assets:
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Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule5 | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Fund Advisory Fee6 | |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | $ | 434.2 | | Small & Mid Cap Value Schedule 95 bp on 1st $25m 75 bp on next $25m 65 bp on next $50m 55 bp on the balance Minimum account size $10m | | 0.596 | % | | 0.750 | % |
4 | The Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300 million, it will negotiate a fee schedule. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. |
5 | With respect to the Portfolios listed as “N/A,” the Adviser has represented that there are no categories in the Form ADV for institutional products with substantially similar investment styles as the Portfolios. |
6 | Fund advisory fee based on February 28, 2007 net assets. |
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SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap Value Fund, a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap Value Fund:7
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Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee | |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | Small/Mid Cap Value Fund | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion 0.65% on next $2.5 billion 0.60% on the balance | | 0.75 | % |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory services to certain other investment companies managed by other fund families. The Adviser charges the fees set forth below for each of these sub-advisory relationships:
| | | | |
Fund | | Sub-advised Fund | | Fee Schedule |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | Client #1 | | 0.50% on 1st $250 million 0.45% thereafter |
| | Client #2 | | 0.72% on 1st $25 million 0.54% on next $250 million 0.50% thereafter |
| | Client #3 | | 0.80% on 1st $25 million 0.60% thereafter |
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services offered by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”)8 at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.9
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee10 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | 0.750 | | 0.750 | | 9/17 |
7 | It should be noted that the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the Portfolio has the same breakpoints in its advisory fee schedule as the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund. |
8 | It should be noted that Lipper does not consider average account size when constructing EGs. Funds with relatively small average account sizes tend to have higher transfer agent expense ratios than comparable sized funds that have relatively Small average account sizes. Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
9 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that the Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
10 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. In addition, the contractual management fee would not reflect any advisory fee waivers or expense reimbursements related to expense caps that would effectively reduce the actual management fee. |
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Lipper also analyzed the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio in comparison to the Portfolio’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU11 is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective and load type as the subject Portfolio.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)12 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | 0.866 | | 0.866 | | 8/17 | | 0.866 | | 11/23 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a total expense ratio basis than it does on a management fee basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
The Adviser utilizes two profitability reporting systems, which operate independently but are aligned with each other, to estimate the Adviser’s profitability in connection with investment advisory services provided to the Portfolio. The Senior Officer has retained a consultant to provide independent advice regarding the alignment of the two profitability systems as well as the methodologies and allocations utilized by both profitability systems. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The Portfolio’s profitability information, prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors, was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio decreased during calendar year 2006, relative to 2005.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship provided the affiliates’ charges and services are competitive. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, and brokerage commissions. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur.
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $548,107 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection with Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Adviser determined that it made payment in the amount of $402,299 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, recordkeeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the relevant intermediary over the year.
11 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
12 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
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SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability decreased in 2006 in comparison to 2005. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $783 from the Portfolio.13
The Portfolio may effect brokerage transactions in the future through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and pay commissions for such transactions. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from any future business conducted with the Portfolio would be comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients. These credits and charges are not being passed onto any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for its clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding economies of scale and/or scope. Based on the independent consultant’s initial survey, there was a consensus that fund management companies benefited from economies of scale. However, due to the lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders.
The independent consultant conducted further studies of the Adviser’s operations to determine the existence of economies of scale and/or scope within the Adviser. The independent consultant also analyzed patterns related to advisory fees at the industry level. In a recent presentation to the Board of Directors, the independent consultant noted the potential for economies of scale and/or scope through the use of “pooling portfolios” and blend products. The independent consultant also remarked that there may be diseconomies as assets grow in less liquid and active markets. It was also observed that various factors, including fund size, family size, asset class, and investment style, had an impact on advisory fees.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $742 billion as of March 31, 2007, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information prepared by Lipper shows the 1, 3, and 5 year performance rankings of the Portfolio14 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)15 for the periods ended December 31, 2006.16
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Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 14.42 | | 14.42 | | 14.24 | | 9/17 | | 15/30 |
3 year | | 13.43 | | 14.55 | | 14.45 | | 13/16 | | 20/27 |
5 year | | 14.10 | | 13.42 | | 13.12 | | 2/11 | | 2/18 |
13 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
14 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio shown were provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. Rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s Portfolio returns to be one or two basis points different from Lipper’s own Portfolio returns. To maintain consistency, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
15 | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s EU as the criteria for including in or excluding a fund from a PU is somewhat different from that of an EU. |
16 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the fund even if a fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
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Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)17 versus its benchmark.18 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.19
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| | Periods Ending December 31, 2006 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | 14.42 | | 13.43 | | 14.10 | | 14.58 | | 14.55 | | 0.81 | | 5 |
Russell 2500 Value Index | | 17.80 | | 14.02 | | 13.16 | | 11.99 | | 13.81 | | 0.94 | | 5 |
Russell 2500 Index | | 16.17 | | 14.10 | | 12.19 | | 10.62 | | 15.04 | | 0.68 | | 5 |
Inception Date: May 2, 2001
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
17 | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
18 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through December 31, 2006. It should be noted that the “since inception” performance returns of the Portfolio’s benchmark goes back only through the nearest month-end after inception date. In contrast, the Portfolio’s since inception return goes back to the Portfolio’s actual inception date. |
19 | Portfolio and benchmark volatility and Sharpe Ratio information was obtained through Lipper LANA, a database maintained by Lipper. Volatility is a statistical measure of the tendency of a market price or yield to vary over time. A Sharpe Ratio is a risk adjusted measure of return that divides a portfolio’s return in excess of the riskless return by the portfolio’s standard deviation. A portfolio with a greater volatility would be seen as more risky than a portfolio with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky portfolio. A portfolio with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a portfolio with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
27
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Utility Income Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Utility Income Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,106.22 | | $ | 4.70 | | 0.90 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.33 | | $ | 4.51 | | 0.90 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,104.78 | | $ | 6.00 | | 1.15 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.09 | | $ | 5.76 | | 1.15 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Entergy Corp. (Common & Preferred) | | $ | 3,580,870 | | 4.3 | % |
AT&T, Inc. | | | 3,228,907 | | 3.8 | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | | 2,660,513 | | 3.2 | |
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. | | | 2,492,952 | | 3.0 | |
Oneok, Inc. | | | 2,409,598 | | 2.9 | |
Equitable Resources, Inc. | | | 2,314,452 | | 2.7 | |
NRG Energy, Inc. | | | 2,253,094 | | 2.7 | |
FPL Group, Inc. | | | 2,144,772 | | 2.5 | |
Allegheny Energy, Inc. | | | 2,100,644 | | 2.5 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 2,087,319 | | 2.5 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 25,273,121 | | 30.1 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Utilities | | $ | 62,410,405 | | 74.3 | % |
Telecommunication Services | | | 13,230,093 | | 15.8 | |
Energy | | | 5,275,034 | | 6.3 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 1,104,400 | | 1.3 | |
Industrials | | | 1,013,467 | | 1.2 | |
Other Instruments | | | 846,600 | | 1.0 | |
Materials | | | 118,827 | | 0.1 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 83,998,826 | | 100.0 | % |
| 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 and 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. |
2
| | |
UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–93.5% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
UTILITIES–70.8% | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–33.3% | | | | | |
Allegheny Energy, Inc.(a) | | 40,600 | | $ | 2,100,644 |
American Electric Power Co., Inc. | | 29,583 | | | 1,332,418 |
Cia Energetica de Minas Gerais (ADR) | | 84,900 | | | 1,791,390 |
CLP Holdings Ltd. | | 163,000 | | | 1,094,177 |
CPFL Energia, SA (ADR) | | 9,400 | | | 570,862 |
Duke Energy Corp. | | 83,448 | | | 1,527,098 |
Edison International | | 35,100 | | | 1,969,812 |
Enel SpA (ADR) | | 23,050 | | | 1,237,785 |
Entergy Corp. | | 20,200 | | | 2,168,470 |
Exelon Corp. | | 21,200 | | | 1,539,120 |
FirstEnergy Corp. | | 26,300 | | | 1,702,399 |
Fortum Oyj | | 28,000 | | | 874,930 |
FPL Group, Inc. | | 37,800 | | | 2,144,772 |
Great Plains Energy, Inc. | | 22,162 | | | 645,358 |
ITC Holdings Corp. | | 40,100 | | | 1,629,263 |
Northeast Utilities | | 22,400 | | | 635,264 |
PPL Corp. | | 44,500 | | | 2,082,155 |
Progress Energy, Inc. | | 16,000 | | | 729,440 |
Scottish & Southern Energy PLC | | 42,584 | | | 1,234,691 |
The Southern Co. | | 27,200 | | | 932,688 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 27,942,736 |
| | | | | |
GAS UTILITIES–10.3% | | | | | |
AGL Resources, Inc. | | 31,100 | | | 1,258,928 |
Equitable Resources, Inc. | | 46,700 | | | 2,314,452 |
Hong Kong & China Gas Co. | | 467,500 | | | 985,138 |
New Jersey Resources Corp. | | 13,100 | | | 668,362 |
Oneok, Inc. | | 47,800 | | | 2,409,598 |
Piedmont Natural Gas Co. | | 10,200 | | | 251,430 |
Questar Corp. | | 14,000 | | | 739,900 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,627,808 |
| | | | | |
INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS & ENERGY TRADERS–10.5% | | | | | |
The AES Corp.(a) | | 75,600 | | | 1,654,128 |
AES Tiete SA | | 46,593,600 | | | 1,775,339 |
Constellation Energy Group, Inc. | | 9,000 | | | 784,530 |
Dynegy, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 154,863 | | | 1,461,907 |
International Power PLC (ADR) | | 6,957 | | | 599,501 |
NRG Energy, Inc.(a) | | 54,200 | | | 2,253,094 |
Ormat Technologies, Inc. | | 9,000 | | | 339,120 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,867,619 |
| | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–16.7% | | | | | |
Centerpoint Energy, Inc. | | 92,300 | | | 1,606,020 |
Consolidated Edison, Inc. | | 21,400 | | | 965,568 |
Dominion Resources, Inc./VA | | 10,300 | | | 888,993 |
KeySpan Corp. | | 16,000 | | | 671,680 |
National Grid PLC (ADR) | | 11,220 | | | 827,811 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
NSTAR | | 45,100 | | $ | 1,463,495 |
PG&E Corp. | | 41,800 | | | 1,893,540 |
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. | | 28,400 | | | 2,492,952 |
Sempra Energy | | 26,674 | | | 1,579,901 |
Xcel Energy, Inc. | | 80,600 | | | 1,649,882 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 14,039,842 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 59,478,005 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–15.8% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–9.0% | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | 77,805 | | | 3,228,907 |
Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd. (ADR) | | 34,100 | | | 643,126 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | 50,700 | | | 2,087,319 |
Windstream Corp. | | 109,400 | | | 1,614,744 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,574,096 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–6.8% | | | | | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | 42,960 | | | 2,660,513 |
MTN Group Ltd. | | 62,500 | | | 849,556 |
Orascom Telecom Holding SAE (GDR)(b) | | 11,718 | | | 760,498 |
Vimpel-Communications (ADR) | | 9,000 | | | 948,240 |
Vodafone Group PLC (ADR) | | 13,000 | | | 437,190 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,655,997 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 13,230,093 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–4.3% | | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–4.3% | | | | | |
China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd.—Class H | | 236,000 | | | 823,490 |
TransCanada Corp. | | 23,175 | | | 797,452 |
Williams Cos, Inc. | | 62,500 | | | 1,976,250 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,597,192 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–1.3% | | | | | |
MEDIA–1.3% | | | | | |
Grupo Televisa SA (ADR) | | 40,000 | | | 1,104,400 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–1.2% | | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–1.2% | | | | | |
Fluor Corp. | | 9,100 | | | 1,013,467 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–0.1% | | | | | |
METALS & MINING–0.1% | | | | | |
Sterlite Industries India Ltd. (ADR)(a) | | 8,100 | | | 118,827 |
| | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $55,524,437) | | | | | 78,541,984 |
| | | | | |
3
| | |
UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
CONVERTIBLE–PREFERRED STOCKS–3.5% | | | | | |
UTILITIES–3.5% |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–1.7% | | | | | |
Entergy Corp. 7.625% | | 21,400 | | $ | 1,412,400 |
| | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–1.8% | | | | | |
PNM Resources, Inc. 6.75% | | 30,400 | | | 1,520,000 |
| | | | | |
Total Convertible—Preferred Stocks (cost $2,585,400) | | | | | 2,932,400 |
| | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–2.0% | | | | | |
ENERGY–2.0% | | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–2.0% | | | | | |
Tortoise Energy Capital Corp. (cost $1,418,438) | | 55,835 | | | 1,677,842 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | |
NON-CONVERTIBLE– PREFERRED STOCKS–1.0% | | | | | | |
OTHER INSTRUMENTS–1.0% | | | | | | |
Georgia Power Co. 6.00% (cost $861,200) | | 34,000 | | $ | 846,600 | |
| | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.0% (cost $60,389,475) | | | | | 83,998,826 | |
Other assets less liabilities–0.0% | | | | | (5,727 | ) |
| | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | $ | 83,993,099 | |
| | | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2007, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $760,498 or 0.9% of net assets. |
| ADR—American Depositary Receipt |
| GDR—Global Depositary Receipt |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
4
| | |
UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | |
ASSETS | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $60,389,475) | | $ | 83,998,826 |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 731,080 |
Dividends receivable | | | 188,494 |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 48,517 |
| | | |
Total assets | | | 84,966,917 |
| | | |
LIABILITIES | | | |
Due to custodian | | | 372,335 |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 439,790 |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 41,184 |
Advisory fee payable | | | 40,368 |
Administrative fee payable | | | 19,260 |
Distribution fee payable | | | 3,429 |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 |
Accrued expenses | | | 57,393 |
| | | |
Total liabilities | | | 973,818 |
| | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 83,993,099 |
| | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 3,128 |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 55,595,728 |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 1,036,887 |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 3,748,023 |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 23,609,333 |
| | | |
| | $ | 83,993,099 |
| | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 67,302,641 | | 2,503,721 | | $ | 26.88 |
B | | $ | 16,690,458 | | 623,937 | | $ | 26.75 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
5
| | |
UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $28,319) | | $ | 1,405,107 | |
Interest | | | 43,589 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 1,448,696 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 229,247 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 18,918 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,299 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 290 | |
Custodian | | | 60,129 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Audit | | | 19,121 | |
Printing | | | 8,816 | |
Legal | | | 5,026 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 776 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 2,594 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 393,216 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 1,055,480 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 3,998,967 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (8,596 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | 3,120,291 | |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (21 | ) |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 7,110,641 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 8,166,121 | |
| | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
| | |
| | |
UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 1,055,480 | | | $ | 1,860,551 | |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 3,990,371 | | | | 7,740,434 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 3,120,270 | | | | 5,644,710 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 8,166,121 | | | | 15,245,695 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (1,533,201 | ) | | | (1,462,511 | ) |
Class B | | | (318,889 | ) | | | (265,556 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (51,536 | ) | | | –0– | |
Class B | | | (11,702 | ) | | | –0– | |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (1,643,922 | ) | | | (2,365,169 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase | | | 4,606,871 | | | | 11,152,459 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 79,386,228 | | | | 68,233,769 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $1,036,887 and $1,833,497, respectively) | | $ | 83,993,099 | | | $ | 79,386,228 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
| | |
UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Utility Income Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is current income and long-term growth of capital. Prior to February 1, 2006, the Portfolio’s investment objective was to seek current income and capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity and fixed-income securities of companies in the utilities industry. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 NASAQ 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
8
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| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. 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 asked 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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the Portfolio’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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio 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 Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .55% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
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UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007 amounted to $33,762, of which $7,840 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 16,620,877 | | | $ | 15,502,983 | |
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 | | $ | 23,921,855 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (312,504 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 23,609,351 | |
| | | | |
1. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 depreciation by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series 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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars, reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
2. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 332,462 | | | 658,467 | | | | | $ | 8,978,337 | | | $ | 14,693,371 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 58,456 | | | 70,483 | | | | | | 1,584,737 | | | | 1,462,511 | |
Shares redeemed | | (522,449 | ) | | (926,754 | ) | | | | | (13,859,712 | ) | | | (20,387,388 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (131,531 | ) | | (197,804 | ) | | | | $ | (3,296,638 | ) | | $ | (4,231,506 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 119,654 | | | 273,184 | | | | | $ | 3,192,224 | | | $ | 5,950,203 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 12,249 | | | 12,847 | | | | | | 330,591 | | | | 265,556 | |
Shares redeemed | | (70,141 | ) | | (199,217 | ) | | | | | (1,870,099 | ) | | | (4,349,422 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 61,762 | | | 86,814 | | | | | $ | 1,652,716 | | | $ | 1,866,337 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
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UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 1,728,067 | | $ | 1,328,187 |
| | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 1,728,067 | | | 1,328,187 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 1,728,067 | | $ | 1,328,187 |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 1,845,050 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 56,246 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (11,553 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 20,253,707 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 22,143,450 | |
| | | | |
(a) | During the current fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized capital loss carryforwards of $7,658,594. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Portfolio deferred to January 1, 2007, post-October foreign currency losses of $11,553. |
(b) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and
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UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years
14
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
15
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UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $24.85 | | | $20.64 | | | $18.17 | | | $14.95 | | | $12.86 | | | $16.82 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .34 | | | .59 | | | .53 | | | .43 | (b) | | .35 | | | .36 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | 2.31 | | | 4.20 | | | 2.35 | | | 3.13 | | | 2.18 | | | (4.06 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | 2.65 | | | 4.79 | | | 2.88 | | | 3.56 | | | 2.53 | | | (3.70 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.60 | ) | | (.58 | ) | | (.41 | ) | | (.34 | ) | | (.44 | ) | | (.26 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.02 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.62 | ) | | (.58 | ) | | (.41 | ) | | (.34 | ) | | (.44 | ) | | (.26 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $26.88 | | | $24.85 | | | $20.64 | | | $18.17 | | | $14.95 | | | $12.86 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 10.62 | % | | 23.76 | % | | 16.05 | % | | 24.33 | % | | 19.88 | % | | (22.12 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $67,303 | | | $65,490 | | | $58,468 | | | $52,391 | | | $43,323 | | | $40,140 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .90 | %(d) | | .95 | %(e) | | .97 | % | | 1.08 | % | | 1.48 | % | | 1.22 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .90 | %(d) | | .95 | %(e) | | .97 | % | | 1.21 | % | | 1.48 | % | | 1.22 | % |
Net investment income | | 2.58 | %(d) | | 2.67 | %(e) | | 2.72 | % | | 2.69 | %(b) | | 2.60 | % | | 2.60 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 19 | % | | 48 | % | | 52 | % | | 48 | % | | 76 | % | | 90 | % |
See footnote summary on page 17.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | July 22, 2002(f) to December 31, 2002 | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $24.72 | | | $20.54 | | | $18.10 | | | $14.92 | | | $12.86 | | | $11.40 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .31 | | | .53 | | | .48 | | | .38 | (b) | | .28 | | | .07 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | 2.29 | | | 4.19 | | | 2.34 | | | 3.13 | | | 2.21 | | | 1.39 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | 2.60 | | | 4.72 | | | 2.82 | | | 3.51 | | | 2.49 | | | 1.46 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.55 | ) | | (.54 | ) | | (.38 | ) | | (.33 | ) | | (.43 | ) | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.02 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.57 | ) | | (.54 | ) | | (.38 | ) | | (.33 | ) | | (.43 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $26.75 | | | $24.72 | | | $20.54 | | | $18.10 | | | $14.92 | | | $12.86 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 10.48 | % | | 23.49 | % | | 15.76 | % | | 24.01 | % | | 19.64 | % | | 12.81 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $16,690 | | | $13,896 | | | $9,766 | | | $6,517 | | | $2,802 | | | $39 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.15 | %(d) | | 1.20 | %(e) | | 1.22 | % | | 1.30 | % | | 1.73 | % | | 1.45 | %(d) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.15 | %(d) | | 1.20 | %(e) | | 1.22 | % | | 1.43 | % | | 1.73 | % | | 1.45 | %(d) |
Net investment income | | 2.34 | %(d) | | 2.41 | %(e) | | 2.45 | % | | 2.41 | %(b) | | 2.07 | % | | 1.92 | %(d) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 19 | % | | 48 | % | | 52 | % | | 48 | % | | 76 | % | | 90 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses reimbursed or waived by the Adviser. |
(c) | 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
(f) | Commencement of distribution. |
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UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE PORTFOLIO’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AllianceBernstein Utility Income Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2007.
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 Fund’s Senior Officer (who is also the Fund’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fees in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fees for the Portfolio were reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Fund’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio 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 AllianceBernstein 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio and the overall arrangements between the Portfolio 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 research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Portfolio. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Portfolio’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Portfolio will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services provided at the Portfolio’s request by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are approved by the directors on a quarterly basis and (to the extent requested and paid) result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Portfolio to the Adviser than the fee rates stated in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Portfolio’s other service providers, also were considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Portfolio 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 Portfolio to the Adviser for calendar years 2005 and 2006 that had been prepared with an updated expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The directors reviewed the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and noted 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 Portfolio, including those relating to its subsidiaries which provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Portfolio. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability from fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
of the Adviser’s relationship with the Portfolio before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that they were satisfied that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Portfolio was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Portfolio other than the fees and expense reimbursements payable under the Advisory Agreement, including but not limited to benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby the Adviser receives brokerage and research services from many of the brokers and dealers that execute purchases and sales of securities on behalf of its clients on an agency basis), 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 the Portfolio’s Class B shares, transfer agency fees paid by the Portfolio to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, and brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio to brokers affiliated with the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors also understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Portfolio.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the meeting, the directors receive detailed comparative performance information for the Portfolio at each regular Board meeting during the year. The directors noted that the Portfolio is a clone of another fund managed by the Adviser (the “Corresponding Fund”) and is managed to track the investment performance of its Corresponding Fund, although investment results may differ between the Portfolio and its Corresponding Fund due to differences in their expense ratios and other factors. At the meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Lipper showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Portfolio as compared to a group of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Group”) and as compared to a broader array of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Universe”), and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares as compared to the Standard & Poor’s 500 GICS Utilities Composite (the “Index”), in each case for periods ended December 31, 2006 over the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (May 1994 inception). The directors noted that in the Performance Group and Performance Universe comparisons the Portfolio was in the 5th quintile in the 1-year period, 4th quintile in the 3- and 5-year periods and 3rd quintile in the 10-year period. The comparative information showed that the Portfolio outperformed the Index in all periods reviewed except in the since inception period when it underperformed the Index. Based on their review and their discussion with the Adviser concerning the Portfolio’s performance, the directors concluded that the Portfolio’s relative performance over time had been satisfactory.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser and information prepared by Lipper concerning fee rates paid by other funds in the same Lipper category as the Portfolio 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 Adviser informed the directors that there are no institutional products managed by it which have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. The directors reviewed information in the Adviser’s Form ADV and noted that it charged institutional clients lower fees for advising comparably sized accounts using strategies that differ from those of the Portfolio but which involve investments in securities of the same type that the Portfolio invests in (i.e., equity securities). The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio is the same as that for its Corresponding Fund.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Portfolio relative to institutional clients. The Adviser also noted that since mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets are relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Portfolio in comparison to the fees and expenses of funds within two comparison groups created by Lipper: an Expense Group and an Expense Universe. Lipper described an Expense Group as a representative sample of funds comparable to the Portfolio and an Expense Universe as a broader group, consisting of all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the Portfolio. The Class A expense ratio of the Portfolio was based on the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year expense ratio. The directors recognized that the expense ratio information for the Portfolio potentially reflected on the Adviser’s provision of services, as the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Portfolio by others. The directors noted that it was likely that the
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UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
expense ratios of some funds in the Portfolio’s Lipper category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases were voluntary and perhaps temporary.
The directors noted that the Portfolio’s at approximate current size contractual advisory effective fee rate of 55 basis points, plus the 12 basis point impact of the latest fiscal year administrative expense reimbursement by the Portfolio pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, was lower than the Expense Group median. The directors also noted that the Portfolio’s total expense ratio was higher than the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians. The directors noted that the Portfolio’s relatively modest size (less than $85 million as of February 28, 2007) adversely affected the Portfolio’s expense ratio. For example, it resulted in the administrative expense reimbursement, which does not vary with a Portfolio’s size, having a significant effect on the Portfolio’s expense ratio. The directors also noted that the Adviser had reviewed with them steps being taken that are intended to reduce expenses of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The directors concluded that the Portfolio’s expense ratio was acceptable in the Portfolio’s particular circumstances.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors also considered presentations by an independent consultant discussing economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AllianceBernstein Funds. 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 establishing breakpoints that give effect to 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 Portfolio, 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 Portfolio’s breakpoint arrangements would result in a sharing of economies of scale in the event of a very significant increase in the Portfolio’s net assets.
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UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein Utility Income Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Value | | 55 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 45 bp on next $2.5 billion 40 bp on the balance | | $ | 81.5 | | Utility Income Portfolio |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $86,750 (0.12% of the Fund’s average daily net assets) for such services.
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s total expense ratios for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year |
Utility Income Portfolio | | Class A 0.95 Class B 1.20 | % % | | December 31 |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2007 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 1-3, 2007. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | The AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were also affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
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UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients and sub-advised investment companies include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than managing that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if a fund is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different and legal and reputational risks are greater, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. However, with respect to the Portfolio, the Adviser represented that there is no institutional product that has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Utility Income Fund, Inc. a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Utility Income Fund, Inc.:4
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee | |
Utility Income Portfolio | | Utility Income Fund, Inc. | | 0.55% on first $2.5 billion 0.45% on next $2.5 billion 0.40% on the balance | | 0.55 | % |
The Adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment company with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services offered by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”)5 at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.6
4 | It should be noted that the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the Portfolio has the same breakpoints in its advisory fee schedule as the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund. |
5 | It should be noted that Lipper does not consider average account size when constructing EGs. Funds with relatively small average account sizes tend to have higher transfer agent expense ratios than comparable sized funds that have relatively large average account sizes. Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
6 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that the Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
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Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
The Portfolio’s original EG had an insufficient number of peers in the view of the Senior Officer and the Adviser. Consequently, at the request of the Adviser and the Senior Officer, Lipper expanded the Portfolio’s EG to include peers that do not have the same load type.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee7 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Utility Income Portfolio8 | | 0.550 | | 0.700 | | 1/10 |
The Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Universe’s (“EU”) was not expanded to include all funds with no 12b-1 or non 12b-1 service fees, aside from the two funds that were added to the Portfolio’s EG, since expanding the Portfolio’s EU with funds or different load types would have caused the EU to have multiple classes of the same funds. Note that a “normal” EU will include funds that have the same load type as the subject Portfolio.9 Since two of the Portfolio’s EG peers are funds with a 12b-1/non 12b-1 service fee, supplemental information showing the EG’s total expense ratio excluding 12b-1/non 12b-1 service fee is also presented.10
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)11 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Utility Income Portfolio12 | | 0.973 | | 0.836 | | 8/10 | | 0.836 | | 10/12 |
(excluding 12b-1/ non 12b-1 service fee) | | 0.973 | | 0.836 | | 8/10 | | 0.836 | | 10/12 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
The Adviser utilizes two profitability reporting systems, which operate independently but are aligned with each other, to estimate the Adviser’s profitability in connection with investment advisory services provided to the Portfolio. The Senior Officer has retained a consultant to provide independent advice regarding the alignment of the two profitability systems as well as the methodologies and allocations utilized by both profitability systems. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The Portfolio’s profitability information, prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors, was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio increased during calendar year 2006, relative to 2005.
7 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. |
8 | The Portfolio’s EG includes the Portfolio, nine other variable insurance product (“VIP”) Utility funds (“UT”). However, it should be noted that two of the nine UT funds have a 12b-1 or non 12b-1 service fee. |
9 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG peer when selecting an EU peer. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
10 | Note that the Portfolio’s total expense ratio ranking and the medians of the Portfolio’s EG & EU are the same before and after 12b-1/non 12b-1 service fees. |
11 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
12 | The Portfolio’s EU includes the Portfolio, EG and all other VIP UT funds with no 12b-1 or non 12b-1 service fees, excluding outliers. |
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UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship provided the affiliates’ charges and services are competitive. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, and brokerage commissions. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur.
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $29,195 in Rule 12b-1 fees. The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection with Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $68,652 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, recordkeeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the relevant intermediary over the year.
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability decreased in 2006 in comparison to 2005. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $783 from the Portfolio.13
The Portfolio effected brokerage transactions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and paid commissions for such transactions during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business conducted with the Portfolio is comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients, including the Portfolio. These credits and charges are not being passed onto any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for the Portfolio and other clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding economies of scale and/or scope. Based on the independent consultant’s initial survey, there was a consensus that fund management companies benefited from economies of scale. However, due to the lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders.
The independent consultant conducted further studies of the Adviser’s operations to determine the existence of economies of scale and/or scope within the Adviser. The independent consultant also analyzed patterns related to advisory fees at the industry level. In a recent presentation to the Board of Directors, the independent consultant noted the potential for economies of scale and/or scope through the use of “pooling portfolios” and blend products. The independent consultant also remarked that there may be diseconomies as assets grow in less liquid and active markets. It was also observed that various factors, including fund size, family size, asset class, and investment style, had an impact on advisory fees.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $742 billion as of March 31, 2007, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
13 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The information prepared by Lipper shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance rankings of the Portfolio14 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)15 for the periods ended December 31, 2006.16
| | | | | | | | | | |
Utility Income Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 23.76 | | 29.16 | | 31.00 | | 9/10 | | 11/13 |
3 year | | 21.32 | | 21.58 | | 21.58 | | 6/9 | | 7/11 |
5 year | | 10.76 | | 10.84 | | 10.84 | | 6/9 | | 7/11 |
10 year | | 10.35 | | 10.15 | | 10.15 | | 3/6 | | 4/8 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)17 versus its benchmark.18 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.19
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending December 31, 2006 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Utility Income Portfolio | | 23.76 | | 21.32 | | 10.76 | | 10.35 | | 10.40 | | 13.29 | | 0.53 | | 10 |
S&P 500 GICS Utility Composite | | 20.99 | | 20.66 | | 9.20 | | 8.24 | | 11.38 | | 17.53 | | 0.33 | | 10 |
Inception Date: May 10, 1994 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: June 4, 2007
14 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio shown were provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. Rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s Portfolio returns to be one or two basis points different from Lipper’s own Portfolio returns. To maintain consistency, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
15 | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s EU as the criteria for including in or excluding a fund from a PU is somewhat different from that of an EU. |
16 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the fund even if a fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
17 | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
18 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through December 31, 2006. It should be noted that the “since inception” performance returns of the Portfolio’s benchmark goes back only through the nearest month-end after inception date. In contrast, the Portfolio’s since inception return goes back to the Portfolio’s actual inception date. |
19 | Portfolio and benchmark volatility and Sharpe Ratio information was obtained through Lipper LANA, a database maintained by Lipper. Volatility is a statistical measure of the tendency of a market price or yield to vary over time. A Sharpe Ratio is a risk adjusted measure of return that divides a portfolio’s return in excess of the riskless return by the portfolio’s standard deviation. A portfolio with a greater volatility would be seen as more risky than a portfolio with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky portfolio. A portfolio with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a portfolio with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
25
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Value Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each classes’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each classes’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each classes’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Value Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,058.46 | | $ | 3.37 | | 0.66 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,021.52 | | $ | 3.31 | | 0.66 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,057.05 | | $ | 4.64 | | 0.91 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.28 | | $ | 4.56 | | 0.91 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | $ | 18,671,688 | | 5.4 | % |
Citigroup, Inc. | | | 13,048,176 | | 3.8 | |
General Electric Co. | | | 12,142,416 | | 3.5 | |
Bank of America Corp. | | | 11,938,938 | | 3.4 | |
Chevron Corp. | | | 10,454,184 | | 3.0 | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | 10,376,306 | | 3.0 | |
AT&T, Inc. | | | 9,715,150 | | 2.8 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 8,880,885 | | 2.5 | |
American International Group, Inc. | | | 7,878,375 | | 2.3 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 7,175,931 | | 2.1 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 110,282,049 | | 31.8 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 113,259,541 | | 32.7 | % |
Energy | | | 42,834,338 | | 12.4 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 41,348,071 | | 12.0 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 31,597,797 | | 9.1 | |
Industrials | | | 26,249,304 | | 7.6 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 23,378,713 | | 6.7 | |
Health Care | | | 22,380,650 | | 6.5 | |
Materials | | | 15,878,147 | | 4.6 | |
Information Technology | | | 13,343,830 | | 3.9 | |
Utilities | | | 5,619,954 | | 1.6 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 10,090,000 | | 2.9 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 345,980,345 | | 100.0 | % |
| 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 and 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. |
2
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–96.9% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–32.7% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–2.5% | | | | | |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | 3,600 | | $ | 780,300 |
Janus Capital Group, Inc. | | 53,000 | | | 1,475,520 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. | | 49,000 | | | 4,095,420 |
Morgan Stanley | | 20,400 | | | 1,711,152 |
Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.—Class A | | 20,600 | | | 535,806 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,598,198 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–5.2% | | | | | |
BB&T Corp. | | 13,500 | | | 549,180 |
Comerica, Inc. | | 33,800 | | | 2,010,086 |
Fifth Third Bancorp | | 35,900 | | | 1,427,743 |
Keycorp | | 37,200 | | | 1,277,076 |
National City Corp. | | 67,300 | | | 2,242,436 |
Regions Financial Corp. | | 11,500 | | | 380,650 |
SunTrust Banks, Inc. | | 28,200 | | | 2,417,868 |
U.S. Bancorp | | 73,200 | | | 2,411,940 |
Wachovia Corp. | | 46,100 | | | 2,362,625 |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | 85,300 | | | 3,000,001 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 18,079,605 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–9.8% | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. | | 244,200 | | | 11,938,938 |
Citigroup, Inc. | | 254,400 | | | 13,048,176 |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | 183,300 | | | 8,880,885 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 33,867,999 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–10.8% | | | | | |
ACE Ltd. | | 25,900 | | | 1,619,268 |
Allstate Corp. | | 38,100 | | | 2,343,531 |
AMBAC Financial Group, Inc. | | 23,200 | | | 2,022,808 |
American International Group, Inc. | | 112,500 | | | 7,878,375 |
Chubb Corp. | | 36,000 | | | 1,949,040 |
Fidelity National Financial, Inc.—Class A | | 62,700 | | | 1,485,990 |
Genworth Financial, Inc.—Class A | | 64,800 | | | 2,229,120 |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | | 22,900 | | | 2,255,879 |
MBIA, Inc. | | 28,400 | | | 1,767,048 |
MetLife, Inc. | | 46,000 | | | 2,966,080 |
Old Republic International Corp. | | 70,300 | | | 1,494,578 |
PartnerRe, Ltd. | | 4,300 | | | 333,250 |
Prudential Financial, Inc. | | 13,000 | | | 1,263,990 |
RenaissanceRe Holdings, Ltd. | | 16,300 | | | 1,010,437 |
Torchmark Corp. | | 12,700 | | | 850,900 |
The Travelers Cos, Inc. | | 63,600 | | | 3,402,600 |
UnumProvident Corp. | | 44,100 | | | 1,151,451 |
XL Capital Ltd.—Class A | | 14,900 | | | 1,255,921 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 37,280,266 |
| | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–4.4% | | | | | |
Astoria Financial Corp. | | 33,000 | | | 826,320 |
Countrywide Financial Corp. | | 73,100 | | | 2,657,185 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. | | 41,900 | | $ | 2,543,330 |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | 70,600 | | | 4,612,298 |
MGIC Investment Corp. | | 27,400 | | | 1,557,964 |
Washington Mutual, Inc. | | 75,900 | | | 3,236,376 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 15,433,473 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 113,259,541 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–12.4% | | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–12.4% | | | | | |
BP PLC (ADR) | | 24,800 | | | 1,789,072 |
Chevron Corp. | | 124,100 | | | 10,454,184 |
ConocoPhillips | | 45,800 | | | 3,595,300 |
El Paso Corp. | | 23,000 | | | 396,290 |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | 222,600 | | | 18,671,688 |
Marathon Oil Corp. | | 64,200 | | | 3,849,432 |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | 7,000 | | | 405,160 |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC (ADR) | | 21,900 | | | 1,778,280 |
Total SA (ADR) | | 23,400 | | | 1,894,932 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 42,834,338 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–11.9% | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–1.2% | | | | | |
Autoliv, Inc. | | 27,900 | | | 1,586,673 |
BorgWarner, Inc. | | 16,200 | | | 1,393,848 |
Magna International, Inc.—Class A | | 14,500 | | | 1,319,355 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,299,876 |
| | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–0.3% | | | | | |
General Motors Corp. | | 26,200 | | | 990,360 |
| | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–1.2% | | | | | |
McDonald’s Corp. | | 80,100 | | | 4,065,876 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–1.0% | | | | | |
Black & Decker Corp. | | 13,500 | | | 1,192,185 |
Centex Corp. | | 17,900 | | | 717,790 |
KB Home | | 31,200 | | | 1,228,344 |
Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. | | 13,100 | | | 385,533 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,523,852 |
| | | | | |
LEISURE EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS–0.4% | | | | | |
Mattel, Inc. | | 49,200 | | | 1,244,268 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–3.6% | | | | | |
CBS Corp.—Class B | | 83,300 | | | 2,775,556 |
Citadel Broadcasting Corp. | | 2,111 | | | 13,616 |
Comcast Corp.—Class A(a) | | 75,600 | | | 2,125,872 |
Gannett Co., Inc. | | 18,500 | | | 1,016,575 |
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc.(a) | | 76,900 | | | 876,660 |
Time Warner, Inc. | | 172,600 | | | 3,631,504 |
Viacom, Inc.—Class B(a) | | 41,300 | | | 1,719,319 |
The Walt Disney Co. | | 13,500 | | | 460,890 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 12,619,992 |
| | | | | |
3
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–1.9% | | | | | |
Dillard’s, Inc.—Class A | | 24,700 | | $ | 887,471 |
Dollar Tree Stores, Inc.(a) | | 20,100 | | | 875,355 |
Family Dollar Stores, Inc. | | 48,800 | | | 1,674,816 |
Macy’s, Inc. | | 58,500 | | | 2,327,130 |
Saks, Inc. | | 42,300 | | | 903,105 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,667,877 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–1.4% | | | | | |
The Gap, Inc. | | 89,200 | | | 1,703,720 |
Home Depot, Inc. | | 18,500 | | | 727,975 |
Ltd. Brands, Inc. | | 39,500 | | | 1,084,275 |
Office Depot, Inc.(a) | | 43,000 | | | 1,302,900 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,818,870 |
| | | | | |
TEXTILES APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.9% | | | | | |
Jones Apparel Group, Inc. | | 37,400 | | | 1,056,550 |
VF Corp. | | 22,500 | | | 2,060,550 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,117,100 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 41,348,071 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–9.1% | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–0.7% | | | | | |
Molson Coors Brewing Co.—Class B | | 21,400 | | | 1,978,644 |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | 7,400 | | | 479,890 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,458,534 |
| | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–1.3% | | | | | |
The Kroger Co. | | 59,500 | | | 1,673,735 |
Safeway, Inc. | | 63,200 | | | 2,150,696 |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | | 14,500 | | | 697,595 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,522,026 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–2.5% | | | | | |
ConAgra Foods, Inc. | | 53,000 | | | 1,423,580 |
General Mills, Inc. | | 26,200 | | | 1,530,604 |
Kellogg Co. | | 27,800 | | | 1,439,762 |
Kraft Foods, Inc.—Class A | | 62,103 | | | 2,189,131 |
Sara Lee Corp. | | 119,800 | | | 2,084,520 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,667,597 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–2.7% | | | | | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | | 24,500 | | | 1,588,825 |
Kimberly-Clark Corp. | | 29,000 | | | 1,939,810 |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | 97,200 | | | 5,947,668 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,476,303 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–1.9% | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | 76,900 | | | 5,393,766 |
UST, Inc. | | 20,100 | | | 1,079,571 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,473,337 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 31,597,797 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–7.6% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.2% | | | | | |
Boeing Co. | | 16,300 | | | 1,567,408 |
Lockheed Martin Corp. | | 5,700 | | | 536,541 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Northrop Grumman Corp. | | 25,000 | | $ | 1,946,750 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,050,699 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–0.6% | | | | | |
Pitney Bowes, Inc. | | 41,100 | | | 1,924,302 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–4.0% | | | | | |
General Electric Co. | | 317,200 | | | 12,142,416 |
Tyco International, Ltd. | | 52,000 | | | 1,757,080 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 13,899,496 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–1.8% | | | | | |
Cummins, Inc. | | 23,800 | | | 2,408,798 |
Eaton Corp. | | 24,800 | | | 2,306,400 |
SPX Corp. | | 18,900 | | | 1,659,609 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,374,807 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 26,249,304 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–6.7% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.9% | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | 234,100 | | | 9,715,150 |
Embarq Corp. | | 4,950 | | | 313,681 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | 174,300 | | | 7,175,931 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 17,204,762 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.8% | | | | | |
American Tower Corp.— Class A(a) | | 11,000 | | | 462,000 |
Sprint Nextel Corp. | | 178,700 | | | 3,700,877 |
Vodafone Group PLC (ADR) | | 59,800 | | | 2,011,074 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,173,951 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 23,378,713 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–6.5% | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–0.8% | | | | | |
AmerisourceBergen Corp.— Class A | | 16,600 | | | 821,202 |
McKesson Corp. | | 31,800 | | | 1,896,552 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,717,754 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–5.7% | | | | | |
Eli Lilly & Co. | | 40,600 | | | 2,268,728 |
Johnson & Johnson | | 26,500 | | | 1,632,930 |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | 67,300 | | | 3,351,540 |
Pfizer, Inc. | | 405,800 | | | 10,376,306 |
Schering-Plough Corp. | | 66,800 | | | 2,033,392 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 19,662,896 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 22,380,650 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–4.6% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–1.9% | | | | | |
Ashland, Inc. | | 22,300 | | | 1,426,085 |
Dow Chemical Co. | | 13,600 | | | 601,392 |
4
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co. | | 55,400 | | $ | 2,816,536 |
Lubrizol Corp. | | 21,600 | | | 1,394,280 |
PPG Industries, Inc. | | 4,500 | | | 342,495 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,580,788 |
| | | | | |
CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–2.1% | | | | | |
Crown Holdings, Inc.(a) | | 54,200 | | | 1,353,374 |
Owens-Illinois, Inc.(a) | | 34,900 | | | 1,221,500 |
Smurfit-Stone Container Corp.(a) | | 82,700 | | | 1,100,737 |
Sonoco Products Co. | | 28,700 | | | 1,228,647 |
Temple-Inland, Inc. | | 35,700 | | | 2,196,621 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,100,879 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–0.6% | | | | | |
Arcelor Mittal—Class A | | 35,200 | | | 2,196,480 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 15,878,147 |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–3.8% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.8% | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 35,800 | | | 997,030 |
Nokia OYJ (ADR) | | 63,700 | | | 1,790,607 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,787,637 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–1.3% | | | | | |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | 22,800 | | | 1,017,336 |
International Business Machines Corp. | | 23,100 | | | 2,431,275 |
Lexmark International, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 24,100 | | | 1,188,371 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,636,982 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–1.0% | | | | | |
Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a) | | 11,600 | | | 445,788 |
Flextronics International Ltd.(a) | | 135,700 | | | 1,465,560 |
Sanmina-SCI Corp.(a) | | 111,000 | | | 347,430 |
Solectron Corp.(a) | | 247,210 | | | 909,733 |
Tech Data Corp.(a) | | 10,650 | | | 409,599 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,578,110 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
IT SERVICES–0.3% | | | | | | |
Electronic Data Systems Corp. | | | 31,500 | | $ | 873,495 |
| | | | | | |
SOFTWARE–0.4% | | | | | | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | 49,800 | | | 1,467,606 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 13,343,830 |
| | | | | | |
UTILITIES–1.6% | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–1.1% | | | | | | |
Entergy Corp. | | | 18,900 | | | 2,028,915 |
Northeast Utilities | | | 30,700 | | | 870,652 |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | | | 26,600 | | | 1,060,010 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 3,959,577 |
| | | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–0.5% | | | | | | |
Dominion Resources, Inc./VA | | | 17,700 | | | 1,527,687 |
Wisconsin Energy Corp. | | | 3,000 | | | 132,690 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,660,377 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 5,619,954 |
| | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $267,304,367) | | | | | | 335,890,345 |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–2.9% | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–2.9% | | | | | | |
The Bank of New York 4.25%, 7/02/07 (cost $10,090,000) | | $ | 10,090 | | | 10,090,000 |
| | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.8% (cost $277,394,367) | | | | | | 345,980,345 |
Other assets less liabilities–0.2% | | | | | | 605,677 |
| | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 346,586,022 |
| | | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
| ADR—American Depositary Receipt |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
5
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | |
ASSETS | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $277,394,367) | | $ | 345,980,345 |
Cash | | | 3,945 |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 458,414 |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 347,996 |
Receivable for investment securities sold . | | | 224,760 |
| | | |
Total assets | | | 347,015,460 |
| | | |
LIABILITIES | | | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 162,336 |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 93,432 |
Distribution fee payable | | | 72,998 |
Printing fee payable | | | 32,874 |
Administrative fee payable | | | 19,260 |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 |
Accrued expenses | | | 48,479 |
| | | |
Total liabilities | | | 429,438 |
| | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 346,586,022 |
| | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | |
Capital stock, at par . | | $ | 22,786 |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 265,251,443 |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 2,564,237 |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 10,161,578 |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments | | | 68,585,978 |
| | | |
| | $ | 346,586,022 |
| | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 3,700,265 | | 241,230 | | $ | 15.34 |
B | | $ | 342,885,757 | | 22,544,808 | | $ | 15.21 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $26,517) | | $ | 3,879,509 |
Interest . | | | 190,599 |
| | | |
Total investment income | | | 4,070,108 |
| | | |
EXPENSES | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 894,561 |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 404,181 |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 10 |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1,681 |
Custodian | | | 63,281 |
Administrative | | | 47,000 |
Printing | | | 30,279 |
Audit | | | 19,121 |
Legal | | | 7,403 |
Directors’ fees | | | 761 |
Miscellaneous | | | 4,108 |
| | | |
Total expenses | | | 1,472,386 |
| | | |
Net investment income | | | 2,597,722 |
| | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 10,251,654 |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | 5,268,262 |
| | | |
Net gain on investment transactions | | | 15,519,916 |
| | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 18,117,638 |
| | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
| | |
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 2,597,722 | | | $ | 3,991,270 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 10,251,654 | | | | 9,043,721 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | 5,268,262 | | | | 35,162,198 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 18,117,638 | | | | 48,197,189 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (49,063 | ) | | | (5,912 | ) |
Class B | | | (3,942,894 | ) | | | (2,258,458 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (96,737 | ) | | | (14,248 | ) |
Class B | | | (9,006,172 | ) | | | (6,433,182 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 31,884,634 | | | | 78,319,096 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase | | | 36,907,406 | | | | 117,804,485 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 309,678,616 | | | | 191,874,131 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $2,564,237 and $3,958,472, respectively) | | $ | 346,586,022 | | | $ | 309,678,616 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio commenced operations on May 1, 2001. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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. 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 asked prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Pur-
9
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
chases 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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the policy of the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .55% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the Portfolio’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 on an annual basis to 1.20% and 1.45% of the daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2007 there were no such expenses waived by the Adviser.
10
| | |
|
|
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007, amounted to $38,411, none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investment Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 52,936,954 | | | $ | 35,088,220 | |
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 are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 71,772,913 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (3,186,935 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 68,585,978 | |
| | | | |
1. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 depreciation by the Portfolio.
11
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
Risks may arise from the potential inability of the 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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars, reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
2. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold . | | 182,387 | | | 66,255 | | | | | $ | 2,872,189 | | | $ | 941,875 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 9,376 | | | 1,554 | | | | | | 145,800 | | | | 20,160 | |
Shares redeemed | | (19,739 | ) | | (21,070 | ) | | | | | (294,350 | ) | | | (300,332 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 172,024 | | | 46,739 | | | | | $ | 2,723,639 | | | $ | 661,703 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold . | | 2,902,051 | | | 7,859,179 | | | | | $ | 44,276,867 | | | $ | 107,213,399 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 839,758 | | | 675,341 | | | | | | 12,949,066 | | | | 8,691,640 | |
Shares redeemed | | (1,843,633 | ) | | (2,812,503 | ) | | | | | (28,064,938 | ) | | | (38,247,646 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 1,898,176 | | | 5,722,017 | | | | | $ | 29,160,995 | | | $ | 77,657,393 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which
12
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 2,470,139 | | $ | 2,208,016 |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 6,241,661 | | | 2,382,637 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 8,711,800 | | $ | 4,590,653 |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 4,384,623 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 8,590,918 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 63,313,480 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 76,289,021 | |
| | | | |
(a) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
13
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | July 22, 2002(b) to December 31, 2002 | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004(a) | | | 2003 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 15.08 | | | $ | 12.94 | | | $ | 12.63 | | | $ | 11.20 | | | $ | 8.76 | | | $ | 8.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (c) | | | .14 | | | | .26 | | | | .22 | (d) | | | .25 | (d) | | | .16 | (d) | | | .07 | (d) |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions | | | .75 | | | | 2.42 | | | | .49 | | | | 1.18 | | | | 2.36 | | | | .69 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | | .89 | | | | 2.68 | | | | .71 | | | | 1.43 | | | | 2.52 | | | | .76 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.21 | ) | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.18 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (.08 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (.42 | ) | | | (.38 | ) | | | (.22 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | (.63 | ) | | | (.54 | ) | | | (.40 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (.08 | ) | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 15.34 | | | $ | 15.08 | | | $ | 12.94 | | | $ | 12.63 | | | $ | 11.20 | | | $ | 8.76 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (e) | | | 5.85 | % | | | 21.32 | % | | | 5.74 | % | | | 12.77 | % | | | 28.94 | % | | | 9.50 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period | | $ | 3,700,265 | | | $ | 1,043,677 | | | $ | 290,673 | | | $ | 5,699 | | | $ | 239 | | | $ | 187 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | | .66 | %(f) | | | .69 | %(g) | | | .73 | % | | | .79 | %(f) | | | .99 | % | | | 1.20 | %(f) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | | .66 | %(f) | | | .69 | %(g) | | | .74 | % | | | .98 | %(f) | | | 1.06 | % | | | 2.28 | %(f) |
Net investment income | | | 1.99 | %(f) | | | 1.89 | %(g) | | | 1.74 | %(d) | | | 2.02 | %(d)(f) | | | 1.51 | %(d) | | | 4.22 | %(d)(f) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 11 | % | | | 17 | % | | | 21 | % | | | 27 | % | | | 27 | % | | | 12 | % |
See footnote summary on page 18.
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 14.95 | | | $ | 12.84 | | | $ | 12.54 | | | $ | 11.16 | | | $ | 8.75 | | | $ | 10.07 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (c) | | | .12 | | | | .22 | | | | .17 | (d) | | | .17 | (d) | | | .12 | (d) | | | .12 | (d) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | .74 | | | | 2.40 | | | | .50 | | | | 1.31 | | | | 2.36 | | | | (1.42 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .86 | | | | 2.62 | | | | .67 | | | | 1.48 | | | | 2.48 | | | | (1.30 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.18 | ) | | | (.13 | ) | | | (.15 | ) | | | (.10 | ) | | | (.07 | ) | | | (.02 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (.42 | ) | | | (.38 | ) | | | (.22 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | (.60 | ) | | | (.51 | ) | | | (.37 | ) | | | (.10 | ) | | | (.07 | ) | | | (.02 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 15.21 | | | $ | 14.95 | | | $ | 12.84 | | | $ | 12.54 | | | $ | 11.16 | | | $ | 8.75 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (e) | | | 5.71 | % | | | 21.03 | % | | | 5.48 | % | | | 13.37 | % | | | 28.46 | % | | | (12.95 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $ | 342,886 | | | $ | 308,635 | | | $ | 191,583 | | | $ | 151,793 | | | $ | 117,561 | | | $ | 68,366 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | | .91 | %(f) | | | .94 | %(g) | | | .98 | % | | | .97 | % | | | 1.24 | % | | | 1.21 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | | .91 | %(f) | | | .94 | %(g) | | | .99 | % | | | 1.15 | % | | | 1.33 | % | | | 1.43 | % |
Net investment income | | | 1.59 | %(f) | | | 1.64 | %(g) | | | 1.38 | %(d) | | | 1.45 | %(d) | | | 1.29 | %(d) | | | 1.27 | %(d) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 11 | % | | | 17 | % | | | 21 | % | | | 27 | % | | | 27 | % | | | 12 | % |
(a) | There were no Class A shares outstanding for the period May 11, 2004 through October 3, 2004. |
(b) | Commencement of distribution. |
(c) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(d) | Net of expenses waived or reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(g) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
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CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE PORTFOLIO’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AllianceBernstein Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2007.
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 Fund’s Senior Officer (who is also the Fund’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fees in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fees for the Portfolio were reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Fund’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio 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 AllianceBernstein 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio and the overall arrangements between the Portfolio 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 research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Portfolio. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Portfolio’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Portfolio will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services provided at the Portfolio’s request by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are approved by the directors on a quarterly basis and (to the extent requested and paid) result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Portfolio to the Adviser than the fee rates stated in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Portfolio’s other service providers, also were considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Portfolio 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 Portfolio to the Adviser for calendar years 2005 and 2006 that had been prepared with an updated expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The directors reviewed the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and noted 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 Portfolio, including those relating to its subsidiaries which provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Portfolio. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability from fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability
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VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
of the Adviser’s relationship with the Portfolio before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that they were satisfied that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Portfolio was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Portfolio other than the fees and expense reimbursements payable under the Advisory Agreement, including but not limited to benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby the Adviser receives brokerage and research services from many of the brokers and dealers that execute purchases and sales of securities on behalf of its clients on an agency basis), 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 the Portfolio’s Class B shares, transfer agency fees paid by the Portfolio to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, and brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio to brokers affiliated with the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors also understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Portfolio.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the meeting, the directors receive detailed comparative performance information for the Portfolio at each regular Board meeting during the year. The directors noted that the Portfolio is a clone of another fund managed by the Adviser (the “Corresponding Fund”) and is managed to track the investment performance of its Corresponding Fund, although investment results may differ between the Portfolio and its Corresponding Fund due to differences in their expense ratios and other factors. At the meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Lipper showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Portfolio as compared to a group of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Group”) and as compared to a broader array of funds selected by Lipper (the “Performance Universe”), and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares as compared to the Russell 1000 Value Index (the “Index”), in each case for periods ended December 31, 2006 over the 1- and 3-year periods and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (July 2002 inception). The directors noted that in the Performance Group comparison the Portfolio was in the 1st quintile in the 1- and 3-year periods, and in the Performance Universe comparison the Portfolio was in the 1st quintile in the 1-year period and 2nd quintile in the 3-year period. The comparative information showed that the Portfolio underperformed the Index in the 1- and 3-year periods and outperformed the Index in the since inception period. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Portfolio’s relative performance over time had been satisfactory.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser and information prepared by Lipper concerning fee rates paid by other funds in the same Lipper category as the Portfolio 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 also considered the fees the Adviser charges other clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. For this purpose, they reviewed information in the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Fund’s Senior Officer disclosing the institutional fee schedule for institutional products managed by the Adviser that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. The directors noted that the institutional fee schedule for clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio had breakpoints at lower asset levels than those in the fee schedule applicable to the Portfolio and that the application of the institutional fee schedule to the level of assets of the Portfolio would result in a fee rate that would be lower than that in the Portfolio’s Advisory Agreement. 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 directors also reviewed information that indicated that the Portfolio pays a higher fee rate than certain registered investment companies with a similar investment style as the Portfolio that are sub-advised by the Adviser. The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio is the same as that for its Corresponding Fund.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Portfolio relative to institutional clients and sub-advised funds. The Adviser also noted that since mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets are relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
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VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Portfolio in comparison to the fees and expenses of funds within two comparison groups created by Lipper: an Expense Group and an Expense Universe. Lipper described an Expense Group as a representative sample of funds comparable to the Portfolio and an Expense Universe as a broader group, consisting of all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the Portfolio. The Class A expense ratio of the Portfolio was based on the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year expense ratio. The directors recognized that the expense ratio information for the Portfolio potentially reflected on the Adviser’s provision of services, as the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Portfolio by others. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some funds in the Portfolio’s Lipper category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases were voluntary and perhaps temporary.
The directors noted that the Portfolio’s at approximate current size contractual advisory effective fee rate of 55 basis points, plus the 4 basis point impact of the latest fiscal year administrative expense reimbursement by the Portfolio pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, was lower than the Expense Group median. The directors also noted that the Portfolio’s total expense ratio, which had been capped by the Adviser (although the expense ratio was currently lower than the cap) was lower than the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians. The directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was satisfactory.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors also considered presentations by an independent consultant discussing economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AllianceBernstein Funds. 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 establishing breakpoints that give effect to 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 Portfolio, 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 Portfolio’s breakpoint arrangements would result in a sharing of economies of scale in the event of a very significant increase in the Portfolio’s net assets.
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SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE CAPS & REIMBURSEMENTS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
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Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Value | | 55 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 45 bp on next $2.5 billion 40 bp on the balance | | $ | 311.3 | | Value Portfolio |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $86,750 (0.04% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2007 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 1-3, 2007. |
2 | Future references to the Portfolio and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | The AllianceBernstein Mutual Portfolios, which the Adviser manages, were also affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
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VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser has agreed to waive that portion of its management fees and/or reimburse the Portfolio for that portion of its total operating expenses to the degree necessary to limit the Portfolio’s expense ratios to the amounts set forth below for the Portfolio’s fiscal year. The waiver is terminable by the Adviser on May 1st of each year upon at least 60 days written notice. It should be noted that the Portfolio was operating below its expense caps for the most recent fiscal year; accordingly the expense limitation undertaking of the Portfolio was of no effect. In addition, set forth below are the gross expense ratios of the Portfolio for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | Expense Cap Pursuant to Expense Limitation Undertaking | | Gross Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year End |
Value Portfolio | | Class A 1.20% Class B 1.45% | | 0.69 0.94 | % % | | December 31 |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients and sub-advised investment companies include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than managing that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if a fund is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different and legal and reputational risks are greater, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee based on February 28, 2007 net assets:
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Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/28/07 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee5 | |
Value Portfolio | | $ | 311.3 | | Diversified Value Schedule 65 bp on 1st $25m 50 bp on next 25m 40 bp on next $50m 30 bp on next $100m 25 bp on the balance Minimum account size $2m | | 0.342 | % | | 0.550 | % |
4 | The Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300 million, it will negotiate a fee schedule. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. |
5 | Portfolio advisory fee based on February 28, 2007 net assets. |
23
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Value Fund, a retail mutual fund which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Value Fund:6
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Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee | |
Value Portfolio | | Value Fund | | 0.55% on first $2.5 billion 0.45% on next $2.5 billion 0.40% on the balance | | 0.55 | % |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory services to certain other investment companies managed by other fund families. The Adviser charges the fees set forth below for each of these sub-advisory relationships:
| | | | | |
Portfolio | | Sub-advised Fund | | | Fee Schedule |
Value Portfolio | | Client | #1 | | 0.25% on 1st $500 million 0.20% thereafter |
| | |
| | Client | #27 | | 0.50% on 1st $1 billion 0.40% on next $1 billion 0.30% on next $1 billion 0.20% thereafter |
| | |
| | Client | #3 | | 0.23% on 1st $300 million 0.20% thereafter |
| | |
| | Client | #4 | | 0.35% on 1st $200 million 0.30% thereafter |
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| | Client | #5 | | 0.60% on 1st $10 million 0.50% on next $15 million 0.40% on next $25 million 0.30% on next $50 million 0.25% on next $50 million 0.225% on next $50 million 0.20% thereafter |
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| | Client | #6 | | 0.27% on 1st $300 million 0.16% on next $700 million 0.13% thereafter |
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| | Client | #7 | | 0.15% on 1st $1 billion 0.14% on next $2 billion 0.12% on next $2 billion 0.10% thereafter +/- Performance Fee |
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| | Client | #8 | | 0.35% |
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| | Client | #9 | | 0.20% |
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| | Client | #10 | | 0.60% on 1st $10 million 0.50% on next $15 million 0.40% on next $25 million 0.30% on next $50 million 0.25% on next $50 million 0.225% on next $50 million 0.20% on next $50 million 0.175% on next $50 million 0.150% thereafter |
6 | It should be noted that the AllianceBernstein Mutual Portfolio was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the Portfolio has the same breakpoints in its advisory fee schedule as the AllianceBernstein Mutual Portfolio. |
7 | This is the fee schedule of a Portfolio managed by an affiliate of the Adviser. |
24
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VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
It is fair to note that the services the Adviser provides pursuant to sub-advisory agreements are generally confined to the services related to the investment process; in other words, they are not as comprehensive as the services provided to the Funds by the Adviser. In addition, to the extent that certain of these sub-advisory relationships are with affiliates of the Adviser, the fee schedules may not reflect arm’s-length bargaining or negotiations.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services offered by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”)8 at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.9
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee10 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Value Portfolio | | 0.550 | | 0.750 | | 3/12 |
Lipper also analyzed the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio in comparison to the Portfolio’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU11 is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective and load type as the subject Portfolio.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)12 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Value Portfolio | | 0.730 | | 0.804 | | 3/12 | | 0.817 | | 10/28 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has an equally favorable ranking on a management fee basis and a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
The Adviser utilizes two profitability reporting systems, which operate independently but are aligned with each other, to estimate the Adviser’s profitability in connection with investment advisory services provided to the Portfolio. The Senior Officer has retained a consultant to provide independent advice regarding the alignment of the two profitability systems as well as the methodologies and allocations utilized by both profitability systems. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The Portfolio’s profitability information, prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors, was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio increased during calendar year 2006, relative to 2005.
8 | It should be noted that Lipper does not consider average account size when constructing EGs. Portfolios with relatively small average account sizes tend to have higher transfer agent expense ratios than comparable sized Portfolios that have relatively large average account sizes. Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different Portfolios categorize expenses differently. |
9 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that the Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
10 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. In addition, the contractual management fee would not reflect any advisory fee waivers or expense reimbursements related to expense caps that would effectively reduce the actual management fee. |
11 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one Portfolio. |
12 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
25
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship provided the affiliates’ charges and services are competitive. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, and brokerage commissions. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur.
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $607,705 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection with Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $481,135 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, recordkeeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the relevant intermediary over the year.
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability decreased in 2006 in comparison to 2005. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $783 from the Portfolio.13
The Portfolio may effect brokerage transactions in the future through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and pay commissions for such transactions. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from any future business conducted with the Portfolio would be comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients. These credits and charges are not being passed onto any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for its clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding economies of scale and/or scope. Based on the independent consultant’s initial survey, there was a consensus that fund management companies benefited from economies of scale. However, due to the lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders.
The independent consultant conducted further studies of the Adviser’s operations to determine the existence of economies of scale and/or scope within the Adviser. The independent consultant also analyzed patterns related to advisory fees at the industry level. In a recent presentation to the Board of Directors, the independent consultant noted the potential for economies of scale and/or scope through the use of “pooling portfolios” and blend products. The independent consultant also remarked that there may be diseconomies as assets grow in less liquid and active markets. It was also observed that various factors, including fund size, family size, asset class, and investment style, had an impact on advisory fees.
13 | The Portfolio (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Portfolio) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
26
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VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $742 billion as of March 31, 2007, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information prepared by Lipper shows the 1 and 3 year performance rankings of the Portfolio14 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)15 for the periods ended December 31, 2006.16
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Value Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 21.32 | | 17.51 | | 17.12 | | 1/12 | | 4/40 |
3 year | | 13.10 | | 12.78 | | 12.65 | | 2/11 | | 10/36 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)17 versus its benchmark.18 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.19
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending December 31, 2006 |
| | Annualized Performance |
| | | | | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Value Portfolio | | 21.32 | | 13.10 | | 17.43 | | 6.99 | | 1.36 | | 3 |
Russell 1000 Value Index | | 22.25 | | 15.09 | | 16.17 | | 6.68 | | 1.68 | | 3 |
Inception Date: July 22, 2002
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arm’s-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: June 4, 2007
14 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio shown were provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. Rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s Portfolio returns to be one or two basis points different from Lipper’s own Portfolio returns. To maintain consistency, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
15 | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s EU as the criteria for including or excluding a Portfolio from a PU is somewhat different from that of an EU. |
16 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the Portfolio even if a Portfolio had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
17 | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
18 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through December 31, 2006. It should be noted that the “since inception” performance returns of the Portfolio’s benchmark goes back only through the nearest month-end after inception date. In contrast, the Portfolio’s since inception return goes back to the Portfolio’s actual inception date. |
19 | Portfolio and benchmark volatility and Sharpe Ratio information was obtained through Lipper LANA, a database maintained by Lipper. Volatility is a statistical measure of the tendency of a market price or yield to vary over time. A Sharpe Ratio is a risk adjusted measure of return that divides a portfolio’s return in excess of the riskless return by the portfolio’s standard deviation. A portfolio with a greater volatility would be seen as more risky than a portfolio with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky portfolio. A portfolio with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a portfolio with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
27
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
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| | AllianceBernstein U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
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U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of the table 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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U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,058.83 | | $ | 6.13 | | 1.20 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,018.84 | | $ | 6.01 | | 1.20 | % |
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Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,056.94 | | $ | 7.40 | | 1.45 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,017.60 | | $ | 7.25 | | 1.45 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
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U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Google, Inc.—Class A | | $ | 507,679 | | 3.2 | % |
Apple, Inc. | | | 494,262 | | 3.1 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | 436,176 | | 2.7 | |
WellPoint, Inc. | | | 348,857 | | 2.2 | |
Boeing Co. | | | 345,214 | | 2.1 | |
Citigroup, Inc. | | | 323,127 | | 2.0 | |
Comcast Corp.—Special—Class A | | | 314,550 | | 2.0 | |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | | 314,517 | | 2.0 | |
Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings, Inc.—Class A | | | 299,242 | | 1.8 | |
Bank of America Corp. | | | 298,229 | | 1.8 | |
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| | $ | 3,681,853 | | 22.9 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
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SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 4,186,682 | | 26.4 | % |
Information Technology | | | 2,676,488 | | 16.9 | |
Health Care | | | 1,905,964 | | 12.0 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 1,784,765 | | 11.3 | |
Energy | | | 1,404,364 | | 8.9 | |
Industrials | | | 1,386,105 | | 8.8 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 1,030,304 | | 6.5 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 705,182 | | 4.4 | |
Materials | | | 659,803 | | 4.2 | |
Utilities | | | 94,511 | | 0.6 | |
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Total Investments | | $ | 15,834,168 | | 100.0 | % |
| 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 and 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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U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–98.7% | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–26.1% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–7.1% | | | | | |
The Blackstone Group LP(a) | | 3,200 | | $ | 93,664 |
Credit Suisse Group (New York) (ADR) | | 1,995 | | | 141,565 |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | 1,825 | | | 241,758 |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | 530 | | | 114,877 |
Lazard Ltd.—Class A | | 100 | | | 4,503 |
Legg Mason, Inc. | | 1,975 | | | 194,301 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. | | 3,440 | | | 287,515 |
Morgan Stanley | | 500 | | | 41,940 |
Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.—Class A | | 1,000 | | | 26,010 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,146,133 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–2.7% | | | | | |
Comerica, Inc. | | 900 | | | 53,523 |
Fifth Third Bancorp | | 1,700 | | | 67,609 |
Keycorp | | 600 | | | 20,598 |
National City Corp. | | 2,000 | | | 66,640 |
U.S. Bancorp | | 1,700 | | | 56,015 |
Wachovia Corp. | | 1,300 | | | 66,625 |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | 2,800 | | | 98,476 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 429,486 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–8.3% | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. | | 6,100 | | | 298,229 |
Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings, Inc.—Class A | | 560 | | | 299,242 |
Citigroup, Inc. | | 6,300 | | | 323,127 |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | 5,150 | | | 249,517 |
Moody’s Corp. | | 1,300 | | | 80,860 |
NYSE Euronext | | 1,060 | | | 78,037 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,329,012 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–5.5% | | | | | |
ACE Ltd. | | 650 | | | 40,638 |
Allstate Corp. | | 250 | | | 15,377 |
American International Group, Inc. | | 3,100 | | | 217,093 |
Chubb Corp. | | 275 | | | 14,889 |
Genworth Financial, Inc.—Class A | | 1,700 | | | 58,480 |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | | 900 | | | 88,659 |
MBIA, Inc. | | 500 | | | 31,110 |
MetLife, Inc. | | 1,500 | | | 96,720 |
Old Republic International Corp. | | 1,800 | | | 38,268 |
RenaissanceRe Holdings, Ltd. | | 800 | | | 49,592 |
Torchmark Corp. | | 600 | | | 40,200 |
The Travelers Cos, Inc. | | 2,000 | | | 107,000 |
UnumProvident Corp. | | 1,100 | | | 28,721 |
XL Capital Ltd.—Class A | | 600 | | | 50,574 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 877,321 |
| | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–2.5% | | | | | |
Countrywide Financial Corp. | | 1,800 | | | 65,430 |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. | | 1,400 | | | 84,980 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | 2,000 | | $ | 130,660 |
MGIC Investment Corp. | | 600 | | | 34,116 |
Washington Mutual, Inc. | | 2,100 | | | 89,544 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 404,730 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,186,682 |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–16.7% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–2.8% | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 10,700 | | | 297,995 |
Nokia OYJ (ADR) | | 600 | | | 16,866 |
Qualcomm, Inc. | | 3,075 | | | 133,424 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 448,285 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–6.1% | | | | | |
Apple, Inc.(a) | | 4,050 | | | 494,262 |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | 5,645 | | | 251,880 |
International Business Machines Corp. | | 700 | | | 73,675 |
Lexmark International, Inc.— Class A(a) | | 250 | | | 12,327 |
Network Appliance, Inc.(a) | | 3,600 | | | 105,120 |
Sun Microsystems, Inc.(a) | | 8,000 | | | 42,080 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 979,344 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–0.7% | | | | | |
Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a) | | 400 | | | 15,372 |
Flextronics International Ltd.(a) | | 3,900 | | | 42,120 |
Sanmina-SCI Corp.(a) | | 3,000 | | | 9,390 |
Solectron Corp.(a) | | 11,800 | | | 43,424 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 110,306 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–3.8% | | | | | |
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a) | | 1,150 | | | 55,936 |
eBay, Inc.(a) | | 1,550 | | | 49,879 |
Google, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 970 | | | 507,679 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 613,494 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–0.1% | | | | | |
Electronic Data Systems Corp. | | 500 | | | 13,865 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–1.6% | | | | | |
Broadcom Corp.—Class A(a) | | 4,662 | | | 136,363 |
NVIDIA Corp.(a) | | 1,750 | | | 72,293 |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | 1,300 | | | 48,919 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 257,575 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–1.6% | | | | | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a) | | 2,500 | | | 100,375 |
Microsoft Corp. | | 5,200 | | | 153,244 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 253,619 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,676,488 |
| | | | | |
3
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–11.9% | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–3.0% | | | | | |
Celgene Corp.(a) | | 1,750 | | $ | 100,327 |
Genentech, Inc.(a) | | 2,250 | | | 170,235 |
Gilead Sciences, Inc.(a) | | 5,300 | | | 205,481 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 476,043 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–1.1% | | | | | |
Alcon, Inc. | | 1,275 | | | 172,010 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–2.8% | | | | | |
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.(a) | | 1,050 | | | 81,890 |
Tenet Healthcare Corp.(a) | | 2,200 | | | 14,322 |
WellPoint, Inc.(a) | | 4,370 | | | 348,857 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 445,069 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–5.0% | | | | | |
Abbott Laboratories | | 3,500 | | | 187,425 |
Johnson & Johnson | | 600 | | | 36,972 |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | 3,100 | | | 154,380 |
Pfizer, Inc. | | 10,500 | | | 268,485 |
Schering-Plough Corp. | | 1,700 | | | 51,748 |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. (ADR) | | 1,300 | | | 53,625 |
Wyeth | | 1,050 | | | 60,207 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 812,842 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,905,964 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–11.1% | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–0.8% | | | | | |
Autoliv, Inc. | | 850 | | | 48,339 |
BorgWarner, Inc. | | 700 | | | 60,228 |
Magna International, Inc.—Class A | | 250 | | | 22,748 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 131,315 |
| | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–2.5% | | | | | |
Hilton Hotels Corp. | | 2,300 | | | 76,981 |
McDonald’s Corp. | | 3,625 | | | 184,005 |
MGM Mirage(a) | | 200 | | | 16,496 |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | | 1,900 | | | 127,433 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 404,915 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.3% | | | | | |
KB Home | | 800 | | | 31,496 |
Pulte Homes, Inc. | | 900 | | | 20,205 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 51,701 |
| | | | | |
LEISURE EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS–0.4% | | | | | |
Mattel, Inc. | | 2,800 | | | 70,812 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–3.6% | | | | | |
CBS Corp.—Class B | | 2,375 | | | 79,135 |
Citadel Broadcasting Corp. | | 24 | | | 155 |
Comcast Corp.-Special— Class A(a) | | 11,250 | | | 314,550 |
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc.(a) | | 3,200 | | | 36,480 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Time Warner, Inc. | | 6,600 | | $ | 138,864 |
Viacom, Inc.—Class B(a) | | 175 | | | 7,285 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 576,469 |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–2.6% | | | | | |
Family Dollar Stores, Inc. | | 1,100 | | | 37,752 |
Kohl’s Corp.(a) | | 2,310 | | | 164,080 |
Macy’s, Inc. | | 1,500 | | | 59,670 |
Saks, Inc. | | 1,400 | | | 29,890 |
Target Corp. | | 1,975 | | | 125,610 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 417,002 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–0.6% | | | | | |
The Gap, Inc. | | 1,700 | | | 32,470 |
Home Depot, Inc. | | 400 | | | 15,740 |
Ltd. Brands, Inc. | | 425 | | | 11,666 |
Office Depot, Inc.(a) | | 1,000 | | | 30,300 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 90,176 |
| | | | | |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.3% | | | | | |
Jones Apparel Group, Inc. | | 1,500 | | | 42,375 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,784,765 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–8.8% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–2.4% | | | | | |
Baker Hughes, Inc. | | 1,525 | | | 128,298 |
Halliburton Co. | | 1,750 | | | 60,375 |
Schlumberger, Ltd. | | 2,250 | | | 191,115 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 379,788 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–6.4% | | | | | |
BP PLC (ADR) | | 600 | | | 43,284 |
Chevron Corp. | | 3,300 | | | 277,992 |
ConocoPhillips | | 1,400 | | | 109,900 |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | 5,200 | | | 436,176 |
Marathon Oil Corp. | | 1,800 | | | 107,928 |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | 200 | | | 11,576 |
Petro-Canada | | 100 | | | 5,328 |
Total SA (ADR) | | 400 | | | 32,392 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,024,576 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,404,364 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–8.6% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–4.2% | | | | | |
Boeing Co. | | 3,590 | | | 345,214 |
Honeywell International, Inc. | | 2,400 | | | 135,072 |
Northrop Grumman Corp. | | 600 | | | 46,722 |
Spirit Aerosystems Holdings, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 3,250 | | | 117,162 |
United Technologies Corp. | | 550 | | | 39,012 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 683,182 |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.6% | | | | | |
Fluor Corp. | | 850 | | | 94,665 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.3% | | | | | |
Emerson Electric Co. | | 900 | | | 42,120 |
| | | | | |
4
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–2.0% | | | | | |
General Electric Co. | | 7,400 | | $ | 283,272 |
Tyco International, Ltd. | | 1,200 | | | 40,548 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 323,820 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–1.5% | | | | | |
Deere & Co. | | 450 | | | 54,333 |
Eaton Corp. | | 700 | | | 65,100 |
Ingersoll-Rand Co. Ltd.—Class A | | 800 | | | 43,856 |
SPX Corp. | | 900 | | | 79,029 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 242,318 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,386,105 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–6.4% | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–0.4% | | | | | |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | 1,150 | | | 74,577 |
| | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–0.9% | | | | | |
The Kroger Co. | | 2,700 | | | 75,951 |
Safeway, Inc. | | 1,600 | | | 54,448 |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | | 300 | | | 14,433 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 144,832 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–1.5% | | | | | |
General Mills, Inc. | | 500 | | | 29,210 |
Kellogg Co. | | 1,000 | | | 51,790 |
Kraft Foods, Inc.—Class A | | 1,797 | | | 63,344 |
Sara Lee Corp. | | 3,000 | | | 52,200 |
WM Wrigley Jr Co. | | 700 | | | 38,717 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 235,261 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–2.5% | | | | | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | | 800 | | | 51,880 |
Kimberly-Clark Corp. | | 500 | | | 33,445 |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | 5,140 | | | 314,517 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 399,842 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–1.1% | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | 2,200 | | | 154,308 |
UST, Inc. | | 400 | | | 21,484 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 175,792 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,030,304 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.4% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.8% | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | 5,500 | | | 228,250 |
Embarq Corp. | | 235 | | | 14,892 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | 4,900 | | $ | 201,733 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 444,875 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.6% | | | | | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | 1,600 | | | 99,088 |
American Tower Corp.—Class A(a) | | 400 | | | 16,800 |
Sprint Nextel Corp. | | 4,700 | | | 97,337 |
Vodafone Group PLC (ADR) | | 1,400 | | | 47,082 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 260,307 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 705,182 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–4.1% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–2.7% | | | | | |
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | | 900 | | | 72,333 |
Dow Chemical Co. | | 1,600 | | | 70,752 |
E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co. | | 825 | | | 41,943 |
Lubrizol Corp. | | 700 | | | 45,185 |
Monsanto Co. | | 2,750 | | | 185,735 |
PPG Industries, Inc. | | 150 | | | 11,417 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 427,365 |
| | | | | |
CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–1.0% | | | | | |
Crown Holdings, Inc.(a) | | 700 | | | 17,479 |
Owens-Illinois, Inc.(a) | | 1,700 | | | 59,500 |
Smurfit-Stone Container Corp.(a) | | 1,900 | | | 25,289 |
Temple-Inland, Inc. | | 1,000 | | | 61,530 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 163,798 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–0.4% | | | | | |
Arcelor Mittal—Class A | | 1,100 | | | 68,640 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 659,803 |
| | | | | |
UTILITIES–0.6% | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–0.5% | | | | | |
Entergy Corp. | | 800 | | | 85,880 |
| | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–0.1% | | | | | |
Dominion Resources, Inc./VA | | 100 | | | 8,631 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 94,511 |
| | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–98.7% (cost $12,366,366) | | | | | 15,834,168 |
Other assets less liabilities–1.3% | | | | | 212,532 |
| | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | $ | 16,046,700 |
| | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
| ADR—American Depositary Receipt |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
5
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | |
ASSETS | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $12,366,366) | | $ | 15,834,168 |
Cash | | | 94,353 |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 319,020 |
Dividends receivable | | | 17,156 |
Receivable due from Adviser | | | 3,080 |
| | | |
Total assets | | | 16,267,777 |
| | | |
LIABILITIES | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 149,272 |
Custodian fee payable | | | 19,039 |
Audit fee payable | | | 18,101 |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 17,899 |
Distribution fee payable | | | 3,447 |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 |
Accrued expenses | | | 13,260 |
| | | |
Total liabilities | | | 221,077 |
| | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 16,046,700 |
| | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 1,173 |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 11,726,397 |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 11,434 |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 840,218 |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 3,467,478 |
| | | |
| | $ | 16,046,700 |
| | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 12,299 | | 887.306 | | $ | 13.86 |
B | | $ | 16,034,401 | | 1,171,759 | | $ | 13.68 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $1,886) | | $ | 133,695 | |
Interest | | | 986 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 134,681 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 54,115 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 20,798 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1,034 | |
Custodian | | | 61,831 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Audit | | | 19,101 | |
Printing | | | 5,432 | |
Legal | | | 3,312 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 764 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 1,238 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 214,625 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B) | | | (93,932 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 120,693 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 13,988 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 874,996 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | 53,523 | |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (324 | ) |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 928,195 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 942,183 | |
| | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
| | |
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 13,988 | | | $ | 27,694 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 874,996 | | | | 789,026 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 53,199 | | | | 792,654 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 942,183 | | | | 1,609,374 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (54 | ) | | | –0– | |
Class B | | | (30,194 | ) | | | –0– | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (596 | ) | | | (473 | ) |
Class B | | | (792,875 | ) | | | (719,255 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (1,329,531 | ) | | | (369,831 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) . | | | (1,211,067 | ) | | | 519,815 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 17,257,767 | | | | 16,737,952 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $11,434 and $27,694, respectively) | | $ | 16,046,700 | | | $ | 17,257,767 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. 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 asked 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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the policy of the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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.
7. Repurchase Agreements
It is the policy of the Portfolio that its custodian or designated subcustodian take control of securities as collateral under repurchase agreements and to determine on a daily basis that the value of such securities are sufficient to cover the value of the repurchase agreements. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines or if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization of collateral by the Portfolio may be delayed or limited.
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NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of ..65% of the first $2.5 billion, .55% of the next $2.5 billion and .50% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of ..95% of the first $5 billion, .90% of the next $2.5 billion, .85% of the next $2.5 billion and .80% of the excess over $10 billion of the Portfolio’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 on an annual basis to 1.20% and 1.45% of the daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Adviser waived fees in the amount of $46,932.
Pursuant to the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio has agreed to reimburse the Adviser for the cost of providing the Portfolio with certain legal and accounting services. Due to the Adviser’s agreement to limit total operating expenses as described above, the Adviser waived reimbursement for such services in the amount of $47,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007, amounted to $6,777, none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 4,481,826 | | | $ | 6,756,137 | |
U.S. government securities | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 | | $ | 3,634,549 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (166,747 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 3,467,802 | |
| | | | |
1. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 net unrealized appreciation or depreciation by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
Risks may arise from the potential inability of the 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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
2. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
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NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
` | | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 46 | | | 38 | | | | | $ | 650 | | | $ | 473 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 46 | | | 38 | | | | | $ | 650 | | | $ | 473 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 32,351 | | | 154,319 | | | | | $ | 451,522 | | | $ | 1,985,872 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 59,342 | | | 59,247 | | | | | | 823,069 | | | | 719,255 | |
Shares redeemed | | (185,533 | ) | | (235,279 | ) | | | | | (2,604,772 | ) | | | (3,075,431 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (93,840 | ) | | (21,713 | ) | | | | $ | (1,330,181 | ) | | $ | (370,304 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 155,188 | | $ | 49,331 | |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 564,540 | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 719,728 | | | 49,331 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 719,728 | | $ | 49,331 | |
| | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 215,511 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 601,115 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 3,384,040 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 4,200,666 | |
| | | | |
(a) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
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U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims
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brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a
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U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
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U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | June 6, 2003(a) to December 31, 2003 | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $13.81 | | | $13.13 | | | $11.98 | | | $10.96 | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b)(c) | | .03 | | | .06 | | | .02 | | | .06 | | | .03 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions | | .79 | | | 1.21 | | | 1.19 | | | .97 | | | .93 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | .82 | | | 1.27 | | | 1.21 | | | 1.03 | | | .96 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.06 | ) | | –0 | – | | (.06 | ) | | (.01 | ) | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (.71 | ) | | (.59 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.77 | ) | | (.59 | ) | | (.06 | ) | | (.01 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $13.86 | | | $13.81 | | | $13.13 | | | $11.98 | | | $10.96 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | 5.88 | % | | 10.22 | % | | 10.13 | % | | 9.43 | % | | 9.60 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $12 | | | $12 | | | $11 | | | $1,200 | | | $1,096 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.20 | %(e) | | 1.20 | %(f) | | 1.19 | % | | 1.20 | % | | 1.20 | %(e) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 2.34 | %(e) | | 2.28 | %(f) | | 2.29 | % | | 2.67 | % | | 6.65 | %(e) |
Net investment income (c) | | .43 | %(e) | | .42 | %(f) | | .15 | % | | .55 | % | | .45 | %(e) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 27 | % | | 53 | % | | 80 | % | | 42 | % | | 13 | % |
See footnote summary on page 18.
17
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | May 2, 2003(g) to December 31, 2003 | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $13.63 | | | $12.99 | | | $11.89 | | | $10.90 | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (b)(c) | | .01 | | | .02 | | | (.01 | ) | | .04 | | | .01 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions | | .78 | | | 1.21 | | | 1.14 | | | .96 | | | .89 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | .79 | | | 1.23 | | | 1.13 | | | 1.00 | | | .90 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.03 | ) | | –0 | – | | (.03 | ) | | (.01 | ) | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (.71 | ) | | (.59 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.74 | ) | | (.59 | ) | | (.03 | ) | | (.01 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $13.68 | | | $13.63 | | | $12.99 | | | $11.89 | | | $10.90 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | 5.69 | % | | 10.02 | % | | 9.57 | % | | 9.16 | % | | 9.00 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $16,035 | | | $17,246 | | | $16,727 | | | $15,485 | | | $6,600 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.45 | %(e) | | 1.45 | %(f) | | 1.45 | % | | 1.45 | % | | 1.43 | %(e) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 2.58 | %(e) | | 2.53 | %(f) | | 2.59 | % | | 2.95 | % | | 8.25 | %(e) |
Net investment income (loss) (c) | | .17 | %(e) | | .17 | %(f) | | (.10 | )% | | .37 | % | | .27 | %(e) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 27 | % | | 53 | % | | 80 | % | | 42 | % | | 13 | % |
(a) | Commencement of distribution. |
(b) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(c) | Net of expenses waived and 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(f) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
(g) | Commencement of operations. |
18
| | |
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio (the “Portfolio”),2 prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003 is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 06/30/06 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Blend | | 65 bp on 1st $2.5 billion | | $ | 15.7 | | U.S. Large Cap Blended |
| | 55 bp on next $2.5 billion | | | | | Style Portfolio |
| | 50 bp on the balance | | | | | |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. Indicated below is the reimbursement amount, which the Adviser received from the Portfolio in the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, expressed in dollars and as a percentage of average daily net assets:
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Amount | | As a % of Average Daily Net Assets | |
U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio4 | | $ | 75,250 | | 0.46 | % |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on June 24, 2006 and presented to the Board of Directors on August 1, 2006 in accordance with the September 1, 2004 Assurance of Discontinuance between the NYAG and the Adviser. It also should be noted that references in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
2 | Future references to the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” |
3 | Most of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the New York State Attorney General. |
4 | The Adviser waived this expense reimbursement made by the Portfolio. |
19
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser agreed to waive that portion of its management fees and/or reimburse a portion of the Portfolio’s total operating expenses to the degree necessary to limit the Portfolio’s expenses to the amounts set forth below during the Portfolio’s first fiscal year. The waiver is terminable by the Adviser on May 1st of each year upon 60 days written notice.
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Cap Pursuant to Expense Limitation Undertaking | | | Gross Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year End |
U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio | | Class A 1.20 | % | | 2.29 | % | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.45 | % | | 2.59 | % | | |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses is reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if the Portfolio is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. It should be noted that the Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300, it will negotiate a fee schedule. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. To the extent that certain of these institutional relationships are with affiliates of the Adviser, the fee schedules may not reflect arms-length bargaining or negotiations. In addition to the AllianceBernstein institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AllianceBernstein institutional fee schedule been applied to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 06/30/06 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein Institutional Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Institutional Advisory Fee | | | Fund Advisory Fee5 | |
U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio | | $ | 15.7 | | U.S. Style Blend Schedule | | 0.800 | % | | 0.650 | % |
| | | | | 80 bp on the first $25 million | | | | | | |
| | | | | 60 bp on the next $25 million | | | | | | |
| | | | | 50 bp on the next $50 million | | | | | | |
| | | | | 40 bp on the next $100 million | | | | | | |
| | | | | 30 bp on the balance | | | | | | |
| | | | | Minimum account size $50m | | | | | | |
5 | Fund advisory information was provided by Lipper. See Section II for additional discussion. |
20
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Blended Style Series, Inc.—U.S. Large Cap Portfolio, a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Blended Style Series, Inc.—U.S. Large Cap Portfolio:
| | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets |
U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio | | Blended Style Series, Inc.– U.S. Large Cap Portfolio | | 65 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 55 bp on next $2.5 billion 50 bp on the balance |
The Adviser also manages and sponsors retail mutual funds, which are organized in jurisdictions outside the United States, generally Luxembourg and Japan, and sold to non-United States resident investors. The Adviser charges the following “all-in” fee6 for the Luxembourg fund that has a similar investment style as the Portfolio:
| | | |
Fund | | Fee | |
Equity Blend | | 1.50 | % |
The adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment companies with a similar investment style as the Portfolio.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the Lipper group median at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.7
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Effective Management Fee8 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio | | 0.650 | | 0.750 | | 3/13 |
Lipper also analyzed the total expense ratio of the Portfolio in comparison to its Lipper Expense Group9 and Lipper Expense Universe.10 Lipper describes a Lipper Expense Group as a representative sample of comparable funds and a Lipper Expense
6 | The “all-in” fee shown is for the Class A shares of Equity Blend. This fee covers investment advisory services and distribution related services. |
7 | The effective management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” means that the Portfolio has the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
8 | The effective management fee rate for the Portfolio would not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative, and other services. As previously mentioned, for the most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser waived such payment. In addition, the effective management fee does not reflect any waivers or expense reimbursements for expense caps that effectively reduced the contractual fee rate. |
9 | Lipper uses the following criteria in screening funds to be included in the Portfolios expense group: variable product, fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, and expense components and attributes. A Lipper Expense Group will typically consist of seven to twenty funds. |
10 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting a Lipper Expense Group when selecting a Lipper Expense Universe. Unlike the Lipper Expense Group, the Lipper Expense Universe allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
21
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Universe as a broader group, consisting of all funds in the same investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the subject Portfolio. The result of that analysis is set forth below:
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)11 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio | | 1.190 | | 0.955 | | 13/13 | | 0.839 | | 80/81 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE MANAGEMENT FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
A consultant was retained by the Senior Officer to work with the Adviser’s personnel to align the Adviser’s two profitability reporting systems. The alignment, which now has been completed, allows the Adviser’s management and the Directors to receive consistent presentations of the financial results and profitability although the two profitability reporting systems operate independently. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The profitability information for the Portfolio prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors was reviewed by the Senior Officer. Based on the information provided, the Adviser did not earn a profit during calendar 2005 and 2004 primarily as a result of the Adviser having to reimburse the Portfolio for additional expenses incurred above the Portfolio’s expense cap limitation.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that they should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution, and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, front-end sales loads, contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) and commissions for providing brokerage services. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur. Additional information regarding distribution related fees can be found in the prospectus of the Portfolio.
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, ABI received the amount set forth below in Rule 12b-1 fees:
| | | |
Portfolio | | 12b-1 Fees Received |
U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio | | $ | 38,890 |
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection to Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, the Adviser determined that it made the following payment on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI:
| | | |
Portfolio | | Adviser Payment to ABI |
U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio | | $ | 264,340 |
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, keeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the firm over the year.
11 | Most recently completed fiscal year Class A share total expense ratio. |
22
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability increased in 2005 in comparison to 2004. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $794 from the Portfolio.12
The Portfolio effected brokerage transactions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and paid commissions for such transactions during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business conducted with the Portfolio is comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients, including the Portfolio. These credits and charges are not being passed on to any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for the Portfolio and other clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that the breakpoints in the fee schedule in the Investment Advisory Agreement reflect a sharing of economies of scale to the extent the breakpoints are reached. Based on some of the professional literature that has considered economies of scale in the mutual fund industry it is thought that to the extent economies of scale exist, they may more often exist across a fund family as opposed to a specific fund. This is because the costs incurred by the Adviser, such as investment research or technology for trading or compliance systems can be spread across a greater asset base as the fund family increases in size. It is also possible that as the level of services required to operate a successful investment company has increased over time, and advisory firms have made such investments in their business to provide improved services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant made a presentation to the Board of Directors and the Senior Officer regarding possible economies of scale or scope in the mutual fund industry. Based on the presentation, it was evident that fund management companies benefit from economies of scale. However, due to lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders. In the meantime, it is clear that to the extent a fund’s assets exceeds its initial breakpoint its shareholders benefit from a lower fee rate.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO.
With assets under management of $625 billion as June 30, 2006, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information below, which was prepared by Lipper, shows the 1 year performance ranking of the Portfolio13 relative to its Lipper Performance Group14 and Lipper Performance Universe15 for the periods ended April 30, 2006:
| | | | |
U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio | | Group | | Universe |
1 year | | 4/13 | | 16/95 |
12 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2005. |
13 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
14 | The Lipper Performance Group is identical to the Lipper Expense Group. |
15 | For the Lipper Performance Universe, Lipper included the Portfolio and all of the funds of the same Lipper Classification/Objective and load type, regardless of asset size. |
23
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below are the 1 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)16 versus its benchmarks:17
| | | | |
| | Periods Ending April 30, 2006 Annualized Performance |
Portfolio | | 1 Year | | Since Inception |
U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio | | 19.80 | | 12.17 |
S&P 500 Stock Index | | 11.72 | | 12.88 |
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arms-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: September 7, 2006
16 | The performance returns shown are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
17 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through April 30, 2006 in order to maintain consistency with Lipper’s performance rankings in the analysis. |
24
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s website at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees of other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees of other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,062.03 | | $ | 4.96 | | 0.97 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.98 | | $ | 4.86 | | 0.97 | % |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,061.34 | | $ | 6.24 | | 1.22 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,018.74 | | $ | 6.11 | | 1.22 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | $ | 740,241 | | 2.0 | % |
Google, Inc.-Class A | | | 724,881 | | 2.0 | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 720,036 | | 2.0 | |
Credit Suisse Group | | | 528,297 | | 1.5 | |
Boeing Co. | | | 521,668 | | 1.4 | |
WellPoint, Inc. | | | 498,938 | | 1.4 | |
Citigroup, Inc. | | | 492,384 | | 1.4 | |
Comcast Corp. (Class A and Special Class A) | | | 446,202 | | 1.2 | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | | | 441,423 | | 1.2 | |
Bank of America Corp. | | | 430,232 | | 1.2 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 5,544,302 | | 15.3 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 12,713,353 | | 35.1 | % |
Information Technology | | | 4,588,848 | | 12.7 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 3,767,730 | | 10.4 | |
Health Care | | | 3,203,659 | | 8.8 | |
Industrials | | | 3,023,013 | | 8.3 | |
Energy | | | 2,864,708 | | 7.9 | |
Materials | | | 2,269,760 | | 6.3 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 2,020,720 | | 5.6 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 1,426,573 | | 3.9 | |
Utilities | | | 369,496 | | 1.0 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 36,247,860 | | 100.0 | |
| 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 and 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. |
2
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–99.9% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–35.0% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–7.2% | | | | | |
3i Group PLC | | 4,026 | | $ | 93,716 |
The Blackstone Group LP(a) | | 4,600 | | | 134,642 |
Credit Suisse Group | | 4,568 | | | 324,287 |
Credit Suisse Group (New York) (ADR) | | 2,875 | | | 204,010 |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | 2,700 | | | 357,669 |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | 895 | | | 193,991 |
Lazard Ltd.—Class A | | 250 | | | 11,258 |
Legg Mason, Inc. | | 2,900 | | | 285,302 |
Macquarie Bank Ltd. | | 1,549 | | | 111,257 |
Man Group PLC | | 12,891 | | | 156,805 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. | | 4,900 | | | 409,542 |
Morgan Stanley | | 700 | | | 58,716 |
Nomura Holdings, Inc. | | 4,700 | | | 91,290 |
UBS AG (Swiss Virt-X) | | 2,720 | | | 162,668 |
Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.—Class A | | 900 | | | 23,409 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,618,562 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–5.0% | | | | | |
Anglo Irish Bank Corp. PLC (London Exchange) | | 6,059 | | | 123,217 |
Barclays PLC | | 8,200 | | | 114,086 |
BNP Paribas SA | | 900 | | | 106,905 |
China Construction Bank Corp.—Class H | | 38,000 | | | 26,131 |
Comerica, Inc. | | 1,325 | | | 78,798 |
Credit Agricole SA | | 2,486 | | | 100,877 |
Fifth Third Bancorp | | 2,100 | | | 83,517 |
HBOS PLC | | 5,730 | | | 112,705 |
Keycorp | | 500 | | | 17,165 |
Kookmin Bank | | 800 | | | 70,167 |
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. | | 3 | | | 33,062 |
National City Corp. | | 2,700 | | | 89,964 |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC | | 9,741 | | | 123,258 |
Societe Generale | | 630 | | | 116,725 |
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. | | 11 | | | 102,546 |
SunTrust Banks, Inc. | | 1,425 | | | 122,179 |
U.S. Bancorp | | 2,000 | | | 65,900 |
UniCredito Italiano SpA | | 15,431 | | | 137,824 |
Wachovia Corp. | | 1,800 | | | 92,250 |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | 3,200 | | | 112,544 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,829,820 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER FINANCE–0.3% | | | | | |
ORIX Corp. | | 430 | | | 113,343 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–6.1% | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. | | 8,800 | | | 430,232 |
Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 775 | | | 414,129 |
Citigroup, Inc. | | 9,600 | | | 492,384 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Fortis | | 1,400 | | $ | 59,337 |
ING Groep NV | | 3,600 | | | 158,450 |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | 8,800 | | | 426,360 |
Moody's Corp. | | 1,800 | | | 111,960 |
NYSE Euronext | | 1,550 | | | 114,111 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,206,963 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–5.2% | | | | | |
ACE Ltd. | | 700 | | | 43,764 |
Allianz SE | | 700 | | | 163,238 |
Allstate Corp. | | 875 | | | 53,821 |
AMBAC Financial Group, Inc. | | 900 | | | 78,471 |
American International Group, Inc. | | 4,100 | | | 287,123 |
AON Corp. | | 700 | | | 29,827 |
Aviva PLC | | 6,000 | | | 89,068 |
Chubb Corp. | | 700 | | | 37,898 |
Fondiaria-Sai SpA | | 800 | | | 38,677 |
Genworth Financial, Inc.—Class A | | 2,500 | | | 86,000 |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | | 1,175 | | | 115,749 |
MBIA, Inc. | | 700 | | | 43,554 |
MetLife, Inc. | | 1,825 | | | 117,676 |
Muenchener Rueckversicherungs AG | | 700 | | | 128,374 |
Old Republic International Corp. | | 3,000 | | | 63,780 |
Prudential Financial, Inc. | | 150 | | | 14,585 |
QBE Insurance Group Ltd. | | 3,848 | | | 101,529 |
Swiss Reinsurance | | 994 | | | 90,653 |
Torchmark Corp. | | 1,225 | | | 82,075 |
The Travelers Cos., Inc. | | 2,600 | | | 139,100 |
UnumProvident Corp. | | 2,700 | | | 70,497 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,875,459 |
| | | | | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)–6.5% | | | | | |
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. | | 420 | | | 40,664 |
Allied Properties Real Estate Investment Trust | | 907 | | | 18,358 |
Apartment Investment & Management Co.—Class A | | 775 | | | 39,076 |
Archstone-Smith Trust | | 375 | | | 22,166 |
Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust | | 12,000 | | | 23,087 |
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. | | 1,600 | | | 18,816 |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | | 450 | | | 53,496 |
Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust | | 480 | | | 21,901 |
Boston Properties, Inc. | | 425 | | | 43,405 |
British Land Co. PLC | | 3,226 | | | 86,326 |
Brixton PLC | | 1,100 | | | 9,631 |
Camden Property Trust | | 400 | | | 26,788 |
Canadian Apartment Properties REI | | 2 | | | 34 |
Canadian Real Estate Investment Trust | | 957 | | | 26,166 |
CapitaMall Trust | | 16,800 | | | 46,388 |
Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust | | 855 | | | 17,295 |
3
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
DB RREEF Trust | | 34,838 | | $ | 57,836 |
Developers Diversified Realty Corp. | | 430 | | | 22,665 |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | | 1,225 | | | 46,158 |
Dundee Real Estate Investment Trust | | 806 | | | 34,792 |
Equity Residential | | 825 | | | 37,645 |
Essex Property Trust, Inc. | | 125 | | | 14,537 |
Federal Realty Investment Trust | | 225 | | | 17,383 |
Felcor Lodging Trust, Inc. | | 1,000 | | | 26,030 |
First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. | | 150 | | | 5,814 |
Fonciere Des Regions | | 287 | | | 41,864 |
General Growth Properties, Inc. | | 1,200 | | | 63,540 |
General Property Group | | 8,217 | | | 32,389 |
Great Portland Estates PLC | | 2,700 | | | 35,814 |
H&R Real Estate Investment | | 300 | | | 6,460 |
Hammerson PLC | | 800 | | | 22,909 |
Health Care Property Investors, Inc. | | 725 | | | 20,974 |
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | 1,916 | | | 44,298 |
ING Office Fund | | 26,400 | | | 39,059 |
Japan Real Estate Investment—Class A | | 4 | | | 47,009 |
Japan Retail Fund Investment Corp.—Class A | | 6 | | | 52,004 |
Kimco Realty Corp. | | 1,100 | | | 41,877 |
Klepierre | | 350 | | | 59,268 |
Land Securities Group PLC | | 2,245 | | | 78,183 |
LaSalle Hotel Properties | | 250 | | | 10,855 |
Macerich Co. | | 100 | | | 8,242 |
Macquarie Goodman Group | | 5,220 | | | 29,625 |
Maguire Properties, Inc. | | 800 | | | 27,464 |
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | | 400 | | | 20,992 |
Mirvac Group | | 7,965 | | | 38,419 |
Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. | | 1,250 | | | 34,000 |
Nippon Building Fund, Inc.—Class A | | 2 | | | 27,744 |
Nomura Real Estate Office Fund, Inc.—Class A | | 3 | | | 32,342 |
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. | | 1,000 | | | 15,830 |
Primaris Retail Real Estate Investment Trust | | 660 | | | 12,074 |
Prologis | | 1,675 | | | 95,308 |
Public Storage | | 250 | | | 19,205 |
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust | | 1,879 | | | 41,723 |
Segro PLC | | 1,000 | | | 12,473 |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | | 1,125 | | | 104,670 |
SL Green Realty Corp. | | 300 | | | 37,167 |
Stockland | | 2,652 | | | 18,270 |
Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | 1,100 | | | 24,739 |
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers | | 650 | | | 24,343 |
Taubman Centers, Inc. | | 650 | | | 32,247 |
UDR, Inc. | | 425 | | | 11,178 |
Unibail | | 500 | | | 127,867 |
Ventas, Inc. | | 1,600 | | | 58,000 |
Vornado Realty Trust | | 650 | | | 71,396 |
Westfield Group | | 5,119 | | | 86,374 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,364,652 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–3.0% | | | | | |
Beni Stabili SpA | | 26,700 | | $ | 38,853 |
Brookfield Properties Corp. | | 1,275 | | | 30,995 |
Citycon OYJ | | 6,000 | | | 38,456 |
Derwent Valley Holdings PLC | | 1,200 | | | 44,002 |
Deutsche Wohnen AG | | 350 | | | 18,140 |
Eurocastle Investment Ltd. | | 850 | | | 39,276 |
Forest City Enterprises, Inc.— Class A | | 675 | | | 41,499 |
Hang Lung Properties, Ltd. | | 16,000 | | | 55,247 |
IVG Immobilien AG | | 1,050 | | | 41,221 |
Keppel Land Ltd. | | 6,000 | | | 34,387 |
Kerry Properties Ltd. | | 14,891 | | | 93,524 |
Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd. | | 3,000 | | | 81,392 |
Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd. | | 3,900 | | | 109,310 |
New World Development Co., Ltd. | | 33,370 | | | 83,511 |
Norwegian Property ASA | | 2,100 | | | 26,144 |
NTT Urban Development Corp. | | 44 | | | 85,199 |
Sino Land Co. | | 29,478 | | | 61,373 |
Sponda OYJ | | 2,600 | | | 37,629 |
Sumitomo Realty & Development | | 2,000 | | | 65,133 |
Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. | | 5,700 | | | 68,586 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,093,877 |
| | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–1.7% | | | | | |
Astoria Financial Corp. | | 1,200 | | | 30,048 |
Countrywide Financial Corp. | | 2,800 | | | 101,780 |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. | | 1,700 | | | 103,190 |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | 2,900 | | | 189,457 |
MGIC Investment Corp. | | 1,100 | | | 62,546 |
Washington Mutual, Inc. | | 2,900 | | | 123,656 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 610,677 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 12,713,353 |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–12.7% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–2.1% | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 15,850 | | | 441,423 |
Nokia OYJ | | 4,625 | | | 129,894 |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | | 4,350 | | | 188,747 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 760,064 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–4.2% | | | | | |
Apple, Inc.(a) | | 5,900 | | | 720,036 |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | 8,200 | | | 365,884 |
International Business Machines Corp. | | 950 | | | 99,987 |
Lexmark International, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 1,000 | | | 49,310 |
Network Appliance, Inc.(a) | | 5,150 | | | 150,380 |
Sun Microsystems, Inc.(a) | | 11,400 | | | 59,964 |
Toshiba Corp. | | 10,000 | | | 87,128 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,532,689 |
| | | | | |
4
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–0.7% | | | | | |
Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a) | | 1,350 | | $ | 51,881 |
AU Optronics Corp. | | 23,690 | | | 40,469 |
Flextronics International Ltd.(a) | | 2,100 | | | 22,680 |
HON HAI Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | | 2,000 | | | 17,275 |
Sanmina-SCI Corp.(a) | | 7,800 | | | 24,414 |
Solectron Corp.(a) | | 11,500 | | | 42,320 |
Tech Data Corp.(a) | | 1,300 | | | 49,998 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 249,037 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–2.4% | | | | | |
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a) | | 1,600 | | | 77,824 |
eBay, Inc.(a) | | 2,000 | | | 64,360 |
Google, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 1,385 | | | 724,881 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 867,065 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–0.3% | | | | | |
Cap Gemini SA | | 758 | | | 55,417 |
Electronic Data Systems Corp. | | 700 | | | 19,411 |
Infosys Technologies, Ltd. | | 537 | | | 25,414 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 100,242 |
| | | | | |
OFFICE ELECTRONICS–0.4% | | | | | |
Canon, Inc. | | 2,450 | | | 143,675 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–1.6% | | | | | |
Broadcom Corp.—Class A(a) | | 6,600 | | | 193,050 |
Hynix Semiconductor, Inc.(a) | | 1,500 | | | 53,967 |
Nvidia Corp.(a) | | 2,400 | | | 99,144 |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | | 80 | | | 48,908 |
Siliconware Precision Industries Co. | | 13,000 | | | 27,746 |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | 1,900 | | | 71,497 |
United Microelectronics Corp. | | 150,378 | | | 89,920 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 584,232 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–1.0% | | | | | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a) | | 3,350 | | | 134,503 |
Microsoft Corp. | | 7,375 | | | 217,341 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 351,844 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,588,848 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–10.4% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–1.0% | | | |
Autoliv, Inc. | | 1,225 | | | 69,665 |
BorgWarner, Inc. | | 800 | | | 68,832 |
Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin—Class B | | 700 | | | 97,821 |
Denso Corp. | | 1,200 | | | 46,933 |
Hyundai Mobis | | 770 | | | 73,052 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 356,303 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–1.2% | | | | | |
Fiat SpA | | 4,770 | | $ | 141,683 |
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | | 4,700 | | | 50,317 |
Renault SA | | 1,000 | | | 160,389 |
Suzuki Motor Corp. | | 500 | | | 14,199 |
Toyota Motor Corp. | | 900 | | | 56,760 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 423,348 |
| | | | | |
HOTELS RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–2.0% | | | | | |
Accor SA | | 895 | | | 79,119 |
Hilton Hotels Corp. | | 4,350 | | | 145,594 |
McDonald's Corp. | | 5,100 | | | 258,876 |
MGM Mirage(a) | | 200 | | | 16,496 |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | | 3,175 | | | 212,947 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 713,032 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.8% | | | | | |
Black & Decker Corp. | | 800 | | | 70,648 |
Centex Corp. | | 600 | | | 24,060 |
KB Home | | 1,100 | | | 43,307 |
Persimmon PLC | | 2,000 | | | 46,249 |
Pulte Homes, Inc. | | 1,300 | | | 29,185 |
Sharp Corp. | | 4,000 | | | 75,830 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 289,279 |
| | | | | |
LEISURE EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS–0.2% | | | | | |
Mattel, Inc. | | 3,100 | | | 78,399 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–2.4% | | | | | |
CBS Corp.—Class B | | 3,075 | | | 102,459 |
Citadel Broadcasting Corp. | | 38 | | | 245 |
Comcast Corp.—Class A(a) | | 1,500 | | | 42,180 |
Comcast Corp. Special— Class A(a) | | 14,450 | | | 404,022 |
Grupo Televisa SA (ADR) | | 1,400 | | | 38,654 |
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc.(a) | | 1,800 | | | 20,520 |
Pearson PLC | | 2,206 | | | 37,161 |
Time Warner, Inc. | | 9,300 | | | 195,672 |
Viacom, Inc.—Class B(a) | | 700 | | | 29,141 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 870,054 |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–1.6% | | | | | |
Family Dollar Stores, Inc. | | 1,900 | | | 65,208 |
Kohl's Corp.(a) | | 3,300 | | | 234,399 |
Macy's, Inc. | | 2,200 | | | 87,516 |
Saks, Inc.(a) | | 1,800 | | | 38,430 |
Target Corp. | | 2,750 | | | 174,900 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 600,453 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–0.9% | | | | | |
Esprit Holdings Ltd. | | 5,200 | | | 66,068 |
The Gap, Inc. | | 3,500 | | | 66,850 |
Home Depot, Inc. | | 700 | | | 27,545 |
Inditex SA | | 1,239 | | | 72,927 |
Ltd. Brands, Inc. | | 1,100 | | | 30,195 |
Office Depot, Inc.(a) | | 1,600 | | | 48,480 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 312,065 |
| | | | | |
5
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
TEXTILES APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.3% | | | | | |
Jones Apparel Group, Inc. | | 1,500 | | $ | 42,375 |
VF Corp. | | 900 | | | 82,422 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 124,797 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,767,730 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–8.8% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–1.8% | | | | | |
Celgene Corp.(a) | | 2,400 | | | 137,592 |
Genentech, Inc.(a) | | 3,100 | | | 234,546 |
Gilead Sciences, Inc.(a) | | 7,500 | | | 290,775 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 662,913 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–1.3% | | | | | |
Alcon, Inc. | | 2,325 | | | 313,666 |
Essilor International SA | | 606 | | | 72,178 |
Nobel Biocare Holding AG | | 228 | | | 74,426 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 460,270 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–1.7% | | | | | |
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.(a) | | 1,500 | | | 116,985 |
Tenet Healthcare Corp.(a) | | 1,900 | | | 12,369 |
WellPoint, Inc.(a) | | 6,250 | | | 498,938 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 628,292 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–4.0% | | | | | |
Abbott Laboratories | | 4,900 | | | 262,395 |
AstraZeneca PLC | | 1,300 | | | 69,668 |
GlaxoSmithKline PLC | | 1,300 | | | 33,865 |
Johnson & Johnson | | 900 | | | 55,458 |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | 4,600 | | | 229,080 |
Merck KGaA | | 557 | | | 76,209 |
Pfizer, Inc. | | 14,500 | | | 370,765 |
Roche Holding AG | | 546 | | | 96,744 |
Sanofi-Aventis | | 1,000 | | | 80,787 |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (ADR) | | 2,350 | | | 96,937 |
Wyeth | | 1,400 | | | 80,276 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,452,184 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,203,659 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–8.3% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–3.1% | | | | | |
BAE Systems PLC | | 7,200 | | | 58,100 |
Boeing Co. | | 5,425 | | | 521,668 |
European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co., NV | | 630 | | | 20,446 |
Honeywell International, Inc. | | 3,450 | | | 194,166 |
Northrop Grumman Corp. | | 1,100 | | | 85,657 |
Spirit Aerosystems Holdings, Inc.—Class A(a) | | 4,800 | | | 173,040 |
United Technologies Corp. | | 800 | | | 56,744 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,109,821 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
AIRLINES–0.3% | | | | | |
Air France-KLM | | 1,400 | | $ | 65,141 |
Deutsche Lufthansa AG | | 1,200 | | | 33,471 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 98,612 |
| | | | | |
BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.1% | | | | | |
Cie de Saint-Gobain | | 238 | | | 26,661 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–0.1% | | | | | |
Capita Group PLC | | 3,850 | | | 55,890 |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.7% | | | | | |
Fluor Corp. | | 1,100 | | | 122,507 |
Vinci SA | | 1,704 | | | 127,182 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 249,689 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.6% | | | | | |
ABB Ltd. | | 5,803 | | | 130,845 |
Emerson Electric Co. | | 1,300 | | | 60,840 |
Renewable Energy Corp. AS(a) | | 797 | | | 30,866 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 222,551 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.2% | | | | | |
General Electric Co. | | 10,100 | | | 386,628 |
Tyco International, Ltd.(a) | | 1,800 | | | 60,822 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 447,450 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–1.5% | | | | | |
Atlas Copco AB(a) | | 4,195 | | | 69,873 |
Cummins, Inc. | | 450 | | | 45,545 |
Deere & Co. | | 700 | | | 84,518 |
Eaton Corp. | | 800 | | | 74,400 |
NGK Insulators Ltd. | | 4,000 | | | 98,236 |
PACCAR, Inc. | | 1,000 | | | 87,040 |
SPX Corp. | | 800 | | | 70,248 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 529,860 |
| | | | | |
MARINE–0.3% | | | | | |
Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd. | | 5,000 | | | 67,795 |
Nippon Yusen KK | | 6,000 | | | 55,028 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 122,823 |
| | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–0.4% | | | | | |
Mitsui & Co., Ltd. | | 8,000 | | | 159,656 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,023,013 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–7.9% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–1.6% | | | | | |
Baker Hughes, Inc. | | 2,150 | | | 180,879 |
Halliburton Co. | | 2,530 | | | 87,285 |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | 3,200 | | | 271,808 |
Technip SA | | 389 | | | 32,152 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 572,124 |
| | | | | |
6
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–6.3% | | | | | |
BP PLC | | 3,200 | | $ | 38,504 |
Chevron Corp. | | 4,700 | | | 395,928 |
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.—Class H | | 48,000 | | | 53,552 |
China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd.,—Class H | | 17,500 | | | 61,064 |
ConocoPhillips | | 2,300 | | | 180,550 |
ENI SpA | | 4,000 | | | 145,030 |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | 8,825 | | | 740,241 |
Marathon Oil Corp. | | 2,600 | | | 155,896 |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | 400 | | | 23,152 |
Petro-Canada | | 100 | | | 5,327 |
Petroleo Brasileiro SA (NY) (ADR) | | 1,000 | | | 106,680 |
Repsol YPF SA | | 1,500 | | | 59,383 |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC—Class A | | 2,154 | | | 87,691 |
Total SA | | 2,955 | | | 239,586 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,292,584 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,864,708 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–6.3% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
CHEMICALS–2.9% | | | | | |
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | | 1,300 | | | 104,481 |
BASF AG | | 1,100 | | | 143,899 |
Bayer AG | | 1,689 | | | 127,226 |
E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co. | | 1,900 | | | 96,596 |
Lubrizol Corp. | | 800 | | | 51,640 |
Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp. | | 6,500 | | | 59,669 |
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. | | 8,500 | | | 64,559 |
Monsanto Co. | | 4,010 | | | 270,835 |
Nitto Denko Corp. | | 1,900 | | | 95,767 |
PPG Industries, Inc. | | 625 | | | 47,569 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,062,241 |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS–0.4% | | | | | |
Buzzi Unicem SpA | | 1,700 | | | 58,535 |
CRH PLC | | 1,453 | | | 71,540 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 130,075 |
| | | | | |
CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–0.6% | | | | | |
Crown Holdings, Inc.(a) | | 1,700 | | | 42,449 |
Owens-Illinois, Inc.(a) | | 1,900 | | | 66,500 |
Smurfit-Stone Container Corp.(a) | | 2,800 | | | 37,268 |
Temple-Inland, Inc. | | 1,400 | | | 86,142 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 232,359 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–2.2% | | | | | |
Antofagasta PLC | | 3,700 | | | 45,347 |
Arcelor Mittal (Euronext Amsterdam) | | 1,378 | | | 86,060 |
Cia Vale do Rio Doce (ADR) | | 2,100 | | | 93,555 |
JFE Holdings, Inc. | | 2,200 | | | 136,744 |
Kazakhmys PLC | | 1,100 | | | 27,694 |
MMC Norilsk Nickel (ADR) | | 168 | | | 35,112 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
POSCO | | 120 | | $ | 57,610 |
Rio Tinto PLC | | 1,094 | | | 83,695 |
Xstrata PLC | | 3,764 | | | 224,082 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 789,899 |
| | | | | |
PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS–0.2% | | | | | |
Sca Ab B Free(a) | | 3,300 | | | 55,186 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,269,760 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–5.6% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
BEVERAGES–0.7% | | | | | |
Cia de Bebidas das Americas (ADR) | | 400 | | | 28,000 |
Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. | | 2,300 | | | 55,200 |
Molson Coors Brewing Co.—Class B | | 800 | | | 73,968 |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | 1,700 | | | 110,245 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 267,413 |
| | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–0.6% | | | | | |
The Kroger Co. | | 3,000 | | | 84,390 |
Safeway, Inc. | | 2,300 | | | 78,269 |
Tesco PLC | | 4,542 | | | 38,002 |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | | 500 | | | 24,055 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 224,716 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–1.7% | | | | | |
General Mills, Inc. | | 1,200 | | | 70,104 |
Kellogg Co. | | 1,500 | | | 77,685 |
Kraft Foods, Inc.—Class A | | 4,600 | | | 162,150 |
Nestle SA | | 401 | | | 152,369 |
Sara Lee Corp. | | 4,500 | | | 78,300 |
WM Wrigley Jr Co. | | 1,000 | | | 55,310 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 595,918 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–1.7% | | | | | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | | 1,100 | | | 71,335 |
Kimberly-Clark Corp. | | 800 | | | 53,512 |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | 6,850 | | | 419,151 |
Reckitt Benckiser PLC | | 1,325 | | | 72,538 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 616,536 |
| | | | | |
PERSONAL PRODUCTS–0.2% | | | | | |
L'Oreal SA | | 529 | | | 62,528 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–0.7% | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | 2,850 | | | 199,899 |
UST, Inc. | | 1,000 | | | 53,710 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 253,609 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,020,720 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–3.9% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.3% | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | 8,100 | | | 336,150 |
China Netcom Group Corp., Ltd. | | 21,500 | | | 59,351 |
Embarq Corp. | | 290 | | | 18,377 |
7
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. | | 12 | | $ | 53,104 |
Telefonica SA | | 2,127 | | | 47,334 |
Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk PT | | 22,500 | | | 24,408 |
TeliaSonera AB | | 5,586 | | | 40,980 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | 6,600 | | | 271,722 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 851,426 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.6% | | | | | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | 3,850 | | | 238,431 |
American Tower Corp.— Class A(a) | | 700 | | | 29,400 |
Sprint Nextel Corp. | | 6,800 | | | 140,828 |
Vodafone Group PLC | | 49,686 | | | 166,488 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 575,147 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,426,573 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
UTILITIES–1.0% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–0.5% | | | | | |
E.ON AG | | 900 | | $ | 150,266 |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | | 1,200 | | | 47,820 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 198,086 |
| | | | | |
INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS & ENERGY TRADERS–0.2% | | | | | |
International Power PLC | | 6,362 | | | 54,686 |
| | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–0.3% | | | | | |
RWE AG | | 600 | | | 63,648 |
Wisconsin Energy Corp. | | 1,200 | | | 53,076 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 116,724 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 369,496 |
| | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.9% (cost $29,617,745) | | | | | 36,247,860 |
Other assets less liabilities–0.1% | | | | | 22,721 |
| | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | $ | 36,270,581 |
| | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
| ADR—American Depositary Receipt |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
8
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $29,617,745) | | $ | 36,247,860 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency contracts | | | 785,643 | |
Dividends receivable | | | 56,110 | |
Receivable due from Adviser | | | 4,561 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 37,094,174 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Due to custodian | | | 278,379 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency contracts | | | 359,552 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 109,514 | |
Custodian fee payable | | | 44,947 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 6,299 | |
Foreign capital gain tax payable | | | 148 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 24,695 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 823,593 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 36,270,581 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par . | | $ | 2,754 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 28,082,075 | |
Distributions in excess of net investment income | | | (332,378 | ) |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 1,887,137 | |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 6,630,993 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 36,270,581 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 7,231,153 | | 547,305 | | $ | 13.21 |
B | | $ | 29,039,428 | | 2,206,334 | | $ | 13.16 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
9
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $24,756) | | $ | 384,389 | |
Interest | | | 7,559 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 391,948 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 122,410 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 37,181 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 217 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 817 | |
Custodian | | | 124,106 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Audit | | | 21,704 | |
Printing | | | 9,827 | |
Legal | | | 2,849 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 890 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 3,910 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 370,911 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B) | | | (151,248 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 219,663 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 172,285 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 2,007,834 | |
Futures | | | 5,506 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | 4,807 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | 57,071 | (a) |
Futures | | | (1,040 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (4,303 | ) |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 2,069,875 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 2,242,160 | |
| | | | |
(a) | Net of accrued foreign capital gains taxes of $289. |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
10
| | |
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 172,285 | | | $ | 174,605 | |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 2,018,147 | | | | 2,501,612 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 51,728 | | | | 2,835,758 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 2,242,160 | | | | 5,511,975 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (158,013 | ) | | | (10,538 | ) |
Class B | | | (507,869 | ) | | | -0- | |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (509,847 | ) | | | (150,309 | ) |
Class B | | | (1,867,042 | ) | | | (636,285 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (148,054 | ) | | | 546,573 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | (948,665 | ) | | | 5,261,416 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 37,219,246 | | | | 31,957,830 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including distributions in excess of net investment income/undistributed net investment income of ($332,378) and $161,219, respectively) | | $ | 36,270,581 | | | $ | 37,219,246 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See | Notes to Financial Statements. |
11
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio commenced operations on July 1, 2004. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
12
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. 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 asked 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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the policy of the Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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.
7. Repurchase Agreements
It is the policy of the Portfolio that its custodian or designated subcustodian take control of securities as collateral under repurchase agreements and to determine on a daily basis that the value of such securities are sufficient to cover the value of the repurchase agreements. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines or if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization of collateral by the Portfolio may be delayed or limited.
13
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of an investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of ..65% of the first $2.5 billion, .55% of the next $2.5 billion and .50% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’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 on an annual basis to .90% and 1.15% of the daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. Prior to February 12, 2007, the Portfolio’s total operating expenses on an annual basis were limited to 1.20% and 1.45% of the daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2007 the Adviser waived fees and reimbursed expenses in the amount of $104,248.
Pursuant to the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio has agreed to reimburse the Adviser for the cost of providing the Portfolio with certain legal and accounting services. Due to the Adviser’s agreement to limit total operating expenses as described above, the Adviser waived reimbursement for such services in the amount of $47,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2007, amounted to $22,497, none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 10,885,991 | | | $ | 13,553,066 | |
U.S. government securities | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
14
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 | | $ | 6,998,793 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (368,678 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 6,630,115 | |
| | | | |
1. Financial Futures Contracts
The Portfolio may buy or sell financial futures contracts for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse affects of anticipated movements in the market. The Portfolio bears the market risk that arises from changes in the value of these financial instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures contracts and movements in the price of the securities hedged or used for cover.
At the time the Portfolio enters into a futures contract, the Portfolio deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Pursuant to the contract, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio as unrealized gains or losses. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract. When the contract is closed, the Portfolio 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.
2. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 net unrealized appreciation or depreciation by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
Risks may arise from the potential inability of the 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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
3. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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
15
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WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
security or currency in determining whether the Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 49,878 | | | 13,748 | | | | | $ | 667,860 | | | $ | 160,847 | |
Shares redeemed | | (70,965 | ) | | –0 | – | | | | | (933,676 | ) | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | (21,087 | ) | | 13,748 | | | | | $ | (265,816 | ) | | $ | 160,847 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 42,379 | | | 471,770 | | | | | $ | 576,832 | | | $ | 5,885,347 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 178,029 | | | 54,570 | | | | | | 2,374,911 | | | | 636,285 | |
Shares redeemed | | (207,317 | ) | | (497,454 | ) | | | | | (2,833,981 | ) | | | (6,135,906 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 13,091 | | | 28,886 | | | | | $ | 117,762 | | | $ | 385,726 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risk Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Indemnification of Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 521,389 | | $ | 193,961 |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 275,743 | | | 6,951 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 797,132 | | $ | 200,912 |
| | | | | | |
16
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 846,460 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gain | | | 2,182,042 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (1,772 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 5,959,633 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 8,986,363 | |
| | | | |
(a) | Passive foreign investment company losses incurred after October 31, and within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the Portfolio’s next taxable year. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Portfolio deferred until January 1, 2007, post-October passive foreign investment company losses of $1,772. |
(b) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, and the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on investments in passive foreign investment companies. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee with respect to certain AllianceBernstein funds.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by
17
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WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
18
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
19
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|
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | July 1, 2004(a) to December 31, 2004 | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $13.53 | | | $11.79 | | | $10.69 | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b)(c) | | .08 | | | .09 | | | .04 | | | .01 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | .78 | | | 1.94 | | | 1.15 | | | .68 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | .86 | | | 2.03 | | | 1.19 | | | .69 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.28 | ) | | (.02 | ) | | (.05 | ) | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.90 | ) | | (.27 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.18 | ) | | (.29 | ) | | (.09 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $13.21 | | | $13.53 | | | $11.79 | | | $10.69 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | 6.20 | % | | 17.60 | % | | 11.22 | % | | 6.90 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $7,231 | | | $7,688 | | | $6,538 | | | $5,877 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .97 | %(e) | | 1.20 | %(f) | | 1.20 | % | | 1.20 | %(e) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.77 | %(e) | | 1.99 | %(f) | | 2.45 | % | | 4.33 | %(e) |
Net investment income (c) | | 1.13 | %(e) | | .69 | %(f) | | .42 | % | | .25 | %(e) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 29 | % | | 63 | % | | 61 | % | | 14 | % |
See footnote summary on page 21.
20
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| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | July 1, 2004(a) to December 31, 2004 | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $13.46 | | | $11.74 | | | $10.67 | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b)(c) | | .06 | | | .06 | | | .02 | | | .03 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | .78 | | | 1.93 | | | 1.13 | | | .64 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | .84 | | | 1.99 | | | 1.15 | | | .67 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.24 | ) | | –0 | – | | (.04 | ) | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.90 | ) | | (.27 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.14 | ) | | (.27 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $13.16 | | | $13.46 | | | $11.74 | | | $10.67 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | 6.13 | % | | 17.32 | % | | 10.93 | % | | 6.70 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $29,040 | | | $29,531 | | | $25,420 | | | $10,416 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.22 | %(e) | | 1.45 | %(f) | | 1.45 | % | | 1.45 | %(e) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 2.02 | %(e) | | 2.25 | %(f) | | 2.70 | % | | 4.78 | %(e) |
Net investment income (c) | | .86 | %(e) | | .46 | %(f) | | .15 | % | | .71 | %(e) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 29 | % | | 63 | % | | 61 | % | | 14 | % |
(a) | Commencement of operations. |
(b) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(c) | Net of expenses waived and 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(f) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
21
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WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio (the “Portfolio”),2 prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003 is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 06/30/06 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Blend | | 65 bp on 1st $2.5 billion | | $ | 34.5 | | Wealth Appreciation |
| | 55 bp on next $2.5 billion | | | | | Strategy Portfolio |
| | 50 bp on the balance | | | | | |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. Indicated below is the reimbursement amount, which the Adviser received from the Portfolio in the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, expressed in dollars and as a percentage of average daily net assets:
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Amount | | As a % of Average Daily Net Assets | |
Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio4 | | $ | 75,250 | | 0.29 | % |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on June 24, 2006 and presented to the Board of Directors on August 1, 2006 in accordance with the September 1, 2004 Assurance of Discontinuance between the NYAG and the Adviser. It also should be noted that references in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
2 | Future references to the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” |
3 | Most of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the New York State Attorney General. |
4 | The Adviser waived this expense reimbursement made by the Portfolio. |
22
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser agreed to waive that portion of its management fees and/or reimburse a portion of the Portfolio’s total operating expenses to the degree necessary to limit the Portfolio’s expenses to the amounts set forth below during the Portfolio’s first fiscal year. The waiver is terminable by the Adviser on May 1st of each year upon 60 days written notice. The gross expense ratios of the Portfolio during the most recently completed fiscal year are also listed below.
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Cap Pursuant to Expense Limitation Undertaking | | Gross Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year End |
Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio | | Class A 1.20% Class B 1.45% | | 2.45 2.70 | % % | | December 31 |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses is reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if the Portfolio is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. However, with respect to the Portfolio, the Adviser represented that there are no institutional products which have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Wealth Appreciation Strategy, a retail mutual fund, which has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Wealth Appreciation Strategy:
| | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets |
Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio | | Wealth Appreciation Strategy | | 65 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 55 bp on next $2.5 billion 50 bp on the balance |
The adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment companies with a similar investment style as the Portfolio.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis
23
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed management fee relative to the Lipper group median at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.5
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Effective Management Fee6 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio | | 0.650 | | 0.909 | | 2/10 |
Lipper also analyzed the total expense ratio of the Portfolio in comparison to its Lipper Expense Group7 and Lipper Expense Universe.8 Lipper describes a Lipper Expense Group as a representative sample of comparable funds and a Lipper Expense Universe as a broader group, consisting of all funds in the same investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the subject Portfolio. The result of that analysis is set forth below:
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)9 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio | | 1.200 | | 1.119 | | 8/10 | | 0.990 | | 14/17 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE MANAGEMENT FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
A consultant was retained by the Senior Officer to work with the Adviser’s personnel to align the Adviser’s two profitability reporting systems. The alignment, which now has been completed, allows the Adviser’s management and the Directors to receive consistent presentations of the financial results and profitability although the two profitability reporting systems operate independently. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The profitability information for the Portfolio prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors was reviewed by the Senior Officer. Based on the information provided, the Adviser did not earn a profit during calendar years 2005 and 2004.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that they should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution, and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, front-end sales loads, contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) and commissions for providing brokerage services. In addition, the Adviser benefits from soft dollar arrangements which offset expenses the Adviser would otherwise incur. Additional information regarding distribution related fees can be found in the prospectus of the Portfolio.
5 | The effective management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” means that the Portfolio has the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
6 | The effective management fee rate for the Portfolio would not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative, and other services. As previously mentioned, for the most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser waived such payment. In addition, the effective management fee does not reflect any fee waivers or expense reimbursements for expense caps that effectively reduced the contractual fee rate. |
7 | Lipper uses the following criteria in screening funds to be included in the Portfolios expense group: variable product, fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, and expense components and attributes. A Lipper Expense Group will typically consist of seven to twenty funds. |
8 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting a Lipper Expense Group when selecting a Lipper Expense Universe. Unlike the Lipper Expense Group, the Lipper Expense Universe allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
9 | Most recently completed fiscal year Class A share total expense ratio. |
24
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received the amount set forth below in Rule 12b-1 fees:
| | | |
Portfolio | | 12b-1 Fees Received |
Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio | | $ | 49,066 |
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI to brokers for registration fees and services related to printing, distribution and advertising in connection to Class B shares. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, the Adviser determined that it made the following payment on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI:
| | | |
Portfolio | | Adviser Payment to ABI |
Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio | | $ | 52,275 |
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Advisers and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, keeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder recordkeeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the firm over the year.
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). ABIS’ after-tax profitability increased in 2005 in comparison to 2004. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $794 from the Portfolio.10
The Portfolio effected brokerage transactions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and paid commissions for such transactions during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business conducted with the Portfolio is comparable to the profitability of SCB’s dealings with other similar third party clients. In the ordinary course of business, SCB receives and pays liquidity rebates from electronic communications networks (“ECNs”) derived from trading for its clients, including the Portfolio. These credits and charges are not being passed on to any SCB client. The Adviser also receives certain soft dollar benefits from brokers that execute agency trades for the Portfolio and other clients. These soft dollar benefits reduce the Adviser’s cost of doing business and increase its profitability.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that the breakpoints in the fee schedule in the Investment Advisory Agreement reflect a sharing of economies of scale to the extent the breakpoints are reached. Based on some of the professional literature that has considered economies of scale in the mutual fund industry it is thought that to the extent economies of scale exist, they may more often exist across a fund family as opposed to a specific fund. This is because the costs incurred by the Adviser, such as investment research or technology for trading or compliance systems can be spread across a greater asset base as the fund family increases in size. It is also possible that as the level of services required to operate a successful investment company has increased over time, and advisory firms have made such investments in their business to provide improved services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant made a presentation to the Board of Directors and the Senior Officer regarding possible economies of scale or scope in the mutual fund industry. Based on the presentation, it was evident that fund management companies benefit from economies of scale. However, due to lack of cost data, researchers had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among researchers as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders. In the meantime, it is clear that to the extent a fund’s assets exceeds its initial breakpoint its shareholders benefit from a lower fee rate.
10 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2005. |
25
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO.
With assets under management of $625 billion as June 30, 2006, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information below, which was prepared by Lipper, shows the 1 year performance ranking of the Portfolio11 relative to its Lipper Performance Group12 and Lipper Performance Universe13 for the periods ended April 30, 2006:
| | | | |
Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio | | Group | | Universe |
1 year | | 7/10 | | 15/19 |
Set forth below are the 1 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)14 versus its benchmarks:15
| | | | |
| | Periods Ending April 30, 2006 Annualized Performance |
Portfolio | | 1 Year | | Since Inception |
Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio | | 22.20 | | 17.15 |
S&P 500 Stock Index | | 11.72 | | 12.22 |
MSCI EAFE Index (Net) | | 24.41 | | 26.33 |
70% S&P 500 Index / 30% MSCI EAFE Index (Net) | | 15.53 | | 16.45 |
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arms-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: September 7, 2006
11 | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
12 | The Lipper Performance Group is identical to the Lipper Expense Group. |
13 | For the Lipper Performance Universe, Lipper included the Portfolio and all of the funds of the same Lipper Classification/Objective and load type, regardless of asset size. |
14 | The performance returns shown are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
15 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through April 30, 2006 in order to maintain consistency with Lipper’s performance rankings in the analysis. |
26
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Americas Government Income Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Americas Government Income Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 998.48 | | $ | 12.34 | | 2.49 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,012.45 | | $ | 12.42 | | 2.49 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 997.60 | | $ | 13.57 | | 2.74 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,011.21 | | $ | 13.66 | | 2.74 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
SECURITY TYPE | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
U.S. Treasury Securities | | $ | 21,680,035 | | 44.6 | % |
Sovereigns | | | 14,837,023 | | 30.5 | |
Agency Debentures | | | 11,656,092 | | 24.0 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 442,000 | | 0.9 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 48,615,150 | | 100.0 | % |
COUNTRY DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
COUNTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
United States | | $ | 33,336,127 | | 68.6 | % |
Canada | | | 7,835,659 | | 16.1 | |
Mexico | | | 7,001,364 | | 14.4 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 442,000 | | 0.9 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 48,615,150 | | 100.0 | % |
2
| | |
AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
U.S. TREASURIES–55.1% | | | | | | |
U.S. TREASURY STRIPS–25.5% | | | | | | |
Zero Coupon, 5/15/13(a) | | US$ | 3,500 | | $ | 2,628,293 |
Zero Coupon, 2/15/16(a) | | | 2,500 | | | 1,621,012 |
Zero Coupon, 11/15/21(a) | | | 11,700 | | | 5,509,776 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 9,759,081 |
| | | | | | |
U.S. TREASURY BONDS–15.5% | | | |
6.25%, 5/15/30(b) | | | 5,200 | | | 5,943,439 |
| | | | | | |
U.S. TREASURY NOTES–14.1% | | | | | | |
3.50%, 11/15/09(b) | | | 4,915 | | | 4,762,173 |
4.25%, 11/15/13(b) | | | 500 | | | 481,367 |
4.25%, 8/15/15(a) | | | 145 | | | 137,580 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 5,381,120 |
| | | | | | |
Total U.S. Treasuries (cost $21,186,548) | | | | | | 21,083,640 |
| | | | | | |
SOVEREIGNS–30.2% | | | | | | |
CANADA–11.9% | | | | | | |
Government of Canada 5.00%, 6/01/14–6/01/37(a) | | | CAD 816 | | | 795,830 |
5.75%, 6/01/33(a) | | | 1,973 | | | 2,207,760 |
Series VW17 8.00%, 6/01/27(a) | | | 1,132 | | | 1,540,104 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 4,543,694 |
| | | | | | |
MEXICO–18.3% | | | | | | |
Mexican Bonos Series M 20 | | | | | | |
8.00%, 12/07/23(a) | | | MXN 15,500 | | | 1,475,610 |
10.00%, 12/05/24(a) | | | 16,205 | | | 1,828,515 |
Series M7 7.999%, 12/24/08(a) | | | 39,657 | | | 3,697,239 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 7,001,364 |
| | | | | | |
Total Sovereigns (cost $9,918,663) | | | | | | 11,545,058 |
| | | | | | |
AGENCY DEBENTURES–18.0% | | | |
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION–18.0% | | | | | | |
Series 2001 5.375%, 11/15/11(a) | | US$ | 5,000 | | | 5,025,175 |
Series 2004 4.125%, 4/15/14(a) | | | 2,000 | | | 1,859,172 |
| | | | | | |
Total Agency Debentures (cost $6,807,237) | | | | | | 6,884,347 |
| | | | | | |
FIXED RATE 30-YEARS–12.5% | | | | | | |
GOVERNMENT NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION–12.3% | | | | | | |
Series 1994 9.00%, 9/15/24(a) | | | 7 | | | 7,690 |
Series 2006 6.00%, 7/15/36(a) | | | 4,731 | | | 4,708,174 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 4,715,864 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | |
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION–0.2% | | | | | | | |
Series 2002 7.00%, 3/01/32(a) | | US$ | 54 | | $ | 55,881 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total Fixed Rate 30-Years (cost $4,761,612) | | | | | | 4,771,745 | |
| | | | | | | |
AGENCIES–4.7% | | | | | | | |
CANADA–4.7% | | | | | | | |
Canada Housing Trust No 1 3.55%, 9/15/10(a) (cost $1,741,071) | | | CAD 2,000 | | | 1,813,884 | |
| | | | | | | |
INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES–3.1% | | | | | | | |
U.S. TREASURY NOTES–1.6% | | | | | | | |
1.625%, 1/15/15 (TIPS)(a) | | US$ | 642 | | | 596,395 | |
| | | | | | | |
CANADA–1.5% | | | | | | | |
Government of Canada 3.00%, 12/01/36(a) | | | CAD 66 | | | 74,407 | |
Province of Ontario 2.00%, 12/01/36(a) | | | 599 | | | 508,132 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 582,539 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total Inflation-Linked Securities (cost $1,212,218) | | | | | | 1,178,934 | |
| | | | | | | |
GOVERNMENT-RELATED— PROVINCIALS–2.3% | | | | | | | |
CANADA–2.3% | | | | | | | |
Province of Ontario 5.60%, 6/02/35(a) | | | 300 | | | 309,618 | |
Province of Quebec 5.50%, 12/01/14(a) | | | 600 | | | 585,924 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total Government-Related—Provincials (cost $770,028) | | | | | | 895,542 | |
| | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.2% | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–1.2% | | | | | | | |
The Bank of New York 4.25%, 7/02/07 (cost $442,000) | | US$ | 442 | | | 442,000 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–127.1% (cost $46,839,377) | | | | | | 48,615,150 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(27.1)% | | | | | | (10,352,654 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 38,262,496 | |
| | | | | | | |
3
| | |
AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Contract Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value on Origination Date | | U.S. $ Value at June 30, 2007 | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Buy Contracts: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mexican Nuevo Peso settling 7/27/07 | | 5,038 | | $ | 466,380 | | $ | 465,718 | | $ | (662 | ) |
| | | | |
Sale Contracts: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Canadian Dollar settling 8/17/07 | | 3,887 | | | 3,638,796 | | | 3,653,279 | | | (14,483 | ) |
Mexican Nuevo Peso settling 8/03/07 | | 77,154 | | | 7,099,883 | | | 7,129,017 | | | (29,134 | ) |
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | |
Broker | | Interest Rate | | | Maturity | | Amount |
Greenwich Capital | | 4.95 | % | | 7/10/07 | | $ | 4,775,662 |
Greenwich Capital | | 4.95 | | | 7/10/07 | | | 483,324 |
Greenwich Capital | | 4.95 | | | 7/10/07 | | | 5,969,462 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | $ | 11,228,448 |
| | | | | | | | |
(a) | Position, or a portion thereof, has been segregated to collateralize forward currency exchange contracts. The aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $36,986,171. |
(b) | Position, or a portion thereof, has been segregated to collateralize reverse repurchase agreements. The aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $11,254,580. |
| TIPS—Treasury Inflation Protected Security |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
4
| | |
AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $46,839,377) | | $ | 48,615,150 | |
Cash | | | 909 | |
Foreign cash, at value (cost $300,085) | | | 300,085 | |
Receivable for foreign currency contracts | | | 1,233,871 | |
Interest receivable | | | 202,182 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 51,414 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 50,403,611 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Unrealized depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts | | | 44,279 | |
Reverse repurchase agreements | | | 11,228,448 | |
Payable for foreign currency contracts | | | 767,396 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 19,223 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 16,214 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 1,405 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 27 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 64,064 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 12,141,115 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 38,262,496 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 3,302 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 37,766,347 | |
Distributions in excess of net investment income | | | (1,006,294 | ) |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (232,987 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 1,732,128 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 38,262,496 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 31,568,524 | | 2,724,717 | | $ | 11.59 |
B | | $ | 6,693,972 | | 577,278 | | $ | 11.60 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
5
| | |
AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Interest | | $ | 1,457,940 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 100,798 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 8,537 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,010 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 205 | |
Custodian | | | 57,831 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Audit | | | 19,111 | |
Printing | | | 2,877 | |
Legal | | | 3,808 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 766 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 4,843 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses before interest expense | | | 246,786 | |
Interest expense | | | 263,965 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 510,751 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 947,189 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 10,455 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (238,071 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (687,151 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (84,623 | ) |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (999,390 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (52,201 | ) |
| | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
| | |
| | |
AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 947,189 | | | $ | 2,266,904 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (227,616 | ) | | | 473,442 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (771,774 | ) | | | (1,635,176 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (52,201 | ) | | | 1,105,170 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (1,991,188 | ) | | | (2,741,951 | ) |
Class B | | | (392,904 | ) | | | (499,544 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (282,985 | ) | | | (121,729 | ) |
Class B | | | (58,962 | ) | | | (23,343 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (1,854,843 | ) | | | (13,863,016 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (4,633,083 | ) | | | (16,144,413 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 42,895,579 | | | | 59,039,992 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including distributions in excess of net investment income and undistributed net investment income of ($1,006,294) and $430,609, respectively) | | $ | 38,262,496 | | | $ | 42,895,579 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
| | |
AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CASH FLOWS |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | |
Interest received | | $ | 1,790,162 | | | | | |
Interest expense paid | | | (274,842 | ) | | | | |
Operating expenses paid | | | (251,131 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in cash from operating activities | | | | | | $ | 1,264,189 | |
INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | |
Purchases of long-term investments | | | (1,173,098 | ) | | | | |
Purchases of short-term investments, net | | | (5,323,374 | ) | | | | |
Proceeds from disposition of long-term investments | | | 2,265,239 | | | | | |
Increase in foreign currency, at value | | | (17,012 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net decrease in cash from investing activities | | | | | | | (4,248,245 | ) |
FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | |
Increase in reverse repurchase agreements | | | 2,964,819 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in cash from financing activities | | | | | | | 2,964,819 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net decrease in cash | | | | | | | (19,237 | ) |
Cash at beginning of period | | | | | | | 320,231 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash at end of period | | | | | | $ | 300,994 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS TO NET INCREASE IN CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease in net assets from operations | | | | | | $ | (52,201 | ) |
ADJUSTMENTS: | | | | | | | | |
Increase in interest receivable | | $ | (4,323 | ) | | | | |
Net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 227,616 | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 771,774 | | | | | |
Accretion of bond discount and amortization of bond premium | | | 336,544 | | | | | |
Decrease in interest payable | | | (10,877 | ) | | | | |
Decrease in accrued expenses | | | (4,344 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total adjustments | | | | | | | 1,316,390 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET INCREASE IN CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | $ | 1,264,189 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
| | |
AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Americas Government Income Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc., (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek the highest level of current income, consistent with what AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) considers to be prudent investment risk, that is available from a portfolio of debt securities issued or guaranteed by the government of the United States, Canada, or Mexico, their political subdivisions (including Canadian provinces, but excluding States of the United States), agencies, instrumentalities or authorities. The Portfolio is non-diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
9
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AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. 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 asked 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, holdings 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 interest, dividends and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the policy of the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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.
7. Repurchase Agreements
It is the policy of the Portfolio that its custodian or designated subcustodian take control of securities as collateral under repurchase agreements and to determine on a daily basis that the value of such securities are sufficient to cover the value of the repurchase agreements. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines or if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization of collateral by the Portfolio may be delayed or limited.
10
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|
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of ..50% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of ..65% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 1,173,098 | | | $ | 2,069,458 |
U.S. government securities | | | –0 | – | | | 178,769 |
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 | | $ | 2,119,172 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (343,399 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 1,775,773 | |
| | | | |
1. Financial Futures Contracts
The Portfolio may buy or sell financial futures contracts for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse affects of anticipated movements in the market. The Portfolio bears the market risk that arises from changes in the value of these financial instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures contracts and movements in the price of the securities hedged or used for cover.
At the time the Portfolio enters into a futures contract, the Portfolio deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Pursuant to the contract, the Portfolio 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
11
| | |
AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Portfolio as unrealized gains or losses. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract. When the contract is closed, the Portfolio 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.
2. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 depreciation by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
Risks may arise from the potential inability of the 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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
3. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
4. Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Portfolio sells securities and agrees to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. At the time the Portfolio enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will establish a segregated account with the custodian containing liquid assets having a value at least equal to the repurchase price.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the average amount of reverse repurchase agreements outstanding was $10,046,365 and the daily weighted average interest rate was 5.18%.
5. Dollar Rolls
The Portfolio may enter into dollar rolls. Dollar rolls involve sales by the Portfolio of securities for delivery in the current month and the Portfolio’s simultaneously contracting to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities
12
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|
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Portfolio forgoes principal and interest paid on the securities. The Portfolio is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Portfolio is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. Dollar rolls are speculative techniques and may be considered to be borrowings by the Portfolio. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in dollar rolls.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 37,520 | | | 221,868 | | | | | $ | 464,299 | | | $ | 2,804,100 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 195,544 | | | 244,133 | | | | | | 2,274,173 | | | | 2,863,680 | |
Shares redeemed | | (373,124 | ) | | (1,103,995 | ) | | | | | (4,626,778 | ) | | | (13,773,648 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (140,060 | ) | | (637,994 | ) | | | | $ | (1,888,306 | ) | | $ | (8,105,868 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 15,137 | | | 77,581 | | | | | $ | 185,158 | | | $ | 969,445 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 38,820 | | | 44,577 | | | | | | 451,866 | | | | 522,887 | |
Shares redeemed | | (48,346 | ) | | (572,336 | ) | | | | | (603,561 | ) | | | (7,249,480 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | 5,611 | | | (450,178 | ) | | | | $ | 33,463 | | | $ | (5,757,148 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk—Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments in fixed-income debt securities such as bonds or notes. Increases in interest rates may cause the value of the Portfolio’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 risk 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.
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
Leverage Risk—The Portfolio may use significant borrowings for leverage or may otherwise leverage its assets through, for example, the use of reverse repurchase agreements or dollar rolls. When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverage its portfolio, it may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls also involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Portfolio is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in
13
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AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 3,241,495 | | $ | 3,965,227 | |
Long term capital gains | | | 145,072 | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 3,386,567 | | | 3,965,227 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 3,386,567 | | $ | 3,965,227 | |
| | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 2,377,508 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 336,846 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (1,902,729 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 2,459,462 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 3,271,087 | |
| | | | |
(a) | For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Portfolio deferred losses on straddles of $1,902,459. The Portfolio deferred until January 1, 2007, post October losses of $270. |
(b) | The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the realization for tax purposes of gains/losses on certain derivative instruments. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA
15
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AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
16
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AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $12.49 | | | $13.06 | | | $12.91 | | | $13.01 | | | $12.65 | | | $12.17 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .29 | | | .59 | | | .70 | | | .65 | (b) | | .61 | | | .67 | (b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.31 | ) | | (.22 | ) | | .38 | | | (.06 | ) | | .34 | | | .61 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (.02 | ) | | .37 | | | 1.08 | | | .59 | | | .95 | | | 1.28 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.77 | ) | | (.90 | ) | | (.93 | ) | | (.69 | ) | | (.59 | ) | | (.73 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.11 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | (.07 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.88 | ) | | (.94 | ) | | (.93 | ) | | (.69 | ) | | (.59 | ) | | (.80 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $11.59 | | | $12.49 | | | $13.06 | | | $12.91 | | | $13.01 | | | $12.65 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (.15 | )% | | 3.31 | % | | 8.67 | % | | 4.89 | % | | 7.35 | % | | 10.99 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $31,568 | | | $35,767 | | | $45,730 | | | $47,776 | | | $60,550 | | | $72,307 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 2.49 | %(d) | | 1.50 | %(e) | | 1.28 | % | | 1.00 | % | | 1.04 | % | | .93 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 2.49 | %(d) | | 1.50 | %(e) | | 1.28 | % | | 1.11 | % | | 1.04 | % | | 1.05 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements, excluding interest expense | | 1.18 | %(d) | | 1.08 | %(e) | | 1.02 | % | | .98 | % | | 1.04 | % | | .93 | % |
Net investment income | | 4.74 | %(d) | | 4.74 | %(e) | | 5.42 | % | | 5.07 | %(b) | | 4.75 | % | | 5.45 | %(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 2 | % | | 43 | % | | 75 | % | | 69 | % | | 73 | % | | 60 | % |
See footnote summary on page 18.
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AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | July 22, 2002(f) to December 31, 2002 | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $12.47 | | | $13.03 | | | $12.90 | | | $13.01 | | | $12.67 | | | $12.04 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .28 | | | .55 | | | .66 | | | .62 | (b) | | .57 | | | .42 | (b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.31 | ) | | (.21 | ) | | .38 | | | (.06 | ) | | .36 | | | .21 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (.03 | ) | | .34 | | | 1.04 | | | .56 | | | .93 | | | .63 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.73 | ) | | (.86 | ) | | (.91 | ) | | (.67 | ) | | (.59 | ) | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.11 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.84 | ) | | (.90 | ) | | (.91 | ) | | (.67 | ) | | (.59 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $11.60 | | | $12.47 | | | $13.03 | | | $12.90 | | | $13.01 | | | $12.67 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (.24 | )% | | 3.01 | % | | 8.33 | % | | 4.67 | % | | 7.18 | % | | 5.23 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $6,694 | | | $7,129 | | | $13,310 | | | $9,393 | | | $5,698 | | | $236 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 2.74 | %(d) | | 1.69 | %(e) | | 1.53 | % | | 1.27 | % | | 1.30 | % | | 1.36 | %(d) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 2.74 | %(d) | | 1.69 | %(e) | | 1.53 | % | | 1.37 | % | | 1.30 | % | | 1.48 | %(d) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements, excluding interest expense | | 1.43 | %(d) | | 1.31 | %(e) | | 1.27 | % | | 1.24 | % | | 1.30 | % | | 1.36 | %(d) |
Net investment income | | 4.48 | %(d) | | 4.50 | %(e) | | 5.17 | % | | 4.88 | %(b) | | 4.42 | % | | 4.72 | %(b)(d) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 2 | % | | 43 | % | | 75 | % | | 69 | % | | 73 | % | | 60 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses waived or reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(c) | 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
(f) | Commencement of distribution. |
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AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Product Series Fund (the “Fund”) in respect of AllianceBernstein Americas Government Income Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Fund, which is available through variable annuity and variable life contracts offered by other financial institutions, offers policyholders the option to utilize the Portfolio as the investment option underlying their insurance contracts.
The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in connection with the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Net Assets 09/30/06 (million) | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Portfolio |
High Income | | $ | 44.7 | | 50 bp on 1st $2.5 billion | | Americas Government |
| | | | | 45 bp on next $2.5 billion | | Income Portfolio |
| | | | | 40 bp on the balance | | |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $75,250 (0.13% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on October 23, 2006 and presented to the Board of Directors on October 31-November 2, 2006. |
2 | Future references to the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | Most of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
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AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year end total expense ratios:
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year |
Americas Government | | Class A | | 1.28 | % | | December 31 |
Income Portfolio4 | | Class B | | 1.53 | % | | |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of the costs are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if the fund is in net redemption, and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with substantially similar investment styles as the Portfolio. However, with respect to the Portfolio, the Adviser represented that there is no institutional product in the Form ADV that has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
The Adviser manages AllianceBernstein Global Government Income Trust, Inc., a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Global Government Income Trust:
| | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund | | Fee Schedule |
Americas Government Income Portfolio5 | | Global Government Income Trust | | 0.50% on first $2.5 billion 0.45% on next $2.5 billion 0.40% on the balance |
The Adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment company with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed advisory fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”) at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.6
4 | Includes interest expense of 0.26%, relating to the short-term credit facility used by the Portfolio. |
5 | The fund is a clone of the Portfolio. |
6 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” means that the Portfolio has the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
20
| | |
|
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, and expense components and attributes.7 An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee8 | | Lipper Expense Group Median | | Rank |
Americas Government Income Portfolio | | 0.500 | | 0.759 | | 1/10 |
Lipper also compared the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio to the medians of the Portfolio’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective as the subject Portfolio.9
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)10 | | Lipper Expense Group Median (%) | | Rank | | Lipper Expense Universe Median (%) | | Rank |
Americas Government Income Portfolio | | 1.024 | | 0.985 | | 7/10 | | 0.970 | | 10/14 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
A consultant was retained by the Senior Officer to work with the Adviser’s personnel to align the Adviser’s two profitability reporting systems. The alignment, which now has been completed, allows the Adviser’s management and the Directors to receive consistent presentations of the financial results and profitability although the two profitability reporting systems operate independently. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The profitability information for the Portfolio prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio decreased during calendar year 2005 relative to 2004.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship. These affiliates provide transfer agent and distribution related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees and Rule 12b-1 payments.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), an affiliate of the Adviser, is the Portfolio’s principal underwriter. The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the ‘40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, ABI received $26,630 in Rule 12b-1 fees from the Portfolio.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI for distribution related services. ABI may in turn compensate brokers for their distribution assistance. ABI will pay for printing and distributing prospectuses or reports and advertising in connection with the offering of Class B shares to the public as well as fees and expenses in connection with its qualification and registration as a broker or dealer under federal and state laws. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, the Adviser determined that it paid $95,950 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
7 | Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
8 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative, and other services. |
9 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting a Lipper Expense Group when selecting a Lipper Expense Universe. Unlike the Lipper Expense Group, the Lipper Expense Universe allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
10 | Most recently completed fiscal year Class A share total expense ratio. |
21
| | |
AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Adviser and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, and payments related to providing contract-holder record-keeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder record keeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the firm over the year. With respect to the Fund,11 ABI paid approximately $125,000 in 2005 and expects to pay approximately $150,000 in 2006 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”).12 ABIS’ after-tax profitability increased in 2005 in comparison to 2004. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $794 from the Portfolio.13
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that the breakpoints in the fee schedule being proposed reflect a sharing of economies of scale to the extent they exist. Based on some of the professional literature that has considered economies of scale in the mutual fund industry, it is thought that to the extent economies of scale exist, they may more often exist across a fund family as opposed to a specific fund. This is because the costs incurred by the Adviser, such as investment research or technology for trading or compliance systems can be spread across a greater asset base as the fund family increases in size. It is also possible that as the level of services required to operate a successful investment company has increased over time, and advisory firms have made such investments in their business to provide improved services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding possible economies of scale or scope in the mutual fund industry. Based on the presentation, it was evident that fund management companies benefit from economies of scale. However, due to lack of cost data, economists, who have written on this subject, had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among economists as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders. In the meantime, it is clear that to the extent a fund’s assets were to exceed the initial breakpoint its shareholders benefit from a lower fee rate.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $659 billion as of September 30, 2006, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information below, prepared by Lipper, shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio14 relative to the Portfolio’s Lipper Performance Group (“PG”)15 and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”) for the periods ended June 30, 2006.16 It should be noted that the Portfolio, which invests primarily in fixed income securities issued
11 | Includes other Portfolios (Equity and Blend) of the Fund that are not discussed in this evaluation. |
12 | It should be noted that the insurance companies to which the variable products are linked to provide additional shareholder services for the Portfolio, including record keeping, administration and customer service for contract holders. |
13 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2005. |
14 | The performance returns and rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio that is shown was provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. However, differences in the distribution price (ex-date versus payable date) and rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s own performance returns of the Portfolio to be one or two basis points different from Lipper. To maintain consistency in this evaluation, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
15 | The Portfolio’s PG is not identical to the Portfolio’s EG. No performance information was available for one of the Portfolio’s peers. The Portfolio’s PU is identical to the Portfolio’s EU. |
16 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the Portfolio even if a Portfolio may have had a different investment classification/objective at different points in time. |
22
| | |
|
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
by federal or provincial governments of the U.S., Canada and Mexico, is classified by Lipper as a Global Income fund. As a result, some of the Portfolios’ peers may have investment guidelines that would allow them to invest in other foreign markets that are restricted for the Portfolio, which would impact performance.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Americas Government Income Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | -0.51 | | 0.96 | | 0.68 | | 7/9 | | 11/14 |
3 year | | 2.97 | | 4.97 | | 3.84 | | 9/9 | | 13/14 |
5 year | | 5.13 | | 9.72 | | 8.23 | | 9/9 | | 11/14 |
10 year | | 7.56 | | 6.02 | | 6.02 | | 2/7 | | 3/11 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold) versus its benchmark:17
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending June 30, 2006 Annualized Performance |
Portfolio | | 1 Year | | 3 Year | | 5 Year | | 10 Year | | Since Inception |
Americas Government Income Portfolio | | -0.51 | | 2.97 | | 5.13 | | 7.56 | | 7.56 |
Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index | | -0.81 | | 2.05 | | 4.97 | | 6.22 | | 6.56 |
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arms-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: December 1, 2006
17 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through June 30, 2006. |
23
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Global Bond Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Global Bond Government Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 999.13 | | $ | 6.25 | | 1.26 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,018.55 | | $ | 6.31 | | 1.26 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 998.96 | | $ | 7.48 | | 1.51 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,017.31 | | $ | 7.55 | | 1.51 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
SECURITY TYPE | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Government-Related Sovereigns | | $ | 22,958,992 | | 59.8 | % |
U.S. Treasuries | | | 4,045,495 | | 10.5 | |
Government-Related Agencies | | | 3,984,040 | | 10.4 | |
Corporates Investment Grades | | | 2,217,566 | | 5.8 | |
Government-Related U.S. Agencies | | | 1,726,392 | | 4.5 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 3,469,247 | | 9.0 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 38,401,732 | | 100.0 | % |
COUNTRY DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
COUNTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Germany | | $ | 7,859,059 | | 20.5 | % |
United States | | | 7,740,114 | | 20.2 | |
Japan | | | 6,648,527 | | 17.3 | |
Norway | | | 2,943,490 | | 7.7 | |
United Kingdom | | | 1,770,478 | | 4.6 | |
Australia | | | 1,585,912 | | 4.1 | |
Belgium | | | 1,499,273 | | 3.9 | |
Canada | | | 1,375,318 | | 3.6 | |
Mexico | | | 1,001,601 | | 2.6 | |
Singapore | | | 965,278 | | 2.5 | |
New Zealand | | | 922,204 | | 2.4 | |
Sweden | | | 621,231 | | 1.6 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 3,469,247 | | 9.0 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 38,401,732 | | 100.0 | % |
| | | | | | |
2
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
GOVERNMENT-RELATED—SOVEREIGNS–56.6% | | | | | | |
Australia | | | | | | |
Series 909 | | | | | | |
7.50%, 9/15/09(a) | | | AUD 1,832 | | $ | 1,585,912 |
Bundesrepublik Deutschland | | | | | | |
Series 03 | | | | | | |
4.75%, 7/04/34(a) | | | EUR 1,865 | | | 2,537,218 |
Series 05 | | | | | | |
3.50%, 1/04/16(a) | | | 2,020 | | | 2,532,867 |
Canadian Government Bond | | | | | | |
3.75%, 9/01/11(a) | | | CAD 1,319 | | | 1,200,070 |
Germany (Federal Republic of) | | | | | | |
Series 97 | | | | | | |
6.50%, 7/04/27(a) | | | EUR 577 | | | 957,491 |
Government of Canada | | | | | | |
5.00%, 6/01/14(a) | | | CAD 182 | | | 175,248 |
Government of Japan | | | | | | |
Series 48 | | | | | | |
2.50%, 12/21/20(a) | | | JPY 125,000 | | | 1,068,410 |
Government of Japan Ten Year Bond Series 252 | | | | | | |
1.00%, 6/20/13(a) | | | 68,550 | | | 539,050 |
Government of Japan Twenty Year Bond Series 41 | | | | | | |
1.50%, 3/20/19(a) | | | 190,000 | | | 1,466,559 |
Government of Norway | | | | | | |
5.50%, 5/15/09 | | | NOK 16,800 | | | 2,856,625 |
6.00%, 5/16/11(a) | | | 500 | | | 86,865 |
Government of Sweden | | | | | | |
Series 1043 | | | | | | |
5.00%, 1/28/09(a) | | | SEK 4,200 | | | 621,231 |
Japan Government Ten Year Bond Series 268 | | | | | | |
1.50%, 3/20/15(a) | | | JPY 178,000 | | | 1,421,950 |
Kingdom of Belgium | | | | | | |
Series 31 | | | | | | |
5.50%, 3/28/28(a) | | | EUR 1,010 | | | 1,499,273 |
New Zealand Government Bond Series 708 | | | | | | |
6.00%, 7/15/08(a) | | | NZD 1,214 | | | 922,204 |
Singapore Government Bond | | | | | | |
3.75%, 9/01/16(a) | | | SGD 1,379 | | | 965,278 |
United Kingdom Gilt | | | | | | |
4.00%, 3/07/09(a) | | | GBP 233 | | | 455,024 |
7.25%, 12/07/07(a) | | | 528 | | | 1,066,115 |
| | | | | | |
Total Government-Related—Sovereigns (cost $21,996,750) | | | | | | 21,957,390 |
| | | | | | |
U.S. TREASURIES–10.4% | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Notes | | | | | | |
4.00%, 3/15/10(a) | | US$ | 343 | | | 335,363 |
4.125%, 8/15/10(a) | | | 1,483 | | | 1,450,095 |
4.625%, 11/15/16(a) | | | 2,332 | | | 2,260,037 |
| | | | | | |
Total U.S. Treasuries (cost $4,096,141) | | | | | | 4,045,495 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
GOVERNMENT-RELATED— AGENCIES–10.3% | | | | | | |
Development Bank of Japan | | | | | | |
2.30%, 3/19/26(a) | | | JPY 120,000 | | $ | 976,634 |
Finance Corp. for Municipal Enterprises | | | | | | |
1.35%, 11/26/13(a) | | | 147,000 | | | 1,175,923 |
Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank | | | | | | |
1.375%, 4/25/13(a) | | | 229,000 | | | 1,831,483 |
| | | | | | |
Total Government-Related—Agencies (cost $4,322,255) | | | | | | 3,984,040 |
| | | | | | |
CORPORATES— INVESTMENT GRADES–5.7% | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–4.4% | | | | | | |
BANKING–1.5% | | | | | | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | | | | | |
5.75%, 9/14/26(a) | | | GBP 75 | | | 145,861 |
Citigroup, Inc. | | | | | | |
4.625%, 8/03/10(a) | | US$ | 107 | | | 104,738 |
National Westminster Bank | | | | | | |
6.50%, 9/07/21(a) | | | GBP 50 | | | 103,478 |
Suntrust Bank | | | | | | |
5.48%, 6/02/09(a)(b) | | US$ | 250 | | | 250,375 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 604,452 |
| | | | | | |
FINANCE–2.6% | | | | | | |
International Lease Finance Corp. | | | | | | |
3.50%, 4/01/09(a) | | | 350 | | | 339,031 |
Pershing Road Development Co. LLC | | | | | | |
5.76%, 9/01/26(a)(b)(c) | | | 656 | | | 655,511 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 994,542 |
| | | | | | |
INSURANCE–0.3% | | | | | | |
Genworth Financial, Inc. | | | | | | |
1.60%, 6/20/11(a) | | | JPY 15,000 | | | 120,503 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,719,497 |
| | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–1.3% | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL—OTHER–0.5% | | | | | | |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | | | | | | |
7.375%, 11/15/15(a) | | US$ | 200 | | | 197,892 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL—RETAILERS–0.4% | | | | | | |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | | | | | | |
4.55%, 5/01/13(a) | | | 150 | | | 142,099 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–0.4% | | | | | | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | | | | |
1.80%, 2/22/16(a) | | | JPY 20,000 | | | 158,078 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 498,069 |
| | | | | | |
Total Corporates—Investment Grades (cost $2,262,477) | | | | | | 2,217,566 |
| | | | | | |
3
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
GOVERNMENT-RELATED—U.S. AGENCIES–4.5% | | | | | | |
AGENCY DEBENTURES–4.5% | | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. | | | | | | |
4.75%, 1/19/16(a) (cost $1,781,991) | | US$ | 1,810 | | $ | 1,726,393 |
| | | | | | |
GOVERNMENT-RELATED—SUPRANATIONALS–2.6% | | | | | | |
Inter-American Development Bank | | | | | | |
9.50%, 6/16/15(a) (cost $900,669) | | | MXN 10,000 | | | 1,001,601 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–8.9% | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–5.3% | | | | | | |
The Bank of New York | | | | | | |
4.25%, 7/02/07 | | US$ | 569 | | $ | 569,000 |
Societe Generale | | | | | | |
5.33%, 7/02/07 | | | 1,500 | | | 1,500,000 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,069,000 |
| | | | | | |
AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES–3.6% | | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Bank | | | | | | |
Zero Coupon, 7/26/07(a) | | | 1,405 | | | 1,400,247 |
| | | | | | |
Total Short-Term Investments (cost $3,468,405) | | | | | | 3,469,247 |
| | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.0% (cost $38,828,688) | | | | | | 38,401,732 |
Other assets less liabilities–1.0% | | | | | | 400,045 |
| | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 38,801,777 |
| | | | | | |
FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Contract Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value on Origination Date | | U.S. $ Value at June 30, 2007 | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Buy Contracts: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Canadian Dollar settling 8/17/07 | | 375 | | $ | 352,332 | | $ | 352,211 | | $ | (121 | ) |
Danish Krone settling 8/23/07 | | 1,916 | | | 345,744 | | | 348,944 | | | 3,200 | |
Euro settling 7/30/07 | | 7,136 | | | 9,606,695 | | | 9,667,965 | | | 61,270 | |
Great British Pound settling 7/26/07 | | 839 | | | 1,664,291 | | | 1,683,992 | | | 19,701 | |
Japanese Yen settling 7/17/07 | | 180,306 | | | 1,459,083 | | | 1,467,173 | | | 8,090 | |
Japanese Yen settling 7/17/07 | | 38,257 | | | 312,410 | | | 311,305 | | | (1,105 | ) |
Japanese Yen settling 7/17/07 | | 12,308 | | | 101,562 | | | 100,153 | | | (1,409 | ) |
Japanese Yen settling 7/17/07 | | 47,182 | | | 395,792 | | | 383,929 | | | (11,863 | ) |
Mexican Nuevo Peso settling 8/03/07 | | 218 | | | 20,147 | | | 20,137 | | | (10 | ) |
New Zealand Dollar settling 7/17/07 | | 146 | | | 106,826 | | | 112,514 | | | 5,688 | |
Singapore Dollar settling 8/27/07 | | 155 | | | 101,328 | | | 101,702 | | | 374 | |
Swedish Krona settling 7/25/07 | | 20,831 | | | 2,947,743 | | | 3,049,240 | | | 101,497 | |
| | | | |
Sale Contracts: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Australian Dollar settling 7/23/07 | | 32 | | | 26,840 | | | 27,271 | | | (431 | ) |
Australian Dollar settling 7/23/07 | | 236 | | | 198,683 | | | 200,327 | | | (1,644 | ) |
Australian Dollar settling 7/23/07 | | 218 | | | 179,494 | | | 184,579 | | | (5,085 | ) |
Canadian Dollar settling 8/17/07 | | 648 | | | 606,294 | | | 608,707 | | | (2,413 | ) |
Euro settling 7/30/07 | | 167 | | | 225,038 | | | 226,847 | | | (1,809 | ) |
Euro settling 8/28/07 | | 928 | | | 1,249,125 | | | 1,258,521 | | | (9,396 | ) |
Great British Pound settling 7/26/07 | | 56 | | | 109,578 | | | 111,425 | | | (1,847 | ) |
Japanese Yen settling 8/14/07 | | 72,497 | | | 600,549 | | | 592,151 | | | 8,398 | |
Mexican Nuevo Peso settling 7/27/07 | | 10,927 | | | 1,005,943 | | | 1,010,085 | | | (4,142 | ) |
New Zealand Dollar settling 7/17/07 | | 313 | | | 235,300 | | | 240,826 | | | (5,526 | ) |
Norwegian Krone settling 7/11/07 | | 16,970 | | | 2,785,895 | | | 2,878,220 | | | (92,325 | ) |
Singapore Dollar settling 8/27/07 | | 1,437 | | | 939,846 | | | 943,378 | | | (3,532 | ) |
Swedish Krona settling 7/25/07 | | 23,152 | | | 3,389,342 | | | 3,388,885 | | | 457 | |
4
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
(a) | Position, or a portion thereof, has been segregated to collateralize forward currency exchange contracts. The aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $34,932,485. |
(b) | Floating Rate Security. Stated interest rate was in effect at June 30, 2007. |
(c) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2007, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $655,511 or 1.7% of net assets. |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
5
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $38,828,688) | | $ | 38,401,732 | |
Cash | | | 497 | |
Foreign cash, at value (cost $1,922) | | | 1,974 | |
Unrealized appreciation of forward currency exchange contracts | | | 208,675 | |
Interest receivable | | | 501,710 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 100,333 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 39,214,921 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Unrealized depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts | | | 142,658 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 160,068 | |
Printing fee payable | | | 24,608 | |
Custodian fee payable | | | 21,285 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 19,223 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 14,828 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 2,420 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 27,995 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 413,144 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 38,801,777 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 3,473 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 40,803,255 | |
Distributions in excess of net investment income | | | (517,353 | ) |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (1,135,081 | ) |
Net unrealized depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (352,517 | ) |
| | | | |
| | $ | 38,801,777 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 27,468,642 | | 2,452,203 | | $ | 11.20 |
B | | $ | 11,333,135 | | 1,020,427 | | $ | 11.11 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Interest | | $ | 788,783 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 90,894 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 15,037 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,270 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 539 | |
Custodian | | | 70,334 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Audit | | | 19,486 | |
Printing | | | 14,192 | |
Legal | | | 8,397 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 766 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 1,683 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 269,598 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 519,185 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | (39,523 | ) |
Foreign currency transactions | | | 661,177 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (945,030 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (227,584 | ) |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (550,960 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (31,775 | ) |
| | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
| | |
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 519,185 | | | $ | 1,245,413 | |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 621,654 | | | | 212,771 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (1,172,614 | ) | | | 885,775 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (31,775 | ) | | | 2,343,959 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (906,463 | ) | | | (711,741 | ) |
Class B | | | (350,790 | ) | | | (169,417 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (394,552 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (112,945 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (2,230,272 | ) | | | (19,063,133 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (3,519,300 | ) | | | (18,107,829 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 42,321,077 | | | | 60,428,906 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including distributions in excess of net investment income and undistributed net investment income of ($517,353) and $220,715, respectively) | | $ | 38,801,777 | | | $ | 42,321,077 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Global Bond Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek a high level of return from a combination of current income and capital appreciation by investing in a globally diversified portfolio of high quality debt securities denominated in the U.S. dollar and a range of foreign currencies. The Portfolio is non-diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
2. 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 asked prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar.
9
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the policy of the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio 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 Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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.
7. Repurchase Agreements
It is the policy of the Portfolio that its custodian or designated subcustodian take control of securities as collateral under repurchase agreements and to determine on a daily basis that the value of such securities are sufficient to cover the value of the repurchase agreements. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines or if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization of collateral by the Portfolio may be delayed or limited.
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .45% of the first $2.5 billion, ..40% of the next $2.5 billion and .35% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .65% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
10
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | Sales |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 37,817,394 | | $ | 43,352,087 |
U.S. government securities | | | 5,491,853 | | | 3,443,107 |
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 | | $ | 393,672 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (820,628 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized depreciation | | $ | (426,956 | ) |
| | | | |
1. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 depreciation by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars, reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
11
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 137,595 | | | 208,380 | | | | | $ | 1,588,048 | | | $ | 2,372,017 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 80,503 | | | 97,643 | | | | | | 906,463 | | | | 1,106,293 | |
Shares redeemed | | (333,991 | ) | | (1,929,242 | ) | | | | | (3,859,649 | ) | | | (21,814,154 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (115,893 | ) | | (1,623,219 | ) | | | | $ | (1,365,138 | ) | | $ | (18,335,844 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 71,976 | | | 200,013 | | | | | $ | 827,726 | | | $ | 2,252,518 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 31,405 | | | 25,144 | | | | | | 350,790 | | | | 282,362 | |
Shares redeemed | | (178,182 | ) | | (288,503 | ) | | | | | (2,043,650 | ) | | | (3,262,169 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (74,801 | ) | | (63,346 | ) | | | | $ | (865,134 | ) | | $ | (727,289 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk—Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments in fixed-income debt securities such as bonds or notes. Increases in interest rates may cause the value of the Portfolio’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 risk 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.
12
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 1,258,130 | | $ | 6,174,320 |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 130,525 | | | 657,350 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 1,388,655 | | $ | 6,831,670 |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 1,249,772 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (2,493,547 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 527,852 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (715,923 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | On December 31, 2006, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $1,753,064, in which $1,265,121 expires in the year 2008, and $487,943 expires in the year 2014. To the extent future capital gains are offset by capital loss carryforwards, such gains will not be distributed. Based on certain provisions in the Internal Revenue Code, various limitations regarding the future utilization of these carryforwards, brought forward as a result of the Fund’s merger with Brinson Series Trust Strategic Income Portfolio, may apply. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Portfolio deferred losses on straddles of $740,483. |
(b) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the realization for tax purposes of gains/losses on certain derivative instruments. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. |
13
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GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
14
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| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
15
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GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
16
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GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $11.59 | | | $11.32 | | | $13.63 | | | $13.50 | | | $12.63 | | | $10.93 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .15 | | | .29 | | | .28 | | | .25 | (b) | | .25 | | | .25 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.16 | ) | | .26 | | | (1.26 | ) | | .93 | | | 1.40 | | | 1.58 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (.01 | ) | | .55 | | | (.98 | ) | | 1.18 | | | 1.65 | | | 1.83 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.38 | ) | | (.18 | ) | | (1.18 | ) | | (.78 | ) | | (.78 | ) | | (.13 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | –0 | – | | (.10 | ) | | (.15 | ) | | (.27 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.38 | ) | | (.28 | ) | | (1.33 | ) | | (1.05 | ) | | (.78 | ) | | (.13 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $11.20 | | | $11.59 | | | $11.32 | | | $13.63 | | | $13.50 | | | $12.63 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (.09 | )% | | 4.97 | % | | (7.65 | )% | | 9.63 | % | | 13.26 | % | | 16.91 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $27,469 | | | $29,755 | | | $47,443 | | | $56,043 | | | $58,658 | | | $56,137 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.26 | %(d) | | 1.03 | %(e) | | .87 | % | | .88 | % | | 1.15 | % | | 1.17 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.26 | %(d) | | 1.03 | %(e) | | .87 | % | | 1.02 | % | | 1.15 | % | | 1.17 | % |
Net investment income | | 2.65 | %(d) | | 2.53 | %(e) | | 2.30 | % | | 1.93 | %(b) | | 1.93 | % | | 2.18 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 124 | % | | 156 | % | | 148 | % | | 107 | % | | 197 | % | | 220 | % |
See footnote summary on page 18.
17
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GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $11.47 | | | $11.21 | | | $13.51 | | | $13.40 | | | $12.54 | | | $10.86 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .14 | | | .26 | | | .25 | | | .22 | (b) | | .21 | | | .22 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.15 | ) | | .25 | | | (1.25 | ) | | .91 | | | 1.41 | | | 1.57 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (.01 | ) | | .51 | | | (1.00 | ) | | 1.13 | | | 1.62 | | | 1.79 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.35 | ) | | (.15 | ) | | (1.15 | ) | | (.75 | ) | | (.76 | ) | | (.11 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | –0 | – | | (.10 | ) | | (.15 | ) | | (.27 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.35 | ) | | (.25 | ) | | (1.30 | ) | | (1.02 | ) | | (.76 | ) | | (.11 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $11.11 | | | $11.47 | | | $11.21 | | | $13.51 | | | $13.40 | | | $12.54 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (.10 | )% | | 4.64 | % | | (7.87 | )% | | 9.33 | % | | 13.08 | % | | 16.59 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period, (000’s omitted) | | $11,333 | | | $12,566 | | | $12,986 | | | $13,997 | | | $11,399 | | | $8,507 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.51 | %(d) | | 1.30 | %(e) | | 1.12 | % | | 1.13 | % | | 1.40 | % | | 1.42 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.51 | %(d) | | 1.30 | %(e) | | 1.12 | % | | 1.27 | % | | 1.40 | % | | 1.42 | % |
Net investment income | | 2.39 | %(d) | | 2.30 | %(e) | | 2.05 | % | | 1.72 | %(b) | | 1.66 | % | | 1.92 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 124 | % | | 156 | % | | 148 | % | | 107 | % | | 197 | % | | 220 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses waived or reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(c) | 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
18
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GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Product Series Fund (the “Fund”) in respect of AllianceBernstein Global Bond Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Fund, which is available through variable annuity and variable life contracts offered by other financial institutions, offers policyholders the option to utilize the Portfolio as the investment option underlying their insurance contracts.
The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in connection with the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Net Assets 09/30/06 (million) | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Portfolio |
Low Risk Income | | $ | 43.1 | | 45 bp on 1st $2.5 billion | | Global Bond Portfolio |
| | | | | 40 bp on next $2.5 billion | | |
| | | | | 35 bp on the balance | | |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on October 23, 2006 and presented to the Board of Directors on October 31-November 2, 2006. |
2 | Future references to the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | Most of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
19
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GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $75,250 (0.11% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year end total expense ratios:
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year |
Global Bond Portfolio | | Class A | | 0.87 | % | | December 31 |
| | Class B | | 1.12 | % | | |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of the costs are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if the fund is in net redemption, and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fees based on September 30, 2006 net assets.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 09/30/06 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Global Bond Portfolio | | $ | 43.1 | | Global Fixed Income Schedule | | 0.416 | % | | 0.450 | % |
| | | | | 50 bp on 1st $20 million | | | | | | |
| | | | | 35 bp on next $20 million | | | | | | |
| | | | | 30 bp on next $20 million | | | | | | |
| | | | | 25 bp on the balance | | | | | | |
| | | | | Minimum Account Size: $20 m | | | | | | |
4 | The Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300 million, it will negotiate a fee schedule, although it should be noted that there were no such institutional accounts that are similar in investment style as the Portfolio, which opened in the last year. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. |
20
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| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser manages AllianceBernstein Global Strategic Income Trust, Inc., a retail mutual fund, which has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Global Government Income Trust:5
| | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund | | Fee Schedule |
Global Bond Portfolio | | Global Strategic Income Trust | | 0.50% on first $2.5 billion |
| | | | 0.40% on next $2.5 billion |
| | | | 0.35% on the balance |
The Adviser also manages and sponsors retail mutual funds, which are organized in jurisdictions outside the United States, generally Luxembourg and Japan, and sold to non-United States resident investors. The Adviser charges the following fees for the Luxembourg funds that have a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio.
| | | |
Portfolio | | Fee6 | |
Global Strategic Income/ Global Bond | | | |
Class A | | 1.10 | % |
Class I (Institutional) | | 0.55 | % |
The Alliance Capital Investment Trust Management mutual funds (“ACITM”), which are offered to investors in Japan, have an “all-in” fee to compensate the Adviser for investment advisory as well as fund accounting and administrative related services. The fee schedules of the ACITM mutual funds that have a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio are as follows:
| | | | |
Portfolio | | ACITM Mutual Fund | | Fee |
Global Bond Portfolio | | Global Income Fund | | 0.75% |
| | Global High Income | | 0.70% on first ¥30 billion7 |
| | A / B | | 0.60% on next ¥20 billion |
| | | | 0.50% on next ¥450 billion |
| | | | 0.45% thereafter |
| | Global Bond Fund | | 0.54% |
The Adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment company with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed advisory fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”) at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.8
5 | AllianceBernstein Global Strategic Income Trust, Inc. was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the fund’s advisory fee schedule is identical to that of the Portfolio. |
6 | Class A shares of the funds are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory services and distribution related services. |
7 | The current Japanese Yen-U.S. dollar currency exchange rate is ¥118.15 per $1. At that currency exchange rate, ¥30 billion would be equivalent to approximately $254 million. ¥20 billion would be equivalent to approximately $169 million. ¥450 billion would be equivalent to approximately $3.808 billion. |
8 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” means that the Portfolio has the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
21
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, and expense components and attributes.9 An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee10 | | Lipper Expense Group Median | | Rank |
Global Bond Portfolio | | 0.450 | | 0.750 | | 1/9 |
Lipper also compared the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio to the medians of the Portfolio’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective as the subject Portfolio.11
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)12 | | Lipper Expense Group Median (%) | | Rank | | Lipper Expense Universe Median (%) | | Rank |
Global Bond Portfolio | | 0.868 | | 0.969 | | 3/9 | | 0.966 | | 5/12 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
A consultant was retained by the Senior Officer to work with the Adviser’s personnel to align the Adviser’s two profitability reporting systems. The alignment, which now has been completed, allows the Adviser’s management and the Directors to receive consistent presentations of the financial results and profitability although the two profitability reporting systems operate independently. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The profitability information for the Portfolio prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio increased during calendar year 2005 relative to 2004.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship. These affiliates provide transfer agent and distribution related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees and Rule 12b-1 payments.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), an affiliate of the Adviser, is the Portfolio’s principal underwriter. The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the ‘40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, ABI received $34,646 in Rule 12b-1 fees from the Portfolio.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI for distribution related services. ABI may in turn compensate brokers for their distribution assistance. ABI will pay for printing and distributing prospectuses or reports and advertising in connection with the offering of Class B shares to the public as well as fees and expenses in connection with its qualification and registration as a broker or dealer under federal and state laws. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, the Adviser determined that it paid $138,844 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
9 | Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
10 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative, and other services. |
11 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
12 | Most recently completed fiscal year Class A share total expense ratio. |
22
| | |
| | |
|
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Adviser and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, and payments related to providing contract-holder record-keeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder record keeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the firm over the year. With respect to the Fund,13 ABI paid approximately $125,000 in 2005 and expects to pay approximately $150,000 in 2006 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”).14 ABIS’ after-tax profitability increased in 2005 in comparison to 2004. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $794 from the Portfolio.15
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that the breakpoints in the fee schedule being proposed reflect a sharing of economies of scale to the extent they exist. Based on some of the professional literature that has considered economies of scale in the mutual fund industry, it is thought that to the extent economies of scale exist, they may more often exist across a fund family as opposed to a specific fund. This is because the costs incurred by the Adviser, such as investment research or technology for trading or compliance systems can be spread across a greater asset base as the fund family increases in size. It is also possible that as the level of services required to operate a successful investment company has increased over time, and advisory firms have made such investments in their business to provide improved services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding possible economies of scale or scope in the mutual fund industry. Based on the presentation, it was evident that fund management companies benefit from economies of scale. However, due to lack of cost data, economists, who have written on this subject, had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among economists as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders. In the meantime, it is clear that to the extent a fund’s assets were to exceed the initial breakpoint its shareholders benefit from a lower fee rate.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $659 billion as of September 30, 2006, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
13 | Includes other Portfolios (Equity and Blend) of the Fund that are not discussed in this evaluation. |
14 | It should be noted that the insurance companies to which the variable products are linked to provide additional shareholder services for the Portfolio, including record keeping, administration and customer service for contract holders. |
15 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2005. |
23
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The information below, prepared by Lipper, shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio16 relative to the Portfolio’s Lipper Performance Group (“PG”)17 and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”) for the periods ended June 30, 2006.18
| | | | | | | | | | |
Global Bond Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 1.16 | | 0.96 | | 0.68 | | 8/9 | | 13/14 |
3 year | | 3.05 | | 4.97 | | 3.84 | | 9/9 | | 11/14 |
5 year | | 7.45 | | 9.72 | | 8.23 | | 8/9 | | 9/14 |
10 year | | 4.68 | | 5.28 | | 6.02 | | 7/7 | | 11/11 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold) versus its benchmark:19
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending June 30, 2006 Annualized Performance |
Portfolio | | 1 Year | | 3 Year | | 5 Year | | 10 Year | | Since Inception |
Global Bond Portfolio | | –1.16 | | 3.05 | | 7.45 | | 4.68 | | 6.09 |
S&P / Citigroup World Government Bond Index (unhedged in USD) | | –0.36 | | 4.25 | | 8.51 | | 5.43 | | 7.10 |
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arms-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: December 1, 2006
16 | The performance returns and rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio that is shown was provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. However, differences in the distribution price (ex-date versus payable date) and rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s own performance returns of the Portfolio to be one or two basis points different from Lipper. To maintain consistency in this evaluation, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
17 | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s EU. Outliers and funds with negative management fees are excluded from EUs but not necessarily from PUs. |
18 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the Portfolio even if a Portfolio may have had a different investment classification/objective at different points in time. |
19 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through June 30, 2006. |
24
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Global Dollar Government Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Global Dollar Government Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,007.16 | | $ | 7.66 | | 1.54 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,017.16 | | $ | 7.70 | | 1.54 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,006.07 | | $ | 8.90 | | 1.79 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,015.92 | | $ | 8.95 | | 1.79 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes' annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
GLOBAL DOLLAR PORTFOLIO |
SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
SECURITY TYPE | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Sovereigns | | $ | 22,188,685 | | 84.6 | % |
Corporates | | | 3,368,884 | | 12.9 | |
Agency Debentures | | | 270,625 | | 1.0 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 388,000 | | 1.5 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 26,216,194 | | 100.0 | % |
COUNTRY DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2007 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
COUNTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Russia | | $ | 5,306,633 | | 20.2 | % |
Brazil | | | 4,272,826 | | 16.3 | |
Mexico | | | 2,264,533 | | 8.6 | |
Philippines | | | 2,110,254 | | 8.1 | |
Argentina | | | 1,345,519 | | 5.1 | |
Peru | | | 1,303,618 | | 5.0 | |
Turkey | | | 1,292,921 | | 4.9 | |
Panama | | | 1,247,550 | | 4.8 | |
Malaysia | | | 1,072,731 | | 4.1 | |
Colombia | | | 991,809 | | 3.8 | |
Venezuela | | | 867,213 | | 3.3 | |
Indonesia | | | 795,555 | | 3.0 | |
Other * | | | 2,957,032 | | 11.3 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 388,000 | | 1.5 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 26,216,194 | | 100.0 | % |
* | The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represents 2.4% or less in the following countries: Bulgaria, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Pakistan, South Africa, Ukraine and Uruguay. |
2
| | |
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
SOVEREIGNS–82.8% | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
ARGENTINA–5.0% | | | | | | |
Republic of Argentina | | | | | | |
8.28%, 12/31/33 | | US$ | 553 | | $ | 533,406 |
5.475%, 8/03/12(a) | | | 757 | | | 719,285 |
Series V | | | | | | |
7.00%, 3/28/11 | | | 95 | | | 92,828 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,345,519 |
| | | | | | |
BRAZIL–15.6% | | | | | | |
Republic of Brazil | | | | | | |
6.00%, 1/17/17 | | | 829 | | | 817,809 |
7.125%, 1/20/37 | | | 1,152 | | | 1,244,160 |
8.00%, 1/15/18 | | | 37 | | | 40,663 |
8.25%, 1/20/34 | | | 717 | | | 880,476 |
8.875%, 10/14/19 - 4/15/24 | | | 832 | | | 1,020,220 |
11.00%, 8/17/40 | | | 141 | | | 185,062 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 4,188,390 |
| | | | | | |
BULGARIA–0.4% | | | | | | |
Republic of Bulgaria | | | | | | |
8.25%, 1/15/15(b) | | | 94 | | | 108,241 |
| | | | | | |
COLOMBIA–3.7% | | | | | | |
Republic of Colombia | | | | | | |
7.375%, 9/18/37 | | | 245 | | | 272,807 |
8.125%, 5/21/24 | | | 25 | | | 29,375 |
10.75%, 1/15/13 | | | 88 | | | 107,492 |
11.75%, 2/25/20 | | | 394 | | | 582,135 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 991,809 |
| | | | | | |
COSTA RICA–0.4% | | | | | | |
Republic of Costa Rica | | | | | | |
8.05%, 1/31/13(b) | | | 53 | | | 57,319 |
8.11%, 2/01/12(b) | | | 51 | | | 55,590 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 112,909 |
| | | | | | |
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC–0.4% | | | | | | |
Dominican Republic | | | | | | |
8.625%, 4/20/27(b) | | | 100 | | | 116,000 |
| | | | | | |
ECUADOR–0.1% | | | | | | |
Republic of Ecuador | | | | | | |
10.00%, 8/15/30(b)(c) | | | 35 | | | 28,700 |
| | | | | | |
EL SALVADOR–1.2% | | | | | | |
Republic of El Salvador | | | | | | |
7.625%, 9/21/34(b) | | | 72 | | | 82,440 |
7.65%, 6/15/35(b) | | | 112 | | | 127,680 |
8.50%, 7/25/11(b) | | | 100 | | | 109,150 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 319,270 |
| | | | | | |
INDONESIA–3.0% | | | | | | |
Republic of Indonesia | | | | | | |
6.625%, 2/17/37(b) | | | 100 | | | 96,125 |
6.75%, 3/10/14(b) | | | 260 | | | 266,500 |
7.25%, 4/20/15(b) | | | 59 | | | 62,097 |
7.50%, 1/15/16(b) | | | 100 | | | 106,750 |
8.50%, 10/12/35(b) | | | 222 | | | 264,083 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 795,555 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
JAMAICA–0.4% | | | | | | |
Government of Jamaica | | | | | | |
10.625%, 6/20/17 | | US$ | 95 | | $ | 112,337 |
| | | | | | |
LEBANON–1.2% | | | | | | |
Lebanese Republic | | | | | | |
7.875%, 5/20/11(b) | | | 75 | | | 72,375 |
10.125%, 8/06/08(b) | | | 207 | | | 210,622 |
11.625%, 5/11/16(b) | | | 33 | | | 37,769 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 320,766 |
| | | | | | |
MALAYSIA–2.3% | | | | | | |
Malaysia | | | | | | |
7.50%, 7/15/11 | | | 303 | | | 323,946 |
8.75%, 6/01/09 | | | 280 | | | 296,382 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 620,328 |
| | | | | | |
MEXICO–7.3% | | | | | | |
United Mexican States | | | | | | |
8.125%, 12/30/19 | | | 375 | | | 444,000 |
11.375%, 9/15/16 | | | 364 | | | 505,050 |
Series A | | | | | | |
8.00%, 9/24/22 | | | 833 | | | 995,435 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,944,485 |
| | | | | | |
PAKISTAN–0.5% | | | | | | |
Republic of Pakistan | | | | | | |
6.875%, 6/01/17(b) | | | 146 | | | 140,708 |
| | | | | | |
PANAMA–4.3% | | | | | | |
Republic of Panama | | | | | | |
6.70%, 1/26/36 | | | 299 | | | 302,738 |
7.125%, 1/29/26 | | | 173 | | | 184,245 |
7.25%, 3/15/15 | | | 16 | | | 17,120 |
8.875%, 9/30/27 | | | 97 | | | 122,123 |
9.375%, 7/23/12 - 4/01/29 | | | 413 | | | 522,385 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,148,611 |
| | | | | | |
PERU–4.5% | | | | | | |
Republic of Peru | | | | | | |
7.35%, 7/21/25 | | | 317 | | | 353,455 |
8.375%, 5/03/16 | | | 284 | | | 330,150 |
8.75%, 11/21/33 | | | 393 | | | 508,935 |
9.875%, 2/06/15 | | | 3 | | | 3,725 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,196,265 |
| | | | | | |
PHILIPPINES–7.9% | | | | | | |
Republic of Philippines | | | | | | |
7.50%, 9/25/24 | | | 105 | | | 113,400 |
7.75%, 1/14/31 | | | 162 | | | 178,605 |
8.00%, 1/15/16 | | | 100 | | | 109,870 |
8.25%, 1/15/14 | | | 296 | | | 323,380 |
8.375%, 2/15/11 | | | 11 | | | 11,770 |
8.875%, 3/17/15 | | | 246 | | | 281,670 |
9.00%, 2/15/13 | | | 177 | | | 198,240 |
9.50%, 10/21/24 - 2/02/30 | | | 157 | | | 204,207 |
9.875%, 1/15/19 | | | 237 | | | 299,212 |
10.625%, 3/16/25 | | | 280 | | | 389,900 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,110,254 |
| | | | | | |
3
| | |
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
RUSSIA–12.5% | | | | | | |
Russian Federation | | | | | | |
7.50%, 3/31/30(b)(c) | | US$ | 1,174 | | $ | 1,288,575 |
11.00%, 7/24/18(b) | | | 240 | | | 333,000 |
Russian Ministry of Finance | | | | | | |
Series V | | | | | | |
3.00%, 5/14/08 | | | 1,605 | | | 1,568,887 |
Series VII | | | | | | |
3.00%, 5/14/11 | | | 160 | | | 144,208 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 3,334,670 |
| | | | | | |
SOUTH AFRICA–0.9% | | | | | | |
Republic of South Africa | | | | | | |
5.875%, 5/30/22 | | | 100 | | | 97,875 |
7.375%, 4/25/12 | | | 142 | | | 150,875 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 248,750 |
| | | | | | |
TURKEY–4.8% | | | | | | |
Republic of Turkey | | | | | | |
6.875%, 3/17/36 | | | 577 | | | 547,429 |
7.00%, 6/05/20 | | | 450 | | | 451,125 |
7.375%, 2/05/25 | | | 256 | | | 262,080 |
8.00%, 2/14/34 | | | 30 | | | 32,287 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,292,921 |
| | | | | | |
UKRAINE–0.9% | | | | | | |
Government of Ukraine | | | | | | |
6.58%, 11/21/16(b) | | | 144 | | | 142,920 |
7.65%, 6/11/13(b) | | | 80 | | | 84,600 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 227,520 |
| | | | | | |
URUGUAY–2.3% | | | | | | |
Republic of Uruguay | | | | | | |
7.875%, 1/15/33(d) | | | 138 | | | 153,464 |
8.00%, 11/18/22 | | | 200 | | | 225,000 |
9.25%, 5/17/17 | | | 200 | | | 239,000 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 617,464 |
| | | | | | |
VENEZUELA–3.2% | | | | | | |
Republic of Venezuela | | | | | | |
5.75%, 2/26/16 | | | 88 | | | 74,140 |
6.00%, 12/09/20 | | | 45 | | | 36,045 |
7.00%, 12/01/18(b) | | | 404 | | | 365,620 |
7.65%, 4/21/25 | | | 197 | | | 178,778 |
9.25%, 9/15/27 | | | 16 | | | 16,720 |
13.625%, 8/15/18 | | | 143 | | | 195,910 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 867,213 |
| | | | | | |
Total Sovereigns (cost $20,952,423) | | | | | | 22,188,685 |
| | | | | | |
CORPORATES–12.6% | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
BRAZIL–0.3% | | | | | | |
Vale Overseas Ltd. | | | | | | |
6.875%, 11/21/36 | | | 84 | | | 84,436 |
| | | | | | |
CHINA–0.4% | | | | | | |
Chaoda Modern Agriculture | | | | | | |
7.75%, 2/08/10(b) | | | 115 | | | 106,950 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
HONG KONG–0.3% | | | | | | |
Noble Group Ltd. | | | | | | |
6.625%, 3/17/15(b) | | US$ | 100 | | $ | 91,735 |
| | | | | | |
JAMAICA–0.4% | | | | | | |
Digicel Ltd. | | | | | | |
9.25%, 9/01/12(b) | | | 100 | | | 105,375 |
| | | | | | |
KAZAKHSTAN–1.1% | | | | | | |
ALB Finance BV | | | | | | |
9.25%, 9/25/13(b) | | | 100 | | | 99,926 |
Kazkommerts International BV | | | | | | |
8.50%, 4/16/13(b) | | | 100 | | | 102,250 |
Tengizchevroil Finance Co. | | | | | | |
6.124%, 11/15/14(b) | | | 100 | | | 98,130 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 300,306 |
| | | | | | |
MALAYSIA–1.7% | | | | | | |
Petronas Capital Ltd. | | | | | | |
7.00%, 5/22/12(b) | | | 426 | | | 452,403 |
| | | | | | |
MEXICO–0.2% | | | | | | |
Monterrey Power SA de CV | | | | | | |
9.625%, 11/15/09(b) | | | 45 | | | 49,423 |
| | | | | | |
PANAMA–0.4% | | | | | | |
MMG Fiduciary (AES El Salvador) | | | | | | |
6.75%, 2/01/16(b) | | | 100 | | | 98,939 |
| | | | | | |
PERU–0.4% | | | | | | |
Southern Copper Corp. | | | | | | |
7.50%, 7/27/35 | | | 100 | | | 107,354 |
| | | | | | |
RUSSIA–7.4% | | | | | | |
Alfa Bond Issuance PLC | | | | | | |
8.625%, 12/09/15 | | | 100 | | | 101,100 |
Citigroup (JSC Severstal) | | | | | | |
9.25%, 4/19/14(b) | | | 68 | | | 74,386 |
Evraz Group SA | | | | | | |
8.25%, 11/10/15(b) | | | 100 | | | 102,140 |
Gallery Capital SA | | | | | | |
10.125%, 5/15/13(b) | | | 100 | | | 100,100 |
Gazprom | | | | | | |
6.51%, 3/07/22(b) | | | 300 | | | 296,100 |
Gazprom OAO | | | | | | |
9.625%, 3/01/13(b) | | | 560 | | | 647,472 |
Gazstream SA | | | | | | |
5.625%, 7/22/13(b) | | | 126 | | | 124,184 |
Mobile Telesystems Finance | | | | | | |
9.75%, 1/30/08(b) | | | 125 | | | 127,227 |
Russia Agriculture Bank RSHB Capital | | | | | | |
6.299%, 5/15/17(b) | | | 147 | | | 143,884 |
Russian Standard Finance | | | | | | |
7.50%, 10/07/10(b) | | | 100 | | | 96,500 |
TNK-BP Finance SA | | | | | | |
7.50%, 7/18/16(b) | | | 100 | | | 103,100 |
Tyumen Oil Co. | | | | | | |
11.00%, 11/06/07(b) | | | 55 | | | 55,770 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,971,963 |
| | | | | | |
Total Corporates (cost $3,394,714) | | | | | | 3,368,884 |
| | | | | | |
4
| | |
|
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
AGENCY DEBENTURES–1.0% | | | | | | |
MEXICO–1.0% | | | | | | |
Pemex Project Funding Master Trust 8.00%, 11/15/11 (cost $249,418) | | US$ | 250 | | $ | 270,625 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.4% | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–1.4% | | | | | | |
The Bank of New York 4.25%, 7/02/07 (cost $388,000) | | US$ | 388 | | $ | 388,000 |
| | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–97.8% (cost $24,984,555) | | | | | | 26,216,194 |
Other assets less liabilities–2.2% | | | | | | 589,237 |
| | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 26,805,431 |
| | | | | | |
CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP CONTRACTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Swap Counterparty & Referenced Obligation | | Notional Amount (000) | | Interest Rate | | | Termination Date | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Buy Contracts: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lehman Brothers (Republic of Venezuela 9.25% 9/15/27) | | $ | 280 | | 1.26 | % | | 4/20/10 | | $ | 6,147 | |
Sale Contracts: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. (Federal Republic of Brazil 12.25% 3/6/30) | | | 600 | | 3.09 | | | 8/20/10 | | | 52,039 | |
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. (Republic of Philippines 10.625% 3/16/25) | | | 130 | | 4.95 | | | 3/20/09 | | | 9,852 | |
JPMorgan Chase (OAO Gazprom 10.50% 10/21/09) | | | 360 | | 1.04 | | | 10/20/10 | | | 7,155 | |
Lehman Brothers (Republic of Venezuela 9.25% 9/15/27) | | | 280 | | 0.69 | | | 4/20/08 | | | (1,591 | ) |
(a) | Floating Rate Security. Stated interest rate was in effect at June 30, 2007. |
(b) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2007, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $7,232,858 or 27.0% of net assets. |
(c) | Coupon rate adjusts periodically based upon a predetermined schedule. Stated interest rate in effect at June 30, 2007. |
(d) | Pay-In-Kind Payments (PIK). |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
5
| | |
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | |
ASSETS | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $24,984,555) | | $ | 26,216,194 |
Cash | | | 523 |
Unrealized appreciation of swap contracts | | | 75,193 |
Interest receivable | | | 546,079 |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 100,415 |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 37,744 |
| | | |
Total assets | | | 26,976,148 |
| | | |
LIABILITIES | | | |
Unrealized depreciation of swap contracts | | | 1,591 |
Custodian fee payable | | | 43,675 |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 37,046 |
Administrative fee payable | | | 19,223 |
Audit fee payable | | | 19,111 |
Printing fee payable | | | 17,029 |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 13,278 |
Advisory fee payable | | | 11,707 |
Distribution fee payable | | | 1,159 |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 |
Accrued expenses . | | | 6,839 |
| | | |
Total liabilities | | | 170,717 |
| | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 26,805,431 |
| | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 2,073 |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 24,584,185 |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 590,147 |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 323,785 |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments | | | 1,305,241 |
| | | |
| | $ | 26,805,431 |
| | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 21,371,915 | | 1,651,307 | | $ | 12.94 |
B | | $ | 5,433,516 | | 421,201 | | $ | 12.90 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
| | |
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Interest | | $ | 955,109 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 70,866 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 6,987 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,134 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 279 | |
Custodian | | | 60,222 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Audit | | | 19,111 | |
Printing | | | 7,234 | |
Legal | | | 5,847 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 789 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 1,184 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses before interest expense | | | 220,653 | |
Interest expense | | | 4,856 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 225,509 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 729,600 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 297,345 | |
Swap contracts | | | 65,643 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (818,863 | ) |
Swap contracts | | | (62,762 | ) |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment transactions | | | (518,637 | ) |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 210,963 | |
| | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
| | |
| | |
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 729,600 | | | $ | 1,523,687 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 362,988 | | | | 1,050,646 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (881,625 | ) | | | 91,357 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 210,963 | | | | 2,665,690 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (1,322,649 | ) | | | (1,319,149 | ) |
Class B | | | (310,854 | ) | | | (305,782 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (865,109 | ) | | | (1,040,768 | ) |
Class B | | | (212,347 | ) | | | (251,506 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 270,649 | | | | 831,292 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | (2,229,347 | ) | | | 579,777 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 29,034,778 | | | | 28,455,001 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $590,147 and $1,494,050, respectively) | | $ | 26,805,431 | | | $ | 29,034,778 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
| | |
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO |
NOTESTO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Global Dollar Government Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek a high level of current income and, secondarily, capital appreciation. The Portfolio is non-diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
2. 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 asked 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.
9
| | |
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 investments transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the Portfolio’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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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.
7. Repurchase Agreements
It is the policy of the Portfolio that its custodian or designated subcustodian take control of securities as collateral under repurchase agreements and to determine on a daily basis that the value of such securities are sufficient to cover the value of the repurchase agreements. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines or if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization of collateral by the Portfolio may be delayed or limited.
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .50% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
10
| | |
|
|
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 6,042,565 | | | $ | 7,297,630 | |
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 swap contracts) are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 1,464,955 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (233,316 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 1,231,639 | |
| | | | |
1. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio
11
| | |
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
2. Swap Agreements
The Portfolio may enter into swaps on sovereign debt obligations to protect itself from interest rate fluctuations on the underlying debt instruments and for investment purposes. 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.
Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap contract to comply with the terms of the swap contract. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interim payment to be received by the Portfolio, and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Therefore, the Portfolio considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a swap contract in evaluating potential credit risk. Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the underlying value of the securities.
The Portfolio accrues for the interim payments on swap contracts on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swap contracts on the statement of assets and liabilities. Once the interim payments are settled in cash, the net amount is recorded as realized gain/loss on swaps, in addition to realized gain/loss recorded upon the termination of swap contracts on the statements of operations. Fluctuations in the value of swap contracts are recorded as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments.
The Portfolio may enter into credit default swaps. The Portfolio may purchase credit protection on the referenced obligation of the credit default swap (“Buy Contract”) or provide credit protection on the referenced obligation of the credit default swap (“Sale Contract”). A sale/(buy) in a credit default swap provides upon the occurrence of a credit event, as defined in the swap agreement, for the Portfolio to buy/(sell) from/(to) the counterparty at the notional amount (the “Notional Amount”) and receive/(deliver) the principal amount of the referenced obligation. If a credit event occurs, the maximum payout amount for a Sale Contract is limited to the Notional Amount of the swap contract (“Maximum Payout Amount”). During the term of the swap agreement, the Portfolio receives/(pays) fixed payments from/(to) the respective counterparty, calculated at the agreed upon interest rate applied to the Notional Amount. These interim payments are recorded within unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swap contracts on the statement of assets and liabilities.
Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if a Portfolio 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 Portfolio is a buyer and no credit event occurs, it will lose its investment. In addition, if the Portfolio is a seller and a credit event occurs, the value of the referenced obligation received by the Portfolio coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the Maximum Payout Amount it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss to the Portfolio.
At June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had Sale Contracts outstanding with Maximum Payout Amounts aggregating $1,370,000, with net unrealized appreciation of $67,455 and terms ranging from 10 months to 3 years, as reflected in the portfolio of investments.
In certain circumstances, the Portfolio may hold Sale Contracts on the same referenced obligation and with the same counterparty from which it has purchased credit protection, which may reduce its obligation to make payments on Sale Contracts, if a credit event occurs. The Portfolio had a buy contract with a Notional Amount of $280,000 with respect to the same referenced obligations and same counterparties of certain Sale Contracts outstanding which reduced its obligation to make payments on Sale Contracts to $1,090,000 as of June 30, 2007.
3. Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Portfolio sells securities and agrees to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. At the time the Portfolio enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will establish a segregated account with the custodian containing liquid assets having a value at least equal to the repurchase price.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the average amount of reverse repurchase agreements outstanding was $843,690 and the daily weighted average interest rate was 1.86%.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consist of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 115,041 | | | 392,040 | | | | | $ | 1,658,110 | | | $ | 5,571,863 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 166,750 | | | 182,798 | | | | | | 2,187,758 | | | | 2,359,917 | |
Shares redeemed | | (267,788 | ) | | (538,135 | ) | | | | | (3,740,101 | ) | | | (7,514,108 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 14,003 | | | 36,703 | | | | | $ | 105,767 | | | $ | 417,672 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 28,106 | | | 51,188 | | | | | $ | 405,404 | | | $ | 719,330 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 40,000 | | | 43,267 | | | | | | 523,201 | | | | 557,288 | |
Shares redeemed | | (53,470 | ) | | (62,681 | ) | | | | | (763,723 | ) | | | (862,998 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 14,636 | | | 31,774 | | | | | $ | 164,882 | | | $ | 413,620 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk—Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments in fixed-income debt securities such as bonds or notes. Increases in interest rates may cause the value of the Portfolio’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 risk 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.
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
Leverage Risk—The Portfolio may use significant borrowings for leverage or may otherwise leverage its assets through, for example, the use of reverse repurchase agreements or dollar rolls. When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverage its portfolio, it may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls also involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Portfolio is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
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GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 1,862,568 | | $ | 1,800,375 |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 1,054,637 | | | 1,181,282 |
| | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 2,917,205 | | | 2,981,657 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 2,917,205 | | $ | 2,981,657 |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 1,881,061 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 817,979 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 2,020,129 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 4,719,169 | |
| | | | |
(a) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the difference between the book and tax treatment of swap income. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges,
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GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
16
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GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004(a) | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $14.22 | | | $14.42 | | | $14.79 | | | $14.53 | | | $11.43 | | | $10.63 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b) | | .37 | | | .76 | | | .84 | | | .86 | (c) | | .95 | | | .94 | (c) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (.25 | ) | | .53 | | | .46 | | | .45 | | | 2.83 | | | .70 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | .12 | | | 1.29 | | | 1.30 | | | 1.31 | | | 3.78 | | | 1.64 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.85 | ) | | (.83 | ) | | (.95 | ) | | (1.05 | ) | | (.68 | ) | | (.84 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (.55 | ) | | (.66 | ) | | (.72 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.40 | ) | | (1.49 | ) | | (1.67 | ) | | (1.05 | ) | | (.68 | ) | | (.84 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $12.94 | | | $14.22 | | | $14.42 | | | $14.79 | | | $14.53 | | | $11.43 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | .72 | % | | 10.01 | % | | 9.62 | % | | 10.12 | % | | 33.41 | % | | 16.14 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $21,372 | | | $23,279 | | | $23,073 | | | $22,932 | | | $26,433 | | | $22,198 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.54 | %(e) | | 1.76 | %(f) | | 1.69 | % | | 1.76 | % | | 1.90 | % | | 1.40 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.54 | %(e) | | 1.76 | %(f) | | 1.69 | % | | 1.93 | % | | 1.90 | % | | 2.00 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements excluding interest expense | | 1.51 | %(e) | | 1.69 | %(f) | | 1.68 | % | | 1.92 | % | | 1.88 | % | | 2.00 | % |
Net investment income | | 5.20 | %(e) | | 5.41 | %(f) | | 5.83 | % | | 6.07 | %(c) | | 7.20 | % | | 8.83 | %(c) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 22 | % | | 50 | % | | 91 | % | | 188 | % | | 150 | % | | 142 | % |
See footnote summary on page 18.
17
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GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | July 22, 2002(g) to December 31, 2002 | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004(a) | | | 2003 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $14.16 | | | $14.36 | | | $14.74 | | | $14.51 | | | $11.42 | | | $10.20 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b) | | .35 | | | .72 | | | .80 | | | .82 | (c) | | .88 | | | .35 | (c) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (.25 | ) | | .54 | | | .46 | | | .45 | | | 2.89 | | | .87 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | .10 | | | 1.26 | | | 1.26 | | | 1.27 | | | 3.77 | | | 1.22 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.81 | ) | | (.80 | ) | | (.92 | ) | | (1.04 | ) | | (.68 | ) | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (.55 | ) | | (.66 | ) | | (.72 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.36 | ) | | (1.46 | ) | | (1.64 | ) | | (1.04 | ) | | (.68 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $12.90 | | | $14.16 | | | $14.36 | | | $14.74 | | | $14.51 | | | $11.42 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | .61 | % | | 9.77 | % | | 9.35 | % | | 9.81 | % | | 33.34 | % | | 11.96 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $5,433 | | | $5,756 | | | $5,382 | | | $4,979 | | | $3,162 | | | $226 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.79 | %(e) | | 2.01 | %(f) | | 1.93 | % | | 2.07 | % | | 2.14 | % | | 1.63 | %(e) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.79 | %(e) | | 2.01 | %(f) | | 1.93 | % | | 2.24 | % | | 2.14 | % | | 1.99 | %(e) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements excluding interest expense | | 1.76 | %(e) | | 1.94 | %(f) | | 1.93 | % | | 2.23 | % | | 2.12 | % | | 1.99 | %(e) |
Net investment income | | 4.94 | %(e) | | 5.16 | %(f) | | 5.60 | % | | 5.74 | %(c) | | 6.67 | % | | 9.12 | %(c)(e) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 22 | % | | 50 | % | | 91 | % | | 188 | % | | 150 | % | | 142 | % |
(a) | As of January 1, 2004, the Portfolio has adopted the method of accounting for interim payments on swap contracts in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 133. These interim payments are reflected within net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on swap contracts, however, prior to January 1, 2004, these interim payments were reflected within interest income/expense on the statement of operations. The effect of this change for the year ended December 31, 2004, was to decrease net investment income per share by $.02 and increase net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions per share by $.02 for Class A and B. Consequently, the ratios of net investment income to average net assets were decreased by .17% for Class A and B respectively. |
(b) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(c) | Net of expenses waived or 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(f) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
(g) | Commencement of distribution. |
18
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GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Product Series Fund (the “Fund”) in respect of AllianceBernstein Global Dollar Government Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Fund, which is available through variable annuity and variable life contracts offered by other financial institutions, offers policyholders the option to utilize the Portfolio as the investment option underlying their insurance contracts.
The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in connection with the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Net Assets 09/30/06 (million) | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Portfolio |
High Income | | $ | 28.2 | | 50 bp on 1st $2.5 billion | | Global Dollar |
| | | | | 45 bp on next $2.5 billion | | Government Portfolio |
| | | | | 40 bp on the balance | | |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $75,250 (0.27% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year end total expense ratios:
| | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year |
Global Dollar Government Portfolio4 | | Class A 1.69 | % | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.93 | % | | |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on October 23, 2006 and presented to the Board of Directors on October 31-November 2, 2006. |
2 | Future references to the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | Most of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
4 | Includes interest expense of 0.01%, relating to the short-term credit facility used by the Portfolio. |
19
| | |
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of the costs are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if the fund is in net redemption, and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.5 In addition to the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fees based on September 30, 2006 net assets.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 09/30/06 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Global Dollar Government Portfolio | | $ | 28.2 | | Emerging Market Debt Schedule 65 bp on 1st $20 million 50 bp on next $20 million 40 bp on next $20 million 35 bp on the balance Minimum Account Size: $20 m | | 0.606 | % | | 0.500 | % |
The Adviser manages AllianceBernstein Emerging Market Debt Fund, Inc., a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Emerging Market Debt Fund, Inc.6
| | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund | | Fee Schedule |
Global Dollar Government Portfolio7 | | Emerging Market Debt Fund, Inc. | | 0.50% on first $2.5 billion 0.40% on next $2.5 billion 0.35% on the balance |
5 | The Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300 million, it will negotiate a fee schedule, although it should be noted that there were no such institutional accounts that are similar in investment style as the Portfolio, which opened in the last year. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. |
6 | The advisory fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Emerging Market Debt Fund, Inc. was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the fund’s advisory fee schedule is identical to that of the Portfolio. |
7 | The fund is a clone of the Portfolio. |
20
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|
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages and sponsors retail mutual funds, which are organized in jurisdictions outside the United States, generally Luxembourg and Japan, and sold to non-United States resident investors. The Adviser charges the following fee for Emerging Market Debt, a Luxembourg fund, which has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio.
| | | |
Portfolio | | Fee8 | |
Emerging Market Debt | | | |
Class A | | 1.10 | % |
Class I (Institutional) | | 0.55 | % |
The Alliance Capital Investment Trust Management mutual funds (“ACITM”), which are offered to investors in Japan, have an “all-in” fee to compensate the Adviser for investment advisory as well as fund accounting and administrative related services. The fee schedule of the ACITM mutual fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio is as follows:
| | | | | |
Portfolio | | ACITM Mutual Fund | | Fee | |
Global Dollar Government Portfolio | | Emerging Market Bond Fund | | | |
| | FC / FD9 | | 0.75 | % |
| | P-H9 | | 0.10 | %10 |
The Adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment company with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed advisory fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”) at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.11
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, and expense components and attributes.12 An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee13 | | Lipper Expense Group Median | | Rank |
Global Dollar Government Portfolio | | 0.500 | | 0.759 | | 1/8 |
8 | Class A shares of the funds are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory services and distribution related services. |
9 | This ACITM fund is privately placed or institutional. |
10 | In addition to the 0.10%, the Adviser charges the institutional account 0.485% for the first Y3 billion, 0.215% thereafter. The current Japanese yen—U.S. dollar currency exchange rate is Y118.15 per $1. At that currency exchange rate, Y3 billion would be equivalent to approximately $25.4 million. |
11 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” means that the Portfolio has the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
12 | Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
13 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative, and other services. |
21
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GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Lipper also compared the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio to the medians of the Portfolio’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective as the subject Portfolio.14
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)15 | | Lipper Expense Group Median (%) | | Rank | | Lipper Expense Universe Median (%) | | Rank |
Global Dollar Government Portfolio16 | | 1.682 | | 0.985 | | 8/8 | | 0.970 | | 14/14 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
A consultant was retained by the Senior Officer to work with the Adviser’s personnel to align the Adviser’s two profitability reporting systems. The alignment, which now has been completed, allows the Adviser’s management and the Directors to receive consistent presentations of the financial results and profitability although the two profitability reporting systems operate independently. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The profitability information for the Portfolio prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio increased during calendar year 2005 relative to 2004.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship. These affiliates provide transfer agent and distribution related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees and Rule 12b-1 payments.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), an affiliate of the Adviser, is the Portfolio’s principal underwriter. The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the ‘40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, ABI received $13,316 in Rule 12b-1 fees from the Portfolio.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI for distribution related services. ABI may in turn compensate brokers for their distribution assistance. ABI will pay for printing and distributing prospectuses or reports and advertising in connection with the offering of Class B shares to the public as well as fees and expenses in connection with its qualification and registration as a broker or dealer under federal and state laws. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, the Adviser determined that it paid $141,347 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Adviser and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, and payments related to providing contract-holder record-keeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder record keeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of
14 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
15 | Most recently completed fiscal year Class A share total expense ratio. |
16 | Note that the Portfolio is classified by Lipper as a Global Income fund, which Lipper considers as a fund that invests primarily in U.S. dollar and non-U.S. dollar debt securities of issuers located in at least three countries, one of which may be the United States. The Portfolio has an investment style that meets Lipper’s criteria for Global Income funds, but also focuses on emerging market debt securities. Emerging market debt funds, on average, have relatively higher expenses ratios, including custodian expense ratios, than general global income funds. |
22
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the firm over the year. With respect to the Fund,17 ABI paid approximately $125,000 in 2005 and expects to pay approximately $150,000 in 2006 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”).18 ABIS’ after-tax profitability increased in 2005 in comparison to 2004. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $794 from the Portfolio.19
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that the breakpoints in the fee schedule being proposed reflect a sharing of economies of scale to the extent they exist. Based on some of the professional literature that has considered economies of scale in the mutual fund industry, it is thought that to the extent economies of scale exist, they may more often exist across a fund family as opposed to a specific fund. This is because the costs incurred by the Adviser, such as investment research or technology for trading or compliance systems can be spread across a greater asset base as the fund family increases in size. It is also possible that as the level of services required to operate a successful investment company has increased over time, and advisory firms have made such investments in their business to provide improved services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding possible economies of scale or scope in the mutual fund industry. Based on the presentation, it was evident that fund management companies benefit from economies of scale. However, due to lack of cost data, economists, who have written on this subject, had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among economists as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders. In the meantime, it is clear that to the extent a fund’s assets were to exceed the initial breakpoint its shareholders benefit from a lower fee rate.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $659 billion as of September 30, 2006, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information below, prepared by Lipper, shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio20 relative to the Portfolio’s Lipper Performance Group (“PG”)21 and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”) for the periods ended June 30, 2006.22
| | | | | | | | | | |
Global Dollar Government Portfolio23 | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 4.63 | | 0.96 | | 0.68 | | 2/7 | | 3/14 |
3 year | | 9.44 | | 4.97 | | 3.84 | | 1/7 | | 2/14 |
5 year | | 13.82 | | 9.72 | | 8.23 | | 1/7 | | 1/14 |
10 year | | 11.67 | | 6.06 | | 6.02 | | 1/6 | | 1/11 |
17 | Includes other Portfolios (Equity and Blend) of the Fund that are not discussed in this evaluation. |
18 | It should be noted that the insurance companies to which the variable products are linked to provide additional shareholder services for the Portfolio, including record keeping, administration and customer service for contract holders. |
19 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2005. |
20 | The performance returns and rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio that is shown was provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. However, differences in the distribution price (ex-date versus payable date) and rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s own performance returns of the Portfolio to be one or two basis points different from Lipper. To maintain consistency in this evaluation, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
21 | The Portfolio’s PG is not identical to the Portfolio’s EG. Performance information was unavailable in Lipper’s database for one of the Portfolio’s peers. The Portfolio’s PU is identical to the Portfolio’s EU. |
22 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the Portfolio even if a Portfolio may have had a different investment classification/objective at different points in time. |
23 | As previously disclosed, the Portfolio, which invests a substantial portion of its assets in emerging market debt securities, is classified by Lipper as a general Global Income fund. Global Income funds have a much broader investment mandate and risk profile than funds that invest primarily in emerging market debt securities, which may significantly impact performance. |
23
| | |
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold) versus its benchmark:24
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending June 30, 2006 Annualized Performance |
Portfolio | | 1 Year | | 3 Year | | 5 Year | | 10 Year | | Since Inception |
Global Dollar Government Portfolio | | 4.63 | | 9.44 | | 13.82 | | 11.67 | | 11.88 |
J.P. Morgan EMBI Global Index | | 4.62 | | 9.58 | | 10.84 | | 11.39 | | 12.44 |
J.P. Morgan EMBI Plus Index | | 5.25 | | 10.21 | | 11.42 | | 11.92 | | 13.06 |
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arms-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: December 1, 2006
24 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through June 30, 2006. |
24
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein High Yield Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO | | |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
High Yield | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,022.04 | | $ | 6.22 | | 1.24 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,018.65 | | $ | 6.21 | | 1.24 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.80 | | $ | 7.47 | | 1.49 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,017.41 | | $ | 7.45 | | 1.49 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO | | |
SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
SECURITY TYPE | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Corporate—Non-Investment Grade | | $ | 34,545,419 | | 92.6 | % |
Corporate—Investment Grade | | | 1,475,865 | | 4.0 | |
Emerging Markets—Non-Investment Grade | | | 151,247 | | 0.4 | |
Non-Convertible Preferred Stock | | | 133,455 | | 0.4 | |
Equities | | | 1 | | 0.0 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 977,000 | | 2.6 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 37,282,987 | | 100.0 | % |
2
| | |
HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
CORPORATES—NON-INVESTMENT GRADES–88.2% | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–68.6% | | | | | | |
BASIC–7.2% | | | | | | |
AK Steel Corp. 7.875%, 2/15/09 | | $ | 64 | | $ | 63,840 |
Arch Western Finance LLC 6.75%, 7/01/13 | | | 90 | | | 86,400 |
Citigroup (JSC Severstal) Series REGS 9.25%, 4/19/14(a) | | | 220 | | | 240,660 |
Equistar Chemicals Funding LP 10.125%, 9/01/08 | | | 47 | | | 48,880 |
10.625%, 5/01/11 | | | 65 | | | 68,412 |
Evraz Group, SA 8.25%, 11/10/15(a) | | | 123 | | | 125,767 |
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc. 8.375%, 4/01/17 | | | 325 | | | 346,938 |
Georgia-Pacific Corp. 7.00%, 1/15/15(a) | | | 85 | | | 81,813 |
7.125%, 1/15/17(a) | | | 95 | | | 91,200 |
Hexion US Finance Corp./Hexion Nova Scotia Finance ULC 9.75%, 11/15/14 | | | 60 | | | 62,100 |
9.86%, 11/15/14(b) | | | 60 | | | 61,800 |
Huntsman International LLC 7.875%, 11/15/14 | | | 105 | | | 112,481 |
Huntsman LLC 11.50%, 7/15/12 | | | 143 | | | 158,730 |
Ineos Group Holdings PLC 8.50%, 2/15/16(a) | | | 179 | | | 174,973 |
Lyondell Chemical Co. 8.00%, 9/15/14 | | | 80 | | | 82,200 |
8.25%, 9/15/16 | | | 285 | | | 297,825 |
The Mosaic Co. 7.625%, 12/01/16(a) | | | 290 | | | 296,525 |
Nell AF S.a.r.l. 8.375%, 8/15/15(a) | | | 110 | | | 105,325 |
NewPage Corp. 10.00%, 5/01/12 | | | 100 | | | 108,000 |
Peabody Energy Corp. Series B 6.875%, 3/15/13 | | | 190 | | | 189,050 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,802,919 |
| | | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–8.0% | | | | | | |
Allied Waste North America, Inc. 6.375%, 4/15/11 | | | 174 | | | 169,215 |
6.875%, 6/01/17 | | | 85 | | | 82,237 |
Series B | | | | | | |
7.125%, 5/15/16 | | | 80 | | | 78,200 |
7.375%, 4/15/14 | | | 90 | | | 88,875 |
Associated Materials, Inc. 11.25%, 3/01/14(c) | | | 235 | | | 175,075 |
Berry Plastics Holding Corp. 8.875%, 9/15/14 | | | 120 | | | 121,500 |
10.25%, 3/01/16 | | | 65 | | | 65,000 |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Bombardier, Inc. 6.30%, 5/01/14(a) | | $ | 270 | | $ | 256,500 |
8.00%, 11/15/14(a) | | | 225 | | | 236,531 |
Case Corp. 7.25%, 1/15/16 | | | 170 | | | 172,550 |
Case New Holland, Inc. 7.125%, 3/01/14 | | | 245 | | | 248,063 |
9.25%, 8/01/11 | | | 150 | | | 157,230 |
Crown Americas 7.625%, 11/15/13 | | | 155 | | | 156,550 |
Goodman Global Holdings, Inc. 7.875%, 12/15/12 | | | 110 | | | 108,900 |
L-3 Communications Corp. 5.875%, 1/15/15 | | | 130 | | | 120,575 |
Owens Brockway Glass Container, Inc. 8.875%, 2/15/09 | | | 176 | | | 179,080 |
Series $ | | | | | | |
6.75%, 12/01/14 | | | 205 | | | 199,875 |
Russell-Stanley Holdings, Inc. 9.00%, 11/30/08(d)(e)(f) | | | 36 | | | 4,566 |
Trinity Industries, Inc. 6.50%, 3/15/14 | | | 230 | | | 224,825 |
United Rentals North America, Inc. 7.75%, 11/15/13 | | | 270 | | | 270,337 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 3,115,684 |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS— MEDIA–12.0% | | | |
Allbritton Communications Co. 7.75%, 12/15/12 | | | 165 | | | 165,825 |
Cablevision Systems Corp. Series B 8.00%, 4/15/12 | | | 220 | | | 217,250 |
CCH I Holdings LLC 11.75%, 5/15/14 | | | 630 | | | 618,975 |
Clear Channel Communications, Inc. 5.50%, 9/15/14 | | | 238 | | | 203,386 |
5.75%, 1/15/13 | | | 157 | | | 141,362 |
CSC Holdings, Inc. 7.625%, 7/15/18 | | | 125 | | | 118,750 |
7.875%, 2/15/18 | | | 45 | | | 43,425 |
Series WI | | | | | | |
6.75%, 4/15/12 | | | 190 | | | 180,500 |
Dex Media West LLC Series B 8.50%, 8/15/10 | | | 60 | | | 62,175 |
DIRECTV Holdings LLC 6.375%, 6/15/15 | | | 291 | | | 273,540 |
EchoStar DBS Corp. 6.375%, 10/01/11
| | | 89 | | | 87,220 |
6.625%, 10/01/14 | | | 305 | | | 291,275 |
7.125%, 2/01/16 | | | 85 | | | 83,088 |
Idearc, Inc. 8.00%, 11/15/16 | | | 185 | | | 186,850 |
Insight Communications Co., Inc. 12.25%, 2/15/11 | | | 181 | | | 189,145 |
Insight Midwest LP 9.75%, 10/01/09 | | | 81 | | | 81,608 |
3
| | |
HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Intelsat Bermuda Ltd. 11.25%, 6/15/16 | | $ | 299 | | $ | 334,880 |
Intelsat Subsidiary Holding Co. Ltd. 8.625%, 1/15/15 | | | 135 | | | 138,375 |
Liberty Media Corp. 5.70%, 5/15/13 | | | 50 | | | 46,996 |
7.875%, 7/15/09 | | | 58 | | | 60,163 |
8.25%, 2/01/30 | | | 50 | | | 48,491 |
Quebecor Media, Inc. 7.75%, 3/15/16 | | | 305 | | | 309,575 |
Rainbow National Services LLC 8.75%, 9/01/12(a) | | | 55 | | | 57,200 |
10.375%, 9/01/14(a) | | | 50 | | | 54,875 |
RH Donnelley Corp. Series A-2 6.875%, 1/15/13 | | | 128 | | | 121,280 |
Sirius Satellite Radio, Inc. 9.625%, 8/01/13 | | | 70 | | | 68,600 |
Univision Communications, Inc. 7.85%, 7/15/11 | | | 115 | | | 118,450 |
WDAC Subsidiary Corp. 8.375%, 12/01/14(a) | | | 70 | | | 73,500 |
WMG Holdings Corp. 9.50%, 12/15/14(c) | | | 333 | | | 253,080 |
XM Satellite Radio, Inc. 9.75%, 5/01/14 | | | 60 | | | 58,800 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 4,688,639 |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS— TELECOMMUNICATION–6.2% | | | | | | |
Citizens Communications Co. 6.25%, 1/15/13 | | | 210 | | | 201,337 |
Cricket Communications, Inc. 9.375%, 11/01/14 | | | 215 | | | 221,988 |
Digicel Ltd. 9.25%, 9/01/12(a) | | | 161 | | | 169,654 |
Dobson Cellular Systems, Inc. Series B 8.375%, 11/01/11 | | | 76 | | | 79,420 |
Dobson Communications Corp. 8.875%, 10/01/13 | | | 75 | | | 78,375 |
Inmarsat Finance PLC 7.625%, 6/30/12 | | | 145 | | | 149,894 |
10.375%, 11/15/12(c) | | | 205 | | | 195,519 |
Level 3 Financing, Inc. 9.25%, 11/01/14 | | | 295 | | | 297,950 |
12.25%, 3/15/13 | | | 118 | | | 135,405 |
Mobile Telesystems Finance SA 8.00%, 1/28/12(a) | | | 231 | | | 237,653 |
PanAmSat Corp. 9.00%, 8/15/14 | | | 143 | | | 149,077 |
Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. 7.25%, 2/15/11 | | | 300 | | | 298,500 |
Time Warner Telecom Holdings, Inc. 9.25%, 2/15/14 | | | 50 | | | 53,000 |
Windstream Corp. 8.125%, 8/01/13 | | | 88 | | | 91,960 |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
8.625%, 8/01/16 | | $ | 77 | | $ | 81,427 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,441,159 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL— AUTOMOTIVE–7.6% | | | | | | |
Affinia Group, Inc. 9.00%, 11/30/14 | | | 85 | | | 83,300 |
Ford Motor Co. 7.45%, 7/16/31 | | | 414 | | | 330,683 |
Ford Motor Credit Co. 4.95%, 1/15/08 | | | 165 | | | 163,764 |
7.00%, 10/01/13 | | | 204 | | | 189,005 |
8.105%, 1/13/12(b) | | | 240 | | | 239,391 |
General Motors Acceptance Corp. 6.875%, 9/15/11 | | | 371 | | | 364,936 |
8.00%, 11/01/31 | | | 95 | | | 97,145 |
General Motors Corp. 8.25%, 7/15/23 | | | 400 | | | 364,500 |
8.375%, 7/15/33 | | | 415 | | | 378,688 |
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. 9.00%, 7/01/15 | | | 130 | | | 140,075 |
Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc. 9.75%, 11/01/13 | | | 108 | | | 93,960 |
Lear Corp. Series B 5.75%, 8/01/14 | | | 70 | | | 58,800 |
8.50%, 12/01/13 | | | 45 | | | 43,200 |
8.75%, 12/01/16 | | | 295 | | | 280,987 |
Visteon Corp. 7.00%, 3/10/14 | | | 165 | | | 142,313 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,970,747 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL—OTHER–8.6% | | | | | | |
Broder Brothers Co. Series B 11.25%, 10/15/10 | | | 77 | | | 75,941 |
Caesars Entertainment, Inc. 7.875%, 3/15/10 | | | 90 | | | 92,142 |
Greektown Holdings LLC 10.75%, 12/01/13(a) | | | 90 | | | 95,400 |
Harrah’s Operating Co., Inc 5.625%, 6/01/15 | | | 375 | | | 305,625 |
6.50%, 6/01/16 | | | 180 | | | 150,300 |
Host Hotels & Resorts LP 6.875%, 11/01/14 | | | 45 | | | 44,494 |
Host Marriott LP Series Q 6.75%, 6/01/16 | | | 300 | | | 294,000 |
KB Home 7.75%, 2/01/10 | | | 125 | | | 124,375 |
Levi Strauss & Co. 8.875%, 4/01/16 | | | 63 | | | 64,575 |
MGM Mirage 6.625%, 7/15/15 | | | 327 | | | 297,161 |
7.625%, 1/15/17 | | | 55 | | | 52,319 |
8.375%, 2/01/11 | | | 280 | | | 286,300 |
4
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority 7.125%, 8/15/14 | | $ | 135 | | $ | 133,650 |
NCL Corp. 10.625%, 7/15/14 | | | 90 | | | 86,850 |
Penn National Gaming, Inc. 6.875%, 12/01/11 | | | 160 | | | 162,600 |
Riviera Holdings Corp. 11.00%, 6/15/10 | | | 210 | | | 217,701 |
Six Flags, Inc. 9.625%, 6/01/14 | | | 115 | | | 106,662 |
Station Casinos, Inc. 6.625%, 3/15/18 | | | 45 | | | 38,700 |
Turning Stone Resort Casino Enterprise 9.125%, 12/15/10(a) | | | 140 | | | 142,450 |
Universal City Development Partners 11.75%, 4/01/10 | | | 120 | | | 127,200 |
Universal City Florida Holding Co. 8.375%, 5/01/10 | | | 60 | | | 61,350 |
William Lyon Homes, Inc. 10.75%, 4/01/13 | | | 112 | | | 105,280 |
Wynn Las Vegas LLC/Corp. 6.625%, 12/01/14 | | | 310 | | | 298,763 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 3,363,838 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL—RETAILERS–2.0% | | | | | | |
The Bon-Ton Dept Stores, Inc. 10.25%, 3/15/14 | | | 125 | | | 126,563 |
Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corp. 11.125%, 4/15/14 | | | 55 | | | 53,625 |
Couche-Tard, Inc. 7.50%, 12/15/13 | | | 144 | | | 145,080 |
GSC Holdings Corp. 8.00%, 10/01/12 | | | 215 | | | 224,675 |
Rite Aid Corp. 6.875%, 8/15/13 | | | 160 | | | 140,800 |
9.25%, 6/01/13 | | | 85 | | | 84,362 |
9.375%, 12/15/15(a) | | | 10 | | | 9,600 |
9.50%, 6/15/17(a) | | | 15 | | | 14,400 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 799,105 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–7.2% | | | | | | |
Albertson’s, Inc. 7.45%, 8/01/29 | | | 335 | | | 326,735 |
Aramark Corp. 8.50%, 2/01/15(a) | | | 205 | | | 208,587 |
Community Health Systems, Inc. 8.875%, 7/15/15(a) | | | 191 | | | 193,626 |
DaVita, Inc. 7.25%, 3/15/15 | | | 75 | | | 74,063 |
Dole Food Company, Inc. 8.625%, 5/01/09 | | | 60 | | | 59,850 |
8.875%, 3/15/11 | | | 38 | | | 37,430 |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Elan Finance PLC/Elan Finance Corp. 7.75%, 11/15/11 | | $ | 315 | | $ | 315,394 |
Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. 10.25%, 6/01/14 | | | 80 | | | 86,000 |
HCA, Inc. 6.375%, 1/15/15 | | | 215 | | | 182,750 |
6.50%, 2/15/16 | | | 155 | | | 131,169 |
6.75%, 7/15/13 | | | 170 | | | 154,700 |
9.625%, 11/15/16(a)(g) | | | 250 | | | 268,750 |
IASIS Healthcare Corp. 8.75%, 6/15/14 | | | 145 | | | 145,000 |
Select Medical Corp. 7.625%, 2/01/15 | | | 117 | | | 104,715 |
Stater Brothers Holdings 8.125%, 6/15/12 | | | 65 | | | 65,487 |
Tenet Healthcare Corp. 7.375%, 2/01/13 | | | 140 | | | 126,525 |
9.875%, 7/01/14 | | | 80 | | | 79,200 |
Ventas Realty LP/CAP CRP 6.75%, 4/01/17 | | | 84 | | | 82,950 |
Viant Holdings, Inc. 10.125%, 7/15/17(a) | | | 85 | | | 85,425 |
Visant Corp. 7.625%, 10/01/12 | | | 80 | | | 79,600 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,807,956 |
| | | | | | |
ENERGY–2.4% | | | |
Chesapeake Energy Corp. 7.50%, 9/15/13 | | | 75 | | | 76,312 |
7.75%, 1/15/15 | | | 260 | | | 264,550 |
Compagnie Generale de Geophysique-Veritas 7.50%, 5/15/15 | | | 85 | | | 85,000 |
7.75%, 5/15/17 | | | 15 | | | 15,188 |
Hilcorp Energy I LP/Hilcorp Finance Co. 7.75%, 11/01/15(a) | | | 55 | | | 53,350 |
PetroHawk Energy Corp. Series WI 9.125%, 7/15/13 | | | 107 | | | 113,152 |
Range Resources Corp. 7.50%, 5/15/16 | | | 110 | | | 111,375 |
Tesoro Corp. 6.25%, 11/01/12 | | | 140 | | | 138,950 |
6.50%, 6/01/17(a) | | | 100 | | | 97,750 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 955,627 |
| | | | | | |
OTHER INDUSTRIAL–1.0% | | | | | | |
FastenTech, Inc. 11.50%, 5/01/11 | | | 85 | | | 89,887 |
RBS Global, Inc. and Rexnord Corp. 9.50%, 8/01/14 | | | 110 | | | 112,750 |
11.75%, 8/01/16 | | | 60 | | | 64,500 |
Sensus Metering Systems, Inc. 8.625%, 12/15/13 | | | 125 | | | 126,875 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 394,012 |
| | | | | | |
5
| | |
HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
SERVICES–0.3% | | | | | | |
Horizon Lines LLC 9.00%, 11/01/12 | | $ | 88 | | $ | 93,060 |
West Corp. 9.50%, 10/15/14 | | | 40 | | | 41,000 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 134,060 |
| | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY–4.4% | | | | | | |
Amkor Technology, Inc. 9.25%, 6/01/16 | | | 180 | | | 185,400 |
Avago Technologies Finance 10.125%, 12/01/13 | | | 110 | | | 117,150 |
CA, Inc. 4.75%, 12/01/09(a) | | | 110 | | | 107,349 |
Flextronics International Ltd. 6.50%, 5/15/13 | | | 175 | | | 164,938 |
Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. 8.875%, 12/15/14(a) | | | 290 | | | 276,950 |
10.125%, 12/15/16(a) | | | 80 | | | 75,200 |
Iron Mountain, Inc. 6.625%, 1/01/16 | | | 145 | | | 133,037 |
Nortel Networks Ltd. 10.125%, 7/15/13(a) | | | 125 | | | 134,063 |
NXP BV/NXP Funding LLC 8.106%, 10/15/13(b) | | | 90 | | | 90,112 |
9.50%, 10/15/15 | | | 40 | | | 39,400 |
Seagate Technology HDD Holding 6.375%, 10/01/11 | | | 119 | | | 116,025 |
Sungard Data Systems, Inc. 9.125%, 8/15/13 | | | 260 | | | 266,175 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,705,799 |
| | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION— AIRLINES–0.8% | | | | | | |
AMR Corp. 9.00%, 8/01/12 | | | 131 | | | 134,275 |
Continental Airlines, Inc. 7.875%, 7/02/18 | | | 44 | | | 45,231 |
8.75%, 12/01/11 | | | 145 | | | 142,100 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 321,606 |
| | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION— SERVICES–0.9% | | | | | | |
Avis Budget Car Rental 7.75%, 5/15/16 | | | 145 | | | 147,900 |
Hertz Corp. 8.875%, 1/01/14 | | | 105 | | | 109,463 |
10.50%, 1/01/16 | | | 100 | | | 110,500 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 367,863 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 26,869,014 |
| | | | | | |
UTILITY–12.9% | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC–10.1% | | | | | | |
The AES Corp. 7.75%, 3/01/14 | | | 300 | | | 300,750 |
8.75%, 5/15/13(a) | | | 55 | | | 58,025 |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Allegheny Energy Supply 7.80%, 3/15/11 | | $ | 140 | | $ | 145,250 |
8.25%, 4/15/12(a) | | | 250 | | | 266,250 |
CMS Energy Corp. 8.50%, 4/15/11 | | | 105 | | | 111,680 |
Dynegy Holdings, Inc. 7.75%, 6/01/19(a) | | | 105 | | | 97,650 |
8.375%, 5/01/16 | | | 285 | | | 278,588 |
Dynegy-Roseton Danskammer Series B 7.67%, 11/08/16 | | | 195 | | | 201,825 |
Edison Mission Energy 7.00%, 5/15/17(a) | | | 255 | | | 240,338 |
7.50%, 6/15/13 | | | 250 | | | 247,500 |
7.75%, 6/15/16 | | | 80 | | | 79,600 |
Mirant Americas Generation LLC 8.50%, 10/01/21 | | | 275 | | | 287,375 |
NRG Energy, Inc. 7.25%, 2/01/14 | | | 45 | | | 45,112 |
7.375%, 2/01/16-1/15/17 | | | 505 | | | 506,637 |
Reliant Energy, Inc. 7.625%, 6/15/14 | | | 120 | | | 117,000 |
7.875%, 6/15/17 | | | 155 | | | 150,737 |
Sierra Pacific Power Co. Series M 6.00%, 5/15/16 | | | 85 | | | 83,365 |
Sierra Pacific Resources 8.625%, 3/15/14 | | | 130 | | | 139,531 |
TECO Energy, Inc. 7.00%, 5/01/12 | | | 180 | | | 186,007 |
TXU Corp. 5.55%, 11/15/14 | | | 235 | | | 199,498 |
Series Q 6.50%, 11/15/24 | | | 234 | | | 193,485 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 3,936,203 |
| | | | | | |
NATURAL GAS–2.8% | | | | | | |
El Paso Corp. 7.375%, 12/15/12 | | | 145 | | | 149,177 |
Enterprise Products Operating LP 8.375%, 8/01/66(h) | | | 305 | | | 325,512 |
Regency Energy Partners 8.375%, 12/15/13(a) | | | 75 | | | 77,250 |
Williams Cos, Inc. 7.625%, 7/15/19 | | | 257 | | | 271,135 |
7.875%, 9/01/21 | | | 255 | | | 274,125 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,097,199 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 5,033,402 |
| | | | | | |
NON CORPORATE SECTORS–5.2% | | | | | | |
Derivatives—RACERS–5.2% | | | | | | |
Racers SER 06-6 5.296%, 7/01/08(a)(b) | | | 1,950 | | | 2,041,028 |
| | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–1.5% | | | |
BROKERAGE–1.1% | | | | | | |
E*Trade Financial Corp. 7.375%, 9/15/13 | | | 95 | | | 96,425 |
7.875%, 12/01/15 | | | 324 | | | 337,365 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 433,790 |
| | | | | | |
6
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
INSURANCE–0.4% | | | | | | |
Crum & Forster Holdings Corp. 7.75%, 5/01/17(a) | | $ | 95 | | $ | 92,863 |
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc. 7.80%, 3/15/37(a) | | | 80 | | | 75,322 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 168,185 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 601,975 |
| | | | | | |
Total Corporates— Non-Investment Grades (cost $35,045,570) | | | | | | 34,545,419 |
| | | | | | |
CORPORATES— INVESTMENT GRADES–3.8% | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–3.4% | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS— TELECOMMUNICATIONS–1.7% | | | | | | |
Mobifon Holdings BV 12.50%, 7/31/10 | | | 220 | | | 234,850 |
Qwest Corp. 6.875%, 9/15/33 | | | 240 | | | 225,000 |
8.875%, 3/15/12 | | | 165 | | | 177,787 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 637,637 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–1.7% | | | | | | |
Cadbury Schweppes US Finance LLC 5.125%, 10/01/13(a) | | | 105 | | | 100,871 |
Reynolds American, Inc. 7.25%, 6/01/12-6/01/13 | | | 365 | | | 378,598 |
7.625%, 6/01/16 | | | 185 | | | 195,876 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 675,345 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,312,982 |
| | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–0.4% | | | | | | |
FINANCE–0.4% | | | | | | |
SLM Corp. 4.50%, 7/26/10 | | | 90 | | | 83,215 |
5.125%, 8/27/12 | | | 90 | | | 79,668 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 162,883 |
| | | | | | |
Total Corporates— Investment Grades (cost $1,425,780) | | | | | | 1,475,865 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
EMERGING MARKETS— NON-INVESTMENT GRADES–0.4% | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–0.4% | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL—OTHER–0.4% | | | | | | |
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. 8.75%, 2/02/11 (cost $132,836) | | $ | 140 | | $ | 151,247 |
| | | | | | |
| | |
| | Shares | | |
PREFERRED STOCKS–0.3% | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–0.3% | | | |
REITS–0.3% | | | | | | |
Sovereign REIT 12.00%(a) (cost $87,659) | | | 93 | | | 133,455 |
| | | | | | |
WARRANTS–0.0% | | | | | | |
Pliant Corp., expiring 6/01/10(d)(e)(i) (cost $1,820) | | | 50 | | | 1 |
| | | | | | |
| | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–2.5% | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–2.5% | | | | | | |
The Bank of New York 4.25%, 7/02/07 (cost $977,000) | | $ | 977 | | | 977,000 |
| | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–95.2% (cost $37,670,665) | | | | | | 37,282,987 |
Other assets less liabilities–4.8% | | | | | | 1,886,177 |
| | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 39,169,164 |
| | | | | | |
7
| | |
HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
(a) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2007, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $7,148,128 or 18.2% of net assets. |
(b) | Floating Rate Security. Stated interest rate was in effect at June 30, 2007. |
(c) | Indicates a security that has a zero coupon that remains in effect until a predetermined date at which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective until final maturity. |
(d) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities, which represent 0.01% of net assets as of June 30, 2007, are considered illiquid and restricted. |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Restricted Securities | | Acquisition Date | | Acquisition Cost | | Market Value | | Percentage of Net Assets | |
Russell-Stanley Holdings, Inc. 9.00%, 11/30/08 | | 11/09/01-6/06/05 | | $ | 463,798 | | $ | 4,566 | | 0.01 | % |
Pliant Corp.—Warrants expiring 6/01/10 | | 12/01/00 | | | 1,820 | | | 0 | | 0.00 | |
(e) | Illiquid security, valued at fair value. (See note A) |
(f) | Security is in default and is non-income producing. |
(g) | Pay-In-Kind Payments (PIK). |
(h) | Variable rate coupon, rate shown as of June 30, 2007. |
(i) | Non-income producing security. |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
8
| | |
HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $37,670,665) | | $ | 37,282,987 | |
Cash | | | 76 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 1,428,802 | |
Interest receivable | | | 723,644 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 103,550 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 39,539,059 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 268,969 | |
Custodian fee payable | | | 22,419 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 19,260 | |
Audit fee payable | | | 19,121 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 16,776 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 2,209 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 4 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 21,078 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 369,895 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 39,169,164 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 5,607 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 53,086,127 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 1,344,318 | |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (14,879,210 | ) |
Net unrealized depreciation of investments | | | (387,678 | ) |
| | | | |
| | $ | 39,169,164 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 28,933,790 | | 4,140,394 | | $ | 6.99 |
B | | $ | 10,235,374 | | 1,466,329 | | $ | 6.98 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
9
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HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Interest | | $ | 1,603,038 | |
Dividends | | | 18,300 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 1,621,338 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 102,451 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 13,386 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 900 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 318 | |
Custodian | | | 65,853 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Audit | | | 19,121 | |
Printing | | | 8,947 | |
Legal | | | 5,832 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 789 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 1,896 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 266,493 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 1,354,845 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 601,158 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (3 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (1,039,493 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 2 | |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (438,336 | ) |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 916,509 | |
| | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10
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| | |
HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 1,354,845 | | | $ | 3,005,496 | |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 601,155 | | | | 62,081 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (1,039,491 | ) | | | 629,809 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 916,509 | | | | 3,697,386 | |
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (2,229,347 | ) | | | (2,871,248 | ) |
Class B | | | (775,329 | ) | | | (898,607 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (1,266,532 | ) | | | (3,457,134 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (3,354,699 | ) | | | (3,529,603 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 42,523,863 | | | | 46,053,466 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $1,344,318 and $2,994,149, respectively) | | $ | 39,169,164 | | | $ | 42,523,863 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
11
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HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein High Yield Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek to earn the highest level of current income without assuming undue risk by investing principally in high-yielding, fixed-income securities rated Baa or lower by Moody’s or BBB or lower by S&P or Fitch or, if unrated, of comparable quantity as determined by the Adviser. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. 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 asked 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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the policy of the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .50% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
13
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HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 11,326,295 | | | $ | 15,519,339 | |
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 are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 748,319 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (1,135,997 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized depreciation | | $ | (387,678 | ) |
| | | | |
1. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The Portfolio 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 sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on 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 depreciation by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Portfolio having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Portfolio’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.
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. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars, reflects the total exposure the Portfolio has in that particular currency contract.
2. Option Transactions
For hedging and investment purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets.
14
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Portfolio pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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.
When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio could result in the Portfolio’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 118,627 | | | 349,149 | | | | | $ | 877,562 | | | $ | 2,548,855 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | 313,551 | | | 415,521 | | | | | | 2,229,347 | | | | 2,871,248 | |
Shares redeemed | | (575,350 | ) | | (1,189,723 | ) | | | | | (4,335,372 | ) | | | (8,617,635 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (143,172 | ) | | (425,053 | ) | | | | $ | (1,228,463 | ) | | $ | (3,197,532 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 26,743 | | | 238,934 | | | | | $ | 201,139 | | | $ | 1,751,148 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | 109,201 | | | 130,233 | | | | | | 775,329 | | | | 898,607 | |
Shares redeemed | | (135,600 | ) | | (399,441 | ) | | | | | (1,014,537 | ) | | | (2,909,357 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | 344 | | | (30,274 | ) | | | | $ | (38,069 | ) | | $ | (259,602 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk—Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments in fixed-income debt securities such as bonds or notes. Increases in interest rates may cause the value of the Portfolio’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 risk 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.
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
15
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HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 3,769,855 | | $ | 4,142,420 |
| | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 3,769,855 | | | 4,142,420 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 3,769,855 | | $ | 4,142,420 |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 2,994,149 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (15,467,665 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 639,113 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (11,834,403 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | On December 31, 2006, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $15,461,228 of which $2,200,265 expires in the year 2007, $5,774,960 expires in the year 2008, $2,890,265 expires in the year 2009, $4,208,388 expires in the year 2010, $125,778 expires in the year 2013, and $261,572 expires in the year 2014. To the extent future capital gains are offset by capital loss carryforwards, such gains will not be distributed. Based on certain provisions in the Internal Revenue Code, various limitations regarding the future utilization of these carryforwards, brought forward as a result of the Portfolio’s merger with Brinson Series Trust High Income Portfolio, may apply. During the current fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized no capital loss carryforwards. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Portfolio deferred to January 1, 2007 post-October loss of $6,437. |
(b) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
16
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
17
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HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
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HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $7.40 | | | $7.43 | | | $7.97 | | | $7.91 | | | $6.83 | | | $7.51 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .25 | | | .51 | | | .58 | | | .60 | (b) | | .55 | | | .54 | (b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.08 | ) | | .12 | | | (.45 | ) | | (.01 | ) | | .95 | | | (.76 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | .17 | | | .63 | | | .13 | | | .59 | | | 1.50 | | | (.22 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.58 | ) | | (.66 | ) | | (.67 | ) | | (.53 | ) | | (.42 | ) | | (.46 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $6.99 | | | $7.40 | | | $7.43 | | | $7.97 | | | $7.91 | | | $6.83 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 2.20 | % | | 9.05 | % | | 1.78 | % | | 7.98 | % | | 22.44 | % | | (3.03 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $28,934 | | | $31,701 | | | $34,968 | | | $42,842 | | | $48,076 | | | $34,765 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.24 | %(d) | | 1.20 | %(e) | | 1.09 | % | | 1.04 | % | | 1.46 | % | | 1.18 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.24 | %(d) | | 1.20 | %(e) | | 1.09 | % | | 1.21 | % | | 1.46 | % | | 1.45 | % |
Net investment income | | 6.68 | %(d) | | 6.98 | %(e) | | 7.58 | % | | 7.74 | %(b) | | 7.48 | % | | 7.78 | %(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 29 | % | | 57 | % | | 54 | % | | 80 | % | | 105 | % | | 83 | % |
See footnote summary on page 21.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | July 22, 2002(f) to December 31, 2002 | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $7.38 | | | $7.41 | | | $7.95 | | | $7.91 | | | $6.84 | | | $6.45 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .24 | | | .49 | | | .56 | | | .58 | (b) | | .52 | | | .15 | (b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.08 | ) | | .12 | | | (.45 | ) | | (.02 | ) | | .97 | | | .24 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | .16 | | | .61 | | | .11 | | | .56 | | | 1.49 | | | .39 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.56 | ) | | (.64 | ) | | (.65 | ) | | (.52 | ) | | (.42 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $6.98 | | | $7.38 | | | $7.41 | | | $7.95 | | | $7.91 | | | $6.84 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | 2.08 | % | | 8.76 | % | | 1.54 | % | | 7.62 | % | | 22.24 | % | | 6.05 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $10,235 | | | $10,823 | | | $11,085 | | | $12,558 | | | $7,962 | | | $366 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.49 | %(d) | | 1.45 | %(e) | | 1.34 | % | | 1.30 | % | | 1.70 | % | | 1.42 | %(d) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.49 | %(d) | | 1.45 | %(e) | | 1.34 | % | | 1.47 | % | | 1.70 | % | | 1.63 | %(d) |
Net investment income | | 6.43 | %(d) | | 6.72 | %(e) | | 7.33 | % | | 7.51 | %(b) | | 7.19 | % | | 8.39 | %(b)(d) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 29 | % | | 57 | % | | 54 | % | | 80 | % | | 105 | % | | 83 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses waived or reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(c) | 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
(f) | Commencement of distribution. |
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HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Product Series Fund (the “Fund”) in respect of AllianceBernstein High Yield Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Fund, which is available through variable annuity and variable life contracts offered by other financial institutions, offers policyholders the option to utilize the Portfolio as the investment option underlying their insurance contracts.
The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in connection with the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Net Assets 09/30/06 (million) | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Portfolio |
High Income | | $ | 41.9 | | 50 bp on1st $2.5 billion 45 bp on next $2.5 billion 40 bp on the balance | | High Yield Portfolio |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $75,250 (0.15% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year end total expense ratios:
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year |
High Yield Portfolio | | Class A | | 1.09 | % | | December 31 |
| | Class B | | 1.34 | % | | |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on October 23, 2006 and presented to the Board of Directors on October 31-November 2, 2006. |
2 | Future references to the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | Most of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of the costs are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if the fund is in net redemption, and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fees based on September 30, 2006 net assets.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 09/30/06 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
High Yield Portfolio | | $ | 41.9 | | High Yield Schedule | | 0.567 | % | | 0.500 | % |
| | | | | 65 bp on 1st $20 million | | | | | | |
| | | | | 50 bp on next $20 million | | | | | | |
| | | | | 40 bp on next $20 million | | | | | | |
| | | | | 35 bp on the balance | | | | | | |
| | | | | Minimum Account Size: $20 m | | | | | | |
The Adviser manages AllianceBernstein High Yield Fund, Inc., a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein High Yield Fund, Inc.5
| | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund | | Fee Schedule |
High Yield Portfolio6 | | High Yield Fund, Inc. | | 0.50% on first $2.5 billion |
| | | | 0.45% on next $2.5 billion |
| | | | 0.40% on the balance |
The Adviser also manages and sponsors retail mutual funds, which are organized in jurisdictions outside the United States, generally Luxembourg and Japan, and sold to non-United States resident investors. The Adviser charges the following fees
4 | The Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300 million, it will negotiate a fee schedule, although it should be noted that there were no such institutional accounts that are similar in investment style as the Portfolio, which opened in the last year. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. |
5 | AllianceBernstein High Yield Fund, Inc. was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the fund’s advisory fee schedule is identical to that of the Portfolio. |
6 | The fund is a clone of the Portfolio. |
23
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HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
for Global High Yield and U.S. High Yield, which are Luxembourg funds that have a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio:
| | | |
Fund | | Fee7 | |
Global High Yield | | | |
Class A | | 1.70 | % |
Class I (Institutional) | | 1.15 | % |
U.S. High Yield | | | |
Class A | | 1.55 | % |
Class I (Institutional) | | 0.75 | % |
The Alliance Capital Investment Trust Management mutual funds (“ACITM”), which are offered to investors in Japan, have an “all-in” fee to compensate the Adviser for investment advisory as well as fund accounting and administrative related services. The fee schedule of the ACITM mutual fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio is as follows:
| | | | | |
Portfolio | | ACITM Mutual Fund | | Fee | |
High Yield Portfolio | | High Yield Open Fund | | 1.00 | % |
The Adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment company with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed advisory fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”) at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.8
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, and expense components and attributes.9 An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee10 | | Lipper Expense Group Median | | Rank |
High Yield Portfolio | | 0.500 | | 0.670 | | 3/15 |
Lipper also compared the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio to the medians of the Portfolio’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective as the subject Portfolio.11
7 | Class A shares of the funds are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory services and distribution related services. |
8 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” means that the Portfolio has the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
9 | Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
10 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative, and other services. |
11 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the Lipper EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
24
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)12 | | Lipper Expense Group Median (%) | | Rank | | Lipper Expense Universe Median (%) | | Rank |
High Yield Portfolio | | 1.095 | | 0.884 | | 14/15 | | 0.759 | | 48/49 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
A consultant was retained by the Senior Officer to work with the Adviser’s personnel to align the Adviser’s two profitability reporting systems. The alignment, which now has been completed, allows the Adviser’s management and the Directors to receive consistent presentations of the financial results and profitability although the two profitability reporting systems operate independently. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The profitability information for the Portfolio prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio decreased during calendar year 2005 relative to 2004.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship. These affiliates provide transfer agent and distribution related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees and Rule 12b-1 payments.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), an affiliate of the Adviser, is the Portfolio’s principal underwriter. The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, ABI received $29,535 in Rule 12b-1 fees from the Portfolio.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI for distribution related services. ABI may in turn compensate brokers for their distribution assistance. ABI will pay for printing and distributing prospectuses or reports and advertising in connection with the offering of Class B shares to the public as well as fees and expenses in connection with its qualification and registration as a broker or dealer under federal and state laws. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, the Adviser determined that it paid $58,282 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Adviser and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, and payments related to providing contract-holder record-keeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder record keeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the firm over the year. With respect to the Fund,13 ABI paid approximately $125,000 in 2005 and expects to pay approximately $150,000 in 2006 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), an affiliate of the Adviser.14 ABIS’ after-tax profitability increased in 2005 in comparison to 2004. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $794 from the Portfolio.15
12 | Most recently completed fiscal year Class A share total expense ratio. |
13 | Includes other Portfolios (Equity and Blend) of the Fund that are not discussed in this evaluation. |
14 | It should be noted that the insurance companies to which the variable products are linked to provide additional shareholder services for the Portfolio, including record keeping, administration and customer service for contract holders. |
15 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2005. |
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HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that the breakpoints in the fee schedule being proposed reflect a sharing of economies of scale to the extent they exist. Based on some of the professional literature that has considered economies of scale in the mutual fund industry, it is thought that to the extent economies of scale exist, they may more often exist across a fund family as opposed to a specific fund. This is because the costs incurred by the Adviser, such as investment research or technology for trading or compliance systems can be spread across a greater asset base as the fund family increases in size. It is also possible that as the level of services required to operate a successful investment company has increased over time, and advisory firms have made such investments in their business to provide improved services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding possible economies of scale or scope in the mutual fund industry. Based on the presentation, it was evident that fund management companies benefit from economies of scale. However, due to lack of cost data, economists, who have written on this subject, had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among economists as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders. In the meantime, it is clear that to the extent a fund’s assets were to exceed the initial breakpoint its shareholders benefit from a lower fee rate.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $659 billion as of September 30, 2006, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information below, prepared by Lipper, shows the 1, 3 and 5 year performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio16 relative to the Portfolio’s Lipper Performance Group (“PG”)17 and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”) for the periods ended June 30, 2006.18
| | | | | | | | | | |
High Yield Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 2.34 | | 4.33 | | 4.53 | | 14/15 | | 51/52 |
3 year | | 6.27 | | 6.98 | | 7.60 | | 13/14 | | 45/47 |
5 year | | 5.98 | | 6.96 | | 7.63 | | 11/13 | | 39/45 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, and 5 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold) versus its benchmark:19
| | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending June 30, 2006 Annualized Performance |
Portfolio | | 1 Year | | 3 Year | | 5 Year | | Since Inception |
High Yield Portfolio | | 2.34 | | 6.27 | | 5.98 | | 2.62 |
Lehman Brothers U.S. High Yield—2% Issuer Cap Index | | 4.37 | | 8.41 | | 8.79 | | 5.49 |
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arms-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: December 1, 2006
16 | The performance returns and rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio that is shown was provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. However, differences in the distribution price (ex-date versus payable date) and rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s own performance returns of the Portfolio to be one or two basis points different from Lipper. To maintain consistency in this evaluation, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
17 | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s EU. Outliers and funds with negative management fees are excluded from EUs but not necessarily from PUs. |
18 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the Portfolio even if a Portfolio may have had a different investment classification/objective at different points in time. |
19 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through June 30, 2006. |
26
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein U.S. Government/ High Grade Securities Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenes you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenes you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Government/High Grade Securities Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,009.34 | | $ | 3.84 | | 0.77 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.98 | | $ | 3.86 | | 0.77 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,008.33 | | $ | 5.08 | | 1.02 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.74 | | $ | 5.11 | | 1.02 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
SECURITY TYPE | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Mortgage Pass-Throughs | | $ | 38,410,941 | | 40.0 | % |
Corporate-Investment Grade | | | 16,290,252 | | 17.0 | |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | | | 12,685,463 | | 13.2 | |
U.S. Treasuries | | | 6,790,387 | | 7.1 | |
Asset-Backed Securities | | | 5,298,331 | | 5.5 | |
Government Related | | | 4,248,610 | | 4.4 | |
Mortgage CMO’s | | | 2,301,709 | | 2.4 | |
Corporate-Non-Investment Grade | | | 150,097 | | 0.1 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 9,899,330 | | 10.3 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 96,075,120 | | 100.0 | % |
2
| | |
U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
MORTGAGE PASS- THRU’S–42.8% | | | | | | |
FIXED RATE 30-YEAR–31.4% | | | | | | |
Federal Gold Loan Mortgage Corp. | | | | | | |
6.00%, TBA | | $ | 2,325 | | $ | 2,301,025 |
Series 2005 | | | | | | |
4.50%, 8/01/35–10/01/35 | | | 1,375 | | | 1,251,664 |
Series 2007 | | | | | | |
7.00%, 2/01/37 | | | 1,176 | | | 1,206,565 |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | | | | | |
4.50%, TBA | | | 460 | | | 418,169 |
6.00%, TBA | | | 955 | | | 943,958 |
6.50%, TBA | | | 3,100 | | | 3,129,062 |
Series 2003 | | | | | | |
5.50%, 4/01/33–7/01/33 | | | 3,694 | | | 3,578,809 |
Series 2004 | | | | | | |
5.50%, 4/01/34–11/01/34 | | | 1,186 | | | 1,148,732 |
Series 2005 | | | | | | |
5.50%, 2/01/35–7/01/35 | | | 2,815 | | | 2,725,633 |
Series 2006 | | | | | | |
5.00%, 2/01/36 | | | 2,487 | | | 2,336,503 |
5.50%, 1/01/36–5/01/36 | | | 5,443 | | | 5,263,148 |
6.50%, 8/01/36–11/01/36 | | | 2,799 | | | 2,826,510 |
Series 2007 | | | | | | |
5.50%, 5/01/36 | | | 1,131 | | | 1,093,462 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 28,223,240 |
| | | | | | |
FIXED RATE 15-YEAR–4.6% | | | | | | |
Federal Gold Loan Mortgage Corp. | | | | | | |
Series 2006 | | | | | | |
5.00%, 4/01/21 | | | 1,032 | | | 997,303 |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | | | | | |
Series 2005 | | | | | | |
5.00%, 4/01/19 | | | 1,749 | | | 1,696,392 |
Series 2006 | | | | | | |
5.00%, 4/01/21 | | | 1,443 | | | 1,394,811 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 4,088,506 |
| | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY ARMS–3.4% | | | | | | |
Banc of America Funding Corp. | | | | | | |
Series 2007-C, Class 1A3 | | | | | | |
5.763%, 5/20/47(a) | | | 430 | | | 424,439 |
Bear Stearns Alt-A Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2006-3, Class 22A1 | | | | | | |
6.219%, 5/25/36(b) | | | 193 | | | 193,236 |
Series 2007-1, Class 21A1 | | | | | | |
5.74%, 1/25/47(b) | | | 275 | | | 274,174 |
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2005-2, Class 1A4 | | | | | | |
5.107%, 5/25/35(b) | | | 491 | | | 481,101 |
Series 2006-AR1, Class 3A1 | | | | | | |
5.50%, 3/25/36(a) | | | 591 | | | 593,196 |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Indymac Index Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2006-AR7, Class 4A1 | | | | | | |
6.237%, 5/25/36(b) | | $ | 253 | | $ | 253,599 |
JPMorgan Alternative Loan Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2006-A3, Class 2A1 | | | | | | |
6.067%, 7/25/36(b) | | | 517 | | | 516,859 |
Residential Funding Mortgage Securities, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2005-SA3, Class 3A | | | | | | |
5.235%, 8/25/35(b) | | | 323 | | | 317,841 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 3,054,445 |
| | | | | | |
AGENCY ARMS–3.4% | | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. | | | | | | |
Series 2007 | | | | | | |
6.05%, 4/01/37(a) | | | 462 | | | 462,948 |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | | | | | |
Series 2005 | | | | | | |
4.182%, 9/01/35(a) | | | 369 | | | 371,551 |
Series 2006 | | | | | | |
5.802%, 3/01/36(a) | | | 486 | | | 488,061 |
5.862%, 11/01/36(a) | | | 726 | | | 734,611 |
Series 2007 | | | | | | |
5.776%, 1/01/37(a) | | | 520 | | | 521,448 |
6.056%, 2/01/37(a) | | | 463 | | | 466,131 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 3,044,750 |
| | | | | | |
Total Mortgage Pass-Thru’s (cost $39,035,314) | | | | | | 38,410,941 |
| | | | | | |
CORPORATES–INVESTMENT GRADES–18.1% | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–10.2% | | | | | | |
BASIC–0.6% | | | | | | |
The Dow Chemical Co. | | | | | | |
7.375%, 11/01/29 | | | 20 | | | 21,647 |
International Paper Co. | | | | | | |
5.30%, 4/01/15 | | | 190 | | | 179,423 |
Lubrizol Corp. | | | | | | |
4.625%, 10/01/09 | | | 120 | | | 117,646 |
Westvaco Corp. | | | | | | |
8.20%, 1/15/30 | | | 50 | | | 52,900 |
Weyerhaeuser Co. | | | | | | |
5.95%, 11/01/08 | | | 175 | | | 176,285 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 547,901 |
| | | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–1.1% | | | | | | |
Hutchison Whampoa International, Ltd. | | | | | | |
7.45%, 11/24/33(c) | | | 185 | | | 204,189 |
Textron Financial Corp. | | | | | | |
4.125%, 3/03/08 | | | 315 | | | 312,448 |
Textron, Inc. | | | | | | |
6.375%, 11/15/08 | | | 125 | | | 126,810 |
3
| | |
U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Tyco International Group, SA | | | | | | |
6.00%, 11/15/13 | | $ | 155 | | $ | 159,159 |
Waste Management, Inc. | | | | | | |
6.875%, 5/15/09 | | | 205 | | | 209,659 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,012,265 |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– MEDIA – 1.7% | | | | | | |
British Sky Broadcasting Group PLC | | | | | | |
6.875%, 2/23/09 | | | 100 | | | 102,048 |
BSKYB Finance UK PLC | | | | | | |
5.625%, 10/15/15(c) | | | 170 | | | 163,886 |
Comcast Cable Communications Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | |
9.455%, 11/15/22 | | | 125 | | | 158,644 |
Comcast Cable Communications LLC | | | | | | |
6.875%, 6/15/09 | | | 250 | | | 255,969 |
Comcast Corp. | | | | | | |
5.30%, 1/15/14 | | | 155 | | | 149,410 |
5.50%, 3/15/11 | | | 185 | | | 184,069 |
News America, Inc. | | | | | | |
6.55%, 3/15/33 | | | 100 | | | 97,528 |
RR Donnelley & Sons Co. | | | | | | |
4.95%, 4/01/14 | | | 65 | | | 59,382 |
Time Warner Entertainment Co. | | | | | | |
8.375%, 3/15/23 | | | 235 | | | 269,765 |
WPP Finance Corp. | | | | | | |
5.875%, 6/15/14 | | | 120 | | | 119,034 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,559,735 |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– TELECOMMUNICATIONS–3.1% | | | | | | |
AT&T Corp. | | | | | | |
8.00%, 11/15/31 | | | 20 | | | 23,772 |
British Telecommunications PLC | | | | | | |
8.625%, 12/15/10 | | | 310 | | | 338,758 |
Embarq Corp. | | | | | | |
6.738%, 6/01/13 | | | 20 | | | 20,381 |
7.082%, 6/01/16 | | | 355 | | | 356,989 |
New Cingular Wireless Services, Inc. | | | | | | |
7.875%, 3/01/11 | | | 180 | | | 193,532 |
8.75%, 3/01/31 | | | 105 | | | 130,895 |
Pacific Bell | | | | | | |
6.625%, 10/15/34 | | | 280 | | | 277,971 |
Sprint Capital Corp. | | | | | | |
8.375%, 3/15/12 | | | 365 | | | 397,628 |
Telecom Italia Capital SA | | | | | | |
4.00%, 11/15/08–1/15/10 | | | 500 | | | 482,753 |
6.375%, 11/15/33 | | | 40 | | | 37,678 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | | | | |
4.90%, 9/15/15 | | | 115 | | | 107,642 |
Verizon New Jersey, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series A | | | | | | |
5.875%, 1/17/12 | | | 170 | | | 170,632 |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Vodafone Group PLC | | | | | | |
5.50%, 6/15/11 | | $ | 200 | | $ | 198,389 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,737,020 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–AUTOMOTIVE–0.1% | | | | | | |
DaimlerChrysler North America | | | | | | |
4.875%, 6/15/10 | | | 110 | | | 107,904 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–OTHER –0.5% | | | | | | |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | | | | | | |
7.375%, 11/15/15 | | | 179 | | | 177,114 |
7.875%, 5/01/12 | | | 187 | | | 194,732 |
Toll Brothers Finance Corp. | | | | | | |
6.875%, 11/15/12 | | | 95 | | | 96,828 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 468,674 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER NON- CYCLICAL –2.0% | | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | | | | | |
7.75%, 1/15/27 | | | 155 | | | 181,274 |
Cadbury Schweppes US Finance LLC | | | | | | |
5.125%, 10/01/13(c) | | | 245 | | | 235,364 |
ConAgra Foods, Inc. | | | | | | |
7.875%, 9/15/10 | | | 102 | | | 108,807 |
Fisher Scientific International, Inc. | | | | | | |
6.125%, 7/01/15 | | | 230 | | | 225,839 |
6.75%, 8/15/14 | | | 45 | | | 45,156 |
Kraft Foods, Inc. | | | | | | |
4.125%, 11/12/09 | | | 415 | | | 402,033 |
5.25%, 10/01/13 | | | 220 | | | 211,546 |
The Kroger Co. | | | | | | |
6.80%, 12/15/18 | | | 75 | | | 76,007 |
Safeway, Inc. | | | | | | |
4.125%, 11/01/08 | | | 73 | | | 71,868 |
4.80%, 7/16/07 | | | 85 | | | 84,954 |
Wyeth | | | | | | |
5.50%, 2/01/14 | | | 141 | | | 138,968 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,781,816 |
| | | | | | |
ENERGY–0.4% | | | | | | |
Amerada Hess Corp. | | | | | | |
7.875%, 10/01/29 | | | 165 | | | 185,984 |
Valero Energy Corp. | | | | | | |
6.875%, 4/15/12 | | | 180 | | | 188,501 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 374,485 |
| | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY–0.7% | | | | | | |
Electronic Data Systems Corp. | | | | | | |
7.45%, 10/15/29 | | | 90 | | | 91,660 |
Series B | | | | | | |
6.50%, 8/01/13 | | | 281 | | | 277,727 |
IBM Corp. | | | | | | |
4.375%, 6/01/09 | | | 90 | | | 88,588 |
Motorola, Inc. | | | | | | |
6.50%, 9/01/25 | | | 125 | | | 119,567 |
7.50%, 5/15/25 | | | 25 | | | 26,305 |
4
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
7.625%, 11/15/10 | | $ | 22 | | $ | 23,187 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 627,034 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 9,216,834 |
| | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–6.0% | | | | | | |
BANKING–3.0% | | | | | | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | | | | | |
8.55%, 6/15/11(b)(c) | | | 365 | | | 401,954 |
Huntington National Bank | | | | | | |
4.375%, 1/15/10 | | | 250 | | | 243,505 |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | | | | |
6.75%, 2/01/11 | | | 285 | | | 296,103 |
MUFG Capital Finance 1 Ltd. | | | | | | |
6.346%, 7/25/16(b) | | | 105 | | | 103,170 |
RBS Capital Trust III | | | | | | |
5.512%, 9/29/49(b) | | | 335 | | | 321,972 |
Resona Preferred Global Securities | | | | | | |
7.191%, 7/30/15(b)(c) | | | 135 | | | 138,039 |
UBS Preferred Funding Trust I | | | | | | |
8.622%, 10/01/10(b) | | | 180 | | | 195,634 |
UFJ Finance Aruba AEC | | | | | | |
6.75%, 7/15/13 | | | 240 | | | 253,415 |
Wachovia Capital Trust III | | | | | | |
5.80%, 3/15/11(b) | | | 180 | | | 179,216 |
Washington Mutual, Inc. | | | | | | |
4.00%, 1/15/09 | | | 310 | | | 303,283 |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | | | | | |
4.20%, 1/15/10 | | | 195 | | | 190,062 |
Zions Bancorporation | | | | | | |
5.50%, 11/16/15 | | | 105 | | | 100,917 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,727,270 |
| | | | | | |
BROKERAGE–0.2% | | | | | | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | | | | | |
4.75%, 7/15/13 | | | 125 | | | 118,315 |
5.125%, 1/15/15 | | | 105 | | | 99,775 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 218,090 |
| | | | | | |
FINANCE–1.3% | | | | | | |
American General Finance Corp. | | | | | | |
4.625%, 5/15/09 | | | 340 | | | 335,306 |
Capital One Bank | | | | | | |
6.50%, 6/13/13 | | | 140 | | | 143,786 |
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. | | | | | | |
4.00%, 3/22/11 | | | 105 | | | 98,421 |
4.25%, 12/19/07 | | | 265 | | | 263,433 |
General Electric Capital Corp. | | | | | | |
4.375%, 11/21/11 | | | 35 | | | 33,465 |
6.75%, 3/15/32 | | | 20 | | | 21,699 |
HSBC Finance Inc. | | | | | | |
7.00%, 5/15/12 | | | 115 | | | 121,081 |
iStar Financial, Inc. | | | | | | |
5.15%, 3/01/12 | | | 125 | | | 120,287 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,137,478 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
INSURANCE–1.3% | | | | | | |
Assurant, Inc. | | | | | | |
5.625%, 2/15/14 | | $ | 70 | | $ | 68,506 |
Humana, Inc. | | | | | | |
6.30%, 8/01/18 | | | 215 | | | 212,463 |
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc. | | | | | | |
5.75%, 3/15/14(c) | | | 145 | | | 140,279 |
Marsh & McLennan Cos, Inc. | | | | | | |
5.75%, 9/15/15 | | | 430 | | | 406,322 |
WellPoint, Inc. | | | | | | |
4.25%, 12/15/09 | | | 320 | | | 309,970 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,137,540 |
| | | | | | |
REITS–0.2% | | | | | | |
Simon Property Group LP | | | | | | |
6.375%, 11/15/07 | | | 145 | | | 145,406 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 5,365,784 |
| | | | | | |
UTILITY–1.9% | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC–1.7% | | | | | | |
Carolina Power & Light Co. | | | | | | |
6.50%, 7/15/12 | | | 215 | | | 222,897 |
Consumers Energy Co. | | | | | | |
Series C | | | | | | |
4.25%, 4/15/08 | | | 130 | | | 128,683 |
Exelon Corp. | | | | | | |
6.75%, 5/01/11 | | | 95 | | | 97,962 |
FirstEnergy Corp. | | | | | | |
Series B | | | | | | |
6.45%, 11/15/11 | | | 95 | | | 97,414 |
Series C | | | | | | |
7.375%, 11/15/31 | | | 105 | | | 113,668 |
MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. | | | | | | |
5.875%, 10/01/12 | | | 135 | | | 136,165 |
Nisource Finance Corp. | | | | | | |
7.875%, 11/15/10 | | | 110 | | | 117,126 |
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. | | | | | | |
4.80%, 3/01/14 | | | 215 | | | 203,195 |
Progress Energy, Inc. | | | | | | |
7.10%, 3/01/11 | | | 73 | | | 76,494 |
Public Service Company of Colorado | | | | | | |
7.875%, 10/01/12 | | | 100 | | | 109,718 |
SPI Electricity & Gas Australia Holdings Pty Ltd. | | | | | | |
6.15%, 11/15/13(c) | | | 235 | | | 237,623 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,540,945 |
| | | | | | |
NATURAL GAS–0.2% | | | | | | |
Duke Energy Field Services Corp. | | | | | | |
7.875%, 8/16/10 | | | 70 | | | 74,337 |
Enterprise Products Operating L.P. | | | | | | |
Series B | | | | | | |
5.60%, 10/15/14 | | | 95 | | | 92,352 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 166,689 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,707,634 |
| | | | | | |
Total Corporates–Investment Grades (cost $16,328,675) | | | | | | 16,290,252 |
| | | | | | |
5
| | |
U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES–14.1% | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE CMBS–14.0% | | | | | | |
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2001-PB1, Class A2 | | | | | | |
5.787%, 5/11/35 | | $ | 333 | | $ | 333,999 |
Series 2004-4, Class A3 | | | | | | |
4.128%, 7/10/42 | | | 410 | | | 398,519 |
Series 2004-6, Class A2 | | | | | | |
4.161%, 12/10/42 | | | 525 | | | 509,185 |
Series 2005-6, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.353%, 9/10/47 (b) | | | 680 | | | 653,680 |
Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2005-PWR7, Class A3 | | | | | | |
5.116%, 2/11/41 | | | 505 | | | 484,514 |
Series 2005-T18, Class A4 | | | | | | |
4.933%, 2/13/42 | | | 530 | | | 500,531 |
Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp. | | | | | | |
Series 2003-CK2, Class A2 | | | | | | |
3.861%, 3/15/36 | | | 360 | | | 353,560 |
Series 2005-C1, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.014%, 2/15/38(b) | | | 450 | | | 426,678 |
GE Capital Commercial Mortgage Corp. | | | | | | |
Series 2005-C3, Class A3FX | | | | | | |
4.863%, 7/10/45 | | | 455 | | | 445,596 |
Greenwich Capital Commercial Funding Corp. | | | | | | |
Series 2003-C1, Class A4 | | | | | | |
4.111%, 7/05/35 | | | 450 | | | 415,732 |
Series 2005-GG3, Class A2 | | | | | | |
4.305%, 8/10/42 | | | 530 | | | 516,315 |
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II | | | | | | |
Series 2004-GG2, Class A6 | | | | | | |
5.396%, 8/10/38(b) | | | 300 | | | 293,459 |
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp. | | | | | | |
Series 2004-C1, Class A2 | | | | | | |
4.302%, 1/15/38 | | | 95 | | | 90,580 |
Series 2005-LDP1, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.038%, 3/15/46(b) | | | 550 | | | 524,271 |
Series 2005-LDP3, Class A2 | | | | | | |
4.851%, 8/15/42 | | | 405 | | | 395,764 |
Series 2005-LDP4, Class A2 | | | | | | |
4.79%, 10/15/42 | | | 465 | | | 453,822 |
Series 2005-LDP5, Class A2 | | | | | | |
5.198%, 12/15/44 | | | 360 | | | 354,627 |
Series 2006-CB14, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.481%, 12/12/44 | | | 195 | | | 190,224 |
Series 2006-CB15, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.814%, 6/12/43 | | | 290 | | | 288,074 |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2003-C3, Class A4 | | | | | | |
4.166%, 5/15/32 | | $ | 430 | | $ | 397,451 |
Series 2004-C4, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.132%, 6/15/29(b) | | | 830 | | | 816,423 |
Series 2004-C8, Class A2 | | | | | | |
4.201%, 12/15/29 | | | 420 | | | 407,224 |
Series 2005–C1, Class A4 | | | | | | |
4.742%, 2/15/30 | | | 365 | | | 341,620 |
Series 2005–C7, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.197%, 11/15/30 | | | 340 | | | 326,060 |
Series 2006–C1, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.156%, 2/15/31 | | | 485 | | | 463,581 |
Series 2006–C6, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.372%, 9/15/39 | | | 530 | | | 513,989 |
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2005–CKI1, Class A6 | | | | | | |
5.417%, 11/12/37(b) | | | 280 | | | 270,314 |
Series 2005–MKB2, Class A2 | | | | | | |
4.806%, 9/12/42 | | | 655 | | | 642,906 |
Merrill Lynch/Countrywide Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2006–2, Class A4 | | | | | | |
6.105%, 6/12/46(b) | | | 145 | | | 146,084 |
Morgan Stanley Capital I | | | | | | |
Series 2005–T17, Class A5 | | | | | | |
4.78%, 12/13/41 | | | 655 | | | 615,679 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 12,570,461 |
| | | | | | |
NON–AGENCY ADJUSTABLE RATE CMBS–0.1% | | | | | | |
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II | | | | | | |
Series 2007–EOP, Class E | | | | | | |
5.76%, 3/06/20(a)(c) | | | 115 | | | 115,002 |
| | | | | | |
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $13,070,402) | | | | | | 12,685,463 |
| | | | | | |
ASSET–BACKED SECURITIES-5.9% | | | | | | |
HOME EQUITY LOANS–FLOATING RATE –3.1% | | | | | | |
Asset Backed Funding Certificates | | | | | | |
Series 2003–WF1, Class A2 | | | | | | |
6.07%, 12/25/32(a) | | | 136 | | | 136,159 |
Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2005–SD1, Class 1A1 | | | | | | |
5.47%, 4/25/22(a) | | | 42 | | | 41,872 |
GE–WMC Mortgage Securities LLC | | | | | | |
Series 2005–2, Class A2B | | | | | | |
5.49%, 12/25/35(a) | | | 285 | | | 285,134 |
HFC Home Equity Loan Asset Backed Certificates | | | | | | |
Series 2005–3, Class A1 | | | | | | |
5.58%, 1/20/35(a) | | | 192 | | | 192,220 |
6
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Home Equity Asset Trust FRN | | | | | | |
Series 2007–2, Class M1 | | | | | | |
5.75%, 7/25/37(a) | | $ | 475 | | $ | 477,147 |
Indymac Residential Asset Backed Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2006–D, Class 2A2 | | | | | | |
5.43%, 11/25/36(a) | | | 490 | | | 489,387 |
Option One Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2007–2, Class M1 | | | | | | |
5.68%, 3/25/37(a) | | | 160 | | | 159,632 |
RAAC Series | | | | | | |
Series 2006–SP3, Class A1 | | | | | | |
5.40%, 8/25/36(a) | | | 140 | | | 139,857 |
Residential Asset Mortgage Products , Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2005–RZ1, Class A2 | | | | | | |
5.52%, 4/25/35(a) | | | 264 | | | 263,532 |
Residential Asset Mortgage Products, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2005–RS3, Class AIA2 | | | | | | |
5.49%, 3/25/35(a) | | | 136 | | | 136,019 |
Saxon Asset Securities Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2005–4, Class A2B | | | | | | |
5.50%, 11/25/37(a) | | | 234 | | | 234,477 |
Specialty Underwriting & Residential Finance | | | | | | |
Series 2006–BC1, Class A2A | | | | | | |
5.40%, 12/25/36(a) | | | 119 | | | 118,542 |
Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2006–1, Class A1 | | | | | | |
5.40%, 1/25/36(a) | | | 63 | | | 63,215 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,737,193 |
| | | | | | |
HOME EQUITY LOANS–FIXED RATE–1.8% | | | | | | |
Citifinancial Mortgage Securities, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2003–1, Class AFPT | | | | | | |
3.36%, 1/25/33(d) | | | 116 | | | 109,502 |
Countrywide Asset–Backed Certificates | | | | | | |
Series 2007–S1, Class A3 | | | | | | |
5.81%, 2/25/37(b) | | | 475 | | | 465,794 |
Credit–Based Asset Servicing & Securities, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2003–CB1, Class AF | | | | | | |
3.45%, 1/25/33(d) | | | 252 | | | 241,376 |
Series 2005–CB7, Class AF2 | | | | | | |
5.147%, 11/25/35(d) | | | 260 | | | 258,419 |
Home Equity Mortgage Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2005–4, Class A3 | | | | | | |
4.742%, 1/25/36(d) | | | 257 | | | 255,350 |
Series 2006–1, Class A2 | | | | | | |
5.30%, 5/25/36(d) | | | 120 | | | 117,206 |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Residential Funding Mortgage Securities II, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2005–HI2, Class A3 | | | | | | |
4.46%, 5/25/35 | | $ | 210 | | $ | 208,102 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,655,749 |
| | | | | | |
AUTOS–FIXED RATE–0.5% | | | | | | |
Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2005–SN1A, Class A3A | | | | | | |
4.10%, 6/15/08 | | | 82 | | | 82,403 |
Capital One Prime Auto Receivables Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2005–1, Class A3 | | | | | | |
4.32%, 8/15/09 | | | 365 | | | 363,627 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 446,030 |
| | | | | | |
CREDIT CARDS–FIXED RATE –0.4% | | | | | | |
Providian Gateway Master Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2004–DA, Class A | | | | | | |
3.35%, 9/15/11(c) | | | 360 | | | 358,594 |
| | | | | | |
OTHER–FIXED RATE–0.1% | | | | | | |
DB Master Finance, LLC | | | | | | |
Series 2006–1, Class A2 | | | | | | |
5.779%, 6/20/31(c) | | | 100 | | | 100,765 |
| | | | | | |
Total Asset–Backed Securities (cost $5,319,931) | | | | | | 5,298,331 |
| | | | | | |
U.S. TREASURIES–5.6% | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds | | | | | | |
4.50%, 2/15/36 | | | 4,130 | | | 3,739,587 |
8.75%, 5/15/17 | | | 975 | | | 1,249,219 |
| | | | | | |
Total U.S. Treasuries (cost $5,069,306) | | | | | | 4,988,806 |
| | | | | | |
GOVERNMENT-RELATED–NON-U.S. ISSUER–4.7% | | | | | | |
SOVEREIGNS–4.7% | | | | | | |
United Mexican States | | | | | | |
5.625%, 1/15/17 | | | 1,490 | | | 1,458,710 |
7.50%, 1/14/12 | | | 425 | | | 455,387 |
Russian Federation | | | | | | |
7.5%, 3/31/30(c)(d) | | | 1,721 | | | 1,889,182 |
Republic of South Africa | | | | | | |
5.875%, 5/30/22 | | | 455 | | | 445,331 |
| | | | | | |
Total Government-Related–Non–U.S. Issuers (cost $4,088,810) | | | | | | 4,248,610 |
| | | | | | |
MORTGAGE CMO’S–2.6% | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY ADJUSTABLE RATE–1.4% | | | | | | |
Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2005-62, Class 2A1 | | | | | | |
6.029%, 12/25/35(a) | | | 181 | | | 181,701 |
7
| | |
U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Series 2007-OA3, Class M1 | | | | | | |
5.63%, 4/25/47(a) | | $ | 145 | | $ | 144,014 |
Washington Mutual, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2005-AR2, Class 2A22 | | | | | | |
5.54%, 1/25/45(a) | | | 31 | | | 30,711 |
Series 2007-OA1, Class A1A | | | | | | |
5.729%, 2/25/47(a) | | | 414 | | | 414,041 |
Series 2007-OA3, Class B1 | | | | | | |
5.77%, 4/25/47(a) | | | 449 | | | 449,267 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,219,734 |
| | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE–1.1% | | | | | | |
Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2006-11, Class 1A2 | | | | | | |
6.354%, 8/25/36(b) | | | 290 | | | 290,426 |
Residential Accredit Loans, Inc. | | | | | | |
Series 2007-QS1, Class 1A1 | | | | | | |
6.00%, 1/25/37 | | | 324 | | | 324,942 |
Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2006-AR11, Class A4 | | | | | | |
5.519%, 8/25/36(b) | | | 418 | | | 416,231 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,031,599 |
| | | | | | |
AGENCY ADJUSTABLE RATE –0.1% | | | | | | |
Fannie Mae Grantor Trust | | | | | | |
Series 2004-T5, Class AB4 | | | | | | |
5.59%, 5/28/35(a) | | | 50 | | | 50,376 |
| | | | | | |
Total Mortgage CMO’s (cost $2,301,673) | | | | | | 2,301,709 |
| | | | | | |
INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES–2.0% | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Notes | | | | | | |
2.375%, 4/15/11 (TIPS) (cost $1,795,661) | | | 1,822 | | | 1,801,581 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
CORPORATES–NON-INVESTMENT GRADES–0.2% | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL –0.2% | | | | | | | |
BASIC –0.2% | | | | | | | |
Packaging Corp. of America | | | | | | | |
5.75%, 8/01/13 (cost $152,245) | | $ | 155 | | $ | 150,097 | |
| | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS -11.0% | | | | | | | |
AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES–7.7% | | | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. | | | | | | | |
Zero Coupon, 7/09/07 | | | 3,460 | | | 3,456,568 | |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | | | | | | |
Zero Coupon, 7/27/07 | | | 3,455 | | | 3,442,762 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 6,899,330 | |
| | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT –3.3% | | | | | | | |
The Bank of New York | | | | | | | |
4.25%, 7/02/07 | | | 3,000 | | | 3,000,000 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total Short-Term Investments (cost $9,899,332) | | | | | | 9,899,330 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS – 107.0% | | | | | | | |
(cost $97,061,349) | | | | | | 96,075,120 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(7.0)% | | | | | | (6,261,950 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 89,813,170 | |
| | | | | | | |
8
| | |
U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
INTEREST RATE SWAP TRANSACTIONS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Swap Counterparty | | Notional Amount (000) | | Termination Date | | Rate Type | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) |
| | | Payments made by the Portfolio | | Payments received by the Portfolio | | |
Lehman Brothers | | $ | 3,505 | | 11/02/07 | | 3 month LIBOR | | 4.814 | % | | $ | (12,809) |
Lehman Brothers | | | 1,500 | | 12/04/11 | | 3 month LIBOR | | 4.850 | % | | | (36,758) |
Lehman Brothers | | | 1,000 | | 3/02/16 | | 3 month LIBOR | | 5.063 | % | | | (26,361) |
(a) | Floating Rate Security. Stated interest rate was in effect at June 30, 2007. |
(b) | Variable rate coupon, rate shown as of June 30, 2007. |
(c) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2007, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $3,984,877 or 4.4% of net assets. |
(d) | Coupon rate adjusts periodically based upon a predetermined schedule. Stated interest rate in effect at June 30, 2007. |
| LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rates |
| TIPS— Treasury Inflation Protected Security |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
9
| | |
U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $97,061,349) | | $ | 96,075,120 | |
Cash | | | 2,754 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 2,483,347 | |
Interest receivable | | | 671,366 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 548,047 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 99,780,634 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Unrealized depreciation of interest rate swap contracts | | | 75,928 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 9,719,967 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 34,221 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 19,260 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 5,075 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 4,399 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 59 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 108,555 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 9,967,464 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 89,813,170 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 7,933 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 89,692,059 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 2,058,352 | |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment transactions | | | (883,017 | ) |
Net unrealized depreciation of investments | | | (1,062,157 | ) |
| | | | |
| | $ | 89,813,170 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 68,645,470 | | 6,052,746 | | $ | 11.34 |
B | | $ | 21,167,700 | | 1,880,740 | | $ | 11.25 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10
| | |
U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Interest | | $ | 2,441,392 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 208,677 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 26,915 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,306 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 394 | |
Custodian | | | 65,277 | |
Administrative | | | 47,000 | |
Audit | | | 19,122 | |
Printing | | | 11,470 | |
Legal | | | 4,090 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 751 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 730 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 385,732 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 2,055,660 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 46,121 | |
Swap contracts | | | (16,645 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (1,138,106 | ) |
Swap contracts | | | (42,185 | ) |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment transactions | | | (1,150,815 | ) |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 904,845 | |
| | | | |
See | Notes to Financial Statements. |
11
| | |
| | |
U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 2,055,660 | | | $ | 4,179,465 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | 29,476 | | | | (488,396 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (1,180,291 | ) | | | (107,606 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 904,845 | | | | 3,583,463 | |
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (3,234,289 | ) | | | (3,081,304 | ) |
Class B | | | (911,329 | ) | | | (907,122 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (940,741 | ) | | | (13,645,101 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (4,181,514 | ) | | | (14,050,064 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 93,994,684 | | | | 108,044,748 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $2,058,352 and $4,148,310, respectively) | | $ | 89,813,170 | | | $ | 93,994,684 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12
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U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein U.S. Government/High Grade Securities Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek high current income consistent with preservation of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
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 Fund’s Board of Directors.
In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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., 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.
2. 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 asked prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar.
13
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio’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 investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. Taxes
It is the policy of the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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.
4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio 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 Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
5. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
6. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares and distributes dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, respectively, if any, at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .45% of the first $2.5 billion, .40% of the next $2.5 billion and .35% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .60% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
14
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U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolios to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | Sales |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 7,389,955 | | $ | 9,994,919 |
U.S. government securities | | | 19,469,178 | | | 19,371,576 |
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 swap contracts) are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 469,120 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (1,455,349 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized depreciation | | $ | (986,229 | ) |
| | | | |
1. Swap Agreements
The Portfolio may enter into swaps to hedge its exposure to interest rates and credit risk or for investment purposes. 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.
Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap contract to comply with the terms of the swap contract. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interest payment to be received by the Portfolio, and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Therefore, the Portfolio considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a swap contract in evaluating potential credit risk. Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying securities.
In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 133, the Portfolio accrues for the interim payments on swap contracts on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swap contracts on the statement of assets and liabilities. Once the interim payments are settled in cash, the net amount is recorded as realized gain/loss on swaps, in addition to realized gain/loss recorded upon the termination of swap contracts on the statement of operations. Fluctuations in the value of swap contracts are recorded as a compontent of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments.
15
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. Dollar Rolls
The Portfolio may enter into dollar rolls. Dollar rolls involve sales by the Portfolio of securities for delivery in the current month and the Portfolio’s simultaneously contracting to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Portfolio forgoes principal and interest paid on the securities. The Portfolio is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Portfolio is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. Dollar rolls are speculative techniques and may be considered to be borrowings by the Portfolio. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Portfolio earned income of $3,721 from dollar rolls which is included in interest income in the accompanying statement of operations.
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 388,121 | | | 550,917 | | | | | $ | 4,629,386 | | | $ | 6,425,976 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | 284,709 | | | 273,408 | | | | | | 3,234,289 | | | | 3,081,304 | |
Shares redeemed | | (704,589 | ) | | (1,788,599 | ) | | | | | (8,339,913 | ) | | | (20,867,204 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (31,759 | ) | | (964,274 | ) | | | | $ | (476,238 | ) | | $ | (11,359,924 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 166,051 | | | 249,876 | | | | | $ | 1,926,378 | | | $ | 2,910,537 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | 80,863 | | | 81,065 | | | | | | 911,329 | | | | 907,122 | |
Shares redeemed | | (280,036 | ) | | (526,368 | ) | | | | | (3,302,210 | ) | | | (6,102,836 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (33,122 | ) | | (195,427 | ) | | | | $ | (464,503 | ) | | $ | (2,285,177 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk—Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments in fixed-income debt securities such as bonds or notes. Increases in interest rates may cause the value of the Portfolio’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 risk 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.
Foreign Securities Risk—Investing in securities of foreign companies or foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies or foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or of the U.S. government.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $250 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 the miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2007.
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U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distribution to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 3,988,426 | | | $ | 5,187,497 |
Net long-term capital gains | | | –0 | – | | | 1,607,841 |
| | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 3,988,426 | | | | 6,795,338 |
| | | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 3,988,426 | | | $ | 6,795,338 |
| | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 4,130,972 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (906,806 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 129,785 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 3,353,951 | |
| | | | |
(a) | On December 31, 2006, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $904,187, all of which expires in the year 2013. To the extent future capital gains are offset by capital loss carryforwards, such gains will not be distributed. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Portfolio deferred to January 1, 2007, post October long term capital losses of $2,619. |
(b) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the recognition for tax purposes of gains/losses on certain derivative instruments. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
17
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA
18
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U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
19
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U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $11.78 | | | $11.82 | | | $12.28 | | | $12.56 | | | $12.54 | | | $12.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .27 | | | .50 | | | .41 | | | .32 | (b) | | .26 | | | .42 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (.16 | ) | | (.06 | ) | | (.17 | ) | | .12 | | | .23 | | | .49 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | .11 | | | .44 | | | .24 | | | .44 | | | .49 | | | .91 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.55 | ) | | (.48 | ) | | (.36 | ) | | (.36 | ) | | (.37 | ) | | (.37 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | (.34 | ) | | (.36 | ) | | (.10 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.55 | ) | | (.48 | ) | | (.70 | ) | | (.72 | ) | | (.47 | ) | | (.37 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $11.34 | | | $11.78 | | | $11.82 | | | $12.28 | | | $12.56 | | | $12.54 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | .93 | % | | 3.93 | % | | 1.98 | % | | 3.77 | % | | 3.88 | % | | 7.79 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $68,645 | | | $71,655 | | | $83,329 | | | $102,543 | | | $129,194 | | | $164,265 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .77 | %(d) | | .77 | %(e) | | .71 | % | | .68 | % | | .77 | % | | .82 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .77 | %(d) | | .77 | %(e) | | .71 | % | | .78 | % | | .77 | % | | .82 | % |
Net investment income | | 4.49 | %(d) | | 4.25 | %(e) | | 3.37 | % | | 2.46 | %(b) | | 2.10 | % | | 3.49 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 30 | % | | 327 | % | | 529 | % | | 662 | % | | 748 | % | | 551 | % |
See footnote summary on page 21.
20
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U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $11.67 | | | $11.72 | | | $12.18 | | | $12.47 | | | $12.47 | | | $11.94 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .25 | | | .46 | | | .38 | | | .28 | (b) | | .24 | | | .39 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (.15 | ) | | (.06 | ) | | (.17 | ) | | .13 | | | .21 | | | .49 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | .10 | | | .40 | | | .21 | | | .41 | | | .45 | | | .88 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.52 | ) | | (.45 | ) | | (.33 | ) | | (.34 | ) | | (.35 | ) | | (.35 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | (.34 | ) | | (.36 | ) | | (.10 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.52 | ) | | (.45 | ) | | (.67 | ) | | (.70 | ) | | (.45 | ) | | (.35 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $11.25 | | | $11.67 | | | $11.72 | | | $12.18 | | | $12.47 | | | $12.47 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | .83 | % | | 3.59 | % | | 1.75 | % | | 3.52 | % | | 3.61 | % | | 7.54 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $21,168 | | | $22,340 | | | $24,716 | | | $25,744 | | | $21,982 | | | $10,602 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.02 | %(d) | | 1.02 | %(e) | | .96 | % | | .93 | % | | 1.03 | % | | 1.07 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.02 | %(d) | | 1.02 | %(e) | | .96 | % | | 1.03 | % | | 1.03 | % | | 1.07 | % |
Net investment income | | 4.24 | %(d) | | 4.01 | %(e) | | 3.14 | % | | 2.19 | %(b) | | 1.89 | % | | 3.25 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 30 | % | | 327 | % | | 529 | % | | 662 | % | | 748 | % | | 551 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses reimbursed or waived by the Adviser. |
(c) | 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
21
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U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Product Series Fund (the “Fund”) in respect of AllianceBernstein U.S. Government/High Grade Securities Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Fund, which is available through variable annuity and variable life contracts offered by other financial institutions, offers policyholders the option to utilize the Portfolio as the investment option underlying their insurance contracts.
The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in connection with the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Net Assets 09/30/06 (million) | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Portfolio |
Low Risk Income | | $ | 96.9 | | 45 bp on 1st $2.5 billion | | U.S. Government/High Grade |
| | | | | 40 bp on next $2.5 billion | | Securities Portfolio |
| | | | | 35 bp on the balance | | |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $75,250 (0.06% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year end total expense ratios:
| | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year |
U.S. Government/High Grade Securities Portfolio | | Class A | | 0.71 | % | | December 31 |
| | Class B | | 0.96 | % | | |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on October 23, 2006 and presented to the Board of Directors on October 31-November 2, 2006. |
2 | Future references to the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | Most of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
22
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U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of the costs are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if the fund is in net redemption, and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fees based on September 30, 2006 net assets.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 09/30/06 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
U.S. Government/High Grade Securities Portfolio | | $ | 96.9 | | U.S. Core High Grade Schedule 40 bp on 1st $20 million 25 bp on next $80 million 20 bp on next $100 million 15 bp on the balance Minimum Account Size: $20m | | 0.281 | % | | 0.450 | % |
The Adviser manages AllianceBernstein Bond Fund, Inc.–U.S. Government Portfolio, a retail mutual fund, which has a similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein U.S. Government/High Grade Securities.5
| | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund | | Fee Schedule |
U.S. Government/High Grade Securities Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Bond Fund, Inc.– U.S. Government Portfolio | | 0.45% on first $2.5 billion 0.40% on next $2.5 billion 0.35% on the balance |
The Adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment company with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
4 | The Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300 million, it will negotiate a fee schedule, although it should be noted that there were no such institutional accounts that are similar in investment style as the Portfolio, which opened in the last year. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. |
5 | AllianceBernstein U.S. Government Portfolio/High Grade Securities was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the fund’s advisory fee schedule is identical to that of the Portfolio. |
23
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|
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed advisory fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”) at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.6
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, and expense components and attributes.7 An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds. However, because the Portfolio’s original EG had an insufficient number of peers, at the request of the Adviser and the Senior Officer, Lipper expanded the Portfolio’s EG to include peers that had a similar (but not the same) Lipper investment classification/objective.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee8 | | Lipper Expense Group Median | | Rank |
U.S. Government/High Grade Securities Portfolio9 | | 0.450 | | 0.500 | | 2/12 |
Because Lipper had expanded the Portfolio’s EG, under Lipper’s standard guidelines, the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”) was also expanded to include universes of those peers that had a similar (but not the same) Lipper investment objective/classification.10 A “normal” EU will include funds that have the same investment objective/classification as the subject fund.11 Set forth below is a comparison of the Portfolio’s total expense ratio and the medians of the Portfolio’s EGs and EUs. The Portfolio’s total expense ratio rankings are also shown:
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)12 | | Lipper Exp. Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Exp. Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
U.S. Government/High Grade Securities Portfolio13 | | 0.707 | | 0.661 | | 11/12 | | 0.612 | | 30/36 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
A consultant was retained by the Senior Officer to work with the Adviser’s personnel to align the Adviser’s two profitability reporting systems. The alignment, which now has been completed, allows the Adviser’s management and the Directors to receive consistent presentations of the financial results and profitability although the two profitability reporting systems operate independently. See Section IV for additional discussion.
6 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” means that the Portfolio has the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
7 | Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
8 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative, and other services. |
9 | The Portfolio’s EG includes the Portfolio, six other A-rated Corporate Debt funds and five BBB-rated Corporate Debt funds. |
10 | The expansion of the Portfolio’s EU was not requested by the Adviser or the Senior Officer. They requested that only the EGs be expanded. |
11 | Except for asset size comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
12 | Most recently completed fiscal year Class A share total expense ratio. |
13 | The Portfolio’s EU includes all other A-rated Corporate Debt funds and BBB-rated Corporate Debt funds, excluding outliers. |
24
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U.S. GOVERNMENT/HIGH GRADE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The profitability information for the Portfolio prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio decreased during calendar year 2005 relative to 2004.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship. These affiliates provide transfer agent and distribution related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees and Rule 12b-1 payments.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), an affiliate of the Adviser, is the Portfolio’s principal underwriter. The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the ‘40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, ABI received $64,906 in Rule 12b-1 fees from the Portfolio.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI for distribution related services. ABI may in turn compensate brokers for their distribution assistance. ABI will pay for printing and distributing prospectuses or reports and advertising in connection with the offering of Class B shares to the public as well as fees and expenses in connection with its qualification and registration as a broker or dealer under federal and state laws. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, the Adviser determined that it paid $152,981 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Adviser and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, and payments related to providing contract-holder record-keeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder record keeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the firm over the year. With respect to the Fund,14 ABI paid approximately $125,000 in 2005 and expects to pay approximately $150,000 in 2006 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), an affiliate of the Adviser.15 ABIS’ after-tax profitability increased in 2005 in comparison to 2004. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $794 from the Portfolio.16
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that the breakpoints in the fee schedule being proposed reflect a sharing of economies of scale to the extent they exist. Based on some of the professional literature that has considered economies of scale in the mutual fund industry, it is thought that to the extent economies of scale exist, they may more often exist across a fund family as opposed to a specific fund. This is because the costs incurred by the Adviser, such as investment research or technology for trading or compliance systems can be spread across a greater asset base as the fund family increases in size. It is also possible that as the level of services required to operate a successful investment company has increased over time, and advisory firms have made such investments in their business to provide improved services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding possible economies of scale or scope in the mutual fund industry. Based on the presentation, it was evident that fund management companies benefit from economies of scale. However, due to lack of cost data, economists, who have written on this subject, had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among economists as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders. In the meantime, it is clear that to the extent a fund’s assets were to exceed the initial breakpoint its shareholders benefit from a lower fee rate.
14 | Includes other Portfolios (Equity and Blend) of the Fund that are not discussed in this evaluation. |
15 | It should be noted that the insurance companies to which the variable products are linked to provide additional shareholder services for the Portfolio, including record keeping, administration and customer service for contract holders. |
16 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2005. |
25
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $659 billion as of September 30, 2006, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information below, prepared by Lipper, shows the 1, 3, 5, and 10 year performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio17 relative to the Portfolio’s Lipper Performance Group (“PG”)18 and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”) for the periods ended June 30, 2006.19
| | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Government / High Grade Securities Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | -1.00 | | -0.85 | | -0.76 | | 7/7 | | 19/21 |
3 year | | 1.67 | | 2.06 | | 2.12 | | 6/7 | | 17/19 |
5 year | | 4.23 | | 4.62 | | 4.71 | | 6/7 | | 17/19 |
10 year | | 5.50 | | 5.58 | | 5.70 | | 7/7 | | 17/19 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, and 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold) versus its benchmark:20
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending June 30, 2006 Annualized Performance |
Portfolio | | 1 Year | | 3 Year | | 5 Year | | 10 Year | | Since Inception |
U.S. Government/ High Grade Securities Portfolio | | -1.00 | | 1.67 | | 4.23 | | 5.50 | | 5.35 |
Lehman Brothers Government Bond Index | | -1.16 | | 1.31 | | 4.73 | | 6.04 | | 6.02 |
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arms-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: December 1, 2006
17 | The performance returns and rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio that is shown was provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. However, differences in the distribution price (ex-date versus payable date) and rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s own performance returns of the Portfolio to be one or two basis points different from Lipper. To maintain consistency in this evaluation, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
18 | The Portfolio’s PG and PU are not identical to the Portfolio’s EG and EU. Outliers and funds with negative management fees are excluded from EUs but not necessarily from PUs. In addition, the PG/PU only includes funds of the same Lipper investment classification/objective as the Portfolio, in contrast to the EG/EU, which may include funds of similar (but not the same) investment classification/objective. |
19 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the Portfolio even if a Portfolio may have had a different investment classification/objective at different points in time. |
20 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through June 30, 2006. |
26
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Money Market Portfolio |
Semi-Annual Report
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
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 AllianceBernstein’s web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) web site at www.sec.gov, or call AllianceBernstein 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 web site 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.
AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO | | |
FUND EXPENSES | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 first line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of each class’ 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. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.
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 second line of each class’ table 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Money Market Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2007 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2007 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,021.88 | | $ | 4.86 | | 0.97 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.98 | | $ | 4.86 | | 0.97 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.62 | | $ | 6.11 | | 1.22 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,018.74 | | $ | 6.11 | | 1.22 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | |
Company | | Yield | | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–101.2% | | | | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL PAPER–83.5% | | | | | | | | | |
ABN-Amro N Amer Fin, Inc. 8/06/07 | | 5.23 | % | | $ | 900 | | $ | 895,424 |
Anglo Irish Bk Corp. PLC 7/18/07(a) | | 5.24 | % | | | 750 | | | 748,253 |
ASB Finance Ltd. London 9/10/07(a) | | 5.26 | % | | | 850 | | | 841,315 |
Bank of America 7/02/07 | | 5.25 | % | | | 1,600 | | | 1,600,000 |
Bank of Ireland 7/13/07(a) | | 5.24 | % | | | 750 | | | 748,800 |
Banque Caisse Depargne Letat C 7/12/07 | | 5.24 | % | | | 1,600 | | | 1,597,673 |
Barclays Bank PLC 8/15/07 | | 5.24 | % | | | 1,900 | | | 1,887,843 |
BNP Paribas Finance 7/23/07 | | 5.25 | % | | | 1,650 | | | 1,644,952 |
Caisse Centrale Jardin 9/04/07(a) | | 5.26 | % | | | 700 | | | 693,460 |
Calyon NY 7/06/07 | | 5.23 | % | | | 1,500 | | | 1,499,128 |
Citigroup Global Markets 8/02/07 | | 5.26 | % | | | 1,600 | | | 1,592,753 |
Credit Suisse New York 8/20/07 | | 5.25 | % | | | 700 | | | 694,998 |
Dexia 9/06/07 | | 5.23 | % | | | 900 | | | 891,371 |
DNB Nor Bank Asa 10/26/07 | | 5.16 | % | | | 800 | | | 786,699 |
Fortis Funding LLC 7/05/07(a) | | 5.25 | % | | | 750 | | | 749,672 |
Fountain Square Funding 7/03/07(a) | | 5.23 | % | | | 2,000 | | | 1,999,709 |
General Electric Corp. 8/01/07 | | 5.25 | % | | | 1,000 | | | 995,625 |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. 10/25/07 | | 5.16 | % | | | 1,000 | | | 983,517 |
HBOS Treasury 10/11/07 | | 5.18 | % | | | 1,900 | | | 1,872,388 |
HSBC Finance Corp. 7/19/07 | | 5.24 | % | | | 1,550 | | | 1,546,165 |
ING (US) Funding LLC 8/23/07 | | 5.22 | % | | | 900 | | | 893,214 |
MetLife, Inc. 9/17/07(a) | | 5.24 | % | | | 850 | | | 840,473 |
Newport Funding Corp. 8/10/07(a) | | 5.23 | % | | | 900 | | | 894,901 |
Northern Rock PLC 8/09/07(a) | | 5.24 | % | | | 750 | | | 745,856 |
Old Line Funding 7/24/07(a) | | 5.26 | % | | | 850 | | | 847,268 |
Park Avenue Receivables 7/17/07(a) | | 5.26 | % | | | 1,600 | | | 1,596,493 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | Yield | | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Prudential PLC 7/11/07(a) | | 5.24 | % | | $ | 2,000 | | $ | 1,997,380 | |
Rabobank USA Finance Corp. 7/02/07 | | 5.32 | % | | | 1,400 | | | 1,400,000 | |
Royal Bk of Scotland PLC 7/25/07 | | 5.25 | % | | | 1,500 | | | 1,494,974 | |
Society Generale 9/13/07 | | 5.25 | % | | | 850 | | | 840,951 | |
Swedbank 8/03/07 | | 5.22 | % | | | 750 | | | 746,520 | |
Toronto Dominion Hld USA 8/08/07(a) | | 5.25 | % | | | 850 | | | 845,418 | |
Toyota Motor Credit Corp. 7/20/07 | | 5.25 | % | | | 1,500 | | | 1,496,062 | |
Unicred Ital Bk Ireland 8/07/07(a) | | 5.23 | % | | | 750 | | | 746,077 | |
Westpac Banking Corp. 8/21/07(a) | | 5.31 | % | | | 750 | | | 744,542 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 40,399,874 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT–9.8% | | | | | | | | | | |
Branch Banking & Trust 8/13/07 | | 5.34 | % | | | 800 | | | 800,004 | |
Depfa Bank PLC 8/24/07(a) | | 5.30 | % | | | 900 | | | 900,000 | |
Lloyds Bank Yankee 7/10/07 | | 5.27 | % | | | 1,550 | | | 1,550,000 | |
Norinchukin Bank 7/09/07 | | 5.32 | % | | | 800 | | | 800,000 | |
Regions Bank 8/17/07 | | 5.28 | % | | | 700 | | | 700,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 4,750,004 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
CORPORATE DEBT OBLIGATIONS–7.7% | | | | | | | | | | |
K2 USA LLC 1/22/08(a)(b) | | 5.30 | % | | | 700 | | | 699,998 | |
Series MTn 5/01/08(a)(b) | | 5.31 | % | | | 1,000 | | | 1,000,000 | |
Sigma Finance, Inc. 4/30/08(a)(b) | | 5.30 | % | | | 1,000 | | | 1,000,000 | |
World Savings Bank FSB 5/08/08(b) | | 5.32 | % | | | 1,000 | | | 1,000,246 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 3,700,244 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | |
The Bank of New York 7/02/07 | | 4.25 | % | | | 120 | | | 120,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–101.2% (cost $48,970,122) | | | | | | | | | 48,970,122 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(1.2)% | | | | | | | | | (590,490 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | | | $ | 48,379,632 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2007, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $18,639,615 or 38.5% of net assets. |
(b) | Floating Rate Security. Stated interest rate was in effect at June 30, 2007. |
| See Notes to Financial Statements. |
2
| | |
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $48,970,122) | | $ | 48,970,122 | |
Cash | | | 143 | |
Interest receivable | | | 68,631 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 36,279 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 49,075,175 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 448,190 | |
Dividends payable | | | 162,217 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 19,613 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 19,277 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 5,233 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 64 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 40,949 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 695,543 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 48,379,632 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 48,396 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 48,331,718 | |
Distributions in excess of net investment income | | | (31 | ) |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment transactions | | | (451 | ) |
| | | | |
| | $ | 48,379,632 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—2 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 25,477,137 | | 25,483,764 | | $ | 1.00 |
B | | $ | 22,902,495 | | 22,912,469 | | $ | 1.00 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
3
| | |
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | |
Interest | | $ | 1,388,277 |
| | | |
EXPENSES | | | |
Advisory fee | | | 116,962 |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 30,330 |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 834 |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 734 |
Custodian | | | 56,159 |
Administrative | | | 47,000 |
Audit | | | 18,511 |
Printing | | | 7,684 |
Legal | | | 3,048 |
Directors’ fees | | | 739 |
Miscellaneous | | | 576 |
| | | |
Total expenses | | | 282,577 |
| | | |
Net investment income | | | 1,105,700 |
| | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 1,105,700 |
| | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
4
| | |
| | |
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 1,105,700 | | | $ | 2,343,758 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | –0– | | | | 8 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 1,105,700 | | | | 2,343,766 | |
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (605,705 | ) | | | (1,343,672 | ) |
Class B | | | (500,026 | ) | | | (1,015,586 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (3,244,723 | ) | | | (4,508,069 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (3,244,754 | ) | | | (4,523,561 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 51,624,386 | | | | 56,147,947 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including distributions in excess of net investment income of ($31) and $0, respectively) | | $ | 48,379,632 | | | $ | 51,624,386 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
5
| | |
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Money Market Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek safety of principal, excellent liquidity and maximum current income to the extent consistent with the first two objectives. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers twenty-three separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.
The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.
1. Security Valuation
Securities in which the Portfolio invests are valued at amortized cost which approximates fair value, under which method a portfolio instrument is valued at cost and any premium or discount is amortized on a constant basis to maturity.
2. Taxes
It is the Portfolio’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.
3. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
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 Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
4. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged to each Portfolio in proportion to net assets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.
5. Dividends and Distributions
The Portfolio declares dividends daily from net investment income. The dividends are paid monthly. Net realized gains distributions, if any, will be made at least annually. Income dividends and capital gains distributions to shareholders 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. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .45% of the first $2.5 billion, .40% of the next $2.5 billion and .35% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Prior to September 7, 2004, the Portfolio paid AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) an advisory fee at an annual rate of .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $47,000 to the Adviser representing the cost of certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
6
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation amounted to $391 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
NOTE C: Distribution Plan
The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board of Directors currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.
The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution and servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.
The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
At June 30, 2007, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes.
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 June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 11,225,580 | | | 27,295,967 | | | | | $ | 11,225,580 | | | $ | 27,295,967 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | 605,705 | | | 1,343,672 | | | | | | 605,705 | | | | 1,343,672 | |
Shares redeemed | | (13,441,375 | ) | | (31,914,301 | ) | | | | | (13,441,375 | ) | | | (31,914,301 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (1,610,090 | ) | | (3,274,662 | ) | | | | $ | (1,610,090 | ) | | $ | (3,274,662 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 14,272,945 | | | 32,590,916 | | | | | $ | 14,272,945 | | | $ | 32,590,916 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | 500,026 | | | 1,015,586 | | | | | | 500,026 | | | | 1,015,586 | |
Shares redeemed | | (16,407,604 | ) | | (34,839,909 | ) | | | | | (16,407,604 | ) | | | (34,839,909 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (1,634,633 | ) | | (1,233,407 | ) | | | | $ | (1,634,633 | ) | | $ | (1,233,407 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk—The Portfolio’s primary risks are interest rate risk and credit risk. Because the Portfolio invests in short-term securities, a decline in interest rates will affect the Portfolio’s yield as the securities mature or are sold and the Portfolio purchases new short-term securities with a lower yield. Generally, an increase in interest rates causes the value of a debt instrument to decrease. The change in value for shorter-term securities is usually smaller than for securities with longer maturities. Because the Portfolio invests in securities with short maturities and seek to maintain stable net asset value of $1.00 per share, it is possible, though unlikely, that an increase in interest rates would change the value of your investment.
7
| | |
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Credit risk is the possibility that a security’s credit rating will be downgraded or that the issuer of the security will default (fail to make scheduled interest and principal payments). The Portfolio’s invests in highly-rated securities to minimize credit risk.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
NOTE G: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2007 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 2,359,258 | | $ | 1,393,923 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 2,359,258 | | $ | 1,393,923 |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | $ | (451 | )(a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (451 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | On December 31, 2006, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $451, of which $242 expires in the year 2012, and $209 which expires in 2013. To the extent future capital gains are offset by capital loss carryforwards, such gains will not be distributed. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Portfolio utilized $8 of capital loss carryforward. |
NOTE H: Legal Proceedings
As has been previously reported, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Office of New York Attorney General (“NYAG”) have been investigating practices in the mutual fund industry identified as “market timing” and “late trading” of mutual fund shares. Certain other regulatory authorities have also been conducting investigations into these practices within the industry and have requested that the Adviser provide information to them. The Adviser has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all of these authorities.
On December 18, 2003, the Adviser confirmed that it had reached terms with the SEC and the NYAG for the resolution of regulatory claims relating to the practice of “market timing” mutual fund shares in some of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. The agreement with the SEC is reflected in an Order of the Commission (“SEC Order”). The agreement with the NYAG is memorialized in an Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”). Among the key provisions of these agreements are the following:
(i) | The Adviser agreed to establish a $250 million fund (the “Reimbursement Fund”) to compensate mutual fund shareholders for the adverse effects of market timing attributable to market timing relationships described in the SEC Order. According to the SEC Order, the Reimbursement Fund is to be paid, in order of priority, to fund investors based on (i) their aliquot share of losses suffered by the fund due to market timing, and (ii) a proportionate share of advisory fees paid by such fund during the period of such market timing; |
(ii) | The Adviser agreed to reduce the advisory fees it receives from some of the AllianceBernstein long-term, open-end retail funds until December 31, 2008; and |
(iii) | The Adviser agreed to implement changes to its governance and compliance procedures. Additionally, the SEC Order and the NYAG Order contemplate that the Adviser’s registered investment company clients, including the Fund, will introduce governance and compliance changes. |
In anticipation of final, definitive documentation of the NYAG Order and effective January 1, 2004, the Adviser began waiving a portion of its advisory fee. On September 7, 2004, the Fund’s investment advisory agreement was amended to reflect the reduced advisory fee. For more information on this waiver and amendment to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement, please see “Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates” above.
8
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| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
A special committee of the Adviser’s Board of Directors, comprised of the members of the Adviser’s Audit Committee and the other independent member of the Adviser’s Board, directed and oversaw an internal investigation and a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances relevant to the SEC’s and the NYAG’s investigations.
In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund (“the Independent Directors”) have conducted an investigation of the above-mentioned matters with the advice of an independent economic consultant and independent counsel.
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“Alliance defendants”), and certain other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.
Since October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On February 20, 2004, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred all actions to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the “Mutual Fund MDL”).
On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the SEC Order and the NYAG Order.
On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding remain pending.
On February 10, 2004, the Adviser received (i) a subpoena duces tecum from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia and (ii) a request for information from West Virginia’s Office of the State Auditor, Securities Commission (the “West Virginia Securities Commissioner”) (together, the “Information Requests”). Both Information Requests require the Adviser to produce documents concerning, among other things, any market timing or late trading in the Adviser’s sponsored mutual funds. The Adviser responded to the Information Requests and has been cooperating fully with the investigation.
On April 11, 2005, a complaint entitled The Attorney General of the State of West Virginia v. AIM Advisors, Inc., et al. (“WVAG Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, and various other defendants not affiliated with the Adviser. The WVAG Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia by the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia. The WVAG Complaint makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint. On October 19, 2005, the WVAG Complaint was transferred to the Mutual Fund MDL.
On August 30, 2005, the West Virginia Securities Commissioner signed a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Right to Hearing addressed to the Adviser and Alliance Holding. The Summary Order claims that the Adviser and Alliance Holding violated the West Virginia Uniform Securities Act, and makes factual allegations generally similar to those in the Commission Order and the NYAG Order. On January 25, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding moved to vacate the Summary Order. In early September 2006, the court denied this motion, and the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia denied the defendants’ petition for appeal. On September 22, 2006, the Adviser and Alliance Holding filed an answer and moved to dismiss the Summary Order with the West Virginia Securities Commissioner.
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled Aucoin, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al. (“Aucoin Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Holding, Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA
9
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MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Financial, Inc., AllianceBernstein Investment Research & Management, Inc., certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, and unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin Complaint names certain of the AllianceBernstein mutual funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of an AllianceBernstein mutual fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of excessive commissions and other fees from fund assets to broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii) that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other defendants. The Aucoin Complaint asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Since June 22, 2004, nine additional lawsuits making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin Complaint were filed against the Adviser and certain other defendants. All nine of the lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of shareholders of the Funds.
On February 2, 2005, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint (“Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint”) that asserts claims substantially similar to the Aucoin Complaint and the nine additional lawsuits referenced above. On October 19, 2005, the District Court dismissed each of the claims set forth in the Aucoin Consolidated Amended Complaint, except for plaintiffs’ claim under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. On January 11, 2006, the District Court granted defendants’ motion for reconsideration and dismissed the remaining Section 36(b) claim. On May 31, 2006 the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint. On July 5, 2006, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal which was subsequently withdrawn subject to plaintiffs’ right to reinstate it at a later date. On June 30, 2007, plaintiffs’ time to file an appeal expired. On July 11, 2007 the parties submitted a fully executed Stipulation Withdrawing Appeal to the court.
It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.
NOTE I: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission notified the industry that the implementation of FIN 48 by registered investment companies could be delayed until the last business day of the first required financial statement reporting period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and determined that there was no effect on the financial statements.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
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MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 1.00 | | | $ | 1.00 | | | $ | 1.00 | | | $ | 1.00 | | | $ | 1.00 | | | $ | 1.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | .02 | | | | .04 | | | | .02 | | | | .01 | (a) | | | .01 | | | | .01 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.02 | ) | | | (.04 | ) | | | (.02 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | (.01 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 1.00 | | | $ | 1.00 | | | $ | 1.00 | | | $ | 1.00 | | | $ | 1.00 | | | $ | 1.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (b) | | | 2.19 | % | | | 4.22 | % | | | 2.35 | % | | | .71 | % | | | .53 | % | | | 1.10 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $ | 25,477 | | | $ | 27,087 | | | $ | 30,370 | | | $ | 36,740 | | | $ | 54,847 | | | $ | 97,216 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | | .97 | %(c) | | | .93 | %(d) | | | .93 | % | | | .69 | % | | | .66 | % | | | .68 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | | .97 | %(c) | | | .93 | %(d) | | | .93 | % | | | .73 | % | | | .66 | % | | | .68 | % |
Net investment income | | | 4.37 | %(c) | | | 4.13 | %(d) | | | 2.30 | % | | | .68 | %(a) | | | .55 | % | | | 1.10 | % |
See footnote summary on page 12.
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MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | 2002 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $1.00 | | | $1.00 | | | $1.00 | | | $1.00 | | | $1.00 | | | $1.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | .02 | | | .04 | | | .02 | | | –0 | -(a)(e) | | –0 | –(e) | | .01 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.02 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | (.02 | ) | | –0 | –(e) | | –0 | –(e) | | (.01 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $1.00 | | | $1.00 | | | $1.00 | | | $1.00 | | | $1.00 | | | $1.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (b) | | 2.06 | % | | 3.96 | % | | 2.10 | % | | .46 | % | | .28 | % | | .85 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $22,903 | | | $24,537 | | | $25,778 | | | $28,287 | | | $47,946 | | | $52,316 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.22 | %(c) | | 1.19 | %(d) | | 1.19 | % | | .94 | % | | .91 | % | | .93 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.22 | %(c) | | 1.19 | %(d) | | 1.19 | % | | .98 | % | | .91 | % | | .93 | % |
Net investment income | | 4.12 | %(c) | | 3.89 | %(d) | | 2.06 | % | | .41 | %(a) | | .29 | % | | .85 | % |
(a) | Net of expenses reimbursed or waived by the Adviser. |
(b) | 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. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(d) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
(e) | Amount is less than $.01 per share. |
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MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1
The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the AllianceBernstein Variable Product Series Fund (the “Fund”) in respect of AllianceBernstein Money Market Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Fund, which is available through variable annuity and variable life contracts offered by other financial institutions, offers policyholders the option to utilize the Portfolio as the investment option underlying their insurance contracts.
The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Portfolio which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services; |
| 3. | Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit; |
| 4. | Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services; |
| 5. | Possible economies of scale as the Portfolio grows larger; and |
| 6. | Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Portfolio. |
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in connection with the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.3
| | | | | | | |
Category | | Net Assets 09/30/06 (million) | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Portfolio |
Low Risk Income | | $ | 59.6 | | 45 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 40 bp on next $2.5 billion 35 bp on the balance | | Money Market Portfolio |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $75,250 (0.12% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year end total expense ratios:
| | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | | Fiscal Year |
Money Market Portfolio | | Class A 0.93 | % | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.19 | % | | |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on October 23, 2006 and presented to the Board of Directors on October 31-November 2, 2006. |
2 | Future references to the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | Most of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
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MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
I. ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS
The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Portfolio that are not provided to non-investment company clients include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Portfolio’s third party service providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Portfolio are more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of the costs are reimbursed by the Portfolio to the Adviser. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if the fund is in net redemption, and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with substantially similar investment styles as the Portfolio. However, with respect to the Portfolio, the Adviser represented that there is no institutional product in the Form ADV that has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
The Adviser manages AllianceBernstein Exchange Reserves, a retail mutual fund, which has a similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Exchange Reserves: 4
| | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund | | Fee Schedule |
Money Market Portfolio | | Exchange Reserves | | 0.25% on first $1.25 billion 0.24% on next $0.25 billion 0.23% on next $0.25 billion 0.22% on next $0.25 billion 0.21% on next $1.0 billion 0.20% on the balance |
The Adviser also manages and sponsors retail mutual funds, which are organized in jurisdictions outside the United States, generally Luxembourg and Japan, and sold to non-United States resident investors. The Adviser charges the following fee for Short Maturity Dollar, which is a Luxembourg fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio:
| | |
Fund | | Fee5 |
Short Maturity Dollar | | |
Class A | | 1.05% on the 1st €100 million6 1.00% on the next €100 million 0.95% in excess of €200 million |
Class I (Institutional) | | 0.50% on the 1st €100 million 0.45% on the next €100 million 0.40% in excess of €200 million |
4 | The advisory fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Exchange Reserves was not affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG since the fund’s fee schedule already had lower breakpoints than the NYAG related fee schedule for AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds with a category of “Low Risk Income.” |
5 | Class A shares of the funds are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory services and distribution related services. |
6 | The current Euro-U.S. dollar currency exchange rate is €1 per $1.26. At that currency exchange rate, €100 million would be equivalent to approximately $126 million. €200 million would be equivalent to approximately $252 million. |
14
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|
|
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory investment services to certain other investment companies managed by other fund families. The Adviser charges the following fees for the following sub-advisory relationship that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio:
| | | | | |
Fund | | Sub-advised Fund | | | Fee Schedule |
Money Market Portfolio | | Client No. 1 | 7 | | 0.125% on first $100 million 0.10% on next $ 150 million 0.05% thereafter |
It is fair to note that the services the Adviser provides pursuant to sub-advisory agreements are generally confined to the services related to the investment process; in other words, they are not as comprehensive as the services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolio with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s ranking with respect to the proposed advisory fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”) at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.8
Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, and expense components and attributes.9 An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee10 | | Lipper Expense Group Median | | Rank |
Money Market Portfolio | | 0.450 | | 0.450 | | 6/12 |
Lipper also compared the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio to the medians of the Portfolio’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective as the subject Portfolio.11
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)12 | | Lipper Expense Group Median (%) | | Rank | | Lipper Expense Universe Median (%) | | Rank |
Money Market Portfolio | | 0.935 | | 0.610 | | 12/12 | | 0.524 | | 55/55 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a total expense ratio basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.
A consultant was retained by the Senior Officer to work with the Adviser’s personnel to align the Adviser’s two profitability reporting systems. The alignment, which now has been completed, allows the Adviser’s management and the Directors to
7 | This sub-advised fund has a more restrictive investment style than the Money Market Portfolio; the fund invests primarily in high-quality municipal short-term securities. |
8 | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” means that the Portfolio has the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
9 | Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
10 | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative, and other services. |
11 | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
12 | Most recently completed fiscal year Class A share total expense ratio. |
15
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MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
receive consistent presentations of the financial results and profitability although the two profitability reporting systems operate independently. See Section IV for additional discussion.
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The profitability information for the Portfolio prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio decreased during calendar year 2005 relative to 2004.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship. These affiliates provide transfer agent and distribution related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees and Rule 12b-1 payments.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), an affiliate of the Adviser, is the Portfolio’s principal underwriter. The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the ‘40 Act. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, ABI received $65,764 in Rule 12b-1 fees from the Portfolio.
The Adviser may compensate ABI for payments made by ABI for distribution related services. ABI may in turn compensate brokers for their distribution assistance. ABI will pay for printing and distributing prospectuses or reports and advertising in connection with the offering of Class B shares to the public as well as fees and expenses in connection with its qualification and registration as a broker or dealer under federal and state laws. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, the Adviser determined that it paid $148,295 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Adviser and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, and payments related to providing contract-holder record-keeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder record keeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the firm over the year. With respect to the Fund,13 ABI paid approximately $125,000 in 2005 and expects to pay approximately $150,000 in 2006 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), an affiliate of the adviser.14 ABIS’ after-tax profitability increased in 2005 in comparison to 2004. During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $794 from the Portfolio.15
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that the breakpoints in the fee schedule being proposed reflect a sharing of economies of scale to the extent they exist. Based on some of the professional literature that has considered economies of scale in the mutual fund industry, it is thought that to the extent economies of scale exist, they may more often exist across a fund family as opposed to a specific fund. This is because the costs incurred by the Adviser, such as investment research or technology for trading or compliance systems can be spread across a greater asset base as the fund family increases in size. It is also possible that as the level of services required to operate a successful investment company has increased over time, and advisory firms have made such investments in their business to provide improved services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, made a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding possible economies of scale or scope in the mutual fund industry. Based on the presentation, it was evident that fund management companies benefit from economies of scale. However, due to lack of cost data, economists, who have written on this subject,
13 | Includes other Portfolios (Equity and Blend) of the Fund that are not discussed in this evaluation. |
14 | It should be noted that the insurance companies to which the variable products are linked to provide additional shareholder services for the Portfolio, including record keeping, administration and customer service for contract holders. |
15 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2005. |
16
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
had to infer facts about the costs from the behavior of fund expenses; there was a lack of consensus among economists as to whether economies of scale were being passed on to the shareholders. In the meantime, it is clear that to the extent a fund’s assets were to exceed the initial breakpoint its shareholders benefit from a lower fee rate.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $659 billion as of September 30, 2006, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information below, prepared by Lipper, shows the 1, 3, 5, and 10 year performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio16 relative to the Portfolio’s Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) 17 and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”) for the periods ended June 30, 2006.18
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Money Market Portfolio (Net) | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 3.30 | | 3.68 | | 3.80 | | 12/12 | | 65/66 |
3 year | | 1.71 | | 1.94 | | 2.02 | | 12/12 | | 61/63 |
5 year | | 1.56 | | 1.76 | | 1.84 | | 12/12 | | 61/63 |
10 year | | 3.31 | | 3.42 | | 3.53 | | 10/11 | | 54/57 |
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Money Market Portfolio (Gross) | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 4.27 | | 4.32 | | 4.32 | | 10/12 | | 52/66 |
3 year | | 2.53 | | 2.53 | | 2.55 | | 6/12 | | 38/63 |
5 year | | 2.32 | | 2.36 | | 2.37 | | 11/12 | | 48/63 |
10 year | | 4.02 | | 4.06 | | 4.06 | | 8/11 | | 39/56 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, and 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold) versus its benchmark:19
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| | Periods Ending June 30, 2006 Annualized Performance Returns (%) |
Portfolio | | 1 Year | | 3 Year | | 5 Year | | 10 Year | | Since Inception |
Money Market Portfolio | | 3.30 | | 1.71 | | 1.56 | | 3.31 | | 3.38 |
Lipper VA Money Market Average of funds | | 3.70 | | 1.94 | | 1.80 | | 3.51 | | 3.71 |
CONCLUSION:
Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Portfolio is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arms-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: December 1, 2006
16 | The performance returns and rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Portfolio that is shown was provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Portfolio’s performance returns. However, differences in the distribution price (ex-date versus payable date) and rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s own performance returns of the Portfolio to be different from Lipper. To maintain consistency in this evaluation, the performance returns of the Portfolio, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper. |
17 | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s EU. Outliers and funds with negative management fees are excluded from EUs but not necessarily from PUs. |
18 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the Portfolio even if a Portfolio may have had a different investment classification/objective at different points in time. |
19 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through June 30, 2006. |
17
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.
The following exhibits are attached to this Form N-CSR:
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EXHIBIT NO. | | DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT |
12 (b) (1) | | Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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12 (b) (2) | | Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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12 (c) | | Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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): AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
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By: | | /s/ Marc O. Mayer |
| | Marc O. Mayer |
| | President |
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Date: | | August 20, 2007 |
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.
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By: | | /s/ Marc O. Mayer |
| | Marc O. Mayer |
| | President |
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Date: | | August 20, 2007 |
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By: | | /s/Joseph J. Mantineo |
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| | Joseph J. Mantineo |
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| | Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer |
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Date: | | August 20, 2007 |