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, 2008
Date of reporting period: June 30, 2008
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.
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| | |
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, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 884.71 | | $ | 3.80 | | 0.81 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.84 | | $ | 4.07 | | 0.81 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 883.62 | | $ | 4.96 | | 1.06 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.59 | | $ | 5.32 | | 1.06 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Federal National Mortgage Association (Bonds & Preferred Stock) | | $ | 7,859,799 | | 5.8 | % |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | 4,741,394 | | 3.5 | |
ConocoPhillips | | | 4,474,086 | | 3.3 | |
Total SA (Sponsored) (ADR) | | | 3,751,880 | | 2.8 | |
Chevron Corp. | | | 3,469,550 | | 2.6 | |
Eli Lilly & Co. | | | 3,369,680 | | 2.5 | |
ACE Ltd. | | | 3,354,981 | | 2.5 | |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | | 3,294,106 | | 2.5 | |
Lockheed Martin Corp. | | | 3,226,182 | | 2.4 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (Bonds & Common Stock) | | | 2,821,397 | | 2.1 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 40,363,055 | | 30.0 | % |
SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN
June 30, 2008 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECURITY TYPE | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 98,275,994 | | 72.9 | % |
Corporate-Investment Grades | | | 14,577,056 | | 10.8 | |
Mortgage Pass Throughs | | | 7,937,811 | | 5.9 | |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | | | 5,596,545 | | 4.2 | |
Governments-Treasuries | | | 2,385,194 | | 1.8 | |
Asset-Backed Securities | | | 1,294,253 | | 1.0 | |
Non-Convertible-Preferred Stocks | | | 976,171 | | 0.7 | |
Corporate-Non-Investment Grades | | | 960,909 | | 0.7 | |
Governments-Sovereign Bonds | | | 542,917 | | 0.4 | |
Agencies | | | 435,473 | | 0.3 | |
Quasi-Sovereigns | | | 383,332 | | 0.3 | |
CMOS | | | 284,346 | | 0.2 | |
Other* | | | 453,066 | | 0.3 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 675,000 | | 0.5 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 134,778,067 | | 100.0 | % |
* | “Other” represents less than 0.2% weightings in the following types: Inflation-Linked Securities and Governments-Sovereign Agencies. |
2
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BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–73.0% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–14.4% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–0.0% | | | | | |
Baker Hughes, Inc. | | 10 | | $ | 873 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–14.4% | | | | | |
Chevron Corp. | | 35,000 | | | 3,469,550 |
ConocoPhillips | | 47,400 | | | 4,474,086 |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | 53,800 | | | 4,741,394 |
Marathon Oil Corp. | | 21,000 | | | 1,089,270 |
Noble Energy, Inc. | | 17,900 | | | 1,800,024 |
Total SA (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 44,000 | | | 3,751,880 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 19,326,204 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 19,327,077 |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–13.5% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–1.8% | | | | | |
Bank of New York Mellon Corp. | | 15,120 | | | 571,990 |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | 1,600 | | | 146,640 |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | 8,100 | | | 1,416,690 |
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. | | 12,900 | | | 255,549 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,390,869 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–0.5% | | | | | |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | 29,500 | | | 700,625 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–2.8% | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. | | 36,600 | | | 873,642 |
Citigroup, Inc. | | 26,100 | | | 437,436 |
JP Morgan Chase & Co. | | 74,400 | | | 2,552,664 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,863,742 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–7.2% | | | | | |
ACE Ltd. | | 60,900 | | | 3,354,981 |
American International Group, Inc. | | 18,700 | | | 494,802 |
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. | | 78,400 | | | 2,337,104 |
Chubb Corp. | | 6,200 | | | 303,862 |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | | 36,200 | | | 2,337,434 |
MetLife, Inc. | | 9,100 | | | 480,207 |
Prudential Financial, Inc. | | 5,200 | | | 310,648 |
Willis Group Holdings Ltd. | | 2,000 | | | 62,740 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,681,778 |
| | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–1.2% | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | 80,900 | | | 1,578,359 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 18,215,373 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–11.8% | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–3.3% | | | | | |
Aetna, Inc. | | 39,300 | | | 1,592,829 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | 32,400 | | $ | 850,500 |
WellPoint, Inc.(a) | | 41,800 | | | 1,992,188 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,435,517 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–8.5% | | | | | |
Eli Lilly & Co. | | 73,000 | | | 3,369,680 |
Johnson & Johnson | | 25,410 | | | 1,634,879 |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | 87,400 | | | 3,294,106 |
Schering-Plough Corp. | | 107,300 | | | 2,112,737 |
Wyeth | | 22,500 | | | 1,079,100 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,490,502 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 15,926,019 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–8.9% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–7.1% | | | | | |
Honeywell International, Inc. | | 47,300 | | | 2,378,244 |
Lockheed Martin Corp. | | 32,700 | | | 3,226,182 |
Raytheon Co. | | 29,890 | | | 1,682,209 |
United Technologies Corp. | | 37,300 | | | 2,301,410 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,588,045 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–1.1% | | | | | |
Cooper Industries Ltd.–Class A | | 12,740 | | | 503,230 |
Emerson Electric Co. | | 19,670 | | | 972,681 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,475,911 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–0.7% | | | | | |
General Electric Co. | | 35,240 | | | 940,556 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 12,004,512 |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–7.6% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.5% | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 29,200 | | | 679,192 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–2.3% | | | | | |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | 9,400 | | | 415,574 |
International Business Machines Corp. | | 10,100 | | | 1,197,153 |
Sun Microsystems, Inc.(a) | | 130,025 | | | 1,414,672 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,027,399 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–0.9% | | | | | |
Tyco Electronics Ltd. | | 35,600 | | | 1,275,192 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–1.2% | | | | | |
Accenture Ltd.–Class A | | 41,200 | | | 1,677,664 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–0.7% | | | | | |
Integrated Device Technology, Inc.(a) | | 44,100 | | | 438,354 |
Intel Corp. | | 15,000 | | | 322,200 |
Nvidia Corp.(a) | | 10,300 | | | 192,816 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 953,370 |
| | | | | |
3
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BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–2.0% | | | | | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a) | | 13,200 | | $ | 519,948 |
Microsoft Corp. | | 78,200 | | | 2,151,282 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,671,230 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,284,047 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–5.8% | | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–2.1% | | | | | |
BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.(a) | | 26,900 | | | 1,041,030 |
Safeway, Inc. | | 62,200 | | | 1,775,810 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,816,840 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–1.2% | | | | | |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | 26,000 | | | 1,581,060 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–2.5% | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | 26,300 | | | 540,728 |
Lorillard, Inc.(a) | | 23,300 | | | 1,611,428 |
Philip Morris International, Inc. | | 25,000 | | | 1,234,750 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,386,906 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,784,806 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–4.9% | | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.1% | | | | | |
Garmin Ltd. | | 2,300 | | | 98,532 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET & CATALOG RETAIL–0.1% | | | | | |
Expedia, Inc.(a) | | 7,900 | | | 145,202 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–4.7% | | | | | |
The DIRECTV Group, Inc.(a) | | 39,100 | | | 1,013,081 |
EW Scripps Co.–Class A | | 6,700 | | | 278,318 |
Gannett Co., Inc. | | 22,400 | | | 485,408 |
Omnicom Group, Inc. | | 11,000 | | | 493,680 |
Time Warner, Inc. | | 88,400 | | | 1,308,320 |
Viacom, Inc.–Class B(a) | | 58,990 | | | 1,801,555 |
The Walt Disney Co. | | 30,500 | | | 951,600 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,331,962 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,575,696 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.6% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.6% | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | 72,500 | | | 2,442,525 |
CenturyTel, Inc. | | 56,900 | | | 2,025,071 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | 48,000 | | | 1,699,200 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,166,796 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–1.5% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–1.5% | | | | | |
Dow Chemical Co. | | 46,400 | | | 1,619,824 |
Eastman Chemical Co. | | 5,400 | | | 371,844 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,991,668 |
| | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $100,125,210) | | | | | 98,275,994 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
CORPORATES– INVESTMENT GRADES–10.8% | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–5.1% | | | | | | |
BANKING–2.0% | | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. 4.50%, 8/01/10 | | $ | 145 | | $ | 144,946 |
BankAmerica Capital II Series 2 8.00%, 12/15/26 | | | 44 | | | 43,951 |
Barclays Bank PLC 8.55%, 6/15/11(b)(c) | | | 50 | | | 48,594 |
The Bear Stearns Co., Inc. 5.55%, 1/22/17 | | | 115 | | | 106,286 |
7.625%, 12/07/09 | | | 95 | | | 98,204 |
Citicorp, Inc. Series MTNF 6.375%, 11/15/08 | | | 20 | | | 20,147 |
Citigroup, Inc. 2.817%, 6/09/09(d) | | | 40 | | | 39,555 |
3.625%, 2/09/09 | | | 105 | | | 104,847 |
4.625%, 8/03/10 | | | 100 | | | 99,585 |
5.50%, 4/11/13 | | | 65 | | | 63,439 |
Fleet National Bank 5.75%, 1/15/09 | | | 250 | | | 252,491 |
JP Morgan Chase & Co. 6.00%, 1/15/09–2/15/09 | | | 200 | | | 201,268 |
6.75%, 2/01/11 | | | 65 | | | 67,465 |
Morgan JP & Co., Inc. 6.25%, 1/15/09 | | | 94 | | | 94,902 |
North Fork Bancorporation, Inc. 5.875%, 8/15/12 | | | 100 | | | 95,073 |
RBS Capital Trust III 5.512%, 9/30/14(c)(e) | | | 125 | | | 108,637 |
Regions Financial Corp. 6.375%, 5/15/12 | | | 95 | | | 93,607 |
Sovereign Bancorp, Inc. 4.80%, 9/01/10 | | | 155 | | | 137,551 |
UBS Preferred Funding Trust II 7.247%, 6/26/11(c) | | | 250 | | | 249,189 |
Unicredito Italiano Capital Trust II 9.20%, 10/05/10(b)(c) | | | 330 | | | 338,361 |
Union Planters Corp. 7.75%, 3/01/11 | | | 63 | | | 64,400 |
Wachovia Corp. 5.50%, 5/01/13 | | | 90 | | | 86,139 |
6.15%, 3/15/09 | | | 100 | | | 100,298 |
Washington Mutual, Inc. 4.20%, 1/15/10 | | | 8 | | | 6,960 |
Wells Fargo & Co. 4.20%, 1/15/10 | | | 50 | | | 50,146 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,716,041 |
| | | | | | |
4
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
BROKERAGE–0.7% | | | | | | |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. 3.875%, 1/15/09 | | $ | 81 | | $ | 81,003 |
4.75%, 7/15/13 | | | 45 | | | 43,286 |
5.125%, 1/15/15 | | | 40 | | | 38,288 |
7.35%, 10/01/09 | | | 24 | | | 24,648 |
Lazard Group 6.85%, 6/15/17 | | | 160 | | | 141,119 |
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. 6.50%, 7/19/17 | | | 70 | | | 64,758 |
7.875%, 11/01/09–8/15/10 | | | 195 | | | 199,762 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. 4.125%, 1/15/09 | | | 32 | | | 31,634 |
6.00%, 2/17/09 | | | 100 | | | 99,634 |
Series MTNC 4.125%, 9/10/09 | | | 105 | | | 103,746 |
Morgan Stanley 5.05%, 1/21/11 | | | 100 | | | 98,859 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 926,737 |
| | | | | | |
FINANCE–1.0% | | | | | | |
American General Finance Corp. 4.875%, 7/15/12 | | | 45 | | | 41,330 |
5.85%, 6/01/13 | | | 100 | | | 88,192 |
Capital One Bank 6.50%, 6/13/13 | | | 90 | | | 88,131 |
Capital One Financial Corp. 5.50%, 6/01/15 | | | 13 | | | 11,689 |
CIT Group Funding Co. of Canada 5.20%, 6/01/15 | | | 120 | | | 82,654 |
CIT Group, Inc. 3.375%, 4/01/09 | | | 100 | | | 94,630 |
5.00%, 2/01/15 | | | 105 | | | 72,603 |
7.625%, 11/30/12 | | | 100 | | | 83,118 |
Countrywide Financial Corp. Series MTN 5.80%, 6/07/12 | | | 41 | | | 38,778 |
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. Series MTNL 4.00%, 3/22/11 | | | 7 | | | 6,373 |
General Electric Capital Corp. 4.80%, 5/01/13 | | | 90 | | | 88,170 |
5.875%, 2/15/12 | | | 185 | | | 191,934 |
HSBC Finance Corp. 7.00%, 5/15/12 | | | 40 | | | 41,432 |
International Lease Finance Corp. 6.375%, 3/15/09 | | | 60 | | | 59,710 |
iStar Financial, Inc. 5.15%, 3/01/12 | | | 30 | | | 24,750 |
5.65%, 9/15/11 | | | 50 | | | 42,750 |
6.00%, 12/15/10 | | | 200 | | | 170,500 |
Series B 5.95%, 10/15/13 | | | 65 | | | 53,300 |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
SLM Corp. 5.375%, 1/15/13 | | $ | 125 | | $ | 110,096 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,390,140 |
| | | | | | |
INSURANCE–1.1% | | | | | | |
Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings Ltd. 7.50%, 8/01/16 | | | 60 | | | 56,156 |
American RE Corp. Series B 7.45%, 12/15/26 | | | 140 | | | 140,228 |
Assurant, Inc. 5.625%, 2/15/14 | | | 100 | | | 94,786 |
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corp. 4.20%, 12/15/10 | | | 65 | | | 65,834 |
Genworth Financial, Inc. 4.75%, 6/15/09 | | | 38 | | | 37,806 |
5.231%, 5/16/09 | | | 35 | | | 35,171 |
6.515%, 5/22/18 | | | 90 | | | 84,247 |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. 6.375%, 11/01/08 | | | 125 | | | 125,804 |
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc. 5.75%, 3/15/14(b) | | | 130 | | | 125,491 |
7.80%, 3/15/37(b) | | | 65 | | | 51,894 |
North Front Pass Through Trust 5.81%, 12/15/14(b)(c) | | | 500 | | | 465,152 |
Prudential Financial, Inc. 5.15%, 1/15/13 | | | 60 | | | 58,480 |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. 5.25%, 3/15/11 | | | 70 | | | 69,676 |
WellPoint, Inc. 5.25%, 1/15/16 | | | 50 | | | 46,995 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,457,720 |
| | | | | | |
REITS–0.3% | | | | | | |
ERP Operating LP 5.25%, 9/15/14 | | | 105 | | | 97,592 |
HCP, Inc. 5.95%, 9/15/11 | | | 155 | | | 150,500 |
Simon Property Group LP 5.00%, 3/01/12 | | | 90 | | | 87,693 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 335,785 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 6,826,423 |
| | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–4.5% | | | | | | |
BASIC–0.7% | | | | | | |
ArcelorMittal 6.125%, 6/01/18(b) | | | 95 | | | 92,839 |
6.50%, 4/15/14 | | | 45 | | | 45,622 |
BHP Billiton Finance USA Ltd. 7.25%, 3/01/16 | | | 68 | | | 73,697 |
The Dow Chemical Co. 7.375%, 11/01/29 | | | 10 | | | 10,606 |
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc. 8.25%, 4/01/15 | | | 40 | | | 42,050 |
8.375%, 4/01/17 | | | 40 | | | 42,200 |
5
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Inco Ltd. 7.75%, 5/15/12 | | $ | 80 | | $ | 85,413 |
International Paper Co. 4.25%, 1/15/09 | | | 43 | | | 42,859 |
5.30%, 4/01/15 | | | 70 | | | 61,700 |
7.95%, 6/15/18 | | | 55 | | | 54,694 |
Noranda, Inc. 6.00%, 10/15/15 | | | 135 | | | 129,997 |
PPG Industries, Inc. 5.75%, 3/15/13 | | | 85 | | | 86,425 |
United States Steel Corp. 5.65%, 6/01/13 | | | 85 | | | 82,761 |
Weyerhaeuser Co. 7.375%, 3/15/32 | | | 110 | | | 109,106 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 959,969 |
| | | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–0.4% | | | | | | |
Hanson Australia Funding Ltd. 5.25%, 3/15/13 | | | 120 | | | 117,134 |
Hutchison Whampoa International Ltd. 7.45%, 11/24/33(b) | | | 100 | | | 101,328 |
John Deere Capital Corp. 4.875%, 3/16/09 | | | 100 | | | 100,498 |
Lafarge SA 6.15%, 7/15/11 | | | 77 | | | 77,449 |
Tyco International Group SA 6.00%, 11/15/13 | | | 115 | | | 110,965 |
Vulcan Materials Co. 5.60%, 11/30/12 | | | 90 | | | 89,363 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 596,737 |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– MEDIA–0.5% | | | | | | |
British Sky Broadcasting Group PLC 6.875%, 2/23/09 | | | 100 | | | 101,516 |
BSKYB Finance UK PLC 5.625%, 10/15/15(b) | | | 85 | | | 82,267 |
Comcast Cable Communications Holdings, Inc. 9.455%, 11/15/22 | | | 50 | | | 60,449 |
Comcast Corp. 5.30%, 1/15/14 | | | 55 | | | 53,314 |
5.50%, 3/15/11 | | | 70 | | | 70,053 |
RR Donnelley & Sons Co. 5.50%, 5/15/15 | | | 120 | | | 114,403 |
Time Warner Entertainment Co. 8.375%, 3/15/23 | | | 80 | | | 86,209 |
WPP Finance Corp. 5.875%, 6/15/14 | | | 125 | | | 120,076 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 688,287 |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.9% | | | |
AT&T Corp. 7.30%, 11/15/11 | | | 85 | | | 90,532 |
BellSouth Corp. 5.20%, 9/15/14 | | | 94 | | | 92,634 |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Embarq Corp. 7.082%, 6/01/16 | | $ | 138 | | $ | 131,066 |
New Cingular Wireless Services, Inc. 7.875%, 3/01/11 | | | 65 | | | 69,203 |
8.75%, 3/01/31 | | | 40 | | | 47,463 |
Qwest Corp. 7.50%, 10/01/14 | | | 110 | | | 105,875 |
7.875%, 9/01/11 | | | 115 | | | 115,000 |
Telefonos de Mexico SAB de CV 4.50%, 11/19/08 | | | 139 | | | 139,341 |
Telus Corp. 8.00%, 6/01/11 | | | 65 | | | 69,788 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. 4.90%, 9/15/15 | | | 40 | | | 37,953 |
5.25%, 4/15/13 | | | 55 | | | 54,684 |
Vodafone Group PLC 7.75%, 2/15/10 | | | 85 | | | 88,822 |
7.875%, 2/15/30 | | | 100 | | | 109,865 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,152,226 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–AUTOMOTIVE–0.0% | | | |
Daimler Finance North America LLC 4.875%, 6/15/10 | | | 45 | | | 45,270 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL– OTHER–0.2% | | | | | | |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. 7.375%, 11/15/15 | | | 91 | | | 89,959 |
7.875%, 5/01/12 | | | 63 | | | 64,106 |
Toll Brothers Finance Corp. 5.15%, 5/15/15 | | | 20 | | | 17,320 |
6.875%, 11/15/12 | | | 95 | | | 92,026 |
Wyndham Worldwide Corp. 6.00%, 12/01/16 | | | 70 | | | 61,815 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 325,226 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL– RETAILERS–0.3% | | | |
CVS Corp. 6.125%, 8/15/16 | | | 100 | | | 100,850 |
Macys Retail Holdings, Inc. 4.80%, 7/15/09 | | | 100 | | | 98,001 |
6.30%, 4/01/09 | | | 100 | | | 99,607 |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 4.25%, 4/15/13 | | | 40 | | | 39,776 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 338,234 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER NON– CYCLICAL–0.6% | | | | | | |
Bunge Ltd. Finance Corp. 5.875%, 5/15/13 | | | 60 | | | 58,990 |
Cadbury Schweppes US Finance LLC 5.125%, 10/01/13(b) | | | 125 | | | 119,627 |
6
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Fisher Scientific International, Inc. 6.125%, 7/01/15 | | $ | 92 | | $ | 91,205 |
Fortune Brands, Inc. 4.875%, 12/01/13 | | | 95 | | | 91,044 |
Kraft Foods, Inc. 5.25%, 10/01/13 | | | 100 | | | 97,302 |
The Kroger Co. 7.25%, 6/01/09 | | | 70 | | | 71,866 |
Reynolds American, Inc. 7.25%, 6/01/12 | | | 84 | | | 86,616 |
7.625%, 6/01/16 | | | 105 | | | 109,391 |
Safeway, Inc. 4.95%, 8/16/10 | | | 90 | | | 90,582 |
Wyeth 5.50%, 2/01/14 | | | 50 | | | 50,404 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 867,027 |
| | | | | | |
ENERGY–0.4% | | | | | | |
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. 5.15%, 2/01/13 | | | 30 | | | 30,052 |
Gaz Capital SA 6.212%, 11/22/16(b) | | | 195 | | | 180,931 |
The Premcor Refining Group, Inc. 7.50%, 6/15/15 | | | 74 | | | 76,344 |
Statoilhydro Asa 6.36%, 1/15/09 | | | 45 | | | 45,765 |
Valero Energy Corp. 4.75%, 6/15/13 | | | 80 | | | 76,158 |
6.875%, 4/15/12 | | | 65 | | | 67,473 |
Weatherford International Ltd. 5.15%, 3/15/13 | | | 35 | | | 34,796 |
6.00%, 3/15/18 | | | 15 | | | 14,804 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 526,323 |
| | | | | | |
SERVICES–0.1% | | | | | | |
The Western Union Co. 5.93%, 10/01/16 | | | 90 | | | 88,269 |
| | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY–0.3% | | | | | | |
Computer Sciences Corp. 5.50%, 3/15/13 (b) | | | 50 | | | 49,304 |
Electronic Data Systems Corp. Series B 6.50%, 8/01/13 | | | 90 | | | 92,436 |
Motorola, Inc. 6.50%, 9/01/25 | | | 105 | | | 78,405 |
7.50%, 5/15/25 | | | 20 | | | 18,707 |
7.625%, 11/15/10 | | | 44 | | | 44,853 |
Oracle Corp. 4.95%, 4/15/13 | | | 44 | | | 44,425 |
Xerox Corp. 7.625%, 6/15/13 | | | 25 | | | 25,960 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 354,090 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION– AIRLINES–0.1% | | | | | | |
Southwest Airlines Co. 5.25%, 10/01/14 | | $ | 92 | | $ | 84,542 |
| | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION– RAILROADS–0.0% | | | | | | |
Canadian Pacific Railway Co. 6.50%, 5/15/18 | | | 25 | | | 24,768 |
CSX Corp. 5.50%, 8/01/13 | | | 35 | | | 34,280 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 59,048 |
| | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION– SERVICES–0.0% | | | | | | |
FedEx Corp. 3.50%, 4/01/09 | | | 23 | | | 22,922 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 6,108,170 |
| | | | | | |
UTILITY–1.2% | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC–0.8% | | | | | | |
Carolina Power & Light Co. 6.50%, 7/15/12 | | | 70 | | | 73,437 |
FirstEnergy Corp. Series B 6.45%, 11/15/11 | | | 115 | | | 118,001 |
Series C 7.375%, 11/15/31 | | | 80 | | | 86,992 |
FPL Group Capital, Inc. 6.35%, 10/01/66(c) | | | 55 | | | 48,000 |
6.65%, 6/15/67(c) | | | 170 | | | 150,282 |
MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. 5.875%, 10/01/12 | | | 40 | | | 41,141 |
Nisource Finance Corp. 6.80%, 1/15/19 | | | 95 | | | 93,162 |
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. 3.60%, 3/01/09 | | | 100 | | | 99,919 |
Public Service Company of Colorado Series 10 7.875%, 10/01/12 | | | 40 | | | 44,610 |
SPI Electricity & Gas Australia Holdings Pty Ltd. 6.15%, 11/15/13(b) | | | 250 | | | 251,836 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,007,380 |
| | | | | | |
NATURAL GAS–0.4% | | | | | | |
Enterprise Products Operating LP Series B 5.60%, 10/15/14 | | | 100 | | | 97,960 |
Texas Eastern Transmission Corp. 7.30%, 12/01/10 | | | 350 | | | 373,644 |
TransCanada Pipelines Ltd. 6.35%, 5/15/67(c) | | | 120 | | | 103,616 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 575,220 |
| | | | | | |
7
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
OTHER UTILITY–0.0% | | | | | | |
Veolia Environnement 6.00%, 6/01/18 | | $ | 60 | | $ | 59,863 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,642,463 |
| | | | | | |
Total Corporates–Investment Grades (cost $15,131,623) | | | | | | 14,577,056 |
| | | | | | |
MORTGAGE PASS-THRU’S–5.9% | | | | | | |
AGENCY FIXED RATE 30-YEAR–5.9% | | | | | | |
Federal Gold Loan Mortgage Corp. Series 2006 7.00%, 8/01/36 | | | 548 | | | 574,875 |
Federal National Mortgage Association Series 2004 6.00%, 11/01/34 | | | 362 | | | 366,286 |
Series 2006 5.00%, 2/01/36 | | | 1,168 | | | 1,123,301 |
6.50%, 9/01/36 | | | 296 | | | 305,388 |
Series 2007 4.50%, 1/01/36 | | | 1,474 | | | 1,371,325 |
Series 2008 5.50%, 8/01/37 | | | 3,550 | | | 3,510,194 |
6.50%, 12/01/37 | | | 666 | | | 686,442 |
| | | | | | |
Total Mortgage Pass-Thru’s (cost $8,127,452) | | | | | | 7,937,811 |
| | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES–4.2% | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE CMBS–4.2% | | | | | | |
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc. Series 2001-PB1, Class A2 5.787%, 5/11/35 | | | 896 | | | 904,918 |
Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities, Inc. Series 2006-PW12, Class A4 5.902%, 9/11/38 | | | 150 | | | 146,273 |
Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates Series 2007-C9, Class A4 6.01%, 12/10/49 | | | 190 | | | 181,850 |
Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates Series 2006-C3, Class A3 6.021%, 6/15/38 | | | 185 | | | 181,458 |
Series 2006-C5, Class A3 5.311%, 12/15/39 | | | 155 | | | 145,564 |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Greenwich Capital Commercial Funding Corp. Series 2007-GG9, Class A4 5.444%, 3/10/39 | | $ | 195 | | $ | 181,700 |
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II Series 2006-GG8, Class A2 5.479%, 11/10/39 | | | 185 | | | 183,456 |
JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp. Series 2006-CB14, Class A4 5.481%, 12/12/44 | | | 95 | | | 91,020 |
Series 2006-CB15, Class A4 5.814%, 6/12/43 | | | 180 | | | 175,597 |
Series 2006-CB16, Class A4 5.552%, 5/12/45 | | | 135 | | | 129,172 |
LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2006-C1, Class A4 5.156%, 2/15/31 | | | 270 | | | 254,094 |
Series 2006-C6, Class A4 5.372%, 9/15/39 | | | 330 | | | 312,229 |
Series 2006-C7, Class A3 5.347%, 11/15/38 | | | 195 | | | 183,832 |
Series 2007-C7, Class A3 5.866%, 9/15/45 | | | 325 | | | 310,049 |
Series 2008-C1, Class A2 6.317%, 4/15/41 | | | 310 | | | 303,443 |
Merrill Lynch/Countrywide Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2006-3, Class A4 5.414%, 7/12/46 | | | 200 | | | 189,695 |
Morgan Stanley Capital I Series 2005-HQ5, Class A4 5.168%, 1/14/42 | | | 1,035 | | | 998,395 |
Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2006-C27, Class A3 5.765%, 7/15/45 | | | 190 | | | 184,101 |
Series 2007-C31, Class A4 5.509%, 4/15/47 | | | 190 | | | 176,998 |
Series 2007-C32, Class A2 5.924%, 6/15/49 | | | 185 | | | 182,418 |
Series 2007-C32, Class A3 5.929%, 6/15/49 | | | 190 | | | 180,283 |
| | | | | | |
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $5,780,171) | | | | | | 5,596,545 |
| | | | | | |
GOVERNMENTS– TREASURIES–1.8% | | | |
TREASURIES–1.8% | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds 4.50%, 2/15/36 | | | 1,470 | | | 1,459,550 |
U.S. Treasury Notes 3.625%, 12/31/12 | | | 625 | | | 634,521 |
4.25%, 11/15/17 | | | 285 | | | 291,123 |
| | | | | | |
Total Governments–Treasuries (cost $2,330,725) | | | | | | 2,385,194 |
| | | | | | |
8
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES–1.0% | | | |
HOME EQUITY LOANS– FLOATING RATE–0.6% | | | |
Household Home Equity Loan Trust Series 2007-1, Class M1 2.862%, 3/20/36(d) | | $ | 365 | | $ | 217,850 |
Newcastle Mortgage Securities Trust Series 2007-1, Class 2A1 2.613%, 4/25/37(d) | | | 284 | | | 258,859 |
Option One Mortgage Loan Trust Series 2007-2, Class M1 2.843%, 3/25/37(d) | | | 125 | | | 14,350 |
RAAC Series Series 2006-SP3, Class A1 2.563%, 8/25/36(d) | | | 40 | | | 37,978 |
Soundview Home Equity Loan Trust Series 2007-OPT2, Class 2A2 2.612%, 7/25/37(d) | | | 300 | | | 245,719 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 774,756 |
| | | | | | |
HOME EQUITY LOANS– FIXED RATE–0.4% | | | |
Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates Series 2007-S1, Class A3 5.81%, 11/25/36 | | | 370 | | | 282,302 |
Credit-Based Asset Servicing & Securities, Inc. Series 2003-CB1, Class AF 3.95%, 1/25/33(e) | | | 184 | | | 157,869 |
Series 2005-CB7, Class AF2 5.147%, 11/25/35(e) | | | 46 | | | 43,099 |
Home Equity Mortgage Trust Series 2005-4, Class A3 4.742%, 1/25/36 | | | 38 | | | 36,227 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 519,497 |
| | | | | | |
Total Asset-Backed Securities (cost $1,704,336) | | | | | | 1,294,253 |
| | | | | | |
| | Share | | |
NON-CONVERTIBLE– PREFERRED STOCKS–0.7% | | | |
UTILITY–0.4% | | | | | | |
OTHER UTILITY–0.4% | | | |
Dte Energy Trust I 7.80% | | | 20,000 | | | 502,200 |
| | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–0.1% | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.1% | | | |
Centaur Funding Corp. 9.08%(b) | | | 200 | | | 197,312 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–0.1% | | | |
BANKING–0.1% | | | | | | |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC 5.75% | | | 10,000 | | $ | 161,200 |
| | | | | | |
NON CORPORATE SECTORS–0.1% | | | |
AGENCIES–GOVERNMENT SPONSORED–0.1% | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Series Z 8.375%(c) | | | 2,225 | | | 54,068 |
Federal National Mortgage Association 8.25% | | | 2,675 | | | 61,391 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 115,459 |
| | | | | | |
Total Non-Convertible–Preferred Stocks (cost $1,105,116) | | | | | | 976,171 |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | |
CORPORATES–NON- INVESTMENT GRADES–0.7% | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–0.4% | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–0.0% | | | |
Owens Corning, Inc. 6.50%, 12/01/16 | | $ | 63 | | | 57,360 |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– MEDIA–0.1% | | | | | | |
Clear Channel Communications, Inc. 5.50%, 9/15/14 | | | 100 | | | 60,000 |
Echostar DBS Corp. 6.625%, 10/01/14 | | | 13 | | | 12,025 |
7.125%, 2/01/16 | | | 32 | | | 29,520 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 101,545 |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.2% | | | |
Nextel Communications, Inc. Series F 5.95%, 3/15/14 | | | 165 | | | 132,412 |
Sprint Capital Corp. 7.625%, 1/30/11 | | | 90 | | | 88,425 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 220,837 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–OTHER–0.1% | | | |
Harrah’s Operating Co., Inc. 5.625%, 6/01/15 | | | 76 | | | 40,850 |
5.75%, 10/01/17 | | | 5 | | | 2,625 |
6.50%, 6/01/16 | | | 24 | | | 13,080 |
MGM Mirage 6.75%, 9/01/12 | | | 40 | | | 35,900 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 92,455 |
| | | | | | |
9
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–0.0% | | | |
Tyson Foods, Inc. 6.85%, 4/01/16 | | $ | 40 | | $ | 36,350 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 508,547 |
| | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–0.2% | | | | | | |
BANKING–0.2% | | | | | | |
Northern Rock PLC 5.60%, 4/30/14(b)(c) | | | 445 | | | 255,875 |
| | | | | | |
FINANCE–0.0% | | | | | | |
Countrywide Financial Corp. 6.25%, 5/15/16 | | | 92 | | | 81,912 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 337,787 |
| | | | | | |
UTILITY–0.1% | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC–0.1% | | | | | | |
Dynegy Holdings, Inc. 8.375%, 5/01/16 | | | 45 | | | 43,650 |
Edison Mission Energy 7.00%, 5/15/17 | | | 35 | | | 32,725 |
NRG Energy, Inc. 7.25%, 2/01/14 | | | 40 | | | 38,200 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 114,575 |
| | | | | | |
Total Corporates–Non-Investment Grades (cost $1,279,782) | | | | | | 960,909 |
| | | | | | |
GOVERNMENTS–SOVEREIGN BONDS–0.4% | | | |
Republic of Brazil 8.25%, 1/20/34 | | | 45 | | | 55,350 |
Russian Federation 7.50%, 3/31/30(b)(e) | | | 330 | | | 370,349 |
United Mexican States 5.625%, 1/15/17 | | | 116 | | | 117,218 |
| | | | | | |
Total Governments–Sovereign Bonds (cost $548,867) | | | | | | 542,917 |
| | | | | | |
AGENCIES–0.3% | | | | | | |
AGENCY DEBENTURES–0.3% | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association 6.25%, 5/15/29 | | | 280 | | | 316,767 |
6.625%, 11/15/30 | | | 100 | | | 118,706 |
| | | | | | |
Total Agencies (cost $450,481) | | | | | | 435,473 |
| | | | | | |
QUASI-SOVEREIGNS–0.3% | | | | | | |
QUASI-SOVEREIGN BONDS–0.3% | | | |
RSHB Capital SA for OJSC Russian Agricultural Bank 6.299%, 5/15/17(b) | | | 100 | | | 89,332 |
7.75%, 5/29/18(b) | | | 300 | | | 294,000 |
| | | | | | |
Total Quasi-Sovereigns (cost $394,744) | | | | | | 383,332 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | |
CMOS–0.2% | | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY ARMS–0.1% | | | | | | | |
Bear Stearns Alt-A Trust Series 2006-3, Class 22A1 6.176%, 5/25/36(c) | | $ | 206 | | $ | 146,485 | |
| | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE–0.1% | | | | |
Deutsche Mortgage Securities, Inc. Series 2005-WF1, Class 1A1 5.087%, 6/26/35(b) | | | 118 | | | 117,293 | |
| | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FLOATING RATE–0.0% | | | | |
Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust Series 2007-OA3, Class M1 2.793%, 4/25/47(d)(f) | | | 110 | | | 20,568 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total CMOs (cost $434,530) | | | | | | 284,346 | |
| | | | | | | |
INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES–0.2% | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Notes 2.375%, 4/15/11 (TIPS) (cost $235,445) | | | 238 | | | 252,250 | |
| | | | | | | |
GOVERNMENTS–SOVEREIGN AGENCIES–0.1% | | | | |
Korea Development Bank 5.75%, 9/10/13 (cost $199,548) | | | 200 | | | 200,816 | |
| | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–0.5% | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–0.5% | | | | | | | |
Bank of New York 1.00%, 7/01/08 (cost $675,000) | | | 675 | | | 675,000 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.1% (cost $138,523,030) | | | | | | 134,778,067 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(0.1)% | | | | | | (187,978 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 134,590,089 | |
| | | | | | | |
10
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
(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, 2008, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $3,231,785 or 2.4% of net assets. |
(c) | Variable rate coupon, rate shown as of June 30, 2008. |
(d) | Floating Rate Security. Stated interest rate was in effect at June 30, 2008. |
(e) | Coupon rate adjusts periodically based upon a predetermined schedule. Stated interest rate in effect at June 30, 2008. |
(f) | Illiquid security, valued at fair value. (See Note A) |
The fund currently owns investments collateralized by subprime mortgage loans. Subprime loans are offered to homeowners who do not have a history of debt or who have had problems meeting their debt obligations. Because repayment is less certain, subprime borrowers pay a higher rate of interest than prime borrowers. As of June 30, 2008, the fund’s total exposure to subprime investments was 1.09%. These investments are valued in accordance with the fund’s Valuation Policies (see Note A.1 for additional details).
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
TIPS—Treasury Inflation Protected Security
See notes to financial statements.
11
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments In Securities | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | 98,275,994 | | $ | –0 | – |
Level 2 | | | 34,291,225 | | | –0 | – |
Level 3 | | | 2,210,848 | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 134,778,067 | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/07 | | $ | 6,187,085 | | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts/premiums | | | (3,616 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain (loss) | | | 1,823 | | | | –0 | –* |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | (309,162 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | (3,576,942 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | (88,340 | ) | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/08 | | $ | 2,210,848 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 6/30/08 | | $ | (293,390 | ) | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 6/30/08 for other financial instruments was $0. |
12
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $138,523,030) | | $ | 134,778,067 | |
Cash | | | 15,470 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 1,140,505 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 495,375 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 2,379 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 136,431,796 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 1,417,528 | |
Printing fee payable | | | 159,208 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 114,121 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 63,599 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 25,103 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 6,825 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 85 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 55,238 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 1,841,707 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 134,590,089 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 8,809 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 135,801,685 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 1,675,335 | |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 849,223 | |
Net unrealized depreciation of investments | | | (3,744,963 | ) |
| | | | |
| | $ | 134,590,089 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 102,702,257 | | 6,713,038 | | $ | 15.30 |
B | | $ | 31,887,832 | | 2,096,279 | | $ | 15.21 |
See notes to financial statements.
13
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $11,257) | | $ | 1,217,439 | |
Interest | | | 1,191,446 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 2,408,885 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 414,002 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 43,712 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 902 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 271 | |
Printing | | | 122,212 | |
Custodian | | | 68,999 | |
Administrative | | | 46,100 | |
Audit | | | 4,804 | |
Legal | | | 7,218 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 884 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 1,895 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 710,999 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 1,697,886 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 994,549 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (21,503,606 | ) |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment transactions | | | (20,509,057 | ) |
| | | | |
Contribution from Adviser (see Note B) | | | 11,758 | |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (18,799,413 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
14
| | |
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 1,697,886 | | | $ | 4,739,207 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 994,549 | | | | 14,787,087 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (21,503,606 | ) | | | (13,736,973 | ) |
Contribution from Adviser | | | 11,758 | | | | 352,186 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (18,799,413 | ) | | | 6,141,507 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (3,707,840 | ) | | | (4,174,710 | ) |
Class B | | | (1,033,940 | ) | | | (1,026,872 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (11,184,205 | ) | | | (3,457,536 | ) |
Class B | | | (3,433,427 | ) | | | (940,614 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 2,282,264 | | | | (34,292,453 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (35,876,561 | ) | | | (37,750,678 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 170,466,650 | | | | 208,217,328 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $1,675,335 and $4,719,229, respectively) | | $ | 134,590,089 | | | $ | 170,466,650 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
15
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2008 (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 eighteen 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.
16
| | |
| | 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. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, and in response to the Independent Directors’ 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.
During the six months ended June 30, 2008 the Adviser made a payment of $11,758 to the Portfolio in connection with a trading error.
17
| | |
BALANCED SHARES PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $46,100 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, 2008.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2008 amounted to $60,407, 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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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, 2008, were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | Sales |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 68,132,941 | | $ | 74,588,908 |
U.S. government securities | | | 33,424,793 | | | 37,054,224 |
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 | | $ | 8,842,097 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (12,587,060 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized depreciation | | $ | (3,744,963 | ) |
| | | | |
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 or to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency 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.
18
| | |
| | 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 purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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 the 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, 2008, 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, 2008, the Portfolio did not participate in dollar roll transactions.
4. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
19
| | |
BALANCED SHARES 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 48,362 | | | 225,484 | | | | | $ | 852,105 | | | $ | 4,649,008 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 924,972 | | | 378,584 | | | | | | 14,892,045 | | | | 7,632,246 | |
Shares redeemed | | (866,729 | ) | | (2,052,043 | ) | | | | | (15,415,017 | ) | | | (41,503,596 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | 106,605 | | | (1,447,975 | ) | | | | $ | 329,133 | | | $ | (29,222,342 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 37,302 | | | 94,706 | | | | | $ | 696,620 | | | $ | 1,901,488 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 278,862 | | | 98,129 | | | | | | 4,467,367 | | | | 1,967,486 | |
Shares redeemed | | (180,349 | ) | | (443,051 | ) | | | | | (3,210,856 | ) | | | (8,939,085 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | 135,815 | | | (250,216 | ) | | | | $ | 1,953,131 | | | $ | (5,070,111 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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.
Currency Risk—This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce the returns of the Portfolio. For example, the value of the Portfolio’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U.S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.
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, 2008.
20
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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, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 5,614,509 | | $ | 5,352,104 |
Long-term capital gains | | | 3,985,223 | | | 5,478,478 |
| | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 9,599,732 | | | 10,830,582 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 9,599,732 | | $ | 10,830,582 |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 5,062,699 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 14,240,172 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 17,647,307 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 36,950,178 | |
| | | | |
(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
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 (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of 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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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 Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG 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 containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
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
21
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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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
NOTE K: Acquisition of AllianceBernstein Balanced Shares Portfolio by AllianceBernstein Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio
On June 11, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Fund approved the acquisition of the Portfolio by AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.—AllianceBernstein Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio (the “Acquisition”). The Acquisition does not require approval by the Portfolio’s shareholders. The Acquisition is expected to become effective late in the third quarter of 2008. As a result of the acquisition, shareholders of the Portfolio will receive shares of AllianceBernstein Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio equivalent to the aggregate net asset value of the shares they held in the Portfolio.
22
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $19.93 | | | $20.31 | | | $19.18 | | | $18.94 | | | $17.76 | | | $15.30 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .20 | | | .51 | | | .49 | | | .43 | | | .46 | (b) | | .42 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (2.38 | ) | | .08 | | | 1.66 | | | .30 | | | 1.12 | | | 2.47 | |
Contribution from Adviser | | .00 | (c) | | .04 | | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (2.18 | ) | | .63 | | | 2.15 | | | .73 | | | 1.58 | | | 2.89 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.61 | ) | | (.55 | ) | | (.49 | ) | | (.49 | ) | | (.40 | ) | | (.43 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (1.84 | ) | | (.46 | ) | | (.53 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (2.45 | ) | | (1.01 | ) | | (1.02 | ) | | (.49 | ) | | (.40 | ) | | (.43 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $15.30 | | | $19.93 | | | $20.31 | | | $19.18 | | | $18.94 | | | $17.76 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | (11.53 | )%* | | 3.05 | %** | | 11.79 | % | | 3.91 | % | | 9.07 | % | | 19.05 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $102,702 | | | $131,663 | | | $163,608 | | | $175,005 | | | $193,600 | | | $197,334 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .81 | %(e)(f) | | .73 | % | | .73 | %(e) | | .71 | % | | .71 | % | | .79 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .81 | %(e)(f) | | .73 | % | | .73 | %(e) | | .71 | % | | .76 | % | | .79 | % |
Net investment income | | 2.39 | %(e)(f) | | 2.51 | % | | 2.53 | %(e) | | 2.29 | % | | 2.57 | %(b) | | 2.60 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 68 | % | | 67 | % | | 40 | % | | 52 | % | | 60 | % | | 81 | % |
See footnote summary on page 24.
23
| | |
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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $19.79 | | | $20.18 | | | $19.05 | | | $18.83 | | | $17.69 | | | $15.27 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .18 | | | .46 | | | .44 | | | .38 | | | .43 | (b) | | .36 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (2.36 | ) | | .07 | | | 1.66 | | | .29 | | | 1.10 | | | 2.48 | |
Contribution from Adviser | | .00 | (c) | | .04 | | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (2.18 | ) | | .57 | | | 2.10 | | | .67 | | | 1.53 | | | 2.84 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.56 | ) | | (.50 | ) | | (.44 | ) | | (.45 | ) | | (.39 | ) | | (.42 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (1.84 | ) | | (.46 | ) | | (.53 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (2.40 | ) | | (.96 | ) | | (.97 | ) | | (.45 | ) | | (.39 | ) | | (.42 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $15.21 | | | $19.79 | | | $20.18 | | | $19.05 | | | $18.83 | | | $17.69 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | (11.64 | )%* | | 2.75 | %** | | 11.56 | % | | 3.61 | % | | 8.79 | % | | 18.78 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $31,888 | | | $38,804 | | | $44,609 | | | $45,493 | | | $45,047 | | | $23,417 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.06 | %(e)(f) | | .98 | % | | .98 | %(e) | | .96 | % | | .96 | % | | 1.05 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.06 | %(e)(f) | | .98 | % | | .98 | %(e) | | .96 | % | | 1.01 | % | | 1.05 | % |
Net investment income | | 2.14 | %(e)(f) | | 2.26 | % | | 2.28 | %(e) | | 2.04 | % | | 2.35 | %(b) | | 2.29 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 68 | % | | 67 | % | | 40 | % | | 52 | % | | 60 | % | | 81 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses waived or reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(c) | Amount is less than $0.005. |
(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. |
(e) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
* | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the performance of each share class for the six months ended June 30, 2008 by 0.07%. |
** | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio by the Adviser resulting from the Dynegy class action settlement, which enhanced the performance of each share class for the year ended December 31, 2007 by 0.16% (see Note B). |
24
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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 6-8, 2008.
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 fee in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Portfolio was 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 rate 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 2006 and 2007 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 between fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability
25
| | |
BALANCED SHARES 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 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 May 2008 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 similar 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 the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended January 31, 2008 and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (December 1992 inception). The directors noted that the Portfolio was in the 4th quintile of the Performance Group and 5th quintile of the Performance Universe for the 1-year period, 5th quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 3-year period, 4th quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 5-year period and 1st quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 10-year period, and 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 institutional 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 because mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets tend to be 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. The directors view expense ratio
26
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services since 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 contractual effective advisory fee rate, at approximate current size, of 55 basis points, plus the 5 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, as well as a presentation by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. 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 the Portfolio’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
27
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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 a September 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 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Balanced | | 55 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 45 bp on next $2.5 billion 40 bp on the balance | | $ | 153.8 | | 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 $94,000 (0.05 % 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 |
Balanced Shares Portfolio | | Class A 0.73% | | December 31 |
| | Class B 0.98% | | |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2008 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 6-8, 2008. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings 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. |
28
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | 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. The Adviser also believes that it incurs substantial entrepreneurial risk when offering a new mutual fund, since establishing a new mutual fund requires a large upfront investment, and it may take a long time for the fund to achieve profitability since the fund must be priced to scale from inception in order to be competitive and assets are acquired one account at a time. 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 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 (%) | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) |
Balanced Shares Portfolio | | Balanced Shares, Inc. | | 0.60% on first $200 million 0.50% on next $200 million 0.40% on the balance | | 0.600 | | 0.550 |
The Adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment company 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 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. |
29
| | |
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 Fee7 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Balanced Shares Portfolio | | 0.550 | | 0.638 | | 3/18 |
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 | | 0.731 | | 0.747 | | 6/18 | | 0.747 | | 15/36 |
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.
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 2007, relative to 2006.
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, 2007, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $105,170 (or 0.25% of the Portfolio’s average net assets) 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, 2007, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $537,703 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. |
30
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | 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”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of approximately $786 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
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through fee structures,11 subsidies and enhancement to services. 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 make such investments in their business to provide services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli 12 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics. The independent consultant first revisited with the Board of Directors the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size). In this regard, it was noted that the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally within the 25th – 75th percentile of their comparable peers. 13 The independent consultant then discussed the results of the regression model that was utilized to study the effects of various factors on advisory fees. The regression model output indicated that the bulk of the variation in fees predicted were explained by various factors, but substantially by AUM, family AUM, index fund indicator and investment style. The independent consultant observed that the actual advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally lower than the fees predicted by the study’s regression model.
The independent consultant also compared the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to similar funds managed by 19 other large asset managers, regardless of the fund size and each Adviser’s proportion of mutual fund assets to non-mutual fund assets. The independent consultant observed that the advisory fees of certain AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were higher than the medians of these select groups of funds.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $746 billion as of February 29, 2008, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
10 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2007. |
11 | Fee structures include fee reductions, pricing at scale and breakpoints in advisory fee schedules. |
12 | The Deli study was originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data. |
13 | The two dimensional analysis also showed patterns of lower advisory fees for funds with larger asset sizes and funds from larger family sizes compared to funds with smaller asset sizes and funds from smaller family sizes, which according to the independent consultant is indicative of a sharing of economies of scale and scope. However, in less liquid and active markets, such is not the case, as the empirical analysis showed potential for diseconomies of scale in those markets. The empirical analysis also showed diminishing economies of scale and scope as funds surpassed a certain high level of assets. |
31
| | |
BALANCED SHARES 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 January 31, 2008.16
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | – | 1.64 | | 0.16 | | 0.86 | | 14/18 | | 71/84 |
3 year | | | 5.01 | | 6.71 | | 7.01 | | 14/16 | | 46/52 |
5 year | | | 8.64 | | 10.12 | | 10.24 | | 11/16 | | 35/44 |
10 year | | | 6.68 | | 4.62 | | 5.04 | | 2/16 | | 5/37 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)17 versus its benchmark.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending January 31, 2008 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) |
| | | | |
Balanced Shares Portfolio | | – | 1.64 | | 5.01 | | 8.64 | | 6.68 | | 8.65 |
60% Russell 1000 Value Index / 40% Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Index | | | 0.26 | | 7.16 | | 10.50 | | 7.14 | | 9.88 |
Russell 1000 Value Index | | – | 5.38 | | 8.48 | | 14.25 | | 7.40 | | 11.65 |
Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Bond Index | | | 8.81 | | 4.92 | | 4.75 | | 6.01 | | 6.53 |
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 5, 2008
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 may have had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
17 | The performance returns shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
32
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, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 915.39 | | $ | 3.57 | | 0.75 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,021.13 | | $ | 3.77 | | 0.75 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 913.23 | | $ | 4.76 | | 1.00 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.89 | | $ | 5.02 | | 1.00 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Federal National Mortgage Association (Common Stock and Bonds) | | $ | 20,754,673 | | 8.0 | % |
U.S. Treasury Bonds & Notes | | | 18,537,212 | | 7.2 | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. (Common Stock and Bonds) | | | 5,966,409 | | 2.3 | |
JPMorgan Chase (Common Stock and Bonds) | | | 4,051,797 | | 1.6 | |
Federal Home Loan Bank | | | 3,662,471 | | 1.4 | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 3,280,150 | | 1.3 | |
Google, Inc.—Class A | | | 3,279,597 | | 1.3 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | 3,022,859 | | 1.2 | |
LB UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | 2,637,527 | | 1.0 | |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | | 2,431,550 | | 0.9 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 67,624,245 | | 26.2 | % |
SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN
June 30, 2008 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECURITY TYPE | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 158,680,947 | | 62.0 | % |
Corporates—Investment Grades | | | 20,443,832 | | 8.0 | |
Governments—Treasuries | | | 18,537,212 | | 7.2 | |
Mortgage Pass-Thru’s | | | 18,395,893 | | 7.2 | |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | | | 13,582,058 | | 5.3 | |
Agencies | | | 11,637,538 | | 4.6 | |
Corporates—Non-Investment Grades | | | 1,313,324 | | 0.5 | |
CMOs | | | 1,120,594 | | 0.4 | |
Asset-Backed Securities | | | 924,787 | | 0.4 | |
Quasi-Sovereigns | | | 884,697 | | 0.3 | |
Non-Convertible—Preferred Stocks | | | 218,137 | | 0.1 | |
Government-Related—Non-U.S. Issuers | | | 209,842 | | 0.1 | |
Other** | | | 322,184 | | 0.1 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 9,704,000 | | 3.8 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 255,975,045 | | 100.0 | % |
** | “Other” represents less than 0.1% weightings in the following security types: Governments—Sovereign Bonds, Rights and Supranationals. |
2
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–61.5% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–18.8% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–2.4% | | | | | |
3i Group PLC | | 10,080 | | $ | 164,889 |
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | | 2,800 | | | 113,876 |
The Blackstone Group LP | | 10,175 | | | 185,287 |
Credit Suisse Group AG | | 9,547 | | | 434,551 |
Deutsche Bank AG | | 5,500 | | | 471,152 |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | 8,995 | | | 824,392 |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | 7,575 | | | 1,324,867 |
ICAP PLC | | 19,640 | | | 210,369 |
Julius Baer Holding AG | | 7,268 | | | 487,414 |
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. | | 2,800 | | | 55,468 |
Macquarie Group Ltd. | | 3,156 | | | 146,929 |
Man Group PLC | | 59,469 | | | 734,639 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. | | 17,600 | | | 558,096 |
Morgan Stanley | | 13,600 | | | 490,552 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,202,481 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–1.8% | | | | | |
Banco Santander Central Hispano SA | | 27,071 | | | 493,887 |
Barclays PLC | | 51,100 | | | 289,914 |
BNP Paribas SA | | 3,100 | | | 279,053 |
Comerica, Inc. | | 3,800 | | | 97,394 |
Credit Agricole SA | | 21,348 | | | 433,374 |
Fifth Third Bancorp | | 5,400 | | | 54,972 |
Hana Financial Group, Inc. | | 3,100 | | | 119,287 |
HBOS PLC | | 80,890 | | | 442,857 |
Keycorp | | 4,100 | | | 45,018 |
Kookmin Bank | | 1,200 | | | 70,527 |
National City Corp. | | 2,200 | | | 10,494 |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC (London Virt-X) | | 97,031 | | | 413,074 |
Societe Generale | | 3,825 | | | 331,625 |
Standard Chartered PLC | | 13,035 | | | 369,144 |
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. | | 30 | | | 225,606 |
SunTrust Banks, Inc. | | 5,100 | | | 184,722 |
U.S. Bancorp | | 4,600 | | | 128,294 |
Wachovia Corp. | | 21,100 | | | 327,683 |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | 9,200 | | | 218,500 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,535,425 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER FINANCE–0.2% | | | | | |
Discover Financial Services | | 16,600 | | | 218,622 |
ORIX Corp. | | 1,820 | | | 260,673 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 479,295 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–2.4% | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. | | 45,200 | | | 1,078,924 |
Citigroup, Inc. | | 56,600 | | | 948,616 |
CME Group, Inc.–Class A | | 4,610 | | | 1,766,506 |
Deutsche Boerse AG | | 1,601 | | | 181,003 |
Fortis (Euronext Brussels) | | 16,666 | | | 264,731 |
ING Groep NV | | 16,600 | | | 524,854 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
JP Morgan Chase & Co. | | 34,000 | | $ | 1,166,540 |
NYSE Euronext | | 5,800 | | | 293,828 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,225,002 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–2.4% | | | | | |
ACE Ltd. | | 6,100 | | | 336,049 |
Allianz SE | | 3,400 | | | 597,591 |
Allstate Corp. | | 8,800 | | | 401,192 |
American International Group, Inc. | | 26,500 | | | 701,190 |
Aviva PLC | | 15,154 | | | 150,238 |
Chubb Corp. | | 6,700 | | | 328,367 |
Everest Re Group Ltd. | | 1,900 | | | 151,449 |
Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. | | 200 | | | 51,192 |
Fidelity National Financial, Inc.–Class A | | 6,200 | | | 78,120 |
Fondiaria-Sai SpA (ordinary shares) | | 1,700 | | | 56,025 |
Fondiaria-Sai SpA (saving shares) | | 700 | | | 15,576 |
Genworth Financial, Inc.–Class A | | 17,600 | | | 313,456 |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | | 6,200 | | | 400,334 |
MetLife, Inc. | | 6,500 | | | 343,005 |
Muenchener Rueckversicherungs AG | | 1,700 | | | 298,197 |
Old Republic International Corp. | | 7,900 | | | 93,536 |
PartnerRe Ltd. | | 3,600 | | | 248,868 |
The Progressive Corp. | | 17,700 | | | 331,344 |
Prudential PLC | | 14,577 | | | 153,754 |
QBE Insurance Group Ltd. | | 8,904 | | | 191,447 |
Safeco Corp. | | 2,400 | | | 161,184 |
The Travelers Co.,Inc. | | 9,300 | | | 403,620 |
Unum Group | | 9,900 | | | 202,455 |
XL Capital Ltd.–Class A | | 5,700 | | | 117,192 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,125,381 |
| | | | | |
PROPERTY–CASUALTY INSURANCE–0.0% | | | | | |
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. | | 3,300 | | | 147,411 |
| | | | | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITs)–6.7% | | | | | |
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. | | 2,625 | | | 255,518 |
Allied Properties Real Estate Investment Trust | | 8,496 | | | 168,304 |
Apartment Investment & Management Co.–Class A | | 5,402 | | | 183,992 |
Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust | | 256,000 | | | 415,068 |
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. | | 23,600 | | | 109,032 |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | | 1,300 | | | 115,908 |
BioMed Realty Trust, Inc. | | 6,100 | | | 149,633 |
Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust | | 2,687 | | | 100,529 |
3
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Boston Properties, Inc. | | 2,500 | | $ | 225,550 |
British Land Co. PLC | | 20,544 | | | 288,899 |
Canadian Real Estate Investment Trust | | 8,470 | | | 243,127 |
CapitaMall Trust | | 179,600 | | | 396,132 |
CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. | | 4,300 | | | 98,212 |
Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust | | 7,129 | | | 153,459 |
Corio NV | | 1,500 | | | 116,835 |
DB RREEF Trust | | 277,831 | | | 367,803 |
Derwent Valley Holdings PLC | | 5,750 | | | 114,954 |
DiamondRock Hospitality Co. | | 18,700 | | | 203,643 |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | | 9,100 | | | 372,281 |
Dundee Real Estate Investment Trust | | 4,400 | | | 134,714 |
Entertainment Properties Trust | | 6,150 | | | 304,056 |
Equity Residential | | 7,550 | | | 288,938 |
Essex Property Trust, Inc. | | 1,225 | | | 130,462 |
Extra Space Storage, Inc. | | 7,700 | | | 118,272 |
Federal Realty Investment Trust | | 1,850 | | | 127,650 |
Fonciere Des Murs | | 4,300 | | | 155,031 |
General Growth Properties, Inc. | | 9,500 | | | 332,785 |
Great Portland Estates PLC | | 15,400 | | | 103,342 |
H&R Real Estate Investment | | 1 | | | 16 |
Hammerson PLC | | 5,950 | | | 105,388 |
HCP, Inc. | | 6,300 | | | 200,403 |
Health Care REIT, Inc. | | 7,600 | | | 338,200 |
Highwoods Properties, Inc. | | 3,800 | | | 119,396 |
Home Properties, Inc. | | 3,400 | | | 163,404 |
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | 15,029 | | | 205,146 |
ING Office Fund | | 152,100 | | | 167,855 |
Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.–Class A | | 38 | | | 401,355 |
Kimco Realty Corp. | | 7,950 | | | 274,434 |
Klepierre | | 16,349 | | | 819,632 |
Land Securities Group PLC | | 15,082 | | | 368,045 |
Liberty International PLC | | 6,300 | | | 107,521 |
Macerich Co. | | 2,750 | | | 170,857 |
Macquarie CountryWide Trust | | 94,200 | | | 81,271 |
Mercialys SA | | 2,600 | | | 114,262 |
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | | 3,250 | | | 165,880 |
Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust | | 10,700 | | | 140,610 |
National Retail Properties, Inc. | | 8,900 | | | 186,010 |
Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. | | 7,450 | | | 234,600 |
Nippon Building Fund, Inc.–Class A | | 21 | | | 247,646 |
Nomura Real Estate Office Fund, Inc.–Class A | | 12 | | | 90,376 |
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. | | 11,800 | | | 196,470 |
Plum Creek Timber Co., Inc. (REIT) | | 3,200 | | | 136,672 |
Primaris Retail Real Estate Investment Trust | | 10,283 | | | 184,649 |
Prologis | | 13,875 | | | 754,106 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Public Storage | | 3,800 | | $ | 307,002 |
Rayonier, Inc. | | 4,000 | | | 169,840 |
Regency Centers Corp. | | 2,400 | | | 141,888 |
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust | | 1,400 | | | 27,267 |
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (UIT) | | 5,688 | | | 110,774 |
Segro PLC | | 7,769 | | | 60,747 |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | | 10,050 | | | 903,395 |
SL Green Realty Corp. | | 1,900 | | | 157,168 |
Stockland | | 20,532 | | | 106,167 |
Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | 7,600 | | | 71,212 |
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. | | 13,000 | | | 215,800 |
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers | | 6,650 | | | 238,935 |
Taubman Centers, Inc. | | 6,400 | | | 311,360 |
UDR, Inc. | | 5,200 | | | 116,376 |
Unibail | | 5,078 | | | 1,169,350 |
Ventas, Inc. | | 7,200 | | | 306,504 |
Vornado Realty Trust | | 4,700 | | | 413,600 |
Wereldhave NV | | 1,500 | | | 157,554 |
Westfield Group | | 38,289 | | | 598,291 |
Westfield Group–New(a) | | 1,104 | | | 17,061 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 17,348,624 |
| | | | | |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–2.6% | | | | | |
Brookfield Properties Corp. | | 14,725 | | | 261,958 |
Castellum AB | | 25,900 | | | 245,742 |
Citycon Oyj | | 31,442 | | | 158,089 |
Forest City Enterprises, Inc.–Class A | | 4,100 | | | 132,102 |
Hang Lung Properties Ltd. | | 157,000 | | | 504,028 |
Henderson Land Development Co., Ltd. | | 81,000 | | | 506,432 |
Hufvudstaden AB–Class A | | 12,000 | | | 115,196 |
Kerry Properties Ltd. | | 101,131 | | | 531,857 |
Lend Lease Corp. Ltd. | | 55,200 | | | 505,763 |
Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. | | 26,000 | | | 595,260 |
Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. | | 27,100 | | | 580,021 |
New World Development Co., Ltd. | | 216,051 | | | 441,302 |
Norwegian Property ASA | | 28,300 | | | 131,536 |
NTT Urban Development Corp.(b) | | 533 | | | 698,753 |
Sumitomo Realty & Development | | 9,000 | | | 179,038 |
Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. | | 62,700 | | | 852,348 |
Tokyu Land Corp. | | 43,000 | | | 244,851 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,684,276 |
| | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–0.3% | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. | | 12,000 | | | 196,800 |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | 30,500 | | | 595,055 |
Washington Mutual, Inc. | | 6,600 | | | 32,538 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 824,393 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 48,572,288 |
| | | | | |
4
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–8.0% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–1.6% | | | | | |
Baker Hughes, Inc. | | 3,250 | | $ | 283,855 |
Cameron International Corp.(a) | | 7,850 | | | 434,497 |
National Oilwell Varco, Inc.(a) | | 5,500 | | | 487,960 |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | 18,300 | | | 1,965,969 |
Technip SA | | 2,774 | | | 255,984 |
Transocean, Inc.(a) | | 4,425 | | | 674,326 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,102,591 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–6.4% | | | | | |
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. | | 6,200 | | | 464,008 |
Apache Corp. | | 6,000 | | | 834,000 |
BG Group PLC | | 7,890 | | | 205,041 |
BP PLC | | 5,300 | | | 61,430 |
Chevron Corp. | | 17,700 | | | 1,754,601 |
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.–Class H | | 308,000 | | | 287,894 |
ConocoPhillips | | 14,500 | | | 1,368,655 |
Devon Energy Corp. | | 5,600 | | | 672,896 |
ENI SpA | | 9,800 | | | 364,074 |
EOG Resources, Inc. | | 10,350 | | | 1,357,920 |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | 34,300 | | | 3,022,859 |
Gazprom OAO (Sponsored) (ADR)(c) | | 6,159 | | | 357,222 |
LUKOIL (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 2,900 | | | 284,780 |
Marathon Oil Corp. | | 5,200 | | | 269,724 |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | 2,800 | | | 251,608 |
Petro-Canada | | 5,700 | | | 319,238 |
Petroleo Brasileiro SA (ADR) | | 7,700 | | | 545,391 |
Repsol YPF SA | | 1,600 | | | 62,791 |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC (Euronext Amsterdam)–Class A | | 9,327 | | | 382,327 |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC (London Virt-X)–Class A | | 23,300 | | | 952,807 |
StatoilHydro ASA | | 25,185 | | | 939,647 |
Sunoco, Inc. | | 3,300 | | | 134,277 |
Total SA | | 15,614 | | | 1,329,042 |
Valero Energy Corp. | | 6,100 | | | 251,198 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 16,473,430 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 20,576,021 |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–7.6% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–1.6% | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 61,050 | | | 1,420,023 |
Motorola, Inc. | | 17,800 | | | 130,652 |
Nokia OYJ (Sponsored)–Class A (ADR) | | 10,000 | | | 245,000 |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | | 12,400 | | | 550,188 |
Research In Motion Ltd.(a) | | 14,125 | | | 1,651,212 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,997,075 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–2.7% | | | | | |
Apple, Inc.(a) | | 19,590 | | $ | 3,280,150 |
Asustek Computer, Inc. | | 61,000 | | | 165,687 |
Compal Electronics, Inc. | | 56,280 | | | 60,724 |
Fujitsu Ltd. | | 47,000 | | | 349,013 |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | 55,000 | | | 2,431,550 |
International Business Machines Corp. | | 1,000 | | | 118,530 |
Lexmark International, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 4,100 | | | 137,063 |
Toshiba Corp. | | 26,000 | | | 191,816 |
Western Digital Corp.(a) | | 9,200 | | | 317,676 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,052,209 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–0.3% | | | | | |
Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a) | | 7,000 | | | 215,040 |
Avnet, Inc.(a) | | 8,800 | | | 240,064 |
Flextronics International Ltd.(a) | | 1,300 | | | 12,220 |
Ingram Micro, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 9,100 | | | 161,525 |
Sanmina-SCI Corp.(a) | | 9,400 | | | 12,032 |
Tech Data Corp.(a) | | 2,600 | | | 88,114 |
Tyco Electronics Ltd. | | 1,250 | | | 44,775 |
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.(a) | | 7,900 | | | 70,073 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 843,843 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–1.3% | | | | | |
Google, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 6,230 | | | 3,279,597 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–0.1% | | | | | |
Electronic Data Systems Corp. | | 12,200 | | | 300,608 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–1.0% | | | | | |
Broadcom Corp.–Class A(a) | | 9,100 | | | 248,339 |
Hynix Semiconductor, Inc.(a) | | 7,400 | | | 176,567 |
Intel Corp. | | 7,400 | | | 158,952 |
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.(a) | | 14,700 | | | 904,638 |
Nvidia Corp.(a) | | 33,725 | | | 631,332 |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | | 140 | | | 83,641 |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | 6,300 | | | 177,408 |
United Microelectronics Corp. | | 398,207 | | | 210,473 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,591,350 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–0.6% | | | | | |
Electronic Arts, Inc.(a) | | 4,200 | | | 186,606 |
Microsoft Corp. | | 6,100 | | | 167,811 |
Nintendo Co. Ltd. | | 1,100 | | | 623,781 |
Salesforce.com, Inc.(a) | | 4,600 | | | 313,858 |
VMware, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 5,350 | | | 288,151 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,580,207 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 19,644,889 |
| | | | | |
5
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–6.2% | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–1.8% | | | | | |
Amgen, Inc.(a) | | 13,800 | | $ | 650,808 |
Celgene Corp.(a) | | 19,750 | | | 1,261,432 |
CSL Ltd./Australia | | 4,832 | | | 165,404 |
Genentech, Inc.(a) | | 10,300 | | | 781,770 |
Gilead Sciences, Inc.(a) | | 34,250 | | | 1,813,538 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,672,952 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–1.0% | | | | | |
Alcon, Inc. | | 8,725 | | | 1,420,343 |
Baxter International, Inc. | | 8,200 | | | 524,308 |
Becton Dickinson & Co. | | 5,200 | | | 422,760 |
Essilor International SA | | 3,708 | | | 226,186 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,593,597 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–0.8% | | | | | |
AmerisourceBergen Corp.–Class A | | 5,000 | | | 199,950 |
Cardinal Health, Inc. | | 5,300 | | | 273,374 |
Celesio AG | | 3,300 | | | 119,243 |
McKesson Corp. | | 3,200 | | | 178,912 |
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.(a) | | 23,450 | | | 1,106,840 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,878,319 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–2.6% | | | | | |
Abbott Laboratories | | 18,200 | | | 964,054 |
GlaxoSmithKline PLC | | 13,900 | | | 307,270 |
Johnson & Johnson | | 12,100 | | | 778,514 |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | 18,600 | | | 701,034 |
Novartis AG | | 4,134 | | | 227,503 |
Novo Nordisk A/S–Class B | | 2,695 | | | 177,413 |
Pfizer, Inc. | | 64,700 | | | 1,130,309 |
Sanofi-Aventis SA | | 4,100 | | | 272,441 |
Schering-Plough Corp. | | 12,200 | | | 240,218 |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 33,650 | | | 1,541,170 |
Wyeth | | 8,900 | | | 426,844 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,766,770 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 15,911,638 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–5.1% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–2.4% | | | | | |
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | | 7,400 | | | 731,564 |
Ashland, Inc. | | 3,500 | | | 168,700 |
BASF SE | | 10,200 | | | 699,952 |
Bayer AG | | 5,316 | | | 446,276 |
Dow Chemical Co. | | 13,200 | | | 460,812 |
E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co. | | 8,700 | | | 373,143 |
Incitec Pivot Ltd. | | 1,187 | | | 210,183 |
Koninklijke Dsm NV | | 3,700 | | | 216,864 |
Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp. | | 36,000 | | | 209,628 |
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.(b) | | 12,400 | | | 61,234 |
Monsanto Co. | | 15,810 | | | 1,999,016 |
Nova Chemicals Corp. | | 1,900 | | | 46,768 |
Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan | | 1,196 | | | 273,370 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Solvay SA–Class A | | 1,400 | | $ | 182,393 |
Syngenta AG | | 517 | | | 167,494 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,247,397 |
| | | | | |
CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–0.2% | | | | | |
Amcor Ltd. | | 17,300 | | | 83,810 |
Ball Corp. | | 5,000 | | | 238,700 |
Bemis, Inc. | | 6,100 | | | 136,762 |
Owens-Illinois, Inc.(a) | | 3,300 | | | 137,577 |
Smurfit-Stone Container Corp.(a) | | 7,000 | | | 28,490 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 625,339 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–2.4% | | | | | |
Alcoa, Inc. | | 11,900 | | | 423,878 |
Anglo American PLC | | 5,146 | | | 361,422 |
Antofagasta PLC | | 11,100 | | | 144,330 |
ArcelorMittal | | 3,568 | | | 352,227 |
Barrick Gold Corp. | | 1,000 | | | 45,710 |
BHP Billiton PLC | | 12,702 | | | 487,121 |
Cia Vale do Rio Doce (ADR) | | 11,100 | | | 397,602 |
Cia Vale do Rio Doce (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 6,100 | | | 182,024 |
Inmet Mining Corp. | | 1,200 | | | 79,647 |
JFE Holdings, Inc. | | 10,000 | | | 504,182 |
Kazakhmys PLC | | 2,800 | | | 88,284 |
MMC Norilsk Nickel (ADR) | | 10,550 | | | 265,860 |
Norsk Hydro ASA | | 12,600 | | | 183,726 |
Rio Tinto PLC | | 8,375 | | | 1,008,575 |
Rio Tinto PLC (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 885 | | | 438,075 |
Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd. | | 9,000 | | | 137,667 |
Xstrata PLC | | 11,960 | | | 952,738 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,053,068 |
| | | | | |
PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS–0.1% | | | | | |
Stora Enso Oyj–Class R | | 11,300 | | | 105,279 |
Svenska Cellulosa AB–Class B | | 4,600 | | | 64,725 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 170,004 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 13,095,808 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–4.5% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–0.8% | | | | | |
BAE Systems PLC | | 39,746 | | | 348,863 |
Honeywell International, Inc. | | 24,625 | | | 1,238,145 |
Lockheed Martin Corp. | | 1,000 | | | 98,660 |
Northrop Grumman Corp. | | 5,500 | | | 367,950 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,053,618 |
| | | | | |
AIRLINES–0.2% | | | | | |
Air France-KLM | | 3,200 | | | 76,329 |
Deutsche Lufthansa AG | | 8,400 | | | 180,985 |
Qantas Airways Ltd. | | 40,200 | | | 117,148 |
UAL Corp. | | 6,300 | | | 32,886 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 407,348 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–0.1% | | | | | |
Allied Waste Industries, Inc.(a) | | 21,000 | | | 265,020 |
| | | | | |
6
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.3% | | | | | |
Fluor Corp. | | 2,975 | | $ | 553,588 |
Foster Wheeler Ltd.(a) | | 2,600 | | | 190,190 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 743,778 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.4% | | | | | |
ABB Ltd. | | 24,464 | | | 692,474 |
Emerson Electric Co. | | 4,250 | | | 210,163 |
First Solar, Inc.(a) | | 190 | | | 51,836 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 954,473 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.0% | | | | | |
3M Co. | | 1,800 | | | 125,262 |
General Electric Co. | | 61,000 | | | 1,628,090 |
Textron, Inc. | | 9,800 | | | 469,714 |
Tyco International Ltd. | | 8,100 | | | 324,324 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,547,390 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–0.8% | | | | | |
Atlas Copco AB–Class A | | 13,241 | | | 193,654 |
Caterpillar, Inc. | | 2,900 | | | 214,078 |
Crane Co. | | 3,200 | | | 123,296 |
Cummins, Inc. | | 2,800 | | | 183,456 |
Deere & Co. | | 9,600 | | | 692,448 |
Dover Corp. | | 5,800 | | | 280,546 |
Illinois Tool Works, Inc. | | 1,700 | | | 80,767 |
Parker Hannifin Corp. | | 4,000 | | | 285,280 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,053,525 |
| | | | | |
MARINE–0.1% | | | | | |
Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd. | | 14,000 | | | 199,667 |
Nippon Yusen KK(b) | | 16,000 | | | 154,109 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 353,776 |
| | | | | |
ROAD & RAIL–0.2% | | | | | |
Avis Budget Group, Inc.(a) | | 3,600 | | | 30,132 |
East Japan Railway Co. | | 23 | | | 187,342 |
Ryder System, Inc. | | 3,200 | | | 220,416 |
Union Pacific Corp. | | 1,900 | | | 143,450 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 581,340 |
| | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–0.6% | | | | | |
Mitsubishi Corp. | | 16,900 | | | 556,867 |
Mitsui & Co. Ltd. | | 40,000 | | | 882,844 |
WW Grainger, Inc. | | 1,400 | | | 114,520 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,554,231 |
| | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE–0.0% | | | | | |
Macquarie Infrastructure Group | | 39,900 | | | 88,778 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,603,277 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–4.5% | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–0.7% | | | | | |
The Coca-Cola Co. | | 9,700 | | | 504,206 |
Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. | | 15,900 | | | 275,070 |
Molson Coors Brewing Co.–Class B | | 3,800 | | | 206,454 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. | | 9,600 | | $ | 268,032 |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | 8,750 | | | 556,412 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,810,174 |
| | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–1.0% | | | | | |
Costco Wholesale Corp. | | 10,150 | | | 711,921 |
Koninklijke Ahold NV | | 21,260 | | | 285,004 |
The Kroger Co. | | 5,200 | | | 150,124 |
Safeway, Inc. | | 11,100 | | | 316,905 |
Supervalu, Inc. | | 8,700 | | | 268,743 |
Tesco PLC | | 60,625 | | | 443,429 |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | | 9,500 | | | 533,900 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,710,026 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–1.3% | | | | | |
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | | 11,300 | | | 381,375 |
Associated British Foods PLC | | 9,400 | | | 141,591 |
ConAgra Foods, Inc. | | 4,100 | | | 79,048 |
Del Monte Foods Co. | | 9,100 | | | 64,610 |
General Mills, Inc. | | 2,425 | | | 147,367 |
Kraft Foods, Inc.–Class A | | 2,300 | | | 65,435 |
Nestle SA | | 15,310 | | | 689,940 |
Sara Lee Corp. | | 12,700 | | | 155,575 |
Tyson Foods, Inc.–Class A | | 12,100 | | | 180,774 |
Unilever PLC | | 12,251 | | | 348,074 |
WM Wrigley Jr Co. | | 15,250 | | | 1,186,145 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,439,934 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–0.8% | | | | | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | | 6,700 | | | 462,970 |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | 17,200 | | | 1,045,932 |
Reckitt Benckiser PLC | | 8,706 | | | 439,723 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,948,625 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–0.7% | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | 16,300 | | | 335,128 |
British American Tobacco PLC | | 12,116 | | | 417,927 |
Philip Morris International, Inc. | | 13,600 | | | 671,704 |
Reynolds American, Inc. | | 5,700 | | | 266,019 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,690,778 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,599,537 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–3.1% | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–0.2% | | | | | |
Autoliv, Inc. | | 4,200 | | | 195,804 |
Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin–Class B | | 1,700 | | | 121,560 |
Hyundai Mobis | | 2,250 | | | 182,130 |
Lear Corp.(a) | | 3,100 | | | 43,958 |
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp.(a) | | 1,900 | | | 35,093 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 578,545 |
| | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–0.6% | | | | | |
General Motors Corp. | | 11,100 | | | 127,650 |
Honda Motor Co. Ltd. | | 6,200 | | | 211,586 |
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. | | 57,700 | | | 479,226 |
7
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Porsche Automobil Holding SE | | 703 | | $ | 108,048 |
Renault SA | | 4,500 | | | 366,240 |
Toyota Motor Corp. | | 5,100 | | | 240,741 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,533,491 |
| | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.4% | | | | | |
Marriott International, Inc.–Class A | | 5,000 | | | 131,200 |
McDonald’s Corp. | | 6,300 | | | 354,186 |
Starbucks Corp.(a) | | 12,900 | | | 203,046 |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | | 2,600 | | | 104,182 |
TUI AG | | 3,900 | | | 90,285 |
TUI Travel PLC | | 19,000 | | | 77,211 |
Yum! Brands, Inc. | | 3,650 | | | 128,078 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,088,188 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.2% | | | | | |
Black & Decker Corp. | | 1,400 | | | 80,514 |
Centex Corp. | | 7,100 | | | 94,927 |
KB Home | | 5,000 | | | 84,650 |
Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. | | 1,900 | | | 31,901 |
Sharp Corp. | | 11,000 | | | 179,314 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 471,306 |
| | | | | |
LEISURE EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS–0.0% | | | | | |
Brunswick Corp. | | 6,200 | | | 65,720 |
Namco Bandai Holdings, Inc. | | 4,200 | | | 47,624 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 113,344 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–0.9% | | | | | |
CBS Corp.–Class B | | 7,800 | | | 152,022 |
Gannett Co., Inc. | | 10,000 | | | 216,700 |
ITV PLC | | 76,560 | | | 67,791 |
Lagardere SCA | | 2,900 | | | 164,049 |
News Corp.–Class A | | 19,800 | | | 297,792 |
SES SA (FDR)(a) | | 7,084 | | | 176,987 |
Time Warner, Inc. | | 41,300 | | | 611,240 |
Viacom, Inc.–Class B(a) | | 4,700 | | | 143,538 |
The Walt Disney Co. | | 11,400 | | | 355,680 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,185,799 |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–0.3% | | | | | |
Dollar Tree, Inc.(a) | | 900 | | | 29,421 |
Family Dollar Stores, Inc. | | 4,800 | | | 95,712 |
Kohl’s Corp.(a) | | 7,325 | | | 293,293 |
Macy’s, Inc. | | 14,900 | | | 289,358 |
New World Department Store China Ltd.(a) | | 872 | | | 769 |
Target Corp. | | 2,450 | | | 113,901 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 822,454 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–0.3% | | | | | |
AutoNation, Inc.(a) | | 11,700 | | | 117,234 |
Esprit Holdings Ltd. | | 16,500 | | | 171,806 |
The Gap, Inc. | | 8,400 | | | 140,028 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Home Depot, Inc. | | 14,100 | | $ | 330,222 |
Lowe’s Cos, Inc. | | 5,800 | | | 120,350 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 879,640 |
| | | | | |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.2% | | | | | |
Jones Apparel Group, Inc. | | 12,600 | | | 173,250 |
Nike, Inc.–Class B | | 4,600 | | | 274,206 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 447,456 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,120,223 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.5% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.6% | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | 47,200 | | | 1,590,168 |
China Netcom Group Corp. Ltd. | | 59,000 | | | 160,467 |
Deutsche Telekom AG–Class W | | 12,500 | | | 205,272 |
France Telecom SA | | 6,200 | | | 181,828 |
Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.(b) | | 50 | | | 246,714 |
Tele2 AB–Class B | | 6,600 | | | 128,348 |
Telecom Italia SpA | | 97,500 | | | 195,010 |
Telefonica SA | | 18,730 | | | 495,668 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | 25,500 | | | 902,700 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,106,175 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.9% | | | | | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | 12,800 | | | 675,200 |
Sprint Nextel Corp. | | 53,600 | | | 509,200 |
Vodafone Group PLC | | 361,814 | | | 1,066,016 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,250,416 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,356,591 |
| | | | | |
UTILITIES–1.2% | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–0.7% | | | | | |
American Electric Power Co., Inc. | | 5,300 | | | 213,219 |
CEZ | | 1,908 | | | 169,453 |
E.ON AG | | 4,395 | | | 885,374 |
Entergy Corp. | | 900 | | | 108,432 |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | | 5,700 | | | 175,389 |
The Tokyo Electric Power Co. Inc | | 12,000 | | | 308,981 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,860,848 |
| | | | | |
INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS & ENERGY TRADERS–0.2% | | | | | |
Iberdrola Renovables SA(a) | | 25,867 | | | 199,284 |
International Power PLC | | 29,628 | | | 253,814 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 453,098 |
| | | | | |
8
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–0.3% | | | | | | |
A2A SpA | | | 36,700 | | $ | 133,997 |
Ameren Corp. | | | 4,100 | | | 173,143 |
CMS Energy Corp. | | | 3,000 | | | 44,700 |
Suez SA | | | 6,323 | | | 428,622 |
Wisconsin Energy Corp. | | | 2,350 | | | 106,267 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 886,729 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 3,200,675 |
| | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $166,618,522) | | | | | | 158,680,947 |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | |
CORPORATES–INVESTMENT GRADES–7.9% | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–3.6% | | | | | | |
BANKING–1.4% | | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. 3.375%, 2/17/09 | | $ | 70 | | | 69,714 |
4.50%, 8/01/10 | | | 100 | | | 99,963 |
BankAmerica Capital II Series 2 8.00%, 12/15/26 | | | 50 | | | 49,944 |
Citicorp, Inc. Series MTNF 6.375%, 11/15/08 | | | 31 | | | 31,228 |
Citigroup, Inc. 2.817%, 6/09/09(d) | | | 20 | | | 19,778 |
3.625%, 2/09/09 | | | 135 | | | 134,804 |
4.625%, 8/03/10 | | | 75 | | | 74,689 |
5.50%, 4/11/13 | | | 125 | | | 121,997 |
Compass Bank 5.50%, 4/01/20 | | | 215 | | | 185,942 |
JP Morgan Chase & Co. 6.00%, 2/15/09 | | | 170 | | | 170,996 |
6.75%, 2/01/11 | | | 80 | | | 83,034 |
JPM Chase Capital XXV Series Y 6.80%, 10/01/37 | | | 51 | | | 45,777 |
M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank 4.85%, 6/16/15 | | | 250 | | | 203,005 |
5.00%, 1/17/17 | | | 205 | | | 167,717 |
Mellon Funding Corp. 3.25%, 4/01/09 | | | 105 | | | 103,923 |
Morgan JP & Co., Inc. 6.25%, 1/15/09 | | | 157 | | | 158,506 |
National City Bank of Ohio 6.25%, 3/15/11 | | | 250 | | | 227,193 |
Regions Financial Corp. 6.375%, 5/15/12 | | | 180 | | | 177,361 |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC 6.40%, 4/01/09 | | | 108 | | | 109,427 |
SouthTrust Corp. 5.80%, 6/15/14 | | | 175 | | | 177,475 |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
UBS Preferred Funding Trust I 8.622%, 10/01/10 | | $ | 40 | | $ | 40,194 |
Union Bank of California 5.95%, 5/11/16 | | | 250 | | | 237,149 |
Union Planters Corp. 7.75%, 3/01/11 | | | 120 | | | 122,667 |
US Bancorp 5.30%, 4/28/09 | | | 185 | | | 186,109 |
Wachovia Corp. 5.50%, 5/01/13 | | | 200 | | | 191,420 |
5.625%, 12/15/08 | | | 46 | | | 45,973 |
Washington Mutual, Inc. 4.20%, 1/15/10 | | | 14 | | | 12,180 |
Wells Fargo & Co. 3.125%, 4/01/09 | | | 190 | | | 189,142 |
4.20%, 1/15/10 | | | 35 | | | 35,102 |
Zions Bancorporation 5.50%, 11/16/15 | | | 35 | | | 27,877 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 3,500,286 |
| | | | | | |
BROKERAGE–0.6% | | | | | | |
The Bear Stearns Co., Inc. 5.55%, 1/22/17 | | | 165 | | | 152,497 |
5.70%, 11/15/14 | | | 145 | | | 140,130 |
7.625%, 12/07/09 | | | 98 | | | 101,306 |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. 3.875%, 1/15/09 | | | 134 | | | 134,004 |
4.75%, 7/15/13 | | | 115 | | | 110,619 |
6.65%, 5/15/09 | | | 105 | | | 107,066 |
7.35%, 10/01/09 | | | 36 | | | 36,972 |
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. 5.00%, 1/14/11 | | | 60 | | | 58,179 |
6.20%, 9/26/14 | | | 33 | | | 31,497 |
6.50%, 7/19/17 | | | 54 | | | 49,956 |
7.875%, 11/01/09 | | | 175 | | | 178,456 |
Series MTNG 4.80%, 3/13/14 | | | 42 | | | 37,710 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. 4.125%, 1/15/09 | | | 52 | | | 51,405 |
4.79%, 8/04/10 | | | 105 | | | 102,084 |
6.00%, 2/17/09 | | | 167 | | | 166,389 |
6.05%, 5/16/16 | | | 245 | | | 226,012 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,684,282 |
| | | | | | |
FINANCE–0.9% | | | | | | |
American General Finance Corp. 4.625%, 5/15/09 | | | 191 | | | 189,467 |
Capital One Bank 4.25%, 12/01/08 | | | 160 | | | 159,706 |
6.50%, 6/13/13 | | | 65 | | | 63,650 |
Capital One Financial Corp. 4.80%, 2/21/12 | | | 155 | | | 144,121 |
5.50%, 6/01/15 | | | 20 | | | 17,983 |
6.75%, 9/15/17 | | | 43 | | | 42,606 |
CIT Group, Inc. 5.00%, 2/01/15 | | | 75 | | | 51,860 |
5.85%, 9/15/16 | | | 150 | | | 103,496 |
7.625%, 11/30/12 | | | 135 | | | 112,209 |
9
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Series MTN 5.125%, 9/30/14 | | $ | 40 | | $ | 28,650 |
Countrywide Financial Corp. Series MTN 5.80%, 6/07/12 | | | 55 | | | 52,019 |
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. Series MTNL 4.00%, 3/22/11 | | | 52 | | | 47,340 |
General Electric Capital Corp. 4.375%, 11/21/11 | | | 25 | | | 25,055 |
4.80%, 5/01/13 | | | 210 | | | 205,730 |
6.75%, 3/15/32 | | | 255 | | | 256,772 |
Household Finance Corp. 4.125%, 12/15/08 | | | 90 | | | 89,860 |
HSBC Finance Corp. 6.50%, 11/15/08 | | | 80 | | | 80,640 |
7.00%, 5/15/12 | | | 85 | | | 88,043 |
iStar Financial, Inc. 5.15%, 3/01/12 | | | 105 | | | 86,625 |
5.65%, 9/15/11 | | | 95 | | | 81,225 |
SLM Corp. 5.375%, 1/15/13–5/15/14 | | | 375 | | | 329,818 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,256,875 |
| | | | | | |
INSURANCE–0.4% | | | | | | |
Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings Ltd. 7.50%, 8/01/16 | | | 75 | | | 70,195 |
The Allstate Corp. 6.125%, 5/15/37 | | | 210 | | | 190,533 |
Assurant, Inc. 5.625%, 2/15/14 | | | 35 | | | 33,175 |
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corp. 4.20%, 12/15/10 | | | 50 | | | 50,642 |
Genworth Financial, Inc. 4.75%, 6/15/09 | | | 70 | | | 69,643 |
5.231%, 5/16/09 | | | 62 | | | 62,302 |
6.515%, 5/22/18 | | | 210 | | | 196,577 |
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc. 5.75%, 3/15/14(c) | | | 35 | | | 33,786 |
Prudential Financial, Inc. 5.15%, 1/15/13 | | | 110 | | | 107,214 |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. 4.125%, 8/15/09 | | | 67 | | | 66,393 |
5.25%, 3/15/11 | | | 165 | | | 164,236 |
WellPoint, Inc. 4.25%, 12/15/09 | | | 80 | | | 79,195 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,123,891 |
| | | | | | |
REITS–0.3% | | | | | | |
HCP, Inc. 5.95%, 9/15/11 | | | 185 | | | 179,630 |
Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc. 5.125%, 4/01/14 | | | 101 | | | 89,416 |
8.125%, 5/01/11 | | | 175 | | | 180,140 |
Mack-Cali Realty LP 7.25%, 3/15/09 | | | 35 | | | 35,388 |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. 6.50%, 7/15/11 | | $ | 180 | | $ | 182,284 |
Simon Property Group LP 5.625%, 8/15/14 | | | 139 | | | 134,407 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 801,265 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 9,366,599 |
| | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–3.5% | | | | | | |
BASIC–0.6% | | | | | | |
ArcelorMittal 6.125%, 6/01/18(c) | | | 220 | | | 214,996 |
6.50%, 4/15/14 | | | 60 | | | 60,829 |
BHP Billiton Finance USA Ltd. 7.25%, 3/01/16 | | | 135 | | | 146,309 |
The Dow Chemical Co. 7.375%, 11/01/29 | | | 10 | | | 10,606 |
International Paper Co. 4.25%, 1/15/09 | | | 75 | | | 74,755 |
5.30%, 4/01/15 | | | 149 | | | 131,333 |
7.95%, 6/15/18 | | | 125 | | | 124,304 |
Lubrizol Corp. 4.625%, 10/01/09 | | | 20 | | | 19,906 |
Packaging Corp. of America 5.75%, 8/01/13 | | | 30 | | | 29,311 |
PPG Industries, Inc. 5.75%, 3/15/13 | | | 165 | | | 167,765 |
Stora Enso Oyj 7.375%, 5/15/11 | | | 175 | | | 172,283 |
United States Steel Corp. 5.65%, 6/01/13 | | | 166 | | | 161,628 |
6.05%, 6/01/17 | | | 10 | | | 9,340 |
Weyerhaeuser Co. 5.95%, 11/01/08 | | | 96 | | | 96,695 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,420,060 |
| | | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–0.3% | | | | | | |
Boeing Capital Corp. 4.75%, 8/25/08 | | | 35 | | | 35,133 |
Caterpillar Financial Services 4.50%, 6/15/09 | | | 46 | | | 46,301 |
John Deere Capital Corp. 4.875%, 3/16/09 | | | 185 | | | 185,921 |
Lafarge SA 6.15%, 7/15/11 | | | 95 | | | 95,554 |
Mohawk Industries, Inc. 6.125%, 1/15/16 | | | 195 | | | 186,422 |
Tyco International Group SA 6.00%, 11/15/13 | | | 85 | | | 82,018 |
Waste Management, Inc. 6.875%, 5/15/09 | | | 40 | | | 40,789 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 672,138 |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– MEDIA–0.4% | | | | | | |
British Sky Broadcasting Group PLC 6.875%, 2/23/09 | | | 180 | | | 182,729 |
8.20%, 7/15/09 | | | 20 | | | 20,642 |
10
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
BSKYB Finance UK PLC 5.625%, 10/15/15(c) | | $ | 59 | | $ | 57,103 |
Comcast Cable Communications Holdings, Inc. 9.455%, 11/15/22 | | | 115 | | | 139,033 |
Comcast Cable Communications, Inc. 6.20%, 11/15/08 | | | 66 | | | 66,242 |
6.875%, 6/15/09 | | | 50 | | | 51,349 |
Comcast Corp. 5.30%, 1/15/14 | | | 135 | | | 130,861 |
5.50%, 3/15/11 | | | 50 | | | 50,038 |
News America Holdings, Inc. 6.55%, 3/15/33 | | | 45 | | | 44,025 |
9.25%, 2/01/13 | | | 59 | | | 67,600 |
RR Donnelley & Sons Co. 4.95%, 4/01/14 | | | 25 | | | 22,909 |
Time Warner Entertainment Co. 8.375%, 3/15/23 | | | 226 | | | 243,539 |
WPP Finance Corp. 5.875%, 6/15/14 | | | 25 | | | 24,015 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,100,085 |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.8% | | | |
AT&T Corp. 7.30%, 11/15/11 | | | 40 | | | 42,603 |
8.00%, 11/15/31 | | | 15 | | | 17,220 |
British Telecommunications PLC 8.625%, 12/15/10 | | | 100 | | | 107,375 |
Embarq Corp. 6.738%, 6/01/13 | | | 5 | | | 4,824 |
7.082%, 6/01/16 | | | 335 | | | 318,168 |
New Cingular Wireless Services, Inc. 7.875%, 3/01/11 | | | 210 | | | 223,578 |
8.75%, 3/01/31 | | | 105 | | | 124,591 |
Qwest Corp. 5.625%, 11/15/08 | | | 110 | | | 109,725 |
7.875%, 9/01/11 | | | 150 | | | 150,000 |
8.875%, 3/15/12 | | | 110 | | | 112,200 |
Telecom Italia Capital SA 4.00%, 1/15/10 | | | 120 | | | 118,387 |
6.00%, 9/30/34 | | | 65 | | | 55,628 |
Telefonos de Mexico SAB de CV 4.50%, 11/19/08 | | | 157 | | | 157,385 |
US Cellular Corp. 6.70%, 12/15/33 | | | 60 | | | 53,752 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. 4.90%, 9/15/15 | | | 78 | | | 74,008 |
5.25%, 4/15/13 | | | 105 | | | 104,396 |
Verizon New Jersey, Inc. Series A 5.875%, 1/17/12 | | | 109 | | | 110,519 |
Vodafone Group PLC 5.50%, 6/15/11 | | | 60 | | | 60,589 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,944,948 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–AUTOMOTIVE–0.0% | | | |
Daimler Finance North America LLC 4.875%, 6/15/10 | | $ | 25 | | $ | 25,150 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL– OTHER–0.1% | | | |
MDC Holdings, Inc. 5.50%, 5/15/13 | | | 140 | | | 134,846 |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. 7.375%, 11/15/15 | | | 81 | | | 80,074 |
7.875%, 5/01/12 | | | 84 | | | 85,474 |
Toll Brothers Finance Corp. 5.15%, 5/15/15 | | | 20 | | | 17,320 |
6.875%, 11/15/12 | | | 40 | | | 38,748 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 356,462 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL– RETAILERS–0.0% | | | |
Limited Brands, Inc. 6.90%, 7/15/17 | | | 25 | | | 22,716 |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 4.25%, 4/15/13 | | | 85 | | | 84,524 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 107,240 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER NON- CYCLICAL–0.5% | | | | | | |
Abbott Laboratories 3.50%, 2/17/09 | | | 185 | | | 185,250 |
Bunge Ltd. Finance Corp. 5.10%, 7/15/15 | | | 69 | | | 62,755 |
5.875%, 5/15/13 | | | 120 | | | 117,979 |
Cadbury Schweppes US Finance LLC 5.125%, 10/01/13(c) | | | 135 | | | 129,197 |
ConAgra Foods, Inc. 7.875%, 9/15/10 | | | 19 | | | 20,085 |
Fisher Scientific International, Inc. 6.125%, 7/01/15 | | | 94 | | | 93,188 |
6.75%, 8/15/14 | | | 29 | | | 29,707 |
Kraft Foods, Inc. 4.125%, 11/12/09 | | | 115 | | | 114,827 |
5.25%, 10/01/13 | | | 69 | | | 67,138 |
The Kroger Co. 7.25%, 6/01/09 | | | 180 | | | 184,797 |
Reynolds American, Inc. 7.25%, 6/01/13 | | | 150 | | | 155,060 |
7.625%, 6/01/16 | | | 145 | | | 151,063 |
Safeway, Inc. 4.125%, 11/01/08 | | | 18 | | | 18,012 |
6.50%, 3/01/11 | | | 15 | | | 15,514 |
Wyeth 5.50%, 2/01/14 | | | 40 | | | 40,323 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,384,895 |
| | | | | | |
11
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
ENERGY–0.5% | | | | | | |
Amerada Hess Corp. 7.875%, 10/01/29 | | $ | 55 | | $ | 63,080 |
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. 5.15%, 2/01/13 | | | 55 | | | 55,095 |
Conoco, Inc. 6.95%, 4/15/29 | | | 66 | | | 72,386 |
ConocoPhillips 6.375%, 3/30/09 | | | 180 | | | 183,439 |
Gaz Capital SA 6.212%, 11/22/16(c) | | | 315 | | | 292,274 |
The Premcor Refining Group, Inc. 7.50%, 6/15/15 | | | 87 | | | 89,756 |
Texaco Capital, Inc. 5.50%, 1/15/09 | | | 185 | | | 186,421 |
Valero Energy Corp. 6.875%, 4/15/12 | | | 200 | | | 207,609 |
Weatherford International Ltd. 5.15%, 3/15/13 | | | 70 | | | 69,592 |
6.00%, 3/15/18 | | | 35 | | | 34,542 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,254,194 |
| | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY–0.3% | | | | | | |
Computer Sciences Corp. 5.50%, 3/15/13(c) | | | 100 | | | 98,608 |
Electronic Data Systems Corp. Series B 6.50%, 8/01/13 | | | 235 | | | 241,361 |
International Business Machines Corp. 4.375%, 6/01/09 | | | 20 | | | 20,239 |
Motorola, Inc. 6.50%, 9/01/25 | | | 70 | | | 52,270 |
7.50%, 5/15/25 | | | 15 | | | 14,031 |
7.625%, 11/15/10 | | | 5 | | | 5,097 |
Oracle Corp. 4.95%, 4/15/13 | | | 88 | | | 88,850 |
Xerox Corp. 7.625%, 6/15/13 | | | 30 | | | 31,152 |
9.75%, 1/15/09 | | | 111 | | | 114,260 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 665,868 |
| | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION– AIRLINES–0.0% | | | | | | |
United Air Lines, Inc. 6.636%, 7/02/22 | | | 83 | | | 67,251 |
| | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION– RAILROADS–0.0% | | | | | | |
Canadian Pacific Railway Co. 6.50%, 5/15/18 | | | 50 | | | 49,537 |
| | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION– SERVICES–0.0% | | | |
FedEx Corp. 3.50%, 4/01/09 | | | 28 | | | 27,905 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 9,075,733 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
UTILITY–0.8% | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC–0.6% | | | | | | |
Carolina Power & Light Co. 6.50%, 7/15/12 | | $ | 185 | | $ | 194,083 |
Exelon Corp. 6.75%, 5/01/11 | | | 25 | | | 25,683 |
FirstEnergy Corp. Series B 6.45%, 11/15/11 | | | 170 | | | 174,437 |
Series C 7.375%, 11/15/31 | | | 165 | | | 179,421 |
MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. 5.875%, 10/01/12 | | | 100 | | | 102,854 |
Nisource Finance Corp. 6.80%, 1/15/19 | | | 225 | | | 220,646 |
7.875%, 11/15/10 | | | 40 | | | 41,481 |
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. 3.60%, 3/01/09 | | | 190 | | | 189,846 |
4.80%, 3/01/14 | | | 65 | | | 63,337 |
6.05%, 3/01/34 | | | 38 | | | 36,641 |
Progress Energy, Inc. 7.10%, 3/01/11 | | | 19 | | | 19,992 |
Public Service Company of Colorado Series 10 7.875%, 10/01/12 | | | 90 | | | 100,372 |
SPI Electricity & Gas Australia Holdings Pty Ltd. 6.15%, 11/15/13(c) | | | 238 | | | 239,748 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,588,541 |
| | | | | | |
NATURAL GAS–0.1% | | | | | | |
Duke Energy Field Services Corp. 7.875%, 8/16/10 | | | 15 | | | 15,742 |
Enterprise Products Operating LP | | | | | | |
Series B 5.60%, 10/15/14 | | | 25 | | | 24,490 |
Sempra Energy 4.75%, 5/15/09 | | | 185 | | | 185,660 |
Williams Co., Inc. 7.875%, 9/01/21 | | | 40 | | | 42,400 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 268,292 |
| | | | | | |
OTHER UTILITY–0.1% | | | | | | |
Veolia Environnement 6.00%, 6/01/18 | | | 145 | | | 144,667 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,001,500 |
| | | | | | |
Total Corporates–Investment Grades (cost $21,055,852) | | | | | | 20,443,832 |
| | | | | | |
GOVERNMENTS– TREASURIES–7.2% | | | |
TREASURIES–7.2% | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds 4.50%, 2/15/36 | | | 3,420 | | | 3,395,687 |
U.S. Treasury Notes 2.125%, 1/31/10 | | | 3,280 | | | 3,263,089 |
12
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
2.625%, 5/31/10 | | $ | 6,270 | | $ | 6,273,919 |
3.625%, 12/31/12 | | | 4,030 | | | 4,091,393 |
4.25%, 11/15/17 | | | 1,481 | | | 1,513,124 |
| | | | | | |
Total Governments–Treasuries (cost $18,473,886) | | | | | | 18,537,212 |
| | | | | | |
MORTGAGE PASS-THRU’S–7.1% | | | |
AGENCY FIXED RATE 30-YEAR–7.1% | | | | | | |
Federal Gold Loan Mortgage Corp. | | | | | | |
Series 2005 4.50%, 8/01/35 | | | 231 | | | 214,056 |
Series 2007 5.50%, 7/01/35 | | | 239 | | | 237,411 |
7.00%, 2/01/37 | | | 116 | | | 122,194 |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. | | | | | | |
Series 2007 7.00%, 2/01/37 | | | 477 | | | 501,030 |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | | | | | |
Series 2003 5.00%, 11/01/33 | | | 655 | | | 632,113 |
Series 2004 5.50%, 2/01/34–11/01/34 | | | 1,006 | | | 996,948 |
6.00%, 9/01/34 | | | 527 | | | 534,135 |
Series 2005 4.50%, 8/01/35–9/01/35 | | | 1,743 | | | 1,617,401 |
Series 2006 5.00%, 2/01/36 | | | 1,623 | | | 1,561,547 |
6.50%, 9/01/36 | | | 2,086 | | | 2,150,364 |
Series 2007 4.50%, 9/01/35–8/01/37 | | | 1,681 | | | 1,560,039 |
5.00%, 11/01/35–7/01/36 | | | 706 | | | 679,592 |
5.50%, 11/01/36–8/01/37 | | | 4,695 | | | 4,647,110 |
Series 2008 5.50%, 3/01/37 | | | 2,298 | | | 2,271,806 |
6.50%, 1/01/38 | | | 541 | | | 558,089 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 18,283,835 |
| | | | | | |
AGENCY ARMS–0.0% | | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association Series 2006 5.849%, 11/01/36(d) | | | 109 | | | 112,058 |
| | | | | | |
Total Mortgage Pass-Thru’s (cost $18,361,431) | | | | | | 18,395,893 |
| | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES–5.3% | | | |
NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE CMBS–5.3% | | | | | | |
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc. Series 2001-PB1, Class A2 5.787%, 5/11/35 | | | 162 | | | 163,258 |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Series 2004-4, Class A3 4.128%, 7/10/42 | | $ | 200 | | $ | 200,000 |
Series 2004-6, Class A2 4.161%, 12/10/42 | | | 140 | | | 139,010 |
Series 2005-6, Class A4 5.352%, 9/10/47 | | | 315 | | | 302,768 |
Series 2006-5, Class A4 5.414%, 9/10/47 | | | 355 | | | 337,167 |
Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities, Inc. Series 2006-PW12, Class A4 5.902%, 9/11/38 | | | 100 | | | 97,515 |
Series 2007-PW18, Class A4 5.70%, 6/11/50 | | | 365 | | | 343,726 |
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2004-C1, Class A4 5.529%, 4/15/40 | | | 110 | | | 108,239 |
Series 2008-C7, Class A4 6.299%, 12/10/49 | | | 440 | | | 429,727 |
Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates Series 2007-C9, Class A4 6.01%, 12/10/49 | | | 460 | | | 440,268 |
Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp. Series 2003-CK2, Class A2 3.861%, 3/15/36 | | | 6 | | | 6,367 |
Series 2004-C1, Class A4 4.75%, 1/15/37 | | | 70 | | | 67,821 |
Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates Series 2006-C3, Class A3 6.021%, 6/15/38 | | | 435 | | | 426,671 |
Series 2006-C4, Class A3 5.467%, 9/15/39 | | | 235 | | | 223,383 |
Series 2006-C5, Class A3 5.311%, 12/15/39 | | | 190 | | | 178,434 |
GE Capital Commercial Mortgage Corp. Series 2005-C3, Class A3FX 4.863%, 7/10/45 | | | 360 | | | 358,308 |
Greenwich Capital Commercial Funding Corp. Series 2007-GG9, Class A2 5.381%, 3/10/39 | | | 520 | | | 508,576 |
Series 2007-GG9, Class A4 5.444%, 3/10/39 | | | 475 | | | 442,602 |
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II Series 2001-ROCK, Class C 6.878%, 5/03/18(c) | | | 605 | | | 619,130 |
Series 2004-GG2, Class A6 5.396%, 8/10/38 | | | 80 | | | 78,343 |
JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp. Series 2004-C1, Class A2 4.302%, 1/15/38 | | | 60 | | | 58,253 |
13
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Series 2005-CB11, Class A4 5.335%, 8/12/37 | | $ | 170 | | $ | 165,009 |
Series 2005-LDP3, Class A2 4.851%, 8/15/42 | | | 100 | | | 99,290 |
Series 2005-LDP4, Class A2 4.79%, 10/15/42 | | | 198 | | | 197,060 |
Series 2005-LDP5, Class A2 5.198%, 12/15/44 | | | 60 | | | 59,803 |
Series 2006-CB14, Class A4 5.481%, 12/12/44 | | | 220 | | | 210,782 |
Series 2006-CB15, Class A4 5.814%, 6/12/43 | | | 415 | | | 404,849 |
Series 2006-CB16, Class A4 5.552%, 5/12/45 | | | 200 | | | 191,366 |
Series 2006-CB17, Class A4 5.429%, 12/12/43 | | | 350 | | | 331,521 |
Series 2007-CB18, Class A4 5.44%, 6/12/47 | | | 445 | | | 413,894 |
Series 2007-CB19, Class A4 5.937%, 2/12/49 | | | 475 | | | 453,625 |
LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2003-C3, Class A4 4.166%, 5/15/32 | | | 150 | | | 143,810 |
Series 2004-C4, Class A4 5.295%, 6/15/29 | | | 40 | | | 39,460 |
Series 2004-C8, Class A2 4.201%, 12/15/29 | | | 125 | | | 124,070 |
Series 2005-C1, Class A4 4.742%, 2/15/30 | | | 120 | | | 113,154 |
Series 2005-C7, Class A4 5.197%, 11/15/30 | | | 50 | | | 48,046 |
Series 2006-C1, Class A4 5.156%, 2/15/31 | | | 825 | | | 776,399 |
Series 2006-C3, Class A4 5.661%, 3/15/39 | | | 285 | | | 276,236 |
Series 2006-C4, Class A4 6.08%, 6/15/38 | | | 275 | | | 270,803 |
Series 2006-C6, Class A4 5.372%, 9/15/39 | | | 330 | | | 312,229 |
Series 2007-C6, Class A4 5.858%, 7/15/40 | | | 210 | | | 200,510 |
Series 2008-C1, Class A2 6.317%, 4/15/41 | | | 340 | | | 332,809 |
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust Series 2005-CKI1, Class A6 5.416%, 11/12/37 | | | 40 | | | 38,608 |
Series 2005-MKB2, Class A2 4.806%, 9/12/42 | | | 320 | | | 319,588 |
Merrill Lynch/Countrywide Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2006-2, Class A4 6.104%, 6/12/46 | | | 110 | | | 108,371 |
Series 2006-3, Class A4 5.414%, 7/12/46 | | | 280 | | | 265,574 |
Series 2007-9, Class A4 5.70%, 9/12/17 | | | 440 | | | 414,303 |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Morgan Stanley Capital I Series 2004-HQ4, Class A5 4.59%, 4/14/40 | | $ | 190 | | $ | 184,802 |
Series 2007-T27, Class A4 5.803%, 6/13/42 | | | 210 | | | 199,055 |
Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2006-C27, Class A3 5.765%, 7/15/45 | | | 440 | | | 426,339 |
Series 2007-C32, Class A2 5.924%, 6/15/49 | | | 455 | | | 448,649 |
Series 2007-C32, Class A3 5.929%, 6/15/49 | | | 435 | | | 412,752 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 13,512,332 |
| | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FLOATING RATE CMBS–0.0% | | | |
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II Series 2007-EOP, Class E 2.89%, 3/06/20(c)(d) | | | 75 | | | 69,726 |
| | | | | | |
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $13,992,219) | | | | | | 13,582,058 |
| | | | | | |
AGENCIES–4.5% | | | | | | |
AGENCY DEBENTURES–4.5% | | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Bank 4.625%, 10/10/12 | | | 470 | | | 481,385 |
5.00%, 11/17/17 | | | 3,120 | | | 3,181,087 |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 4.125%, 12/21/12 | | | 1,660 | | | 1,665,732 |
5.125%, 11/17/17 | | | 2,670 | | | 2,743,059 |
5.50%, 8/23/17 | | | 755 | | | 798,431 |
Federal National Mortgage Association 3.25%, 4/09/13 | | | 1,660 | | | 1,597,368 |
6.25%, 5/15/29 | | | 740 | | | 837,169 |
6.625%, 11/15/30 | | | 110 | | | 130,576 |
Series 2005 3.875%, 2/15/10 | | | 200 | | | 202,731 |
| | | | | | |
Total Agencies (cost $11,800,623) | | | | | | 11,637,538 |
| | | | | | |
CORPORATES– NON-INVESTMENT GRADES–0.5% | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–0.4% | | | | | | |
BASIC–0.0% | | | | | | |
Ineos Group Holdings PLC 8.50%, 2/15/16(c) | | | 75 | | | 49,313 |
Westvaco Corp. 8.20%, 1/15/30 | | | 15 | | | 14,521 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 63,834 |
| | | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–0.0% | | | | | | |
Owens Corning, Inc. 6.50%, 12/01/16 | | | 115 | | | 104,705 |
| | | | | | |
14
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– MEDIA–0.1% | | | |
Cablevision Systems Corp. Series B 8.00%, 4/15/12 | | $ | 45 | | $ | 42,525 |
Clear Channel Communications, Inc. 5.50%, 9/15/14 | | | 85 | | | 51,000 |
DirecTV Holdings LLC 6.375%, 6/15/15 | | | 40 | | | 37,500 |
Echostar DBS Corp. 6.625%, 10/01/14 | | | 17 | | | 15,725 |
7.125%, 2/01/16 | | | 48 | | | 44,280 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 191,030 |
| | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.1% | | | |
Nextel Communications, Inc. Series E 6.875%, 10/31/13 | | | 45 | | | 38,025 |
Qwest Communications International, Inc. 7.50%, 2/15/14 | | | 25 | | | 23,750 |
Series B 7.50%, 2/15/14 | | | 15 | | | 14,250 |
Sprint Capital Corp. 8.375%, 3/15/12 | | | 120 | | | 118,800 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 194,825 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL– AUTOMOTIVE–0.1% | | | |
Ford Motor Credit Co. 7.375%, 10/28/09 | | | 160 | | | 145,725 |
General Motors Corp. 8.25%, 7/15/23 | | | 70 | | | 40,775 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 186,500 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL– OTHER–0.1% | | | |
Centex Corp. 5.45%, 8/15/12 | | | 134 | | | 111,555 |
Harrah’s Operating Co., Inc. 5.625%, 6/01/15 | | | 30 | | | 16,125 |
5.75%, 10/01/17 | | | 11 | | | 5,775 |
6.50%, 6/01/16 | | | 39 | | | 21,255 |
MGM Mirage 8.375%, 2/01/11 | | | 40 | | | 38,600 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 193,310 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER NON- CYCLICAL–0.0% | | | |
Tyson Foods, Inc. 6.85%, 4/01/16 | | | 96 | | | 87,239 |
| | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION– SERVICES–0.0% | | | |
Hertz Corp. 8.875%, 1/01/14 | | | 35 | | | 32,025 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,053,468 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
UTILITY–0.1% | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC–0.1% | | | | | | |
Dynegy Holdings, Inc. 8.375%, 5/01/16 | | $ | 70 | | $ | 67,900 |
Edison Mission Energy 7.00%, 5/15/17 | | | 60 | | | 56,100 |
NRG Energy, Inc. 7.25%, 2/01/14 | | | 65 | | | 62,075 |
7.375%, 2/01/16 | | | 35 | | | 32,944 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 219,019 |
| | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–0.0% | | | | | | |
REITS–0.0% | | | | | | |
Icahn Enterprises 7.125%, 2/15/13 | | | 45 | | | 40,837 |
| | | | | | |
Total Corporates–Non-Investment Grades (cost $1,501,653) | | | | | | 1,313,324 |
| | | | | | |
CMOS–0.4% | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY ARMS–0.2% | | | | | | |
Bear Stearns Alt-A Trust Series 2006-1, Class 22A1 5.381%, 2/25/36(e) | | | 203 | | | 162,601 |
Series 2006-3, Class 22A1 6.176%, 5/25/36(e) | | | 57 | | | 40,565 |
Series 2007-1, Class 21A1 5.72%, 1/25/47(e) | | | 63 | | | 48,652 |
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc. Series 2005-2, Class 1A4 5.113%, 5/25/35(e) | | | 127 | | | 120,088 |
Series 2006-AR1, Class 3A1 5.50%, 3/25/36(d) | | | 134 | | | 120,429 |
Indymac Index Mortgage Loan Trust Series 2006-AR7, Class 4A1 6.214%, 5/25/36(e) | | | 81 | | | 66,101 |
Residential Funding Mortgage Securities, Inc. Series 2005-SA3, Class 3A 5.24%, 8/25/35(e) | | | 130 | | | 124,803 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 683,239 |
| | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FLOATING RATE–0.1% | | | | | | |
Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust Series 2005-62, Class 2A1 4.528%, 12/25/35(d) | | | 56 | | | 42,945 |
Series 2006-OA14, Class 3A1 4.378%, 11/25/46(d) | | | 188 | | | 124,351 |
Series 2007-OA3, Class M1 2.793%, 4/25/47(d)(f) | | | 75 | | | 14,024 |
Lehman XS Trust Series 2007-4N, Class M1 2.933%, 3/25/47(d)(f) | | | 265 | | | 50,359 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 231,679 |
| | | | | | |
15
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE–0.1% | | | | | | |
Deutsche Mortgage Securities, Inc. Series 2005-WF1, Class 1A1 5.087%, 6/26/35(c) | | $ | 116 | | $ | 115,305 |
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc. Series 2005-A8, Class A1C1 5.25%, 8/25/36 | | | 98 | | | 90,371 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 205,676 |
| | | | | | |
Total CMOs (cost $1,587,259) | | | | | | 1,120,594 |
| | | | | | |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES–0.4% | | | | | | |
HOME EQUITY LOANS–FLOATING RATE–0.3% | | | | | | |
Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities, Inc. Series 2007-HE3, Class M1 2.933%, 4/25/37(d) | | | 100 | | | 12,360 |
Credit-Based Asset Servicing & Securities, Inc. Series 2005-CB7, Class AF2 5.147%, 11/25/35(g) | | | 49 | | | 45,792 |
Home Equity Asset Trust Series 2007-3, Class M1 2.833%, 8/25/37(d) | | | 275 | | | 44,729 |
HSI Asset Securitization Corp. Trust Series 2006-OPT2, Class 2A1 2.563%, 1/25/36(d) | | | 2 | | | 2,253 |
Indymac Residential Asset Backed Trust Series 2006-D, Class 2A2 2.593%, 11/25/36(d) | | | 295 | | | 270,248 |
IXIS Real Estate Capital Trust Series 2006-HE3, Class A2 2.583%, 1/25/37(d) | | | 195 | | | 183,053 |
RAAC Series Series 2006-SP3, Class A1 2.563%, 8/25/36(d) | | | 84 | | | 79,753 |
Residential Asset Securities Corp. Series 2003-KS3, Class A2 3.083%, 5/25/33(d) | | | 2 | | | 1,812 |
Specialty Underwriting & Residential Finance Series 2006-BC1, Class A2A 2.563%, 12/25/36(d) | | | 0 | | | 161 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 640,161 |
| | | | | | |
HOME EQUITY LOANS–FIXED RATE–0.1% | | | | | | |
Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates Series 2007-S1, Class A3 5.81%, 11/25/36 | | | 271 | | | 207,022 |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
Credit-Based Asset Servicing & Securities, Inc. Series 2003-CB1, Class AF 3.95%, 1/25/33 | | $ | 35 | | $ | 30,472 |
Home Equity Mortgage Trust Series 2005-4, Class A3 4.742%, 1/25/36 | | | 20 | | | 18,603 |
Residential Funding Mortgage Securities II, Inc. Series 2005-HI2, Class A3 4.46%, 5/25/35 | | | 29 | | | 28,529 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 284,626 |
| | | | | | |
Total Asset-Backed Securities (cost $1,351,738) | | | | | | 924,787 |
| | | | | | |
QUASI-SOVEREIGNS–0.3% | | | | | | |
QUASI-SOVEREIGN BONDS–0.3% | | | | | | |
RSHB Capital SA for OJSC Russian Agricultural Bank 6.299%, 5/15/17(c) | | | 195 | | | 174,197 |
7.75%, 5/29/18(c) | | | 725 | | | 710,500 |
| | | | | | |
Total Quasi-Sovereigns (cost $910,712) | | | | | | 884,697 |
| | | | | | |
| | Shares | | |
NON-CONVERTIBLE– PREFERRED STOCKS–0.1% | | | | | | |
NON CORPORATE SECTORS–0.1% | | | | | | |
AGENCIES–GOVERNMENT SPONSORED–0.1% | | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Series Z 8.375%(e) | | | 2,525 | | | 61,358 |
Federal National Mortgage Association 8.25% | | | 3,075 | | | 70,571 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 131,929 |
| | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–0.0% | | | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–0.0% | | | | | | |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | | | 200 | | | 86,208 |
| | | | | | |
Total Non-Convertible–Preferred Stocks (cost $232,993) | | | | | | 218,137 |
| | | | | | |
16
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
GOVERNMENT-RELATED–NON–U.S. ISSUERS–0.1% | | | | | | |
Russian Federation | | | | | | |
7.50%, 3/31/30(b)(c) (cost $205,308) | | $ | 187 | | $ | 209,842 |
| | | | | | |
SUPRANATIONALS–0.1% | | | | | | |
European Investment Bank | | | | | | |
5.125%, 5/30/17 (cost $180,309) | | | 175 | | | 183,629 |
| | | | | | |
GOVERNMENTS– SOVEREIGN BONDS–0.0% | | | |
NON CORPORATE SECTORS–0.0% | | | | | | |
SOVEREIGN–0.0% | | | | | | |
Republic of Brazil | | | | | | |
8.25%, 1/20/34 (cost $132,845) | | | 105 | | | 129,150 |
| | | | | | |
| | Shares | | |
RIGHTS–0.0% | | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–0.0% | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–0.0% | | | | | | |
Barclays PLC(a) | | | 10,950 | | | 2,072 |
HBOS PLC(a) | | | 32,356 | | | 6,928 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 9,000 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–0.0% | | | | | | |
Norwegian Property ASA(a) | | | 25,797 | | $ | 405 |
| | | | | | |
Total Rights (cost $0) | | | | | | 9,405 |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–3.8% | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–3.8% | | | | | | |
Bank of New York 1.00%, 7/01/08 (cost $9,704,000) | | $ | 9,704 | | | 9,704,000 |
| | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.2% (cost $266,109,350) | | | | | | 255,975,045 |
Other assets less liabilities–0.8% | | | | | | 1,984,945 |
| | | | | | |
NET ASSETS—100.0% | | | | | $ | 257,959,990 |
| | | | | | |
FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Type | | Number of Contracts | | Expiration Month | | Original Value | | Value at June 30, 2008 | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) |
Purchased Contracts | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
EURO STOXX 50 Index | | 2 | | September 2008 | | $ | 112,577 | | $ | 106,433 | | $ | (6,144) |
FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Contract Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value on Origination Date | | U.S. $ Value at June 30, 2008 | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Buy Contracts: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Polish Zloty settling 7/09/08 | | 1,834 | | $ | 830,904 | | $ | 859,917 | | $ | 29,013 | |
Sale Contracts: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Polish Zloty settling 7/09/08 | | 1,834 | | | 831,808 | | | 859,916 | | | (28,108 | ) |
17
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
(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 $1,370,652. |
(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, 2008, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $3,370,947 or 1.3% of net assets. |
(d) | Floating Rate Security. Stated interest rate was in effect at June 30, 2008. |
(e) | Variable rate coupon, rate shown as of June 30, 2008. |
(f) | Illiquid security, valued at fair value. (See Note A) |
(g) | Coupon rate adjusts periodically based upon a predetermined schedule. Stated interest rate in effect at June 30, 2008. |
The fund currently owns investments collateralized by subprime mortgage loans. Subprime loans are offered to homeowners who do not have a history of debt or who have had problems meeting their debt obligations. Because repayment is less certain, subprime borrowers pay a higher rate of interest than prime borrowers. As of June 30, 2008, the fund’s total exposure to subprime investments was 0.70%. These investments are valued in accordance with the fund’s Valuation Policies (see Note A.1 for additional details).
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
FDR— Fiduciary Depositary Receipt
See notes to financial statements.
18
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments in Securities | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | 107,062,098 | | $ | (6,144 | ) |
Level 2 | | | 146,487,967 | | | 905 | |
Level 3 | | | 2,424,980 | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 255,975,045 | | $ | (5,239 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/2007 | | $ | 6,201,501 | | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts /premiums | | | 5,151 | | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain (loss) | | | 150,176 | | | | –0 | –* |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | (673,029 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | (3,258,819 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/08 | | $ | 2,424,980 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 6/30/08 | | $ | (641,166 | ) | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 6/30/08 for other financial instruments was $0. |
19
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $266,109,350) | | $ | 255,975,045 | |
Foreign cash, at value (cost $792,188) | | | 808,328 | (a) |
Unrealized appreciation of forward currency exchange contracts | | | 29,013 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 2,653,201 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 1,401,468 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 997,978 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 261,865,033 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Due to custodian | | | 10,941 | |
Unrealized depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts | | | 28,108 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency contracts | | | 3,505,409 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 63,311 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 52,902 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 52,307 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 21,381 | |
Payable for variation margin on futures contracts | | | 441 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 85 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 170,158 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 3,905,043 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 257,959,990 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 22,641 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 267,698,500 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 1,735,831 | |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (1,365,658 | ) |
Net unrealized depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (10,131,324 | ) |
| | | | |
| | $ | 257,959,990 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 8,772 | | 765 | | $ | 11.47 |
B | | $ | 257,951,218 | | 22,640,033 | | $ | 11.39 |
(a) | An amount equivalent to U.S. $8,798 has been segregated to collateralize margin requirements for the open futures contracts outstanding at June 30, 2008. |
See notes to financial statements.
20
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Interest | | $ | 1,998,712 | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $137,628) | | | 1,905,357 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 3,904,069 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 622,625 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 283,000 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 859 | |
Custodian | | | 109,416 | |
Printing | | | 106,560 | |
Administrative | | | 46,100 | |
Audit | | | 25,000 | |
Legal | | | 6,602 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 884 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 7,469 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 1,208,515 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B) | | | (76,482 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 1,132,033 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 2,772,036 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | (1,096,736 | ) |
Futures | | | (74,171 | ) |
Foreign currency transactions | | | 190,577 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (22,600,044 | ) |
Futures | | | (8,564 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (61,627 | ) |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (23,650,565 | ) |
| | | | |
Contribution from Adviser (see Note B) | | | 6 | |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (20,878,523 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
21
| | |
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 2,772,036 | | | $ | 3,613,764 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (980,330 | ) | | | 6,009,612 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (22,670,235 | ) | | | (2,159,527 | ) |
Contribution from Adviser | | | 6 | | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (20,878,523 | ) | | | 7,463,849 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (167 | ) | | | (272,718 | ) |
Class B | | | (3,718,891 | ) | | | (3,511,139 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (217 | ) | | | (188,141 | ) |
Class B | | | (5,342,366 | ) | | | (2,585,906 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 76,449,733 | | | | 74,441,052 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase | | | 46,509,569 | | | | 75,346,997 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 211,450,421 | | | | 136,103,424 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $1,735,831 and $2,682,853, respectively) | | $ | 257,959,990 | | | $ | 211,450,421 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
22
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2008 (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 maximize total return consistent with the Adviser’s determination of reasonable risk. 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 eighteen 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.
23
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY 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 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.
24
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
During the six months ended June 30, 2008 the Adviser made a payment of $6 to the Portfolio in connection with a trading error.
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, 2008 the Adviser waived advisory fees in the amount of $51,763.
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. For the six months ended June 30, 2008 the total amount of such fees was $46,100. Due to the Adviser’s agreement to limit total operating expenses as described above, the Adviser waived reimbursement for a portion of such services in the amount of $24,719.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2008, amounted to $67,637, of which $207 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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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, 2008 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | Sales |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 103,442,350 | | $ | 46,365,879 |
U.S. government securities | | | 39,447,244 | | | 25,644,189 |
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 | | $ | 12,482,988 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (22,617,293 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized depreciation | | $ | (10,134,305 | ) |
| | | | |
25
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | 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. The Portfolio may also purchase or sell futures contracts for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
At the time the 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 or to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency 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 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 purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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 the 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, 2008, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
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| | 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, 2008, the Portfolio did not participate in dollar roll transactions.
5. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | –0 | – | | 35,342 | | | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 460,859 | |
Shares redeemed | | –0 | – | | (897,608 | ) | | | | | –0 | – | | | (11,568,083 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | –0 | – | | (862,266 | ) | | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | (11,107,224 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 6,265,147 | | | 7,204,056 | | | | | $ | 75,714,066 | | | $ | 94,036,364 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 753,222 | | | 470,089 | | | | | | 9,061,257 | | | | 6,097,045 | |
Shares redeemed | | (686,808 | ) | | (1,125,031 | ) | | | | | (8,325,590 | ) | | | (14,585,133 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 6,331,561 | | | 6,549,114 | | | | | $ | 76,449,733 | | | $ | 85,548,276 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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.
Currency Risk—This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce the returns of the Portfolio. For example, the value of the Portfolio’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U.S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.
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
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BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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, 2008.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:
| | | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 3,822,032 | | $ | 692,438 | |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 2,735,872 | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 6,557,904 | | $ | 692,438 | |
| | | | | | | |
NOTE I: Component of Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)
As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 3,672,316 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 5,287,377 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 11,219,326 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 20,179,019 | |
| | | | |
(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 tax treatment of certain derivative instruments. |
NOTE J: Legal Proceedings
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 (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of 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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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
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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 Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG 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 containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
NOTE L: Acquisition of Balanced Shares Portfolio by Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio
On June 11, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Fund approved the acquisition of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.—AllianceBernstein Balanced Shares Portfolio by the Portfolio (the “Acquisition”). The Acquisition does not require approval by the Portfolio’s shareholders. The Acquisition is expected to become effective late in the third quarter of 2008.
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | July 1, 2004(a) to December 31, 2004 | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $13.05 | | | $12.87 | | | $11.39 | | | $10.69 | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b)(c) | | .16 | | | .31 | | | .25 | | | .18 | | | .07 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (1.24 | ) | | .41 | | | 1.32 | | | .60 | | | .62 | |
Contribution from Adviser | | .00 | (d) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (1.08 | ) | | .72 | | | 1.57 | | | .78 | | | .69 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.22 | ) | | (.32 | ) | | (.09 | ) | | (.05 | ) | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.28 | ) | | (.22 | ) | | –0 | – | | (.03 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.50 | ) | | (.54 | ) | | (.09 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $11.47 | | | $13.05 | | | $12.87 | | | $11.39 | | | $10.69 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (e) | | (8.46 | )% | | 5.55 | % | | 13.92 | % | | 7.30 | % | | 6.90 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $9 | | | $10 | | | $11,111 | | | $9,746 | | | $9,089 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .75 | %(f)(g) | | .76 | % | | .99 | %(f) | | 1.20 | % | | 1.20 | %(g) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .81 | %(f)(g) | | .85 | % | | 1.07 | %(f) | | 1.54 | % | | 2.87 | %(g) |
Net investment income (c) | | 2.68 | %(f)(g) | | 2.33 | % | | 2.08 | %(f) | | 1.64 | % | | 1.36 | %(g) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 33 | % | | 77 | % | | 203 | % | | 139 | % | | 44 | % |
See footnote summary on page 31.
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | July 1, 2004(a) to December 31, 2004 | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $12.97 | | | $12.81 | | | $11.34 | | | $10.67 | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b)(c) | | .15 | | | .27 | | | .22 | | | .15 | | | .06 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (1.25 | ) | | .41 | | | 1.33 | | | .60 | | | .61 | |
Contribution from Adviser | | .00 | (d) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (1.10 | ) | | .68 | | | 1.55 | | | .75 | | | .67 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.20 | ) | | (.30 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | (.05 | ) | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.28 | ) | | (.22 | ) | | –0 | – | | (.03 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.48 | ) | | (.52 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $11.39 | | | $12.97 | | | $12.81 | | | $11.34 | | | $10.67 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (e) | | (8.68 | )% | | 5.26 | % | | 13.75 | % | | 7.01 | % | | 6.70 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $257,951 | | | $211,440 | | | $124,992 | | | $64,325 | | | $17,866 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.00 | %(f)(g) | | 1.01 | % | | 1.23 | %(f) | | 1.45 | % | | 1.45 | %(g) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.07 | %(f)(g) | | 1.07 | % | | 1.31 | %(f) | | 1.77 | % | | 3.34 | %(g) |
Net investment income (c) | | 2.45 | %(f)(g) | | 2.11 | % | | 1.84 | %(f) | | 1.31 | % | | 1.49 | %(g) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 33 | % | | 77 | % | | 203 | % | | 139 | % | | 44 | % |
(a) | Commencement of operations. |
(b) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(c) | Net of expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(d) | Amount is less than $0.005. |
(e) | Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. 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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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 the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein Balanced Wealth Strategy 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 the 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 06/30/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Balanced | | 55 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 45 bp on next $2.5 billion 40 bp on the balance | | $ | 174.1 | | Balanced Wealth Strategy 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 entitled to receive $86,750 (0.09% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services but waived the amount in its entirety.
The Adviser agreed to waive that portion of its management fees and/or reimburse a portion of the Portfolio’s total operating expense to the degree necessary to limit the Portfolio’s expense ratios to the amounts set forth below for the Portfolio’s current fiscal year. The waiver is terminable by the Adviser on May 1st of each year upon at least 60 days of written notice. It
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on July 17, 2007 and presented to the Board of Directors on July 31–August 2, 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. AllianceBernstein Balanced Shares, Inc., which the Adviser also manages, has lower breakpoints in its advisory fee schedule compared to the Balanced category: 60 bp on the first $200 million, 50 bp on the next $200 million, 40 bp on the balance. |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
should be noted that the Portfolio’s expense cap was reduced effective February 12, 2007. Set forth below is the Portfolio’s expense caps before and after February 12, 2007 and gross expense ratio as of December 31, 2006:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Cap Pursuant to Expense Limitation Undertaking | | Gross Expense Ratio (12/31/06) | | Fiscal Year End |
| Effective 02/12/07 | | Prior to 02/12/07 | | |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | Class A 0.75% | | 1.20% | | 1.07% | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.00% | | 1.45% | | 1.31% | | |
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 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 With respect to the Portfolio, the Adviser represented that there is no institutional product that has a similar investment style as the Portfolio. However, the Senior Officer noted that the portfolio composition of certain series of the AllianceBernstein Retirement Strategies, managed by the Adviser, were somewhat similar to that of the Portfolio. The Adviser has an institutional product, Target Date (All Active), which is managed similarly as the AllianceBernstein Retirement Strategies. Set forth below is a comparison of the Portfolio’s advisory fee and what would have been the advisory fee of the Portfolio had the institutional advisory fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio:
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 06/30/07 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Balanced Wealth Strategy | | $174.1 | | Target Date – All Active 75 bp on 1st $25 million 60 bp on next $25 million 50 bp on next $50 million 40 bp on next $100 million 35 bp on the balance +Other operating expenses (capped) Minimum Account Size: $100M or plan assets of $500M | | 0.508 | % | | 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. |
33
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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:5
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | Balanced Wealth Strategy | | 0.55% on first $2.5 billion 0.45% on next $2.5 billion 0.40% on the balance | | 0.55% |
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 Balanced Portfolio, which is a Luxembourg fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio:
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | | | Luxembourg Fund | | Fee |
Balanced Wealth Strategy | | | | Global Balanced Portfolio | | |
| | | | Class A6 | | 1.40% |
| | | | 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 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 |
Balanced Wealth Strategy | | | | Alliance Global Balance (50% Global Bond/50% Global Equity)7 | | 0.70% |
| | | | Alliance Global Balance (30% Global Bond/70% Global Equity)7 | | 0.75% |
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”)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.
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 | Class A shares of the Luxembourg funds are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory and distribution-related services. |
7 | This ACITM fund is privately placed or institutional. |
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. |
34
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee10 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | 0.550 | | 0.683 | | 5/13 |
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. Since the Portfolio’s expense cap was reduced effective February 12, 2007, supplemental pro-forma information (shown in bold and italicized) is also provided.12
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)13 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | 0.984 | | 0.830 | | 12/13 | | 0.721 | | 27/28 |
pro-forma | | 0.750 | | 0.820 | | 5/13 | | 0.722 | | 17/28 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has equally favorable rankings on a management fee basis and pro-forma 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 $230,686 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 $136,326 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
10 | The contractual management fee would 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. |
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 | The Portfolios’ pro-forma expense medians and rankings were estimated by the Senior Officer using standard Lipper methodology. |
13 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
35
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY 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 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 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 $793 billion as of June 30, 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 performance rankings of the Portfolio15 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)16 for the periods ended April 30, 2007.17
| | | | | | | | | | |
Balanced Wealth Strategy | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 12.76 | | 12.76 | | 11.10 | | 7/13 | | 13/53 |
14 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
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. |
36
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below is the 1 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)18 versus its benchmark.
| | | | |
| | Periods Ending April 30, 2007 Annualized Net Performance (%) |
| | 1 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%)19 |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | 12.76 | | 11.52 |
S&P 500 Stock Index | | 15.23 | | 13.46 |
Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index | | 7.36 | | 4.38 |
60% S&P 500 Stock Index / 40% Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index | | 12.08 | | 9.83 |
Inception Date: July 1, 2004 | | | | |
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: August 22, 2007
18 | The performance returns 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 April 30, 2007. 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. |
37
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.
| | |
|
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, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 849.91 | | $ | 5.52 | | 1.20 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,018.90 | | $ | 6.02 | | 1.20 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 849.39 | | $ | 6.67 | | 1.45 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,017.65 | | $ | 7.27 | | 1.45 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes' annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | | $ | 445,054 | | 3.5 | % |
Rio Tinto PLC | | | 383,198 | | 3.0 | |
EOG Resources, Inc. | | | 342,432 | | 2.7 | |
Xstrata PLC | | | 306,055 | | 2.4 | |
Baker Hughes, Inc. | | | 295,646 | | 2.3 | |
Noble Energy, Inc. | | | 271,110 | | 2.1 | |
Credit Suisse Group AG | | | 244,517 | | 1.9 | |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | | 243,875 | | 1.9 | |
Nestle SA | | | 223,250 | | 1.8 | |
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | | | 212,549 | | 1.7 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 2,967,686 | | 23.3 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2008 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 2,142,095 | | 17.0 | % |
Energy | | | 1,749,297 | | 13.9 | |
Information Technology | | | 1,699,735 | | 13.5 | |
Industrials | | | 1,456,282 | | 11.6 | |
Materials | | | 1,439,833 | | 11.4 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 1,400,145 | | 11.1 | |
Health Care | | | 1,247,897 | | 9.9 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 931,056 | | 7.4 | |
Utilities | | | 319,471 | | 2.6 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 204,648 | | 1.6 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 12,590,459 | | 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 fund 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COUNTRY | | U .S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
United States | | $ | 6,607,747 | | 52.5 | % |
United Kingdom | | | 1,413,275 | | 11.2 | |
Switzerland | | | 1,004,577 | | 8.0 | |
Japan | | | 733,489 | | 5.8 | |
Brazil | | | 397,067 | | 3.1 | |
Canada | | | 306,773 | | 2.4 | |
Germany | | | 249,990 | | 2.0 | |
France | | | 200,244 | | 1.6 | |
Australia | | | 194,227 | | 1.5 | |
Spain | | | 185,855 | | 1.5 | |
Mexico | | | 183,937 | | 1.5 | |
Norway | | | 162,633 | | 1.3 | |
South Africa | | | 148,527 | | 1.2 | |
Other * | | | 802,118 | | 6.4 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 12,590,459 | | 100.0 | % |
* | “Other” country weightings represents 1.2% or less in the following countries: China, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden and Taiwan. |
3
| | |
GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–98.7% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–16.5% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–10.1% | | | | | |
3i Group PLC | | 3,973 | | $ | 64,991 |
The Blackstone Group LP | | 10,150 | | | 184,831 |
Credit Suisse Group AG | | 5,372 | | | 244,517 |
Janus Capital Group, Inc. | | 2,800 | | | 74,116 |
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. | | 8,780 | | | 173,932 |
Macquarie Group Ltd. | | 2,374 | | | 110,523 |
Man Group PLC | | 12,530 | | | 154,787 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. | | 3,715 | | | 117,803 |
MF Global Ltd.(a) | | 2,600 | | | 16,406 |
Morgan Stanley | | 1,000 | | | 36,070 |
UBS AG (Swiss Virt-X) | | 5,015 | | | 104,504 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,282,480 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–1.0% | | | |
Banco Itau Holding Financeira SA | | 3,612 | | | 73,024 |
Banco Santander Central Hispano SA | | 2,844 | | | 51,886 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 124,910 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–2.2% | | | | | |
Bolsa De Mercadorias E Futuros | | 2,200 | | | 18,952 |
CME Group, Inc.–Class A | | 471 | | | 180,483 |
NYSE Euronext | | 1,600 | | | 81,056 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 280,491 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–1.3% | | | |
American International Group, Inc. | | 2,470 | | | 65,356 |
MBIA, Inc. | | 4,600 | | | 20,194 |
QBE Insurance Group Ltd. | | 3,893 | | | 83,704 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 169,254 |
| | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–1.9% | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | 12,500 | | | 243,875 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,101,010 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–13.8% | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–5.1% |
Baker Hughes, Inc. | | 3,385 | | | 295,646 |
Cameron International Corp.(a) | | 3,200 | | | 177,120 |
Technip SA | | 1,861 | | | 171,733 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 644,499 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–8.7% | | | | | |
Addax Petroleum Corp. | | 1,587 | | | 76,634 |
EOG Resources, Inc. | | 2,610 | | | 342,432 |
Noble Energy, Inc. | | 2,696 | | | 271,110 |
Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 2,200 | | | 127,490 |
Sasol Ltd. | | 2,115 | | | 124,499 |
StatoilHydro ASA | | 4,359 | | | 162,633 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,104,798 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,749,297 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–13.4% | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–2.6% | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 5,545 | | $ | 128,977 |
Juniper Networks, Inc.(a) | | 1,905 | | | 42,253 |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | | 1,900 | | | 84,303 |
Research In Motion Ltd.(a) | | 600 | | | 70,140 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 325,673 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–2.6% | | | |
Apple, Inc.(a) | | 830 | | | 138,975 |
EMC Corp.(a) | | 1,753 | | | 25,752 |
International Business Machines Corp. | | 1,350 | | | 160,015 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 324,742 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–0.9% |
Amphenol Corp.–Class A | | 1,000 | | | 44,880 |
Tyco Electronics Ltd. | | 1,775 | | | 63,580 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 108,460 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–1.5% |
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a) | | 500 | | | 17,395 |
Google, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 335 | | | 176,351 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 193,746 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–0.1% | | | |
Cap Gemini SA | | 307 | | | 17,999 |
| | | | | |
OFFICE ELECTRONICS–0.1% | | | |
Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. | | 1,000 | | | 16,939 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–3.3% |
Analog Devices, Inc. | | 1,400 | | | 44,478 |
Applied Materials, Inc. | | 3,700 | | | 70,633 |
Broadcom Corp.–Class A(a) | | 1,530 | | | 41,754 |
Intel Corp. | | 5,950 | | | 127,806 |
Intersil Corp.–Class A | | 1,100 | | | 26,752 |
Lam Research Corp.(a) | | 400 | | | 14,460 |
Linear Technology Corp. | | 700 | | | 22,799 |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 3,301 | | | 36,014 |
Tokyo Electron Ltd. | | 700 | | | 40,367 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 425,063 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–2.3% | | | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a) | | 1,275 | | | 50,222 |
Nintendo Co. Ltd. | | 200 | | | 113,415 |
Red Hat, Inc.(a) | | 1,400 | | | 28,966 |
Salesforce.com, Inc.(a) | | 700 | | | 47,761 |
Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd. (Sponsored) (ADR)(a) | | 730 | | | 19,819 |
VMware, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 500 | | | 26,930 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 287,113 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,699,735 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–11.5% | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–3.3% | | | |
BAE Systems PLC | | 18,007 | | | 158,053 |
4
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Honeywell International, Inc. | | 1,400 | | $ | 70,392 |
Lockheed Martin Corp. | | 1,140 | | | 112,472 |
United Technologies Corp. | | 1,350 | | | 83,295 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 424,212 |
| | | | | |
AIR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS–0.5% | | | |
United Parcel Service, Inc. Class B | | 1,100 | | | 67,617 |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.7% | | | |
Fluor Corp. | | 500 | | | 93,040 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–1.9% | | | |
ABB Ltd. | | 3,215 | | | 91,003 |
Ametek, Inc. | | 400 | | | 18,888 |
Emerson Electric Co. | | 2,155 | | | 106,565 |
First Solar, Inc.(a) | | 70 | | | 19,098 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 235,554 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.1% | | | |
Siemens AG | | 852 | | | 93,917 |
Smiths Group PLC | | 1,774 | | | 38,224 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 132,141 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–1.0% | | | |
Atlas Copco AB–Class A | | 4,297 | | | 62,845 |
Danaher Corp. | | 840 | | | 64,932 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 127,777 |
| | | | | |
ROAD & RAIL–0.7% | | | |
Union Pacific Corp. | | 1,100 | | | 83,050 |
| | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–2.3% |
Mitsubishi Corp. | | 4,200 | | | 138,393 |
Mitsui & Co. Ltd. | | 7,000 | | | 154,498 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 292,891 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,456,282 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–11.3% | | | |
CHEMICALS–4.2% | | | |
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | | 2,150 | | | 212,549 |
Monsanto Co. | | 1,260 | | | 159,314 |
Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan | | 700 | | | 159,999 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 531,862 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–7.1% | | | |
BHP Billiton PLC | | 131 | | | 5,024 |
Cia Vale do Rio Doce (ADR) | | 4,375 | | | 156,713 |
Cia Vale do Rio Doce (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 700 | | | 20,888 |
Rio Tinto PLC | | 3,182 | | | 383,198 |
Sterlite Industries India Ltd. (ADR)(a) | | 2,270 | | | 36,093 |
Xstrata PLC | | 3,842 | | | 306,055 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 907,971 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,439,833 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–11.0% | | | |
BEVERAGES–1.0% | | | |
Asahi Breweries Ltd. | | 3,800 | | | 71,036 |
The Coca-Cola Co. | | 1,200 | | | 62,376 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 133,412 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–4.9% | | | |
Tesco PLC | | 19,300 | | $ | 141,166 |
Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV Series V | | 38,392 | | | 152,814 |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | | 5,200 | | | 292,240 |
X 5 Retail Group NV (GDR)(a)(b) | | 968 | | | 32,449 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 618,669 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–3.9% | | | |
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | | 1,650 | | | 55,688 |
Bunge Ltd. | | 1,325 | | | 142,689 |
Kellogg Co. | | 1,100 | | | 52,822 |
Nestle SA | | 4,954 | | | 223,250 |
Wilmar International Ltd. | | 6,000 | | | 22,295 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 496,744 |
| | | | | |
PERSONAL PRODUCTS–0.7% | | | |
The Estee Lauder Cos, Inc. Class A | | 1,100 | | | 51,095 |
Oriflame Cosmetics SA (SDR) | | 540 | | | 34,508 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 85,603 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–0.5% | | | |
ITC Ltd. | | 15,067 | | | 65,717 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,400,145 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–9.8% | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–1.5% | | | |
Basilea Pharmaceutica(a) | | 110 | | | 17,865 |
Genentech, Inc. (a) | | 1,000 | | | 75,900 |
Gilead Sciences, Inc.(a) | | 1,950 | | | 103,252 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 197,017 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–2.8% |
Alcon, Inc. | | 955 | | | 155,464 |
Baxter International, Inc. | | 2,000 | | | 127,880 |
Becton Dickinson & Co. | | 950 | | | 77,235 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 360,579 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–1.5% |
Aetna, Inc. | | 2,400 | | | 97,272 |
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.(a) | | 1,920 | | | 90,624 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 187,896 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–4.0% | | | |
Allergan, Inc. | | 1,000 | | | 52,050 |
Eli Lilly & Co. | | 1,305 | | | 60,239 |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | 1,975 | | | 74,438 |
Novartis AG | | 599 | | | 32,964 |
Roche Holding AG | | 751 | | | 135,009 |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 3,225 | | | 147,705 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 502,405 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,247,897 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–7.3% | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–0.5% | | | |
Denso Corp. | | 1,710 | | | 58,895 |
| | | | | |
5
| | |
GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–1.3% | | | |
Fiat SpA | | 4,480 | | $ | 72,921 |
Honda Motor Co. Ltd. | | 2,600 | | | 88,729 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 161,650 |
| | | | | |
DISTRIBUTORS–0.6% | | | |
Li & Fung Ltd. | | 26,000 | | | 78,454 |
| | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.8% |
Ctrip.com International Ltd. (ADR) | | 200 | | | 9,156 |
Wyndham Worldwide Corp. | | 5,000 | | | 89,550 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 98,706 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.2% | | | |
Sony Corp. | | 700 | | | 30,684 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–0.6% | | | |
The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (a) | | 1,500 | | | 38,865 |
Eutelsat Communications | | 379 | | | 10,513 |
Viacom, Inc.–Class B (a) | | 800 | | | 24,432 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 73,810 |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–1.5% | | | |
Kohl’s Corp.(a) | | 2,985 | | | 119,519 |
Lotte Shopping Co. Ltd. | | 253 | | | 75,362 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 194,881 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–1.1% | | | |
Belle International Holdings Ltd. | | 52,000 | | | 46,918 |
Lowe’s Cos, Inc. | | 4,600 | | | 95,450 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 142,368 |
| | | | | |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.7% |
Adidas AG | | 1,454 | | | 91,608 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 931,056 |
| | | | | |
UTILITIES–2.5% | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–0.5% | | | |
E.ON AG | | 320 | | | 64,464 |
| | | | | |
INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS & ENERGY TRADERS–2.0% |
Iberdrola Renovables SA(a) | | 17,389 | | | 133,968 |
International Power PLC | | 14,129 | | | 121,039 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 255,007 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 319,471 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.6% |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.4% |
TW Telecom, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 1,600 | | $ | 25,648 |
Vimpel-Communications (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 700 | | | 20,776 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 46,424 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.2% |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | 590 | | | 31,123 |
MTN Group Ltd. | | 1,518 | | | 24,028 |
NTT Docomo, Inc. | | 14 | | | 20,534 |
Sprint Nextel Corp. | | 4,400 | | | 41,800 |
Vodafone Group PLC | | 13,827 | | | 40,739 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 158,224 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 204,648 |
| | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $12,356,445) | | | | | 12,549,374 |
| | | | | |
WARRANTS–0.3% | | | |
FINANCIALS–0.3% | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–0.3% |
Housing Development Finance Corp., expiring 1/18/11(a) (cost $46,604) | | 899 | | | 41,085 |
| | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.0% (cost $12,403,049) | | | | | 12,590,459 |
Other assets less liabilities–1.0% | | | | | 123,384 |
| | | | | |
Net Assets–100.0% | | | | $ | 12,713,843 |
| | | | | |
(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, 2008, the market value of this security amounted to $32,449 or 0.3% of net assets. |
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
GDR—Global Depositary Receipt
SDR—Swedish Depositary Receipt
See notes to financial statements.
6
| | |
GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1–quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2–other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3–significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments in Securities | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | 7,920,552 | | $ | –0 | – |
Level 2 | | | 4.628,822 | | | –0 | – |
Level 3 | | | 41,085 | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 12,590,459 | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments in Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/07 | | $ | 198,716 | | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts /premiums | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain | | | 17,886 | | | | –0 | –* |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | (69,819 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | (105,698 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/08 | | $ | 41,085 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 6/30/08 | | $ | (26,517 | ) | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 6/30/08 for other financial instruments was $0. |
7
| | |
GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSANDLIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $12,403,049) | | $ | 12,590,459 | |
Cash | | | 2,917 | |
Foreign cash, at value (cost $17,369) | | | 17,422 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 282,618 | |
Dividends receivable | | | 24,327 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 7,610 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 12,925,353 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 96,046 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 41,436 | |
Custodian fee payable | | | 29,392 | |
Audit fee payable | | | 20,712 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 2,758 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 2,472 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 85 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 18,609 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 211,510 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 12,713,843 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 1,107 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 12,924,636 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 29,180 | |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (429,575 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 188,495 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 12,713,843 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 112,676 | | 9,771 | | $ | 11.53 |
B | | $ | 12,601,167 | | 1,096,993 | | $ | 11.49 |
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $7,932) | | $ | 121,075 | |
Interest | | | 3,164 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 124,239 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 48,026 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 15,851 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 12 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1,034 | |
Custodian | | | 61,972 | |
Administrative | | | 46,100 | |
Audit | | | 24,000 | |
Legal | | | 5,133 | |
Printing | | | 2,628 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 884 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 3,596 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 209,236 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B) | | | (116,543 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 92,693 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 31,546 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized loss on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | (350,368 | ) |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (3,437 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (1,818,506 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 1,406 | |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (2,170,905 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (2,139,359 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
9
| | |
|
GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 31,546 | | | $ | 1,452 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (353,805 | ) | | | 1,012,221 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (1,817,100 | ) | | | 65,716 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (2,139,359 | ) | | | 1,079,389 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (459 | ) | | | (549 | ) |
Class B | | | (16,317 | ) | | | (14,840 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (10,621 | ) | | | (5,328 | ) |
Class B | | | (1,043,344 | ) | | | (370,285 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 2,851,925 | | | | (260,278 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | (358,175 | ) | | | 428,109 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 13,072,018 | | | | 12,643,909 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $29,180 and $14,410, respectively) | | $ | 12,713,843 | | | $ | 13,072,018 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
10
| | |
GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (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 eighteen 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.
11
| | |
GLOBAL RESEARCH 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 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 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, 2008, the Adviser waived fees in the amount of $70,443.
12
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| | 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 $46,100 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2008, amounted to $10,691, 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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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, 2008, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 7,928,728 | | | $ | 5,843,005 | |
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 | | $ | 1,677,994 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (1,490,584 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 187,410 | |
| | | | |
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. The Portfolio may also purchase or sell futures contracts for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
13
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GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | 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 or to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency 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 purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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 the 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, 2008, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
14
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
4. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | –0– | | | 416 | | | | | $ | –0– | | | $ | 5,877 | |
Shares redeemed | | –0– | | | (814 | ) | | | | | –0– | | | | (11,500 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | –0– | | | (398 | ) | | | | $ | –0– | | | $ | (5,623 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 236,947 | | | 433,686 | | | | | $ | 3,080,065 | | | $ | 6,201,245 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 78,335 | | | 27,353 | | | | | | 972,927 | | | | 385,125 | |
Shares redeemed | | (95,749 | ) | | (500,330 | ) | | | | | (1,201,067 | ) | | | (6,841,025 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | 219,533 | | | (39,291 | ) | | | | $ | 2,851,925 | | | $ | (254,655 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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.
Currency Risk — This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce the returns of the Portfolio. For example, the value of the Portfolio’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U.S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.
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, 2008.
15
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GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH 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, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:
| | | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 201,762 | | $ | 151,146 | |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 189,240 | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 391,002 | | $ | 151,146 | |
| | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 195,103 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 869,277 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 1,933,820 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 2,998,200 | |
| | | | |
(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
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 (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of 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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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 Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG 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 containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
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 recog-
16
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
nized, 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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
17
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | May 2, 2005(a) to December 31, 2005 | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $14.80 | | | $13.70 | | | $12.11 | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b)(c) | | .05 | | | .05 | | | .05 | | | .01 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (2.18 | ) | | 1.62 | | | 1.74 | | | 2.10 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (2.13 | ) | | 1.67 | | | 1.79 | | | 2.11 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.05 | ) | | (.05 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (1.09 | ) | | (.52 | ) | | (.20 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.14 | ) | | (.57 | ) | | (.20 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $11.53 | | | $14.80 | | | $13.70 | | | $12.11 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | (15.01 | )% | | 12.45 | % | | 15.04 | % | | 21.10 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $113 | | | $145 | | | $139 | | | $121 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.20 | %(e) | | 1.20 | % | | 1.20 | %(f) | | 1.20 | %(e) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 3.05 | %(e) | | 3.62 | % | | 4.61 | %(f) | | 7.47 | %(e) |
Net investment income (c) | | .71 | %(e) | | .33 | % | | .41 | %(f) | | .13 | %(e) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 47 | % | | 115 | % | | 64 | % | | 43 | % |
See footnote summary on page 19.
18
| | |
|
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | May 2, 2005(a) to December 31, 2005 | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $14.73 | | | $13.64 | | | $12.09 | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (b)(c) | | .03 | | | .00 | (g) | | .02 | | | (.01 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (2.16 | ) | | 1.63 | | | 1.73 | | | 2.10 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (2.13 | ) | | 1.63 | | | 1.75 | | | 2.09 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.02 | ) | | (.02 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (1.09 | ) | | (.52 | ) | | (.20 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.11 | ) | | (.54 | ) | | (.20 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $11.49 | | | $14.73 | | | $13.64 | | | $12.09 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | (15.06 | )% | | 12.17 | % | | 14.73 | % | | 20.90 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $12,601 | | | $12,927 | | | $12,505 | | | $7,063 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.45 | %(e) | | 1.45 | % | | 1.45 | %(f) | | 1.45 | %(e) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 3.26 | %(e) | | 3.80 | % | | 4.78 | %(f) | | 7.73 | %(e) |
Net investment income (loss) (c) | | .49 | %(e) | | .01 | % | | .14 | %(f) | | (.14 | )%(e) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 47 | % | | 115 | % | | 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. |
(g) | Amount is less than $0.005. |
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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 6-8, 2008.
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 fee in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Portfolio was 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 rate 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 2006 and 2007 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 between 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 noted that the Adviser’s relationship with the Portfolio was not profitable to it in 2006 and 2007.
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 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 May 2008 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 similar 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 (MSCI) World Growth Index (Net) (the “MSCI World Growth Index”) and the MSCI World Index (Net) (the “MSCI World Index”), in each case for the 1-year period ended January 31, 2008 and (in the case of the indices) the since inception period (May 2005 inception). The directors noted that the Portfolio was in the 3rd quintile of the Performance Group and 2nd quintile of the Performance Universe for the 1-year period, and that the Portfolio underperformed the MSCI World Growth Index in the 1-year period but outperformed that index in the since inception period and outperformed the MSCI World Index in both 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 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 because mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets tend to be relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
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GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH 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. 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 view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services since 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 contractual effective advisory fee rate, at approximate current size, 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 81 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 Portfolio’s relatively modest size (less than $13 million at February 29, 2008) 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, as well as a presentation by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. 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 the Portfolio’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
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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 a September 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 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
International | | 75 bp on 1st $2.5 billion
65 bp on next $2.5 billion 60 bp on the balance | | $ | 12.4 | | 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 $94,000 (0.81% 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
Class B 1.45 | %
% | | 3.62
3.80 | %
% | | December 31 |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2008 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 6-8, 2008. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings 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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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. The Adviser also believes that it incurs substantial entrepreneurial risk when offering a new mutual fund since establishing a new mutual fund requires a large upfront investment, and it may take a long time for the fund to achieve profitability since the fund must be priced to scale from inception in order to be competitive and assets are acquired one account at a time. 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 29, 2008 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) |
Global Research Growth Portfolio | | $ | 12.4 | | 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 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 Global Research Growth Fund, Inc.5 Also shown is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund been applicable to the Portfolio:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio Advisory 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 | | 0.750 | | 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 | 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 fees set forth for Global Growth Trends Portfolio, which is a Luxembourg fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio. It should be noted that Class A shares of the fund are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory services and distribution related services, unlike Class I shares, whose fee is for only investment advisory services.
| | | |
Fund | | Fee | |
Global Growth Trends Portfolio | | | |
Class A | | 1.70 | % |
Class I (Institutional) | | 0.90 | % |
The AllianceBernstein Investment Trust Management mutual funds (“ITM”), 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 ITM mutual funds that have a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio are as follows:
| | | | | |
Portfolio | | ITM Mutual Fund | | Fee6 | |
Global Research Growth Portfolio | | Alliance Global Research Growth7 | | 0.30 | %8 |
| | Alliance Global Growth Opportunities 17 | | 1.00 | % |
| | Alliance Global Growth Opportunities 27 | | 0.80 | % |
| | Alliance Global Growth Opportunities 37 | | 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”)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.
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.
6 | The Japanese Yen-U.S. dollar currency exchange rate quoted at 4 p.m. on March 17, 2008 by Reuters was ¥97.38 per $1. At that currency exchange rate, every ¥1 billion would be equivalent to approximately $10.3 million. |
7 | This ITM fund is privately placed or institutional. |
8 | 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. |
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. |
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GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee11 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Global Research Growth Portfolio12 | | 0.750 | | 0.790 | | 3/12 |
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.13 A “normal” EU will include funds that have the same investment classification/objective as the subject portfolio.14
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)15 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Global Research Growth Portfolio16 | | 1.200 | | 1.010 | | 10/12 | | 0.934 | | 30/33 |
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 2007 and 2006 were negative.
Although the Adviser did not earn a profit for managing the Portfolio’s investments in 2007, 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. Under the distribution plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to its principal underwriter, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The current annual rate that the Portfolio pays to ABI for 12b-1 fees is 0.25%. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007,
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. In addition, the contractual management fee does not reflect any advisory fee waivers or expense caps that would effectively reduce the actual management fee. |
12 | The Portfolio’s EG includes the Portfolio, four other variable insurance product (“VIP”) Global Growth funds (“GLGE”), three VIP Large-Cap Core Funds (“GLCE”), and four VIP Global Value funds (“GLVE”). |
13 | 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. |
14 | Except for asset (size) compatibility, 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. |
15 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
16 | The Portfolio’s EU includes the Portfolio, EG and all other VIP GLGE, GLCE and GLVE funds, excluding outliers. |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $28,598 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, 2007, the Adviser determined that it made payment in the amount of $372,276 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”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $786 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
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through fee structures,18 subsidies and enhancement to services. 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 make such investments in their business to provide services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli 19 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics. The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors. In this regard, it was noted that the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally within the 25th–75th percentile range of their comparable peers.20 The independent consultant then discussed the results of the regression model that was utilized to study the effects of various factors on advisory fees. The regression model output indicated that the bulk of the variation in fees predicted were explained by various factors, but substantially by fund AUM, family AUM, index fund indicator and investment style. The independent consultant observed that the actual advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally lower than the fees predicted by the study’s regression model.
17 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2007. |
18 | Fee structures include fee reductions, pricing at scale and breakpoints in advisory fee schedules. |
19 | The Deli study was originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data. |
20 | The two dimensional analysis also showed patterns of lower advisory fees for funds with larger asset sizes and funds from larger family sizes compared to funds with smaller asset sizes and funds from smaller family sizes, which according to the independent consultant is indicative of a sharing of economies of scale and scope. However, in less liquid and active markets, such is not the case, as the empirical analysis showed potential for diseconomies of scale in those markets. The empirical analysis also showed diminishing economies of scale and scope as funds surpassed a certain high level of assets. |
27
| | |
GLOBAL RESEARCH GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The independent consultant also compared the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to similar funds managed by 19 other large asset managers, regardless of the fund size and each Adviser’s proportion of mutual fund assets to non-mutual fund assets. The independent consultant observed that the advisory fees of certain AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were higher than the medians of these select groups of funds.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $746 billion as of February 29, 2008, 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 performance rankings of the Portfolio21 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)22 for the periods ended January 31, 2008.23
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 1.62 | | 1.62 | | 0.13 | | 3/5 | | 8/23 |
Set forth below are the 1 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 January 31, 2008 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) |
Global Research Growth Portfolio | | 1.62 | | 13.98 |
MSCI World Index (Net) | | -0.47 | | 11.95 |
MSCI World Growth (Net) | | 3.33 | | 12.32 |
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 5, 2008
21 | 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 was 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, is 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 January 31, 2008. |
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. |
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.
| | |
| | |
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, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 848.39 | | $ | 4.23 | | 0.92 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.29 | | $ | 4.62 | | 0.92 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 846.88 | | $ | 5.37 | | 1.17 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.05 | | $ | 5.87 | | 1.17 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
International Business Machines Corp. | | $ | 15,361,488 | | 7.0 | % |
Apple, Inc. | | | 14,500,304 | | 6.6 | |
Intel Corp. | | | 12,920,220 | | 5.8 | |
Google, Inc.—Class A | | | 12,339,285 | | 5.6 | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | | | 10,294,876 | | 4.7 | |
Nintendo Co. Ltd. | | | 9,867,078 | | 4.5 | |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | | | 8,763,075 | | 4.0 | |
Research In Motion Ltd. | | | 6,932,170 | | 3.1 | |
Applied Materials, Inc. | | | 6,448,602 | | 2.9 | |
Tyco Electronics Ltd. | | | 5,906,718 | | 2.7 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 103,333,816 | | 46.9 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2008 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Technology Hardware & Equipment | | $ | 78,269,830 | | 36.3 | % |
Software & Services | | | 68,895,373 | | 32.0 | |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | | | 46,834,772 | | 21.7 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 12,468,600 | | 5.8 | |
Media | | | 4,681,304 | | 2.2 | |
Capital Goods | | | 2,089,572 | | 1.0 | |
Consumer Durables & Apparel | | | 1,534,179 | | 0.7 | |
Consumer Services | | | 590,562 | | 0.3 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 215,364,192 | | 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 fund 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
| | |
COUNTRY DIVERSIFICATION | | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COUNTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
United States | | $ | 172,002,576 | | 79.9 | % |
Japan | | | 17,661,377 | | 8.2 | |
Canada | | | 6,932,170 | | 3.2 | |
Taiwan | | | 3,016,615 | | 1.4 | |
India | | | 2,246,882 | | 1.0 | |
South Africa | | | 2,091,803 | | 1.0 | |
China | | | 2,032,227 | | 1.0 | |
Mexico | | | 2,015,050 | | 0.9 | |
Germany | | | 1,743,800 | | 0.8 | |
Russia | | | 1,715,504 | | 0.8 | |
France | | | 1,599,399 | | 0.7 | |
United Kingdom | | | 1,197,127 | | 0.6 | |
Netherlands | | | 1,109,662 | | 0.5 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 215,364,192 | | 100.0 | % |
3
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–97.8% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT–35.5% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–13.9% | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 442,600 | | $ | 10,294,876 |
CommScope, Inc.(a) | | 12,600 | | | 664,902 |
F5 Networks, Inc.(a) | | 38,700 | | | 1,099,854 |
Juniper Networks, Inc.(a) | | 131,000 | | | 2,905,580 |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | | 197,500 | | | 8,763,075 |
Research In Motion Ltd.(a) | | 59,300 | | | 6,932,170 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 30,660,457 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–16.9% | | | | | |
Apple, Inc.(a) | | 86,600 | | | 14,500,304 |
EMC Corp.(a) | | 153,200 | | | 2,250,508 |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | 114,400 | | | 5,057,624 |
International Business Machines Corp. | | 129,600 | | | 15,361,488 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 37,169,924 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–4.2% | | | | | |
Amphenol Corp.–Class A | | 74,200 | | | 3,330,096 |
Tyco Electronics Ltd. | | 164,900 | | | 5,906,718 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,236,814 |
| | | | | |
OFFICE ELECTRONICS–0.5% | | | | | |
Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. | | 71,000 | | | 1,202,635 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 78,269,830 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE & SERVICES–31.3% | | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–7.2% | | | | | |
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a) | | 81,600 | | | 2,838,864 |
Google, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 23,440 | | | 12,339,285 |
Omniture, Inc.(a) | | 39,500 | | | 733,515 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 15,911,664 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–4.9% | | | | | |
Alliance Data Systems Corp.(a) | | 39,200 | | | 2,216,760 |
Cap Gemini SA | | 17,765 | | | 1,041,518 |
Global Payments, Inc. | | 39,600 | | | 1,845,360 |
Infosys Technologies Ltd. (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 51,700 | | | 2,246,882 |
Visa, Inc.–Class A | | 42,100 | | | 3,423,151 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,773,671 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–19.2% | | | | | |
Activision, Inc.(a) | | 51,000 | | | 1,737,570 |
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a) | | 115,000 | | | 4,529,850 |
Concur Technologies, Inc.(a) | | 25,800 | | | 857,334 |
Electronic Arts, Inc.(a) | | 44,300 | | | 1,968,249 |
McAfee, Inc.(a) | | 61,500 | | | 2,092,845 |
Microsoft Corp. | | 164,800 | | | 4,533,648 |
Nintendo Co. Ltd. | | 17,400 | | | 9,867,078 |
Oracle Corp.(a) | | 156,500 | | | 3,286,500 |
Red Hat, Inc.(a) | | 130,300 | | | 2,695,907 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Salesforce.com, Inc.(a) | | 65,000 | | $ | 4,434,950 |
SAP AG | | 33,439 | | | 1,743,800 |
Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd. (Sponsored) (ADR)(a) | | 53,100 | | | 1,441,665 |
SuccessFactors, Inc.(a) | | 97,800 | | | 1,070,910 |
VMware, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 36,200 | | | 1,949,732 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 42,210,038 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 68,895,373 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–21.3% | | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–21.3% | | | | | |
Analog Devices, Inc. | | 111,900 | | | 3,555,063 |
Applied Materials, Inc. | | 337,800 | | | 6,448,602 |
ASML Holding NV | | 45,336 | | | 1,109,662 |
Broadcom Corp.–Class A(a) | | 136,150 | | | 3,715,534 |
Intel Corp. | | 601,500 | | | 12,920,220 |
Intersil Corp.–Class A | | 87,400 | | | 2,125,568 |
Lam Research Corp.(a) | | 38,300 | | | 1,384,545 |
Linear Technology Corp. | | 60,100 | | | 1,957,457 |
Marvell Technology Group Ltd.(a) | | 192,300 | | | 3,396,018 |
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.(a) | | 24,700 | | | 1,520,038 |
ON Semiconductor Corp.(a) | | 197,400 | | | 1,810,158 |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 276,500 | | | 3,016,615 |
Tokyo Electron Ltd. | | 67,200 | | | 3,875,292 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 46,834,772 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–5.7% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.5% | | | | | |
Tw Telecom, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 95,800 | | | 1,535,674 |
Vimpel-Communications (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 57,800 | | | 1,715,504 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,251,178 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.2% | | | | | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | 38,200 | | | 2,015,050 |
MTN Group Ltd. | | 132,150 | | | 2,091,803 |
NTT Docomo, Inc. | | 806 | | | 1,182,192 |
Sprint Nextel Corp. | | 287,500 | | | 2,731,250 |
Vodafone Group PLC | | 406,314 | | | 1,197,127 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,217,422 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 12,468,600 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–2.1% | | | | | |
MEDIA–2.1% | | | | | |
The DIRECTV Group, Inc.(a) | | 127,700 | | | 3,308,707 |
Discovery Holding Co.–Class A(a) | | 37,100 | | | 814,716 |
Eutelsat Communications | | 20,111 | | | 557,881 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,681,304 |
| | | | | |
4
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–0.9% | | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.9% | | | | | |
Enersys(a) | | 19,600 | | $ | 670,908 |
First Solar, Inc.(a) | | 5,200 | | | 1,418,664 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,089,572 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DURABLES & APPAREL–0.7% | | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.7% | | | | | |
Sony Corp. | | 35,000 | | | 1,534,179 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER SERVICES–0.3% | | | | | |
HOTELS RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.3% | | | | | |
Ctrip.com International Ltd. (ADR) | | 12,900 | | | 590,562 |
| | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–97.8% (cost $202,924,492) | | | | | 215,364,192 |
Other assets less liabilities–2.2% | | | | | 4,779,567 |
| | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | $ | 220,143,759 |
| | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
See notes to financial statements.
5
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1–quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2–other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3–significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | 189,961,024 | | | $ | –0 | – |
Level 2 | | | 25,403,168 | | | | –0 | – |
Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 215,364,192 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/2007 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts /premiums | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain (loss) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | –* |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/08 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 6/30/08 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 6/30/08 for other financial instruments was $0. |
6
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $202,924,492) | | $ | 215,364,192 | |
Foreign cash, at value (cost $3,416,994) | | | 3,579,239 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 4,593,724 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 124,084 | |
Dividends receivable | | | 113,442 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 223,774,681 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Due to custodian | | | 133,557 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency contracts | | | 2,641,188 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 536,470 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 145,908 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 33,196 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 25,532 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 85 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 114,986 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 3,630,922 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 220,143,759 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 12,712 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 427,549,224 | |
Accumulated net investment loss | | | (197,162 | ) |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (219,822,240 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 12,601,225 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 220,143,759 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 70,540,534 | | 4,015,581 | | $ | 17.57 |
B | | $ | 149,603,225 | | 8,696,112 | | $ | 17.20 |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $34,876) | | $ | 1,053,406 | |
Interest | | | 47,318 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 1,100,724 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 881,950 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 198,654 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 609 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1,267 | |
Custodian | | | 76,810 | |
Administrative | | | 46,100 | |
Printing | | | 37,962 | |
Audit | | | 24,000 | |
Legal | | | 8,463 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 886 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 3,268 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 1,279,969 | |
| | | | |
Net investment loss | | | (179,245 | ) |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized loss on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | (8,156,071 | ) |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (158,608 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (34,554,125 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 128,335 | |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (42,740,469 | ) |
| | | | |
Contribution from Adviser (see Note B) | | | 2,781 | |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (42,916,933 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (179,245 | ) | | $ | (853,115 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (8,314,679 | ) | | | 48,858,319 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (34,425,790 | ) | | | 918,488 | |
Contribution from Adviser | | | 2,781 | | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (42,916,933 | ) | | | 48,923,692 | |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (22,332,273 | ) | | | (27,699,246 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | (65,249,206 | ) | | | 21,224,446 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 285,392,965 | | | | 264,168,519 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including accumulated net investment loss of ($197,162) and ($17,917), respectively) | | $ | 220,143,759 | | | $ | 285,392,965 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
9
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (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 eighteen 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
10
| | |
| | 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. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Adviser made a payment of $2,781 to the Portfolio in connection with a litigation settlement.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $46,100 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, 2008.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2008, amounted to $329,020, 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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
11
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY 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, 2008, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 150,785,032 | | | $ | 171,114,829 | |
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 | | $ | 18,348,515 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (5,908,815 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 12,439,700 | |
| | | | |
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 or to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency 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.
12
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. Option Transactions
For hedging purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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 the 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, 2008, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
3. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
13
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 161,331 | | | 885,992 | | | | | $ | 2,897,318 | | | $ | 17,645,153 | |
Shares redeemed | | (680,376 | ) | | (1,390,586 | ) | | | | | (12,270,826 | ) | | | (26,007,511 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (519,045 | ) | | (504,594 | ) | | | | $ | (9,373,508 | ) | | $ | (8,362,358 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 1,247,064 | | | 4,572,785 | | | | | $ | 21,998,269 | | | $ | 87,706,890 | |
Shares redeemed | | (1,979,296 | ) | | (5,616,216 | ) | | | | | (34,957,034 | ) | | | (107,043,778 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (732,232 | ) | | (1,043,431 | ) | | | | $ | (12,958,765 | ) | | $ | (19,336,888 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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.
Currency Risk—This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce the returns of the Portfolio. For example, the value of the Portfolio’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U.S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.
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, 2008.
NOTE H: Components of Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | $ | (209,521,476 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 45,023,013 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (164,498,463 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | On December 31, 2007, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $209,503,559 of which $15,961,952 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 $49,209,557. 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, 2007, the Portfolio deferred to January 1, 2008, post October foreign currency losses of $17,917. |
(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
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
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 (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of 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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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 Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG 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 containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
15
| | |
| | |
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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $20.71 | | | $17.23 | | | $15.86 | | | $15.27 | | | $14.49 | | | $10.05 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | | .00 | (b) | | (.03 | ) | | (.05 | ) | | (.05 | ) | | (.03 | )(c) | | (.11 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (3.14 | ) | | 3.51 | | | 1.42 | | | .64 | | | .81 | | | 4.55 | |
Contribution from Adviser | | .00 | (b) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (3.14 | ) | | 3.48 | | | 1.37 | | | .59 | | | .78 | | | 4.44 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $17.57 | | | $20.71 | | | $17.23 | | | $15.86 | | | $15.27 | | | $14.49 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | (15.16 | )% | | 20.20 | % | | 8.64 | % | | 3.86 | % | | 5.38 | % | | 44.18 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $70,541 | | | $93,919 | | | $86,819 | | | $99,781 | | | $117,145 | | | $130,127 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .92 | %(e) | | .93 | % | | .92 | %(f) | | .92 | % | | .88 | % | | 1.11 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .92 | %(e) | | .93 | % | | .92 | %(f) | | .92 | % | | 1.06 | % | | 1.11 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | .01 | %(e) | | (.15 | )% | | (.30 | )%(f) | | (.32 | )% | | (.22 | )%(c) | | (.86 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 65 | % | | 132 | % | | 117 | % | | 98 | % | | 86 | % | | 90 | % |
See footnote summary on page 17.
16
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $20.31 | | | $16.94 | | | $15.63 | | | $15.08 | | | $14.35 | | | $ 9.98 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (a) | | (.02 | ) | | (.07 | ) | | (.09 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | (.07 | )(c) | | (.14 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (3.09 | ) | | 3.44 | | | 1.40 | | | .63 | | | .80 | | | 4.51 | |
Contribution from Adviser | | .00 | (b) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (3.11 | ) | | 3.37 | | | 1.31 | | | .55 | | | .73 | | | 4.37 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $17.20 | | | $20.31 | | | $16.94 | | | $15.63 | | | $15.08 | | | $14.35 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | (15.31 | )% | | 19.89 | % | | 8.38 | % | | 3.65 | % | | 5.09 | % | | 43.79 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $149,603 | | | $191,474 | | | $177,350 | | | $148,075 | | | $164,721 | | | $187,319 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.17 | %(e) | | 1.17 | % | | 1.18 | %(f) | | 1.17 | % | | 1.13 | % | | 1.37 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.17 | %(e) | | 1.17 | % | | 1.18 | %(f) | | 1.17 | % | | 1.31 | % | | 1.37 | % |
Net investment loss | | (.23 | )%(e) | | (.40 | )% | | (.55 | )%(f) | | (.57 | )% | | (.47 | )%(c) | | (1.11 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 65 | % | | 132 | % | | 117 | % | | 98 | % | | 86 | % | | 90 | % |
(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) | The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation. |
17
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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 6-8, 2008.
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 fee in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Portfolio was 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 rate 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 2006 and 2007 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 between fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability
18
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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 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 May 2008 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 similar 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 (MSCI) World Information Technology Index (Net) (the “MSCI World IT Index”) and the MSCI World Index (Net) (the “MSCI World Index”), in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended January 31, 2008 and (in the case of the indices) the since inception period (January 1996 inception). The directors noted that the Portfolio was in the 3rd quintile of the Performance Group and 4th quintile of the Performance Universe for the 1- and 3-year periods, 4th quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 5-year period and 1st out of 1 of the Performance Group and 3rd out of 4 of the Performance Universe for the 10-year period, and that the Portfolio outperformed the MSCI World IT Index in the 1-, 3- and 10-year periods but underperformed that index in the 5-year and since inception periods and outperformed the MSCI World Index in the 1-year period but underperformed that index in all other 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 institutional 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 because mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets tend to be 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
19
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GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | 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. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services since 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 contractual effective advisory fee rate, at approximate current size, 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, as well as a presentation by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. 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 the Portfolio’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
20
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GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY 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 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 a September 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 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Specialty | | 75 bp on 1st $2.5 billion | | $ | 228.5 | | Global Technology |
| | 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 $94,000 (0.03% 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 |
Global Technology Portfolio | | Class A 0.93% Class B 1.17% | | December 31 |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2008 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 6-8, 2008. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings 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. The Adviser also believes that it incurs substantial entrepreneurial risk when offering a new mutual fund, since establishing a new mutual fund requires a large upfront investment, and it may take a long time for the fund to achieve profitability since the fund must be priced to scale from inception in order to be competitive and assets are acquired one account at a time. 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 similar investment style as the Portfolio. However, with respect to the Portfolio, the Adviser represented that there is no institutional product that has a similar investment style as the Portfolio.
The Adviser manages AllianceBernstein Global Technology Fund, Inc. (“Global Technology Fund, Inc.”), a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below are the fee schedule of Global Technology Fund, Inc.4 and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of Global Technology Fund, Inc. been applicable to the Portfolio.
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio Adv. Fee (%) |
Global Technology Portfolio5 | | Global Technology Fund, Inc. | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion 0.65% on next $2.5 billion 0.60% on the balance | | 0.750 | | 0.750 |
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 fees set forth for International Technology Portfolio, which is a Luxembourg fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio. It should be noted that Class A shares of the fund are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory services and distribution related services, unlike Class I shares, whose fee is for only investment advisory services.
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. |
22
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| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | |
Fund | | Fee |
International Technology Portfolio Class A Class I (Institutional) | | 1.95%
1.15% |
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”)6 at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.7
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 Fee8 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Global Technology Portfolio | | 0.750 | | 0.775 | | 4/10 |
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 EU9 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 (%)10 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Global Technology Portfolio | | 0.925 | | 0.909 | | 6/10 | | 0.970 | | 7/17 |
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.
6 | 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. |
7 | 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. |
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 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. |
10 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
23
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GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY 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 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 2007, relative to 2006.
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. Under the distribution plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to its principal underwriter, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The current annual rate that the Portfolio pays to ABI for 12b-1 fees is 0.25%. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $457,877 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, 2007, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $549,893 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”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $786 from the Portfolio.11
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
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through fee structures,12 subsidies and enhancement to services. 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 make such investments in their business to provide services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
11 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2007. |
12 | Fee structures include fee reductions, pricing at scale and breakpoints in advisory fee schedules. |
24
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli13 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics. The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors. In this regard, it was noted that the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally within the 25th – 75th percentile range of their comparable peers.14 The independent consultant then discussed the results of the regression model that was utilized to study the effects of various factors on advisory fees. The regression model output indicated that the bulk of the variation in fees predicted were explained by various factors, but substantially by fund AUM, family AUM, index fund indicator and investment style. The independent consultant observed that the actual advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally lower than the fees predicted by the study’s regression model.
The independent consultant also compared the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to similar funds managed by 19 other large asset managers, regardless of the fund size and each Adviser’s proportion of mutual fund assets to non-mutual fund assets. The independent consultant observed that the advisory fees of certain AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were higher than the medians of these select groups of funds.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $746 billion as of February 29, 2008, 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 Portfolio15 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)16 for the periods ended January 31, 2008.17
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 0.80 | | 1.24 | | 1.50 | | 6/10 | | 12/17 |
3 year | | 7.36 | | 8.48 | | 9.93 | | 6/10 | | 10/15 |
5 year | | 12.21 | | 13.11 | | 13.51 | | 8/10 | | 11/15 |
10 year | | 5.19 | | 5.19 | | 6.69 | | 1/1 | | 3/4 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)18 versus its benchmarks.19 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.20
13 | The Deli study was originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data. |
14 | The two dimensional analysis also showed patterns of lower advisory fees for funds with larger asset sizes and funds from larger family sizes compared to funds with smaller asset sizes and funds from smaller family sizes, which according to the independent consultant is indicative of a sharing of economies of scale and scope. However, in less liquid and active markets, such is not the case, as the empirical analysis showed potential for diseconomies of scale in those markets. The empirical analysis also showed diminishing economies of scale and scope as funds surpassed a certain high level of assets. |
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 and PU are identical to the Portfolio’s EG and 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 January 31, 2008. 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
| | |
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending January 31, 2008 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Global Technology Portfolio | | 0.80 | | 7.36 | | 12.21 | | 5.19 | | 6.09 | | 16.72 | | 0.17 | | 5 |
MSCI World IT Index (Net)19 | | 0.48 | | 7.06 | | 12.37 | | 3.39 | | 7.28 | | 15.18 | | 0.18 | | 5 |
MSCI World Index (Net)19 | | -0.47 | | 10.64 | | 15.83 | | 5.86 | | 7.36 | | N/A | | N/A | | N/A |
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 5, 2008
26
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, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 858.58 | | $ | 4.25 | | 0.92 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.29 | | $ | 4.62 | | 0.92 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 857.72 | | $ | 5.40 | | 1.17 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.05 | | $ | 5.87 | | 1.17 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Google, Inc.—Class A | | $ | 7,333,031 | | 4.9 | % |
Cameron International Corp. | | | 6,769,305 | | 4.5 | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 6,602,829 | | 4.4 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | 5,975,408 | | 4.0 | |
Celgene Corp. | | | 5,637,805 | | 3.8 | |
Medco Health Solutions, Inc. | | | 5,411,008 | | 3.6 | |
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. | | | 5,307,639 | | 3.6 | |
Danaher Corp. | | | 4,653,460 | | 3.1 | |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Sponsored) (ADR) | | | 4,636,792 | | 3.1 | |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | | 4,568,998 | | 3.1 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 56,896,275 | | 38.1 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2008 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Information Technology | | $ | 49,986,866 | | 33.6 | % |
Health Care | | | 33,011,676 | | 22.2 | |
Industrials | | | 20,751,550 | | 14.0 | |
Energy | | | 16,968,782 | | 11.4 | |
Financials | | | 11,364,468 | | 7.6 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 8,248,395 | | 5.5 | |
Materials | | | 5,283,348 | | 3.6 | |
Utilities | | | 1,573,920 | | 1.1 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 711,477 | | 0.5 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 676,466 | | 0.5 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 148,576,948 | | 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 fund 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–99.6% | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–33.5% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–7.0% | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 122,660 | | $ | 2,853,072 |
Juniper Networks, Inc.(a) | | 128,670 | | | 2,853,901 |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | | 74,420 | | | 3,302,015 |
Research In Motion Ltd.(a) | | 12,040 | | | 1,407,476 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,416,464 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–5.5% | | | | | |
Apple, Inc.(a) | | 39,434 | | | 6,602,829 |
International Business Machines Corp. | | 13,200 | | | 1,564,596 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,167,425 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–4.9% | | | | | |
Amphenol Corp.–Class A | | 80,250 | | | 3,601,620 |
Dolby Laboratories, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 90,790 | | | 3,658,837 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,260,457 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–4.9% | | | | | |
Google, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 13,930 | | | 7,333,031 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–1.6% | | | | | |
Iron Mountain, Inc.(a) | | 68,710 | | | 1,824,250 |
Visa, Inc.–Class A | | 6,800 | | | 552,908 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,377,158 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–3.0% | | | | | |
Applied Materials, Inc. | | 20,900 | | | 398,981 |
Broadcom Corp.–Class A(a) | | 46,700 | | | 1,274,443 |
Intel Corp. | | 60,980 | | | 1,309,850 |
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.(a) | | 25,270 | | | 1,555,116 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,538,390 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE 6.6% | | | | | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a) | | 101,880 | | | 4,013,053 |
Salesforce.com, Inc.(a) | | 61,800 | | | 4,216,614 |
VMware, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 30,900 | | | 1,664,274 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,893,941 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 49,986,866 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–22.1% | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–10.5% | | | | | |
Celgene Corp.(a) | | 88,270 | | | 5,637,805 |
Cepheid, Inc.(a) | | 41,900 | | | 1,178,228 |
Genentech, Inc.(a) | | 37,620 | | | 2,855,358 |
Gilead Sciences, Inc.(a) | | 112,850 | | | 5,975,408 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 15,646,799 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–4.9% | | | | | |
Alcon, Inc. | | 25,670 | | $ | 4,178,819 |
Baxter International, Inc. | | 29,700 | | | 1,899,018 |
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a) | | 4,600 | | | 1,239,240 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,317,077 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–3.6% | | | | | |
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.(a) | | 114,640 | | | 5,411,008 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–3.1% | | | | | |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 101,240 | | | 4,636,792 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 33,011,676 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–13.9% | | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–6.1% | | | | | |
Fluor Corp. | | 20,450 | | | 3,805,336 |
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.(a) | | 65,770 | | | 5,307,639 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,112,975 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–4.7% | | | | | |
Ametek, Inc. | | 84,410 | | | 3,985,840 |
Baldor Electric Co. | | 15,130 | | | 529,247 |
Emerson Electric Co. | | 49,950 | | | 2,470,028 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,985,115 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–3.1% | | | | | |
Danaher Corp. | | 60,200 | | | 4,653,460 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 20,751,550 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–11.4% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–11.4% | | | | | |
Cameron International Corp.(a) | | 122,300 | | | 6,769,305 |
FMC Technologies, Inc.(a) | | 37,900 | | | 2,915,647 |
National Oilwell Varco, Inc.(a) | | 30,600 | | | 2,714,832 |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | 42,530 | | | 4,568,998 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 16,968,782 |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–7.6% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–4.4% | | | | | |
The Charles Schwab Corp. | | 77,490 | | | 1,591,645 |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | 19,290 | | | 3,373,821 |
Greenhill & Co., Inc. | | 30,060 | | | 1,619,031 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,584,497 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–3.2% | | | | | |
CME Group, Inc.–Class A | | 5,723 | | | 2,192,997 |
JP Morgan Chase & Co. | | 75,400 | | | 2,586,974 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,779,971 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,364,468 |
| | | | | |
3
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–5.5% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–1.4% | | | | | |
Strayer Education, Inc. | | 10,120 | | $ | 2,115,788 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.9% | | | | | |
NVR, Inc.(a) | | 2,760 | | | 1,380,221 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–2.1% | | | | | |
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.(a) | | 93,080 | | | 1,651,239 |
J Crew Group, Inc.(a) | | 23,700 | | | 782,337 |
Tiffany & Co. | | 16,800 | | | 684,600 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,118,176 |
| | | | | |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–1.1% | | | | | |
Coach, Inc.(a) | | 17,720 | | | 511,754 |
Nike, Inc.–Class B | | 18,830 | | | 1,122,456 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,634,210 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,248,395 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–3.5% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–3.5% | | | | | |
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | | 17,200 | | | 1,700,392 |
Monsanto Co. | | 22,300 | | | 2,819,612 |
Praxair, Inc. | | 8,100 | | | 763,344 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,283,348 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
UTILITIES–1.1% | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–1.1% | | | | | |
FPL Group, Inc. | | 24,000 | | $ | 1,573,920 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES– 0.5% | | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–0.5% | | | | | |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | 11,700 | | | 711,477 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.5% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.5% | | | | | |
Tw Telecom, Inc.-Class A(a) | | 42,200 | | | 676,466 |
| | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.6% (cost $128,061,672) | | | | | 148,576,948 |
Other assets less liabilities–0.4% | | | | | 631,561 |
| | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | $ | 149,208,509 |
| | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
See notes to financial statements.
4
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | 148,576,948 | | | $ | –0 | – |
Level 2 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 148,576,948 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/2007 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts/premiums | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain (loss) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | –* |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 06/30/2008 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 06/30/2008 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 06/30/2008 for other financial instruments was $0. |
5
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $128,061,672) | | $ | 148,576,948 | |
Cash | | | 352,591 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 2,333,338 | |
Dividends receivable | | | 56,239 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 12,674 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 151,331,790 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 1,699,110 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 123,946 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 97,102 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 25,422 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 19,827 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 82 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 157,792 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 2,123,281 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 149,208,509 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 7,690 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 177,817,549 | |
Accumulated net investment loss | | | (317,634 | ) |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment transactions | | | (48,814,372 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments | | | 20,515,276 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 149,208,509 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 58,074,819 | | 2,951,909 | | $ | 19.67 |
B | | $ | 91,133,690 | | 4,738,276 | | $ | 19.23 |
See notes to financial statements.
6
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GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $12,893) | | $ | 542,262 | |
Interest | | | 14,981 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 557,243 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 610,165 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 125,507 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 442 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 713 | |
Administrative | | | 46,100 | |
Custodian | | | 43,627 | |
Audit | | | 24,000 | |
Printing | | | 12,941 | |
Legal | | | 7,110 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 750 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 3,522 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 874,877 | |
| | | | |
Net investment loss | | | (317,634 | ) |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized loss on investment transactions | | | (131,090 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (26,979,179 | ) |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment transactions | | | (27,110,269 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (27,427,903 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (317,634 | ) | | $ | (824,793 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | (131,090 | ) | | | 31,363,050 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (26,979,179 | ) | | | (4,569,779 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (27,427,903 | ) | | | 25,968,478 | |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (20,719,016 | ) | | | (53,409,240 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (48,146,919 | ) | | | (27,440,762 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 197,355,428 | | | | 224,796,190 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including accumulated net investment loss of ($317,634) and $0, respectively) | | $ | 149,208,509 | | | $ | 197,355,428 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
8
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GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (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 eighteen 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.
9
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GROWTH 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 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. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $46,100 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, 2008.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2008, amounted to $102,122, of which $916 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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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, 2008, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 84,399,663 | | | $ | 102,642,050 | |
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 | | $ | 26,534,693 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (6,019,417 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 20,515,276 | |
| | | | |
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 or to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency 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
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GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. Option Transactions
For hedging purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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 the 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, 2008, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
3. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 57,118 | | | 185,625 | | | | | $ | 1,176,158 | | | $ | 4,112,743 | |
Shares redeemed | | (416,041 | ) | | (1,484,406 | ) | | | | | (8,437,976 | ) | | | (32,276,016 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (358,923 | ) | | (1,298,781 | ) | | | | $ | (7,261,818 | ) | | $ | (28,163,273 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 55,989 | | | 261,088 | | | | | $ | 1,094,068 | | | $ | 5,551,562 | |
Shares redeemed | | (737,900 | ) | | (1,442,424 | ) | | | | | (14,551,266 | ) | | | (30,797,529 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (681,911 | ) | | (1,181,336 | ) | | | | $ | (13,457,198 | ) | | $ | (25,245,967 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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.
Currency Risk—This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce the returns of the Portfolio. For example, the value of the Portfolio’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U.S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.
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, 2008.
NOTE H: Components of Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | $ | (47,972,208 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 46,783,381 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (1,188,827 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | On December 31, 2007, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $47,972,208 of which $33,056,736 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 $31,578,984. |
(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
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 (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of 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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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
13
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GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG 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 containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
14
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $22.91 | | | $20.27 | | | $20.49 | | | $18.30 | | | $15.95 | | | $11.81 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (a) | | (.02 | ) | | (.05 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | (.07 | ) | | (.06 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (3.22 | ) | | 2.69 | | | (.18 | ) | | 2.27 | | | 2.42 | | | 4.20 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (3.24 | ) | | 2.64 | | | (.22 | ) | | 2.19 | | | 2.35 | | | 4.14 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $19.67 | | | $22.91 | | | $20.27 | | | $20.49 | | | $18.30 | | | $15.95 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (b) | | (14.14 | )% | | 13.02 | % | | (1.07 | )% | | 11.97 | % | | 14.73 | % | | 35.06 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $58,075 | | | $75,834 | | | $93,459 | | | $123,535 | | | $137,345 | | | $141,809 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses | | .92 | %(c) | | .90 | % | | .90 | %(d) | | .88 | % | | .88 | % | | .89 | % |
Net investment loss | | (.24 | )%(c) | | (.23 | )% | | (.22 | )%(d) | | (.43 | )% | | (.43 | )% | | (.43 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 52 | % | | 60 | % | | 55 | % | | 49 | % | | 56 | % | | 49 | % |
See footnote summary on page 16.
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $22.42 | | | $19.90 | | | $20.15 | | | $18.05 | | | $15.76 | | | $11.70 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (a) | | (.05 | ) | | (.10 | ) | | (.09 | ) | | (.12 | ) | | (.11 | ) | | (.09 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (3.14 | ) | | 2.62 | | | (.16 | ) | | 2.22 | | | 2.40 | | | 4.15 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (3.19 | ) | | 2.52 | | | (.25 | ) | | 2.10 | | | 2.29 | | | 4.06 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $19.23 | | | $22.42 | | | $19.90 | | | $20.15 | | | $18.05 | | | $15.76 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (b) | | (14.23 | )% | | 12.66 | % | | (1.24 | )% | | 11.64 | % | | 14.53 | % | | 34.70 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $91,134 | | | $121,521 | | | $131,337 | | | $167,595 | | | $152,899 | | | $120,460 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses | | 1.17 | %(c) | | 1.15 | % | | 1.15 | %(d) | | 1.13 | % | | 1.13 | % | | 1.14 | % |
Net investment loss | | (.49 | )%(c) | | (.49 | )% | | (.47 | )%(d) | | (.68 | )% | | (.68 | )% | | (.68 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 52 | % | | 60 | % | | 55 | % | | 49 | % | | 56 | % | | 49 | % |
(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. |
16
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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 Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) at a meeting held on May 6-8, 2008.
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 fee in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Portfolio was 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 rate 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 2006 and 2007 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 between fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the 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.
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GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(conitnued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 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 May 2008 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 similar 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 the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended January 31, 2008 and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (September 1994 inception). The directors noted that the Portfolio was in the 4th quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 1-year period, 5th quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 3-year period, 4th quintile of the Performance Group and 5th quintile of the Performance Universe for the 5-year period and 5th quintile of the Performance Group and 4th quintile of the Performance Universe for the 10-year period, and that the Portfolio underperformed the Index in the 1- and 3-year periods but outperformed the Index in the 5- and 10-year and since inception 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” and “pure” 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 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 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 because mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets tend to be relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
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| | 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. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services since 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 contractual effective advisory fee rate, at approximate current size, 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 4 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 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 $160 million at February 29, 2008) adversely affected the Portfolio’s expense ratio. For example, it resulted in 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.
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, as well as a presentation by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. 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 the Portfolio’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
19
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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 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 a September 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 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Growth | | 75 bp on 1st $2.5 billion
65 bp on next $2.5 billion
60 bp on the balance | | $ | 159.4 | | 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 $94,000 (0.04% 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 |
Growth Portfolio | | Class A 0.90% Class B 1.15% | | December 31 |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2008 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 6-8, 2008. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings 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. The Adviser also believes that it incurs substantial entrepreneurial risk when offering a new mutual fund since establishing a new mutual fund requires a large upfront investment, and it may take a long time for the fund to achieve profitability since the fund must be priced to scale from inception in order to be competitive and assets are acquired one account at a time. 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 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 29, 2008 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Growth Portfolio | | $159.4 | | U.S. Growth Schedule 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 $25m | | 0.441 | % | | 0.750 | % |
The Adviser also manages The AllianceBernstein Portfolios Growth Fund (“Growth Fund”), a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below are the fee schedule of the Growth Fund and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the Growth Fund been applicable to the Portfolio:5
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Adv. Fee | |
Growth Portfolio | | Growth Fund | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion 0.65% on next $2.5 billion 0.60% on the balance | | 0.550 | % | | 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 | 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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GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The AllianceBernstein Investment Trust Management mutual funds (“ITM”), 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 ITM mutual funds that have a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio are as follows:
| | | | |
Portfolio | | ITM Mutual Fund | | Fee (%) |
Growth Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein U.S. Growth Stock Fund Hedged/Unhedged | | 0.750 |
| | AllianceBernstein U.S. Growth Stock Fund F/FVA6 | | 0.700 |
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 | | 0.778 | | 5/14 |
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 | | 0.900 | | 0.882 | | 8/14 | | 0.815 | | 38/54 |
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.
6 | This ITM fund is privately placed or institutional. |
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. |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 2007, relative to 2006.
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. Under the distribution plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to its principal underwriter, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The current annual rate that the Portfolio pays to ABI for 12b-1 fees is 0.25%. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, ABI received $320,421 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, 2007, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $292,023 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”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $786 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.
12 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2007. |
23
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through fee structures,13 subsidies and enhancement to services. 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 make such investments in their business to provide services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli 14 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics. The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors. In this regard, it was noted that the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally within the 25th – 75th percentile range of their comparable peers.15 The independent consultant then discussed the results of the regression model that was utilized to study the effects of various factors on advisory fees. The regression model output indicated that the bulk of the variation in fees predicted were explained by various factors, but substantially by fund AUM, family AUM, index fund indicator and investment style. The independent consultant observed that the actual advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally lower than the fees predicted by the study’s regression model.
The independent consultant also compared the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to similar funds managed by 19 other large asset managers, regardless of the fund size and each Adviser’s proportion of mutual fund assets to non-mutual fund assets. The independent consultant observed that the advisory fees of certain AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were higher than the medians of these select groups of funds.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $746 billion as of February 29, 2008, 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 Portfolio16 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)17 for the periods ended January 31, 2008.18
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | –2.88 | | 0.81 | | 1.58 | | 10/14 | | 47/62 |
3 year | | 4.75 | | 8.00 | | 7.33 | | 9/11 | | 42/47 |
5 year | | 11.51 | | 12.15 | | 12.44 | | 7/10 | | 34/42 |
10 year | | 2.99 | | 4.56 | | 4.71 | | 7/7 | | 20/26 |
13 | Fee structures include fee reductions, pricing at scale and breakpoints in advisory fee schedules. |
14 | The Deli study was originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data. |
15 | The two dimensional analysis also showed patterns of lower advisory fees for funds with larger asset sizes and funds from larger family sizes compared to funds with smaller asset sizes and funds from smaller family sizes, which according to the independent consultant is indicative of a sharing of economies of scale and scope. However, in less liquid and active markets, such is not the case, as the empirical analysis showed potential for diseconomies of scale in those markets. The empirical analysis also showed diminishing economies of scale and scope as funds surpassed a certain high level of assets. |
16 | 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. |
17 | 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. |
18 | 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
| | |
| | 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)19 versus its benchmark.20 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.21
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending January 31, 2008 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Growth Portfolio | | –2.88 | | 4.75 | | 11.51 | | 2.99 | | 9.09 | | 20.31 | | 0.07 | | 10 |
Russell 3000 Growth Index20 | | 0.07 | | 6.94 | | 11.13 | | 2.72 | | 8.29 | | 18.94 | | 0.04 | | 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 5, 2008
19 | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
20 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through January 31, 2008. 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. |
21 | 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 & 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, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 830.67 | | $ | 2.73 | | 0.60 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,021.88 | | $ | 3.02 | | 0.60 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 829.93 | | $ | 3.87 | | 0.85 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.64 | | $ | 4.27 | | 0.85 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | $ | 67,199,125 | | 4.1 | % |
Total SA (Sponsored) (ADR) | | | 58,154,140 | | 3.5 | |
ACE Ltd. | | | 57,425,816 | | 3.5 | |
Honeywell International, Inc. | | | 57,082,884 | | 3.5 | |
Lockheed Martin Corp. | | | 53,740,102 | | 3.2 | |
Schering-Plough Corp. | | | 49,260,442 | | 3.0 | |
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. | | | 47,067,009 | | 2.8 | |
Safeway, Inc. | | | 45,899,835 | | 2.8 | |
Raytheon Co. | | | 43,887,144 | | 2.7 | |
Eli Lilly & Co. | | | 41,816,344 | | 2.5 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 521,532,841 | | 31.6 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2008 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Energy | | $ | 270,003,639 | | 16.2 | % |
Financials | | | 264,064,709 | | 15.8 | |
Industrials | | | 245,113,862 | | 14.7 | |
Health Care | | | 240,310,838 | | 14.4 | |
Information Technology | | | 198,866,423 | | 11.9 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 174,629,455 | | 10.4 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 139,015,798 | | 8.3 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 84,835,103 | | 5.1 | |
Materials | | | 27,632,079 | | 1.6 | |
Utilities | | | 2,874,700 | | 0.2 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 23,065,000 | | 1.4 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 1,670,411,606 | | 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 fund 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–99.9% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–16.4% | | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–16.4% | | | | | |
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. | | 36,800 | | $ | 2,754,112 |
Chevron Corp. | | 285,500 | | | 28,301,615 |
ConocoPhillips | | 348,900 | | | 32,932,671 |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | 762,500 | | | 67,199,125 |
Marathon Oil Corp. | | 410,000 | | | 21,266,700 |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | 318,800 | | | 28,647,368 |
StatoilHydro ASA (ADR) | | 725,300 | | | 27,111,714 |
Total SA (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 682,000 | | | 58,154,140 |
Valero Energy Corp. | | 88,300 | | | 3,636,194 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 270,003,639 |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–16.0% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–2.4% | | | | | |
Bank of New York Mellon Corp. | | 71,700 | | | 2,712,411 |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | 85,000 | | | 7,790,250 |
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. | | 1,051,900 | | | 20,838,139 |
Morgan Stanley | | 229,800 | | | 8,288,886 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 39,629,686 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–0.1% | | | | | |
Zions Bancorporation | | 80,500 | | | 2,534,945 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–2.3% | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. | | 456,600 | | | 10,899,042 |
Citigroup, Inc. | | 750,000 | | | 12,570,000 |
JP Morgan Chase & Co. | | 412,700 | | | 14,159,737 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 37,628,779 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–9.0% | | | | | |
ACE Ltd. | | 1,042,400 | | | 57,425,816 |
American International Group, Inc. | | 455,500 | | | 12,052,530 |
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. | | 1,578,900 | | | 47,067,009 |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | | 182,500 | | | 11,784,025 |
MetLife, Inc. | | 289,300 | | | 15,266,361 |
Prudential Financial, Inc. | | 76,700 | | | 4,582,058 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 148,177,799 |
| | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–2.2% | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | 1,850,000 | | | 36,093,500 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 264,064,709 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–14.9% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–11.8% | | | | | |
Honeywell International, Inc. | | 1,135,300 | | | 57,082,884 |
L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc.–Class 3 | | 159,500 | | | 14,493,765 |
Lockheed Martin Corp. | | 544,700 | | | 53,740,102 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Raytheon Co. | | 779,800 | | $ | 43,887,144 |
United Technologies Corp. | | 410,000 | | | 25,297,000 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 194,500,895 |
| | | | | |
AIRLINES–0.2% | | | | | |
Continental Airlines, Inc.–Class B(a) | | 372,600 | | | 3,766,986 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–1.8% | | | | | |
Emerson Electric Co. | | 522,300 | | | 25,827,735 |
Enersys(a) | | 120,100 | | | 4,111,023 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 29,938,758 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–0.8% | | | | | |
General Electric Co. | | 457,100 | | | 12,199,999 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–0.3% | | | | | |
Dover Corp. | | 59,900 | | | 2,897,363 |
Eaton Corp. | | 21,300 | | | 1,809,861 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,707,224 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 245,113,862 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–14.6% | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–1.6% | | | | | |
Aetna, Inc. | | 362,600 | | | 14,696,178 |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | 461,100 | | | 12,103,875 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 26,800,053 |
| | | | | |
LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–0.3% | | | | | |
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.(a) | | 68,700 | | | 3,828,651 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–12.7% | | | | | |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | | 724,600 | | | 14,876,038 |
Eli Lilly & Co. | | 905,900 | | | 41,816,344 |
Johnson & Johnson | | 366,200 | | | 23,561,308 |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | 1,044,200 | | | 39,355,898 |
Schering-Plough Corp. | | 2,501,800 | | | 49,260,442 |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 604,800 | | | 27,699,840 |
Wyeth | | 273,400 | | | 13,112,264 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 209,682,134 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 240,310,838 |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–12.0% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–1.2% | | | | | |
Ciena Corp.(a) | | 117,000 | | | 2,710,890 |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 525,000 | | | 12,211,500 |
Juniper Networks, Inc.(a) | | 228,700 | | | 5,072,566 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 19,994,956 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–2.0% | | | | | |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | 252,900 | | | 11,180,709 |
Sun Microsystems, Inc.(a) | | 2,051,800 | | | 22,323,584 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 33,504,293 |
| | | | | |
3
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–1.9% | | | | | |
Tyco Electronics Ltd. | | 874,200 | | $ | 31,313,844 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–0.6% | | | | | |
Yahoo!, Inc.(a) | | 500,000 | | | 10,330,000 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–2.0% | | | | | |
Accenture Ltd.–Class A | | 820,900 | | | 33,427,048 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–2.1% | | | | | |
Analog Devices, Inc. | | 363,700 | | | 11,554,749 |
Broadcom Corp.–Class A(a) | | 319,200 | | | 8,710,968 |
Integrated Device Technology, Inc.(a) | | 460,000 | | | 4,572,400 |
Intersil Corp.–Class A | | 262,470 | | | 6,383,270 |
Nvidia Corp.(a) | | 203,000 | | | 3,800,160 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 35,021,547 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–2.2% | | | | | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a) | | 286,500 | | | 11,285,235 |
Microsoft Corp. | | 450,000 | | | 12,379,500 |
Symantec Corp.(a) | | 600,000 | | | 11,610,000 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 35,274,735 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 198,866,423 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–10.6% | | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.1% | | | | | |
Wyndham Worldwide Corp. | | 141,800 | | | 2,539,638 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–1.6% | | | | | |
Centex Corp. | | 458,700 | | | 6,132,819 |
DR Horton, Inc. | | 1,365,800 | | | 14,818,930 |
Pulte Homes, Inc. | | 589,600 | | | 5,677,848 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 26,629,597 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET & CATALOG RETAIL–0.7% | | | | | |
Expedia, Inc.(a) | | 587,500 | | | 10,798,250 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–8.2% | | | | | |
CBS Corp.–Class B | | 1,040,900 | | | 20,287,141 |
The DIRECTV Group, Inc.(a) | | 914,010 | | | 23,681,999 |
EW Scripps Co.–Class A | | 36,361 | | | 1,510,436 |
Gannett Co., Inc. | | 638,700 | | | 13,840,629 |
Omnicom Group, Inc. | | 700,000 | | | 31,416,000 |
Time Warner, Inc. | | 910,500 | | | 13,475,400 |
Viacom, Inc.–Class B(a) | | 997,065 | | | 30,450,365 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 134,661,970 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 174,629,455 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–8.4% | | | | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–2.8% | | | | | | | |
Safeway, Inc. | | | 1,607,700 | | $ | 45,899,835 | |
| | | | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–1.3% | | | | | | | |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | | 363,600 | | | 22,110,516 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOBACCO–4.3% | | | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | | 675,000 | | | 13,878,000 | |
Lorillard, Inc.(a) | | | 372,539 | | | 25,764,797 | |
Philip Morris International, Inc. | | | 635,000 | | | 31,362,650 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 71,005,447 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 139,015,798 | |
| | | | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–5.1% | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–5.1% | | | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | | 589,900 | | | 19,873,731 | |
CenturyTel, Inc. | | | 906,800 | | | 32,273,012 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 923,400 | | | 32,688,360 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 84,835,103 | |
| | | | | | | |
MATERIALS–1.7% | | | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–1.7% | | | | | | | |
Dow Chemical Co. | | | 285,000 | | | 9,949,350 | |
Eastman Chemical Co. | | | 205,524 | | | 14,152,383 | |
Lubrizol Corp. | | | 76,200 | | | 3,530,346 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 27,632,079 | |
| | | | | | | |
UTILITIES–0.2% | | | | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–0.2% | | | | | | | |
NSTAR | | | 85,000 | | | 2,874,700 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $1,765,686,919) | | | | | | 1,647,346,606 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.4% | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–1.4% | | | | | | | |
Bank of New York 1.00%, 7/01/08 (cost $23,065,000) | | $ | 23,065 | | | 23,065,000 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–101.3% (cost $1,788,751,919) | | | | | | 1,670,411,606 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(1.3)% | | | | | | (22,122,239 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 1,648,289,367 | |
| | | | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
See notes to financial statements.
4
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments in Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | 1,647,346,606 | | | $ | –0 | – |
Level 2 | | | 23,065,000 | | | | –0 | – |
Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 1,670,411,606 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/07 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts/premiums | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | –* |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/08 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 6/30/08 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 6/30/08 for other financial instruments was $0. |
5
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $1,788,751,919) | | $ | 1,670,411,606 | |
Cash | | | 339 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 32,071,210 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 2,832,905 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 776,299 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 1,706,092,359 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 54,697,686 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 1,753,977 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 792,782 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 286,710 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 25,485 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 85 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 246,267 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 57,802,992 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 1,648,289,367 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 90,647 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 1,731,172,542 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 11,166,080 | |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 24,200,411 | |
Net unrealized depreciation of investments | | | (118,340,313 | ) |
| | | | |
| | $ | 1,648,289,367 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 338,340,327 | | 18,465,356 | | $ | 18.32 |
B | | $ | 1,309,949,040 | | 72,181,389 | | $ | 18.15 |
See notes to financial statements.
6
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $318,497) | | $ | 18,733,215 | |
Interest | | | 179,074 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 18,912,289 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 5,186,183 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 1,874,174 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 744 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 2,883 | |
Printing | | | 214,758 | |
Custodian | | | 124,190 | |
Administrative | | | 46,100 | |
Audit | | | 24,000 | |
Legal | | | 18,716 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 872 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 15,434 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 7,508,054 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 11,404,235 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 33,335,063 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (403,991,831 | ) |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment transactions | | | (370,656,768 | ) |
| | | | |
Contribution from Adviser (see Note B) | | | 11,869 | |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (359,240,664 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 11,404,235 | | | $ | 29,698,091 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 33,335,063 | | | | 290,992,505 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (403,991,831 | ) | | | (204,861,762 | ) |
Contribution from Adviser | | | 11,869 | | | | 5,490,338 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (359,240,664 | ) | | | 121,319,172 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (6,963,791 | ) | | | (7,215,789 | ) |
Class B | | | (22,799,055 | ) | | | (23,356,429 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (59,285,909 | ) | | | (24,491,029 | ) |
Class B | | | (235,239,159 | ) | | | (96,075,101 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 117,449,405 | | | | (299,607,323 | ) |
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from third party regulatory settlement (see Note E) | | | –0 | – | | | 99,405 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (566,079,173 | ) | | | (329,327,094 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 2,214,368,540 | | | | 2,543,695,634 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $11,166,080 and $29,524,691, respectively) | | $ | 1,648,289,367 | | | $ | 2,214,368,540 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (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 eighteen 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.
9
| | |
GROWTH & 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, 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. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
During the period ended December 31, 2007, and in response to the Independent Directors’ 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.
During the six months ended June 30, 2008 the Adviser made a payment of $11,869 to the portfolio in connection with a claim for class action settlement.
10
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $46,100 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, 2008.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2008 amounted to $2,324,236, of which $48,539 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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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, 2008, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 1,629,890,432 | | | $ | 1,797,228,494 | |
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 | | $ | 73,053,380 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (191,393,693 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized depreciation | | $ | (118,340,313 | ) |
| | | | |
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 or to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency 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
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME 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 purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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 the 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, 2008, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
3. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
12
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 744,884 | | | 1,718,639 | | | | | $ | 17,608,931 | | | $ | 46,751,786 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 3,373,203 | | | 1,167,409 | | | | | | 66,249,700 | | | | 31,706,818 | |
Shares redeemed | | (2,663,157 | ) | | (5,359,346 | ) | | | | | (61,748,743 | ) | | | (146,319,071 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | 1,454,930 | | | (2,473,298 | ) | | | | $ | 22,109,888 | | | $ | (67,860,467 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 838,830 | | | 1,665,190 | | | | | $ | 18,949,960 | | | $ | 45,161,027 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 13,259,929 | | | 4,434,888 | | | | | | 258,038,214 | | | | 119,431,530 | |
Shares redeemed | | (8,133,947 | ) | | (14,662,672 | ) | | | | | (181,648,657 | ) | | | (396,339,413 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | 5,964,812 | | | (8,562,594 | ) | | | | $ | 95,339,517 | | | $ | (231,746,856 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
During the period ended December 31, 2007, the Portfolio received $99,405 related to a third-party’s settlement of regulatory proceedings involving allegations of improper trading. This amount is presented in the Portfolio’s statement of changes in net assets. Neither the Portfolio nor its affiliates were involved in the proceedings or the calculation of the payment.
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.
Currency Risk—This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce the returns of the Portfolio. For example, the value of the Portfolio’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U.S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.
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, 2008.
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GROWTH & INCOME 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, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 38,271,652 | | $ | 29,399,718 |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 112,866,696 | | | 125,643,690 |
| | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 151,138,348 | | | 155,043,408 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 151,138,348 | | $ | 155,043,408 |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 69,586,813 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 254,754,630 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 276,225,182 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 600,566,625 | |
| | | | |
(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
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 (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of 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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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 Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG 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 containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
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
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| | 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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $26.82 | | | $27.19 | | | $24.88 | | | $24.08 | | | $21.80 | | | $16.62 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .16 | | | .39 | | | .36 | | | .31 | | | .36 | (b) | | .23 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (4.41 | ) | | .97 | | | 3.66 | | | .85 | | | 2.12 | | | 5.15 | |
Contribution from Adviser | | .00 | (c) | | .06 | | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (4.25 | ) | | 1.42 | | | 4.02 | | | 1.16 | | | 2.48 | | | 5.38 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.45 | ) | | (.41 | ) | | (.37 | ) | | (.36 | ) | | (.20 | ) | | (.20 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (3.80 | ) | | (1.38 | ) | | (1.34 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (4.25 | ) | | (1.79 | ) | | (1.71 | ) | | (.36 | ) | | (.20 | ) | | (.20 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $18.32 | | | $26.82 | | | $27.19 | | | $24.88 | | | $24.08 | | | $21.80 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | (16.93 | )%* | | 5.12 | %** | | 17.29 | % | | 4.86 | % | | 11.46 | % | | 32.50 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $338,340 | | | $456,159 | | | $529,732 | | | $571,372 | | | $627,689 | | | $603,673 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .60 | %(e) | | .59 | % | | .61 | %(f) | | .59 | % | | .60 | % | | .66 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .60 | %(e) | | .59 | % | | .61 | %(f) | | .59 | % | | .65 | % | | .66 | % |
Net investment income | | 1.41 | %(e) | | 1.43 | % | | 1.42 | %(f) | | 1.29 | % | | 1.62 | %(b) | | 1.25 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 87 | % | | 74 | % | | 60 | % | | 72 | % | | 50 | % | | 57 | % |
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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $26.55 | | | $26.93 | | | $24.65 | | | $23.87 | | | $21.62 | | | $16.49 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .13 | | | .32 | | | .29 | | | .25 | | | .31 | (b) | | .18 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (4.36 | ) | | .96 | | | 3.63 | | | .83 | | | 2.10 | | | 5.11 | |
Contribution from Adviser | | .00 | (c) | | .06 | | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (4.23 | ) | | 1.34 | | | 3.92 | | | 1.08 | | | 2.41 | | | 5.29 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.37 | ) | | (.34 | ) | | (.30 | ) | | (.30 | ) | | (.16 | ) | | (.16 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (3.80 | ) | | (1.38 | ) | | (1.34 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (4.17 | ) | | (1.72 | ) | | (1.64 | ) | | (.30 | ) | | (.16 | ) | | (.16 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $18.15 | | | $26.55 | | | $26.93 | | | $24.65 | | | $23.87 | | | $21.62 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | (17.01 | )%* | | 4.86 | %** | | 16.98 | % | | 4.60 | % | | 11.22 | % | | 32.18 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $1,309,949 | | | $1,758,210 | | | $2,013,964 | | | $2,073,693 | | | $2,044,741 | | | $1,671,671 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .85 | %(e) | | .84 | % | | .86 | %(f) | | .85 | % | | .85 | % | | .91 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .85 | %(e) | | .84 | % | | .86 | %(f) | | .85 | % | | .90 | % | | .91 | % |
Net investment income | | 1.16 | %(e) | | 1.18 | % | | 1.17 | %(f) | | 1.05 | % | | 1.39 | %(b) | | .99 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 87 | % | | 74 | % | | 60 | % | | 72 | % | | 50 | % | | 57 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses reimbursed or waived by the Adviser. |
(c) | Amount less than $0.005. |
(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. |
* | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the performance of each share class for the six months ended June 30, 2008 by 0.01%. |
** | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio by the Adviser resulting from the Dynegy class action settlement, which enhanced the performance of each share class for the year ended December 31, 2007 by 0.19% (see Note B). |
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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 6-8, 2008.
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 fee in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Portfolio was 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 rate 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 2006 and 2007 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 between fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability
18
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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 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 May 2008 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 similar 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 the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended January 31, 2008 and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (January 1991 inception). The directors noted that the Portfolio was in the 2nd quintile of the Performance Group and 3rd quintile of the Performance Universe for the 1-year period, 3rd quintile of the Performance Group and 4th quintile of the Performance Universe for the 3-year period, 3rd quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 5-year period and 2nd out of 4 of the Performance Group and 2nd quintile of the Performance Universe for the 10-year period, and that the Portfolio outperformed the Index in the 1- and 10-year periods but underperformed the Index in the 3- and 5-year and since inception periods. Based on their review and their discussion of the reasons for the Portfolio’s performance with the Adviser, as well as the improvement in relative performance in the most recent year, the directors retained confidence in the Adviser’s ability to advise the Portfolio and concluded that the Portfolio’s investment performance was satisfactory. 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.
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GROWTH & INCOME 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 because mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets tend to be 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. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services since 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 contractual effective advisory fee rate, at approximate current size, of 55 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, as well as a presentation by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. 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 the Portfolio’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
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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 a September 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 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Value | | 55 bp on 1st $2.5 billion
45 bp on next $2.5 billion
40 bp on the balance | | $ | 1,912.8 | | 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 $94,000 (0.004% 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 |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | Class A 0.59% | | December 31 |
| | Class B 0.84% | | |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2008 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 6-8, 2008. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings 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
| | |
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. The Adviser also believes that it incurs substantial entrepreneurial risk when offering a new mutual fund, since establishing a new mutual fund requires a large upfront investment, and it may take a long time for the fund to achieve profitability since the fund must be priced to scale from inception in order to be competitive and assets are acquired one account at a time. 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 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 29, 2008 net assets:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | $1,912.8 | | Relative 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 $25m | | 0.265 | | 0.550 |
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, Inc. (“Growth & Income Fund, Inc.”), a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below are the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, Inc.5 and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of Growth & Income Fund, Inc. been applicable to the Portfolio:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio 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 | | 0.750 | | 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 | 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. |
22
| | |
| | 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 fees set forth for American Value Portfolio, which is a Luxembourg fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio. It should be noted that Class A shares of the Luxembourg funds are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory services and distribution related services, unlike Class I shares, whose fee is for only investment advisory services.
| | | |
Fund | | Fee | |
American Value Portfolio | | | |
Class A | | 1.50 | % |
Class I (Institutional) | | 0.70 | % |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory investment services to certain other investment companies managed by other fund families that have an investment style similar to that of the Portfolio. The Adviser charges the following fees for each of these sub-advisory relationships:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Sub-Advised Fund | | Fee Schedule | | Sub-advised Fund Effective Fee (%) | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | Client No. 1 | | 0.30% on first $1 billion 0.25% on next $500 million 0.20% thereafter | | 0.265 | | 0.550 |
| | | | |
| | Client No.26 | | 0.30% | | 0.300 | | 0.550 |
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”)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.
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 Fee9 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Growth & Income Portfolio10 | | 0.550 | | 0.567 | | 8/20 |
6 | The client is an affiliate of the Adviser. |
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 | The Portfolio’s EG includes the Portfolio, seven other variable insurance product (“VIP”) Large-Cap Value funds (“LCVE”) and twelve VIP Large-Cap Core funds (“LCCE”). |
23
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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.11 A “normal” EU will include funds that have the same investment classification/objective as the subject Portfolio.12
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)13 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Growth & Income Portfolio14 | | 0.613 | | 0.613 | | 11/20 | | 0.802 | | 19/105 |
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 2007, relative to 2006.
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. Under the distribution plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to its principal underwriter, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The current annual rate that the Portfolio pays to ABI for 12b-1 fees is 0.25%. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $4,811,927 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, 2007, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $1,621,722 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 | 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. |
12 | 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. |
13 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
14 | The Portfolio’s EU includes the Portfolio, EG and all other VIP LCVE and LCCE funds, excluding outliers. |
24
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $786 from the Portfolio.15
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
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through fee structures,16 subsidies and enhancement to services. 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 make such investments in their business to provide services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli 17 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics. The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors. In this regard, it was noted that the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally within the 25th – 75th percentile range of their comparable peers.18 The independent consultant then discussed the results of the regression model that was utilized to study the effects of various factors on advisory fees. The regression model output indicated that the bulk of the variation in fees predicted were explained by various factors, but substantially by fund AUM, family AUM, index fund indicator and investment style. The independent consultant observed that the actual advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally lower than the fees predicted by the study’s regression model.
The independent consultant also compared the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to similar funds managed by 19 other large asset managers, regardless of the fund size and each Adviser’s proportion of mutual fund assets to non-mutual fund assets. The independent consultant observed that the advisory fees of certain AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were higher than the medians of these select groups of funds.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $746 billion as of February 29, 2008, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
15 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2007. |
16 | Fee structures include fee reductions, pricing at scale and breakpoints in advisory fee schedules. |
17 | The Deli study was originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data. |
18 | The two dimensional analysis also showed patterns of lower advisory fees for funds with larger asset sizes and funds from larger family sizes compared to funds with smaller asset sizes and funds from smaller family sizes, which according to the independent consultant is indicative of a sharing of economies of scale and scope. However, in less liquid and active markets, such is not the case, as the empirical analysis showed potential for diseconomies of scale in those markets. The empirical analysis also showed diminishing economies of scale and scope as funds surpassed a certain high level of assets. |
25
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME 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 Portfolio19 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)20 for the periods ended January 31, 2008.21
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | –2.77 | | –5.08 | | –3.58 | | 2/8 | | 20/44 |
3 year | | 6.97 | | 6.97 | | 8.23 | | 4/7 | | 30/40 |
5 year | | 12.73 | | 12.59 | | 12.99 | | 3/7 | | 21/36 |
10 year | | 7.96 | | 6.09 | | 5.59 | | 2/4 | | 3/14 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)22 versus its benchmark.23 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.24
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending January 31, 2008 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Growth & Income Portfolio | | – | 2.77 | | 6.97 | | 12.73 | | 7.96 | | 10.87 | | 15.68 | | 0.33 | | 10 |
Russell 1000 Value Index | | – | 5.38 | | 8.48 | | 14.25 | | 7.40 | | 12.81 | | 13.93 | | 0.32 | | 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 5, 2008
19 | 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. |
20 | 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. |
21 | 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. |
22 | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
23 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through December 31, 2007. |
24 | 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 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, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 927.84 | | $ | 4.55 | | 0.95 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.14 | | $ | 4.77 | | 0.95 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 926.96 | | $ | 5.75 | | 1.20 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,018.90 | | $ | 6.02 | | 1.20 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Rio Tinto PLC | | $ | 7,365,671 | | 3.5 | % |
Xstrata PLC | | | 7,004,932 | | 3.3 | |
Sasol Ltd. | | | 6,539,994 | | 3.1 | |
BHP Billiton PLC | | | 4,981,088 | | 2.3 | |
Evraz Group SA (Sponsored) (GDR) | | | 4,877,506 | | 2.3 | |
StatoilHyro ASA | | | 4,790,536 | | 2.3 | |
Incitec Pivot Ltd. | | | 4,734,333 | | 2.2 | |
Cia Vale Do Rio Doce (ADR and Sponsored ADR) | | | 4,658,643 | | 2.2 | |
Gazprom OAO (Sponsored) (ADR) | | | 4,574,170 | | 2.1 | |
Banco Santander Central Hispano SA | | | 4,566,835 | | 2.1 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 54,093,708 | | 25.4 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2008 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 44,403,017 | | 21.2 | % |
Materials | | | 39,556,636 | | 18.9 | |
Energy | | | 29,043,860 | | 13.8 | |
Industrials | | | 21,669,502 | | 10.3 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 14,273,726 | | 6.8 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 13,054,635 | | 6.2 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 12,997,860 | | 6.2 | |
Information Technology | | | 11,558,411 | | 5.5 | |
Health Care | | | 11,413,126 | | 5.4 | |
Utilities | | | 5,596,341 | | 2.7 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 6,190,000 | | 3.0 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 209,757,114 | | 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 fund 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COUNTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
United Kingdom | | $ | 48,733,254 | | 23.2 | % |
Switzerland | | | 21,642,309 | | 10.3 | |
Japan | | | 18,501,670 | | 8.8 | |
Australia | | | 13,467,960 | | 6.4 | |
Russia | | | 12,754,912 | | 6.1 | |
France | | | 11,806,069 | | 5.6 | |
Brazil | | | 10,224,794 | | 4.9 | |
South Africa | | | 8,740,445 | | 4.2 | |
Germany | | | 8,094,274 | | 3.9 | |
Spain | | | 7,039,959 | | 3.4 | |
China | | | 6,383,641 | | 3.0 | |
Canada | | | 5,480,476 | | 2.6 | |
Other* | | | 30,697,351 | | 14.6 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 6,190,000 | | 3.0 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 209,757,114 | | 100.0 | % |
* | “Other” country weightings represents 2.3% or less in the following countries: Argentina, Cayman Islands, Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand and Turkey. |
3
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–94.9% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–20.0% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–8.0% | | | | | |
Credit Suisse Group AG | | 39,722 | | $ | 1,808,026 |
Gottex Fund Management Holdings Ltd. | | 38,391 | | | 1,109,999 |
ICAP PLC | | 167,709 | | | 1,796,370 |
Julius Baer Holding AG | | 67,971 | | | 4,558,338 |
Macquarie Group Ltd. | | 28,770 | | | 1,339,404 |
Man Group PLC | | 314,075 | | | 3,879,868 |
Partners Group Holding AG | | 18,418 | | | 2,534,075 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 17,026,080 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–9.8% | | | | | |
Banco Santander Central Hispano SA | | 250,318 | | | 4,566,836 |
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd.–Class H | | 5,613,000 | | | 3,837,757 |
Itausa-Investimentos Itau SA | | 531,005 | | | 3,371,986 |
National Bank of Greece SA | | 56,173 | | | 2,528,174 |
Powszechna Kasa Oszczednosci Bank Polski SA | | 85,403 | | | 1,835,245 |
Siam Commercial Bank PCL | | 804,000 | | | 1,863,616 |
Standard Chartered PLC | | 98,687 | | | 2,794,759 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 20,798,373 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–1.0% | | | | | |
Deutsche Boerse AG | | 8,346 | | | 943,568 |
IG Group Holdings PLC | | 174,939 | | | 1,145,590 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,089,158 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–1.2% | | | | | |
Prudential PLC | | 236,964 | | | 2,499,433 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 42,413,044 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–18.6% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–3.0% | | | | | |
Bayer AG | | 19,107 | | | 1,604,025 |
Incitec Pivot Ltd. | | 26,737 | | | 4,734,333 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,338,358 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–15.6% | | | | | |
BHP Billiton PLC | | 129,885 | | | 4,981,088 |
Cia Vale do Rio Doce (ADR) | | 14,804 | | | 530,279 |
Cia Vale do Rio Doce (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 138,350 | | | 4,128,364 |
Equinox Minerals Ltd.(a) | | 381,448 | | | 1,660,909 |
Evraz Group SA (Sponsored) (GDR)(b) | | 41,867 | | �� | 4,877,506 |
Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.(a) | | 234,972 | | | 2,669,529 |
Rio Tinto PLC | | 61,163 | | | 7,365,671 |
Xstrata PLC | | 87,935 | | | 7,004,932 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 33,218,278 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 39,556,636 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–13.7% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–3.1% | | | | | |
Tenaris SA (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 45,300 | | $ | 3,374,850 |
WorleyParsons Ltd. | | 88,716 | | | 3,214,500 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,589,350 |
| | | | | |
MISCELLANEOUS–0.2% | | | | | |
SMA Solar Technology AG(a) | | 4,554 | | | 392,920 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–10.4% | | | | | |
Addax Petroleum Corp. | | 48,002 | | | 2,317,955 |
Gazprom OAO (Sponsored) (ADR)(b) | | 78,865 | | | 4,574,170 |
Sasol Ltd. | | 111,102 | | | 6,539,994 |
StatoilHydro ASA | | 128,399 | | | 4,790,536 |
Total SA | | 45,101 | | | 3,838,935 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 22,061,590 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 29,043,860 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–10.2% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.4% | | | |
BAE Systems PLC | | 347,924 | | | 3,053,834 |
| | | | | |
AIRLINES–0.2% | | | | | |
EasyJet PLC(a) | | 92,957 | | | 497,103 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–0.7% | | | | | |
Capita Group PLC | | 106,313 | | | 1,450,249 |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.5% | | | | | |
China Communications Construction Co. Ltd.–Class H | | 576,000 | | | 987,474 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.8% | | | | | |
ABB Ltd. | | 63,058 | | | 1,784,910 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–2.0% | | | | | |
Barloworld Ltd. | | 62,527 | | | 637,068 |
Siemens AG | | 19,207 | | | 2,117,217 |
Smiths Group PLC | | 64,768 | | | 1,395,533 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,149,818 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–1.2% | | | | | |
Atlas Copco AB–Class A | | 86,123 | | | 1,259,580 |
Komatsu Ltd. | | 47,200 | | | 1,318,114 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,577,694 |
| | | | | |
ROAD & RAIL–0.7% | | | | | |
Central Japan Railway Co. | | 129 | | | 1,421,898 |
| | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–2.7% | | | | | |
Mitsubishi Corp. | | 90,000 | | | 2,965,565 |
Mitsui & Co. Ltd. | | 126,000 | | | 2,780,957 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,746,522 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 21,669,502 |
| | | | | |
4
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–6.7% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.8% | | | | | |
Global Village Telecom Holding SA(a) | | 36,000 | | $ | 874,680 |
Iliad SA | | 12,514 | | | 1,212,288 |
Telefonica SA | | 93,453 | | | 2,473,124 |
Vimpel-Communications (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 44,885 | | | 1,332,187 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,892,279 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–3.9% | | | | | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | 26,300 | | | 1,387,325 |
China Unicom Ltd | | 482,000 | | | 894,585 |
MTN Group Ltd. | | 98,767 | | | 1,563,385 |
NTT Docomo, Inc. | | 585 | | | 858,043 |
Vodafone Group PLC | | 1,248,378 | | | 3,678,109 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,381,447 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 14,273,726 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–6.2% | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–0.9% | | | | | |
Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 24,568 | | | 1,118,090 |
Pernod-Ricard SA | | 8,474 | | | 864,731 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,982,821 |
| | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–1.7% | | | | | |
Tesco PLC | | 490,977 | | | 3,591,153 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–1.8% | | | | | |
Nestle SA | | 84,710 | | | 3,817,428 |
| | | | | |
PERSONAL PRODUCTS–0.2% | | | | | |
L’Oreal SA | | 3,572 | | | 387,442 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–1.6% | | | | | |
British American Tobacco PLC | | 57,795 | | | 1,993,570 |
ITC Ltd. | | 150,239 | | | 655,287 |
Japan Tobacco, Inc. | | 147 | | | 626,934 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,275,791 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 13,054,635 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–6.1% | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–0.6% | | | | | |
Denso Corp. | | 38,100 | | | 1,312,217 |
| | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–1.9% | | | | | |
Fiat SpA | | 95,357 | | | 1,552,123 |
Honda Motor Co. Ltd. | | 49,800 | | | 1,699,508 |
Porsche Automobil Holding SE | | 5,850 | | | 899,122 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,150,753 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–1.1% | | | | | |
Ctrip.com International Ltd. (ADR) | | 11,600 | | $ | 531,048 |
Ladbrokes PLC | | 114,723 | | | 582,909 |
OPAP, SA | | 33,905 | | | 1,186,301 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,300,258 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.3% | | | | | |
Sony Corp. | | 14,000 | | | 613,672 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–1.6% | | | | | |
Eutelsat Communications | | 73,158 | | | 2,029,411 |
SES SA | | 7,873 | | | 198,880 |
SES SA (FDR)(a) | | 43,720 | | | 1,092,300 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,320,591 |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–0.2% | | | | | |
Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd | | 167,182 | | | 494,764 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–0.4% | | | | | |
Esprit Holdings Ltd. | | 77,369 | | | 805,605 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 12,997,860 |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–5.4% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–1.4% | | | | | |
Nokia OYJ | | 60,569 | | | 1,480,485 |
Research In Motion Ltd.(a) | | 12,793 | | | 1,501,613 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,982,098 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–0.6% | | | | | |
Cap Gemini SA | | 21,365 | | | 1,252,577 |
| | | | | |
OFFICE ELECTRONICS–0.4% | | | | | |
Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. | | 60,000 | | | 1,016,311 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–1.1% | | | | | |
Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc. | | 960,000 | | | 860,563 |
Elpida Memory, Inc.(a) | | 19,500 | | | 625,383 |
Tokyo Electron Ltd. | | 14,300 | | | 824,653 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,310,599 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–1.9% | | | | | |
Nintendo Co. Ltd. | | 4,300 | | | 2,438,416 |
Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd. (Sponsored) (ADR)(a) | | 57,400 | | | 1,558,410 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,996,826 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,558,411 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–5.4% | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–0.6% | | | | | |
Basilea Pharmaceutica(a) | | 1,710 | | | 277,713 |
CSL Ltd./Australia | | 29,664 | | | 1,015,429 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,293,142 |
| | | | | |
5
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–1.1% | | | | | |
Alcon, Inc. | | 3,800 | | $ | 618,602 |
Essilor International SA | | 27,919 | | | 1,703,042 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,321,644 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–0.8% | | | | | |
Fresenius Medical Care AG | | 20,486 | | | 1,126,142 |
Orpea(a) | | 10,491 | | | 517,642 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,643,784 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–2.9% | | | | | |
Novartis AG | | 42,519 | | | 2,339,914 |
Roche Holding AG | | 15,538 | | | 2,793,302 |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 22,300 | | | 1,021,340 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,154,556 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,413,126 |
| | | | | |
UTILITIES–2.6% | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–2.1% | | | | | |
CEZ | | 25,463 | | | 2,261,414 |
Cia Energetica de Minas Gerais (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 52,976 | | | 1,300,561 |
E.ON AG | | 5,020 | | | 1,011,281 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,573,256 |
| | | | | |
INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS & ENERGY TRADERS–0.5% | | | | | |
International Power PLC | | 119,426 | | | 1,023,085 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,596,341 |
| | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $177,176,049) | | | | | 201,577,141 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
WARRANTS–1.0% | | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–1.0% | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–1.0% | | | | | | |
Sberbank, expiring 2/23/10(a) (cost $2,711,359) | | | 625 | | $ | 1,971,050 |
| | | | | | |
RIGHTS–0.0% | | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–0.0% | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–0.0% | | | | | | |
Itausa-Investimentos Itau SA(a) (cost $14,595) | | | 2,980 | | | 18,923 |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–2.9% | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–2.9% | | | | | | |
Bank of New York 1.00%, 7/01/08 (cost $6,190,000) | | $ | 6,190 | | | 6,190,000 |
| | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–98.8% (cost $186,092,003) | | | | | | 209,757,114 |
Other assets less liabilities–1.2% | | | | | | 2,629,632 |
| | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 212,386,746 |
| | | | | | |
(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, 2008, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $9,451,676 or 4.5% of net assets. |
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
FDR—Fiduciary Depositary Receipt
GDR—Global Depositary Receipt
See notes to financial statements.
6
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments In Securities | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | 31,917,547 | | $ | –0 | – |
Level 2 | | | 174,004,901 | | | –0 | – |
Level 3 | | | 3,834,666 | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 209,757,114 | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/2007 | | $ | 857,664 | | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts/premiums | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain (loss) | | | (363,196 | ) | | | –0 | –* |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | (1,096,943 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | 1,829,667 | | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | 2,607,474 | | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/08 | | $ | 3,834,666 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 6/30/08 | | $ | (1,319,510 | ) | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 6/30/08 for other financial instruments was $0. |
7
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $186,092,003) | | $ | 209,757,114 | |
Cash | | | 517,770 | |
Foreign cash, at value (cost $1,269,878) | | | 1,279,135 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 785,533 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency contracts | | | 694,792 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 212,185 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 213,246,529 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 336,994 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 177,375 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 133,153 | |
Printing fee payable | | | 95,623 | |
Custody fee payable | | | 68,276 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 21,166 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 13,857 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 85 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 13,254 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 859,783 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 212,386,746 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 9,373 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 190,945,597 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 2,559,861 | |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (4,839,587 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 23,711,502 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 212,386,746 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 144,699,865 | | 6,370,712 | | $ | 22.71 |
B | | $ | 67,686,881 | | 3,002,471 | | $ | 22.54 |
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $279,967) | | $ | 3,567,598 | |
Interest | | | 57,012 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 3,624,610 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 786,292 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 75,111 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,199 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 480 | |
Custodian | | | 95,085 | |
Administrative | | | 46,100 | |
Printing | | | 28,093 | |
Audit | | | 26,071 | |
Legal | | | 4,581 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 931 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 6,082 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 1,070,025 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 2,554,585 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized loss on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | (4,362,681 | ) |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (94,773 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (14,945,142 | )(a) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 101,531 | |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (19,301,065 | ) |
| | | | |
Contribution from Adviser (see Note B) | | | 13,762 | |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (16,732,718 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | Net of accrued foreign capital gain taxes of $3,055. |
See notes to financial statements.
9
| | |
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 2,554,585 | | | $ | 805,704 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (4,457,454 | ) | | | 33,503,642 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (14,843,611 | ) | | | (16,023,325 | ) |
Contribution from Adviser | | | 13,762 | | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (16,732,718 | ) | | | 18,286,021 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (1,623,430 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (541,864 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (2,519,650 | ) | | | (30,458,866 | ) |
Class B | | | (1,046,092 | ) | | | (13,413,214 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 9,410,482 | | | | 134,049,650 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | (10,887,978 | ) | | | 106,298,297 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 223,274,724 | | | | 116,976,427 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $2,559,861 and $5,276, respectively) | | $ | 212,386,746 | | | $ | 223,274,724 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
10
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2008 (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 eighteen 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.
11
| | |
INTERNATIONAL 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. Pur- 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 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. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
During the six months ended June 30, 2008 the Adviser made a payment of $13,762 to the Portfolio in connection with a trading error.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $46,100 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, 2008.
12
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2008, amounted to $203,210, 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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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, 2008, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 87,989,447 | | | $ | 77,122,911 | |
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 | | $ | 35,607,256 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (11,942,145 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 23,665,111 | |
| | | | |
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 or to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency 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.
13
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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 the 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, 2008, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
3. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
14
| | |
| | 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold . | | 515,870 | | | 1,016,139 | | | | | $ | 12,057,476 | | | $ | 31,451,472 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 106,991 | | | 1,204,872 | | | | | | 2,519,650 | | | | 32,082,296 | |
Shares issued in connection with the acquisition of International Research Growth Portfolio | | -0- | | | 2,759,700 | | | | | | -0- | | | | 70,857,563 | |
Shares redeemed | | (908,211 | ) | | (1,013,182 | ) | | | | | (20,848,965 | ) | | | (30,677,501 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | (285,350 | ) | | 3,967,529 | | | | | $ | (6,271,839 | ) | | $ | 103,713,830 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold . | | 996,314 | | | 523,872 | | | | | $ | 23,004,001 | | | $ | 15,467,703 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 44,724 | | | 527,837 | | | | | | 1,046,092 | | | | 13,955,078 | |
Shares issued in connection with the acquisition of International Research Growth Portfolio | | -0- | | | 497,531 | | | | | | -0- | | | | 12,694,504 | |
Shares redeemed | | (368,830 | ) | | (388,549 | ) | | | | | (8,367,772 | ) | | | (11,781,465 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 672,208 | | | 1,160,691 | | | | | $ | 15,682,321 | | | $ | 30,335,820 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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.
Currency Risk—This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce the returns of the Portfolio. For example, the value of the Portfolio’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U.S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.
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, 2008.
NOTE H: Acquisition of AllianceBernstein International Research Growth by AllianceBernstein International Growth (the “Portfolio”)
On December 7, 2007, the Portfolio acquired all the net assets and assumed all of the liabilities of AllianceBernstein International Research Growth, a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (“IRG”) in a tax free event, pursuant to a Plan of Acquisition and Liquidation. The acquisition did not require approval by IRG shareholders. As a result of the acquisition, each IRG shareholder received the number of full and fractional shares of an equivalent class of shares of the Portfolio having an aggregate net asset value (“NAV”) that, on December 7, 2007, was equal to the aggregate NAV of the shareholder’s shares of IRG. On December 7, 2007, the acquisition was accomplished by a tax free exchange of 3,257,231
15
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
shares of the Portfolio for 4,004,846 shares of IRG. The aggregate net assets of the Portfolio and IRG immediately before the acquisition were $146,224,062 and $83,552,067 (including $23,068,175 of net unrealized appreciation of investment and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities), respectively. Immediately after the acquisition, the combined net assets of the Portfolio amounted to $229,776,129.
NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 9,637,168 | | $ | 864,518 |
Long-term capital gains | | | 36,400,206 | | | 608,374 |
| | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 46,037,374 | | | 1,472,892 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 46,037,374 | | $ | 1,472,892 |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 1,362,052 | |
Undistributed long term capital gain | | | 2,164,129 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 38,217,817 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 41,743,998 | |
| | | | |
(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 derivative investments. |
NOTE J: Legal Proceedings
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 (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of 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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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 Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG 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 containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
16
| | |
| | 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 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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
17
| | |
| | |
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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $24.89 | | | $30.37 | | | $24.27 | | | $20.18 | | | $16.28 | | | $11.48 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .29 | | | .20 | | | .30 | | | .25 | | | .11 | (b) | | .04 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (2.07 | ) | | 5.16 | | | 6.18 | | | 3.94 | | | 3.83 | | | 4.91 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (1.78 | ) | | 5.36 | | | 6.48 | | | 4.19 | | | 3.94 | | | 4.95 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | –0 | – | | (.56 | ) | | (.23 | ) | | (.10 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | (.15 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.40 | ) | | (10.28 | ) | | (.15 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.40 | ) | | (10.84 | ) | | (.38 | ) | | (.10 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | (.15 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $22.71 | | | $24.89 | | | $30.37 | | | $24.27 | | | $20.18 | | | $16.28 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (7.22 | )% | | 18.13 | % | | 27.04 | % | | 20.84 | % | | 24.27 | % | | 43.46 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $144,700 | | | $165,642 | | | $81,655 | | | $58,438 | | | $41,198 | | | $34,302 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .95 | %(d) | | 1.21 | %(e) | | 1.23 | %(e) | | 1.41 | % | | 1.65 | % | | 2.17 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .95 | %(d) | | 1.21 | %(e) | | 1.23 | %(e) | | 1.41 | % | | 1.81 | % | | 2.17 | % |
Net investment income | | 2.49 | %(d) | | .66 | %(e) | | 1.11 | %(e) | | 1.16 | % | | .65 | %(b) | | .34 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 38 | % | | 126 | % | | 74 | % | | 43 | % | | 60 | % | | 44 | % |
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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $24.73 | | | $30.20 | | | $24.16 | | | $20.11 | | | $16.24 | | | $11.47 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .26 | | | .13 | | | .22 | | | .21 | | | .07 | (b) | | .02 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (2.05 | ) | | 5.11 | | | 6.16 | | | 3.91 | | | 3.82 | | | 4.88 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (1.79 | ) | | 5.24 | | | 6.38 | | | 4.12 | | | 3.89 | | | 4.90 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | –0 | – | | (.43 | ) | | (.19 | ) | | (.07 | ) | | (.02 | ) | | (.13 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (.40 | ) | | (10.28 | ) | | (.15 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.40 | ) | | (10.71 | ) | | (.34 | ) | | (.07 | ) | | (.02 | ) | | (.13 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $22.54 | | | $24.73 | | | $30.20 | | | $24.16 | | | $20.11 | | | $16.24 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (7.30 | )% | | 17.78 | % | | 26.70 | % | | 20.55 | % | | 23.97 | % | | 43.07 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $67,687 | | | $57,633 | | | $35,321 | | | $25,215 | | | $14,501 | | | $7,376 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.20 | %(d) | | 1.45 | %(e) | | 1.48 | %(e) | | 1.66 | % | | 1.90 | % | | 2.41 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.20 | %(d) | | 1.45 | %(e) | | 1.48 | %(e) | | 1.66 | % | | 2.06 | % | | 2.41 | % |
Net investment income | | 2.29 | %(d) | | .45 | %(e) | | .81 | %(e) | | .95 | % | | .41 | %(b) | | .13 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 38 | % | | 126 | % | | 74 | % | | 43 | % | | 60 | % | | 44 | % |
(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. |
19
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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 6-8, 2008.
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 fee in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Portfolio was 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 rate 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 2006 and 2007 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 between fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the 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.
20
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 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 May 2008 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 similar 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 (MSCI) All Country World (ex US) Index (Net) (the “MSCI All Country World Index”) and the MSCI World (ex US) Index (Net) (the “MSCI World Index”), in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended January 31, 2008, except as noted below and (in the case of the MSCI World Index) the since inception period (September 1994 inception). The directors noted that the Portfolio was in the 2nd quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 1- and 5-year periods, 2nd quintile of the Performance Group and 1st quintile of the Performance Universe for the 3-year period and 1st quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 10-year period, and that the Portfolio outperformed the MSCI All Country World Index in the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods (no information was available for the 10-year and since inception periods) and outperformed the MSCI World 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 because mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets tend to be relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
21
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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH 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. The Lipper information included the pro forma expense ratio for Class A Shares provided by the Adviser to reflect the Portfolio’s acquisition of the Fund’s AllianceBernstein International Research Growth Portfolio effective December 7, 2007. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services since 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 contractual effective advisory fee rate, at approximate current size, of 75 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 pro forma 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, as well as a presentation by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. 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 the Portfolio’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
22
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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 a September 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 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
International | | 75 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 65 bp on next $2.5 billion 60 bp on the balance | | $ | 207.9 | | International Growth Portfolio4 |
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 $94,000 (0.04% 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 1.21% Class B 1.45% | | December 31 |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2008 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 6-8, 2008. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings 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. |
4 | The Fund merged with the International Research Growth Portfolio on December 7, 2007. |
23
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INTERNATIONAL 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. The Adviser also believes that it incurs substantial entrepreneurial risk when offering a new mutual fund since establishing a new mutual fund requires a large upfront investment, and it may take a long time for the fund to achieve profitability since the fund must be priced to scale from inception in order to be competitive and assets are acquired one account at a time. 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 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 fee based on February 29, 2008 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) |
International Growth Portfolio | | $ | 207.9 | | International Large Cap 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 | | 0.496 | | 0.750 |
5 | 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. |
6 | Fees shown for the International Large Cap Growth Strategy, which is similar but more concentrated that the Portfolio’s strategy. |
24
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Also shown is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the AllianceBernstein International Growth Fund, Inc. been applicable to the Portfolio:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio Adv. Fee (%) |
International Growth Portfolio | | International Growth Fund, Inc. | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion 0.65% on next $2.5 billion 0.60% on the balance | | 0.750 | | 0.750 |
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 | | 0.948 | | 2/14 |
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.
It should be noted that pro-forma information (shown in bold and italicized) is also provided to account for the projected expenses after the Portfolio’s December 2007 merger with AllianceBernstein Variable Series Products Series Fund, Inc.—International Research Growth Portfolio.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)12 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
International Growth Portfolio | | 1.227 | | 1.125 | | 11/14 | | 1.087 | | 19/22 |
pro-forma | | 1.044 | | 1.125 | | 4/14 | | 1.087 | | 10/22 |
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.
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 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. |
25
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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 2007, relative to 2006.
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. Under the distribution plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to its principal underwriter, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The current annual rate that the Portfolio pays to ABI for 12b-1 fees is 0.25%. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $101,122 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, 2007, the Adviser determined that it made payment in the amount of $528,334 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”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $786 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.
13 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2007. |
26
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through fee structures,14 subsidies and enhancement to services. 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 make such investments in their business to provide services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli 15 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics. The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors. In this regard, it was noted that the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally within the 25th – 75th percentile range of their comparable peers.16 The independent consultant then discussed the results of the regression model that was utilized to study the effects of various factors on advisory fees. The regression model output indicated that the bulk of the variation in fees predicted were explained by various factors, but substantially by fund AUM, family AUM, index fund indicator and investment style. The independent consultant observed that the actual advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally lower than the fees predicted by the study’s regression model.
The independent consultant also compared the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to similar funds managed by 19 other large asset managers, regardless of the fund size and each Adviser’s proportion of mutual fund assets to non-mutual fund assets. The independent consultant observed that the advisory fees of certain AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were higher than the medians of these select groups of funds.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $746 billion as of February 29, 2008, 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 January 31, 2008.19
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 5.51 | | 2.71 | | 2.88 | | 5/14 | | 12/31 |
3 year | | 18.57 | | 16.03 | | 15.50 | | 4/13 | | 5/26 |
5 year | | 24.69 | | 19.32 | | 19.68 | | 3/13 | | 5/24 |
10 year | | 12.08 | | 7.67 | | 7.67 | | 1/11 | | 2/15 |
14 | Fee structures include fee reductions, pricing at scale and breakpoints in advisory fee schedules. |
15 | The Deli study was originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data. |
16 | The two dimensional analysis also showed patterns of lower advisory fees for funds with larger asset sizes and funds from larger family sizes compared to funds with smaller asset sizes and funds from smaller family sizes, which according to the independent consultant is indicative of a sharing of economies of scale and scope. However, in less liquid and active markets, such is not the case, as the empirical analysis showed potential for diseconomies of scale in those markets. The empirical analysis also showed diminishing economies of scale and scope as funds surpassed a certain high level of assets. |
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 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. |
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. |
27
| | |
INTERNATIONAL 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)20 versus its benchmark.21 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.22
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending January 31, 2008 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
International Growth Portfolio | | 5.51 | | 18.57 | | 24.69 | | 12.08 | | 12.17 | | 13.30 | | 1.48 | | 5 |
MSCI All Country World ex US Index (Net) | | 4.97 | | 16.56 | | 22.39 | | N/A | | N/A | | N/A | | N/A | | 5 |
MSCI World ex US Index (Net) | | 1.68 | | 14.51 | | 20.77 | | 7.52 | | 7.40 | | 12.10 | | 1.46 | | 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 5, 2008
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 January 31, 2008. |
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. |
28
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, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 862.19 | | $ | 3.70 | | 0.80 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.89 | | $ | 4.02 | | 0.80 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 861.29 | | $ | 4.81 | | 1.04 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.69 | | $ | 5.22 | | 1.04 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC—Class A | | $ | 130,923,069 | | 4.6 | % |
BASF SE | | | 101,396,953 | | 3.6 | |
Total SA | | | 93,936,917 | | 3.3 | |
JFE Holdings, Inc. | | | 89,411,639 | | 3.2 | |
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | | | 74,486,032 | | 2.7 | |
StatoilHydro ASA | | | 68,664,884 | | 2.4 | |
Allianz SE | | | 67,369,634 | | 2.4 | |
ING Groep N.V. | | | 65,476,243 | | 2.3 | |
Eni SpA | | | 65,143,248 | | 2.3 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC | | | 64,301,936 | | 2.3 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 821,110,555 | | 29.1 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2008 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 789,124,798 | | 28.1 | % |
Energy | | | 490,055,252 | | 17.4 | |
Materials | | | 453,236,419 | | 16.1 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 251,982,729 | | 9.0 | |
Information Technology | | | 212,437,025 | | 7.6 | |
Telecommunications Services | | | 178,416,044 | | 6.3 | |
Industrials | | | 143,303,241 | | 5.1 | |
Utilities | | | 97,436,071 | | 3.5 | |
Health Care | | | 87,633,467 | | 3.1 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 67,273,070 | | 2.4 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 38,527,000 | | 1.4 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 2,809,425,116 | | 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 fund 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COUNTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Japan | | $ | 537,326,430 | | 19.1 | % |
France | | | 408,849,050 | | 14.6 | |
United Kingdom | | | 408,040,820 | | 14.5 | |
Germany | | | 355,894,951 | | 12.7 | |
Netherlands | | | 268,011,499 | | 9.5 | |
South Korea | | | 108,113,203 | | 3.8 | |
Italy | | | 106,068,227 | | 3.8 | |
China | | | 77,418,958 | | 2.8 | |
Taiwan | | | 76,568,051 | | 2.7 | |
Norway | | | 68,664,884 | | 2.4 | |
Belgium | | | 67,101,012 | | 2.4 | |
Luxembourg | | | 53,942,099 | | 1.9 | |
Other* | | | 234,898,932 | | 8.4 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 38,527,000 | | 1.4 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 2,809,425,116 | | 100.0 | % |
* | “Other” country weightings represents 1.7% or less in the following countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Finland, Russia, Sweden and Switzerland. |
3
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–97.5% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–27.9% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–3.8% | | | |
Credit Suisse Group AG | | 972,800 | | $ | 44,278,939 |
Deutsche Bank AG | | 738,800 | | | 63,288,587 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 107,567,526 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–13.6% | | | |
Barclays PLC | | 7,983,900 | | | 45,296,391 |
BNP Paribas SA | | 570,620 | | | 51,365,592 |
Credit Agricole SA | | 2,678,057 | | | 54,365,788 |
Hana Financial Group, Inc. | | 374,500 | | | 14,410,648 |
HBOS PLC | | 10,246,190 | | | 56,095,895 |
Kookmin Bank | | 247,600 | | | 14,552,053 |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC (London Virt-X) | | 15,104,528 | | | 64,301,936 |
Societe Generale | | 586,988 | | | 50,891,396 |
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. | | 4,552 | | | 34,231,988 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 385,511,687 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER FINANCE–1.5% | | | |
ORIX Corp. | | 285,120 | | | 40,836,866 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–3.8% | | | |
Fortis (Euronext Brussels) | | 2,623,332 | | | 41,670,246 |
ING Groep NV | | 2,070,871 | | | 65,476,243 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 107,146,489 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–5.2% | | | | | |
Allianz SE | | 383,300 | | | 67,369,634 |
Aviva PLC | | 2,515,285 | | | 24,936,768 |
Fondiaria-Sai SpA (ordinary shares) | | 339,737 | | | 11,196,290 |
Fondiaria-Sai SpA (saving shares) | | 51,100 | | | 1,137,048 |
Muenchener Rueckversicherungs AG | | 240,700 | | | 42,221,184 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 146,860,924 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 787,923,492 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–17.3% | | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–17.3% | | | |
BP PLC | | 641,400 | | | 7,434,197 |
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.–Class H | | 50,538,000 | | | 47,238,844 |
ENI SpA | | 1,753,500 | | | 65,143,248 |
LUKOIL (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 355,050 | | | 34,865,910 |
Petro-Canada | | 747,200 | | | 41,848,183 |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC (London Virt-X)–Class A | | 3,201,600 | | | 130,923,069 |
StatoilHydro ASA | | 1,840,400 | | | 68,664,884 |
Total SA | | 1,103,600 | | | 93,936,917 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 490,055,252 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–16.0% | | | |
CHEMICALS–7.5% | | | |
BASF SE | | 1,477,600 | | | 101,396,953 |
Koninklijke Dsm NV | | 543,300 | | | 31,843,867 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp. | | 5,846,500 | | $ | 34,044,213 |
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. | | 2,457,000 | | | 12,133,178 |
Nova Chemicals Corp. | | 259,400 | | | 6,385,153 |
Solvay SA–Class A | | 195,200 | | | 25,430,766 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 211,234,130 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–7.1% | | | |
Antofagasta PLC | | 864,300 | | | 11,238,253 |
Cia Vale do Rio Doce (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 1,028,300 | | | 30,684,472 |
JFE Holdings, Inc. | | 1,773,400 | | | 89,411,639 |
Kazakhmys PLC | | 785,100 | | | 24,754,069 |
MMC Norilsk Nickel (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 373,250 | | | 9,405,900 |
Xstrata PLC | | 448,760 | | | 35,748,371 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 201,242,704 |
| | | | | |
PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS–1.4% | | | |
Stora Enso Oyj–Class R | | 1,675,300 | | | 15,608,247 |
Svenska Cellulosa AB–Class B | | 1,787,500 | | | 25,151,338 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 40,759,585 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 453,236,419 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–8.9% | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–1.9% | | | |
Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin–Class B | | 395,100 | | | 28,252,096 |
Hyundai Mobis | | 313,312 | | | 25,361,506 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 53,613,602 |
| | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–4.8% | | | | | |
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. | | 8,968,300 | | | 74,486,032 |
Renault SA | | 656,000 | | | 53,389,695 |
Toyota Motor Corp. | | 141,500 | | | 6,679,367 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 134,555,094 |
| | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.4% | | | |
TUI Travel PLC | | 2,775,200 | | | 11,277,615 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–1.0% | | | |
Sharp Corp. | | 1,807,000 | | | 29,456,403 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–0.8% | | | | | |
Lagardere SCA | | 408,000 | | | 23,080,015 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 251,982,729 |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–7.0% | | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–4.2% | | | | | |
Asustek Computer, Inc. | | 9,620,000 | | | 26,129,750 |
Compal Electronics, Inc. (GDR)(a) | | 2,174,835 | | | 11,750,851 |
Fujitsu Ltd. | | 6,977,000 | | | 51,809,936 |
Toshiba Corp. | | 4,103,000 | | | 30,270,043 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 119,960,580 |
| | | | | |
4
| | |
|
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–2.8% | | | | | |
Hynix Semiconductor, Inc.(b) | | 1,012,200 | | $ | 24,151,517 |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | | 25,510 | | | 15,240,654 |
United Microelectronics Corp. | | 73,195,350 | | | 38,687,450 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 78,079,621 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 198,040,201 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–6.3% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.5% | | | | | |
China Netcom Group Corp. Ltd. | | 11,096,500 | | | 30,180,115 |
Deutsche Telekom AG–Class W | | 823,000 | | | 13,515,126 |
Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. | | 7,301 | | | 36,025,147 |
Tele2 AB–Class B | | 936,900 | | | 18,219,568 |
Telecom Italia SpA | | 14,295,100 | | | 28,591,640 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 126,531,596 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.8% | | | | | |
Vodafone Group PLC | | 17,609,975 | | | 51,884,448 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 178,416,044 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–5.1% | | | | | |
AIRLINES–1.4% | | | | | |
Air France-KLM | | 515,700 | | | 12,300,905 |
Deutsche Lufthansa AG | | 898,200 | | | 19,352,486 |
Qantas Airways Ltd. | | 2,900,100 | | | 8,451,223 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 40,104,614 |
| | | | | |
MARINE–1.8% | | | | | |
Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd. | | 2,103,000 | | | 29,992,913 |
Nippon Yusen KK | | 2,000,000 | | | 19,263,615 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 49,256,528 |
| | | | | |
STEEL–1.9% | | | | | |
ArcelorMittal | | 546,424 | | | 53,942,099 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 143,303,241 |
| | | | | |
UTILITIES–3.5% | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–3.5% | | | | | |
E.ON AG | | 242,000 | | | 48,750,981 |
The Tokyo Electric Power Co. Inc | | 1,890,800 | | | 48,685,090 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 97,436,071 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–3.1% | | | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–3.1% | | | | | | |
GlaxoSmithKline PLC | | | 2,097,500 | | $ | 46,366,820 |
Sanofi-Aventis SA | | | 621,027 | | | 41,266,647 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 87,633,467 |
| | | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–2.4% | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–1.4% | | | | | | |
Koninklijke Ahold NV | | | 2,966,540 | | | 39,768,320 |
| | | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–1.0% | | | | | | |
Associated British Foods PLC | | | 1,826,000 | | | 27,504,750 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 67,273,070 |
| | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $2,965,676,305) | | | | | | 2,755,299,986 |
| | | | | | |
NON-CONVERTIBLE— PREFERRED STOCKS–0.5% | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–0.5% | | | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–0.5% | | | | | | |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (cost $15,192,945) | | | 33,400 | | | 14,396,824 |
| | | | | | |
RIGHTS–0.0% | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–0.0% | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–0.0% | | | | | | |
Barclays PLC(b) | | | 1,710,835 | | | 323,732 |
HBOS PLC(b) | | | 4,098,476 | | | 877,574 |
| | | | | | |
Total Rights (cost $0) | | | | | | 1,201,306 |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.4% | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–1.4% | | | | | | |
Bank of New York 1.00%, 7/01/08 (cost $38,527,000) | | $ | 38,527 | | | 38,527,000 |
| | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.4% (cost $3,019,396,250) | | | | | | 2,809,425,116 |
Other assets less liabilities–0.6% | | | | | | 15,826,488 |
| | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 2,825,251,604 |
| | | | | | |
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, 2008 | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Purchased Contracts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
EURO STOXX 50 Index | | 193 | | September 2008 | | $ | 10,863,706 | | $ | 10,270,806 | | $ | (592,900 | ) |
S&P/TSE 60 IX FUT | | 60 | | September 2008 | | | 10,337,055 | | | 10,193,586 | | | (143,469 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (736,369 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | 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, 2008, the market value of this security amounted to $11,750,851 or 0.4% of net assets. |
(b) | Non-income producing security. |
Glossary:
ADR —American Depositary Receipt
GDR —Global Depositary Receipt
See notes to financial statements.
6
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments In Securities | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | 78,917,807 | | $ | (736,369 | ) |
Level 2 | | | 2,729,306,003 | | | –0 | – |
Level 3 | | | 1,201,306 | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 2,809,425,116 | | $ | (736,369 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/07 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts/premiums | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – * |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | 1,201,306 | | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/08 | | $ | 1,201,306 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 6/30/08 | | $ | 1,201,306 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 6/30/08 for other financial instruments was $0. |
7
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $3,019,396,250) | | $ | 2,809,425,116 | |
Cash | | | 203,604 | |
Foreign cash, at value (cost $8,855,776) | | | 10,721,809 | (a) |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 5,551,280 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 5,292,678 | |
Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts | | | 58,664 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 2,831,253,151 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 2,250,534 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 1,762,743 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency contracts | | | 1,195,598 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 549,867 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 25,306 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 85 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 217,414 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 6,001,547 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 2,825,251,604 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 140,116 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 2,891,641,288 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 56,614,915 | |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 86,931,230 | |
Net unrealized depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (210,075,945 | ) |
| | | | |
| | $ | 2,825,251,604 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 250,033,827 | | 12,286,104 | | $ | 20.35 |
B | | $ | 2,575,217,777 | | 127,829,699 | | $ | 20.15 |
(a) | An amount equivalent to U.S. $1,394,997 has been segregated to collateralize margin requirements for the open futures contracts outstanding as of June 30, 2008. |
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $9,223,369) | | $ | 72,787,749 | |
Interest | | | 499,400 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 73,287,149 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 10,615,542 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 3,326,575 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 163 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1,948 | |
Custodian | | | 348,821 | |
Printing | | | 326,247 | |
Administrative | | | 46,100 | |
Legal | | | 26,420 | |
Audit | | | 24,000 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 887 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 49,165 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 14,765,868 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 58,521,281 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 92,628,106 | |
Futures | | | (5,035,402 | ) |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (56,937 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (577,235,344 | ) |
Futures | | | (1,052,194 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 835,418 | |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (489,916,353 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (431,395,072 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
9
| | |
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 58,521,281 | | | $ | 37,474,866 | |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 87,535,767 | | | | 159,223,959 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (577,452,120 | ) | | | (89,091,817 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (431,395,072 | ) | | | 107,607,008 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (2,216,163 | ) | | | (2,121,228 | ) |
Class B | | | (20,468,604 | ) | | | (24,321,058 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (12,223,065 | ) | | | (7,015,301 | ) |
Class B | | | (146,438,238 | ) | | | (91,158,928 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 399,994,375 | | | | 1,036,460,716 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | (212,746,767 | ) | | | 1,019,451,209 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 3,037,998,371 | | | | 2,018,547,162 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $56,614,915 and $20,778,401, respectively) | | $ | 2,825,251,604 | | | $ | 3,037,998,371 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
10
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2008 (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 eighteen 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.
11
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE 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.
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. 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, 2008, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $46,100 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, 2008.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2008, amounted to $1,191,335, none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
12
| | |
| | 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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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, 2008, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 784,887,130 | | | $ | 458,482,090 | |
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 (excluding futures and foreign currency transactions) are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 288,886,641 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (498,857,775 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized depreciation | | $ | (209,971,134 | ) |
| | | | |
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. The Portfolio may also purchase or sell futures contracts for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
At the time the 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.
13
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 or to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency 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 purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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 the 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, 2008, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
4. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
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| | 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 4,066,612 | | | 5,055,084 | | | | | $ | 88,992,739 | | | $ | 129,630,173 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 635,809 | | | 352,353 | | | | | | 14,439,228 | | | | 9,136,529 | |
Shares redeemed | | (1,155,742 | ) | | (1,869,224 | ) | | | | | (25,909,404 | ) | | | (47,870,603 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 3,546,679 | | | 3,538,213 | | | | | $ | 77,522,563 | | | $ | 90,896,099 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 12,368,198 | | | 35,264,989 | | | | | $ | 274,901,333 | | | $ | 901,580,223 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 7,421,380 | | | 4,493,385 | | | | | | 166,906,842 | | | | 115,479,986 | |
Shares redeemed | | (5,251,384 | ) | | (2,802,922 | ) | | | | | (119,336,363 | ) | | | (71,495,592 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 14,538,194 | | | 36,955,452 | | | | | $ | 322,471,812 | | | $ | 945,564,617 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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.
Currency Risk—This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce the returns of the Portfolio. For example, the value of the Portfolio’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U.S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.
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, 2008.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 66,798,491 | | $ | 22,004,118 |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 57,818,024 | | | 19,021,129 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 124,616,515 | | $ | 41,025,247 |
| | | | | | |
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 52,259,355 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 128,214,203 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 365,737,784 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 546,211,342 | |
| | | | |
(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
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 (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of 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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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 Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG 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 containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $25.14 | | | $24.96 | | | $19.07 | | | $16.70 | | | $13.45 | | | $9.35 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .48 | | | .43 | | | .38 | | | .26 | (b) | | .20 | (b) | | .13 | (b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (3.79 | ) | | 1.07 | | | 6.21 | | | 2.49 | | | 3.16 | | | 4.01 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (3.31 | ) | | 1.50 | | | 6.59 | | | 2.75 | | | 3.36 | | | 4.14 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.23 | ) | | (.31 | ) | | (.30 | ) | | (.10 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | (.04 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (1.25 | ) | | (1.01 | ) | | (.40 | ) | | (.28 | ) | | (.03 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.48 | ) | | (1.32 | ) | | (.70 | ) | | (.38 | ) | | (.11 | ) | | (.04 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $20.35 | | | $25.14 | | | $24.96 | | | $19.07 | | | $16.70 | | | $13.45 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (13.78 | )% | | 5.84 | % | | 35.36 | % | | 16.92 | % | | 25.12 | % | | 44.36 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $250,034 | | | $219,691 | | | $129,837 | | | $56,692 | | | $47,095 | | | $31,628 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .80 | %(d) | | .81 | % | | .85 | %(e) | | .86 | % | | .95 | % | | 1.20 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .80 | %(d) | | .81 | % | | .85 | %(e) | | .87 | % | | 1.13 | % | | 1.49 | % |
Net investment income | | 4.37 | %(d) | | 1.68 | % | | 1.75 | %(e) | | 1.54 | %(b) | | 1.42 | %(b) | | 1.16 | %(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 16 | % | | 23 | % | | 25 | % | | 18 | % | | 23 | % | | 14 | % |
See footnote summary on page 19.
18
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $24.88 | | | $24.74 | | | $18.93 | | | $16.61 | | | $13.39 | | | $9.33 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .45 | | | .36 | | | .33 | | | .19 | (b) | | .15 | (b) | | .08 | (b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (3.75 | ) | | 1.06 | | | 6.16 | | | 2.50 | | | 3.16 | | | 4.01 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (3.30 | ) | | 1.42 | | | 6.49 | | | 2.69 | | | 3.31 | | | 4.09 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.18 | ) | | (.27 | ) | | (.28 | ) | | (.09 | ) | | (.06 | ) | | (.03 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (1.25 | ) | | (1.01 | ) | | (.40 | ) | | (.28 | ) | | (.03 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.43 | ) | | (1.28 | ) | | (.68 | ) | | (.37 | ) | | (.09 | ) | | (.03 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $20.15 | | | $24.88 | | | $24.74 | | | $18.93 | | | $16.61 | | | $13.39 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (13.87 | )% | | 5.58 | % | | 35.05 | % | | 16.58 | % | | 24.86 | % | | 43.95 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $2,575,218 | | | $2,818,307 | | | $1,888,710 | | | $840,572 | | | $284,443 | | | $112,336 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.04 | %(d) | | 1.06 | % | | 1.10 | %(e) | | 1.11 | % | | 1.20 | % | | 1.45 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.04 | %(d) | | 1.06 | % | | 1.10 | %(e) | | 1.12 | % | | 1.38 | % | | 1.74 | % |
Net investment income | | 4.03 | %(d) | | 1.41 | % | | 1.53 | %(e) | | 1.08 | %(b) | | 1.07 | %(b) | | .38 | %(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 16 | % | | 23 | % | | 25 | % | | 18 | % | | 23 | % | | 14 | % |
(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 6-8, 2008.
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 fee in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Portfolio was 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 rate 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 2006 and 2007 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 between fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability
20
| | |
| | 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 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 May 2008 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 similar 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 the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods ended January 31, 2008 and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (May 2001 inception). The directors noted that the Portfolio was 3rd out of 3 of the Performance Group and in the 4th quintile of the Performance Universe for the 1-year period, 1st out of 2 of the Performance Group and 2nd quintile of the Performance Universe for the 3-year period and 1st out of 2 of the Performance Group and 1st quintile of the Performance Universe for the 5-year period, and that the Fund underperformed the Index in the 1-year period but outperformed the Index in the 3- and 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 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 because mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets tend to be 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. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services since 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 contractual effective advisory fee rate, at approximate current size, of 73.2 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 0.4 basis points. 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 and that the Portfolio’s net assets were in excess of the first breakpoint level. Accordingly, the Portfolio’s current effective advisory fee rate reflected a reduction due to the effect of the breakpoints and would be further reduced to the extent the net assets of the Portfolio increase further. The directors also considered presentations by an independent consultant discussing economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AllianceBernstein Funds, as well as a presentation by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. 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 were acceptable and were resulting in a sharing of economies of scale.
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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 a September 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 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
International | | 75 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 65 bp on next $2.5 billion 60 bp on the balance | | $ | 2,803.7 | | 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 $94,000 (0.004% 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, 2008 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 6-8, 2008. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings 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. |
23
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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:
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Cap Pursuant to Expense Limitation Undertaking | | Gross Expense Ratio | | Fiscal Year End |
International Value Portfolio | | Class A 1.20% Class B 1.45% | | 0.81%
1.06% | | 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. The Adviser also believes that it incurs substantial entrepreneurial risk when offering a new mutual fund since establishing a new mutual fund requires a large upfront investment, and it may take a long time for the fund to achieve profitability since the fund must be priced to scale from inception in order to be competitive and assets are acquired one account at a time. 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 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 29, 2008 net assets:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) |
International Value Portfolio | | $2,803.7 | | 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 | | 0.507 | | 0.739 |
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. |
24
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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.5 Also shown is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the AllianceBernstein International Value Fund been applicable to the Portfolio:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio Adv. Fee (%) |
International Value Portfolio | | International Value Fund | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion 0.65% on next $2.5 billion 0.60% on the balance | | 0.739 | | 0.739 |
The AllianceBernstein Investment Trust Management mutual funds (“ITM”), 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 ITM mutual fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio is as follows:
| | | | |
Portfolio | | ITM Mutual Fund | | Fee6 |
International Value Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Kokusai Value Stock7 | | 0.70% |
| | |
| | Bernstein Kokusai Strategic Value7 | | 0.95% on first ¥1 billion 0.85% on next ¥1.5 billion 0.75% 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 that have an investment style similar to that of the Portfolio. The Adviser charges the fees set forth below for the following sub-advisory relationships:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | | | Fee Schedule | | Effective Sub-Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) |
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 | | 0.326 | | 0.739 |
| | | | |
| | Client # 28,9 | | 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 | | 0.525 | | 0.739 |
| | | | |
| | Client # 3 | | 0.70% on 1st $25 million 0.45% on next $25 million 0.35% on next $200 million 0.33% thereafter | | 0.336 | | 0.739 |
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 Japanese Yen-U.S. dollar currency exchange rate quoted at 4 p.m. on March 17, 2008 by Reuters was ¥97.38 per $1. At that currency exchange rate, every ¥1 billion would be equivalent to approximately $10.3 million. |
7 | This ITM Fund is privately placed or institutional. |
8 | Assets are aggregated with other Specialty Equity Portfolios for purposes of calculating the investment advisory fee. |
9 | The client is an affiliate of the Adviser. |
25
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | | | Fee Schedule | | Effective Sub-Adv. Fee (%) | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) |
| | Client # 4 | | 0.45% on 1st $200 million 0.36% on next $300 million 0.32% thereafter | | 0.334 | | | 0.739 |
| | | | |
| | Client # 5 | | 0.55% on 1st $150 million 0.50% on next $150 million 0.45% thereafter | | 0.458 | | | 0.739 |
| | | | |
| | Client # 6 | | 0.50% | | 0.500 | | | 0.739 |
| | | | |
| | Client # 7 | | 0.30% | | 0.300 | | | 0.739 |
| | | | |
| | Client # 8 | | 0.22% on 1st $1 billion 0.18% on next $1.5 billion 0.16% thereafter +/- Performance Fee10 | | 0.192 | 11 | | 0.739 |
| | | | |
| | Client # 9 | | 0.60% on 1st $50 million 0.40% on next $50 million 0.30% on next $300 million 0.25% thereafter | | 0.264 | | | 0.739 |
| | | | |
| | Client # 10 | | 0.50% on 1st $100 million 0.46% on next $300 million 0.41% thereafter | | 0.419 | | | 0.739 |
| | | | |
| | Client # 11 | | 0.40% on 1st $500 million 0.35% on next $1.5 billion 0.30% thereafter | | 0.345 | | | 0.739 |
| | | | |
| | Client # 12 | | 0.35% on 1st $1 billion 0.30% on next $1 billion 0.25% thereafter | | 0.350 | | | 0.739 |
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. 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
10 | The performance fee is calculated by multiplying the Base Fee during the period by an adjustment factor that considers the excess or under performance of the fund versus its benchmark over a 60 month rolling period. The performance adjustment factor can range from -60% to +60 of the base fee. |
11 | The calculation excludes the performance fee. |
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. |
26
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| | 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.
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 | | 0.732 | | 0.732 | | 7/12 |
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 EU16 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 (%)17 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
International Value Portfolio18 | | 0.855 | | 0.893 | | 5/12 | | 0.975 | | 10/53 |
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 2007, relative to 2006.
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.
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, two other variable insurance product (“VIP”) International Value funds (“IFVE”) and nine VIP International Core funds (“IFCE”). |
16 | 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. |
17 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
18 | The Portfolio’s EU includes the Portfolio, EG and all other VIP IFVE and IFCE funds, excluding outliers. |
27
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Portfolio has adopted a distribution plan for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 40 Act. Under the distribution plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to its principal underwriter, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The current annual rate that the Portfolio pays to ABI for 12b-1 fees is 0.25%. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $6,083,687 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, 2007, the Adviser determined that it made payment in the amount of $2,702,577 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”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $786 from the Portfolio.19
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
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through fee structures,20 subsidies and enhancement to services. 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 make such investments in their business to provide services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli 21 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics. The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors. In this regard, it was noted that the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally within the 25th – 75th percentile range of their comparable peers.22 The independent consultant then discussed the results of the regression model that was utilized to study the effects of various factors on advisory fees. The regression model output indicated that the bulk of the variation in fees
19 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2007. |
20 | Fee structures include fee reductions, pricing at scale and breakpoints in advisory fee schedules. |
21 | The Deli study was originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data. |
22 | The two dimensional analysis also showed patterns of lower advisory fees for funds with larger asset sizes and funds from larger family sizes compared to funds with smaller asset sizes and funds from smaller family sizes, which according to the independent consultant is indicative of a sharing of economies of scale and scope. However, in less liquid and active markets, such is not the case, as the empirical analysis showed potential for diseconomies of scale in those markets. The empirical analysis also showed diminishing economies of scale and scope as funds surpassed a certain high level of assets. |
28
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
predicted were explained by various factors, but substantially by fund AUM, family AUM, index fund indicator and investment style. The independent consultant observed that the actual advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally lower than the fees predicted by the study’s regression model.
The independent consultant also compared the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to similar funds managed by 19 other large asset managers, regardless of the fund size and each Adviser’s proportion of mutual fund assets to non-mutual fund assets. The independent consultant observed that the advisory fees of certain AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were higher than the medians of these select groups of funds.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $746 billion as of February 29, 2008, 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 Portfolio23 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)24 for the periods ended January 31, 2008.25
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | –3.46 | | 1.32 | | 0.42 | | 3/3 | | 14/18 |
3 year | | 15.49 | | 14.38 | | 13.27 | | 1/2 | | 5/15 |
5 year | | 22.81 | | 20.53 | | 19.73 | | 1/2 | | 3/15 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)26 versus its benchmark.27 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.28
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending January 31, 2008 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
International Value Portfolio | | –3.46 | | 15.49 | | 22.81 | | 15.16 | | 12.79 | | 1.42 | | 5 |
MSCI EAFE Index (Net) | | 0.22 | | 13.82 | | 20.28 | | 8.40 | | 11.39 | | 1.39 | | 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 5, 2008
23 | 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. |
24 | 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. |
25 | 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. |
26 | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
27 | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through January 31, 2008. |
28 | 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.
| | |
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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, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 883.37 | | $ | 3.89 | | 0.83 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.74 | | $ | 4.17 | | 0.83 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 882.18 | | $ | 5.05 | | 1.08 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.49 | | $ | 5.42 | | 1.08 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Apple, Inc. | | $ | 42,317,111 | | 7.0 | % |
Google, Inc.—Class A | | | 41,747,738 | | 6.9 | |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | | 31,236,576 | | 5.1 | |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | | 25,686,513 | | 4.2 | |
Monsanto Co. | | | 25,055,983 | | 4.1 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | 23,917,515 | | 3.9 | |
CME Group, Inc.—Class A | | | 22,882,191 | | 3.8 | |
EOG Resources, Inc. | | | 20,270,400 | | 3.3 | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | | | 18,949,922 | | 3.1 | |
Research In Motion Ltd. | | | 18,497,087 | | 3.0 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 270,561,036 | | 44.4 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2008 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Information Technology | | $ | 198,026,323 | | 32.0 | % |
Health Care | | | 119,749,922 | | 19.4 | |
Energy | | | 71,294,289 | | 11.5 | |
Financials | | | 60,195,602 | | 9.7 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 54,726,192 | | 8.8 | |
Industrials | | | 47,286,962 | | 7.6 | |
Materials | | | 41,158,826 | | 6.7 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 15,775,133 | | 2.6 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 8,661,550 | | 1.4 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 1,776,000 | | 0.3 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 618,650,799 | | 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 fund 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–101.2% | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–32.5% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–7.7% | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 814,700 | | $ | 18,949,922 |
Nokia OYJ (Sponsored)–Class A (ADR) | | 105,800 | | | 2,592,100 |
Nortel Networks Corp.(a) | | 37,071 | | | 304,724 |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | | 149,000 | | | 6,611,130 |
Research In Motion Ltd.(a) | | 158,230 | | | 18,497,087 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 46,954,963 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–12.1% | | | | | |
Apple, Inc.(a) | | 252,730 | | | 42,317,111 |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | 706,550 | | | 31,236,576 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 73,553,687 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–6.8% | | | | | |
Google, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 79,305 | | | 41,747,738 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–4.0% | | | | | |
Broadcom Corp.–Class A(a) | | 84,350 | | | 2,301,911 |
Intel Corp. | | 91,500 | | | 1,965,420 |
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.(a) | | 189,400 | | | 11,655,676 |
Nvidia Corp.(a) | | 438,400 | | | 8,206,848 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 24,129,855 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–1.9% | | | | | |
Electronic Arts, Inc.(a) | | 42,200 | | | 1,874,946 |
Microsoft Corp. | | 57,300 | | | 1,576,323 |
Salesforce.com, Inc.(a) | | 64,800 | | | 4,421,304 |
VMware, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 69,950 | | | 3,767,507 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,640,080 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 198,026,323 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–19.6% | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–8.3% | | | | | |
Celgene Corp.(a) | | 255,000 | | | 16,286,850 |
Genentech, Inc.(a) | | 137,600 | | | 10,443,840 |
Gilead Sciences, Inc.(a) | | 451,700 | | | 23,917,515 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 50,648,205 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–4.4% | | | | | |
Alcon, Inc. | | 91,700 | | | 14,927,843 |
Baxter International, Inc. | | 111,200 | | | 7,110,128 |
Becton Dickinson & Co. | | 62,500 | | | 5,081,250 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 27,119,221 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–2.4% | | | | | |
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.(a) | | 307,200 | | | 14,499,840 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–4.5% | | | | | |
Abbott Laboratories | | 234,800 | | | 12,437,356 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 328,500 | | $ | 15,045,300 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 27,482,656 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 119,749,922 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–11.7% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–8.4% | | | | | |
Baker Hughes, Inc. | | 47,150 | | | 4,118,081 |
Cameron International Corp.(a) | | 108,200 | | | 5,988,870 |
National Oilwell Varco, Inc.(a) | | 78,400 | | | 6,955,648 |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | 239,100 | | | 25,686,513 |
Transocean, Inc.(a) | | 54,300 | | | 8,274,777 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 51,023,889 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–3.3% | | | | | |
EOG Resources, Inc. | | 154,500 | | | 20,270,400 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 71,294,289 |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–9.9% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–4.8% | | | | | |
The Blackstone Group LP | | 139,100 | | | 2,533,011 |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | 118,200 | | | 10,833,030 |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | 61,210 | | | 10,705,629 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. | | 162,800 | | | 5,162,388 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 29,234,058 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–4.4% | | | | | |
CME Group, Inc.–Class A | | 59,715 | | | 22,882,191 |
NYSE Euronext | | 78,800 | | | 3,992,008 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 26,874,199 |
| | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–0.7% | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | 209,500 | | | 4,087,345 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 60,195,602 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–9.0% | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–2.3% | | | | | |
The Coca-Cola Co. | | 120,500 | | | 6,263,590 |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | 120,300 | | | 7,649,877 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 13,913,467 |
| | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–2.7% | | | | | |
Costco Wholesale Corp. | | 146,600 | | | 10,282,524 |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | | 108,500 | | | 6,097,700 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 16,380,224 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–2.4% | | | | | |
WM Wrigley Jr Co. | | 184,700 | | | 14,365,966 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–1.2% | | | | | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | | 110,300 | | | 7,621,730 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–0.4% | | | | | |
Philip Morris International, Inc. | | 49,500 | | | 2,444,805 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 54,726,192 |
| | | | | |
3
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–7.8% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–2.7% | | | | | |
Honeywell International, Inc. | | 327,550 | | $ | 16,469,214 |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–1.6% | | | | | |
Fluor Corp. | | 37,550 | | | 6,987,304 |
Foster Wheeler Ltd.(a) | | 39,400 | | | 2,882,110 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,869,414 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.6% | | | | | |
Emerson Electric Co. | | 53,100 | | | 2,625,795 |
First Solar, Inc.(a) | | 2,500 | | | 682,050 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,307,845 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.0% | | | | | |
Textron, Inc. | | 129,300 | | | 6,197,349 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–1.6% | | | | | |
Deere & Co. | | 131,850 | | | 9,510,340 |
| | | | | |
ROAD & RAIL–0.3% | | | | | |
Union Pacific Corp. | | 25,600 | | | 1,932,800 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 47,286,962 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–6.7% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–5.7% | | | | | |
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | | 102,550 | | | 10,138,093 |
Monsanto Co. | | 198,165 | | | 25,055,983 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 35,194,076 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–1.0% | | | | | |
Rio Tinto PLC (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 12,050 | | | 5,964,750 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 41,158,826 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–2.6% | | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–1.3% | | | | | |
McDonald’s Corp. | | 93,400 | | | 5,250,948 |
Starbucks Corp.(a) | | 179,200 | | | 2,820,608 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,071,556 |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–0.7% | | | | | |
Kohl’s Corp.(a) | | 105,900 | | | 4,240,236 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.6% | | | | | | |
Nike, Inc.–Class B | | 58,100 | | $ | 3,463,341 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | 15,775,133 | |
| | | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.4% | | | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.4% | | | | | | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | 164,200 | | | 8,661,550 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $548,090,641) | | | | | 616,874,799 | |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–0.3% | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–0.3% | | | | | | |
Bank of New York 1.00%, 7/01/08 (cost $1,776,000) | | $ 1,776 | | | 1,776,000 | |
| | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–101.5% (cost $549,866,641) | | | | | 618,650,799 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(1.5)% | | | | | (9,207,690 | ) |
| | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | $ | 609,443,109 | |
| | | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
See notes to financial statements.
4
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | 616,874,799 | | | $ | –0 | – |
Level 2 | | | 1,776,000 | | | | –0 | – |
Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 618,650,799 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/2007 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts /premiums | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain (loss) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | –* |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 06/30/2008 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 06/30/2008 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 06/30/2008 for other financial instruments was $0. |
5
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $549,866,641) | | $ | 618,650,799 | |
Cash | | | 916 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 7,899,707 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 408,208 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 23,964 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 626,983,594 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 9,762,165 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 7,109,134 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 406,618 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 68,057 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 25,392 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 84 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 169,035 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 17,540,485 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 609,443,109 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 22,806 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 1,006,168,137 | |
Accumulated net investment loss | | | (186,836 | ) |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment transactions | | | (465,345,156 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments | | | 68,784,158 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 609,443,109 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 294,984,549 | | 10,907,175 | | $ | 27.04 |
B | | $ | 314,458,560 | | 11,898,717 | | $ | 26.43 |
See notes to financial statements.
6
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $207,449) | | $ | 3,015,023 | |
Interest | | | 16,684 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 3,031,707 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 2,541,387 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 421,976 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 2,160 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 2,143 | |
Custodian | | | 91,649 | |
Printing | | | 71,763 | |
Administrative | | | 46,100 | |
Audit | | | 24,000 | |
Legal | | | 10,235 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 872 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 6,258 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 3,218,543 | |
| | | | |
Net investment loss | | | (186,836 | ) |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized loss on investment transactions | | | (1,898,580 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (87,945,562 | ) |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment transactions | | | (89,844,142 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (90,030,978 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (186,836 | ) | | $ | (1,268,145 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | (1,898,580 | ) | | | 104,546,740 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (87,945,562 | ) | | | 5,859,413 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (90,030,978 | ) | | | 109,138,008 | |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (89,718,348 | ) | | | (250,389,037 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (179,749,326 | ) | | | (141,251,029 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 789,192,435 | | | | 930,443,464 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including net investment loss of ($186,836) and $0, respectively) | | $ | 609,443,109 | | | $ | 789,192,435 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (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 eighteen 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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LARGE 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 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. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $46,100 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, 2008.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2008, amounted to $349,782, none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
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| | 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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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, 2008, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 313,237,222 | | | $ | 404,047,990 | |
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 | | $ | 105,297,625 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (36,513,467 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 68,784,158 | |
| | | | |
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 or to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency 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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LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. Option Transactions
For hedging purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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 the 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, 2008, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
3. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 226,552 | | | 1,666,056 | | | | | $ | 6,160,371 | | | $ | 48,013,927 | |
Shares redeemed | | (2,242,988 | ) | | (6,383,242 | ) | | | | | (62,205,342 | ) | | | (182,395,685 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (2,016,436 | ) | | (4,717,186 | ) | | | | $ | (56,044,971 | ) | | $ | (134,381,758 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 397,645 | | | 808,324 | | | | | $ | 10,608,695 | | | $ | 22,865,431 | |
Shares redeemed | | (1,635,752 | ) | | (4,979,977 | ) | | | | | (44,282,072 | ) | | | (138,872,710 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (1,238,107 | ) | | (4,171,653 | ) | | | | $ | (33,673,377 | ) | | $ | (116,007,279 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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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| | 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.
Currency Risk—This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce the returns of the Portfolio. For example, the value of the Portfolio’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U.S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.
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, 2008.
NOTE H: Components of Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | $ | (461,094,562 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 154,377,706 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (306,716,856 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | On December 31, 2007, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $461,094,562 of which $293,988,219 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 $93,118,659. |
(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
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 (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of 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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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 Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”).
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LARGE CAP 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 containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $30.61 | | | $26.87 | | | $26.99 | | | $23.44 | | | $21.58 | | | $17.45 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | | .01 | | | (.01 | ) | | (.03 | ) | | (.07 | ) | | (.03 | )(b) | | (.05 | )(b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (3.58 | ) | | 3.75 | | | (.09 | ) | | 3.62 | | | 1.89 | | | 4.18 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (3.57 | ) | | 3.74 | | | (.12 | ) | | 3.55 | | | 1.86 | | | 4.13 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $27.04 | | | $30.61 | | | $26.87 | | | $26.99 | | | $23.44 | | | $21.58 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (11.66 | )% | | 13.92 | %* | | (.44 | )% | | 15.15 | % | | 8.62 | % | | 23.67 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $294,984 | | | $395,655 | | | $474,069 | | | $618,980 | | | $656,544 | | | $917,935 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .83 | %(d) | | .82 | % | | .84 | %(e) | | .81 | % | | .81 | % | | 1.04 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .83 | %(d) | | .82 | % | | .84 | %(e) | | .81 | % | | .98 | % | | 1.05 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | .07 | %(d) | | (.03 | )% | | (.12 | )%(e) | | (.28 | )% | | (.13 | )%(b) | | (.24 | )%(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 46 | % | | 92 | % | | 81 | % | | 54 | % | | 73 | % | | 79 | % |
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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $29.96 | | | $26.37 | | | $26.55 | | | $23.11 | | | $21.33 | | | $17.29 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (a) | | (.02 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | (.09 | ) | | (.12 | ) | | (.08 | )(b) | | (.09 | )(b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (3.51 | ) | | 3.67 | | | (.09 | ) | | 3.56 | | | 1.86 | | | 4.13 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (3.53 | ) | | 3.59 | | | (.18 | ) | | 3.44 | | | 1.78 | | | 4.04 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $26.43 | | | $29.96 | | | $26.37 | | | $26.55 | | | $23.11 | | | $21.33 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (11.78 | )% | | 13.61 | %* | | (.68 | )% | | 14.89 | % | | 8.34 | % | | 23.37 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $314,459 | | | $393,537 | | | $456,374 | | | $624,453 | | | $603,050 | | | $693,764 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.08 | %(d) | | 1.07 | % | | 1.08 | %(e) | | 1.06 | % | | 1.06 | % | | 1.29 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.08 | %(d) | | 1.07 | % | | 1.08 | %(e) | | 1.06 | % | | 1.24 | % | | 1.30 | % |
Net investment loss | | (.18 | )%(d) | | (.27 | )% | | (.37 | )%(e) | | (.53 | )% | | (.38 | )%(b) | | (.49 | )%(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 46 | % | | 92 | % | | 81 | % | | 54 | % | | 73 | % | | 79 | % |
(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. |
* | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from the class action settlements, which enhanced the performance of each share class for the year ended December 31, 2007 by 0.39%. |
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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 6-8, 2008.
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 fee in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Portfolio was 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 rate 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 2006 and 2007 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 between 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 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 May 2008 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 similar 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 the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended January 31, 2008 and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (June 1992 inception). The directors noted that the Portfolio was in the 5th quintile of the Performance Group and 4th quintile of the Performance Universe for the 1-year period and 4th quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe in all other periods reviewed, and that the Portfolio underperformed the Index in the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods but outperformed the Index in the 10-year and since inception 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” and “pure” 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 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.
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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 because mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets tend to be 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. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services since 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 contractual effective advisory fee rate, at approximate current size, 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 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 Fund’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, as well as a presentation by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. 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 the Portfolio’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
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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 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 a September 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 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Growth | | 75 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 65 bp on next $2.5 billion 60 bp on the balance | | $ | 665.3 | | 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 $94,000 (0.01% 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 |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | Class A 0.82% | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.07% | | |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2008 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 6-8, 2008. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings 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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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. The Adviser also believes that it incurs substantial entrepreneurial risk when offering a new mutual fund since establishing a new mutual fund requires a large upfront investment, and it may take a long time for the fund to achieve profitability since the fund must be priced to scale from inception in order to be competitive and assets are acquired one account at a time. 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 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 29, 2008 net assets:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | $665.3 | | Large Cap Growth Schedule 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 $25m | | 0.299 | | 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. |
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SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Also shown is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc. been applicable to the Portfolio:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio Adv. Fee (%) |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc. | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion 0.65% on next $2.5 billion 0.60% on the balance | | 0.750 | | 0.750 |
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. It should be noted that Class A shares of the funds are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory services and distribution related services, unlike Class I shares, whose fee is for only investment advisory services.
| | | |
Fund | | Fee | |
American Growth Portfolio | | | |
Class A | | 1.50 | % |
Class I (Institutional) | | 0.70 | % |
The AllianceBernstein Investment Trust Management mutual funds (“ITM”), 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 ITM mutual fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio is as follows:
| | | | |
Portfolio | | ITM Mutual Fund | | Fee |
Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc. | | AllianceBernstein U.S. Large Cap Growth Equity—Hedged/Non-Hedged | | 0.95% |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory services to certain other investment companies managed by other fund families that have an investment style similar to that of the Portfolio. The Adviser charges the fees set forth below for each of these sub-advisory relationships:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | | | Fee Schedule | | Effective Sub-Adv. Fee | | Portfolio Advisory Fee |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | Client #16,7 | | 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 | | 0.600 | | 0.750 |
| | | | |
| | Client #2 | | 0.35% on 1st $50 million 0.30% on next $100 million 0.25% thereafter | | 0.265 | | 0.750 |
| | | | |
| | Client #3 | | 0.40% on first $200 million 0.35% on next $300 million 0.25% thereafter | | 0.365 | | 0.750 |
| | | | |
| | Client #4 | | 0.35% | | 0.350 | | 0.750 |
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 | Assets are aggregated with other Specialty Equity Portfolios for purposes of calculating the investment advisory fee. |
7 | The client is an affiliate of the Adviser. |
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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 |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | 0.750 | | 0.642 | | 12/15 |
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 |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | 0.835 | | 0.665 | | 14/15 | | 0.795 | | 44/68 |
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 2007, relative to 2006.
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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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. Under the distribution plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to its principal underwriter, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The current annual rate that the Portfolio pays to ABI for 12b-1 fees is 0.25%. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $1,040,105 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, 2007, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $508,552 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”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $786 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
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through fee structures,14 subsidies and enhancement to services. 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 make such investments in their business to provide services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli 15 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics. The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors. In this regard, it was noted that the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally within the 25th – 75th percentile range of their
13 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2007. |
14 | Fee structures include fee reductions, pricing at scale and breakpoints in advisory fee schedules. |
15 | The Deli study was originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data. |
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comparable peers.16 The independent consultant then discussed the results of the regression model that was utilized to study the effects of various factors on advisory fees. The regression model output indicated that the bulk of the variation in fees predicted were explained by various factors, but substantially by fund AUM, family AUM, index fund indicator and investment style. The independent consultant observed that the actual advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally lower than the fees predicted by the study’s regression model.
The independent consultant also compared the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to similar funds managed by 19 other large asset managers, regardless of the fund size and each Adviser’s proportion of mutual fund assets to non-mutual fund assets. The independent consultant observed that the advisory fees of certain AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were higher than the medians of these select groups of funds.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $746 billion as of February 29, 2008, 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 January 31, 2008.19
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | –0.22 | | 0.45 | | 0.56 | | 13/15 | | 56/88 |
3 year | | 6.60 | | 6.91 | | 7.08 | | 11/15 | | 52/85 |
5 year | | 9.94 | | 11.06 | | 10.76 | | 12/15 | | 51/76 |
10 year | | 3.42 | | 4.16 | | 4.20 | | 8/10 | | 24/38 |
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 January 31, 2008 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | –0.22 | | 6.60 | | 9.94 | | 3.42 | | 9.85 | | 19.29 | | 0.08 | | 10 |
Russell 1000 Growth Index | | 0.51 | | 6.98 | | 10.84 | | 2.69 | | 8.41 | | 18.75 | | 0.04 | | 10 |
Inception Date: June 26, 1992 | | | | | | | | | | |
16 | The two dimensional analysis also showed patterns of lower advisory fees for funds with larger asset sizes and funds from larger family sizes compared to funds with smaller asset sizes and funds from smaller family sizes, which according to the independent consultant is indicative of a sharing of economies of scale and scope. However, in less liquid and active markets, such is not the case, as the empirical analysis showed potential for diseconomies of scale in those markets. The empirical analysis also showed diminishing economies of scale and scope as funds surpassed a certain high level of assets. |
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 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. |
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. |
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 January 31, 2008. |
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. |
25
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 5, 2008
26
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, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 968.86 | | $ | 4.65 | | 0.95 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.14 | | $ | 4.77 | | 0.95 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 967.54 | | $ | 5.87 | | 1.20 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,018.90 | | $ | 6.02 | | 1.20 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes' annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | | $ | 6,076,564 | | 10.0 | % |
ProLogis | | | 3,989,290 | | 6.6 | |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | | | 3,276,891 | | 5.4 | |
Vornado Realty Trust | | | 3,071,200 | | 5.1 | |
Ventas, Inc. | | | 2,422,233 | | 4.0 | |
General Growth Properties, Inc. | | | 2,280,453 | | 3.8 | |
Equity Residential | | | 2,146,947 | | 3.5 | |
Rayonier, Inc. | | | 2,139,984 | | 3.5 | |
Public Storage | | | 2,068,224 | | 3.4 | |
Health Care REIT, Inc. | | | 2,015,850 | | 3.3 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 29,487,636 | | 48.6 | % |
INDUSTRY DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2008 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
INDUSTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Diversified/Specialty | | $ | 12,908,696 | | 21.4 | % |
Regional Mall | | | 11,368,473 | | 18.9 | |
Health Care | | | 7,161,603 | | 11.9 | |
Multi-Family | | | 6,596,760 | | 11.0 | |
Shopping Center/Other Retail | | | 5,294,030 | | 8.8 | |
Lodging | | | 4,963,017 | | 8.3 | |
Office | | | 4,108,684 | | 6.8 | |
Industrial Warehouse Distribution | | | 3,989,290 | | 6.6 | |
Self Storage | | | 2,403,072 | | 4.0 | |
Real Estate—Other | | | 1,387,760 | | 2.3 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 60,181,385 | | 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–99.1% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
EQUITY: OTHER–35.3% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED/SPECIALTY–21.2% | | | |
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. | | 17,900 | | $ | 1,742,386 |
BioMed Realty Trust, Inc. | | 32,000 | | | 784,960 |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | | 80,100 | | | 3,276,891 |
Entertainment Properties Trust | | 25,800 | | | 1,275,552 |
Forest City Enterprises, Inc.–Class A | | 8,700 | | | 280,314 |
Plum Creek Timber Co., Inc. (REIT) | | 7,900 | | | 337,409 |
Rayonier, Inc. | | 50,400 | | | 2,139,984 |
Vornado Realty Trust | | 34,900 | | | 3,071,200 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 12,908,696 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–11.8% | | | | | |
HCP, Inc. | | 19,200 | | | 610,752 |
Health Care REIT, Inc. | | 45,300 | | | 2,015,850 |
Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. | | 38,700 | | | 1,218,663 |
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. | | 53,700 | | | 894,105 |
Ventas, Inc. | | 56,900 | | | 2,422,233 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,161,603 |
| | | | | |
REAL ESTATE–OTHER–2.3% | | | | | |
National Retail Properties, Inc. | | 66,400 | | | 1,387,760 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 21,458,059 |
| | | | | |
RETAIL–27.4% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
REGIONAL MALL–18.7% | | | | | |
CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. | | 12,700 | | | 290,068 |
General Growth Properties, Inc. | | 65,100 | | | 2,280,453 |
Macerich Co. | | 17,100 | | | 1,062,423 |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | | 67,600 | | | 6,076,564 |
Taubman Centers, Inc. | | 34,100 | | | 1,658,965 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,368,473 |
| | | | | |
SHOPPING CENTER/OTHER RETAIL–8.7% | | | | | |
Federal Realty Investment Trust | | 12,200 | | | 841,800 |
Kimco Realty Corp. | | 54,700 | | | 1,888,244 |
Regency Centers Corp. | | 9,700 | | | 573,464 |
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers | | 55,400 | | | 1,990,522 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,294,030 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 16,662,503 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
RESIDENTIAL–14.8% | | | | | |
MULTI-FAMILY–10.9% | | | | | |
Apartment Investment & Management Co.–Class A | | 22,017 | | $ | 749,899 |
Equity Residential | | 56,100 | | | 2,146,947 |
Essex Property Trust, Inc. | | 5,700 | | | 607,050 |
Home Properties, Inc. | | 16,907 | | | 812,550 |
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | | 24,200 | | | 1,235,168 |
UDR, Inc. | | 46,700 | | | 1,045,146 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,596,760 |
| | | | | |
SELF STORAGE–3.9% | | | | | |
Extra Space Storage, Inc. | | 21,800 | | | 334,848 |
Public Storage | | 25,600 | | | 2,068,224 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,403,072 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,999,832 |
| | | | | |
LODGING–8.2% | | | | | |
LODGING–8.2% | | | | | |
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. | | 52,400 | | | 242,088 |
DiamondRock Hospitality Co. | | 110,800 | | | 1,206,612 |
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | 100,640 | | | 1,373,736 |
Marriott International, Inc.–Class A | | 19,700 | | | 516,928 |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | | 10,200 | | | 408,714 |
Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | 48,700 | | | 456,319 |
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. | | 45,700 | | | 758,620 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,963,017 |
| | | | | |
OFFICE–6.8% | | | | | |
OFFICE–6.8% | | | | | |
Boston Properties, Inc. | | 17,300 | | | 1,560,806 |
Brookfield Properties Corp. | | 58,850 | | | 1,046,942 |
Highwoods Properties, Inc. | | 19,600 | | | 615,832 |
SL Green Realty Corp. | | 10,700 | | | 885,104 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,108,684 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–6.6% | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION–6.6% | | | | | |
ProLogis | | 73,400 | | | 3,989,290 |
| | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.1% (cost $45,758,492) | | | | | 60,181,385 |
Other assets less liabilities–0.9% | | | | | 538,008 |
| | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | $ | 60,719,393 |
| | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
3
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1–quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2–other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3–significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments in Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | 60,181,385 | | | $ | –0 | – |
Level 2 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 60,181,385 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/2007 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts /premiums | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain (loss) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | –* |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/08 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 6/30/08 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 6/30/08 for other financial instruments was $0. |
4
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $45,758,492) | | $ | 60,181,385 | |
Cash | | | 484,990 | |
Dividends receivable | | | 188,838 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 32,040 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 60,887,253 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 41,112 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 29,506 | |
Custodian fee payable | | | 25,175 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 25,100 | |
Audit fee payable | | | 21,035 | |
Printing fee payable | | | 12,963 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 4,238 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 85 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 8,646 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 167,860 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 60,719,393 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 5,128 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 45,156,602 | |
Distributions in excess of net investment income | | | (295,702 | ) |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 1,430,472 | |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments | | | 14,422,893 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 60,719,393 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 41,430,181 | | 3,499,934 | | $ | 11.84 |
B | | $ | 19,289,212 | | 1,627,670 | | $ | 11.85 |
See notes to financial statements.
5
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $2,631) | | $ | 19,524 | |
Interest | | | 7,145 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 26,669 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 182,150 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 25,402 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 786 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 347 | |
Administrative | | | 46,100 | |
Custodian | | | 44,349 | |
Audit | | | 25,000 | |
Printing | | | 8,003 | |
Legal | | | 3,980 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 887 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 3,125 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 340,129 | |
| | | | |
Net investment loss | | | (313,460 | ) |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 1,546,068 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (3,368,007 | ) |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment transactions | | | (1,821,939 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (2,135,399 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
6
| | |
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | $ | (313,460 | ) | | $ | 975,288 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 1,546,068 | | | | 15,553,558 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (3,368,007 | ) | | | (29,845,850 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net decrease in net assets from operations | | | (2,135,399 | ) | | | (13,317,004 | ) |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (713,047 | ) | | | (931,803 | ) |
Class B | | | (234,778 | ) | | | (356,998 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (10,858,993 | ) | | | (11,126,096 | ) |
Class B | | | (4,707,359 | ) | | | (5,149,348 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 7,073,420 | | | | (10,601,127 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (11,576,156 | ) | | | (41,482,376 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 72,295,549 | | | | 113,777,925 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including distributions in excess of net investment income and undistributed net investment income of ($295,702) and $965,583, respectively) | | $ | 60,719,393 | | | $ | 72,295,549 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2008 (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 eighteen 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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| | 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 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. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $46,100 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, 2008.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2008 amounted to $15,811, none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC, and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT 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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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, 2008, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U. S. government securities) | | $ | 14,083,434 | | | $ | 21,231,573 | |
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 | | $ | 17,322,513 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (2,899,620 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 14,422,893 | |
| | | | |
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 or to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency 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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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. Option Transactions
For hedging purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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 the 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, 2008, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
3. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 157,010 | | | 469,829 | | | | | $ | 2,366,768 | | | $ | 9,707,237 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 892,904 | | | 624,115 | | | | | | 11,572,040 | | | | 12,057,899 | |
Shares redeemed | | (631,552 | ) | | (1,530,559 | ) | | | | | (9,570,586 | ) | | | (30,880,909 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | 418,362 | | | (436,615 | ) | | | | $ | 4,368,222 | | | $ | (9,115,773 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 117,115 | | | 218,581 | | | | | $ | 1,568,334 | | | $ | 4,401,956 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 380,750 | | | 285,155 | | | | | | 4,942,137 | | | | 5,506,346 | |
Shares redeemed | | (245,290 | ) | | (596,277 | ) | | | | | (3,805,273 | ) | | | (11,393,656 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | 252,575 | | | (92,541 | ) | | | | $ | 2,705,198 | | | $ | (1,485,354 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 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.
Currency Risk—This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce the returns of the Portfolio. For example, the value of the Portfolio’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U.S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.
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, 2008.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 3,843,405 | | $ | 2,994,315 |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 13,720,840 | | | 12,026,697 |
| | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 17,564,245 | | | 15,021,012 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 17,564,245 | | $ | 15,021,012 |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 1,061,875 | |
Undistributed long term capital gain | | | 15,403,648 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 17,741,716 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 34,207,239 | |
| | | | |
(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
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
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Adviser (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of 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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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 Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG 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 containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $16.23 | | | $22.83 | | | $19.98 | | | $20.66 | | | $15.62 | | | $11.52 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | | (.06 | ) | | .22 | | | .29 | | | .32 | | | .39 | (b) | | .46 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (.08 | ) | | (2.91 | ) | | 6.02 | | | 1.84 | | | 5.05 | | | 3.99 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (.14 | ) | | (2.69 | ) | | 6.31 | | | 2.16 | | | 5.44 | | | 4.45 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.26 | ) | | (.30 | ) | | (.47 | ) | | (.68 | ) | | (.40 | ) | | (.35 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (3.99 | ) | | (3.61 | ) | | (2.99 | ) | | (2.16 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (4.25 | ) | | (3.91 | ) | | (3.46 | ) | | (2.84 | ) | | (.40 | ) | | (.35 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $11.84 | | | $16.23 | | | $22.83 | | | $19.98 | | | $20.66 | | | $15.62 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (3.11 | )% | | (14.53 | )% | | 35.22 | % | | 11.67 | % | | 35.63 | % | | 39.30 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $41,430 | | | $50,015 | | | $80,317 | | | $67,161 | | | $88,441 | | | $68,717 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .95 | %(d) | | .85 | % | | .83 | %(e) | | .83 | % | | .77 | % | | 1.24 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .95 | %(d) | | .85 | % | | .83 | %(e) | | .83 | % | | .99 | % | | 1.24 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | (.81 | )%(d) | | 1.09 | % | | 1.33 | %(e) | | 1.64 | % | | 2.26 | %(b) | | 3.50 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 22 | % | | 51 | % | | 47 | % | | 46 | % | | 35 | % | | 23 | % |
See footnote summary on page 15.
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $16.20 | | | $22.80 | | | $19.94 | | | $20.54 | | | $15.55 | | | $11.48 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | | (.09 | ) | | .16 | | | .22 | | | .38 | | | .34 | (b) | | .43 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (.07 | ) | | (2.90 | ) | | 6.03 | | | 1.72 | | | 5.03 | | | 3.98 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (.16 | ) | | (2.74 | ) | | 6.25 | | | 2.10 | | | 5.37 | | | 4.41 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.20 | ) | | (.25 | ) | | (.40 | ) | | (.54 | ) | | (.38 | ) | | (.34 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (3.99 | ) | | (3.61 | ) | | (2.99 | ) | | (2.16 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (4.19 | ) | | (3.86 | ) | | (3.39 | ) | | (2.70 | ) | | (.38 | ) | | (.34 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $11.85 | | | $16.20 | | | $22.80 | | | $19.94 | | | $20.54 | | | $15.55 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (3.25 | )% | | (14.76 | )% | | 34.88 | % | | 11.40 | % | | 35.28 | % | | 39.02 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $19,289 | | | $22,281 | | | $33,461 | | | $24,875 | | | $67,457 | | | $43,919 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.20 | %(d) | | 1.10 | % | | 1.08 | %(e) | | 1.06 | % | | 1.02 | % | | 1.49 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.20 | %(d) | | 1.10 | % | | 1.08 | %(e) | | 1.06 | % | | 1.24 | % | | 1.49 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | (1.25 | )%(d) | | .80 | % | | 1.04 | %(e) | | 2.11 | % | | 2.02 | %(b) | | 3.22 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 22 | % | | 51 | % | | 47 | % | | 46 | % | | 35 | % | | 23 | % |
(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. |
15
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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 6-8, 2008.
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 fee in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Portfolio was 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 rate 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 2006 and 2007 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 between fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the 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.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 performance information for the Portfolio at each regular Board meeting during the year. At the May 2008 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 similar 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 “NAREIT Equity Index”) and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (the “S&P 500 Stock Index”), in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended January 31, 2008 and (in the case of the indices) the since inception period (January 1997 inception). The directors noted that the Portfolio was in the 2nd quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 1- and 5-year periods, 3rd quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 3-year period and 4th quintile of the Performance Group and 3rd quintile of the Performance Universe for the 10-year period, and that the Portfolio outperformed the NAREIT Equity Index in the 1-, 3- and 5-year and since inception periods but underperformed that index in the 10-year period and underperformed the S&P 500 Stock Index in the 1-year period but outperformed that index in all other 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 ten 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 Adviser advises another AllianceBernstein fund with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio for the same fee schedule as the Portfolio.
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 because mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets tend to be relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT 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. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services since 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 contractual effective advisory fee rate, at approximate current size, of 55 basis points, plus the 10 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, as well as a presentation by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. 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 the Portfolio’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
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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 a September 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 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Value | | 55 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 45 bp on next $2.5 billion 40 bp on the balance | | $ | 64.3 | | 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 $94,000 (0.10% 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 |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio | | Class A 0.85% | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.10% | | |
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
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2008 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 6-8, 2008. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings 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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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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. The Adviser also believes that it incurs substantial entrepreneurial risk when offering a new mutual fund since establishing a new mutual fund requires a large upfront investment, and it may take a long time for the fund to achieve profitability since the fund must be priced to scale from inception in order to be competitive and assets are acquired one account at a time. 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 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 29, 2008 net assets:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee (%)5 | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio | | $64.3 | | U.S. 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 $25m | | 0.617 | | 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 Also shown is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the Global Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc. been applicable to the Portfolio:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio Adv. Fee (%) |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio7 | | Global Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc. | | 0.55% on first $2.5 billion 0.45% on next $2.5 billion 0.40% on the balance | | 0.550 | | 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 | 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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| | 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 the Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio, which is a Luxembourg fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio8. It should be noted that Class A shares of the funds are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory services and distribution related services, unlike Class I shares, whose fee is for only investment advisory services.
| | | |
Fund | | Fee | |
Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio | | | |
Class A | | 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 | | 0.842 | | 1/14 |
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 |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio | | 0.832 | | 0.907 | | 3/14 | | 0.879 | | 6/21 |
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.
8 | It should be noted that the Portfolio’s investment guidelines are more restrictive than that of the Luxembourg fund. 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 Luxembourg fund, which may invest in equities of non-U.S. REITS and other non-U.S. real estate industry companies. |
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. |
21
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 2007, relative to 2006.
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. Under the distribution plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to its principal underwriter, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The current annual rate that the Portfolio pays to ABI for 12b-1 fees is 0.25%. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $73,972 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, 2007, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $154,379 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”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $786 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
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through fee structures,15 subsidies and enhancement to services. Based on some of the professional literature that has considered economies of scale in the mutual
14 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2007. |
15 | Fee structures include fee reductions, pricing at scale and breakpoints in advisory fee schedules. |
22
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 make such investments in their business to provide services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli16 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics. The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors. In this regard, it was noted that the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally within the 25th – 75th percentile range of their comparable peers.17 The independent consultant then discussed the results of the regression model that was utilized to study the effects of various factors on advisory fees. The regression model output indicated that the bulk of the variation in fees predicted were explained by various factors, but substantially by fund AUM, family AUM, index fund indicator and investment style. The independent consultant observed that the actual advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally lower than the fees predicted by the study’s regression model.
The independent consultant also compared the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to similar funds managed by 19 other large asset managers, regardless of the fund size and each Adviser’s proportion of mutual fund assets to non-mutual fund assets. The independent consultant observed that the advisory fees of certain AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were higher than the medians of these select groups of funds.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $746 billion as of February 29, 2008, 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 Portfolio18 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)19 for the periods ended January 31, 2008.20
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | –22.31 | | –23.44 | | –23.71 | | 4/14 | | 6/23 |
3 year | | 11.80 | | 11.75 | | 11.90 | | 7/14 | | 12/21 |
5 year | | 19.71 | | 19.46 | | 19.45 | | 3/11 | | 4/16 |
10 year | | 10.35 | | 10.55 | | 10.35 | | 4/6 | | 5/9 |
16 | The Deli study was originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data. |
17 | The two dimensional analysis also showed patterns of lower advisory fees for funds with larger asset sizes and funds from larger family sizes compared to funds with smaller asset sizes and funds from smaller family sizes, which according to the independent consultant is indicative of a sharing of economies of scale and scope. However, in less liquid and active markets, such is not the case, as the empirical analysis showed potential for diseconomies of scale in those markets. The empirical analysis also showed diminishing economies of scale and scope as funds surpassed a certain high level of assets. |
18 | 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. |
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 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. |
23
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT 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)21 versus its benchmark.22 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.23
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending January 31, 2008 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio | | –22.31 | | 11.80 | | 19.71 | | 10.35 | | 11.33 | | 15.41 | | 0.47 | | 10 |
NAREIT Equity Index22 | | –23.04 | | 11.33 | | 18.63 | | 10.43 | | 11.12 | | 14.88 | | 0.49 | | 10 |
S&P 500 Stock Index | | –2.31 | | 7.28 | | 12.04 | | 5.14 | | 7.29 | | N/A | | N/A | | N/A |
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 5, 2008
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 January 31, 2008. 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. |
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, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 865.63 | | $ | 5.80 | | 1.25 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,018.65 | | $ | 6.27 | | 1.25 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 865.05 | | $ | 7.00 | | 1.51 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,017.35 | | $ | 7.57 | | 1.51 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Complete Production Services, Inc. | | $ | 1,318,404 | | 2.0 | % |
FTI Consulting, Inc. | | | 1,218,588 | | 1.9 | |
Baldor Electric Co. | | | 1,150,842 | | 1.8 | |
Strayer Education, Inc. | | | 1,087,164 | | 1.7 | |
IDEX Corp. | | | 1,085,122 | | 1.7 | |
ON Semiconductor Corp. | | | 1,071,973 | | 1.6 | |
NuVasive, Inc. | | | 1,071,840 | | 1.6 | |
Icon PLC (Sponsored) (ADR) | | | 1,011,968 | | 1.6 | |
Hexcel Corp. | | | 1,007,460 | | 1.6 | |
Chart Industries, Inc. | | | 987,392 | | 1.5 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 11,010,753 | | 17.0 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2008 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Information Technology | | $ | 14,734,478 | | 22.5 | % |
Health Care | | | 14,213,189 | | 21.8 | |
Industrials | | | 12,784,288 | | 19.6 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 11,782,383 | | 18.0 | |
Energy | | | 7,815,108 | | 12.0 | |
Financials | | | 2,631,290 | | 4.0 | |
Materials | | | 364,856 | | 0.6 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 1,000,000 | | 1.5 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 65,325,592 | | 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 fund 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–99.1% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–22.7% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–1.4% | | | | | |
F5 Networks, Inc.(a) | | 12,200 | | $ | 346,724 |
Foundry Networks, Inc.(a) | | 39,800 | | | 470,436 |
Netgear, Inc.(a) | | 5,130 | | | 71,102 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 888,262 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–0.7% | | | | | |
3PAR, Inc.(a) | | 57,100 | | | 447,664 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–4.9% | | | | | |
comScore, Inc.(a) | | 27,500 | | | 600,050 |
Constant Contact, Inc.(a) | | 28,300 | | | 533,455 |
DealerTrack Holdings, Inc.(a) | | 14,800 | | | 208,828 |
Omniture, Inc.(a) | | 5,800 | | | 107,706 |
VistaPrint Ltd.(a) | | 35,600 | | | 952,656 |
Websense, Inc.(a) | | 48,700 | | | 820,108 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,222,803 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–1.1% | | | | | |
CyberSource Corp.(a) | | 44,400 | | | 742,812 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–9.9% | | | | | |
Cavium Networks, Inc.(a) | | 11,600 | | | 243,600 |
Hittite Microwave Corp.(a) | | 23,000 | | | 819,260 |
Integrated Device Technology, Inc.(a) | | 68,200 | | | 677,908 |
Intellon Corp.(a) | | 65,800 | | | 217,140 |
MKS Instruments, Inc.(a) | | 35,100 | | | 768,690 |
ON Semiconductor Corp.(a) | | 116,900 | | | 1,071,973 |
PMC–Sierra, Inc.(a) | | 85,500 | | | 654,075 |
Silicon Laboratories, Inc.(a) | | 15,800 | | | 570,222 |
Silicon Motion Technology Corp. (ADR)(a) | | 52,400 | | | 757,180 |
Verigy Ltd.(a) | | 27,500 | | | 624,525 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,404,573 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–4.7% | | | | | |
Blackbaud, Inc. | | 20,720 | | | 443,408 |
Commvault Systems, Inc.(a) | | 41,500 | | | 690,560 |
Informatica Corp.(a) | | 24,310 | | | 365,622 |
MICROS Systems, Inc.(a) | | 7,700 | | | 234,773 |
SuccessFactors, Inc.(a) | | 38,500 | | | 421,575 |
Taleo Corp.–Class A(a) | | 5,700 | | | 111,663 |
THQ, Inc.(a) | | 37,550 | | | 760,763 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,028,364 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 14,734,478 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–21.9% | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–6.8% | | | | | |
Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.(a) | | 17,000 | | | 558,110 |
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | | 9,800 | | | 710,500 |
Allos Therapeutics, Inc.(a) | | 60,700 | | | 419,437 |
Cougar Biotechnology, Inc.(a) | | 12,000 | | | 285,960 |
Genomic Health, Inc.(a) | | 26,300 | | | 503,645 |
Incyte Corp. Ltd.(a) | | 21,200 | | | 161,332 |
OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | | 13,200 | | | 545,424 |
Pharmasset, Inc.(a) | | 11,100 | | | 209,568 |
Savient Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | | 15,800 | | | 399,740 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
United Therapeutics Corp.(a) | | 6,200 | | $ | 606,050 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,399,766 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–7.6% | | | | | |
Abaxis, Inc.(a) | | 23,200 | | | 559,816 |
ArthroCare Corp.(a) | | 15,500 | | | 632,555 |
Hansen Medical, Inc.(a) | | 41,620 | | | 695,887 |
Insulet Corp.(a) | | 40,800 | | | 641,784 |
Masimo Corp.(a) | | 20,600 | | | 707,610 |
Meridian Bioscience, Inc. | | 23,850 | | | 642,042 |
NuVasive, Inc.(a) | | 24,000 | | | 1,071,840 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,951,534 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–2.4% | | | | | |
HealthExtras, Inc.(a) | | 27,100 | | | 816,794 |
LHC Group, Inc.(a) | | 32,000 | | | 744,000 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,560,794 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY–2.2% | | | | | |
MedAssets, Inc.(a) | | 42,000 | | | 716,100 |
Trizetto Group(a) | | 34,300 | | | 733,334 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,449,434 |
| | | | | |
LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–2.4% | | | | | |
AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | | 16,100 | | | 549,010 |
Icon PLC (Sponsored) (ADR)(a) | | 13,400 | | | 1,011,968 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,560,978 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–0.5% | | | | | |
Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | | 29,200 | | | 115,048 |
XenoPort, Inc.(a) | | 4,500 | | | 175,635 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 290,683 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 14,213,189 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–19.7% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.6% | | | | | |
Hexcel Corp.(a) | | 52,200 | | | 1,007,460 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–3.3% | | | | | |
Duff & Phelps Corp.–Class A(a) | | 13,300 | | | 220,248 |
FTI Consulting, Inc.(a) | | 17,800 | | | 1,218,588 |
Stericycle, Inc.(a) | | 13,280 | | | 686,576 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,125,412 |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–1.8% | | | | | |
Dycom Industries, Inc.(a) | | 29,800 | | | 432,696 |
Granite Construction, Inc. | | 23,400 | | | 737,802 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,170,498 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–3.4% | | | | | |
Baldor Electric Co. | | 32,900 | | | 1,150,842 |
EnerSys(a) | | 18,200 | | | 622,986 |
Polypore International, Inc.(a) | | 17,500 | | | 443,275 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,217,103 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–7.8% | | | | | |
Actuant Corp.–Class A | | 13,100 | | | 410,685 |
Astec Industries, Inc.(a) | | 15,800 | | | 507,812 |
Bucyrus International, Inc.–Class A | | 8,300 | | | 606,066 |
Chart Industries, Inc.(a) | | 20,300 | | | 987,392 |
3
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Colfax Corp.(a) | | 12,200 | | $ | 306,098 |
IDEX Corp. | | 29,455 | | | 1,085,122 |
Kaydon Corp. | | 11,900 | | | 611,779 |
RBC Bearings, Inc.(a) | | 17,200 | | | 573,104 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,088,058 |
| | | | | |
MARINE–1.2% | | | | | |
Kirby Corp.(a) | | 16,500 | | | 792,000 |
| | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–0.6% | | | | | |
MSC Industrial Direct Co.– Class A | | 8,700 | | | 383,757 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 12,784,288 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–18.2% | | | | | |
DISTRIBUTORS–1.2% | | | | | |
LKQ Corp.(a) | | 44,020 | | | 795,442 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–3.8% | | | | | |
American Public Education, Inc.(a) | | 16,700 | | | 651,968 |
K12, Inc.(a) | | 33,610 | | | 720,262 |
Strayer Education, Inc. | | 5,200 | | | 1,087,164 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,459,394 |
| | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–4.1% | | | | | |
Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.(a) | | 3,800 | | | 94,354 |
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.(a) | | 68,400 | | | 298,908 |
Orient-Express Hotels Ltd.– Class A | | 15,500 | | | 673,320 |
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.(a) | | 21,950 | | | 608,893 |
Sonic Corp.(a) | | 22,900 | | | 338,920 |
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 70,500 | | | 632,385 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,646,780 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET & CATALOG RETAIL–1.1% | | | | | |
NetFlix, Inc.(a) | | 27,000 | | | 703,890 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–3.1% | | | | | |
Morningstar, Inc.(a) | | 11,800 | | | 849,954 |
National CineMedia, Inc. | | 44,600 | | | 475,436 |
RHI Entertainment, Inc.(a) | | 52,400 | | | 680,676 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,006,066 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–3.8% | | | | | |
Citi Trends, Inc.(a) | | 42,200 | | | 956,252 |
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.(a) | | 14,600 | | | 259,004 |
Hibbett Sports, Inc.(a) | | 34,000 | | | 717,400 |
J Crew Group, Inc.(a) | | 15,500 | | | 511,655 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,444,311 |
| | | | | |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–1.1% | | | | | |
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.(a) | | 25,000 | | | 726,500 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,782,383 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | |
ENERGY–12.0% | | | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–7.7% | | | | | | | |
Complete Production Services, Inc.(a) | | | 36,200 | | $ | 1,318,404 | |
Core Laboratories NV(a) | | | 4,984 | | | 709,472 | |
Dril-Quip, Inc.(a) | | | 12,500 | | | 787,500 | |
Oil States International, Inc.(a) | | | 2,100 | | | 133,224 | |
T-3 Energy Services, Inc.–Class 3(a) | | | 8,400 | | | 667,548 | |
Tesco Corp.(a) | | | 21,500 | | | 686,925 | |
W-H Energy Services, Inc.–Class H(a) | | | 7,600 | | | 727,624 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 5,030,697 | |
| | | | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–4.3% | | | | | | | |
Bill Barrett Corp.(a) | | | 13,400 | | | 796,094 | |
BPZ Resources, Inc.(a) | | | 10,400 | | | 305,760 | |
Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.(a) | | | 6,500 | | | 442,585 | |
EXCO Resources, Inc.(a) | | | 15,000 | | | 553,650 | |
Penn Virginia Corp. | | | 9,100 | | | 686,322 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,784,411 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 7,815,108 | |
| | | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–4.0% | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–4.0% | | | | | | | |
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.(a) | | | 7,600 | | | 684,456 | |
Greenhill & Co., Inc. | | | 13,300 | | | 716,338 | |
KBW, Inc.(a) | | | 600 | | | 12,348 | |
MF Global Ltd.(a) | | | 43,600 | | | 275,116 | |
optionsXpress Holdings, Inc. | | | 26,280 | | | 587,095 | |
Stifel Financial Corp.(a) | | | 10,350 | | | 355,937 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2,631,290 | |
| | | | | | | |
MATERIALS–0.6% | | | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–0.6% | | | | | | | |
Calgon Carbon Corp.(a) | | | 23,600 | | | 364,856 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $60,738,298) | | | | | | 64,325,592 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.6% | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–1.6% | | | | | | | |
Bank of New York 1.00%, 7/01/08 (cost $1,000,000) | | $ | 1,000 | | | 1,000,000 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.7% (cost $61,738,298) | | | | | | 65,325,592 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(0.7)% | | | | | | (435,108 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 64,890,484 | |
| | | | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
See notes to financial statements.
4
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | 64,325,592 | | | $ | –0 | – |
Level 2 | | | 1,000,000 | | | | –0 | – |
Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 65,325,592 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation / depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/2007 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts /premiums | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain (loss) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | –* |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/08 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 6/30/08 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 6/30/08 for other financial instruments was $0. |
5
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $61,738,298) | | $ | 65,325,592 | |
Cash | | | 3,980 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 402,790 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 64,095 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 3,070 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 65,799,527 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 638,406 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 113,768 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 42,074 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 25,392 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 3,906 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 85 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 85,412 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 909,043 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 64,890,484 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 4,868 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 103,176,762 | |
Accumulated net investment loss | | | (296,387 | ) |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment transactions | | | (41,582,053 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments | | | 3,587,294 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 64,890,484 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 46,795,158 | | 3,490,963 | | $ | 13.40 |
B | | $ | 18,095,326 | | 1,376,939 | | $ | 13.14 |
See notes to financial statements.
6
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends | | $ | 72,779 | |
Interest | | | 10,139 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 82,918 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 213,467 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 23,254 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 683 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 349 | |
Custodian | | | 59,060 | |
Administrative | | | 46,100 | |
Audit | | | 24,000 | |
Legal | | | 5,387 | |
Printing | | | 4,946 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 872 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 1,187 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 379,305 | |
| | | | |
Net investment loss | | | (296,387 | ) |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 287,544 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (8,820,128 | ) |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment transactions | | | (8,532,584 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (8,828,971 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (296,387 | ) | | $ | (597,742 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 287,544 | | | | 10,977,805 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (8,820,128 | ) | | | (1,648,015 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (8,828,971 | ) | | | 8,732,048 | |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 8,915,160 | | | | (14,495,834 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | 86,189 | | | | (5,763,786 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 64,804,295 | | | | 70,568,081 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including accumulated net investment loss of ($296,387) and $0, respectively) | | $ | 64,890,484 | | | $ | 64,804,295 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30,2008 (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 eighteen 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 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. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $46,100 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, 2008.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2008 amounted to $74,781, of which $132 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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, 2008, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 41,034,234 | | | $ | 31,188,972 | |
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 | | $ | 8,647,400 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (5,060,106 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 3,587,294 | |
| | | | |
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 or to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency 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
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. Option Transactions
For hedging purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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 the 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, 2008, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
3. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 1,224,231 | | | 186,246 | | | | | $ | 16,659,215 | | | $ | 2,803,322 | |
Shares redeemed | | (308,712 | ) | | (1,184,120 | ) | | | | | (4,177,958 | ) | | | (17,508,568 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | 915,519 | | | (997,874 | ) | | | | $ | 12,481,257 | | | $ | (14,705,246 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 196,006 | | | 699,573 | | | | | $ | 2,599,577 | | | $ | 10,754,724 | |
Shares redeemed | | (460,260 | ) | | (710,933 | ) | | | | | (6,165,674 | ) | | | (10,545,312 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | (264,254 | ) | | (11,360 | ) | | | | $ | (3,566,097 | ) | | $ | 209,412 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
12
| | |
| | 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.
Currency Risk—This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce the returns of the Portfolio. For example, the value of the Portfolio’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U.S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.
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, 2008.
NOTE H: Components of Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | $ | (41,301,360 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 11,839,185 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (29,462,175 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | On December 31, 2007, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $41,301,360 of which $74,560 expires in 2008 and $41,226,800 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 $10,747,638. |
(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
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 (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of 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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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
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SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG 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 containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $15.48 | | | $13.57 | | | $12.26 | | | $11.65 | | | $10.17 | | | $6.83 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (a) | | (.06 | ) | | (.12 | ) | | (.12 | ) | | (.11 | ) | | (.10 | )(b) | | (.09 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (2.02 | ) | | 2.03 | | | 1.43 | | | .72 | | | 1.58 | | | 3.43 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (2.08 | ) | | 1.91 | | | 1.31 | | | .61 | | | 1.48 | | | 3.34 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $13.40 | | | $15.48 | | | $13.57 | | | $12.26 | | | $11.65 | | | $10.17 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (13.44 | )%* | | 14.08 | % | | 10.69 | % | | 5.24 | % | | 14.55 | % | | 48.90 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $46,795 | | | $39,867 | | | $48,498 | | | $49,453 | | | $61,661 | | | $61,079 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.25 | %(d) | | 1.20 | % | | 1.16 | %(e) | | 1.18 | % | | 1.14 | % | | 1.36 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.25 | %(d) | | 1.20 | % | | 1.16 | %(e) | | 1.18 | % | | 1.30 | % | | 1.36 | % |
Net investment loss | | (.95 | )%(d) | | (.81 | )% | | (.90 | )%(e) | | (.93 | )% | | (.93 | )%(b) | | (1.10 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 55 | % | | 88 | % | | 76 | % | | 90 | % | | 92 | % | | 129 | % |
See footnote summary on page 16.
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SMALL 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $15.19 | | | $13.36 | | | $12.09 | | | $11.53 | | | $10.08 | | | $6.78 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (a) | | (.08 | ) | | (.15 | ) | | (.15 | ) | | (.13 | ) | | (.12 | )(b) | | (.11 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (1.97 | ) | | 1.98 | | | 1.42 | | | .69 | | | 1.57 | | | 3.41 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (2.05 | ) | | 1.83 | | | 1.27 | | | .56 | | | 1.45 | | | 3.30 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $13.14 | | | $15.19 | | | $13.36 | | | $12.09 | | | $11.53 | | | $10.08 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (13.50 | )%* | | 13.70 | % | | 10.51 | % | | 4.86 | % | | 14.39 | % | | 48.67 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $18,095 | | | $24,937 | | | $22,070 | | | $22,467 | | | $24,448 | | | $15,846 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.51 | %(d) | | 1.44 | % | | 1.41 | %(e) | | 1.43 | % | | 1.40 | % | | 1.61 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.51 | %(d) | | 1.44 | % | | 1.41 | %(e) | | 1.43 | % | | 1.56 | % | | 1.61 | % |
Net investment loss | | (1.22 | )%(d) | | (1.05 | )% | | (1.15 | )%(e) | | (1.18 | )% | | (1.19 | )%(b) | | (1.37 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 55 | % | | 88 | % | | 76 | % | | 90 | % | | 92 | % | | 129 | % |
(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. |
* | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the performance of each share class for the six months ended June 30, 2008 by .06%. |
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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 6-8, 2008.
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 fee in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Portfolio was 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 rate 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 2006 and 2007 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 between 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 CAP 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 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 May 2008 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 similar 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 the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended January 31, 2008 and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (August 1996 inception). The directors noted that the Portfolio was in the 3rd quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 1-year period, 4th quintile of the Performance Group and 3rd quintile of the Performance Universe for the 3-year period, 2nd quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 5-year period and 5th quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 10-year period, and that the Portfolio outperformed the Index in the 1- and 5-year periods, matched the Index in the 3-year period and underperformed the Index in the 10-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 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 14 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 except that the Portfolio’s fee is a monthly fee based on average daily net assets and the Corresponding Fund’s fee is a quarterly fee based on net asset value at the end of each quarter.
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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 because mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets tend to be 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. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services since 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 contractual effective advisory fee rate, at approximate current size, of 75 basis points, plus the 14 basis point impact of the latest fiscal year administrative expense reimbursement, 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 $50 million as of February 29, 2008) 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, as well as a presentation by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. 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 the Portfolio’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
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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 a September 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 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Growth | | 75 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 65 bp on next $2.5 billion 60 bp on the balance | | $ | 49.2 | | Small 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 $94,000 (0.14% 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 |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | Class A 1.20% Class B 1.44% | | 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, 2008 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 6-8, 2008. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings 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. The Adviser also believes that it incurs substantial entrepreneurial risk when offering a new mutual fund since establishing a new mutual fund requires a large upfront investment, and it may take a long time for the fund to achieve profitability since the fund must be priced to scale from inception in order to be competitive and assets are acquired one account at a time. 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 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 29, 2008 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | $ | 49.2 | | Small Cap Growth Schedule 100 bp on 1st $50m 85 bp on next $50m 75 bp on the balance Minimum account size $25m | | 1.000 | | 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 Portfolio5. Also shown is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the Cap Fund, Inc.—Small Cap Growth Portfolio been applicable to the Portfolio:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio 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 | | 0.750 | | 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 | 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. |
21
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory services to certain other investment companies managed by other fund families that have an investment style similar to that of the Portfolio. The Adviser charges the fees set forth below for each of these sub-advisory relationships:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | | | Fee Schedule | | Effective Sub-Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | Client #17,8 | | 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 | | 0.600 | | 0.750 |
| | | | |
| | Client #2 | | 0.65% on 1st $25 million 0.60% on next $75 million 0.55% thereafter | | 0.625 | | 0.750 |
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”)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 |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | 0.750 | | 0.900 | | 2/17 |
7 | This is a fee schedule of a Portfolio managed by an affiliate of the Adviser. |
8 | Assets are aggregated with other Specialty Equity Portfolios for purposes of calculating the Investment advisory fee. |
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 small 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. |
22
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | 1.160 | | 1.017 | | 14/17 | | 0.999 | | 36/41 |
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 2007, relative to 2006.
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. Under the distribution plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to its principal underwriter, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The current annual rate that the Portfolio pays to ABI for 12b-1 fees is 0.25%. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $55,818 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, 2007, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $434,976 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”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $783 from the Portfolio.14
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. |
14 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2007. |
23
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through fee structures,15 subsidies and enhancement to services. 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 make such investments in their business to provide services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli 16 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics. The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors. In this regard, it was noted that the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally within the 25th – 75th percentile range of their comparable peers.17 The independent consultant then discussed the results of the regression model that was utilized to study the effects of various factors on advisory fees. The regression model output indicated that the bulk of the variation in fees predicted were explained by various factors, but substantially by fund AUM, family AUM, index fund indicator and investment style. The independent consultant observed that the actual advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally lower than the fees predicted by the study’s regression model.
The independent consultant also compared the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to similar funds managed by 19 other large asset managers, regardless of the fund size and each Adviser’s proportion of mutual fund assets to non-mutual fund assets. The independent consultant observed that the advisory fees of certain AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were higher than the medians of these select groups of funds.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $746 billion as of February 29, 2008, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
15 | Fee structures include fee reductions, pricing at scale and breakpoints in advisory fee schedules. |
16 | The Deli study was originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data. |
17 | The two dimensional analysis also showed patterns of lower advisory fees for funds with larger asset sizes and funds from larger family sizes compared to funds with smaller asset sizes and funds from smaller family sizes, which according to the independent consultant is indicative of a sharing of economies of scale and scope. However, in less liquid and active markets, such is not the case, as the empirical analysis showed potential for diseconomies of scale in those markets. The empirical analysis also showed diminishing economies of scale and scope as funds surpassed a certain high level of assets. |
24
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The information prepared by Lipper shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance rankings of the Portfolio18 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)19 for the periods ended December 31, 2007.20
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | –2.09 | | –2.09 | | –2.54 | | 9/17 | | 23/49 |
3 year | | 6.32 | | 7.55 | | 6.87 | | 11/16 | | 27/45 |
5 year | | 15.23 | | 14.09 | | 14.01 | | 6/16 | | 15/43 |
10 year | | 1.94 | | 7.26 | | 5.91 | | 5/5 | | 18/21 |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 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 January 31, 2008 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | –2.09 | | 6.32 | | 15.23 | | 1.94 | | 3.99 | | 23.04 | | 0.04 | | 10 |
Russell 2000 Growth Index | | –4.55 | | 6.32 | | 14.91 | | 3.46 | | 4.75 | | 25.45 | | 0.12 | | 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 5, 2008
18 | 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. |
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. |
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 January 31, 2008. |
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. |
25
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, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 929.35 | | $ | 4.08 | | 0.85 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.64 | | $ | 4.27 | | 0.85 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 928.33 | | $ | 5.27 | | 1.10 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.39 | | $ | 5.52 | | 1.10 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Oil States International, Inc. | | $ | 8,710,312 | | 2.1 | % |
Arch Capital Group Ltd. | | | 7,573,744 | | 1.8 | |
Molson Coors Brewing Co.–Class B | | | 7,557,303 | | 1.8 | |
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | | | 7,523,760 | | 1.8 | |
Ruddick Corp. | | | 7,290,875 | | 1.8 | |
Ryder System, Inc. | | | 6,819,120 | | 1.6 | |
Commercial Metals Co. | | | 6,721,910 | | 1.6 | |
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. | | | 6,489,390 | | 1.6 | |
PerkinElmer, Inc. | | | 6,386,005 | | 1.5 | |
Hess Corp. | | | 6,208,548 | | 1.5 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 71,280,967 | | 17.1 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2008 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Industrials | | $ | 89,849,210 | | 21.4 | % |
Financials | | | 75,783,111 | | 18.1 | |
Materials | | | 49,505,299 | | 11.8 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 37,857,510 | | 9.0 | |
Information Technology | | | 36,538,564 | | 8.7 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 30,853,756 | | 7.4 | |
Utilities | | | 26,374,697 | | 6.3 | |
Health Care | | | 25,805,494 | | 6.1 | |
Energy | | | 22,491,416 | | 5.4 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 24,370,000 | | 5.8 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 419,429,057 | | 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 fund 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–94.7% | | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–21.5% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–0.6% | | | | | |
Goodrich Corp. | | 50,600 | | $ | 2,401,476 |
| | | | | |
AIRLINES–1.0% | | | | | |
Alaska Air Group, Inc.(a) | | 109,700 | | | 1,682,798 |
Continental Airlines, Inc.–Class B(a) | | 94,700 | | | 957,417 |
Skywest, Inc. | | 131,900 | | | 1,668,535 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,308,750 |
| | | | | |
BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.4% | | | | | |
Quanex Building Products Corp. | | 126,700 | | | 1,882,762 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–3.2% | | | | | |
IKON Office Solutions, Inc. | | 447,500 | | | 5,047,800 |
Kelly Services, Inc.–Class A | | 244,200 | | | 4,720,386 |
United Stationers, Inc.(a) | | 98,795 | | | 3,650,475 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 13,418,661 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–3.7% | | | | | |
Acuity Brands, Inc. | | 72,500 | | | 3,485,800 |
Cooper Industries Ltd.–Class A | | 84,400 | | | 3,333,800 |
EnerSys(a) | | 86,600 | | | 2,964,318 |
Regal-Beloit Corp. | | 129,200 | | | 5,458,700 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 15,242,618 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–6.3% | | | | | |
AGCO Corp.(a) | | 73,700 | | | 3,862,617 |
Briggs & Stratton Corp. | | 199,000 | | | 2,523,320 |
Kennametal, Inc. | | 157,600 | | | 5,129,880 |
Mueller Industries, Inc. | | 159,200 | | | 5,126,240 |
SPX Corp. | | 45,200 | | | 5,954,196 |
Terex Corp.(a) | | 71,000 | | | 3,647,270 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 26,243,523 |
| | | | | |
ROAD & RAIL–4.8% | | | | | |
Arkansas Best Corp. | | 86,300 | | | 3,162,032 |
Avis Budget Group, Inc.(a) | | 280,600 | | | 2,348,622 |
Con-way, Inc. | | 70,700 | | | 3,341,282 |
Ryder System, Inc. | | 99,000 | | | 6,819,120 |
Werner Enterprises, Inc. | | 245,100 | | | 4,553,958 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 20,225,014 |
| | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–1.5% | | | | | |
GATX Corp. | | 138,200 | | | 6,126,406 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 89,849,210 |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–18.2% | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–4.2% | | | | | |
Central Pacific Financial Corp. | | 206,400 | | | 2,200,224 |
The South Financial Group, Inc. | | 321,200 | | | 1,259,104 |
Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. | | 218,600 | | | 2,992,634 |
Trustmark Corp. | | 224,306 | | | 3,959,001 |
UnionBanCal Corp. | | 45,900 | | | 1,855,278 |
Webster Financial Corp. | | 171,600 | | | 3,191,760 |
Whitney Holding Corp. | | 116,500 | | | 2,131,950 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 17,589,951 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–8.1% | | | | | |
Arch Capital Group Ltd.(a) | | 114,200 | | $ | 7,573,744 |
Aspen Insurance Holdings, Ltd. | | 229,400 | | | 5,429,898 |
Fidelity National Financial, Inc.–Class A | | 231,000 | | | 2,910,600 |
Old Republic International Corp. | | 286,875 | | | 3,396,600 |
PartnerRe Ltd. | | 17,700 | | | 1,223,601 |
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. | | 199,000 | | | 6,489,390 |
Renaissancere Holdings Ltd. | | 33,600 | | | 1,500,912 |
StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. | | 107,400 | | | 5,043,504 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 33,568,249 |
| | | | | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)–3.4% | | | | | |
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. | | 211,000 | | | 974,820 |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | | 104,800 | | | 4,287,368 |
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | | 60,000 | | | 3,062,400 |
Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | 85,500 | | | 801,135 |
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. | | 57,800 | | | 959,480 |
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers | | 63,600 | | | 2,285,148 |
Taubman Centers, Inc. | | 40,300 | | | 1,960,595 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 14,330,946 |
| | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–2.5% | | | | | |
Astoria Financial Corp. | | 163,200 | | | 3,277,056 |
First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. | | 146,800 | | | 1,887,848 |
Provident Financial Services, Inc. | | 366,100 | | | 5,129,061 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,293,965 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 75,783,111 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–11.9% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–6.7% | | | | | |
Arch Chemicals, Inc | | 22,800 | | | 755,820 |
Ashland, Inc. | | 120,825 | | | 5,823,765 |
Chemtura Corp. | | 265,600 | | | 1,551,104 |
Cytec Industries, Inc. | | 104,700 | | | 5,712,432 |
Lubrizol Corp. | | 10,800 | | | 500,364 |
Methanex Corp. | | 112,700 | | | 3,157,854 |
Rockwood Holdings, Inc.(a) | | 216,200 | | | 7,523,760 |
Westlake Chemical Corp. | | 190,900 | | | 2,836,774 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 27,861,873 |
| | | | | |
CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–2.1% | | | | | |
Aptargroup, Inc. | | 75,900 | | | 3,184,005 |
Silgan Holdings, Inc. | | 68,400 | | | 3,470,616 |
Sonoco Products Co. | | 66,800 | | | 2,067,460 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,722,081 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–3.1% | | | | | |
Commercial Metals Co. | | 178,300 | | | 6,721,910 |
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. | | 49,300 | | | 3,800,537 |
Steel Dynamics, Inc. | | 61,400 | | | 2,398,898 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 12,921,345 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 49,505,299 |
| | | | | |
3
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–9.1% | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–1.8% | | | | | |
Molson Coors Brewing Co.–Class B | | 139,100 | | $ | 7,557,303 |
| | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–2.9% | | | | | |
Ruddick Corp. | | 212,500 | | | 7,290,875 |
Supervalu, Inc. | | 152,400 | | | 4,707,636 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,998,511 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–3.0% | | | | | |
Corn Products International, Inc. | | 35,000 | | | 1,718,850 |
Del Monte Foods Co. | | 482,200 | | | 3,423,620 |
Smithfield Foods, Inc.(a) | | 182,900 | | | 3,636,052 |
Tyson Foods, Inc.–Class A | | 261,200 | | | 3,902,328 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 12,680,850 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–1.4% | | | | | |
Universal Corp. | | 124,300 | | | 5,620,846 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 37,857,510 |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–8.7% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–1.3% | | | | | |
CommScope, Inc.(a) | | 104,700 | | | 5,525,019 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–0.6% | | | | | |
Lexmark International, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 79,600 | | | 2,661,028 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–4.6% | | | | | |
Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a) | | 143,200 | | | 4,399,104 |
Flextronics International Ltd.(a) | | 32,852 | | | 308,809 |
Ingram Micro, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 184,400 | | | 3,273,100 |
Insight Enterprises, Inc.(a) | | 239,400 | | | 2,808,162 |
Sanmina-SCI Corp.(a) | | 411,679 | | | 526,949 |
Tech Data Corp.(a) | | 112,200 | | | 3,802,458 |
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.(a) | | 442,300 | | | 3,923,201 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 19,041,783 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–2.2% | | | | | |
Amkor Technology, Inc.(a) | | 385,200 | | | 4,009,932 |
Spansion, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 240,000 | | | 540,000 |
Teradyne, Inc.(a) | | 159,600 | | | 1,766,772 |
Zoran Corp.(a) | | 255,900 | | | 2,994,030 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 9,310,734 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 36,538,564 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–7.4% | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–2.5% | | | | | |
ArvinMeritor, Inc. | | 333,200 | | | 4,158,336 |
Autoliv, Inc. | | 38,500 | | | 1,794,870 |
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp.(a) | | 245,100 | | | 4,526,997 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,480,203 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–1.0% | | | | | |
Thor Industries, Inc. | | 205,600 | | $ | 4,371,056 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.8% | | | | | |
Furniture Brands International, Inc. | | 186,000 | | | 2,484,960 |
KB Home | | 52,000 | | | 880,360 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,365,320 |
| | | | | |
LEISURE, EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS–1.3% | | | | | |
Brunswick Corp. | | 269,300 | | | 2,854,580 |
Callaway Golf Co. | | 209,200 | | | 2,474,836 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,329,416 |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–0.2% | | | | | |
Dillard’s, Inc.-Class A | | 79,100 | | | 915,187 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–1.1% | | | | | |
AutoNation, Inc.(a) | | 215,849 | | | 2,162,807 |
Men’s Wearhouse, Inc. | | 104,800 | | | 1,707,192 |
Office Depot, Inc.(a) | | 55,000 | | | 601,700 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,471,699 |
| | | | | |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.5% | | | | | |
Jones Apparel Group, Inc. | | 139,700 | | | 1,920,875 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 30,853,756 |
| | | | | |
UTILITIES–6.3% | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–1.7% | | | | | |
Allegheny Energy, Inc. | | 40,500 | | | 2,029,455 |
Northeast Utilities | | 204,300 | | | 5,215,779 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,245,234 |
| | | | | |
GAS UTILITIES–1.1% | | | | | |
Atmos Energy Corp. | | 158,800 | | | 4,378,116 |
| | | | | |
INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS & ENERGY TRADERS–2.0% | | | | | |
Constellation Energy Group, Inc. | | 36,600 | | | 3,004,860 |
Reliant Energy, Inc.(a) | | 255,700 | | | 5,438,739 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,443,599 |
| | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–1.5% | | | | | |
Puget Energy, Inc. | | 81,600 | | | 1,957,584 |
Wisconsin Energy Corp. | | 96,200 | | | 4,350,164 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,307,748 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 26,374,697 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–6.2% | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–4.7% | | | | | |
AMERIGROUP Corp.(a) | | 194,000 | | | 4,035,200 |
Apria Healthcare Group, Inc.(a) | | 98,100 | | | 1,902,159 |
LifePoint Hospitals, Inc.(a) | | 106,945 | | | 3,026,543 |
Molina Healthcare, Inc.(a) | | 162,925 | | | 3,965,595 |
Omnicare, Inc. | | 78,500 | | | 2,058,270 |
Universal Health Services, Inc.–Class B | | 70,100 | | | 4,431,722 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 19,419,489 |
| | | | | |
4
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–1.5% | | | | | |
PerkinElmer, Inc. | | 229,300 | | $ | 6,386,005 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 25,805,494 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–5.4% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–3.9% | | | | | |
Exterran Holdings, Inc.(a) | | 26,300 | | | 1,880,187 |
Helmerich & Payne, Inc. | | 44,700 | | | 3,219,294 |
Oil States International, Inc.(a) | | 137,300 | | | 8,710,312 |
Rowan Cos., Inc. | | 52,900 | | | 2,473,075 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 16,282,868 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–1.5% | | | | | |
Hess Corp. | | 49,200 | | | 6,208,548 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 22,491,416 |
| | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $420,873,692) | | | | | 395,059,057 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–5.8% | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–5.8% | | | | | | | |
Bank of New York 1.00%, 7/01/08 (cost $24,370,000) | | $ | 24,370 | | $ | 24,370,000 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.5% (cost $445,243,692) | | | | | | 419,429,057 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(0.5)% | | | | | | (2,124,480 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 417,304,577 | |
| | | | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
See notes to financial statements.
5
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments in Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | 395,059,057 | | | $ | –0 | – |
Level 2 | | | 24,370,000 | | | | –0 | – |
Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 419,429,057 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments in Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/07 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts /premiums | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain (loss) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | –* |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/08 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 6/30/08 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 6/30/08 for other financial instruments was $0. |
6
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $445,243,692) | | $ | 419,429,057 | |
Cash | | | 27,478 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 1,005,185 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 310,467 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 420,772,187 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 2,167,601 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 878,974 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 265,802 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 59,768 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 25,098 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 83 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 70,284 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 3,467,610 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 417,304,577 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 29,230 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 427,676,826 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 794,633 | |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 14,618,523 | |
Net unrealized depreciation of investments | | | (25,814,635 | ) |
| | | | |
| | $ | 417,304,577 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 142,669,659 | | 9,968,233 | | $ | 14.31 |
B | | $ | 274,634,918 | | 19,261,671 | | $ | 14.26 |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $4,987) | | $ | 2,887,415 | |
Interest | | | 63,585 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 2,951,000 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 1,561,402 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 351,624 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,045 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 2,179 | |
Custodian | | | 67,148 | |
Printing | | | 51,625 | |
Administrative | | | 46,100 | |
Audit | | | 24,000 | |
Legal | | | 9,215 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 884 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 3,338 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 2,118,560 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 832,440 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 14,838,821 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments. | | | (48,716,827 | ) |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment transactions | | | (33,878,006 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (33,045,566 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 832,440 | | | $ | 2,020,528 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 14,838,821 | | | | 39,210,437 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (48,716,827 | ) | | | (37,944,019 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (33,045,566 | ) | | | 3,286,946 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (886,590 | ) | | | (1,546,634 | ) |
Class B | | | (1,131,047 | ) | | | (2,098,492 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (12,603,957 | ) | | | (11,437,901 | ) |
Class B | | | (26,638,678 | ) | | | (19,627,077 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 50,596,411 | | | | 61,220,944 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | (23,709,427 | ) | | | 29,797,786 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 441,014,004 | | | | 411,216,218 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $794,633 and $1,979,830, respectively) | | $ | 417,304,577 | | | $ | 441,014,004 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
9
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap 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 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 eighteen 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.
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.
10
| | |
| | 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 .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, 2008, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $46,100 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, 2008.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2008, amounted to $124,687, none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
11
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SMALL/MID CAP VALUE 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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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, 2008, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 78,736,568 | | | $ | 82,274,713 | |
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 | | $ | 59,521,207 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (85,335,842 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized depreciation | | $ | (25,814,635 | ) |
| | | | |
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 or to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency 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.
12
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. Option Transactions
For hedging purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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 the 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, 2008, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
3. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 1,814,120 | | | 2,402,324 | | | | | $ | 28,051,541 | | | $ | 45,953,766 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 888,120 | | | 671,730 | | | | | | 13,490,547 | | | | 12,984,535 | |
Shares redeemed | | (1,285,935 | ) | | (3,362,398 | ) | | | | | (20,590,881 | ) | | | (62,942,413 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | 1,416,305 | | | (288,344 | ) | | | | $ | 20,951,207 | | | $ | (4,004,112 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 2,371,327 | | | 5,080,121 | | | | | $ | 37,182,992 | | | $ | 96,210,635 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 1,834,196 | | | 1,128,015 | | | | | | 27,769,725 | | | | 21,725,569 | |
Shares redeemed | | (2,247,203 | ) | | (2,872,598 | ) | | | | | (35,307,513 | ) | | | (52,711,148 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 1,958,320 | | | 3,335,538 | | | | | $ | 29,645,204 | | | $ | 65,225,056 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | 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.
Currency Risk—This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce the returns of the Portfolio. For example, the value of the Portfolio’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U.S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.
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, 2008.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 7,015,383 | | $ | 5,332,956 |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 27,694,721 | | | 20,509,356 |
| | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 34,710,104 | | | 25,842,312 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 34,710,104 | | $ | 25,842,312 |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 9,794,271 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 31,283,487 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 22,826,601 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 63,904,359 | |
| | | | |
(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
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 (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act,
14
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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 Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG 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 containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
15
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $17.11 | | | $18.08 | | | $17.06 | | | $16.84 | | | $14.49 | | | $10.46 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .04 | | | .11 | | | .20 | | | .09 | (b) | | .14 | (b) | | .04 | (b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (1.15 | ) | | .36 | | | 2.14 | | | 1.02 | | | 2.60 | | | 4.23 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (1.11 | ) | | .47 | | | 2.34 | | | 1.11 | | | 2.74 | | | 4.27 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.11 | ) | | (.17 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | (.13 | ) | | (.03 | ) | | (.07 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (1.58 | ) | | (1.27 | ) | | (1.24 | ) | | (.76 | ) | | (.36 | ) | | (.17 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.69 | ) | | (1.44 | ) | | (1.32 | ) | | (.89 | ) | | (.39 | ) | | (.24 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $14.31 | | | $17.11 | | | $18.08 | | | $17.06 | | | $16.84 | | | $14.49 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (7.07 | )% | | 1.71 | % | | 14.42 | % | | 6.91 | % | | 19.30 | % | | 41.26 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $142,670 | | | $146,350 | | | $159,804 | | | $134,235 | | | $118,981 | | | $90,949 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .85 | %(d) | | .83 | % | | .86 | %(e) | | .87 | % | | .86 | % | | 1.20 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .85 | %(d) | | .83 | % | | .86 | %(e) | | .87 | % | | 1.09 | % | | 1.28 | % |
Net investment income | | .55 | %(d) | | .59 | % | | 1.15 | %(e) | | .53 | %(b) | | .96 | %(b) | | .34 | %(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 19 | % | | 32 | % | | 46 | % | | 33 | % | | 30 | % | | 21 | % |
See footnote summary on page 17.
16
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $17.03 | | | $18.00 | | | $16.99 | | | $16.79 | | | $14.46 | | | $10.46 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .03 | | | .07 | | | .16 | | | .05 | (b) | | .11 | (b) | | .01 | (b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (1.15 | ) | | .37 | | | 2.13 | | | 1.01 | | | 2.59 | | | 4.22 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (1.12 | ) | | .44 | | | 2.29 | | | 1.06 | | | 2.70 | | | 4.23 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.07 | ) | | (.14 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | (.10 | ) | | (.01 | ) | | (.06 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (1.58 | ) | | (1.27 | ) | | (1.24 | ) | | (.76 | ) | | (.36 | ) | | (.17 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.65 | ) | | (1.41 | ) | | (1.28 | ) | | (.86 | ) | | (.37 | ) | | (.23 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $14.26 | | | $17.03 | | | $18.00 | | | $16.99 | | | $16.79 | | | $14.46 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (7.17 | )% | | 1.53 | % | | 14.20 | % | | 6.63 | % | | 19.08 | % | | 40.89 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $274,635 | | | $294,664 | | | $251,412 | | | $186,415 | | | $142,516 | | | $82,954 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.10 | %(d) | | 1.08 | % | | 1.11 | %(e) | | 1.12 | % | | 1.12 | % | | 1.45 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.10 | %(d) | | 1.08 | % | | 1.11 | %(e) | | 1.12 | % | | 1.34 | % | | 1.53 | % |
Net investment income | | .33 | %(d) | | .35 | % | | .91 | %(e) | | .29 | %(b) | | .75 | %(b) | | .05 | %(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 19 | % | | 32 | % | | 46 | % | | 33 | % | | 30 | % | | 21 | % |
(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. |
17
| | |
| | |
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 6-8, 2008.
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 fee in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Portfolio was 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 rate 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 2006 and 2007 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 between fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability
18
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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 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 May 2008 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 similar 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 and the Russell 2500 Index, in each case for the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods ended January 31, 2008 and (in the case of the indices) the since inception period (May 2001 inception). The directors noted that the Portfolio was in the 2nd quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 1-year period, 3rd quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 3-year period and 3rd quintile of the Performance Group and 2nd quintile of the Performance Universe for the 5-year period, and that the Portfolio outperformed the Russell 2500 Value Index in the 1- and 3-year and since inception periods but underperformed that index in the 5-year period and outperformed the Russell 2500 Index in the 1-year and since inception periods but underperformed that index in the 3- 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 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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SMALL/MID CAP VALUE 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 because mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets tend to be 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 view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services since 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 contractual effective advisory fee rate, at approximate current size, 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 2 basis points. 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, as well as a presentation by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. 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 the Portfolio’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
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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 a September 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 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Specialty | | 75 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 65 bp on next $2.5 billion 60 bp on the balance | | $ | 403.3 | | 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 $94,000 (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.
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2008 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 6-8. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings 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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SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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:
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Cap Pursuant to Expense Limitation Undertaking | | Gross Expense Ratio | | Fiscal Year End |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | Class A 1.20% | | 0.83% | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.45% | | 1.08% | | |
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 Adviser also believes that it incurs substantial entrepreneurial risk when offering a new mutual fund since establishing a new mutual fund requires a large upfront investment, and it may take a long time for the fund to achieve profitability since the fund must be priced to scale from inception in order to be competitive and assets are acquired one account at a time. 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 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 29, 2008 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | $403.3 | | 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 $25m | | 0.600 | % | | 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. |
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| | 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 Fund5. Also shown is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the Small Mid/Cap Value Fund been applicable to the Portfolio:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee | | Portfolio 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 | | 0.750% | | 0.750% |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory services to certain other investment companies managed by other fund families that have an investment style similar to that of the Portfolio. The Adviser charges the fees set forth below for each of these sub-advisory relationships:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | | | Fee Schedule | | Effective Sub-Adv. Fee | | Portfolio Advisory Fee |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | Client #1 | | 0.50% | | 0.500% | | 0.750% |
| | | | |
| | Client #2 | | 0.72% on 1st $25 million 0.54% on next $225 million 0.50% thereafter | | 0.536% | | 0.750% |
| | | | |
| | Client #3 | | 0.80% on 1st $25 million 0.60% thereafter | | 0.612% | | 0.750% |
| | | | |
| | Client #4 | | 0.613% on 1st $150 million 0.495% thereafter | | 0.539% | | 0.750% |
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”)6 at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.7
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 | 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. |
7 | 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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SMALL/MID CAP VALUE 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 Fee8 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | 0.750 | | 0.718 | | 11/18 |
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 EU9 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 (%)10 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | 0.860 | | 0.869 | | 9/18 | | 0.869 | | 13/26 |
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 2007, relative to 2006.
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. Under the distribution plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to its principal underwriter, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The current annual rate that the Portfolio pays to ABI for 12b-1 fees is 0.25%. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $738,258 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, 2007, the Adviser determined that it made payment in the amount of $549,986 on behalf of the Portfolio to ABI.
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. 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. |
9 | 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. |
10 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
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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”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $786 from the Portfolio.11
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
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through fee structures,12 subsidies and enhancement to services. 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 make such investments in their business to provide services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli 13 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics. The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors. In this regard, it was noted that the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally within the 25th – 75th percentile range of their comparable peers.14 The independent consultant then discussed the results of the regression model that was utilized to study the effects of various factors on advisory fees. The regression model output indicated that the bulk of the variation in fees predicted were explained by various factors, but substantially by fund AUM, family AUM, index fund indicator and investment style. The independent consultant observed that the actual advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally lower than the fees predicted by the study’s regression model.
The independent consultant also compared the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to similar funds managed by 19 other large asset managers, regardless of the fund size and each Adviser’s proportion of mutual fund assets to non-mutual fund assets. The independent consultant observed that the advisory fees of certain AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were higher than the medians of these select groups of funds.
11 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2007. |
12 | Fee structures include fee reductions, pricing at scale and breakpoints in advisory fee schedules. |
13 | The Deli study was originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data. |
14 | The two dimensional analysis also showed patterns of lower advisory fees for funds with larger asset sizes and funds from larger family sizes compared to funds with smaller asset sizes and funds from smaller family sizes, which according to the independent consultant is indicative of a sharing of economies of scale and scope. However, in less liquid and active markets, such is not the case, as the empirical analysis showed potential for diseconomies of scale in those markets. The empirical analysis also showed diminishing economies of scale and scope as funds surpassed a certain high level of assets. |
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SMALL/MID CAP 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 $746 billion as of February 29, 2008, 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 January 31, 2008.17
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | –4.21 | | –6.23 | | –6.40 | | 7/18 | | 10/32 |
3 year | | 7.33 | | 7.16 | | 6.99 | | 8/16 | | 13/27 |
5 year | | 15.71 | | 15.41 | | 14.95 | | 6/14 | | 8/23 |
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 January 31, 2008 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | –4.21 | | 7.33 | | 15.71 | | 11.77 | | 12.03 | | 1.00 | | 5 |
Russell 2500 Value Index | | –12.53 | | 6.16 | | 16.04 | | 10.27 | | 12.32 | | 1.00 | | 5 |
Russell 2500 Index | | –7.32 | | 7.34 | | 16.15 | | 8.18 | | N/A | | N/A | | 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.
Dated: June 5, 2008
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 January 31, 2008. |
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. |
26
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, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 964.33 | | $ | 4.49 | | 0.92 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.29 | | $ | 4.62 | | 0.92 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 963.27 | | $ | 5.71 | | 1.17 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.05 | | $ | 5.87 | | 1.17 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Entergy Corp. (Common and Preferred) | | $ | 2,802,116 | | 3.7 | % |
Williams Cos, Inc. | | | 2,396,429 | | 3.2 | |
Sempra Energy | | | 2,386,367 | | 3.2 | |
Exelon Corp. | | | 2,293,980 | | 3.1 | |
Equitable Resources, Inc. | | | 2,285,886 | | 3.0 | |
FirstEnergy Corp. | | | 2,272,308 | | 3.0 | |
AES Tiete SA | | | 2,265,878 | | 3.0 | |
PPL Corp. | | | 1,960,125 | | 2.6 | |
NRG Energy, Inc. | | | 1,934,790 | | 2.6 | |
FPL Group, Inc. | | | 1,783,776 | | 2.4 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 22,381,655 | | 29.8 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2008 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Utilities | | $ | 56,791,936 | | 74.9 | % |
Telecommunication Services | | | 10,444,926 | | 13.8 | |
Energy | | | 5,189,184 | | 6.8 | |
Industrials | | | 1,479,336 | | 1.9 | |
Other Instruments | | | 860,200 | | 1.1 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 1,115,000 | | 1.5 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 75,880,582 | | 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 fund 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–94.4% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
UTILITIES–73.5% | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–36.4% | | | | | |
Allegheny Energy, Inc. | | 35,350 | | $ | 1,771,388 |
American Electric Power Co., Inc. | | 18,983 | | | 763,686 |
CEZ | | 6,200 | | | 550,633 |
CLP Holdings Ltd. | | 163,000 | | | 1,397,855 |
CPFL Energia SA (ADR) | | 9,400 | | | 642,584 |
Duke Energy Corp. | | 61,948 | | | 1,076,656 |
E.ON AG | | 6,400 | | | 1,289,282 |
Edison International | | 27,500 | | | 1,412,950 |
Electricite de France | | 8,000 | | | 757,849 |
Eletropaulo Metropolitana Eletricidade de Sao Paulo SA–Class B | | 35,744 | | | 838,360 |
Enel SpA | | 70,750 | | | 671,165 |
Entergy Corp. | | 10,700 | | | 1,289,136 |
Exelon Corp. | | 25,500 | | | 2,293,980 |
FirstEnergy Corp. | | 27,600 | | | 2,272,308 |
Fortum Oyj | | 31,700 | | | 1,604,516 |
FPL Group, Inc. | | 27,200 | | | 1,783,776 |
ITC Holdings Corp. | | 29,300 | | | 1,497,523 |
PPL Corp. | | 37,500 | | | 1,960,125 |
Progress Energy, Inc. | | 24,800 | | | 1,037,384 |
Scottish & Southern Energy PLC | | 42,291 | | | 1,178,344 |
The Southern Co. | | 35,500 | | | 1,239,660 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 27,329,160 |
| | | | | |
GAS UTILITIES–10.1% | | | | | |
Equitable Resources, Inc. | | 33,100 | | | 2,285,886 |
Hong Kong & China Gas Co. Ltd. | | 514,250 | | | 1,223,692 |
New Jersey Resources Corp. | | 19,650 | | | 641,572 |
Oneok, Inc. | | 36,500 | | | 1,782,295 |
Questar Corp. | | 23,500 | | | 1,669,440 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,602,885 |
| | | | | |
INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS & ENERGY TRADERS–11.8% | | | | | |
The AES Corp.(a) | | 47,400 | | | 910,554 |
AES Tiete SA | | 186,374 | | | 2,265,878 |
Constellation Energy Group, Inc. | | 12,400 | | | 1,018,040 |
Dynegy, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 117,663 | | | 1,006,019 |
NRG Energy, Inc.(a) | | 45,100 | | | 1,934,790 |
Ormat Technologies, Inc. | | 18,600 | | | 914,748 |
Tractebel Energia SA | | 56,500 | | | 842,337 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 8,892,366 |
| | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–15.2% | | | | | |
Centerpoint Energy, Inc. | | 102,100 | | | 1,638,705 |
MDU Resources Group, Inc. | | 17,900 | | | 623,994 |
National Grid PLC (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 11,238 | | | 741,371 |
NSTAR | | 45,400 | | | 1,535,428 |
PG&E Corp. | | 16,600 | | | 658,854 |
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. | | 38,600 | | | 1,772,898 |
Sempra Energy | | 42,274 | | | 2,386,367 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Suez SA | | 7,100 | | $ | 481,293 |
Xcel Energy, Inc. | | 80,500 | | | 1,615,635 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 11,454,545 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 55,278,956 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–13.9% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–9.7% | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | 31,905 | | | 1,074,880 |
Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd. (ADR) | | 37,909 | | | 961,751 |
Telefonica SA | | 21,400 | | | 566,326 |
Tw Telecom, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 80,200 | | | 1,285,606 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | 43,600 | | | 1,543,440 |
Vimpel-Communications (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 38,900 | | | 1,154,552 |
Windstream Corp. | | 57,000 | | | 703,380 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,289,935 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.2% | | | | | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | 18,960 | | | 1,000,140 |
MTN Group Ltd. | | 45,000 | | | 712,305 |
Sprint Nextel Corp. | | 43,000 | | | 408,500 |
Vodafone Group PLC (ADR) | | 35,100 | | | 1,034,046 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,154,991 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 10,444,926 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–5.0% | | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–5.0% | | | | | |
China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd.–Class H | | 141,500 | | | 556,900 |
Peabody Energy Corp. | | 4,800 | | | 422,640 |
Spectra Energy Corp | | 14,300 | | | 410,982 |
Williams Cos, Inc. | | 59,450 | | | 2,396,429 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,786,951 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–2.0% | | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–2.0% | | | | | |
Fluor Corp. | | 7,950 | | | 1,479,336 |
| | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $52,075,623) | | | | | 70,990,169 |
| | | | | |
CONVERTIBLE–PREFERRED STOCKS–2.0% | | | | | |
UTILITIES–2.0% | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–2.0% | | | | | |
Entergy Corp. 7.625% (cost $1,065,400) | | 21,400 | | | 1,512,980 |
| | | | | |
3
| | |
UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–1.9% | | | | | |
ENERGY–1.9% | | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–1.9% | | | | | |
Tortoise Energy Capital Corp. (cost $1,411,234) | | 55,534 | | $ | 1,402,233 |
| | | | | |
NON-CONVERTIBLE– PREFERRED STOCKS–1.1% | | | | | |
OTHER INSTRUMENTS–1.1% | | | | | |
Georgia Power Co. 6.00% (cost $861,200) | | 34,000 | | | 860,200 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.5% | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–1.5% | | | | | | | |
Bank of New York 1.00%, 7/01/08 (cost $1,115,000) | | $ | 1,115 | | $ | 1,115,000 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.9% (cost $56,528,457) | | | | | | 75,880,582 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(0.9)% | | | | | | (708,369 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 75,172,213 | |
| | | | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
See notes to financial statements.
4
| | |
UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments in Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | 61,402,243 | | | $ | –0 | – |
Level 2 | | $ | 14,478,339 | | | | –0 | – |
Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 75,880,582 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments in Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/07 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts /premiums | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain (loss) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | –* |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/08 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 6/30/08 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 6/30/08 for other financial instruments was $0. |
5
| | |
UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | |
ASSETS | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $56,528,457) | | $ | 75,880,582 |
Cash | | | 13,801 |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 184,541 |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 24,549 |
| | | |
Total assets | | | 76,103,473 |
| | | |
LIABILITIES | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 596,434 |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 193,351 |
Advisory fee payable | | | 34,540 |
Administrative fee payable | | | 25,345 |
Distribution fee payable | | | 3,174 |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 85 |
Accrued expenses | | | 78,331 |
| | | |
Total liabilities | | | 931,260 |
| | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 75,172,213 |
| | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 3,017 |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 52,085,343 |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 966,180 |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 2,764,751 |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 19,352,922 |
| | | |
| | $ | 75,172,213 |
| | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 59,940,787 | | 2,403,152 | | $ | 24.94 |
B | | $ | 15,231,426 | | 614,009 | | $ | 24.81 |
See notes to financial statements.
6
| | |
UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $29,749) | | $ | 1,335,166 | |
Interest | | | 12,110 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 1,347,276 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 212,831 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 19,352 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 945 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 234 | |
Custodian | | | 50,455 | |
Administrative | | | 46,100 | |
Audit | | | 24,000 | |
Printing | | | 8,079 | |
Legal | | | 7,225 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 872 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 3,703 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 373,796 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 973,480 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 2,838,838 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (14,536 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (7,408,705 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 543 | |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (4,583,860 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (3,610,380 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
| | |
UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 973,480 | | | $ | 1,953,308 | |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 2,824,302 | | | | 8,218,893 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (7,408,162 | ) | | | 6,272,021 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (3,610,380 | ) | | | 16,444,222 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (1,577,599 | ) | | | (1,533,201 | ) |
Class B | | | (353,633 | ) | | | (318,889 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (6,441,134 | ) | | | (51,536 | ) |
Class B | | | (1,605,745 | ) | | | (11,702 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 2,311,459 | | | | (7,465,877 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | (11,277,032 | ) | | | 7,063,017 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 86,449,245 | | | | 79,386,228 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $966,180 and $1,923,932, respectively) | | $ | 75,172,213 | | | $ | 86,449,245 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (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 eighteen 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.
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UTILITY 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, 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. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $46,100 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, 2008.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2008 amounted to $35,863, of which $348 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
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| | 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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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, 2008, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 14,256,860 | | | $ | 20,057,855 | |
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 | | $ | 20,176,375 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (824,250 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 19,352,125 | |
| | | | |
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 or to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency 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.
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UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. Option Transactions
For hedging purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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 the 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, 2008, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
3. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 713,428 | | | 526,823 | | | | | $ | 18,258,136 | | | $ | 14,519,248 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 325,832 | | | 58,456 | | | | | | 8,018,733 | | | | 1,584,737 | |
Shares redeemed | | (951,268 | ) | | (905,371 | ) | | | | | (24,254,994 | ) | | | (24,466,121 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | 87,992 | | | (320,092 | ) | | | | $ | 2,021,875 | | | $ | (8,362,136 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 51,467 | | | 181,156 | | | | | $ | 1,361,308 | | | $ | 4,923,828 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 80,007 | | | 12,249 | | | | | | 1,959,378 | | | | 330,591 | |
Shares redeemed | | (113,604 | ) | | (159,441 | ) | | | | | (3,031,102 | ) | | | (4,358,160 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 17,870 | | | 33,964 | | | | | $ | 289,584 | | | $ | 896,259 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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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.
Currency Risk—This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce the returns of the Portfolio. For example, the value of the Portfolio’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U.S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.
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, 2008.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:
| | | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 1,852,090 | | $ | 1,728,067 | |
Long-term capital gains | | | 63,238 | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 1,915,328 | | | 1,728,067 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 1,915,328 | | $ | 1,728,067 | |
| | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 2,334,537 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 7,619,942 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 26,717,863 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 36,672,342 | |
| | | | |
(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
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 (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act,
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UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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 Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG 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 containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $29.73 | | | $24.85 | | | $20.64 | | | $18.17 | | | $14.95 | | | $12.86 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .34 | | | .65 | | | .59 | | | .53 | | | .43 | (b) | | .35 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (1.45 | ) | | 4.85 | | | 4.20 | | | 2.35 | | | 3.13 | | | 2.18 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (1.11 | ) | | 5.50 | | | 4.79 | | | 2.88 | | | 3.56 | | | 2.53 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.72 | ) | | (.60 | ) | | (.58 | ) | | (.41 | ) | | (.34 | ) | | (.44 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (2.96 | ) | | (.02 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (3.68 | ) | | (.62 | ) | | (.58 | ) | | (.41 | ) | | (.34 | ) | | (.44 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $24.94 | | | $29.73 | | | $24.85 | | | $20.64 | | | $18.17 | | | $14.95 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (3.57 | )%* | | 22.35 | %* | | 23.76 | % | | 16.05 | % | | 24.33 | % | | 19.88 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $59,941 | | | $68,833 | | | $65,490 | | | $58,468 | | | $52,391 | | | $43,323 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .92 | %(d) | | .90 | % | | .95 | %(e) | | .97 | % | | 1.08 | % | | 1.48 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .92 | %(d) | | .90 | % | | .95 | %(e) | | .97 | % | | 1.21 | % | | 1.48 | % |
Net investment income | | 2.56 | %(d) | | 2.39 | % | | 2.67 | %(e) | | 2.72 | % | | 2.69 | %(b) | | 2.60 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 19 | % | | 34 | % | | 48 | % | | 52 | % | | 48 | % | | 76 | % |
See footnote summary on page 16.
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UTILITY 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31 , | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $29.55 | | | $24.72 | | | $20.54 | | | $18.10 | | | $14.92 | | | $12.86 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .30 | | | .58 | | | .53 | | | .48 | | | .38 | (b) | | .28 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (1.43 | ) | | 4.82 | | | 4.19 | | | 2.34 | | | 3.13 | | | 2.21 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (1.13 | ) | | 5.40 | | | 4.72 | | | 2.82 | | | 3.51 | | | 2.49 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.65 | ) | | (.55 | ) | | (.54 | ) | | (.38 | ) | | (.33 | ) | | (.43 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (2.96 | ) | | (.02 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (3.61 | ) | | (.57 | ) | | (.54 | ) | | (.38 | ) | | (.33 | ) | | (.43 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $24.81 | | | $29.55 | | | $24.72 | | | $20.54 | | | $18.10 | | | $14.92 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (3.67 | )%* | | 22.04 | %* | | 23.49 | % | | 15.76 | % | | 24.01 | % | | 19.64 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $15,231 | | | $17,616 | | | $13,896 | | | $9,766 | | | $6,517 | | | $2,802 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.17 | %(d) | | 1.16 | % | | 1.20 | %(e) | | 1.22 | % | | 1.30 | % | | 1.73 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.17 | %(d) | | 1.16 | % | | 1.20 | %(e) | | 1.22 | % | | 1.43 | % | | 1.73 | % |
Net investment income | | 2.32 | %(d) | | 2.14 | % | | 2.41 | %(e) | | 2.45 | % | | 2.41 | %(b) | | 2.07 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 19 | % | | 34 | % | | 48 | % | | 52 | % | | 48 | % | | 76 | % |
(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. |
* | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the performance of each share class for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and the year ended December 31, 2007 by 0.03% and 0.27%, respectively. |
16
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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 6-8, 2008.
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 fee in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Portfolio was 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 rate 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 2006 and 2007 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 between fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability
17
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UTILITY INCOME 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 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 May 2008 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 similar 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 the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended January 31, 2008 and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (May 1994 inception). The directors noted that the Portfolio was in the 3rd quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods and 2nd quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the 10-year period, and 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 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 institutional 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 because mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets tend to be 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. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services since 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.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The directors noted that the Portfolio’s contractual effective advisory fee rate, at approximate current size, of 55 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 (less than $80 million as of February 29, 2008) 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, as well as a presentation by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. 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 the Portfolio’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
19
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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 a September 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 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Value | | 55 bp on 1st $2.5 billion
45 bp on next $2.5 billion
40 bp on the balance | | $ | 76.9 | | 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 $94,000 (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 |
Utility Income Portfolio | | Class A 0.90% | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.16% | | |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on April 23, 2008 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 6-8, 2008. |
2 | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings 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. The Adviser also believes that it incurs substantial entrepreneurial risk when offering a new mutual fund since establishing a new mutual fund requires a large upfront investment, and it may take a long time for the fund to achieve profitability since the fund must be priced to scale from inception in order to be competitive and assets are acquired one account at a time. 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 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 Also shown is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the Utility Income Fund, Inc. been applicable to the Portfolio:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio 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 | | 0.550 | | 0.550 |
The Adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment company with a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
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. |
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UTILITY INCOME 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”)5 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, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee7 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Utility Income Portfolio | | 0.550 | | 0.675 | | 1/8 |
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 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 |
Utility Income Portfolio | | 0.950 | | 0.807 | | 8/8 | | 0.809 | | 10/11 |
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 2007, relative to 2006.
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’
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. |
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. |
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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. Under the distribution plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to its principal underwriter, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The current annual rate that the Portfolio pays to ABI for 12b-1 fees is 0.25%. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $39,985 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, 2007, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $85,306 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”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $786 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 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
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through fee structures,11 subsidies and enhancement to services. 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 make such investments in their business to provide services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli 12 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics. The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors. In this regard, it was noted that the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally within the 25th – 75th percentile range of their
10 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2007. |
11 | Fee structures include fee reductions, pricing at scale and breakpoints in advisory fee schedules. |
12 | The Deli study was originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data. |
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UTILITY INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
comparable peers.13 The independent consultant then discussed the results of the regression model that was utilized to study the effects of various factors on advisory fees. The regression model output indicated that the bulk of the variation in fees predicted were explained by various factors, but substantially by fund AUM, family AUM, index fund indicator and investment style. The independent consultant observed that the actual advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally lower than the fees predicted by the study’s regression model.
The independent consultant also compared the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to similar funds managed by 19 other large asset managers, regardless of the fund size and each Adviser’s proportion of mutual fund assets to non-mutual fund assets. The independent consultant observed that the advisory fees of certain AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were higher than the medians of these select groups of funds.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $746 billion as of February 29, 2008, 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 January 31, 3008.16
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 13.80 | | 13.02 | | 13.02 | | 4/8 | | 6/12 |
3 year | | 18.26 | | 18.25 | | 18.27 | | 4/7 | | 6/10 |
5 year | | 20.57 | | 20.57 | | 20.90 | | 4/7 | | 6/10 |
10 year | | 9.48 | | 9.13 | | 9.13 | | 2/6 | | 3/8 |
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
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending January 31, 2008 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) |
Utility Income Portfolio | | 13.80 | | 18.26 | | 20.57 | | 9.48 | | 10.66 |
S&P 500 GICS Utility Composite | | 11.54 | | 15.50 | | 20.54 | | 7.46 | | 9.84 |
Inception Date: May 11, 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 5, 2008
13 | The two dimensional analysis also showed patterns of lower advisory fees for funds with larger asset sizes and funds from larger family sizes compared to funds with smaller asset sizes and funds from smaller family sizes, which according to the independent consultant is indicative of a sharing of economies of scale and scope. However, in less liquid and active markets, such is not the case, as the empirical analysis showed potential for diseconomies of scale in those markets. The empirical analysis also showed diminishing economies of scale and scope as funds surpassed a certain high level of assets. |
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 January 31, 2008. |
24
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, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 837.77 | | $ | 2.92 | | 0.64 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,021.68 | | $ | 3.22 | | 0.64 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 836.22 | | $ | 4.11 | | 0.90 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.39 | | $ | 4.52 | | 0.90 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | $ | 20,243,461 | | 6.9 | % |
Chevron Corp. | | | 12,302,033 | | 4.2 | |
AT&T, Inc. | | | 11,201,925 | | 3.8 | |
General Electric Co. | | | 9,800,568 | | 3.4 | |
ConocoPhillips | | | 9,391,805 | | 3.2 | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | 7,529,570 | | 2.6 | |
JP Morgan Chase & Co. | | | 7,143,342 | | 2.4 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 6,170,220 | | 2.1 | |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | | 5,910,732 | | 2.0 | |
Bank of America Corp. | | | 5,829,054 | | 2.0 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 95,522,710 | | 32.6 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2008 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 67,214,303 | | 23.1 | % |
Energy | | | 59,826,409 | | 20.6 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 28,120,186 | | 9.7 | |
Health Care | | | 27,132,470 | | 9.3 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 21,554,453 | | 7.4 | |
Industrials | | | 20,896,173 | | 7.2 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 20,742,496 | | 7.1 | |
Materials | | | 17,868,021 | | 6.2 | |
Information Technology | | | 15,534,576 | | 5.4 | |
Utilities | | | 3,767,800 | | 1.3 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 7,833,000 | | 2.7 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 290,489,887 | | 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 fund 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–96.6% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–23.0% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–2.1% | | | | | |
Deutsche Bank AG | | 12,100 | | $ | 1,032,735 |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | 3,600 | | | 629,640 |
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. | | 18,100 | | | 358,561 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. | | 33,100 | | | 1,049,601 |
Morgan Stanley | | 84,500 | | | 3,047,915 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,118,452 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–2.7% | | | | | |
BB&T Corp. | | 13,500 | | | 307,395 |
Comerica, Inc. | | 33,800 | | | 866,294 |
Fifth Third Bancorp | | 35,900 | | | 365,462 |
Keycorp | | 37,200 | | | 408,456 |
National City Corp. | | 67,300 | | | 321,021 |
SunTrust Banks, Inc. | | 19,600 | | | 709,912 |
U.S. Bancorp | | 37,400 | | | 1,043,086 |
Wachovia Corp. | | 113,600 | | | 1,764,208 |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | 85,300 | | | 2,025,875 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,811,709 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER FINANCE–0.6% | | | | | |
Discover Financial Services | | 144,000 | | | 1,896,480 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–6.2% | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. | | 244,200 | | | 5,829,054 |
Citigroup, Inc. | | 302,800 | | | 5,074,928 |
JP Morgan Chase & Co. | | 208,200 | | | 7,143,342 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 18,047,324 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–9.7% | | | | | |
ACE Ltd. | | 42,100 | | | 2,319,289 |
Allstate Corp. | | 65,000 | | | 2,963,350 |
American International Group, Inc. | | 139,400 | | | 3,688,524 |
Chubb Corp. | | 51,200 | | | 2,509,312 |
Fidelity National Financial, Inc.–Class A | | 62,700 | | | 790,020 |
Genworth Financial, Inc.– Class A | | 91,100 | | | 1,622,491 |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | | 40,700 | | | 2,627,999 |
MetLife, Inc. | | 46,000 | | | 2,427,420 |
Old Republic International Corp. | | 70,300 | | | 832,352 |
PartnerRe Ltd. | | 4,300 | | | 297,259 |
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. | | 16,300 | | | 728,121 |
Safeco Corp. | | 20,700 | | | 1,390,212 |
Torchmark Corp. | | 12,700 | | | 744,855 |
The Travelers Co., Inc. | | 63,600 | | | 2,760,240 |
Unum Group | | 95,000 | | | 1,942,750 |
XL Capital Ltd.–Class A | | 31,700 | | | 651,752 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 28,295,946 |
| | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–1.7% | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. | | 96,300 | | | 1,579,320 |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | 120,800 | | | 2,356,808 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Washington Mutual, Inc. (Private Placement)(a) | | 163,600 | | $ | 806,548 |
Washington Mutual, Inc. | | 61,200 | | | 301,716 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,044,392 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 67,214,303 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–20.4% | | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–20.4% | | | | | |
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. | | 46,900 | | | 3,509,996 |
Apache Corp. | | 16,500 | | | 2,293,500 |
BP PLC (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 24,800 | | | 1,725,336 |
Chevron Corp. | | 124,100 | | | 12,302,033 |
ConocoPhillips | | 99,500 | | | 9,391,805 |
Devon Energy Corp. | | 8,100 | | | 973,296 |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | 229,700 | | | 20,243,461 |
Marathon Oil Corp. | | 35,600 | | | 1,846,572 |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | 16,900 | | | 1,518,634 |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC (ADR) | | 21,900 | | | 1,789,449 |
Sunoco, Inc. | | 14,900 | | | 606,281 |
Total SA (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 23,400 | | | 1,995,318 |
Valero Energy Corp. | | 39,600 | | | 1,630,728 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 59,826,409 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–9.6% | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–1.6% | | | | | |
The Coca-Cola Co. | | 11,500 | | | 597,770 |
Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. | | 93,000 | | | 1,608,900 |
Molson Coors Brewing Co.–Class B | | 17,300 | | | 939,909 |
Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. | | 54,000 | | | 1,507,680 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,654,259 |
| | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–2.2% | | | | | |
The Kroger Co. | | 59,500 | | | 1,717,765 |
Safeway, Inc. | | 63,200 | | | 1,804,360 |
Supervalu, Inc. | | 68,100 | | | 2,103,609 |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | | 14,500 | | | 814,900 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,440,634 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–1.7% | | | | | |
ConAgra Foods, Inc. | | 53,000 | | | 1,021,840 |
Del Monte Foods Co. | | 76,600 | | | 543,860 |
Kraft Foods, Inc.–Class A | | 22,400 | | | 637,280 |
Sara Lee Corp. | | 119,800 | | | 1,467,550 |
Tyson Foods, Inc.–Class A | | 80,200 | | | 1,198,188 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,868,718 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–2.0% | | | | | |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | 97,200 | | | 5,910,732 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–2.1% | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | 76,900 | | | 1,581,064 |
Philip Morris International, Inc. | | 66,100 | | | 3,264,679 |
Reynolds American, Inc. | | 30,000 | | | 1,400,100 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,245,843 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 28,120,186 |
| | | | | |
3
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–9.3% | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–0.6% | | | | | |
Amgen, Inc.(a) | | 37,800 | | $ | 1,782,648 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–1.4% | | | | | |
AmerisourceBergen Corp.– Class A | | 16,600 | | | 663,834 |
Cardinal Health, Inc. | | 28,700 | | | 1,480,346 |
McKesson Corp. | | 31,800 | | | 1,777,938 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,922,118 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–7.3% | | | | | |
GlaxoSmithKline PLC (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 34,500 | | | 1,525,590 |
Johnson & Johnson | | 53,500 | | | 3,442,190 |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | 92,300 | | | 3,478,787 |
Pfizer, Inc. | | 431,000 | | | 7,529,570 |
Sanofi-Aventis SA (ADR) | | 38,500 | | | 1,279,355 |
Schering-Plough Corp. | | 82,800 | | | 1,630,332 |
Wyeth | | 53,000 | | | 2,541,880 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 21,427,704 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 27,132,470 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–7.4% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–6.0% | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | 332,500 | | | 11,201,925 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | 174,300 | | | 6,170,220 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 17,372,145 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.4% | | | | | |
Sprint Nextel Corp. | | 254,800 | | | 2,420,600 |
Vodafone Group PLC Sponsored (ADR) | | 59,800 | | | 1,761,708 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,182,308 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 21,554,453 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–7.1% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–0.7% | | | | | |
Lockheed Martin Corp. | | 5,700 | | | 562,362 |
Northrop Grumman Corp. | | 25,000 | | | 1,672,500 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,234,862 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–0.6% | | | | | |
Allied Waste Industries, Inc.(a) | | 137,100 | | | 1,730,202 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–4.6% | | | | | |
3M Co. | | 12,500 | | | 869,875 |
General Electric Co. | | 367,200 | | | 9,800,568 |
Tyco International Ltd. | | 67,770 | | | 2,713,511 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 13,383,954 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–0.6% | | | | | |
Caterpillar, Inc. | | 22,500 | | $ | 1,660,950 |
| | | | | |
ROAD & RAIL–0.6% | | | | | |
Avis Budget Group, Inc.(a) | | 36,900 | | | 308,853 |
Ryder System, Inc. | | 22,900 | | | 1,577,352 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,886,205 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 20,896,173 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–7.1% | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–0.7% | | | | | |
Autoliv, Inc. | | 27,900 | | | 1,300,698 |
Magna International, Inc.– Class A | | 14,500 | | | 858,980 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,159,678 |
| | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–0.3% | | | | | |
General Motors Corp. | | 80,700 | | | 928,050 |
| | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.2% | | | | | |
McDonald’s Corp. | | 9,000 | | | 505,980 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.6% | | | | | |
Black & Decker Corp. | | 13,500 | | | 776,385 |
Centex Corp. | | 29,600 | | | 395,752 |
KB Home | | 31,200 | | | 528,216 |
Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. | | 13,100 | | | 219,949 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,920,302 |
| | | | | |
LEISURE, EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS–0.2% | | | | | |
Brunswick Corp. | | 53,500 | | | 567,100 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–2.1% | | | | | |
CBS Corp.–Class B | | 83,300 | | | 1,623,517 |
Gannett Co., Inc. | | 63,000 | | | 1,365,210 |
Time Warner, Inc. | | 91,800 | | | 1,358,640 |
Viacom, Inc.–Class B(a) | | 41,300 | | | 1,261,302 |
The Walt Disney Co. | | 13,500 | | | 421,200 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,029,869 |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–0.9% | | | | | |
Family Dollar Stores, Inc. | | 48,800 | | | 973,072 |
Macy’s, Inc. | | 79,700 | | | 1,547,774 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,520,846 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–1.6% | | | | | |
The Gap, Inc. | | 89,200 | | | 1,486,964 |
Home Depot, Inc. | | 86,100 | | | 2,016,462 |
Limited Brands, Inc. | | 39,500 | | | 665,575 |
Office Depot, Inc.(a) | | 43,000 | | | 470,420 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,639,421 |
| | | | | |
TEXTILES APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.5% | | | | | |
Jones Apparel Group, Inc. | | 107,000 | | | 1,471,250 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 20,742,496 |
| | | | | |
4
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–6.1% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–2.5% | | | | | |
Ashland, Inc. | | 22,300 | | $ | 1,074,860 |
Dow Chemical Co. | | 91,600 | | | 3,197,756 |
E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co. | | 69,200 | | | 2,967,988 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,240,604 |
| | | | | |
CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–1.6% | | | | | |
Ball Corp. | | 38,300 | | | 1,828,442 |
Owens-Illinois, Inc.(a) | | 34,900 | | | 1,454,981 |
Smurfit-Stone Container Corp.(a) | | 82,700 | | | 336,589 |
Sonoco Products Co. | | 40,400 | | | 1,250,380 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 4,870,392 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–2.0% | | | | | |
Alcoa, Inc. | | 81,800 | | | 2,913,716 |
ArcelorMittal | | 28,700 | | | 2,843,309 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 5,757,025 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 17,868,021 |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–5.3% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.3% | | | | | |
Motorola, Inc. | | 124,500 | | | 913,830 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–1.1% | | | | | |
International Business Machines Corp. | | 8,300 | | | 983,799 |
Lexmark International, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 36,100 | | | 1,206,823 |
Western Digital Corp.(a) | | 31,600 | | | 1,091,148 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,281,770 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–2.5% | | | | | |
Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a) | | 42,800 | | | 1,314,816 |
Avnet, Inc.(a) | | 55,600 | | | 1,516,768 |
Flextronics International Ltd.(a) | | 211,318 | | | 1,986,389 |
Ingram Micro, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 55,200 | | | 979,800 |
Sanmina-SCI Corp.(a) | | 111,000 | | | 142,080 |
Tech Data Corp.(a) | | 21,100 | | | 715,079 |
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.(a) | | 66,500 | | | 589,855 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 7,244,787 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | |
IT SERVICES–0.7% | | | | | | |
Electronic Data Systems Corp. | | | 81,900 | | $ | 2,018,016 |
| | | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–0.7% | | | | | | |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (Sponsored) (ADR) | | | 190,300 | | | 2,076,173 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 15,534,576 |
| | | | | | |
UTILITIES–1.3% | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–0.7% | | | | | | |
Entergy Corp. | | | 9,400 | | | 1,132,512 |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | | | 26,600 | | | 818,482 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,950,994 |
| | | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–0.6% | | | | | | |
Dominion Resources, Inc. | | | 35,400 | | | 1,681,146 |
Wisconsin Energy Corp. | | | 3,000 | | | 135,660 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1,816,806 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 3,767,800 |
| | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $320,237,810) | | | | | | 282,656,887 |
| | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–2.7% | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–2.7% | | | | | | |
Bank of New York 1.00%, 7/01/08 (cost $7,833,000) | | $ | 7,833 | | | 7,833,000 |
| | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.3% (cost $328,070,810) | | | | | | 290,489,887 |
Other assets less liabilities–0.7% | | | | | | 2,097,845 |
| | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | $ | 292,587,732 |
| | | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
See notes to financial statements.
5
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments In Securities | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | 281,850,339 | | $ | –0 | – |
Level 2 | | | 7,833,000 | | | –0 | – |
Level 3 | | | 806,548 | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 290,489,887 | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/2007 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts/premiums | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain (loss) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | –* |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | (624,952 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | 1,431,500 | | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 06/30/08 | | $ | 806,548 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 6/30/08 | | $ | (624,952 | ) | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 6/30/08 for other financial instruments was $0. |
6
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $328,070,810) | | $ | 290,489,887 | |
Cash | | | 612 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 1,190,342 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 615,706 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 588,494 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 292,885,041 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 140,411 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 63,327 | |
Custodian fee payable | | | 31,240 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 25,098 | |
Audit fee payable | | | 17,922 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 5,093 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 84 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 14,134 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 297,309 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 292,587,732 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 27,178 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 322,617,982 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 3,230,294 | |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 4,293,201 | |
Net unrealized depreciation of investments | | | (37,580,923 | ) |
| | | | |
| | $ | 292,587,732 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 2,232,415 | | 205,514 | | $ | 10.86 |
B | | $ | 290,355,317 | | 26,972,235 | | $ | 10.76 |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $42,612) | | $ | 4,657,319 | |
Interest | | | 61,248 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 4,718,567 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 875,318 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 394,417 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 17 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1,864 | |
Custodian | | | 51,925 | |
Administrative | | | 46,100 | |
Audit | | | 24,000 | |
Printing | | | 17,238 | |
Legal | | | 8,376 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 887 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 1,757 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 1,421,899 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 3,296,668 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 5,267,284 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (64,917,506 | ) |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment transactions | | | (59,650,222 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (56,353,554 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 3,296,668 | | | $ | 6,065,733 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 5,267,284 | | | | 14,647,507 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (64,917,506 | ) | | | (35,981,133 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net decrease in net assets from operations | | | (56,353,554 | ) | | | (15,267,893 | ) |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (57,044 | ) | | | (49,063 | ) |
Class B | | | (6,041,578 | ) | | | (3,942,894 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (127,985 | ) | | | (96,737 | ) |
Class B | | | (15,403,529 | ) | | | (9,006,172 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 38,048,736 | | | | 51,206,829 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | (39,934,954 | ) | | | 22,844,070 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 332,522,686 | | | | 309,678,616 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $3,230,294 and $6,032,248, respectively) | | $ | 292,587,732 | | | $ | 332,522,686 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
9
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2008 (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 eighteen 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.
10
| | |
| | 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 .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. 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, 2008, there were no such expenses waived by the Adviser.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $46,100 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, 2008.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2008, amounted to $56,242, none of which was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
11
| | |
VALUE 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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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, 2008, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 63,980,406 | | | $ | 45,926,462 | |
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 | | $ | 34,558,787 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (72,139,710 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized depreciation | | $ | (37,580,923 | ) |
| | | | |
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 or to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency 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.
12
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
2. Option Transactions
For hedging purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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 the 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, 2008, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
3. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 12,049 | | | 206,091 | | | | | $ | 147,780 | | | $ | 3,225,348 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 15,317 | | | 9,376 | | | | | | 185,029 | | | | 145,800 | |
Shares redeemed | | (59,229 | ) | | (47,296 | ) | | | | | (739,159 | ) | | | (696,046 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | (31,863 | ) | | 168,171 | | | | | $ | (406,350 | ) | | $ | 2,675,102 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 2,702,027 | | | 5,790,699 | | | | | $ | 34,427,363 | | | $ | 86,474,219 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 1,790,076 | | | 839,758 | | | | | | 21,445,107 | | | | 12,949,066 | |
Shares redeemed | | (1,394,182 | ) | | (3,402,775 | ) | | | | | (17,417,384 | ) | | | (50,891,558 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 3,097,921 | | | 3,227,682 | | | | | $ | 38,455,086 | | | $ | 48,531,727 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
13
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | 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.
Currency Risk—This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce the returns of the Portfolio. For example, the value of the Portfolio’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U.S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.
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, 2008.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 4,471,057 | | $ | 2,470,139 |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 8,623,809 | | | 6,241,661 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 13,094,866 | | $ | 8,711,800 |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 9,980,701 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 11,474,397 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (861,183 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 27,332,347 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 47,926,262 | |
| | | | |
(a) | 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 the Portfolio’s next taxable year. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Portfolio deferred to January 1, 2008, post October capital losses of $861,183. |
(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
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 (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged
14
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of 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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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 Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG 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 containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
15
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004(a) | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $13.92 | | | $15.08 | | | $12.94 | | | $12.63 | | | $11.20 | | | $8.76 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b) | | .14 | | | .32 | | | .26 | | | .22 | (c) | | .25 | (c) | | .16 | (c) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (2.30 | ) | | (.85 | ) | | 2.42 | | | .49 | | | 1.18 | | | 2.36 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (2.16 | ) | | (.53 | ) | | 2.68 | | | .71 | | | 1.43 | | | 2.52 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.28 | ) | | (.21 | ) | | (.16 | ) | | (.18 | ) | | –0 | – | | (.08 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (.62 | ) | | (.42 | ) | | (.38 | ) | | (.22 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.90 | ) | | (.63 | ) | | (.54 | ) | | (.40 | ) | | –0 | – | | (.08 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $10.86 | | | $13.92 | | | $15.08 | | | $12.94 | | | $12.63 | | | $11.20 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | (16.22 | )% | | (3.95 | )% | | 21.32 | % | | 5.74 | % | | 12.77 | % | | 28.94 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period | | $2,233 | | | $3,305,460 | | | $1,043,677 | | | $290,673 | | | $5,699 | | | $239 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .64 | %(e) | | .65 | % | | .69 | %(f) | | .73 | % | | .79 | %(e) | | .99 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .64 | %(e) | | .65 | % | | .69 | %(f) | | .74 | % | | .98 | %(e) | | 1.06 | % |
Net investment income | | 2.30 | %(e) | | 2.17 | % | | 1.89 | %(f) | | 1.74 | %(c) | | 2.02 | %(c)(e) | | 1.51 | %(c) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 15 | % | | 20 | % | | 17 | % | | 21 | % | | 27 | % | | 27 | % |
See footnote summary on page 17.
16
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $13.79 | | | $14.95 | | | $12.84 | | | $12.54 | | | $11.16 | | | $8.75 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b) | | .13 | | | .27 | | | .22 | | | .17 | (c) | | .17 | (c) | | .12 | (c) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (2.30 | ) | | (.83 | ) | | 2.40 | | | .50 | | | 1.31 | | | 2.36 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (2.17 | ) | | (.56 | ) | | 2.62 | | | .67 | | | 1.48 | | | 2.48 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.24 | ) | | (.18 | ) | | (.13 | ) | | (.15 | ) | | (.10 | ) | | (.07 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (.62 | ) | | (.42 | ) | | (.38 | ) | | (.22 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.86 | ) | | (.60 | ) | | (.51 | ) | | (.37 | ) | | (.10 | ) | | (.07 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $10.76 | | | $13.79 | | | $14.95 | | | $12.84 | | | $12.54 | | | $11.16 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | (16.38 | )% | | (4.16 | )% | | 21.03 | % | | 5.48 | % | | 13.37 | % | | 28.46 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $290,355 | | | $329,217 | | | $308,635 | | | $191,583 | | | $151,793 | | | $117,561 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .90 | %(e) | | .90 | % | | .94 | %(f) | | .98 | % | | .97 | % | | 1.24 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .90 | %(e) | | .90 | % | | .94 | %(f) | | .99 | % | | 1.15 | % | | 1.33 | % |
Net investment income | | 2.07 | %(e) | | 1.82 | % | | 1.64 | %(f) | | 1.38 | %(c) | | 1.45 | %(c) | | 1.29 | %(c) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 15 | % | | 20 | % | | 17 | % | | 21 | % | | 27 | % | | 27 | % |
(a) | There were no Class A shares outstanding for the period May 11, 2004 through October 3, 2004. |
(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. |
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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 Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) at a meeting held on May 6-8, 2008.
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 fee in the Advisory Agreement wherein the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Portfolio was 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 rate 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 2006 and 2007 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 between fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the 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.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 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 May 2008 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 similar 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 the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods ended January 31, 2008 and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (July 2002 inception). The directors noted that the Portfolio was in the 5th quintile of the Performance Group and 4th quintile of the Performance Universe for the 1-year period and 4th quintile of the Performance Group and 3rd quintile of the Performance Universe for the 3- and 5-year periods, and 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 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 because mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets tend to be 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
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VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Class A expense ratio of the Portfolio was based on the Portfolio’s latest fiscal year. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services since 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 contractual effective advisory fee rate, at approximate current size, of 55 basis points, plus the 3 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, as well as a presentation by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. 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 the Portfolio’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
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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 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 a September 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 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Value | | 55 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 45 bp on next $2.5 billion 40 bp on the balance | | $ | 313.7 | | 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 $94,000 (0.03% 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, 2008 and presented to the Board of Directors on May 6-8, 2008. |
2 | Future references to the Portfolio and the Portfolio do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings 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 |
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% | | 0.65% | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.45% | | 0.90% | | |
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. The Adviser also believes that it incurs substantial entrepreneurial risk when offering a new mutual fund since establishing a new mutual fund requires a large upfront investment, and it may take a long time for the fund to achieve profitability since the fund must be priced to scale from inception in order to be competitive and assets are acquired one account at a time. 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 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 29, 2008 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 02/29/08 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) |
Value Portfolio | | $ | 313.7 | | 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 $25m | | 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. |
22
| | |
| | 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 Fund5. Also shown is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the Value Fund been applicable to the Portfolio:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee (%) | | Portfolio 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 | | 0.550 | | 0.550 |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory services to certain other investment companies managed by other fund families that have an investment style similar to that of the Portfolio. The Adviser charges the fees set forth below for each of these sub-advisory relationships:
| | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | | | Fee Schedule | | Effective Sub-Adv. Fee (%) | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) |
Value Portfolio | | Client #1 | | 0.25% on 1st $500 million 0.20% thereafter | | 0.250 | | | 0.550 |
| | | | |
| | Client #26 | | 0.50% on 1st $1 billion 0.40% on next $1 billion 0.30% on next $1 billion 0.20% thereafter | | 0.500 | | | 0.550 |
| | | | |
| | Client #3 | | 0.23% on 1st $300 million 0.20% thereafter | | 0.229 | | | 0.550 |
| | | | |
| | Client #4 | | 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 | | 0.271 | | | 0.550 |
| | | | |
| | Client #6 | | 0.27% on 1st $300 million 0.16% on next $700 million 0.13% thereafter | | 0.265 | | | 0.550 |
| | | | |
| | Client #7 | | 0.15% on 1st $1 billion 0.14% on next $2 billion 0.12% on next $2 billion 0.10% thereafter +/- Performance Fee7 | | 0.150 | 8 | | 0.550 |
| | | | |
| | Client #8 | | 0.35% | | 0.350 | | | 0.550 |
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.
5 | 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. |
6 | This is the fee schedule of a Portfolio managed by an affiliate of the Adviser. Assets are aggregated with other General Equity Portfolios for purposes of calculating the investment advisory fee. |
7 | The performance fee is calculated by multiplying the Base Fee during the period by an adjustment factor that considers the excess or under performance of the fund versus its benchmark over a cumulative 36-month period. The performance adjustment factor can range from –50% to +50% of the base fee. |
8 | This calculation excludes the performance fee. |
23
| | |
VALUE 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”)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 |
Value Portfolio | | 0.550 | | 0.750 | | 3/15 |
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 |
Value Portfolio | | 0.688 | | 0.800 | | 3/15 | | 0.806 | | 7/30 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has equally favorable rankings 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 2007, relative to 2006.
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
9 | 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. |
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. 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. |
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. |
24
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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. Under the distribution plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to its principal underwriter, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The current annual rate that the Portfolio pays to ABI for 12b-1 fees is 0.25%. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, received $825,695 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, 2007, the Adviser determined that it made payments in the amount of $703,976 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”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $786 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
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through fee structures,15 subsidies and enhancement to services. 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 make such investments in their business to provide services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli 16 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics. The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors. In this regard, it was noted that the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally within the 25th – 75th percentile range of their
14 | The Portfolio (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Portfolio) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2007. |
15 | Fee structures include fee reductions, pricing at scale and breakpoints in advisory fee schedules. |
16 | The Deli study was originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data. |
25
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
comparable peers.17 The independent consultant then discussed the results of the regression model that was utilized to study the effects of various factors on advisory fees. The regression model output indicated that the bulk of the variation in fees predicted were explained by various factors, but substantially by fund AUM, family AUM, index fund indicator and investment style. The independent consultant observed that the actual advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were generally lower than the fees predicted by the study’s regression model.
The independent consultant also compared the advisory fees of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to similar funds managed by 19 other large asset managers, regardless of the fund size and each Adviser’s proportion of mutual fund assets to non-mutual fund assets. The independent consultant observed that the advisory fees of certain AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds were higher than the medians of these select groups of funds.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $746 billion as of February 29, 2008, 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 Portfolio18 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)19 for the periods ended January 31, 2008.20
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | –8.16 | | –4.50 | | –6.65 | | 13/15 | | 28/42 |
3 year | | 6.51 | | 7.37 | | 6.72 | | 11/14 | | 21/37 |
5 year | | 12.02 | | 12.24 | | 12.29 | | 9/14 | | 20/35 |
17 | The two dimensional analysis also showed patterns of lower advisory fees for funds with larger asset sizes and funds from larger family sizes compared to funds with smaller asset sizes and funds from smaller family sizes, which according to the independent consultant is indicative of a sharing of economies of scale and scope. However, in less liquid and active markets, such is not the case, as the empirical analysis showed potential for diseconomies of scale in those markets. The empirical analysis also showed diminishing economies of scale and scope as funds surpassed a certain high level of assets. |
18 | 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. |
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 or excluding a Portfolio 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 Portfolio even if a Portfolio had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
26
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5 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 January 31, 2008 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Value Portfolio | | – | 8.16 | | 6.51 | | 12.02 | | 12.17 | | 9.41 | | 0.91 | | 5 |
Russell 1000 Value Index | | – | 5.38 | | 8.48 | | 14.25 | | 13.87 | | 9.28 | | 1.13 | | 5 |
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 5, 2008
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 January 31, 2008. |
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. |
27
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | 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.
| | |
|
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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Large Cap Blended Style | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 852.88 | | $ | 5.53 | | 1.20 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,018.90 | | $ | 6.02 | | 1.20 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 851.30 | | $ | 6.67 | | 1.45 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,017.65 | | $ | 7.27 | | 1.45 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | $ | 475,902 | | 3.5 | % |
Apple, Inc. | | | 471,344 | | 3.5 | |
Google, Inc.—Class A | | | 463,250 | | 3.4 | |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | | 350,143 | | 2.6 | |
Chevron Corp. | | | 302,347 | | 2.2 | |
AT&T, Inc. | | | 282,996 | | 2.1 | |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | | 282,004 | | 2.1 | |
Monsanto Co. | | | 278,168 | | 2.1 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | 263,426 | | 2.0 | |
CME Group, Inc.—Class A | | | 249,073 | | 1.8 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 3,418,653 | | 25.3 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2008 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Information Technology | | $ | 2,466,224 | | 18.5 | % |
Financials | | | 2,321,428 | | 17.4 | |
Energy | | | 2,210,432 | | 16.6 | |
Health Care | | | 1,797,097 | | 13.5 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 1,242,609 | | 9.3 | |
Industrials | | | 912,244 | | 6.8 | |
Materials | | | 865,543 | | 6.5 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 724,005 | | 5.4 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 680,206 | | 5.1 | |
Utilities | | | 124,321 | | 0.9 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 13,344,109 | | 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 fund 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
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–98.9% | | | | | |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–18.3% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–4.2% | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 8,875 | | $ | 206,433 |
Motorola, Inc. | | 6,600 | | | 48,444 |
Nokia OYJ (Sponsored)–Class A (ADR) | | 1,450 | | | 35,525 |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | | 1,625 | | | 72,101 |
Research In Motion Ltd.(a) | | 1,760 | | | 205,744 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 568,247 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–6.5% | | | |
Apple, Inc.(a) | | 2,815 | | | 471,344 |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | 7,920 | | | 350,143 |
International Business Machines Corp. | | 200 | | | 23,706 |
Lexmark International, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 900 | | | 30,087 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 875,280 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–1.1% | | | | | |
Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a) | | 1,000 | | | 30,720 |
Avnet, Inc.(a) | | 1,200 | | | 32,736 |
Flextronics International Ltd.(a) | | 3,600 | | | 33,840 |
Ingram Micro, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 1,300 | | | 23,075 |
Sanmina-SCI Corp.(a) | | 3,000 | | | 3,840 |
Tech Data Corp.(a) | | 500 | | | 16,945 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 141,156 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–3.4% | | | | | |
Google, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 880 | | | 463,250 |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–0.1% | | | | | |
Electronic Data Systems Corp. | | 500 | | | 12,320 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–2.1% | | | | | |
Broadcom Corp.–Class A(a) | | 1,337 | | | 36,486 |
Intel Corp. | | 1,100 | | | 23,628 |
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.(a) | | 2,170 | | | 133,542 |
Nvidia Corp.(a) | | 4,825 | | | 90,324 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 283,980 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–0.9% | | | | | |
Electronic Arts, Inc.(a) | | 450 | | | 19,993 |
Microsoft Corp. | | 650 | | | 17,882 |
Salesforce.com, Inc.(a) | | 700 | | | 47,761 |
VMware, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 675 | | | 36,355 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 121,991 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,466,224 |
| | | | | |
FINANCIALS–17.2% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–3.6% | | | | | |
The Blackstone Group LP | | 1,675 | | | 30,502 |
Deutsche Bank AG | | 375 | | | 32,006 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | 1,315 | | $ | 120,520 |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | 675 | | | 118,057 |
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. | | 500 | | | 9,905 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. | | 3,000 | | | 95,130 |
Morgan Stanley | | 2,000 | | | 72,140 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 478,260 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–1.5% | | | | | |
Comerica, Inc. | | 900 | | | 23,067 |
Fifth Third Bancorp | | 1,700 | | | 17,306 |
Keycorp | | 600 | | | 6,588 |
SunTrust Banks, Inc. | | 135 | | | 4,890 |
U.S. Bancorp | | 800 | | | 22,312 |
Wachovia Corp. | | 3,800 | | | 59,014 |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | 2,800 | | | 66,500 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 199,677 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER FINANCE–0.3% | | | | | |
Discover Financial Services | | 3,400 | | | 44,778 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–5.5% | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. | | 6,400 | | | 152,768 |
Citigroup, Inc. | | 7,600 | | | 127,376 |
CME Group, Inc.–Class A | | 650 | | | 249,073 |
JP Morgan Chase & Co. | | 5,100 | | | 174,981 |
NYSE Euronext | | 810 | | | 41,035 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 745,233 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–5.3% | | | | | |
ACE Ltd. | | 1,100 | | | 60,599 |
Allstate Corp. | | 1,500 | | | 68,385 |
American International Group, Inc. | | 3,300 | | | 87,318 |
Chubb Corp. | | 275 | | | 13,478 |
Everest Re Group Ltd. | | 475 | | | 37,862 |
Genworth Financial, Inc.–Class A | | 2,400 | | | 42,744 |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | | 900 | | | 58,113 |
MetLife, Inc. | | 1,500 | | | 79,155 |
Old Republic International Corp. | | 1,800 | | | 21,312 |
Renaissancere Holdings Ltd. | | 800 | | | 35,736 |
Safeco Corp. | | 500 | | | 33,580 |
Torchmark Corp. | | 600 | | | 35,190 |
The Travelers Co., Inc. | | 2,000 | | | 86,800 |
Unum Group | | 2,100 | | | 42,945 |
XL Capital Ltd.–Class A | | 600 | | | 12,336 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 715,553 |
| | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–1.0% | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. | | 2,100 | | | 34,440 |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | 4,900 | | | 95,599 |
Washington Mutual, Inc. | | 1,600 | | | 7,888 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 137,927 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,321,428 |
| | | | | |
3
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–16.4% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–4.2% | | | | | |
Baker Hughes, Inc. | | 525 | | $ | 45,853 |
Cameron International Corp.(a) | | 1,200 | | | 66,420 |
National Oilwell Varco, Inc.(a) | | 850 | | | 75,412 |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | 2,625 | | | 282,004 |
Transocean, Inc.(a) | | 610 | | | 92,958 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 562,647 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–12.2% | | | | | |
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. | | 1,100 | | | 82,324 |
Apache Corp. | | 625 | | | 86,875 |
BP PLC (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 600 | | | 41,742 |
Chevron Corp. | | 3,050 | | | 302,347 |
ConocoPhillips | | 2,400 | | | 226,536 |
Devon Energy Corp. | | 200 | | | 24,032 |
EOG Resources, Inc. | | 1,475 | | | 193,520 |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | 5,400 | | | 475,902 |
Marathon Oil Corp. | | 700 | | | 36,309 |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | 400 | | | 35,944 |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC (ADR) | | 500 | | | 40,855 |
Sunoco, Inc. | | 425 | | | 17,293 |
Total SA (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 600 | | | 51,162 |
Valero Energy Corp. | | 800 | | | 32,944 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,647,785 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,210,432 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–13.3% | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–4.4% | | | | | |
Amgen, Inc.(a) | | 700 | | | 33,012 |
Celgene Corp.(a) | | 2,950 | | | 188,416 |
Genentech, Inc.(a) | | 1,475 | | | 111,953 |
Gilead Sciences, Inc.(a) | | 4,975 | | | 263,426 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 596,807 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–2.2% | | | | | |
Alcon, Inc. | | 1,050 | | | 170,930 |
Baxter International, Inc. | | 1,150 | | | 73,531 |
Becton Dickinson & Co. | | 650 | | | 52,845 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 297,306 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–1.4% | | | | | |
Cardinal Health, Inc. | | 600 | | | 30,948 |
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.(a) | | 3,400 | | | 160,480 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 191,428 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–5.3% | | | | | |
Abbott Laboratories | | 2,600 | | | 137,722 |
Johnson & Johnson | | 1,200 | | | 77,208 |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | 2,000 | | | 75,380 |
Pfizer, Inc. | | 10,500 | | | 183,435 |
Sanofi-Aventis SA (ADR) | | 1,000 | | | 33,230 |
Schering-Plough Corp. | | 1,900 | | | 37,411 |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 3,650 | | | 167,170 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 711,556 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,797,097 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–9.2% | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–1.7% | | | | | |
The Coca-Cola Co. | | 1,475 | | $ | 76,671 |
Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. | | 2,100 | | | 36,330 |
Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. | | 1,200 | | | 33,504 |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | 1,275 | | | 81,077 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 227,582 |
| | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–2.6% | | | | | |
Costco Wholesale Corp. | | 1,600 | | | 112,224 |
The Kroger Co. | | 2,200 | | | 63,514 |
Safeway, Inc. | | 1,600 | | | 45,680 |
Supervalu, Inc. | | 1,800 | | | 55,602 |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | | 1,450 | | | 81,490 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 358,510 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–1.6% | | | | | |
Del Monte Foods Co. | | 1,800 | | | 12,780 |
Kraft Foods, Inc.–Class A | | 600 | | | 17,070 |
Tyson Foods, Inc.–Class A | | 2,000 | | | 29,880 |
WM Wrigley Jr Co. | | 2,025 | | | 157,504 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 217,234 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–1.9% | | | | | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | | 950 | | | 65,645 |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | 3,065 | | | 186,383 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 252,028 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–1.4% | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | 1,900 | | | 39,064 |
Philip Morris International, Inc. | | 2,150 | | | 106,188 |
Reynolds American, Inc. | | 900 | | | 42,003 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 187,255 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,242,609 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–6.8% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.7% | | | | | |
Honeywell International, Inc. | | 3,650 | | | 183,522 |
Northrop Grumman Corp. | | 600 | | | 40,140 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 223,662 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–0.3% | | | | | |
Allied Waste Industries, Inc.(a) | | 3,500 | | | 44,170 |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.9% | | | | | |
Fluor Corp. | | 470 | | | 87,458 |
Foster Wheeler Ltd.(a) | | 400 | | | 29,260 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 116,718 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.2% | | | | | |
Emerson Electric Co. | | 500 | | | 24,725 |
First Solar, Inc.(a) | | 30 | | | 8,185 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 32,910 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–2.4% | | | | | |
General Electric Co. | | 8,900 | | | 237,541 |
Textron, Inc. | | 1,450 | | | 69,498 |
Tyco International Ltd. | | 300 | | | 12,012 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 319,051 |
| | | | | |
4
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–1.1% | | | | | |
Caterpillar, Inc. | | 600 | | $ | 44,292 |
Deere & Co. | | 1,430 | | | 103,146 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 147,438 |
| | | | | |
ROAD & RAIL–0.2% | | | | | |
Avis Budget Group, Inc.(a) | | 900 | | | 7,533 |
Union Pacific Corp. | | 275 | | | 20,762 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 28,295 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 912,244 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–6.4% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–4.1% | | | | | |
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | | 1,075 | | | 106,275 |
Ashland, Inc. | | 500 | | | 24,100 |
Dow Chemical Co. | | 2,200 | | | 76,802 |
E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co. | | 1,625 | | | 69,696 |
Monsanto Co. | | 2,200 | | | 278,168 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 555,041 |
| | | | | |
CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–0.9% | | | | | |
Ball Corp. | | 800 | | | 38,192 |
Owens-Illinois, Inc.(a) | | 1,000 | | | 41,690 |
Smurfit-Stone Container Corp.(a) | | 1,900 | | | 7,733 |
Sonoco Products Co. | | 900 | | | 27,855 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 115,470 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–1.4% | | | | | |
Alcoa, Inc. | | 2,000 | | | 71,240 |
ArcelorMittal | | 600 | | | 59,442 |
Rio Tinto PLC (ADR) | | 130 | | | 64,350 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 195,032 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 865,543 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–5.4% | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–0.4% | | | | | |
Autoliv, Inc. | | 850 | | | 39,627 |
Magna International, Inc.–Class A | | 250 | | | 14,810 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 54,437 |
| | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–0.2% | | | | | |
General Motors Corp. | | 2,200 | | | 25,300 |
| | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.7% | | | | | |
McDonald’s Corp. | | 875 | | | 49,193 |
Starbucks Corp.(a) | | 1,800 | | | 28,332 |
Yum! Brands, Inc. | | 550 | | | 19,299 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 96,824 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.2% | | | | | |
Centex Corp. | | 900 | | | 12,033 |
KB Home | | 800 | | | 13,544 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 25,577 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
LEISURE, EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS–0.1% | | | | | |
Brunswick Corp. | | 1,300 | | $ | 13,780 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–1.6% | | | | | |
CBS Corp.–Class B | | 2,375 | | | 46,289 |
Gannett Co., Inc. | | 1,400 | | | 30,338 |
Time Warner, Inc. | | 5,600 | | | 82,880 |
Viacom, Inc.–Class B(a) | | 1,000 | | | 30,540 |
The Walt Disney Co. | | 600 | | | 18,720 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 208,767 |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–0.9% | | | | | |
Family Dollar Stores, Inc. | | 1,100 | | | 21,934 |
Kohl’s Corp.(a) | | 1,110 | | | 44,444 |
Macy’s, Inc. | | 1,900 | | | 36,898 |
Target Corp. | | 375 | | | 17,434 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 120,710 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–0.8% | | | | | |
The Gap, Inc. | | 1,700 | | | 28,339 |
Home Depot, Inc. | | 2,200 | | | 51,524 |
Lowe’s Cos, Inc. | | 1,500 | | | 31,125 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 110,988 |
| | | | | |
TEXTILES APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.5% | | | | | |
Jones Apparel Group, Inc. | | 2,100 | | | 28,875 |
Nike, Inc.–Class B | | 650 | | | 38,747 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 67,622 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 724,005 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–5.0% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–3.4% | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | 8,400 | | | 282,996 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | 4,900 | | | 173,460 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 456,456 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.6% | | | | | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | 1,875 | | | 98,906 |
Sprint Nextel Corp. | | 8,800 | | | 83,600 |
Vodafone Group PLC (ADR) | | 1,400 | | | 41,244 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 223,750 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 680,206 |
| | | | | |
UTILITIES–0.9% | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–0.5% | | | | | |
American Electric Power Co., Inc. | | 1,400 | | | 56,322 |
Entergy Corp. | | 100 | | | 12,048 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 68,370 |
| | | | | |
5
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–0.4% | | | | | |
Ameren Corp. | | 1,100 | | $ | 46,453 |
Dominion Resources, Inc. | | 200 | | | 9,498 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 55,951 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 124,321 |
| | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–98.9% (cost $12,816,065) | | | | | 13,344,109 |
Other assets less liabilities–1.1% | | | | | 144,541 |
| | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | $ | 13,488,650 |
| | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
See notes to financial statements.
6
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO.157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments in Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | 13,344,109 | | | $ | –0 | – |
Level 2 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 13,344,109 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation / depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/07 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts /premiums | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain (loss) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | –* |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/08 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 6/30/08 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 6/30/08 for other financial instruments was $0. |
7
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $12,816,065) | | $ | 13,344,109 | |
Cash | | | 170,610 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 56,281 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 17,548 | |
Dividends receivable | | | 17,437 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 13,605,985 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 46,085 | |
Custodian fee payable | | | 25,869 | |
Audit fee payable | | | 18,609 | |
Printing fee payable | | | 11,145 | |
Legal fee payable | | | 7,087 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 2,931 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 1,596 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 85 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 82 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 3,846 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 117,335 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 13,488,650 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 1,289 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 13,167,889 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 34,421 | |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment transactions | | | (242,993 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation of investments | | | 528,044 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 13,488,650 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 9,413 | | 887 | | $ | 10.61 |
B | | $ | 13,479,237 | | 1,288,189 | | $ | 10.46 |
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $3,192) | | $ | 145,128 | |
Interest | | | 478 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 145,606 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 48,079 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 18,478 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 688 | |
Custodian | | | 46,871 | |
Administrative | | | 46,100 | |
Audit | | | 24,000 | |
Legal | | | 4,739 | |
Printing | | | 4,103 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 887 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 2,987 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 196,932 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B) | | | (89,694 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 107,238 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 38,368 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized loss on investment transactions | | | (198,607 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (2,273,981 | ) |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment transactions | | | (2,472,588 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (2,434,220 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
9
| | |
|
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 38,368 | | | $ | 52,884 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | (198,607 | ) | | | 1,260,967 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (2,273,981 | ) | | | (612,254 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (2,434,220 | ) | | | 701,597 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (71 | ) | | | (54 | ) |
Class B | | | (54,206 | ) | | | (30,194 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (935 | ) | | | (596 | ) |
Class B | | | (1,269,640 | ) | | | (792,875 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 462,619 | | | | (350,542 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (3,296,453 | ) | | | (472,664 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 16,785,103 | | | | 17,257,767 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $34,421 and $50,330, respectively) | | $ | 13,488,650 | | | $ | 16,785,103 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
10
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (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 eighteen 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.
11
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE 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 .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 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, 2008, the Adviser waived fees in the amount of $43,594.
12
| | |
| | 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 $46,100 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2008, amounted to $5,031, 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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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, 2008 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 4,538,653 | | | $ | 5,437,503 | |
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 | | $ | 2,477,692 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (1,949,648 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 528,044 | |
| | | | |
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 or to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency 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.
13
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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 the 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, 2008, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
3. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciation value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
14
| | |
| | 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | –0 | – | | 46 | | | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 650 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | –0 | – | | 46 | | | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 650 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 37,163 | | | 205,555 | | | | | $ | 446,430 | | | $ | 2,796,494 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 116,947 | | | 59,342 | | | | | | 1,323,846 | | | | 823,069 | |
Shares redeemed | | (110,447 | ) | | (285,970 | ) | | | | | (1,307,657 | ) | | | (3,970,755 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | 43,663 | | | (21,073 | ) | | | | $ | 462,619 | | | $ | (351,192 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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.
Currency Risk—This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce the returns of the Portfolio. For example, the value of the Portfolio’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U.S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.
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, 2008.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 220,502 | | $ | 155,188 |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 603,217 | | | 564,540 |
| | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 823,719 | | | 719,728 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 823,719 | | $ | 719,728 |
| | | | | | |
15
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 141,059 |
Undistributed long-term capital gains | | | 1,173,343 |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 2,764,142 |
| | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 4,078,544 |
| | | |
(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
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 (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of 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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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 Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG 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 containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the
16
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
17
| | |
|
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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | June 6, 2003(a) to December 31, 2003 | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $13.67 | | | $13.81 | | | $13.13 | | | $11.98 | | | $10.96 | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b)(c) | | .05 | | | .08 | | | .06 | | | .02 | | | .06 | | | .03 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (1.98 | ) | | .55 | | | 1.21 | | | 1.19 | | | .97 | | | .93 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (1.93 | ) | | .63 | | | 1.27 | | | 1.21 | | | 1.03 | | | .96 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.08 | ) | | (.06 | ) | | –0 | – | | (.06 | ) | | (.01 | ) | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (1.05 | ) | | (.71 | ) | | (.59 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.13 | ) | | (.77 | ) | | (.59 | ) | | (.06 | ) | | (.01 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $10.61 | | | $13.67 | | | $13.81 | | | $13.13 | | | $11.98 | | | $10.96 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | (14.71 | )%* | | 4.43 | % | | 10.22 | % | | 10.13 | % | | 9.43 | % | | 9.60 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $10 | | | $12 | | | $12 | | | $11 | | | $1,200 | | | $1,096 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.20 | %(e) | | 1.20 | % | | 1.20 | %(f) | | 1.19 | % | | 1.20 | % | | 1.20 | %(e) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 2.42 | %(e) | | 2.32 | % | | 2.28 | %(f) | | 2.29 | % | | 2.67 | % | | 6.65 | %(e) |
Net investment income (c) | | .76 | %(e) | | .57 | % | | .42 | %(f) | | .15 | % | | .55 | % | | .45 | %(e) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 31 | % | | 67 | % | | 53 | % | | 80 | % | | 42 | % | | 13 | % |
See footnote summary on page 19.
18
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | May 2, 2003(g) to December 31, 2003 | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $13.48 | | | $13.63 | | | $12.99 | | | $11.89 | | | $10.90 | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (b)(c) | | .03 | | | .04 | | | .02 | | | (.01 | ) | | .04 | | | .01 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (1.95 | ) | | .55 | | | 1.21 | | | 1.14 | | | .96 | | | .89 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (1.92 | ) | | .59 | | | 1.23 | | | 1.13 | | | 1.00 | | | .90 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.05 | ) | | (.03 | ) | | –0 | – | | (.03 | ) | | (.01 | ) | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | (1.05 | ) | | (.71 | ) | | (.59 | ) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.10 | ) | | (.74 | ) | | (.59 | ) | | (.03 | ) | | (.01 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $10.46 | | | $13.48 | | | $13.63 | | | $12.99 | | | $11.89 | | | $10.90 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | (14.87 | )%* | | 4.15 | % | | 10.02 | % | | 9.57 | % | | 9.16 | % | | 9.00 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $13,479 | | | $16,773 | | | $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 | % | | 1.45 | %(f) | | 1.45 | % | | 1.45 | % | | 1.43 | %(e) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 2.66 | %(e) | | 2.57 | % | | 2.53 | %(f) | | 2.59 | % | | 2.95 | % | | 8.25 | %(e) |
Net investment income (loss) (c) | | .52 | %(e) | | .31 | % | | .17 | %(f) | | (.10 | )% | | .37 | % | | .27 | %(e) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 31 | % | | 67 | % | | 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. |
* | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the performance of each share class for the six months ended June 30, 2008 by 0.01%. |
19
| | |
| | |
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 the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein U.S. Large Cap Blended Style 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 the 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 06/30/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Blend | | 65 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 55 bp on next $2.5 billion 50 bp on the balance | | $ | 16.1 | | U.S. Large Cap Blended Style 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 entitled to receive $86,750 (0.53% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services but waived the amount in its entirety.
The Adviser agreed to waive that portion of its management fees and/or reimburse a portion of the Portfolio’s total operating expense to the degree necessary to limit the Portfolio’s expense ratios to the amounts set forth below for the Portfolio’s current fiscal year. The waiver is terminable by the Adviser on May 1st of each year upon at least 60 days of written notice.
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Cap Pursuant to Expense Limitations Undertaking | | Gross Expense Ratio (12/31/06) | | Fiscal Year End |
U.S. Large | | Class A 1.20% | | 1.99% | | December 31 |
Cap Blended Style Portfolio | | Class B 1.45% | | 2.25% | | |
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on July 17, 2007 and presented to the Board of Directors on July 31-August 2, 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
| | |
| | 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 entitled to be 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 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 Portfolio4. 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 June 30, 2007 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 06/30/07 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio | | $ | 16.1 | | U.S. Style Blended Schedule 80 bp on 1st $25m 60 bp on next $25m 50 bp on next $50m 40 bp on next $100m 30 bp on the balance Minimum account size $50m | | 0.800 | % | | 0.650 | % |
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: 5
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee |
U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio | | U.S. Large Cap Portfolio | | 0.65% on first $2.5 billion 0.55% on next $2.5 billion 0.50% on the balance | | 0.65% |
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. |
21
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE 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 Blended Portfolio, which is a Luxembourg fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio:
| | | | |
Portfolio | | Luxembourg Fund | | Fee |
U.S. Large Cap Portfolio | | American Blended Portfolio | | |
| | Class A6 | | 1.50% |
| | Class I (Institutional) | | 0.70% |
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 |
U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio | | 0.650 | | 0.700 | | 4/12 |
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 |
U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio | | 1.207 | | 0.889 | | 12/12 | | 0.801 | | 68/68 |
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. In addition, the Portfolio ranks last among its peers with respect to total expense ratio.
6 | Class A shares of the Luxembourg funds are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory and distribution-related services. |
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 would 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 effectively reduce the actual management fee. |
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
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
III. COST 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 net revenues from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio were negative during calendar years 2006 and 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 $41,191 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 $152,232 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.
12 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
23
| | |
U.S. LARGE CAP BLENDED STYLE PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 $793 billion as of June 30, 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 Portfolio13 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)14 for the periods ended April 30, 2007.15
| | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 9.91 | | 9.90 | | 8.92 | | 5/11 | | 27/80 |
3 year | | 12.07 | | 9.61 | | 9.52 | | 1/10 | | 10/76 |
Set forth below are the 1 and 3 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)16 versus its benchmark.
| | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending April 30, 2007 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%)17 |
U.S. Large Cap Blended Style Portfolio | | 9.91 | | 12.07 | | 11.25 |
S&P 500 Stock Index | | 15.23 | | 12.24 | | 13.59 |
Inception Date: June 6, 2003 | | | | | | |
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. In light of the Portfolio’s relatively high total expense ratio, the Senior Officer recommended that the Directors continue their discussion with the Advisor concerning its plan to reduce the Portfolio’s total expense ratio or expense cap.
Dated: August 22, 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 not 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 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 April 30, 2007. 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. |
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, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 863.43 | | $ | 4.17 | | 0.90 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.49 | | $ | 4.52 | | 0.90 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 862.01 | | $ | 5.32 | | 1.15 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.14 | | $ | 5.77 | | 1.15 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Apple, Inc. | | $ | 553,389 | | 2.1 | % |
Google, Inc.—Class A | | | 547,477 | | 2.1 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | 537,593 | | 2.1 | |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | | 415,574 | | 1.6 | |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | | 338,404 | | 1.3 | |
Chevron Corp. | | | 337,042 | | 1.3 | |
Monsanto Co. | | | 328,112 | | 1.3 | |
AT&T, Inc. | | | 313,317 | | 1.2 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | 305,786 | | 1.2 | |
CME Group, Inc.—Class A | | | 296,972 | | 1.1 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 3,973,666 | | 15.3 | % |
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
June 30, 2008 (unaudited)
| | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 6,747,912 | | 26.6 | % |
Energy | | | 3,569,111 | | 14.0 | |
Information Technology | | | 3,417,881 | | 13.5 | |
Health Care | | | 2,543,809 | | 10.0 | |
Materials | | | 2,280,415 | | 9.0 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 2,117,998 | | 8.3 | |
Industrials | | | 1,786,178 | | 7.0 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 1,337,075 | | 5.3 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 1,097,390 | | 4.3 | |
Utilities | | | 500,910 | | 2.0 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 25,398,679 | | 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 fund 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–98.0% | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–26.0% | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–3.8% | | | | | |
3i Group PLC | | 1,755 | | $ | 28,708 |
The Blackstone Group LP | | 1,586 | | | 28,881 |
Credit Suisse Group AG | | 1,585 | | | 72,144 |
Deutsche Bank AG | | 900 | | | 77,098 |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | 1,575 | | | 144,349 |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | 915 | | | 160,034 |
ICAP PLC | | 3,725 | | | 39,899 |
Julius Baer Holding AG | | 1,259 | | | 84,432 |
Macquarie Group Ltd. | | 573 | | | 26,676 |
Man Group PLC | | 10,345 | | | 127,795 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. | | 3,650 | | | 115,742 |
Morgan Stanley | | 2,500 | | | 90,175 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 995,933 |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–3.3% | | | | | |
Banco Santander Central Hispano SA | | 4,851 | | | 88,502 |
Barclays PLC | | 10,100 | | | 57,302 |
BNP Paribas SA | | 900 | | | 81,015 |
Comerica, Inc. | | 900 | | | 23,067 |
Credit Agricole SA | | 3,061 | | | 62,140 |
Fifth Third Bancorp | | 2,100 | | | 21,378 |
HBOS PLC | | 12,590 | | | 68,928 |
Keycorp | | 500 | | | 5,490 |
Kookmin Bank | | 600 | | | 35,263 |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC (London Virt-X) | | 19,212 | | | 81,788 |
Societe Generale | | 662 | | | 57,395 |
Standard Chartered PLC | | 2,285 | | | 64,710 |
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. | | 6 | | | 45,121 |
SunTrust Banks, Inc. | | 425 | | | 15,394 |
U.S. Bancorp | | 800 | | | 22,312 |
Wachovia Corp. | | 4,400 | | | 68,332 |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | 2,600 | | | 61,750 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 859,887 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER FINANCE–0.4% | | | | | |
Discover Financial Services | | 3,700 | | | 48,729 |
ORIX Corp. | | 360 | | | 51,562 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 100,291 |
| | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–4.0% | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. | | 6,800 | | | 162,316 |
Citigroup, Inc. | | 8,900 | | | 149,164 |
CME Group, Inc.–Class A | | 775 | | | 296,972 |
Deutsche Boerse AG | | 288 | | | 32,560 |
Fortis (Euronext Brussels) | | 3,232 | | | 51,339 |
ING Groep NV | | 2,900 | | | 91,691 |
JP Morgan Chase & Co. | | 5,700 | | | 195,567 |
NYSE Euronext | | 975 | | | 49,394 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,029,003 |
| | | | | |
INSURANCE–4.5% | | | | | |
ACE Ltd. | | 1,200 | | | 66,108 |
Allianz SE | | 500 | | | 87,881 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Allstate Corp. | | 1,800 | | $ | 82,062 |
American International Group, Inc. | | 3,800 | | | 100,548 |
Aviva PLC | | 4,170 | | | 41,342 |
Chubb Corp. | | 900 | | | 44,109 |
Everest Re Group Ltd. | | 225 | | | 17,935 |
Fondiaria–Sai SpA (ordinary shares) | | 600 | | | 19,773 |
Genworth Financial, Inc.–Class A | | 2,500 | | | 44,525 |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | | 1,175 | | | 75,870 |
MetLife, Inc. | | 1,600 | | | 84,432 |
Muenchener Rueckversicherungs AG | | 300 | | | 52,623 |
Old Republic International Corp. | | 3,000 | | | 35,520 |
PartnerRe Ltd. | | 500 | | | 34,565 |
The Progressive Corp. | | 3,400 | | | 63,648 |
Prudential Financial, Inc. | | 150 | | | 8,961 |
Prudential PLC | | 2,820 | | | 29,745 |
QBE Insurance Group Ltd. | | 1,555 | | | 33,434 |
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. | | 700 | | | 31,269 |
Safeco Corp. | | 600 | | | 40,296 |
Torchmark Corp. | | 150 | | | 8,797 |
The Travelers Co., Inc. | | 2,100 | | | 91,140 |
Unum Group | | 2,700 | | | 55,215 |
XL Capital Ltd.–Class A | | 700 | | | 14,392 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,164,190 |
| | | | | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITs)–6.8% | | | | | |
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. | | 275 | | | 26,769 |
Allied Properties Real Estate Investment Trust | | 1,116 | | | 22,108 |
Apartment Investment & Management Co.–Class A | | 498 | | | 16,962 |
Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust | | 24,000 | | | 38,913 |
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. | | 1,800 | | | 8,316 |
BioMed Realty Trust, Inc. | | 700 | | | 17,171 |
Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust | | 340 | | | 12,720 |
Boston Properties, Inc. | | 250 | | | 22,555 |
British Land Co. PLC | | 2,476 | | | 34,819 |
Canadian Real Estate Investment Trust | | 993 | | | 28,504 |
CapitaMall Trust | | 17,800 | | | 39,260 |
CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. | | 250 | | | 5,710 |
Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust | | 676 | | | 14,552 |
Corio NV | | 150 | | | 11,683 |
DB RREEF Trust | | 40,902 | | | 54,148 |
Derwent Valley Holdings PLC | | 550 | | | 10,996 |
DiamondRock Hospitality Co. | | 1,700 | | | 18,513 |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | | 1,050 | | | 42,955 |
Dundee Real Estate Investment Trust | | 500 | | | 15,308 |
3
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Entertainment Properties Trust | | 650 | | $ | 32,136 |
Equity Residential | | 775 | | | 29,659 |
Essex Property Trust, Inc. | | 145 | | | 15,442 |
Extra Space Storage, Inc. | | 800 | | | 12,288 |
Federal Realty Investment Trust | | 150 | | | 10,350 |
Fonciere Des Murs | | 500 | | | 18,027 |
General Growth Properties, Inc. | | 925 | | | 32,403 |
Great Portland Estates PLC | | 1,500 | | | 10,066 |
Hammerson PLC | | 750 | | | 13,284 |
HCP, Inc. | | 625 | | | 19,881 |
Health Care REIT, Inc. | | 750 | | | 33,375 |
Highwoods Properties, Inc. | | 400 | | | 12,568 |
Home Properties, Inc. | | 275 | | | 13,216 |
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | 1,366 | | | 18,646 |
ING Office Fund | | 17,300 | | | 19,092 |
Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.–Class A | | 3 | | | 31,686 |
Kimco Realty Corp. | | 725 | | | 25,027 |
Klepierre | | 1,593 | | | 79,863 |
Land Securities Group PLC | | 1,629 | | | 39,752 |
Liberty International PLC | | 725 | | | 12,373 |
Macquarie CountryWide Trust | | 9,400 | | | 8,110 |
Mercialys SA | | 300 | | | 13,184 |
Mid–America Apartment Communities, Inc. | | 350 | | | 17,864 |
Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust | | 1,000 | | | 13,141 |
National Retail Properties, Inc. | | 925 | | | 19,333 |
Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. | | 775 | | | 24,405 |
Nippon Building Fund, Inc.–Class A | | 2 | | | 23,585 |
Nomura Real Estate Office Fund, Inc.–Class A | | 1 | | | 7,531 |
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. | | 1,000 | | | 16,650 |
Plum Creek Timber Co., Inc. (REIT) | | 350 | | | 14,949 |
Primaris Retail Real Estate Investment Trust | | 1,081 | | | 19,411 |
Prologis | | 1,375 | | | 74,731 |
Public Storage | | 375 | | | 30,296 |
Rayonier, Inc. | | 450 | | | 19,107 |
Regency Centers Corp. | | 250 | | | 14,780 |
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust | | 648 | | | 12,614 |
Segro PLC | | 930 | | | 7,272 |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | | 1,070 | | | 96,182 |
SL Green Realty Corp. | | 200 | | | 16,544 |
Stockland | | 2,212 | | | 11,438 |
Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | 875 | | | 8,199 |
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. | | 1,550 | | | 25,730 |
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers | | 725 | | | 26,049 |
Taubman Centers, Inc. | | 425 | | | 20,676 |
UDR, Inc. | | 600 | | | 13,428 |
Unibail | | 500 | | | 115,139 |
Ventas, Inc. | | 800 | | | 34,056 |
Vornado Realty Trust | | 500 | | | 44,000 |
Wereldhave NV | | 175 | | | 18,381 |
Westfield Group | | 4,919 | | | 76,863 |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Westfield Group (REIT)(a) | | 150 | | $ | 2,318 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,767,062 |
| | | | | |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–2.6% | | | | | |
Brookfield Properties Corp. | | 1,425 | | | 25,351 |
Castellum AB | | 2,450 | | | 23,246 |
Citycon Oyj | | 3,771 | | | 18,960 |
Forest City Enterprises, Inc.–Class A | | 350 | | | 11,277 |
Hang Lung Properties Ltd. | | 19,300 | | | 61,960 |
Henderson Land Development Co., Ltd. | | 8,000 | | | 50,018 |
Hufvudstaden AB–Class A | | 1,500 | | | 14,400 |
Kerry Properties Ltd. | | 11,949 | | | 62,841 |
Lend Lease Corp. Ltd. | | 5,200 | | | 47,644 |
Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. | | 2,000 | | | 45,789 |
Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. | | 2,900 | | | 62,069 |
New World Development Co., Ltd. | | 21,786 | | | 44,500 |
NTT Urban Development Corp. | | 52 | | | 68,171 |
Sumitomo Realty & Development | | 1,000 | | | 19,893 |
Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. | | 7,700 | | | 104,674 |
Tokyu Land Corp. | | 4,000 | | | 22,777 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 683,570 |
| | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–0.6% | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. | | 2,300 | | | 37,720 |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | 5,575 | | | 108,768 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 146,488 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 6,746,424 |
| | | | | |
ENERGY–13.8% | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–2.8% | | | | | |
Baker Hughes, Inc. | | 625 | | | 54,587 |
Cameron International Corp.(a) | | 1,370 | | | 75,830 |
National Oilwell Varco, Inc.(a) | | 1,000 | | | 88,720 |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | 3,150 | | | 338,404 |
Technip SA | | 501 | | | 46,232 |
Transocean, Inc.(a) | | 700 | | | 106,673 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 710,446 |
| | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–11.0% | | | | | |
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. | | 1,200 | | | 89,808 |
Apache Corp. | | 900 | | | 125,100 |
BG Group PLC | | 1,427 | | | 37,084 |
Chevron Corp. | | 3,400 | | | 337,042 |
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.–Class H | | 64,000 | | | 59,822 |
ConocoPhillips | | 2,800 | | | 264,292 |
Devon Energy Corp. | | 600 | | | 72,096 |
ENI SpA | | 2,200 | | | 81,731 |
EOG Resources, Inc. | | 1,790 | | | 234,848 |
4
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | 6,100 | | $ | 537,593 |
Gazprom OAO (Sponsored) (ADR)(b) | | 1,093 | | | 63,394 |
LUKOIL (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 500 | | | 49,100 |
Marathon Oil Corp. | | 900 | | | 46,683 |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | 500 | | | 44,930 |
Petro-Canada | | 900 | | | 50,406 |
Petroleo Brasileiro SA (ADR) | | 1,400 | | | 99,162 |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC (Euronext Amsterdam)–Class A | | 1,630 | | | 66,816 |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC (London Virt-X)–Class A | | 3,700 | | | 151,304 |
StatoilHydro ASA | | 4,706 | | | 175,580 |
Sunoco, Inc. | | 375 | | | 15,259 |
Total SA | | 2,531 | | | 215,435 |
Valero Energy Corp. | | 1,000 | | | 41,180 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,858,665 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,569,111 |
| | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–13.2% | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–2.7% | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | | 10,700 | | | 248,882 |
Motorola, Inc. | | 8,000 | | | 58,720 |
Nokia OYJ (Sponsored)–Class A (ADR) | | 1,300 | | | 31,850 |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | | 2,000 | | | 88,740 |
Research In Motion Ltd.(a) | | 2,380 | | | 278,222 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 706,414 |
| | | | | |
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS–4.7% | | | | | |
Apple, Inc.(a) | | 3,305 | | | 553,389 |
Asustek Computer, Inc. | | 7,000 | | | 19,013 |
Fujitsu Ltd. | | 9,000 | | | 66,833 |
Hewlett-Packard Co. | | 9,400 | | | 415,574 |
International Business Machines Corp. | | 200 | | | 23,706 |
Lexmark International, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 1,000 | | | 33,430 |
Toshiba Corp. | | 6,000 | | | 44,265 |
Western Digital Corp.(a) | | 1,700 | | | 58,701 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,214,911 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS–0.7% | | | | | |
Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a) | | 1,350 | | | 41,472 |
Avnet, Inc.(a) | | 1,300 | | | 35,464 |
Flextronics International Ltd.(a) | | 2,100 | | | 19,740 |
Ingram Micro, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 1,400 | | | 24,850 |
Sanmina-SCI Corp.(a) | | 7,800 | | | 9,984 |
Tech Data Corp.(a) | | 500 | | | 16,945 |
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.(a) | | 2,000 | | | 17,740 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 166,195 |
| | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–2.1% | | | | | |
Google, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 1,040 | | | 547,477 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
IT SERVICES–0.2% | | | | | |
Electronic Data Systems Corp. | | 1,800 | | $ | 44,352 |
| | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–1.8% | | | | | |
Broadcom Corp.–Class A(a) | | 1,275 | | | 34,795 |
Hynix Semiconductor, Inc.(a) | | 1,400 | | | 33,405 |
Intel Corp. | | 800 | | | 17,184 |
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.(a) | | 2,585 | | | 159,081 |
Nvidia Corp.(a) | | 5,875 | | | 109,980 |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | | 80 | | | 47,795 |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | 700 | | | 19,712 |
United Microelectronics Corp. | | 97,677 | | | 51,627 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 473,579 |
| | | | | |
SOFTWARE–1.0% | | | | | |
Electronic Arts, Inc.(a) | | 550 | | | 24,436 |
Microsoft Corp. | | 750 | | | 20,632 |
Nintendo Co. Ltd. | | 200 | | | 113,415 |
Salesforce.com, Inc.(a) | | 850 | | | 57,996 |
VMware, Inc.–Class A(a) | | 900 | | | 48,474 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 264,953 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 3,417,881 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–9.8% | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–2.9% | | | | | |
Amgen, Inc.(a) | | 1,600 | | | 75,456 |
Celgene Corp.(a) | | 3,325 | | | 212,368 |
CSL Ltd./Australia | | 849 | | | 29,062 |
Genentech, Inc.(a) | | 1,750 | | | 132,825 |
Gilead Sciences, Inc.(a) | | 5,775 | | | 305,786 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 755,497 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–1.7% | | | | | |
Alcon, Inc. | | 1,490 | | | 242,557 |
Baxter International, Inc. | | 1,400 | | | 89,516 |
Becton Dickinson & Co. | | 800 | | | 65,040 |
Essilor International SA | | 646 | | | 39,406 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 436,519 |
| | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–0.9% | | | | | |
Cardinal Health, Inc. | | 800 | | | 41,264 |
Celesio AG | | 300 | | | 10,840 |
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.(a) | | 4,100 | | | 193,520 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 245,624 |
| | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–4.3% | | | | | |
Abbott Laboratories | | 3,075 | | | 162,883 |
GlaxoSmithKline PLC | | 2,600 | | | 57,475 |
Johnson & Johnson | | 1,700 | | | 109,378 |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | 2,400 | | | 90,456 |
Novartis AG | | 717 | | | 39,458 |
Novo Nordisk A/S–Class B | | 477 | | | 31,401 |
Pfizer, Inc. | | 11,700 | | | 204,399 |
Sanofi-Aventis SA | | 800 | | | 53,159 |
Schering-Plough Corp. | | 2,000 | | | 39,380 |
5
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 5,900 | | $ | 270,220 |
Wyeth | | 1,000 | | | 47,960 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,106,169 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,543,809 |
| | | | | |
MATERIALS–8.8% | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–4.3% | | | | | |
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | | 1,310 | | | 129,507 |
Ashland, Inc. | | 600 | | | 28,920 |
BASF SE | | 1,800 | | | 123,521 |
Bayer AG | | 905 | | | 75,974 |
Dow Chemical Co. | | 2,300 | | | 80,293 |
E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co. | | 1,900 | | | 81,491 |
Incitec Pivot Ltd. | | 207 | | | 36,654 |
Koninklijke Dsm NV | | 400 | | | 23,445 |
Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp. | | 6,500 | | | 37,849 |
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. | | 8,500 | | | 41,975 |
Monsanto Co. | | 2,595 | | | 328,112 |
Nova Chemicals Corp. | | 350 | | | 8,615 |
Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan | | 210 | | | 48,000 |
Solvay SA–Class A | | 300 | | | 39,084 |
Syngenta AG | | 92 | | | 29,805 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,113,245 |
| | | | | |
CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–0.5% | | | | | |
Amcor Ltd. | | 2,500 | | | 12,111 |
Ball Corp. | | 900 | | | 42,966 |
Owens-Illinois, Inc.(a) | | 1,200 | | | 50,028 |
Smurfit-Stone Container Corp.(a) | | 2,800 | | | 11,396 |
Sonoco Products Co. | | 600 | | | 18,570 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 135,071 |
| | | | | |
METALS & MINING–3.8% | | | | | |
Alcoa, Inc. | | 2,400 | | | 85,488 |
Anglo American PLC | | 906 | | | 63,632 |
Antofagasta PLC | | 2,400 | | | 31,206 |
ArcelorMittal | | 678 | | | 66,931 |
BHP Billiton PLC | | 2,200 | | | 84,370 |
Cia Vale do Rio Doce (ADR) | | 1,940 | | | 69,491 |
Cia Vale do Rio Doce (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 1,400 | | | 41,776 |
JFE Holdings, Inc. | | 1,600 | | | 80,669 |
Kazakhmys PLC | | 1,100 | | | 34,683 |
Rio Tinto PLC | | 1,457 | | | 175,462 |
Rio Tinto PLC (Sponsored) (ADR) | | 160 | | | 79,200 |
Xstrata PLC | | 2,141 | | | 170,553 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 983,461 |
| | | | | |
PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS–0.2% | | | | | |
Stora Enso Oyj–Class R | | 2,200 | | | 20,497 |
Svenska Cellulosa AB–Class B | | 2,000 | | | 28,141 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 48,638 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,280,415 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–8.2% | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–1.2% | | | | | |
The Coca-Cola Co. | | 1,975 | | $ | 102,661 |
Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. | | 2,300 | | | 39,790 |
Molson Coors Brewing Co.–Class B | | 950 | | | 51,613 |
Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. | | 1,300 | | | 36,296 |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | 1,425 | | | 90,616 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 320,976 |
| | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–2.1% | | | | | |
Costco Wholesale Corp. | | 1,900 | | | 133,266 |
Koninklijke Ahold NV | | 3,800 | | | 50,941 |
The Kroger Co. | | 2,500 | | | 72,175 |
Safeway, Inc. | | 1,500 | | | 42,825 |
Supervalu, Inc. | | 1,700 | | | 52,513 |
Tesco PLC | | 10,675 | | | 78,080 |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | | 1,900 | | | 106,780 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 536,580 |
| | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–2.2% | | | | | |
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | | 1,900 | | | 64,125 |
Associated British Foods PLC | | 2,200 | | | 33,138 |
Del Monte Foods Co. | | 2,000 | | | 14,200 |
Kraft Foods, Inc.–Class A | | 600 | | | 17,070 |
Nestle SA | | 2,650 | | | 119,421 |
Sara Lee Corp. | | 3,400 | | | 41,650 |
Tyson Foods, Inc.–Class A | | 2,100 | | | 31,374 |
Unilever PLC | | 2,127 | | | 60,432 |
WM Wrigley Jr Co. | | 2,425 | | | 188,617 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 570,027 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–1.5% | | | | | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | | 1,150 | | | 79,465 |
Procter & Gamble Co. | | 3,725 | | | 226,517 |
Reckitt Benckiser PLC | | 1,489 | | | 75,207 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 381,189 |
| | | | | |
TOBACCO–1.2% | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | 3,200 | | | 65,792 |
British American Tobacco PLC | | 2,061 | | | 71,092 |
Philip Morris International, Inc. | | 2,450 | | | 121,005 |
Reynolds American, Inc. | | 1,100 | | | 51,337 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 309,226 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 2,117,998 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–6.9% | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.3% | | | | | |
BAE Systems PLC | | 6,720 | | | 58,983 |
Honeywell International, Inc. | | 4,275 | | | 214,947 |
Northrop Grumman Corp. | | 1,100 | | | 73,590 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 347,520 |
| | | | | |
AIRLINES–0.2% | | | | | |
Air France-KLM | | 1,000 | | | 23,853 |
Deutsche Lufthansa AG | | 1,200 | | | 25,855 |
UAL Corp. | | 1,200 | | | 6,264 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 55,972 |
| | | | | |
6
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–0.2% | | | | | |
Allied Waste Industries, Inc.(a) | | 3,600 | | $ | 45,432 |
| | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.5% | | | | | |
Fluor Corp. | | 485 | | | 90,249 |
Foster Wheeler Ltd.(a) | | 500 | | | 36,575 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 126,824 |
| | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.6% | | | | | |
ABB Ltd. | | 4,255 | | | 120,441 |
Emerson Electric Co. | | 650 | | | 32,143 |
First Solar, Inc.(a) | | 30 | | | 8,185 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 160,769 |
| | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.6% | | | | | |
3M Co. | | 325 | | | 22,617 |
General Electric Co. | | 10,700 | | | 285,583 |
Textron, Inc. | | 1,700 | | | 81,481 |
Tyco International Ltd. | | 450 | | | 18,018 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 407,699 |
| | | | | |
MACHINERY–1.1% | | | | | |
Atlas Copco AB–Class A | | 2,325 | | | 34,004 |
Caterpillar, Inc. | | 600 | | | 44,292 |
Crane Co. | | 600 | | | 23,118 |
Deere & Co. | | 1,680 | | | 121,178 |
Dover Corp. | | 1,100 | | | 53,207 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 275,799 |
| | | | | |
MARINE–0.3% | | | | | |
Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd. | | 3,000 | | | 42,786 |
Nippon Yusen KK | | 4,000 | | | 38,527 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 81,313 |
| | | | | |
ROAD & RAIL–0.1% | | | | | |
Avis Budget Group, Inc.(a) | | 1,000 | | | 8,370 |
Union Pacific Corp. | | 350 | | | 26,425 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 34,795 |
| | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–1.0% | | | | | |
Mitsubishi Corp. | | 2,900 | | | 95,557 |
Mitsui & Co. Ltd. | | 7,000 | | | 154,498 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 250,055 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,786,178 |
| | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–5.2% | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–0.5% | | | | | |
Autoliv, Inc. | | 1,225 | | | 57,110 |
Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin–Class B | | 500 | | | 35,753 |
Hyundai Mobis | | 460 | | | 37,235 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 130,098 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–0.7% | | | | | |
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. | | 10,000 | | $ | 83,055 |
Porsche Automobil Holding SE | | 132 | | | 20,288 |
Renault SA | | 800 | | | 65,109 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 168,452 |
| | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.6% | | | | | |
Marriott International, Inc.–Class A | | 400 | | | 10,496 |
McDonald’s Corp. | | 1,075 | | | 60,436 |
Starbucks Corp.(a) | | 2,300 | | | 36,202 |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | | 300 | | | 12,021 |
Yum! Brands, Inc. | | 650 | | | 22,809 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 141,964 |
| | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.4% | | | | | |
Black & Decker Corp. | | 800 | | | 46,008 |
Centex Corp. | | 1,000 | | | 13,370 |
KB Home | | 1,100 | | | 18,623 |
Sharp Corp. | | 2,000 | | | 32,603 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 110,604 |
| | | | | |
LEISURE, EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS–0.1% | | | | | |
Brunswick Corp. | | 1,500 | | | 15,900 |
Namco Bandai Holdings, Inc. | | 800 | | | 9,071 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 24,971 |
| | | | | |
MEDIA–1.4% | | | | | |
CBS Corp.–Class B | | 3,075 | | | 59,932 |
Gannett Co., Inc. | | 1,600 | | | 34,672 |
Lagardere SCA | | 475 | | | 26,870 |
News Corp.–Class A | | 1,100 | | | 16,544 |
SES SA (FDR)(a) | | 1,209 | | | 30,205 |
Time Warner, Inc. | | 7,000 | | | 103,600 |
Viacom, Inc.–Class B(a) | | 1,200 | | | 36,648 |
The Walt Disney Co. | | 2,100 | | | 65,520 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 373,991 |
| | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–0.6% | | | | | |
Family Dollar Stores, Inc. | | 1,900 | | | 37,886 |
Kohl’s Corp.(a) | | 1,350 | | | 54,054 |
Macy’s, Inc. | | 2,200 | | | 42,724 |
New World Department Store China Ltd.(a) | | 183 | | | 162 |
Target Corp. | | 425 | | | 19,758 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 154,584 |
| | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–0.6% | | | | | |
AutoNation, Inc.(a) | | 1,800 | | | 18,036 |
Esprit Holdings Ltd. | | 2,900 | | | 30,196 |
The Gap, Inc. | | 2,700 | | | 45,009 |
Home Depot, Inc. | | 2,400 | | | 56,208 |
Limited Brands, Inc. | | 475 | | | 8,004 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 157,453 |
| | | | | |
7
| | |
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. | | 2,200 | | $ | 30,250 |
Nike, Inc.–Class B | | 750 | | | 44,708 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 74,958 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,337,075 |
| | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.2% | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.7% | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | 9,300 | | | 313,317 |
China Netcom Group Corp. Ltd. | | 15,500 | | | 42,157 |
Deutsche Telekom AG–Class W | | 1,600 | | | 26,275 |
Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. | | 8 | | | 39,474 |
Tele2 AB–Class B | | 600 | | | 11,668 |
Telefonica SA | | 3,246 | | | 85,901 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | 5,100 | | | 180,540 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 699,332 |
| | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.5% | | | | | |
America Movil SAB de CV Series L (ADR) | | 2,250 | | | 118,688 |
Sprint Nextel Corp. | | 9,900 | | | 94,050 |
Vodafone Group PLC | | 62,899 | | | 185,320 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 398,058 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 1,097,390 |
| | | | | |
UTILITIES–1.9% | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–1.1% | | | | | |
CEZ | | 339 | | | 30,107 |
E.ON AG | | 786 | | | 158,340 |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | | 1,100 | | | 33,847 |
The Tokyo Electric Power Co. Inc | | 2,300 | | | 59,221 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 281,515 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | |
INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS & ENERGY TRADERS–0.2% | | | | | |
Iberdrola Renovables SA(a) | | 3,137 | | $ | 24,168 |
International Power PLC | | 5,168 | | | 44,273 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 68,441 |
| | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–0.6% | | | | | |
CMS Energy Corp. | | 2,200 | | | 32,780 |
Suez SA | | 1,077 | | | 72,954 |
Wisconsin Energy Corp. | | 1,000 | | | 45,220 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 150,954 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | 500,910 |
| | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $25,846,931) | | | | | 25,397,191 |
| | | | | |
RIGHTS–0.0% | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–0.0% | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL BANKS–0.0% | | | | | |
Barclays PLC(a) | | 2,164 | | | 410 |
HBOS PLC(a) | | 5,036 | | | 1,078 |
| | | | | |
Total Rights (cost $0) | | | | | 1,488 |
| | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–98.0% (cost $25,846,931) | | | | | 25,398,679 |
Other assets less liabilities–2.0% | | | | | 528,144 |
| | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | $ | 25,926,823 |
| | | | | |
(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, 2008, the market value of this security amounted to $63,394 or 0.2% of net assets. |
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
FDR—Fiduciary Depositary Receipt
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments in Securities | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | 17,470,493 | | $ | –0 | – |
Level 2 | | | 7,926,698 | | | –0 | – |
Level 3 | | | 1,488 | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 25,398,679 | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/2007 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts/premiums | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain (loss) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | –* |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | 1,488 | | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/08 | | $ | 1,488 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 6/30/08 | | $ | 1,488 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 6/30/08 for other financial instruments was $0. |
9
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $25,846,931) | | $ | 25,398,679 | |
Cash | | | 409,536 | |
Foreign cash, at value (cost $78,778) | | | 79,738 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 89,631 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 76,577 | |
Dividends receivable | | | 52,411 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 26,106,572 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Custodian fee payable | | | 72,876 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency contracts | | | 61,409 | |
Audit fee payable | | | 14,430 | |
Printing fee payable | | | 10,646 | |
Legal fee payable | | | 9,889 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 5,610 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 2,607 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 470 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 85 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 1,727 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 179,749 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 25,926,823 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 2,727 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 26,583,166 | |
Distributions in excess of net investment income | | | (8,529 | ) |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (204,443 | ) |
Net unrealized depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (446,098 | ) |
| | | | |
| | $ | 25,926,823 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 7,353 | | 770 | | $ | 9.55 |
B | | $ | 25,919,470 | | 2,726,022 | | $ | 9.51 |
See notes to financial statements.
10
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $25,482) | | $ | 341,009 | |
Interest | | | 2,695 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 343,704 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 87,299 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 33,566 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 736 | |
Custodian | | | 97,281 | |
Administrative | | | 46,100 | |
Audit | | | 25,000 | |
Printing | | | 9,439 | |
Legal | | | 7,626 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 872 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 6,776 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 314,695 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B) | | | (160,252 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 154,443 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 189,261 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | (93,733 | ) |
Futures | | | (2,105 | ) |
Foreign currency transactions | | | 2,031 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (4,163,725 | ) |
Futures | | | (761 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 605 | |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (4,257,688 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (4,068,427 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
11
| | |
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 189,261 | | | $ | 284,235 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (93,807 | ) | | | 4,283,290 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (4,163,881 | ) | | | (2,861,482 | ) |
Contribution from Adviser | | | –0 | – | | | 366 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (4,068,427 | ) | | | 1,706,409 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (113 | ) | | | (158,013 | ) |
Class B | | | (265,360 | ) | | | (507,869 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (1,326 | ) | | | (509,847 | ) |
Class B | | | (3,973,479 | ) | | | (1,867,042 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 5,005,747 | | | | (6,653,103 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (3,302,958 | ) | | | (7,989,465 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 29,229,781 | | | | 37,219,246 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including (distributions in excess of) and undistributed net investment income of ($8,529) and $67,683, respectively) | | $ | 25,926,823 | | | $ | 29,229,781 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
12
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (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 eighteen 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.
13
| | |
WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY 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 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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| | 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, 2008 the Adviser waived fees and reimbursed expenses in the amount of $114,152.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Adviser reimbursed the Portfolio $366 for trading losses incurred due to a trading entry error.
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 $46,100 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2008, amounted to $11,308, of which $11 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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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, 2008 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 9,323,422 | | | $ | 8,587,158 | |
U.S. government securities | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
15
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WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
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 | | $ | 3,066,637 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (3,514,889 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized depreciation | | $ | (448,252 | ) |
| | | | |
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. The Portfolio may also purchase or sell futures contracts for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
At the time the 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 or to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency 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 purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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 the 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 the premiums paid. The proceeds from securities sold through the exercise of put options are decreased by the premiums paid.
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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, 2008, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
4. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
NOTE E: Capital Stock
Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | –0 | –(a) | | –0 | – | | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | –0 | – |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | –0 | – | | 49,878 | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 667,860 | |
Shares redeemed | | –0 | – | | (617,500 | ) | | | | | –0 | – | | | (8,068,342 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | –0 | – | | (567,622 | ) | | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | (7,400,482 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 205,701 | | | 270,018 | | | | | $ | 2,285,296 | | | $ | 3,644,988 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | 411,538 | | | 178,029 | | | | | | 4,238,839 | | | | 2,374,911 | |
Shares redeemed | | (139,594 | ) | | (392,913 | ) | | | | | (1,518,389 | ) | | | (5,272,520 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | 477,645 | | | 55,134 | | | | | $ | 5,005,746 | | | $ | 747,379 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | Share amount is less than one full share. |
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.
Currency Risk—This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce the returns of the Portfolio. For example, the value of the Portfolio’s investments in foreign
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WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U.S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.
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, 2008.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 856,669 | | $ | 521,389 |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 2,186,102 | | | 275,743 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 3,042,771 | | $ | 797,132 |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 260,011 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gain | | | 3,967,630 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 3,421,994 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 7,649,635 | |
| | | | |
(a) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the tax treatment of foreign currency contracts, and the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on investments in passive foreign investment companies. |
NOTE I: Legal Proceedings
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 (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of 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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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 Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”).
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| | 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 containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | July 1, 2004(a) to December 31, 2004 | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $13.06 | | | $13.53 | | | $11.79 | | | $10.69 | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b)(c) | | .09 | | | .15 | | | .09 | | | .04 | | | .01 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (1.73 | ) | | .56 | | | 1.94 | | | 1.15 | | | .68 | |
Contribution from Adviser | | –0 | – | | .00 | (d) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (1.64 | ) | | .71 | | | 2.03 | | | 1.19 | | | .69 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.15 | ) | | (.28 | ) | | (.02 | ) | | (.05 | ) | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (1.72 | ) | | (.90 | ) | | (.27 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.87 | ) | | (1.18 | ) | | (.29 | ) | | (.09 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $9.55 | | | $13.06 | | | $13.53 | | | $11.79 | | | $10.69 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (e) | | (13.66 | )% | | 5.00 | % | | 17.60 | % | | 11.22 | % | | 6.90 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $7 | | | $10 | | | $7,688 | | | $6,538 | | | $5,877 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .90 | %(f) | | .96 | % | | 1.20 | %(g) | | 1.20 | % | | 1.20 | %(f) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 2.11 | %(f) | | 1.82 | % | | 1.99 | %(g) | | 2.45 | % | | 4.33 | %(f) |
Net investment income (c) | | 1.62 | %(f) | | 1.05 | % | | .69 | %(g) | | .42 | % | | .25 | %(f) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 32 | % | | 61 | % | | 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | July 1, 2004(a) to December 31, 2004 | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $13.00 | | | $13.46 | | | $11.74 | | | $10.67 | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b)(c) | | .08 | | | .11 | | | .06 | | | .02 | | | .03 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (1.73 | ) | | .57 | | | 1.93 | | | 1.13 | | | .64 | |
Contribution from Adviser | | –0 | – | | .00 | (d) | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (1.65 | ) | | .68 | | | 1.99 | | | 1.15 | | | .67 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.12 | ) | | (.24 | ) | | –0 | – | | (.04 | ) | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | (1.72 | ) | | (.90 | ) | | (.27 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (1.84 | ) | | (1.14 | ) | | (.27 | ) | | (.08 | ) | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $9.51 | | | $13.00 | | | $13.46 | | | $11.74 | | | $10.67 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (e) | | (13.80 | )% | | 4.84 | % | | 17.32 | % | | 10.93 | % | | 6.70 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $25,920 | | | $29,220 | | | $29,531 | | | $25,420 | | | $10,416 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.15 | %(f) | | 1.18 | % | | 1.45 | %(g) | | 1.45 | % | | 1.45 | %(f) |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 2.34 | %(f) | | 2.15 | % | | 2.25 | %(g) | | 2.70 | % | | 4.78 | %(f) |
Net investment income (c) | | 1.41 | %(f) | | .79 | % | | .46 | %(g) | | .15 | % | | .71 | %(f) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 32 | % | | 61 | % | | 63 | % | | 61 | % | | 14 | % |
(a) | Commencement of operations. |
(b) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(c) | Net of expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(d) | Amount is less than $0.005. |
(e) | Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. 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. |
(g) | 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 the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AllianceBernstein Wealth Appreciation Strategy 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 the 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 06/30/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Blend | | 65 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 55 bp on next $2.5 billion 50 bp on the balance | | $ | 36.4 | | Wealth Appreciation Strategy 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 entitled to receive $86,750 (0.25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services but waived the amount in its entirety.
1 | It should be noted that the information in the fee summary was completed on July 17, 2007 and presented to the Board of Directors on July 31- August 2, 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. |
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 expense to the degree necessary to limit the Portfolio’s expense ratios to the amounts set forth below for the Portfolio’s current fiscal year. The waiver is terminable by the Adviser on May 1st of each year upon at least 60 days of written notice. It should be noted that the Portfolios expense cap was reduced effective February 12, 2007. Set forth below are the Portfolios’ expense caps, before and after February 12, 2007, and gross expense ratios as of December 31, 2006:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Cap Pursuant to Expense Limitation Undertaking | | Gross Expense Ratio (12/31/06) | | Fiscal Year End |
| Effective 02/12/07 | | Prior to 02/12/07 | | |
Wealth Appreciation | | Class A 0.90% | | 1.20% | | 2.28% | | December 31 |
Strategy Portfolio | | Class B 1.15% | | 1.45% | | 2.53% | | |
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 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 entitled to be 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 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 With respect to the Portfolio, the Adviser represented that there is no institutional product that has a similar investment style as the Portfolio. However, upon further consideration, the Senior Officer noted that the portfolio composition of certain series of the AllianceBernstein Retirement Strategies, managed by the Adviser, were substantially similar to that of the Portfolio. The Adviser has an institutional product, Target Date (All Active), which is managed similarly as the AllianceBernstein Retirement Strategies. Set forth below is a comparison of the Portfolio’s advisory fee and what would have been the advisory fee of the Portfolio had the institutional advisory fee schedule had been applicable to the Portfolio:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 06/30/07 ($MIL) | | AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Institutional (“Inst.”) Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Wealth Appreciation Strategy | | $ | 36.4 | | Target Date –All Active 75 bp on 1st $25 million 60 bp on next $25 million 50 bp on next $50 million 40 bp on next $100 million 35 bp on the balance +Other operating expenses (capped) Minimum Account Size: $100M or plan assets of $500M | | 0.703 | % | | 0.650 | % |
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. |
23
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WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Wealth Appreciation Strategy, a retail mutual fund, which has a similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Wealth Appreciation Strategy:5
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund (“ABMF”) | | Fee Schedule | | Effective ABMF Adv. Fee |
Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio | | Wealth Appreciation Strategy | | 0.65% on first $2.5 billion 0.55% on next $2.5 billion 0.50% on the balance | | 0.65% |
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”)6 at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.7
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 Fee8 | | Lipper Group Median | | Rank |
Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio | | 0.650 | | 0.875 | | 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 EU9 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. Since the Portfolio’s expense cap was reduced effective February 12, 2007, supplemental pro-forma information (shown in bold and italicized) is also provided.10
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)11 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio | | 1.200 | | 1.005 | | 10/12 | | 0.897 | | 19/22 |
pro-forma | | 0.900 | | 0.963 | | 6/12 | | 0.900 | | 12/22 |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis than it does on a pro-forma total expense ratio basis.
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 | 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. |
7 | 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. |
8 | The contractual management fee would 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. |
9 | 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. |
10 | The Portfolios’ pro-forma expense medians and rankings were estimated by the Senior Officer using standard Lipper methodology. |
11 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
24
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| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 net revenues from providing investment advisory services to the Portfolio were negative during calendar years 2006 and 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 $70,090 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 $82,164 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.
12 | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
25
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WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | 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 $793 billion as of June 30, 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 performance rankings of the Portfolio13 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)14 for the periods ended April 30, 2007.15
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Portfolio Return | | PG Median | | PU Median | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio | | | | | | | | | | |
1 year | | 13.86 | | 15.14 | | 14.49 | | 9/12 | | 13/20 |
Set forth below are the 1 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)16 versus its benchmark.
| | | | |
| | Periods Ending April 30, 2007 Annualized Net Performance (%) |
| | 1 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%)17 |
Wealth Appreciation Strategy Portfolio | | 13.86 | | 14.54 |
S&P 500 Stock Index | | 15.23 | | 13.46 |
MSCI EAFE Index (Net) | | 19.81 | | 25.15 |
70% S&P Stock Index / 30% MSCI EAFE Index (Net) | | 16.60 | | 16.97 |
Inception Date: July 1, 2004 | | | | |
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: August 22, 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 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 April 30, 2007. 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
AllianceBernstein
Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Intermediate Bond Portfolio (formerly 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.
| | |
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INTERMEDIATE 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 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Intermediate Bond Portfolio | | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 991.51 | | $ | 3.27 | | 0.66 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,021.58 | | $ | 3.32 | | 0.66 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 990.73 | | $ | 4.50 | | 0.91 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,020.34 | | $ | 4.57 | | 0.91 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
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INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO |
SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
SECURITY TYPE | | U.S. $ VALUE | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Governments-Treasuries | | $ | 60,252,047 | | 28.1 | % |
Corporate-Investment Grades | | | 48,067,967 | | 22.4 | |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | | | 26,916,655 | | 12.6 | |
Mortgage Pass-Throughs | | | 22,682,824 | | 10.6 | |
Corporate-Non-Investment Grades | | | 15,178,888 | | 7.1 | |
Agencies | | | 10,209,122 | | 4.8 | |
Governments-Sovereign Bonds | | | 7,049,587 | | 3.3 | |
Government-Sovereign Agencies | | | 4,627,880 | | 2.2 | |
CMO’s | | | 2,546,013 | | 1.2 | |
Quasi-Sovereigns | | | 2,462,943 | | 1.1 | |
Inflation-Linked Securities | | | 2,095,714 | | 1.0 | |
Other* | | | 2,859,336 | | 1.3 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 9,110,000 | | 4.3 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 214,058,976 | | 100.0 | % |
* | “Other” represents less than 1% weightings in the following security types: Asset-Backed Securities, Emerging Markets-Sovereigns, Emerging Markets-Corporate Bonds, Non-convertible - Preferred Stocks and Supranationals. |
2
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INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | |
GOVERNMENT– TREASURIES–28.7% | | | | | | | |
TREASURIES–28.7% | | | | | | | |
Republic of Colombia 12.00%, 10/22/15(a) | | COP | | 700,000 | | $ | 351,065 |
Government of Japan Ten Year Bond Series 252 1.00%, 6/20/13(a) | | JPY | | 55,750 | | | 521,110 |
Series 268 1.50%, 3/20/15(a) | | | | 169,700 | | | 1,617,963 |
Series 288 1.70%, 9/20/17(a) | | | | 157,000 | | | 1,500,039 |
Kingdom of the Netherlands 3.75%, 7/15/14(a) | | EUR | | 1,400 | | | 2,089,265 |
4.00%, 7/15/16(a) | | | | 1,506 | | | 2,248,733 |
U.S. Treasury Bonds 4.75%, 8/15/17(a) | | US$ | | 2,470 | | | 2,616,656 |
6.25%, 5/15/30(a) | | | | 4,850 | | | 5,969,666 |
U.S. Treasury Notes 2.125%, 1/31/10(a) | | | | 14,145 | | | 14,072,069 |
2.625%, 5/31/10(a) | | | | 9,040 | | | 9,045,650 |
3.625%, 12/31/12(a) | | | | 5,270 | | | 5,350,283 |
4.125%, 8/15/10(a) | | | | 4,923 | | | 5,072,226 |
4.625%, 11/15/16(a) | | | | 2,683 | | | 2,829,937 |
U.S. Treasury Strips Zero Coupon, 2/15/16(a) | | | | 2,400 | | | 1,787,938 |
Zero Coupon, 11/15/21(a) | | | | 9,640 | | | 5,179,447 |
| | | | | | | |
Total Governments–Treasuries (cost $59,066,986) | | | | | | | 60,252,047 |
| | | | | | | |
CORPORATES–INVESTMENT GRADES–22.9% | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–11.1% | | | | | | | |
BASIC–2.4% | | | | | | | |
Alcoa, Inc. 6.50%, 6/01/11(a) | | | | 80 | | | 82,339 |
ArcelorMittal 6.125%, 6/01/18(a)(b) | | | | 555 | | | 542,377 |
6.50%, 4/15/14(a) | | | | 165 | | | 167,279 |
BHP Billiton Finance USA Ltd. 7.25%, 3/01/16(a) | | | | 407 | | | 441,095 |
Dow Chemical Co. 5.75%, 12/15/08(a) | | | | 220 | | | 221,659 |
5.97%, 1/15/09(a) | | | | 200 | | | 202,038 |
7.375%, 11/01/29(a) | | | | 20 | | | 21,212 |
ICI Wilmington, Inc. 4.375%, 12/01/08(a) | | | | 225 | | | 225,330 |
International Paper Co. 5.30%, 4/01/15(a) | | | | 190 | | | 167,471 |
7.95%, 6/15/18(a) | | | | 310 | | | 308,275 |
Lubrizol Corp. 4.625%, 10/01/09(a) | | | | 120 | | | 119,437 |
The Mosaic Co. 7.875%, 12/01/16(a)(b)(c) | | | | 290 | | | 308,850 |
Packaging Corp. of America 5.75%, 8/01/13(a) | | | | 155 | | | 151,437 |
| | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | |
PPG Industries, Inc. 5.75%, 3/15/13(a) | | US$ | | 455 | | $ | 462,625 |
Southern Copper Corp. 7.50%, 7/27/35(a) | | | | 295 | | | 288,862 |
United States Steel Corp. 5.65%, 6/01/13(a) | | | | 495 | | | 481,963 |
7.00%, 2/01/18(a) | | | | 80 | | | 79,824 |
Vale Overseas Ltd. 6.875%, 11/21/36(a) | | | | 134 | | | 124,451 |
Weyerhaeuser Co. 5.95%, 11/01/08(a) | | | | 175 | | | 176,267 |
7.375%, 3/15/32(a) | | | | 450 | | | 446,342 |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 5,019,133 |
| | | | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–1.0% | | | | | | | |
Brookfield Asset Management, Inc. 8.125%, 12/15/08(a) | | | | 215 | | | 216,539 |
Caterpillar Financial Services 4.50%, 6/15/09(a) | | | | 115 | | | 115,753 |
Hutchison Whampoa International Ltd. 7.45%, 11/24/33(a)(b) | | | | 185 | | | 187,457 |
Illinois Tool Works, Inc. 5.75%, 3/01/09(a) | | | | 87 | | | 88,389 |
John Deere Capital Corp. 4.875%, 3/16/09(a) | | | | 225 | | | 226,120 |
6.00%, 2/15/09(a) | | | | 220 | | | 222,578 |
Mohawk Industries, Inc. 6.125%, 1/15/16(a) | | | | 550 | | | 525,806 |
Textron Financial Corp. 5.125%, 11/01/10(a) | | | | 100 | | | 101,372 |
Tyco International Group SA 6.00%, 11/15/13(a) | | | | 155 | | | 149,561 |
Waste Management, Inc. 6.875%, 5/15/09(a) | | | | 205 | | | 209,044 |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,042,619 |
| | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– MEDIA–1.3% | | | | | | | |
British Sky Broadcasting Group PLC 6.875%, 2/23/09(a) | | | | 100 | | | 101,516 |
BSKYB Finance UK PLC 5.625%, 10/15/15(a)(b) | | | | 170 | | | 164,535 |
Comcast Cable Communications Holdings, Inc. 9.455%, 11/15/22(a) | | | | 280 | | | 338,514 |
Comcast Cable Communications, Inc. 6.875%, 6/15/09(a) | | | | 250 | | | 256,746 |
Comcast Corp. 5.30%, 1/15/14(a) | | | | 325 | | | 315,036 |
News America Holdings, Inc. 6.55%, 3/15/33(a) | | | | 210 | | | 205,451 |
9.25%, 2/01/13(a) | | | | 160 | | | 183,323 |
3
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
RR Donnelley & Sons Co. 4.95%, 4/01/14(a) | | US$ | | | 65 | | $ | 59,562 |
5.50%, 5/15/15(a) | | | | | 185 | | | 176,372 |
TCI Communications, Inc. 7.875%, 2/15/26(a) | | | | | 210 | | | 227,966 |
Time Warner Entertainment Co. 8.375%, 3/15/23(a) | | | | | 550 | | | 592,683 |
WPP Finance Corp. 5.875%, 6/15/14(a) | | | | | 120 | | | 115,273 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 2,736,977 |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– TELECOMMUNICATIONS–1.9% | | | |
AT&T Corp. 8.00%, 11/15/31(a) | | | | | 20 | | | 22,960 |
British Telecommunications PLC 8.625%, 12/15/10(a) | | | | | 310 | | | 332,863 |
Embarq Corp. 6.738%, 6/01/13(a) | | | | | 20 | | | 19,298 |
7.082%, 6/01/16(a) | | | | | 855 | | | 812,040 |
New Cingular Wireless Services, Inc. 8.75%, 3/01/31(a) | | | | | 250 | | | 296,645 |
Pacific Bell Telephone Co. 6.625%, 10/15/34(a) | | | | | 280 | | | 270,649 |
Qwest Corp. 8.875%, 3/15/12(a) | | | | | 365 | | | 372,300 |
Telecom Italia Capital SA 4.00%, 11/15/08–1/15/10(a) | | | | | 500 | | | 494,873 |
6.375%, 11/15/33(a) | | | | | 40 | | | 35,611 |
Telefonos de Mexico SAB de CV 4.50%, 11/19/08(a) | | | | | 203 | | | 203,498 |
US Cellular Corp. 6.70%, 12/15/33(a) | | | | | 250 | | | 223,969 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. 4.90%, 9/15/15(a) | | | | | 240 | | | 227,718 |
5.25%, 4/15/13(a) | | | | | 290 | | | 288,331 |
Verizon New Jersey, Inc. Series A 5.875%, 1/17/12(a) | | | | | 179 | | | 181,494 |
Vodafone Group PLC 5.50%, 6/15/11(a) | | | | | 200 | | | 201,963 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 3,984,212 |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–AUTOMOTIVE–0.1% | | | | | |
Daimler Finance North America LLC 4.875%, 6/15/10(a) | | | | | 110 | | | 110,660 |
Toyota Motor Credit Corp. 5.50%, 12/15/08(a) | | | | | 220 | | | 221,005 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 331,665 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL– OTHER–0.3% | | | | | | | | |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. 7.375%, 11/15/15(a) | | US$ | | | 379 | | $ | 374,666 |
7.875%, 5/01/12(a) | | | | | 187 | | | 190,282 |
Toll Brothers Finance Corp. 5.15%, 5/15/15(a) | | | | | 40 | | | 34,640 |
6.875%, 11/15/12(a) | | | | | 95 | | | 92,026 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 691,614 |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–RETAILERS–0.2% | | | | | |
Limited Brands, Inc. 5.25%, 11/01/14(a) | | | | | 133 | | | 112,503 |
6.90%, 7/15/17(a) | | | | | 45 | | | 40,889 |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 4.25%, 4/15/13(a) | | | | | 225 | | | 223,741 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 377,133 |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–1.9% | | | | | |
Abbott Laboratories 3.50%, 2/17/09(a) | | | | | 109 | | | 109,147 |
5.375%, 5/15/09(a) | | | | | 215 | | | 218,958 |
Bunge Ltd Finance Corp. 4.375%, 12/15/08(a) | | | | | 225 | | | 225,342 |
5.10%, 7/15/15(a) | | | | | 206 | | | 187,355 |
5.875%, 5/15/13(a) | | | | | 350 | | | 344,107 |
Cadbury Schweppes US Finance LLC 5.125%, 10/01/13(a)(b) | | | | | 350 | | | 334,955 |
ConAgra Foods, Inc. 7.875%, 9/15/10(a) | | | | | 102 | | | 107,823 |
Fisher Scientific International, Inc. 6.125%, 7/01/15(a) | | | | | 230 | | | 228,013 |
6.75%, 8/15/14(a) | | | | | 171 | | | 175,167 |
Fortune Brands, Inc. 4.875%, 12/01/13(a) | | | | | 230 | | | 220,423 |
5.125%, 1/15/11(a) | | | | | 115 | | | 114,388 |
Kraft Foods, Inc. 4.125%, 11/12/09(a) | | | | | 415 | | | 414,377 |
5.25%, 10/01/13(a) | | | | | 220 | | | 214,065 |
The Kroger Co. 6.80%, 12/15/18(a) | | | | | 75 | | | 78,244 |
Pfizer, Inc. Series INTL 1.80%, 2/22/16(a) | | | JPY | | 20,000 | | | 184,275 |
Reynolds American, Inc. 7.25%, 6/01/13(a) | | US$ | | | 105 | | | 108,542 |
7.625%, 6/01/16(a) | | | | | 395 | | | 411,516 |
Safeway, Inc. 4.125%, 11/01/08(a) | | | | | 108 | | | 108,070 |
Ventas Realty LP/Ventas Capital Corp. 6.75%, 4/01/17(a) | | | | | 84 | | | 80,640 |
Wyeth 5.50%, 2/01/14(a) | | | | | 141 | | | 142,140 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 4,007,547 |
| | | | | | | | |
4
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
ENERGY–1.0% | | | | | | | | |
Amerada Hess Corp. 7.875%, 10/01/29(a) | | US$ | | | 165 | | $ | 189,240 |
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. 5.15%, 2/01/13(a) | | | | | 60 | | | 60,104 |
Conoco, Inc. 6.95%, 4/15/29(a) | | | | | 155 | | | 169,996 |
ConocoPhillips 6.375%, 3/30/09(a) | | | | | 95 | | | 96,815 |
Gaz Capital SA 6.212%, 11/22/16(a)(b) | | | | | 460 | | | 426,813 |
6.51%, 3/07/22(a)(b) | | | | | 200 | | | 179,500 |
Statoilhydro Asa 6.36%, 1/15/09(a) | | | | | 66 | | | 67,121 |
Valero Energy Corp. 6.875%, 4/15/12(a) | | | | | 515 | | | 534,592 |
Vastar Resources, Inc. 6.50%, 4/01/09(a) | | | | | 215 | | | 219,746 |
Weatherford International Ltd. 5.15%, 3/15/13(a) | | | | | 195 | | | 193,864 |
6.00%, 3/15/18(a) | | | | | 35 | | | 34,543 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 2,172,334 |
| | | | | | | | |
OTHER INDUSTRIAL–0.1% | | | | | |
Usiminas Commercial Ltd 7.25%, 1/18/18(a)(b) | | | | | 124 | | | 127,100 |
| | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY–0.8% | | | | | | | | |
Computer Sciences Corp. 5.50%, 3/15/13(a)(b) | | | | | 280 | | | 276,104 |
Electronic Data Systems Corp. Series B 6.50%, 8/01/13(a) | | | | | 566 | | | 581,320 |
International Business Machines Corp. 4.375%, 6/01/09(a) | | | | | 90 | | | 91,076 |
5.375%, 2/01/09(a) | | | | | 98 | | | 98,958 |
Motorola, Inc. 6.50%, 9/01/25(a) | | | | | 125 | | | 93,339 |
7.50%, 5/15/25(a) | | | | | 25 | | | 23,384 |
7.625%, 11/15/10(a) | | | | | 22 | | | 22,426 |
Oracle Corp. 4.95%, 4/15/13(a) | | | | | 239 | | | 241,310 |
Xerox Corp. 7.625%, 6/15/13(a) | | | | | 40 | | | 41,536 |
9.75%, 1/15/09(a) | | | | | 146 | | | 150,288 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 1,619,741 |
| | | | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION–RAILROADS–0.1% | | | | | |
Canadian Pacific Railway Co. 6.50%, 5/15/18(a) | | | | | 120 | | | 118,888 |
Norfolk Southern Corp. 6.20%, 4/15/09(a) | | | | | 110 | | | 111,708 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 230,596 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 23,340,671 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–9.4% | | | |
BANKING–3.3% | | | | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. 3.375%, 2/17/09(a) | | US$ | | | 20 | | $ | 19,918 |
5.875%, 2/15/09(a) | | | | | 220 | | | 222,426 |
BankAmerica Capital II Series 2 8.00%, 12/15/26(a) | | | | | 98 | | | 97,890 |
Barclays Bank PLC 5.75%, 9/14/26(a) | | | GBP | | 75 | | | 132,074 |
8.55%, 6/15/11(a)(b)(d) | | US$ | | | 365 | | | 354,737 |
Citicorp, Inc. Series MTNF 6.375%, 11/15/08(a) | | | | | 43 | | | 43,317 |
Citigroup, Inc. 3.625%, 2/09/09(a) | | | | | 230 | | | 229,665 |
4.625%, 8/03/10(a) | | | | | 107 | | | 106,556 |
5.50%, 4/11/13(a) | | | | | 350 | | | 341,592 |
6.20%, 3/15/09(a) | | | | | 180 | | | 181,502 |
Compass Bank 5.50%, 4/01/20(a) | | | | | 250 | | | 216,212 |
Credit Suisse USA, Inc. 3.875%, 1/15/09(a) | | | | | 195 | | | 194,701 |
Deutsche Bank Financial, Inc. 7.50%, 4/25/09(a) | | | | | 215 | | | 219,451 |
Huntington National Bank 4.375%, 1/15/10(a) | | | | | 250 | | | 232,211 |
JP Morgan Chase & Co. 6.00%, 1/15/09(a) | | | | | 150 | | | 151,023 |
6.75%, 2/01/11(a) | | | | | 285 | | | 295,807 |
M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank 5.00%, 1/17/17(a) | | | | | 175 | | | 143,173 |
Marshall & Ilsley Corp. 4.375%, 8/01/09(a) | | | | | 175 | | | 171,835 |
5.626%, 8/17/09(a) | | | | | 105 | | | 104,376 |
MUFG Capital Finance 1 Ltd. 6.346%, 7/25/16(a)(d) | | | | | 105 | | | 91,013 |
National City Bank of Ohio 6.25%, 3/15/11(a) | | | | | 250 | | | 227,194 |
National Westminster Bank 6.50%, 9/07/21(a) | | | GBP | | 50 | | | 95,048 |
RBS Capital Trust III 5.512%, 9/30/14(a)(d) | | US$ | | | 335 | | | 291,147 |
Regions Financial Corp. 6.375%, 5/15/12(a) | | | | | 215 | | | 211,848 |
Resona Preferred Global Securities 7.191%, 7/30/15(a)(b)(d) | | | | | 135 | | | 124,660 |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC 7.648%, 9/30/31(a) | | | | | 115 | | | 111,882 |
Standard Chartered PLC 6.409%, 1/30/17(a)(b)(d) | | | | | 100 | | | 80,247 |
UBS Preferred Funding Trust I 8.622%, 10/01/10(a) | | | | | 180 | | | 180,871 |
UFJ Finance Aruba AEC 6.75%, 7/15/13(a) | | | | | 240 | | | 252,130 |
Union Bank of California 5.95%, 5/11/16(a) | | | | | 660 | | | 626,073 |
5
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
Union Planters Corp. 7.75%, 3/01/11(a) | | US$ | | | 143 | | $ | 146,179 |
US Bancorp 5.30%, 4/28/09(a) | | | | | 220 | | | 221,319 |
Wachovia Corp. 3.625%, 2/17/09(a) | | | | | 225 | | | 222,450 |
5.50%, 5/01/13(a) | | | | | 505 | | | 483,336 |
Washington Mutual, Inc. 4.20%, 1/15/10(a) | | | | | 18 | | | 15,660 |
Zions Bancorporation 5.50%, 11/16/15(a) | | | | | 105 | | | 83,631 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 6,923,154 |
| | | | | | | | |
BROKERAGE–1.5% | | | | | | | | |
The Bear Stearns Co., Inc. 5.55%, 1/22/17(a) | | | | | 394 | | | 364,145 |
5.70%, 11/15/14(a) | | | | | 450 | | | 434,888 |
7.625%, 12/07/09(a) | | | | | 215 | | | 222,252 |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. 3.875%, 1/15/09(a) | | | | | 230 | | | 230,007 |
4.75%, 7/15/13(a) | | | | | 315 | | | 302,999 |
7.35%, 10/01/09(a) | | | | | 95 | | | 97,564 |
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. 5.75%, 1/03/17(a) | | | | | 155 | | | 136,782 |
6.00%, 5/03/32(a)(d) | | | | | 225 | | | 172,022 |
6.20%, 9/26/14(a) | | | | | 75 | | | 71,585 |
6.50%, 7/19/17(a) | | | | | 75 | | | 69,384 |
7.875%, 11/01/09(a) | | | | | 43 | | | 43,849 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. 4.125%, 1/15/09(a) | | | | | 66 | | | 65,245 |
6.00%, 2/17/09(a) | | | | | 175 | | | 174,360 |
6.05%, 5/16/16(a) | | | | | 535 | | | 493,536 |
6.11%, 1/29/37(a) | | | | | 250 | | | 198,552 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 3,077,170 |
| | | | | | | | |
FINANCE–2.8% | | | | | | | | |
American Express Centurion 4.375%, 7/30/09(a) | | | | | 250 | | | 248,970 |
American Express Co. 4.75%, 6/17/09(a) | | | | | 98 | | | 97,634 |
American General Finance Corp. 4.625%, 5/15/09(a) | | | | | 225 | | | 223,194 |
Capital One Bank 4.25%, 12/01/08(a) | | | | | 225 | | | 224,587 |
5.00%, 6/15/09(a) | | | | | 100 | | | 99,851 |
6.50%, 6/13/13(a) | | | | | 140 | | | 137,092 |
Capital One Financial Corp. 4.80%, 2/21/12(a) | | | | | 470 | | | 437,012 |
5.50%, 6/01/15(a) | | | | | 42 | | | 37,765 |
6.75%, 9/15/17(a) | | | | | 45 | | | 44,587 |
CIT Group, Inc. 5.00%, 2/01/15(a) | | | | | 240 | | | 165,951 |
5.85%, 9/15/16(a) | | | | | 360 | | | 248,389 |
7.625%, 11/30/12(a) | | | | | 435 | | | 361,562 |
Series MTN 5.125%, 9/30/14(a) | | | | | 195 | | | 139,668 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
Countrywide Financial Corp. Series MTN | | | | | | | | |
5.80%, 6/07/12(a) | | US$ | | | 229 | | $ | 216,590 |
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. Series MTNL | | | | | | | | |
4.00%, 3/22/11(a) | | | | | 4 | | | 3,641 |
General Electric Capital Corp. 4.375%, 11/21/11(a) | | | | | 155 | | | 155,340 |
4.80%, 5/01/13(a) | | | | | 435 | | | 426,156 |
6.75%, 3/15/32(a) | | | | | 620 | | | 624,309 |
Household Finance Corp. 4.125%, 12/15/08(a) | | | | | 45 | | | 44,930 |
HSBC Finance Corp. 7.00%, 5/15/12(a) | | | | | 280 | | | 290,024 |
International Lease Finance Corp. 3.50%, 4/01/09(a) | | | | | 350 | | | 341,009 |
6.375%, 3/15/09(a) | | | | | 220 | | | 218,938 |
iStar Financial, Inc. 5.15%, 3/01/12(a) | | | | | 320 | | | 264,000 |
SLM Corp. 5.375%, 1/15/13(a) | | | | | 385 | | | 339,095 |
5.45%, 4/25/11(a) | | | | | 235 | | | 214,613 |
Series MTNA 4.50%, 7/26/10(a) | | | | | 90 | | | 83,278 |
VTB Capital SA | | | | | | | | |
6.609%, 10/31/12(a)(b) | | | | | 135 | | | 131,112 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 5,819,297 |
| | | | | | | | |
INSURANCE–1.4% | | | | | | | | |
The Allstate Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.125%, 5/15/37(a) | | | | | 530 | | | 480,869 |
Allstate Life Global Funding Trust Series 04-1 4.50%, 5/29/09(a) | | | | | 97 | | | 97,152 |
Genworth Financial, Inc. 1.60%, 6/20/11(a) | | | JPY | | 15,000 | | | 134,480 |
4.75%, 6/15/09(a) | | US$ | | | 83 | | | 82,576 |
5.231%, 5/16/09(a) | | | | | 225 | | | 226,097 |
6.515%, 5/22/18(a) | | | | | 520 | | | 486,761 |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. 6.10%, 10/01/41(a) | | | | | 205 | | | 179,874 |
Humana, Inc. 6.30%, 8/01/18(a) | | | | | 215 | | | 199,398 |
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc. 5.75%, 3/15/14(a)(b) | | | | | 145 | | | 139,971 |
7.80%, 3/15/37(a)(b) | | | | | 80 | | | 63,869 |
Prudential Financial, Inc. 5.15%, 1/15/13(a) | | | | | 325 | | | 316,768 |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. 4.125%, 8/15/09(a) | | | | | 82 | | | 81,257 |
5.25%, 3/15/11(a) | | | | | 95 | | | 94,560 |
WellPoint, Inc. 4.25%, 12/15/09(a) | | | | | 72 | | | 71,275 |
XL Capital Ltd. 5.25%, 9/15/14(a) | | | | | 235 | | | 213,168 |
6.25%, 5/15/27(a) | | | | | 200 | | | 166,864 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 3,034,939 |
| | | | | | | | |
6
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
OTHER FINANCE–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Aiful Corp. | | | | | | | | |
6.00%, 12/12/11(a)(b) | | US$ | | | 125 | | $ | 103,310 |
| | | | | | | | |
REITS–0.4% | | | | | | | | |
HCP, Inc. 5.95%, 9/15/11(a) | | | | | 225 | | | 218,468 |
Simon Property Group LP 5.00%, 3/01/12(a) | | | | | 220 | | | 214,361 |
5.625%, 8/15/14(a) | | | | | 420 | | | 406,122 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 838,951 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 19,796,821 |
| | | | | | | | |
UTILITY–2.1% | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC–1.7% | | | | | | | | |
Carolina Power & Light Co. 6.50%, 7/15/12(a) | | | | | 480 | | | 503,567 |
Exelon Corp. 6.75%, 5/01/11(a) | | | | | 95 | | | 97,596 |
FirstEnergy Corp. Series B 6.45%, 11/15/11(a) | | | | | 405 | | | 415,570 |
Series C 7.375%, 11/15/31(a) | | | | | 420 | | | 456,707 |
MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. 5.875%, 10/01/12(a) | | | | | 240 | | | 246,849 |
Nisource Finance Corp. 6.80%, 1/15/19(a) | | | | | 550 | | | 539,357 |
7.875%, 11/15/10(a) | | | | | 110 | | | 114,072 |
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. 4.80%, 3/01/14(a) | | | | | 215 | | | 209,500 |
6.05%, 3/01/34(a) | | | | | 125 | | | 120,529 |
Progress Energy, Inc. 7.10%, 3/01/11(a) | | | | | 73 | | | 76,813 |
Public Service Company of Colorado Series 10 7.875%, 10/01/12(a) | | | | | 210 | | | 234,201 |
SPI Electricity & Gas Australia Holdings Pty Ltd. 6.15%, 11/15/13(a)(b) | | | | | 235 | | | 236,726 |
Wisconsin Energy Corp. 6.25%, 5/15/67(a)(d) | | | | | 204 | | | 175,469 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 3,426,956 |
| | | | | | | | |
NATURAL GAS–0.2% | | | | | | | | |
Duke Energy Field Services Corp. 7.875%, 8/16/10(a) | | | | | 70 | | | 73,462 |
Enterprise Products Operating LP Series B 5.60%, 10/15/14(a) | | | | | 95 | | | 93,062 |
TransCanada Pipelines Ltd. 6.35%, 5/15/67(a)(d) | | | | | 235 | | | 202,916 |
Williams Co., Inc. 7.875%, 9/01/21(a) | | | | | 105 | | | 111,300 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 480,740 |
| | | | | | | | |
OTHER UTILITY–0.2% | | | | | | | | |
Veolia Environnement 6.00%, 6/01/18(a) | | | | | 350 | | | 349,197 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 4,256,893 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
NON CORPORATE SECTORS–0.3% | | | |
AGENCIES–NOT GOVERNMENT GUARANTEED–0.3% | | | |
Gaz Capital SA 6.51%, 3/07/22(a)(b) | | US$ | | | 657 | | $ | 578,962 |
| | | | | | | | |
FOREIGN LOCAL GOVERNMENT– MUNICIPAL–0.0% | | | | | |
TNK-BP Finance SA 7.50%, 7/18/16(a)(b) | | | | | 100 | | | 94,620 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 673,582 |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Corporates—Investment Grades (cost $48,865,773) | | | | | 48,067,967 |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES—12.8% | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE CMBS–12.8% | | | | | | | | |
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage, Inc. Series 2001-PB1, Class A2 5.787%, 5/11/35(a) | | | | | 319 | | | 321,852 |
Series 2004-4, Class A3 4.128%, 7/10/42(a) | | | | | 410 | | | 410,000 |
Series 2004-6, Class A2 4.161%, 12/10/42(a) | | | | | 525 | | | 521,286 |
Series 2005-6, Class A4 5.352%, 9/10/47(a) | | | | | 470 | | | 451,750 |
Series 2006-5, Class A4 5.414%, 9/10/47(a) | | | | | 455 | | | 432,144 |
Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities, Inc. Series 2005-PWR7, Class A3 5.116%, 2/11/41(a) | | | | | 505 | | | 483,333 |
Series 2005-T18, Class A4 4.933%, 2/13/42(a) | | | | | 530 | | | 501,442 |
Citigroup/Deutsche Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2007-CD4, Class A2B 5.205%, 12/11/49(a) | | | | | 1,090 | | | 1,060,382 |
Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates Series 2007-C9, Class A4 6.01%, 12/10/49(a) | | | | | 1,085 | | | 1,038,458 |
Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp. Series 2003-CK2, Class A2 3.861%, 3/15/36(a) | | | | | 51 | | | 50,934 |
Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates Series 2006-C3, Class A3 6.021%, 6/15/38(a) | | | | | 1,095 | | | 1,074,034 |
Series 2006-C5, Class A3 5.311%, 12/15/39(a) | | | | | 225 | | | 211,303 |
GE Capital Commercial Mortgage Corp. Series 2005-C3, Class A3FX 4.863%, 7/10/45(a) | | | | | 455 | | | 452,862 |
7
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
Greenwich Capital Commercial Funding Corp. Series 2003-C1, Class A4 4.111%, 7/05/35(a) | | US$ | | | 450 | | $ | 420,597 |
Series 2005-GG3, Class A2 4.305%, 8/10/42(a) | | | | | 530 | | | 526,193 |
Series 2007-GG9, Class A2 5.381%, 3/10/39(a) | | | | | 1,090 | | | 1,066,054 |
Series 2007-GG9, Class A4 5.444%, 3/10/39(a) | | | | | 1,115 | | | 1,038,949 |
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II Series 2004-GG2, Class A6 5.396%, 8/10/38(a) | | | | | 300 | | | 293,788 |
Series 2006-GG8, Class A2 5.479%, 11/10/39(a) | | | | | 1,070 | | | 1,061,071 |
JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp. Series 2004-C1, Class A2 4.302%, 1/15/38(a) | | | | | 95 | | | 92,233 |
Series 2005-LDP1, Class A4 5.038%, 3/15/46(a) | | | | | 550 | | | 525,385 |
Series 2005-LDP3, Class A2 4.851%, 8/15/42(a) | | | | | 405 | | | 402,124 |
Series 2005-LDP4, Class A2 4.79%, 10/15/42(a) | | | | | 440 | | | 436,347 |
Series 2005-LDP5, Class A2 5.198%, 12/15/44(a) | | | | | 360 | | | 358,820 |
Series 2006-CB14, Class A4 5.481%, 12/12/44(a) | | | | | 545 | | | 522,165 |
Series 2006-CB15, Class A4 5.814%, 6/12/43(a) | | | | | 1,035 | | | 1,009,683 |
Series 2006-CB17, Class A4 5.429%, 12/12/43(a) | | | | | 420 | | | 397,825 |
Series 2007-C1, Class A4 5.716%, 11/15/17(a) | | | | | 1,115 | | | 1,046,319 |
Series 2007-CB19, Class A4 5.937%, 2/12/49(a) | | | | | 1,110 | | | 1,060,050 |
Series 2007-LD11, Class A4 6.007%, 6/15/49(a) | | | | | 1,105 | | | 1,056,969 |
LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2003-C3, Class A4 4.166%, 5/15/32(a) | | | | | 430 | | | 412,257 |
Series 2004-C4, Class A4 5.295%, 6/15/29(a) | | | | | 830 | | | 818,796 |
Series 2004-C8, Class A2 4.201%, 12/15/29(a) | | | | | 420 | | | 416,875 |
Series 2005-C1, Class A4 4.742%, 2/15/30(a) | | | | | 365 | | | 344,176 |
Series 2005-C7, Class A4 5.197%, 11/15/30(a) | | | | | 340 | | | 326,710 |
Series 2006-C6, Class A4 5.372%, 9/15/39(a) | | | | | 475 | | | 449,421 |
Merrill Lynch/Countrywide Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2007-9, Class A4 5.70%, 9/12/17(a) | | | | | 1,105 | | | 1,040,467 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
Morgan Stanley Capital I Series 2005-T17, Class A5 4.78%, 12/13/41(a) | | US$ | | | 655 | | $ | 618,718 |
Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2006-C27, Class A3 5.765%, 7/15/45(a) | | | | | 1,080 | | | 1,046,468 |
Series 2007-C31, Class A4 5.509%, 4/15/47(a) | | | | | 1,100 | | | 1,024,727 |
Series 2007-C32, Class A2 5.924%, 6/15/49(a) | | | | | 1,060 | | | 1,045,203 |
Series 2007-C32, Class A3 5.929%, 6/15/49(a) | | | | | 1,105 | | | 1,048,485 |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $27,623,707) | | | | | | | | 26,916,655 |
| | | | | | | | |
MORTGAGE PASS- THRU’S–10.8% | | | | | | | | |
AGENCY FIXED RATE 30-YEAR—10.4% | | | | | | | | |
Federal Gold Loan Mortgage Corp. Series 2005 4.50%, 8/01/35–10/01/35(a) | | | | | 1,258 | | | 1,168,006 |
Series 2007 5.50%, 7/01/35(a) | | | | | 321 | | | 318,675 |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Series 2007 7.00%, 2/01/37(a) | | | | | 883 | | | 926,562 |
Federal National Mortgage Association Series 2002 7.00%, 3/01/32(a) | | | | | 37 | | | 38,645 |
Series 2003 5.00%, 11/01/33(a) | | | | | 323 | | | 311,499 |
5.50%, 4/01/33–7/01/33(a) | | | | | 1,329 | | | 1,317,688 |
Series 2004 5.50%, 4/01/34–11/01/34(a) | | | | | 1,098 | | | 1,087,929 |
6.00%, 9/01/34(a) | | | | | 632 | | | 639,616 |
Series 2005 4.50%, 8/01/35(a) | | | | | 972 | | | 901,994 |
5.50%, 2/01/35(a) | | | | | 1,316 | | | 1,304,713 |
Series 2006 5.00%, 2/01/36(a) | | | | | 2,276 | | | 2,189,646 |
6.50%, 9/01/36(a) | | | | | 1,298 | | | 1,338,492 |
Series 2007 4.50%, 9/01/35–8/01/37(a) | | | | | 1,144 | | | 1,062,729 |
5.00%, 7/01/36(a) | | | | | 355 | | | 341,972 |
5.50%, 11/01/36(a) | | | | | 1,151 | | | 1,137,667 |
6.50%, 9/01/37(a) | | | | | 876 | | | 903,098 |
Series 2008 5.50%, 3/01/37(a) | | | | | 2,711 | | | 2,680,168 |
Government National Mortgage Association Series 1994 9.00%, 9/15/24(a) | | | | | 6 | | | 6,349 |
Series 2006 6.00%, 7/15/36(a) | | | | | 4,006 | | | 4,074,333 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 21,749,781 |
| | | | | | | | |
8
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
AGENCY ARMS–0.4% | | | | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. | | | | | | | | |
Series 2007 6.096%, 1/01/37(a)(e) | | US$ | | | 243 | | $ | 248,354 |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | | | | | | | |
Series 2006 5.849%, 11/01/36(a)(e) | | | | | 668 | | | 684,689 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 933,043 |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Mortgage Pass-Thru’s (cost $22,633,810) | | | | | | | | 22,682,824 |
| | | | | | | | |
CORPORATES–NON-INVESTMENT GRADES–7.2% | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–4.5% | | | | | | | | |
BASIC–0.4% | | | | | | | | |
Citigroup (JSC Severstal) 9.25%, 4/19/14(a)(b) | | | | | 228 | | | 237,690 |
Ineos Group Holdings PLC 8.50%, 2/15/16(a)(b) | | | | | 179 | | | 117,692 |
Novelis, Inc. 7.25%, 2/15/15(a) | | | | | 170 | | | 160,650 |
Peabody Energy Corp. | | | | | | | | |
Series B 6.875%, 3/15/13(a) | | | | | 190 | | | 190,475 |
Westvaco Corp. 8.20%, 1/15/30(a) | | | | | 50 | | | 48,405 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 754,912 |
| | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–0.7% | | | | | | | | |
Allied Waste North America, Inc. 6.375%, 4/15/11(a) | | | | | 174 | | | 172,260 |
Bombardier, Inc. 6.30%, 5/01/14(a)(b) | | | | | 270 | | | 257,850 |
8.00%, 11/15/14(a)(b) | | | | | 225 | | | 230,625 |
Case Corp. 7.25%, 1/15/16(a) | | | | | 170 | | | 165,750 |
Case New Holland, Inc. 7.125%, 3/01/14(a) | | | | | 175 | | | 171,500 |
Crown Americas 7.625%, 11/15/13(a) | | | | | 155 | | | 154,613 |
Owens Brockway Glass Container, Inc. 6.75%, 12/01/14(a) | | | | | 205 | | | 205,000 |
Russell–Stanley Holdings, Inc. 9.00%, 11/30/08(f)(g)(h) | | | | | 36 | | | 4,566 |
United Rentals North America, Inc. 7.75%, 11/15/13(a) | | | | | 220 | | | 176,000 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 1,538,164 |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– MEDIA–0.8% | | | | | | | | |
CCH I Holdings LLC 11.75%, 5/15/14(a)(c) | | | | | 420 | | | 256,200 |
Clear Channel Communications, Inc. 5.50%, 9/15/14(a) | | | | | 238 | | | 142,800 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
DirecTV Holdings LLC 6.375%, 6/15/15(a) | | US$ | | | 216 | | $ | 202,500 |
Echostar DBS Corp. 6.625%, 10/01/14(a) | | | | | 255 | | | 235,875 |
Idearc, Inc. 8.00%, 11/15/16(a) | | | | | 330 | | | 207,487 |
Quebecor Media, Inc. 7.75%, 3/15/16(a) | | | | | 230 | | | 213,900 |
RH Donnelley Corp. 8.875%, 10/15/17(a)(b) | | | | | 545 | | | 324,275 |
WDAC Subsidiary Corp. 8.375%, 12/01/14(a)(b) | | | | | 70 | | | 52,500 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 1,635,537 |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.8% | | | |
Alltel Corp. 7.875%, 7/01/32(a) | | | | | 170 | | | 172,550 |
Citizens Communications Co. 6.25%, 1/15/13(a) | | | | | 210 | | | 194,775 |
Digicel Ltd. 9.25%, 9/01/12(a)(b) | | | | | 161 | | | 165,629 |
Inmarsat Finance PLC 10.375%, 11/15/12(a)(i) | | | | | 155 | | | 156,550 |
Mobile Telesystems Finance SA 8.00%, 1/28/12(a)(b) | | | | | 231 | | | 233,599 |
Nextel Communications, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
Series D 7.375%, 8/01/15(a) | | | | | 140 | | | 116,200 |
Sprint Capital Corp. 6.875%, 11/15/28(a) | | | | | 235 | | | 195,637 |
8.375%, 3/15/12(a) | | | | | 365 | | | 361,350 |
8.75%, 3/15/32(a) | | | | | 75 | | | 71,437 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 1,667,727 |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL– AUTOMOTIVE–0.6% | | | |
Affinia Group, Inc. 9.00%, 11/30/14(a) | | | | | 85 | | | 68,850 |
Ford Motor Co. 7.45%, 7/16/31(a) | | | | | 364 | | | 212,030 |
Ford Motor Credit Co. 5.46%, 1/13/12(a)(e) | | | | | 240 | | | 170,587 |
7.00%, 10/01/13(a) | | | | | 204 | | | 150,228 |
General Motors Corp. 8.25%, 7/15/23(a) | | | | | 350 | | | 203,875 |
8.375%, 7/15/33(a) | | | | | 320 | | | 189,600 |
Lear Corp. | | | | | | | | |
Series B 8.75%, 12/01/16(a) | | | | | 195 | | | 152,100 |
Visteon Corp. 7.00%, 3/10/14(a) | | | | | 165 | | | 89,925 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 1,237,195 |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL– OTHER–0.7% | | | |
Broder Brothers Co. | | | | | | | | |
Series B 11.25%, 10/15/10(a) | | | | | 77 | | | 52,168 |
9
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
Greektown Holdings LLC 10.75%, 12/01/13(b)(h) | | US$ | | | 90 | | $ | 66,600 |
Harrah’s Operating Co., Inc. 6.50%, 6/01/16(a) | | | | | 237 | | | 129,165 |
10.75%, 2/01/16(a)(b) | | | | | 160 | | | 132,800 |
Host Hotels & Resorts LP | | | | | | | | |
Series Q 6.75%, 6/01/16(a) | | | | | 250 | | | 221,875 |
MGM Mirage 6.625%, 7/15/15(a) | | | | | 302 | | | 242,355 |
8.375%, 2/01/11(a) | | | | | 280 | | | 270,200 |
Universal City Florida Holding Co. 8.375%, 5/01/10(a) | | | | | 60 | | | 59,400 |
Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp. 6.625%, 12/01/14(a) | | | | | 260 | | | 237,900 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 1,412,463 |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–RETAILERS–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Rite Aid Corp. 6.875%, 8/15/13(a) | | | | | 160 | | | 96,000 |
9.375%, 12/15/15(a) | | | | | 10 | | | 6,700 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 102,700 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER NON- CYCLICAL–0.1% | | | |
Elan Finance PLC/Elan Finance Corp. 7.75%, 11/15/11(a) | | | | | 225 | | | 218,250 |
Tyson Foods, Inc. 6.85%, 4/01/16(a) | | | | | 103 | | | 93,601 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 311,851 |
| | | | | | | | |
ENERGY–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
Chesapeake Energy Corp. 7.75%, 1/15/15(a) | | | | | 210 | | | 217,875 |
| | | | | | | | |
SERVICES–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Travelport LLC 9.875%, 9/01/14(a) | | | | | 35 | | | 31,063 |
| | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY–0.3% | | | | | | | | |
Amkor Technology, Inc. 9.25%, 6/01/16(a) | | | | | 180 | | | 171,450 |
Avago Technologies Finance 10.125%, 12/01/13(a) | | | | | 110 | | | 116,600 |
CA, Inc. 4.75%, 12/01/09(a) | | | | | 110 | | | 108,573 |
Flextronics International Ltd. 6.50%, 5/15/13(a) | | | | | 175 | | | 167,125 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 563,748 |
| | | | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION– AIRLINES–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Continental Airlines, Inc. | | | | | | | | |
Series RJO3 7.875%, 7/02/18(a) | | | | | 42 | | | 32,018 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 9,505,253 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
NON CORPORATE SECTORS–1.7% | | | |
DERIVATIVES–RACERS -0.9% | | | |
Racers | | | | | | | | |
Series 06-6-T 2.813%, 7/01/08(a)(b)(e) | | US$ | | | 1,950 | | $ | 1,779,771 |
| | | | | | | | |
DERIVATIVES–TOTAL RETURN SWAPS–0.8% | | | | | | | | |
High Yield Total Return Trust | | | | | | | | |
Series 2007-1 2.638%, 7/01/08(a)(b)(e) | | | | | 1,950 | | | 1,746,264 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 3,526,035 |
| | | | | | | | |
UTILITY–1.0% | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC–0.8% | | | | | | | | |
The AES Corp. 7.75%, 3/01/14(a) | | | | | 250 | | | 246,563 |
Dynegy Holdings, Inc. 8.375%, 5/01/16(a) | | | | | 205 | | | 198,850 |
Dynegy Roseton/Danskammer Pass Through Trust | | | | | | | | |
Series B 7.67%, 11/08/16(a) | | | | | 195 | | | 192,075 |
Edison Mission Energy 7.00%, 5/15/17(a) | | | | | 255 | | | 238,425 |
7.50%, 6/15/13(a) | | | | | 150 | | | 148,875 |
Mirant Americas Generation LLC 8.50%, 10/01/21(a) | | | | | 175 | | | 163,187 |
NRG Energy, Inc. 7.375%, 2/01/16–1/15/17(a) | | | | | 440 | | | 415,087 |
Reliant Energy, Inc. 7.875%, 6/15/17(a) | | | | | 155 | | | 151,513 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 1,754,575 |
| | | | | | | | |
NATURAL GAS–0.2% | | | | | | | | |
Enterprise Products Operating LP 8.375%, 8/01/66(a)(d) | | | | | 305 | | | 304,912 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 2,059,487 |
| | | | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS—0.0% | | | |
INSURANCE–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Crum & Forster Holdings Corp. 7.75%, 5/01/17(a) | | | | | 95 | | | 88,113 |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Corporates–Non-Investment Grades (cost $17,586,637) | | | | | | | | 15,178,888 |
| | | | | | | | |
AGENCIES–4.9% | | | | | | | | |
AGENCY DEBENTURES–4.9% | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 4.75%, 1/19/16(a) | | | | | 1,810 | | | 1,832,020 |
5.50%, 8/23/17(a) | | | | | 565 | | | 597,501 |
Federal National Mortgage Association 6.25%, 5/15/29(a) | | | | | 325 | | | 367,676 |
6.625%, 11/15/30(a) | | | | | 135 | | | 160,253 |
Series 2001 5.375%, 11/15/11(a) | | | | | 5,000 | | | 5,262,530 |
Series 2004 4.125%, 4/15/14(a) | | | | | 2,000 | | | 1,989,142 |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Agencies (cost $9,790,401) | | | | | | | | 10,209,122 |
| | | | | | | | |
10
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
GOVERNMENTS– SOVEREIGN BONDS–3.3% | | | | | |
Republic of Brazil 6.00%, 1/17/17(a) | | US$ | | | 611 | | $ | 623,220 |
7.125%, 1/20/37(a) | | | | | 823 | | | 907,358 |
8.75%, 2/04/25(a) | | | | | 126 | | | 157,689 |
8.875%, 10/14/19–4/15/24(a) | | | | | 946 | | | 1,189,804 |
11.00%, 8/17/40(a) | | | | | 141 | | | 186,472 |
Malaysia 7.50%, 7/15/11(a) | | | | | 303 | | | 328,227 |
8.75%, 6/01/09(a) | | | | | 180 | | | 187,762 |
United Mexican States 5.625%, 1/15/17(a) | | | | | 256 | | | 258,688 |
11.375%, 9/15/16(a) | | | | | 272 | | | 378,352 |
Series A 8.00%, 9/24/22(a) | | | | | 1,158 | | | 1,409,286 |
Russian Federation 7.50%, 3/31/30(a)(b)(c) | | | | | 699 | | | 784,919 |
11.00%, 7/24/18(a)(b) | | | | | 240 | | | 336,000 |
Series VII 3.00%, 5/14/11(a) | | | | | 160 | | | 152,000 |
Republic of South Africa 7.375%, 4/25/12(a) | | | | | 142 | | | 149,810 |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Governments–Sovereign Bonds (cost $6,572,029) | | | | | | | | 7,049,587 |
| | | | | | | | |
GOVERNMENTS–SOVEREIGN AGENCIES–2.2% | | | | | |
Canada Housing Trust No 1 4.55%, 12/15/12 (a)(b) | | | CAD | | 2,400 | | | 2,412,945 |
Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank 1.375%, 4/25/13(a) | | | JPY | | 229,000 | | | 2,141,741 |
5.125%, 2/01/17(a) | | US$ | | | 70 | | | 73,194 |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Governments–Sovereign Agencies (cost $4,549,479) | | | | | | | | 4,627,880 |
| | | | | | | | |
CMOS–1.2% | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY ARMS–0.8% | | | | | | | | |
Bear Stearns Alt-A Trust Series 2006-3, Class 22A1 | | | | | | | | |
6.176%, 5/25/36(a)(d) | | | | | 162 | | | 114,934 |
Series 2007-1, Class 21A1 5.72%, 1/25/47(a)(d) | | | | | 243 | | | 188,122 |
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc. Series 2005-2, Class 1A4 5.113%, 5/25/35(a)(d) | | | | | 452 | | | 428,884 |
Series 2006-AR1, Class 3A1 5.50%, 3/25/36(a)(e) | | | | | 519 | | | 465,440 |
Indymac Index Mortgage Loan Trust Series 2006-AR7, Class 4A1 6.214%, 5/25/36(a)(d) | | | | | 225 | | | 183,281 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
Residential Funding Mortgage Securities, Inc. Series 2005-SA3, Class 3A 5.24%, 8/25/35(a)(d) | | US$ | | | 292 | | $ | 280,808 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 1,661,469 |
| | | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FLOATING RATE–0.4% | | | | | |
Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust Series 2005-62, Class 2A1 4.528%, 12/25/35(a)(e) | | | | | 150 | | | 115,094 |
Series 2007-OA3, Class M1 2.793%, 4/25/47(e)(f) | | | | | 145 | | | 27,112 |
JPMorgan Alternative Loan Trust Series 2006-A3, Class 2A1 6.069%, 7/25/36(a)(d) | | | | | 452 | | | 342,084 |
Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass Through Series 2007-OA1, Class A1A 4.228%, 2/25/47(a)(e) | | | | | 356 | | | 269,531 |
Series 2007-OA3, Class B1 2.933%, 4/25/47(e)(f) | | | | | 449 | | | 90,511 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 844,332 |
| | | | | | | | |
AGENCY FLOATING RATE–0.0% | | | |
Fannie Mae Grantor Trust | | | | | | | | |
Series 2004-T5, Class AB4 2.574%, 5/28/35(a)(e) | | | | | 50 | | | 40,212 |
| | | | | | | | |
Total CMOs (cost $3,490,376) | | | | | | | | 2,546,013 |
| | | | | | | | |
QUASI–SOVEREIGNS–1.2% | | | | | |
QUASI–SOVEREIGN BONDS–1.2% | | | | | | | | |
Pemex Project Funding Master Trust 5.75%, 3/01/18(a)(b) | | | | | 90 | | | 87,975 |
Petronas Capital Ltd. 7.00%, 5/22/12(a)(b) | | | | | 426 | | | 460,387 |
RSHB Capital SA for OJSC Russian Agricultural Bank 6.299%, 5/15/17(a)(b) | | | | | 377 | | | 336,781 |
7.75%, 5/29/18(a)(b) | | | | | 1,610 | | | 1,577,800 |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Quasi–Sovereigns (cost $2,519,542) | | | | | | | | 2,462,943 |
| | | | | | | | |
INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES–1.0% |
Government of Canada 3.00%, 12/01/36(a) | | | CAD | | 67 | | | 89,178 |
U.S. Treasury Notes 2.375%, 4/15/11 (TIPS) | | US$ | | | 1,894 | | | 2,006,536 |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Inflation-Linked Securities (cost $1,936,990) | | | | | | | | 2,095,714 |
| | | | | | | | |
11
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES–1.0% | | | |
HOME EQUITY LOANS–FLOATING RATE–0.6% | | | | | | | | |
Asset Backed Funding Certificates | | | | | | | | |
Series 2003-WF1, Class A2 3.518%, 12/25/32(a)(e) | | US$ | | | 136 | | $ | 121,481 |
Credit-Based Asset Servicing & Securities, Inc. Series 2005-CB7, Class AF2 5.147%, 11/25/35(a)(c) | | | | | 75 | | | 70,035 |
GE-WMC Mortgage Securities LLC Series 2005-2, Class A2B 2.653%, 12/25/35(a)(e) | | | | | 147 | | | 142,343 |
HFC Home Equity Loan Asset Backed Certificates Series 2005-3, Class A1 2.742%, 1/20/35(a)(e) | | | | | 153 | | | 126,922 |
Home Equity Asset Trust Series 2007-2, Class M1 2.913%, 7/25/37(a)(e) | | | | | 475 | | | 57,760 |
Indymac Residential Asset Backed Trust Series 2006-D, Class 2A2 2.593%, 11/25/36(a)(e) | | | | | 490 | | | 448,886 |
Option One Mortgage Loan Trust Series 2007-2, Class M1 2.843%, 3/25/37(a)(e) | | | | | 160 | | | 18,368 |
RAAC Series Series 2006-SP3, Class A1 2.563%, 8/25/36(a)(e) | | | | | 65 | | | 62,030 |
Residential Asset Mortgage Products, Inc. Series 2005-RS3, Class AIA2 2.653%, 3/25/35(a)(e) | | | | | 50 | | | 44,244 |
Series 2005-RZ1, Class A2 2.683%, 4/25/35(a)(e) | | | | | 108 | | | 95,702 |
Specialty Underwriting & Residential Finance Series 2006-BC1, Class A2A 2.563%, 12/25/36(a)(e) | | | | | 1 | | | 669 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 1,188,440 |
| | | | | | | | |
HOME EQUITY LOANS–FIXED RATE–0.4% | | | | | | | | |
Citifinancial Mortgage Securities, Inc. Series 2003-1, Class AFPT 3.36%, 1/25/33(a) | | | | | 116 | | | 77,040 |
Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates Series 2007-S1, Class A3 5.81%, 11/25/36(a) | | | | | 468 | | | 357,583 |
Credit-Based Asset Servicing & Securities, Inc. Series 2003-CB1, Class AF 3.95%, 1/25/33(a)(c) | | | | | 252 | | | 216,611 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
Home Equity Mortgage Trust Series 2005-4, Class A3 4.742%, 1/25/36(a) | | US$ | | | 63 | | $ | 59,726 |
Residential Funding Mortgage Securities II, Inc. Series 2005-HI2, Class A3 4.46%, 5/25/35(a) | | | | | 48 | | | 47,548 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 758,508 |
| | | | | | | | |
OTHER ABS–FIXED RATE–0.0% | | | | | |
DB Master Finance, LLC Series 2006-1, Class A2 5.779%, 6/20/31(a)(b) | | | | | 100 | | | 86,000 |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Asset-Backed Securities (cost $2,900,422) | | | | | | | | 2,032,948 |
| | | | | | | | |
EMERGING MARKETS–SOVEREIGNS–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
NON CORPORATE SECTORS–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
SOVEREIGN–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
Dominican Republic 8.625%, 4/20/27(a)(b) | | | | | 100 | | | 102,440 |
Republic of Panama 9.375%, 4/01/29(a) | | | | | 127 | | | 165,926 |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Emerging Markets– Sovereigns (cost $263,751) | | | | | | | | 268,366 |
| | | | | | | | |
EMERGING MARKETS–CORPORATE BONDS–0.1% | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL– OTHER–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. 8.75%, 2/02/11(a) | | | | | 140 | | | 140,875 |
| | | | | | | | |
UTILITY–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
OTHER UTILITY–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Mmg Fiduc (aes El Salv) 6.75%, 2/01/16(a)(b) | | | | | 100 | | | 92,693 |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Emerging Markets– Corporate Bonds (cost $234,171) | | | | | | | | 233,568 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | Shares | | |
NON-CONVERTIBLE–PREFERRED STOCKS–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
REITS–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
Sovereign REIT 12.00%(a)(b) | | | | | 93 | | | 90,210 |
| | | | | | | | |
NON CORPORATE SECTORS–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
AGENCIES–GOVERNMENT SPONSORED–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association 8.25%(a) | | | | | 2,950 | | | 67,702 |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Non-Convertible– Preferred Stocks (cost $161,409) | | | | | | | | 157,912 |
| | | | | | | | |
12
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
SUPRANATIONALS–0.0% | | | | | |
European Investment Bank 4.875%, 2/15/36(a) (cost $109,785) | | US$ | | | 110 | | $ | 108,222 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | Shares | | |
PREFERRED STOCKS–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
NON CORPORATE SECTORS–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
AGENCIES–GOVERNMENT SPONSORED–0.0% | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Series Z 8.375%(a)(d) (cost $60,000) | | | | | 2,400 | | | 58,320 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–4.3% | | | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–4.3% | | | | | | | | | |
Bank of New York 1.00%, 7/01/08 (cost $9,110,000) | | US$ | | | 9,110 | | $ | 9,110,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–101.8% (cost $217,475,268) | | | | | | | | 214,058,976 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(1.8)% | | | | | | | | (3,829,159 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | | $ | 210,229,817 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
INTEREST RATE SWAP TRANSACTIONS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Rate Type | | | | |
Swap Counterparty | | Notional Amount (000) | | Termination Date | | Payments made by the Portfolio | | | Payments received by the Portfolio | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Lehman Brothers | | $ | 14,615 | | 6/03/10 | | BMA | * | | 3.4440 | % | | $ | (9,326 | ) |
Lehman Brothers | | | 1,500 | | 12/04/11 | | BMA | * | | 4.8504 | % | | | 42,981 | |
Lehman Brothers | | | 1,000 | | 3/02/16 | | BMA | * | | 5.0625 | % | | | 49,035 | |
Lehman Brothers | | | 6,025 | | 11/28/17 | | BMA | * | | 4.7225 | % | | | 43,903 | |
FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Type | | Number of Contracts | | Expiration Month | | Original Value | | Value at June 30, 2008 | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Sold Contracts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
EURO-BOND FUTURE | | 16 | | September 2008 | | $ | 2,819,208 | | $ | 2,785,401 | | $ | 33,807 | |
JPN 10Y BOND (TSE) | | 4 | | September 2008 | | | 5,058,489 | | | 5,102,415 | | | (43,926 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (10,119 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
13
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND 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, 2008 | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Buy Contracts: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Canadian Dollar settling 8/13/08 | | 56 | | $ | 55,073 | | $ | 54,839 | | $ | (234 | ) |
Canadian Dollar settling 8/13/08 | | 4,089 | | | 3,998,188 | | | 4,008,701 | | | 10,513 | |
Euro settling 7/29/08 | | 576 | | | 892,831 | | | 906,016 | | | 13,185 | |
Euro settling 7/29/08 | | 1,681 | | | 2,624,724 | | | 2,642,231 | | | 17,507 | |
Great British Pound settling 8/11/08 | | 395 | | | 775,793 | | | 783,925 | | | 8,132 | |
Japanese Yen settling 7/17/08 | | 58,912 | | | 546,977 | | | 555,350 | | | 8,373 | |
New Zealand Dollar settling 7/08/08 | | 253 | | | 191,081 | | | 192,563 | | | 1,482 | |
Norwegian Krone settling 8/12/08 | | 28,839 | | | 5,496,363 | | | 5,640,019 | | | 143,656 | |
Singapore Dollar settling 8/01/08 | | 205 | | | 150,212 | | | 150,698 | | | 486 | |
Swedish Krona settling 9/08/08 | | 5,302 | | | 871,751 | | | 877,291 | | | 5,540 | |
Swedish Krona settling 9/08/08 | | 31,951 | | | 5,264,572 | | | 5,286,923 | | | 22,351 | |
Swiss Franc settling 7/10/08 | | 2,713 | | | 2,652,039 | | | 2,656,276 | | | 4,237 | |
Sale Contracts: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Canadian Dollar settling 8/13/08 | | 323 | | | 320,988 | | | 317,071 | | | 3,917 | |
Euro settling 7/29/08 | | 2,031 | | | 3,184,224 | | | 3,192,583 | | | (8,359 | ) |
Great British Pound settling 8/11/08 | | 3,051 | | | 5,961,952 | | | 6,056,041 | | | (94,089 | ) |
Japanese Yen settling 7/17/08 | | 2,093 | | | 19,754 | | | 19,731 | | | 23 | |
Japanese Yen settling 7/17/08 | | 1,083,936 | | | 10,417,449 | | | 10,217,927 | | | 199,522 | |
New Zealand Dollar settling 7/08/08 | | 396 | | | 302,032 | | | 301,699 | | | 333 | |
Norwegian Krone settling 8/12/08 | | 81 | | | 15,647 | | | 15,873 | | | (226 | ) |
Singapore Dollar settling 8/01/08 | | 205 | | | 150,068 | | | 150,698 | | | (630 | ) |
Swiss Franc settling 7/10/08 | | 4,261 | | | 4,083,102 | | | 4,171,938 | | | (88,836 | ) |
Swiss Franc settling 7/10/08 | | 690 | | | 658,266 | | | 675,395 | | | (17,129 | ) |
(a) | Position, or a portion thereof, has been segregated to collateralize forward currency exchange contracts. The aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $202,753,651. |
(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, 2008, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $16,169,350 or 7.7% of net assets. |
(c) | Coupon rate adjusts periodically based upon a predetermined schedule. Stated interest rate in effect at June 30, 2008. |
(d) | Variable rate coupon, rate shown as of June 30, 2008. |
(e) | Floating Rate Security. Stated interest rate was in effect at June 30, 2008. |
(f) | Illiquid security, valued at fair value. (see Note A) |
(g) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security, which represents 0.00% of net assets as of June 30, 2008, is considered illiquid and restricted (see Note A). |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
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 | | 0.00 | % |
14
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
(h) | Security is in default and is non-income producing. |
(i) | 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. |
* | Variable interest rate based on the Securities Industry & Financial Markets Association, formerly the Bond Market Association (BMA). |
The fund currently owns investments collateralized by subprime mortgage loans. Subprime loans are offered to homeowners who do not have a history of debt or who have had problems meeting their debt obligations. Because repayment is less certain, subprime borrowers pay a higher rate of interest than prime borrowers. As of June 30, 2008, the fund’s total exposure to subprime investments was 1.98%. These investments are valued in accordance with the fund’s Valuation Policies (see Note A.1 for additional details).
Currency Abbreviations:
CAD—Canadian Dollar
COP—Colombian Peso
EUR—Euro Dollar
GBP—Great British Pound
JPY—Japanese Yen
Glossary:
BMA—Bond Market Association
TIPS—Treasury Inflation Protected Security
See notes to financial statements.
15
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments in Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | (10,120 | ) |
Level 2 | | | 196,051,932 | | | | 364,860 | |
Level 3 | | | 18,007,044 | | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 214,058,976 | | | $ | 354,740 | |
| | | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments in Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/07 | | $ | 8,616,044 | | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts/premiums | | | (1,349 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain | | | 403,115 | | | | –0 | –* |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | (1,964,401 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | (3,649,769 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | 1,792,048 | | | | –0 | – |
Securities from Fund Acquisitions | | | 12,811,356 | | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/08 | | $ | 18,007,044 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 6/30/08 | | $ | (1,964,401 | ) | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 6/30/08 for other financial instruments was $0. |
16
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $217,475,268) | | $ | 214,058,976 | |
Cash | | | 845,182 | |
Foreign cash, at value (cost $554,100) | | | 648,505 | (a) |
Unrealized appreciation of forward currency exchange contracts | | | 439,257 | |
Unrealized appreciation of interest rate swap contracts | | | 181,234 | (b) |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 5,415,160 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 2,110,880 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 25,258 | |
Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts | | | 11,866 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 223,736,318 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Unrealized depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts | | | 209,503 | |
Unrealized depreciation of interest rate swap contracts | | | 9,326 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 11,861,974 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 791,450 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 78,690 | |
Premium received on swap contracts | | | 45,315 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 25,098 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 10,664 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 84 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 474,397 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 13,506,501 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 210,229,817 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 18,949 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 209,249,192 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 2,840,486 | |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 1,148,111 | |
Net unrealized depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (3,026,921 | ) |
| | | | |
| | $ | 210,229,817 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 158,693,644 | | 14,275,597 | | $ | 11.12 |
B | | $ | 51,536,173 | | 4,672,927 | | $ | 11.03 |
(a) | An amount equivalent to U.S. $96,693 has been segregated to collateralized margin requirements for the open futures contracts outstanding at June 30, 2008. |
(b) | Includes swap premium of $45,315. |
See notes to financial statements.
17
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Interest (net of foreign withholding taxes of $189) | | $ | 3,342,166 | |
Dividends | | | 4,108 | |
| | | | |
Total investment income | | | 3,346,274 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 296,011 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 39,812 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 897 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 286 | |
Custodian | | | 58,015 | |
Administrative | | | 46,100 | |
Audit | | | 24,000 | |
Printing | | | 7,464 | |
Legal | | | 2,045 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 887 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 1,567 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 477,084 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 2,869,190 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 48,586 | |
Futures | | | 118,703 | |
Swap contracts | | | 29,550 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | 1,345,120 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (5,918,644 | ) |
Futures | | | (10,119 | ) |
Swap contracts | | | 6,924 | |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 227,582 | |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (4,152,298 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (1,283,108 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
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INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 2,869,190 | | | $ | 4,112,881 | |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 1,541,959 | | | | 461,322 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (5,694,257 | ) | | | (346,453 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (1,283,108 | ) | | | 4,227,750 | |
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (3,089,962 | ) | | | (3,234,289 | ) |
Class B | | | (996,992 | ) | | | (911,329 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 129,005,445 | | | | (7,482,382 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | 123,635,383 | | | | (7,400,250 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 86,594,434 | | | | 93,994,684 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $2,840,486 and $4,058,250, respectively) | | $ | 210,229,817 | | | $ | 86,594,434 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
19
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INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AllianceBernstein Intermediate Bond Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), formerly AllianceBernstein U.S. Government/High Grade Securities Portfolio, is a series of AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to generate income and price appreciation without assuming what the Adviser considers undue risk. 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 eighteen 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.
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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. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $46,100 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, 2008.
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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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INTERMEDIATE BOND 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, 2008, were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | Sales |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 39,394,923 | | $ | 55,814,043 |
U.S. government securities | | | 55,916,718 | | | 32,738,316 |
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, swap contracts and foreign currency transactions) are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 3,404,188 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (6,820,480 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized depreciation | | $ | (3,416,292 | ) |
| | | | |
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. The Portfolio may also purchase or sell futures contracts for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
At the time the 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 or to hedge certain firm purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as
22
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
described below under “Currency Transactions”. A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contract and the closing of such contract would be included in net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions.
Fluctuations in the value of open forward currency exchange contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as 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.
3. Option Transactions
For hedging purposes, the Portfolio may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities, including government securities, and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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, 2008, the Portfolio had no transactions in written options.
4. Swap Agreements
The Portfolio may enter into swaps to hedge its exposure to interest rates, credit risk, or currencies. The Portfolio may also enter into swaps for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”. 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
23
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INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments.
5. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
6. 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, 2008, 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 257,163 | | | 781,021 | | | | | $ | 3,003,773 | | | $ | 9,157,740 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | 275,397 | | | 284,709 | | | | | | 3,089,962 | | | | 3,234,289 | |
Shares issued in connection with the acquisition of Global Dollar Government, High Yield, Americas Government Income and Global Bond Portfolios | | 9,547,574 | | | –0 | – | | | | | 106,562,852 | | | | –0 | – |
Shares redeemed | | (1,435,167 | ) | | (1,519,605 | ) | | | | | (16,257,920 | ) | | | (17,792,556 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | 8,644,967 | | | (453,875 | ) | | | | $ | 96,398,667 | | | $ | (5,400,527 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 304,859 | | | 338,391 | | | | | $ | 3,555,154 | | | $ | 3,902,927 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | 89,496 | | | 80,863 | | | | | | 996,992 | | | | 911,329 | |
Shares issued in connection with the acquisition of Global Dollar Government, High Yield, Americas Government Income and Global Bond Portfolios | | 3,110,268 | | | –0 | – | | | | | 34,459,827 | | | | –0 | – |
Shares redeemed | | (570,023 | ) | | (594,789 | ) | | | | | (6,405,195 | ) | | | (6,896,111 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | 2,934,600 | | | (175,535 | ) | | | | $ | 32,606,778 | | | $ | (2,081,855 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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
24
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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.
Currency Risk—This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce the returns of the Portfolio. For example, the value of the Portfolio’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U.S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.
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, 2008.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 4,145,618 | | | $ | 3,988,426 | |
Net long-term capital gains | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | | 4,145,618 | | | | 3,988,426 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 4,145,618 | | | $ | 3,988,426 | |
| | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 4,067,871 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (357,884 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | (273,904 | )(b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 3,436,083 | |
| | | | |
(a) | On December 31, 2007, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $357,884, all of which expires in the year 2014. To the extent future capital gains are offset by capital loss carryforwards, such gains will not be distributed. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Portfolio utilized $546,303 of capital loss carryforwards. |
(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
Acquisition of AllianceBernstein Global Dollar Government Portfolio, AllianceBernstein High Yield Portfolio, AllianceBernstein Americas Government Income Portfolio, AllianceBernstein Global Bond Portfolio by AllianceBernstein Intermediate Bond Portfolio (the “Portfolio”)
On April 25, 2008, the Portfolio acquired all of the assets and assumed all of the liabilities of AllianceBernstein Global Dollar Government Portfolio (“Global Dollar Government”), AllianceBernstein High Yield Portfolio (“High Yield”),
25
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INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
AllianceBernstein Americas Government Income Portfolio (“Americas Government Income”) and AllianceBernstein Global Bond Portfolio (“Global Bond”) in a tax free event, pursuant to a Plan of Acquisition and Liquidation.
As a result of the acquisition, stockholders of Global Dollar Government, High Yield, Americas Government Income and Global Bond received shares of the Portfolio equivalent to the aggregate net asset value of the shares they held in their respective Portfolios. Stockholders participating in Global Dollar Government, High Yield, Americas Government Income and Global Bond’s dividend reinvestment plan received full and fractional shares of the Portfolio. Other stockholders received cash in lieu of fractional shares. On April 25, 2008, the acquisition was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of 12,657,842 shares of the Portfolio for 1,938,390 shares of Global Dollar Government, 5,108,831 shares of High Yield, 3,392,239 shares of Americas Government Income and 3,898,401 shares of Global Bond. The aggregate net assets of the Portfolio, Global Dollar Government, High Yield, Americas Government Income and Global Bond immediately before the acquisition were $85,627,226, $23,506,474, $31,533,721, $40,523,058, and $45,459,426 (including $2,895,655 of net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities), respectively. Immediately after the acquisition, the combined net assets of the Portfolio amounted to $226,649,905.
NOTE J: Legal Proceedings
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 (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of 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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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 Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG 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 containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
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
26
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| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
27
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INTERMEDIATE 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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $11.78 | | | $11.78 | | | $11.82 | | | $12.28 | | | $12.56 | | | $12.54 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .23 | | | .54 | | | .50 | | | .41 | | | .32 | (b) | | .26 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (.32 | ) | | .01 | | | (.06 | ) | | (.17 | ) | | .12 | | | .23 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (.09 | ) | | .55 | | | .44 | | | .24 | | | .44 | | | .49 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.57 | ) | | (.55 | ) | | (.48 | ) | | (.36 | ) | | (.36 | ) | | (.37 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | (.34 | ) | | (.36 | ) | | (.10 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.57 | ) | | (.55 | ) | | (.48 | ) | | (.70 | ) | | (.72 | ) | | (.47 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $11.12 | | | $11.78 | | | $11.78 | | | $11.82 | | | $12.28 | | | $12.56 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (.85 | )%* | | 4.85 | % | | 3.93 | % | | 1.98 | % | | 3.77 | % | | 3.88 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $158,694 | | | $66,305 | | | $71,655 | | | $83,329 | | | $102,543 | | | $129,194 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .66 | %(d) | | .78 | % | | .77 | %(e) | | .71 | % | | .68 | % | | .77 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .66 | %(d) | | .78 | % | | .77 | %(e) | | .71 | % | | .78 | % | | .77 | % |
Net investment income | | 4.42 | %(d) | | 4.58 | % | | 4.25 | %(e) | | 3.37 | % | | 2.46 | %(b) | | 2.10 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 69 | % | | 90 | % | | 327 | % | | 529 | % | | 662 | % | | 748 | % |
See footnote summary on page 29.
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $11.67 | | | $11.67 | | | $11.72 | | | $12.18 | | | $12.47 | | | $12.47 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | .22 | | | .50 | | | .46 | | | .38 | | | .28 | (b) | | .24 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | (.32 | ) | | .02 | | | (.06 | ) | | (.17 | ) | | .13 | | | .21 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | (.10 | ) | | .52 | | | .40 | | | .21 | | | .41 | | | .45 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.54 | ) | | (.52 | ) | | (.45 | ) | | (.33 | ) | | (.34 | ) | | (.35 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | –0 | – | | (.34 | ) | | (.36 | ) | | (.10 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | (.54 | ) | | (.52 | ) | | (.45 | ) | | (.67 | ) | | (.70 | ) | | (.45 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $11.03 | | | $11.67 | | | $11.67 | | | $11.72 | | | $12.18 | | | $12.47 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | (.93 | )%* | | 4.60 | % | | 3.59 | % | | 1.75 | % | | 3.52 | % | | 3.61 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $51,536 | | | $20,289 | | | $22,340 | | | $24,716 | | | $25,744 | | | $21,982 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .91 | %(d) | | 1.03 | % | | 1.02 | %(e) | | .96 | % | | .93 | % | | 1.03 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .91 | %(d) | | 1.03 | % | | 1.02 | %(e) | | .96 | % | | 1.03 | % | | 1.03 | % |
Net investment income | | 4.17 | %(d) | | 4.32 | % | | 4.01 | %(e) | | 3.14 | % | | 2.19 | %(b) | | 1.89 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | 69 | % | | 90 | % | | 327 | % | | 529 | % | | 662 | % | | 748 | % |
(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. |
* | Including the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the performance of each share class for the six months ended June 30, 2008 by .09%. |
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INTERMEDIATE 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 Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), with respect to 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 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 09/30/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Low Risk Income | | 45 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 40 bp on next $2.5 billion 35 bp on the balance | | $90.0 | | U.S. Government / High Grade Securities 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 (0.090% 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 |
U.S. Government / High Grade Securities Portfolio | | Class A 0.77% Class B 1.02% | | December 31 |
1 | It should be noted that the Senior Officer’s fee evaluation was completed on October 18, 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 client 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 substantially similar investment styles as the Portfolio.4 However, with respect to the Portfolio, the Adviser represented that there is no institutional product in the Adviser’s Form ADV that has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
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 contractual management fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”) at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio.5
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.6 An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds. However, because the Portfolio’s original EG had an insufficient number of peers in the view of the Senior Officer and the Adviser, at the request of the Senior Officer and the
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 | 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. |
6 | 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. |
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INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Adviser, Lipper expanded the Portfolio’s EG to include peers that had a similar but not the same Lipper investment classification/objective.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee7 | | Lipper Expense Group Median | | Rank |
U.S. Government / High Grade Securities Portfolio | | 0.450 | | 0.500 | | 3/13 |
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.8 A “normal” EU will include funds that have the same investment objective/classification as the subject fund.9 Set forth below is a comparison of the Portfolio’s total expense ratio and the medians of the Portfolio’s EG and EU. The Portfolio’s total expense ratio ranking is also shown:
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)10 | | Lipper Group Median (%) | | Lipper Group Rank | | Lipper Universe Median (%) | | Lipper Universe Rank |
U.S. Government / High Grade Securities Portfolio | | 0.774 | | 0.635 | | 12/13 | | 0.612 | | 34/35 |
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 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 $58,568 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 $271,155 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 | The expansion of the Portfolio’s EU was not requested by the Adviser or the Senior Officer. They requested only that the EGs be expanded. |
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 | Most recently completed fiscal year Class A share total expense ratio. |
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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 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, 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”).11 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
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through fee structures,13 subsidies and enhancement to services. 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 services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli 14 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics. The preliminary results of the updated study, based on more recent data and using Lipper classifications, were found to be consistent with the results of the original study. The independent consultant observed patterns of lower advisory fees for funds with larger asset sizes and funds from larger family sizes compared to funds with smaller asset sizes and funds from smaller family sizes, which according to the independent consultant is indicative of a sharing of economies of scale and scope. However, in less liquid and active markets, such is not the case, as the empirical analysis showed potential for diseconomies of scale in those markets. The empirical analysis also showed diminishing economies of scale and scope as funds surpassed a certain high level of assets.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $813 billion as of September 30, 2007, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
11 | It should be noted that the insurance companies, linked to the variable products, provide additional shareholder services for the Portfolios, including record keeping, administration and customer service for contract holders. |
12 | The Portfolio (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Portfolio) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
13 | Fee structures include fee reductions, pricing at scale and breakpoints in advisory fee schedules. |
14 | The Deli study was originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data. |
33
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INTERMEDIATE 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 Portfolio15 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”)16 and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”) for the periods ended July 31, 2007.17
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio Return | | PG Median (%) | | PU Median (%) | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
1 year | | 5.13 | | 4.89 | | 5.13 | | 2/7 | | 10/19 |
3 year | | 3.51 | | 3.65 | | 3.85 | | 5/7 | | 15/19 |
5 year | | 4.05 | | 4.19 | | 4.42 | | 6/7 | | 16/19 |
10 year | | 5.00 | | 5.14 | | 5.18 | | 6/7 | | 16/19 |
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 for the Portfolio is also shown.20
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending July 31, 2007 Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
U.S. Government / High Grade Securities Portfolio | | 5.13 | | 3.51 | | 4.05 | | 5.00 | | 5.38 | | 3.45 | | 0.36 | | 10 |
Lehman Brothers Government Bond Index | | 5.80 | | 3.79 | | 3.93 | | 5.71 | | 6.05 | | 4.16 | | 0.47 | | 10 |
Inception Date: September 17, 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: November 26, 2007
15 | 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. |
16 | The Portfolio’s PG/PU are not identical to the Portfolio’s EG/EU, as the criteria for including/excluding a fund in/from a PG/PU are somewhat different from that of an EG/EU. |
17 | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the Portfolio even if the Portfolio may have had a different investment classification/objective at different points 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 the periods through July 31, 2007. It should be noted that the “since inception” performance return of the benchmark is from the nearest month-end after the Portfolio’s inception date. In contrast to the benchmark, the Portfolio’s since inception return is from the Portfolio’s actual inception date. |
20 | Portfolio 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. |
34
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, 2008 | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2008 | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,011.73 | | $ | 4.90 | | 0.98 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,019.99 | | $ | 4.92 | | 0.98 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,010.47 | | $ | 6.15 | | 1.23 | % |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | $ | 1,018.75 | | $ | 6.17 | | 1.23 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
1
| | |
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Yield* | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–101.2% | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL PAPER–76.6% | | | |
AIG Funding Inc. 9/12/08 | | 2.70% | | $ | 400 | | $ | 397,826 |
AIG Inc. 7/24/08 | | 2.48%–2.72% | | | 980 | | | 978,373 |
American Express Credit 9/23/08 | | 2.68% | | | 800 | | | 795,035 |
Bank of America 9/18/08 | | 2.71% | | | 1,300 | | | 1,292,326 |
Bank of Montreal 8/22/08 | | 2.55% | | | 800 | | | 797,065 |
Bank of Nova Scotia 8/18/08 | | 2.58% | | | 800 | | | 797,259 |
Banque Et Caisse Espargne 9/15/08 | | 2.67% | | | 1,400 | | | 1,392,168 |
Barclays 8/22/08 | | 2.70% | | | 700 | | | 697,282 |
Barclays US Funding LLC 7/02/08 | | 2.26% | | | 400 | | | 399,975 |
Caisse Nationale Des Caisses D’Epargne 8/20/08 | | 2.59% | | | 800 | | | 797,144 |
Calyon North America 7/02/08 | | 2.49% | | | 800 | | | 799,945 |
CBA Finance 7/11/08 | | 2.64% | | | 400 | | | 399,709 |
9/10/08 | | 2.72% | | | 400 | | | 397,870 |
Citigroup Funding Inc. 8/11/08 | | 2.53%–2.97% | | | 1,400 | | | 1,395,747 |
Danske Corp. 7/14/08(a) | | 2.59% | | | 800 | | | 799,255 |
Deutsche 7/01/08 | | 2.15% | | | 300 | | | 300,000 |
Dexia Delaware 7/08/08 | | 2.70% | | | 850 | | | 849,557 |
Eksportfinans Als 7/15/08(a) | | 2.49% | | | 1,350 | | | 1,348,698 |
Fortis 8/25/08 | | 2.70% | | | 700 | | | 697,123 |
General Electric Capital Svcs 9/09/08 | | 2.44% | | | 1,400 | | | 1,393,412 |
HSBC USA Inc. 8/11/08 | | 2.54% | | | 800 | | | 797,700 |
Ing 9/24/08 | | 2.71% | | | 800 | | | 794,909 |
JP Morgan Chase & Co. 9/25/08 | | 2.57% | | | 750 | | | 745,431 |
7/21/08 | | 2.62% | | | 600 | | | 599,133 |
Lloyds Bank PLC 7/18/08 | | 2.45% | | | 1,300 | | | 1,298,502 |
Morgan Stanley 7/14/08 | | 3.12% | | | 400 | | | 399,555 |
8/07/08 | | 3.12% | | | 400 | | | 398,738 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Yield* | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Nordea 9/11/08 | | 2.60% | | $ | 800 | | $ | 795,872 |
Pfizer Inc. 8/08/08(a) | | 2.67% | | | 750 | | | 747,918 |
7/07/08(a) | | 2.68% | | | 750 | | | 749,669 |
Private Export Fund Corp. 7/01/08(a) | | 2.21% | | | 1,400 | | | 1,400,000 |
Prudential PLC 8/08/08(a) | | 2.60% | | | 800 | | | 797,821 |
Rabobank USA Fin Corp. 7/09/08 | | 2.31% | | | 1,000 | | | 999,487 |
Royal Bank of Canada 9/17/08 | | 2.67% | | | 800 | | | 795,407 |
San Paolo IMI US Finl Co. 7/08/08 | | 2.53% | | | 650 | | | 649,682 |
Santander Central Hispanano AM 9/16/08 | | 2.77% | | | 1,400 | | | 1,391,765 |
Societe Generale 8/04/08 | | 2.66% | | | 450 | | | 448,874 |
Svenska Handelsbank Inc. 7/11/08 | | 2.75% | | | 750 | | | 749,427 |
Toyota Motor Credit 8/29/08 | | 2.41% | | | 1,400 | | | 1,394,493 |
UBS Finance Delaware LLC 7/07/08 | | 2.34% | | | 850 | | | 849,669 |
Wells Fargo & Company 7/23/08 | | 2.15%–2.31% | | | 1,350 | | | 1,348,167 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 34,877,988 |
| | | | | | | | |
CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT–18.2% | | | |
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya 8/15/08 | | 2.60% | | | 800 | | | 800,010 |
Depfa Bank PLC 7/28/08 | | 3.12% | | | 400 | | | 400,000 |
PNC Bank Series CD 7/25/08 | | 3.19% | | | 750 | | | 750,000 |
Royal Bank of Scotland NY 7/21/08 | | 2.85% | | | 1,400 | | | 1,400,000 |
Societe Generale 8/04/08 | | 3.02% | | | 400 | | | 400,000 |
Suntrust Bank of Atlanta 7/02/08 | | 2.60% | | | 1,000 | | | 1,000,000 |
Toronto Dominion Bank 7/22/08 | | 2.35% | | | 800 | | | 800,000 |
US Bank 9/22/08 | | 2.60% | | | 1,350 | | | 1,350,000 |
Wachovia Bank NA 9/08/08 | | 2.37% | | | 1,400 | | | 1,400,000 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 8,300,010 |
| | | | | | | | |
2
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | Yield* | | Principal Amount (000) | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | |
U.S. GOVERNMENT & GOVERNMENT SPONSORED AGENCY OBLIGATIONS–6.4% | | | | | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Bank Discount Notes 7/25/08 | | 2.80% | | $ | 1,500 | | $ | 1,497,240 | |
Freddie Mac Discount Notes 8/28/08 | | 2.06% | | | 1,400 | | | 1,395,376 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 2,892,616 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–101.2% (cost $46,070,614) | | | | | | | | 46,070,614 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(1.2)% | | | | | | | | (551,259 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | | $ | 45,519,355 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
(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, 2008, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $5,843,361 or 12.8% of net assets. |
* | Represents annualized yield from date of purchase for discount securities, and stated interest rate for interest-bearing securities. |
See notes to financial statements.
3
| | |
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 157 |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2008:
| | | | | | | | |
Level | | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments* | |
Level 1 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Level 2 | | | 39,170,604 | | | | –0 | – |
Level 3 | | | 6,900,010 | | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 46,070,614 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, such as futures, forwards and swap contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments In Securities | | | Other Financial Instruments | |
Balance as of 12/31/07 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Accrued discounts /premiums | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | –* |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Net purchases (sales) | | | 6,900,010 | | | | –0 | – |
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/08 | | $ | 6,900,010 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments still held as of 6/30/08 | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
* | The realized gain (loss) recognized during the period ended 6/30/08 for other financial instruments was $0. |
4
| | |
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETSAND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $46,070,614) | | $ | 46,070,614 | |
Cash | | | 84,334 | |
Interest receivable | | | 40,734 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 767 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 46,196,449 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 518,836 | |
Dividends payable | | | 51,847 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 25,250 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 17,585 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 4,921 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 89 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 58,566 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 677,094 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 45,519,355 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 45,536 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 45,474,252 | |
Distributions in excess of net investment income | | | (26 | ) |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment transactions | | | (407 | ) |
| | | | |
| | $ | 45,519,355 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—2 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | Shares Outstanding | | Net Asset Value |
A | | $ | 22,898,572 | | 22,905,236 | | $ | 1.00 |
B | | $ | 22,620,783 | | 22,630,671 | | $ | 1.00 |
See notes to financial statements.
5
| | |
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | |
Interest | | $ | 805,221 |
| | | |
EXPENSES | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 108,670 |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 30,439 |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 620 |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 631 |
Administrative | | | 46,100 |
Custodian | | | 42,088 |
Audit | | | 24,000 |
Printing | | | 5,425 |
Legal | | | 5,043 |
Directors’ fees | | | 822 |
Miscellaneous | | | 2,083 |
| | | |
Total expenses | | | 265,921 |
| | | |
Net investment income | | | 539,300 |
| | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 539,300 |
| | | |
See notes to financial statements.
6
| | |
| | |
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 539,300 | | | $ | 2,128,169 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | –0 | – | | | 44 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 539,300 | | | | 2,128,213 | |
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (281,426 | ) | | | (1,143,530 | ) |
Class B | | | (257,874 | ) | | | (984,665 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (1,936,917 | ) | | | (4,168,132 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (1,936,917 | ) | | | (4,168,114 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 47,456,272 | | | | 51,624,386 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including distributions in excess of net investment income of ($26) and ($26), respectively) | | $ | 45,519,355 | | | $ | 47,456,272 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2008 (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 eighteen 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 traded primarily in the over-the-counter market and are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Under such 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. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Portfolio paid $46,100 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, 2008.
8
| | |
| | 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 $439 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
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, 2008, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes.
1. 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.
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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 5,185,296 | | | 31,932,856 | | | | | $ | 5,185,296 | | | $ | 31,932,856 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | 281,426 | | | 1,143,530 | | | | | | 281,426 | | | | 1,143,530 | |
Shares redeemed | | (6,178,543 | ) | | (36,553,183 | ) | | | | | (6,178,543 | ) | | | (36,553,183 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (711,821 | ) | | (3,476,797 | ) | | | | $ | (711,821 | ) | | $ | (3,476,797 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | 14,540,257 | | | 36,898,757 | | | | | $ | 14,540,257 | | | $ | 36,898,757 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | 257,874 | | | 984,665 | | | | | | 257,874 | | | | 984,665 | |
Shares redeemed | | (16,023,227 | ) | | (38,574,757 | ) | | | | | (16,023,227 | ) | | | (38,574,757 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | (1,225,096 | ) | | (691,335 | ) | | | | $ | (1,225,096 | ) | | $ | (691,335 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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
9
| | |
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
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.
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 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, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 2,128,195 | | $ | 2,359,258 |
| | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 2,128,195 | | $ | 2,359,258 |
| | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | $ | (407 | )(a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (407 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | On December 31, 2007, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $407, of which $198 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, 2007, the Portfolio utilized $44 of capital loss carryforward. |
NOTE H: Legal Proceedings
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 (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of 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.
Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. 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 Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG 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 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
10
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.
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 June 29, 2007, the Portfolio implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.
11
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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, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
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 | | .01 | | | .04 | | | .04 | | | .02 | | | .01 | (a) | | .01 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.01 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | (.02 | ) | | (.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) | | 1.17 | % | | 4.35 | % | | 4.22 | % | | 2.35 | % | | .71 | % | | .53 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $22,898 | | | $23,610 | | | $27,087 | | | $30,370 | | | $36,740 | | | $54,847 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | .98 | %(c) | | .99 | % | | .93 | %(d) | | .93 | % | | .69 | % | | .66 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | .98 | %(c) | | .99 | % | | .93 | %(d) | | .93 | % | | .73 | % | | .66 | % |
Net investment income | | 2.35 | %(c) | | 4.28 | % | | 4.13 | %(d) | | 2.30 | % | | .68 | %(a) | | .55 | % |
See footnote summary on page 13.
12
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
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 | | .01 | | | .04 | | | .04 | | | .02 | | | –0 | –(a)(e) | | –0 | –(e) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | (.01 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | (.04 | ) | | (.02 | ) | | –0 | –(e) | | –0 | –(e) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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) | | 1.05 | % | | 4.08 | % | | 3.96 | % | | 2.10 | % | | .46 | % | | .28 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | $22,621 | | | $23,846 | | | $24,537 | | | $25,778 | | | $28,287 | | | $47,946 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements | | 1.23 | %(c) | | 1.24 | % | | 1.19 | %(d) | | 1.19 | % | | .94 | % | | .91 | % |
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements | | 1.23 | %(c) | | 1.24 | % | | 1.19 | %(d) | | 1.19 | % | | .98 | % | | .91 | % |
Net investment income | | 2.12 | %(c) | | 4.00 | % | | 3.89 | %(d) | | 2.06 | % | | .41 | %(a) | | .29 | % |
(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 Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), with respect to 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 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 09/30/07 ($MIL) | | Portfolio |
Low Risk Income | | 45 bp on 1st $2.5 billion 40 bp on next $2.5 billion 35 bp on the balance | | $ | 49.2 | | 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 Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $86,750 (0.150% 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 |
Money Market Portfolio | | Class A 0.93% Class B 1.19% | | December 31 |
1 | It should be noted that the Senior Officer’s fee evaluation was completed on October 18, 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. |
14
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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 client 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 substantially similar investment styles as the Portfolio.4 However, with respect to the Portfolio, the Adviser represented that there is no institutional product in the Adviser’s Form ADV that has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.
The Adviser also manages AllianceBernstein Exchange Reserves, a retail mutual fund which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Exchange Reserves.5 Also shown is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of AllianceBernstein Exchange Reserves been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee:
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | ABMF Fund | | Fee Schedule | | ABMF Effective Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
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 | | 0.250 | % | | 0.450 | % |
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 not affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG since the fund had lower breakpoints than the NYAG related fee schedule. |
15
| | |
MONEY MARKET 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 the Luxembourg fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as that of the Portfolio:
| | | | |
Portfolio | | Luxembourg Fund | | Luxembourg Fee6 |
Money Market Portfolio | | Short Maturity Dollar Class A | | 1.05% on the 1st €100 million7 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 |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory investment services to certain other investment companies managed by other fund families. The Adviser charges the fee set forth below for the sub-advisory relationship that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Money Market Portfolio. Also shown is what would have been the effective advisory fee of Money Market Portfolio had the fee schedule of the sub-advisory relationship been applicable to the Portfolio based on September 30, 2007 net assets and the Portfolio’s advisory fees:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | | | Sub-advised Fund Fee Schedule | | Sub-advised Fund Effective Fee | | Portfolio Advisory Fee |
Money Market Portfolio | | Client # 18 | | 0.125% on first $100 million 0.10% on next $150 million 0.05% thereafter | | 0.125% | | 0.450% |
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.
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 contractual management fee relative to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”) 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. 10 An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
6 | Class A shares of the Luxembourg funds are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory and distribution related services. |
7 | The Euro-U.S. dollar currency exchange rate quoted at 4 p.m. on October 2, 2007 by Reuters was €1 per $1.4154. At that currency exchange rate, €100 million would be equivalent to approximately $141.5 million. €200 million would be equivalent to approximately $283.8 million. |
8 | 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. |
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 | 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. |
16
| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee11 | | Lipper Expense Group Median | | Rank |
Money Market Portfolio | | 0.450 | | 0.450 | | 5/11 |
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 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 |
Money Market Portfolio | | 0.935 | | 0.655 | | 11/11 | | 0.502 | | 50/51 |
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 $64,785 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 $46,496 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, 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 | 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 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. |
13 | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
17
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MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”).14 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.15
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through fee structures,16 subsidies and enhancement to services. 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 services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.
An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli 17 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics. The preliminary results of the updated study, based on more recent data and using Lipper classifications, were found to be consistent with the results of the original study. The independent consultant observed patterns of lower advisory fees for funds with larger asset sizes and funds from larger family sizes compared to funds with smaller asset sizes and funds from smaller family sizes, which according to the independent consultant is indicative of a sharing of economies of scale and scope. However, in less liquid and active markets, such is not the case, as the empirical analysis showed potential for diseconomies of scale in those markets. The empirical analysis also showed diminishing economies of scale and scope as funds surpassed a certain high level of assets.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $813 billion as of September 30, 2007, 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 net and gross performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio18 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) 19 and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”) for the periods ended July 31, 2007.20
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio Return (%) | | PG Median (%) | | PU Median (%) | | PG Rank | | PU Rank |
(Net) | | | | | | | | | | |
1 year | | 4.53 | | 4.82 | | 4.95 | | 11/11 | | 59/60 |
3 year | | 3.19 | | 3.44 | | 3.60 | | 11/11 | | 57/58 |
5 year | | 2.15 | | 2.32 | | 2.46 | | 11/11 | | 54/56 |
10 year | | 3.26 | | 3.39 | | 3.51 | | 7/9 | | 48/51 |
| | | | | |
(Gross) | | | | | | | | | | |
1 year | | 5.51 | | 5.51 | | 5.49 | | 5/11 | | 20/60 |
3 year | | 4.11 | | 4.12 | | 4.12 | | 7/11 | | 34/58 |
5 year | | 2.98 | | 2.99 | | 2.99 | | 7/11 | | 34/56 |
10 year | | 4.03 | | 4.03 | | 4.04 | | 4/9 | | 29/51 |
14 | It should be noted that the insurance companies, linked to the variable products, provide additional shareholder services for the Portfolios, including record keeping, administration and customer service for contract holders. |
15 | The Portfolio (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Portfolio) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2006. |
16 | Fee structures include fee reductions, pricing at scale and breakpoints in advisory fee schedules. |
17 | The Deli study was originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data. |
18 | 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. |
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/excluding a fund in/from a PU are 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 Portfolio even if the Portfolio may have had a different investment classification/objective at different points in time. |
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| | |
| | AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception net performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)21 versus its benchmark.22 Portfolio volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.23
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending July 31, 2007
Annualized Performance |
| | 1 Year (%) | | 3 Year (%) | | 5 Year (%) | | 10 Year (%) | | Since Inception (%) | | Annualized | | Risk Period (Year) |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | Sharpe (%) | |
Money Market Portfolio | | 4.53 | | 3.19 | | 2.15 | | 3.26 | | N/A | | 0.55 | | –3.65 | | 10 |
Lipper VA Money Market Average of funds | | 4.87 | | 3.51 | | 2.39 | | 3.49 | | 3.80 | | N/A | | N/A | | N/A |
Inception Date: December 30, 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: November 26, 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 the periods through July 31, 2007. It should be noted that the “since inception” performance return of the benchmark is from the nearest month-end after the Portfolio’s inception date. In contrast to the benchmark, the Portfolio’s since inception return is from the Portfolio’s actual inception date. |
23 | Portfolio 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. |
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ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.
Please see Schedule of Investments contained in the Report to Shareholders included under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Fund’s Board of Directors since the Fund last provided disclosure in response to this item.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-2(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) are effective at the reasonable assurance level based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this document.
(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.
The following exhibits are attached to this Form N-CSR:
| | |
EXHIBIT NO. | | DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT |
12 (b) (1) | | Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| |
12 (b) (2) | | Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| |
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.
| | |
By: | | /s/ Marc O. Mayer |
| | Marc O. Mayer |
| | President |
| |
Date: | | August 25, 2008 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| | |
By: | | /s/ Marc O. Mayer |
| | Marc O. Mayer |
| | President |
| |
Date: | | August 25, 2008 |
| |
By: | | /s/ Joseph J. Mantineo |
| | Joseph J. Mantineo |
| | Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer |
| |
Date: | | August 25, 2008 |