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
AB 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, 2016
Date of reporting period: June 30, 2016
ITEM 1. | REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS. |
JUN 06.30.16
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS
SERIES FUND, INC.
+ | | BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
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BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited) | | AB 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 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 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2016 | | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2016 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,022.80 | | | $ | 3.62 | | | | 0.72 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,021.28 | | | $ | 3.62 | | | | 0.72 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,022.10 | | | $ | 4.88 | | | | 0.97 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,020.04 | | | $ | 4.87 | | | | 0.97 | % |
* | | 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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BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
DESCRIPTION | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Federal National Mortgage Association | | $ | 18,296,045 | | | | 5.7 | % |
U.S. Treasury Bonds & Notes | | | 9,260,383 | | | | 2.9 | |
Inflation-Linked Securities | | | 6,670,206 | | | | 2.1 | |
Federal Home Loan Bank | | | 4,284,674 | | | | 1.3 | |
Alphabet, Inc.—Class A & Class C | | | 3,967,048 | | | | 1.3 | |
Facebook, Inc.—Class A | | | 3,579,249 | | | | 1.1 | |
Comcast Corp. | | | 2,920,771 | | | | 0.9 | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | 2,793,218 | | | | 0.9 | |
Home Depot, Inc. (The) | | | 2,732,694 | | | | 0.9 | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 2,659,592 | | | | 0.8 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 57,163,880 | | | | 17.9 | % |
SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN†
June 30, 2016 (unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
SECURITY TYPE | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 200,961,172 | | | | 61.6 | % |
Corporates—Investment Grade | | | 31,848,545 | | | | 9.8 | |
Mortgage Pass-Throughs | | | 23,015,815 | | | | 7.0 | |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | | | 12,560,770 | | | | 3.8 | |
Asset-Backed Securities | | | 11,673,885 | | | | 3.6 | |
Governments—Treasuries | | | 9,260,383 | | | | 2.8 | |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | | | 8,104,511 | | | | 2.5 | |
Inflation-Linked Securities | | | 6,670,206 | | | | 2.0 | |
Corporates—Non-Investment Grade | | | 4,846,459 | | | | 1.5 | |
Agencies | | | 4,284,674 | | | | 1.3 | |
Emerging Markets—Treasuries | | | 889,944 | | | | 0.3 | |
Governments—Sovereign Agencies | | | 850,686 | | | | 0.3 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 10,025,366 | | | | 3.1 | |
Other‡ | | | 1,459,845 | | | | 0.4 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 326,452,261 | | | | 100.0 | % |
† | | The Portfolio’s security type breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. The Portfolio also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). |
‡ | | “Other” represents less than 0.2% weightings in the following security types: Emerging Markets—Corporate Bonds, Governments—Sovereign Bonds, Local Governments—Municipal Bonds and Quasi-Sovereigns. |
2
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BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | | | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–63.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–11.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Arista Networks, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 11,110 | | | $ | 715,262 | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | | | | | | | 35,490 | | | | 1,018,208 | |
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 6,770 | | | | 830,273 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,563,743 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–0.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amphenol Corp.–Class A | | | | | | | 12,441 | | | | 713,242 | |
Avnet, Inc. | | | | | | | 7,998 | | | | 323,999 | |
Corning, Inc. | | | | | | | 5,906 | | | | 120,955 | |
Hitachi Ltd. | | | | | | | 50,000 | | | | 209,493 | |
Keysight Technologies, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 15,412 | | | | 448,335 | |
Largan Precision Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 1,000 | | | | 92,483 | |
PAX Global Technology Ltd.(b) | | | | | | | 55,000 | | | | 48,415 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,956,922 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–2.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Alphabet, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | | | | | 660 | | | | 464,330 | |
Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(a) | | | | | | | 5,061 | | | | 3,502,718 | |
Baidu, Inc. (Sponsored ADR)(a) | | | | | | | 779 | | | | 128,652 | |
Facebook, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | | | | | 31,320 | | | | 3,579,249 | |
NAVER Corp. | | | | | | | 120 | | | | 74,342 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 7,749,291 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
IT SERVICES–1.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cap Gemini SA | | | | | | | 1,380 | | | | 119,084 | |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.–Class A(a) | | | | | | | 19,230 | | | | 1,100,725 | |
Fujitsu Ltd. | | | | | | | 27,000 | | | | 99,287 | |
HCL Technologies Ltd. | | | | | | | 10,820 | | | | 117,326 | |
Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. | | | | | | | 7,430 | | | | 281,033 | |
Vantiv, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | | | | | 10,200 | | | | 577,320 | |
Visa, Inc.–Class A | | | | | | | 30,910 | | | | 2,292,595 | |
Worldpay Group PLC(a)(c) | | | | | | | 77,638 | | | | 282,579 | |
Xerox Corp. | | | | | | | 55,336 | | | | 525,139 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 5,395,088 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–2.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Applied Materials, Inc. | | | | | | | 22,061 | | | | 528,802 | |
ARM Holdings PLC | | | | | | | 24,800 | | | | 376,705 | |
ASM International NV | | | | | | | 5,020 | | | | 193,764 | |
ASML Holding NV | | | | | | | 8,250 | | | | 812,115 | |
Infineon Technologies AG | | | | | | | 21,010 | | | | 304,149 | |
Intel Corp. | | | | | | | 42,895 | | | | 1,406,956 | |
Novatek Microelectronics Corp. | | | | | | | 41,000 | | | | 153,663 | |
NVIDIA Corp. | | | | | | | 22,579 | | | | 1,061,439 | |
SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 31,000 | | | | 337,410 | |
Sumco Corp.(b) | | | | | | | 33,600 | | | | 215,251 | |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | | | | | | 13,610 | | | | 852,666 | |
Tokyo Electron Ltd. | | | | | | | 2,000 | | | | 169,017 | |
Xilinx, Inc. | | | | | | | 26,061 | | | | 1,202,194 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 7,614,131 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
SOFTWARE–2.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 8,940 | | | $ | 856,363 | |
ANSYS, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 6,255 | | | | 567,641 | |
Aspen Technology, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 9,510 | | | | 382,682 | |
Constellation Software, Inc./Canada | | | | | | | 2,442 | | | | 945,102 | |
Dassault Systemes | | | | | | | 10,160 | | | | 766,023 | |
Intuit, Inc. | | | | | | | 2,192 | | | | 244,649 | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | | | | | 11,969 | | | | 612,454 | |
Nintendo Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 1,900 | | | | 273,028 | |
Oracle Corp. | | | | | | | 31,090 | | | | 1,272,514 | |
Oracle Corp. Japan | | | | | | | 2,400 | | | | 127,975 | |
ServiceNow, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 5,515 | | | | 366,196 | |
UBISOFT Entertainment(a) | | | | | | | 4,390 | | | | 159,932 | |
Ultimate Software Group, Inc. (The)(a) | | | | | | | 665 | | | | 139,843 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 6,714,402 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–1.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Apple, Inc. | | | | | | | 27,820 | | | | 2,659,592 | |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. | | | | | | | 43,000 | | | | 785,610 | |
HP, Inc. | | | | | | | 45,602 | | | | 572,305 | |
NCR Corp.(a) | | | | | | | 11,360 | | | | 315,467 | |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 130 | | | | 161,896 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 4,494,870 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 36,488,447 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–8.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–1.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 12,576 | | | | 1,468,374 | |
Biogen, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 9,482 | | | | 2,292,937 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | | | | | 22,561 | | | | 1,882,038 | |
Grifols SA (ADR) | | | | | | | 11,010 | | | | 183,537 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 5,826,886 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–1.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Align Technology, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 9,335 | | | | 751,934 | |
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a) | | | | | | | 4,150 | | | | 413,879 | |
Essilor International SA | | | | | | | 5,520 | | | | 725,488 | |
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 2,977 | | | | 1,969,018 | |
Sartorius AG (Preference Shares) | | | | | | | 5,716 | | | | 422,364 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 4,282,683 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–2.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aetna, Inc. | | | | | | | 9,326 | | | | 1,138,985 | |
Anthem, Inc. | | | | | | | 2,398 | | | | 314,953 | |
Cigna Corp. | | | | | | | 3,288 | | | | 420,831 | |
Premier, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | | | | | 16,853 | | | | 551,093 | |
Quest Diagnostics, Inc. | | | | | | | 4,934 | | | | 401,677 | |
Ramsay Health Care Ltd. | | | | | | | 14,406 | | | | 778,580 | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | | | | | 19,782 | | | | 2,793,218 | |
VCA, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 1,730 | | | | 116,965 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 6,516,302 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
3
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BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | | | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–0.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Eurofins Scientific SE | | | | | | | 2,656 | | | $ | 983,975 | |
Illumina, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 3,408 | | | | 478,415 | |
Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 1,409 | | | | 514,172 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,976,562 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–2.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd.(a) | | | | | | | 2,540 | | | | 62,659 | |
GlaxoSmithKline PLC | | | | | | | 20,420 | | | | 438,519 | |
Johnson & Johnson | | | | | | | 17,500 | | | | 2,122,750 | |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | | | | | | 13,055 | | | | 752,099 | |
Novartis AG (REG) | | | | | | | 6,820 | | | | 562,913 | |
Novo Nordisk A/S–Class B | | | | | | | 8,880 | | | | 478,214 | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | | | | | 49,354 | | | | 1,737,754 | |
Roche Holding AG | | | | | | | 4,460 | | | | 1,176,904 | |
Sanofi | | | | | | | 5,030 | | | | 417,906 | |
Shire PLC | | | | | | | 12,770 | | | | 789,217 | |
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. | | | | | | | 13,220 | | | | 150,168 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 8,689,103 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 27,291,536 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–7.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–0.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bridgestone Corp.(b) | | | | | | | 3,500 | | | | 112,479 | |
Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin–Class B | | | | | | | 1,340 | | | | 126,282 | |
Continental AG | | | | | | | 307 | | | | 58,093 | |
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The) | | | | | | | 14,167 | | | | 363,525 | |
Hankook Tire Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 2,220 | | | | 98,769 | |
Lear Corp. | | | | | | | 4,121 | | | | 419,353 | |
Magna International, Inc.–Class A | | | | | | | 21,517 | | | | 754,601 | |
Plastic Omnium SA | | | | | | | 4,050 | | | | 113,222 | |
Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. | | | | | | | 19,800 | | | | 262,062 | |
Valeo SA | | | | | | | 3,900 | | | | 173,137 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,481,523 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–0.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Motors Co. | | | | | | | 11,102 | | | | 314,187 | |
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 15,000 | | | | 376,279 | |
Isuzu Motors Ltd. | | | | | | | 17,500 | | | | 215,547 | |
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 14,400 | | | | 128,510 | |
Peugeot SA(a) | | | | | | | 22,980 | | | | 275,440 | |
Tata Motors Ltd.(a) | | | | | | | 15,236 | | | | 104,132 | |
Tata Motors Ltd.–Class A(a) | | | | | | | 19,400 | | | | 84,519 | |
Toyota Motor Corp. | | | | | | | 2,300 | | | | 113,387 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,612,001 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–0.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TAL Education Group (ADR)(a)(b) | | | | | | | 2,139 | | | | 132,746 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Merlin Entertainments PLC(c) | | | | | | | 20,239 | | | $ | 119,187 | |
Sodexo SA | | | | | | | 611 | | | | 65,456 | |
Starbucks Corp. | | | | | | | 31,020 | | | | 1,771,862 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,956,505 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INTERNET & CATALOG RETAIL–0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ctrip.com International Ltd. (ADR)(a)(b) | | | | | | | 3,990 | | | | 164,388 | |
Priceline Group, Inc. (The)(a) | | | | | | | 810 | | | | 1,011,212 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,175,600 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
LEISURE PRODUCTS–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | 7,900 | | | | 203,871 | |
Mattel, Inc. | | | | | | | 2,221 | | | | 69,495 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 273,366 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
MEDIA–2.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Altice NV–Class A(a)(b) | | | | | | | 17,590 | | | | 262,644 | |
AMC Networks, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | | | | | 15,707 | | | | 949,017 | |
Charter Communications, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | | | | | 848 | | | | 193,887 | |
Comcast Corp.–Class A | | | | | | | 36,986 | | | | 2,411,118 | |
CTS Eventim AG & Co. KGaA | | | | | | | 19,898 | | | | 608,271 | |
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The) | | | | | | | 8,963 | | | | 207,045 | |
Liberty Global PLC–Series C(a) | | | | | | | 11,018 | | | | 315,666 | |
Liberty Global PLC LiLAC(a) | | | | | | | 1,375 | | | | 44,664 | |
Naspers Ltd.–Class N | | | | | | | 3,366 | | | | 513,971 | |
Thomson Reuters Corp. | | | | | | | 2,453 | | | | 99,150 | |
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.–Class A | | | | | | | 2,482 | | | | 67,138 | |
Vivendi SA | | | | | | | 18,394 | | | | 344,128 | |
Walt Disney Co. (The) | | | | | | | 11,608 | | | | 1,135,495 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 7,152,194 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–0.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
B&M European Value Retail SA | | | | | | | 97,197 | | | | 331,204 | |
Dollar General Corp. | | | | | | | 6,674 | | | | 627,356 | |
Dollar Tree, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 17,160 | | | | 1,617,159 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,575,719 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–1.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Home Depot, Inc. (The) | | | | | | | 21,401 | | | | 2,732,694 | |
Industria de Diseno Textil SA | | | | | | | 492 | | | | 16,528 | |
Kingfisher PLC | | | | | | | 31,270 | | | | 134,307 | |
L’Occitane International SA | | | | | | | 3,500 | | | | 7,169 | |
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 1,890 | | | | 512,379 | |
Office Depot, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 47,508 | | | | 157,252 | |
Ross Stores, Inc. | | | | | | | 5,515 | | | | 312,645 | |
TJX Cos., Inc. (The) | | | | | | | 4,331 | | | | 334,483 | |
Tractor Supply Co. | | | | | | | 6,240 | | | | 568,963 | |
Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 2,630 | | | | 640,773 | |
Yamada Denki Co., Ltd.(b) | | | | | | | 31,100 | | | | 164,172 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 5,581,365 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
4
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | | | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
HUGO BOSS AG | | | | | | | 2,000 | | | $ | 113,704 | |
Kering | | | | | | | 590 | | | | 94,979 | |
NIKE, Inc.–Class B | | | | | | | 30,122 | | | | 1,662,735 | |
Samsonite International SA | | | | | | | 152,100 | | | | 420,162 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,291,580 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 25,232,599 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–7.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BANKS–3.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. | | | | | | | 12,130 | | | | 221,009 | |
Bank of America Corp. | | | | | | | 129,986 | | | | 1,724,914 | |
Bank of Queensland Ltd. | | | | | | | 40,311 | | | | 321,611 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | | | | | 3,000 | | | | 131,567 | |
Citizens Financial Group, Inc. | | | | | | | 22,112 | | | | 441,798 | |
Danske Bank A/S | | | | | | | 11,115 | | | | 292,551 | |
Fifth Third Bancorp | | | | | | | 5,234 | | | | 92,066 | |
ING Groep NV | | | | | | | 45,220 | | | | 467,842 | |
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA | | | | | | | 67,310 | | | | 128,206 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | | | | | 24,361 | | | | 1,513,793 | |
KB Financial Group, Inc. | | | | | | | 3,590 | | | | 102,085 | |
KBC Groep NV(a) | | | | | | | 5,000 | | | | 245,904 | |
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. | | | | | | | 112,500 | | | | 504,321 | |
National Australia Bank Ltd. | | | | | | | 7,300 | | | | 140,156 | |
OTP Bank PLC | | | | | | | 4,400 | | | | 98,460 | |
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The) | | | | | | | 6,861 | | | | 558,417 | |
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | 56,000 | | | | 182,213 | |
SunTrust Banks, Inc. | | | | | | | 2,924 | | | | 120,118 | |
US Bancorp | | | | | | | 10,871 | | | | 438,427 | |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | | | | | | 41,087 | | | | 1,944,648 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 9,670,106 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–0.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amundi SA(c) | | | | | | | 3,052 | | | | 126,812 | |
Azimut Holding SpA | | | | | | | 6,704 | | | | 109,381 | |
Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The) | | | | | | | 6,057 | | | | 235,314 | |
BlackRock, Inc.–Class A | | | | | | | 1,360 | | | | 465,841 | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) | | | | | | | 2,677 | | | | 397,749 | |
Partners Group Holding AG | | | | | | | 1,070 | | | | 458,565 | |
UBS Group AG | | | | | | | 49,762 | | | | 645,691 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,439,353 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER FINANCE–0.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital One Financial Corp. | | | | | | | 15,839 | | | | 1,005,935 | |
Discover Financial Services | | | | | | | 10,885 | | | | 583,327 | |
OneMain Holdings, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 16,144 | | | | 368,406 | |
Synchrony Financial(a) | | | | | | | 39,301 | | | | 993,529 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,951,197 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.–Class B(a) | | | | | | | 4,127 | | | $ | 597,548 | |
Challenger Ltd./Australia | | | | | | | 31,500 | | | | 205,797 | |
GRENKELEASING AG | | | | | | | 1,452 | | | | 253,585 | |
ORIX Corp. | | | | | | | 15,100 | | | | 195,401 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,252,331 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INSURANCE–2.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Admiral Group PLC | | | | | | | 4,579 | | | | 124,503 | |
Aflac, Inc. | | | | | | | 2,804 | | | | 202,337 | |
AIA Group Ltd. | | | | | | | 193,400 | | | | 1,160,545 | |
Allstate Corp. (The) | | | | | | | 11,993 | | | | 838,910 | |
American International Group, Inc. | | | | | | | 24,425 | | | | 1,291,838 | |
Aviva PLC | | | | | | | 26,662 | | | | 140,543 | |
Direct Line Insurance Group PLC | | | | | | | 24,707 | | | | 114,224 | |
Dongbu Insurance Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 2,200 | | | | 132,419 | |
FNF Group | | | | | | | 16,107 | | | | 604,013 | |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The) | | | | | | | 2,784 | | | | 123,554 | |
Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen (REG) | | | | | | | 1,460 | | | | 244,835 | |
NN Group NV | | | | | | | 10,052 | | | | 276,716 | |
Progressive Corp. (The) | | | | | | | 4,200 | | | | 140,700 | |
Prudential PLC | | | | | | | 44,040 | | | | 747,310 | |
Suncorp Group Ltd. | | | | | | | 19,210 | | | | 176,154 | |
Travelers Cos., Inc. (The) | | | | | | | 1,944 | | | | 231,414 | |
Zurich Insurance Group AG(a) | | | | | | | 560 | | | | 138,534 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 6,688,549 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 2,700 | | | | 438,378 | |
Global Logistic Properties Ltd. | | | | | | | 95,200 | | | | 128,525 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 566,903 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd. | | | | | | | 27,550 | | | | 512,862 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 24,081,301 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS – 5.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Airbus Group SE | | | | | | | 4,770 | | | | 273,416 | |
B/E Aerospace, Inc. | | | | | | | 9,126 | | | | 421,393 | |
L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | 7,035 | | | | 1,031,964 | |
Northrop Grumman Corp. | | | | | | | 894 | | | | 198,718 | |
Rockwell Collins, Inc. | | | | | | | 13,180 | | | | 1,122,145 | |
United Technologies Corp. | | | | | | | 3,565 | | | | 365,591 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 3,413,227 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
5
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | | | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
AIRLINES–0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Delta Air Lines, Inc. | | | | | | | 13,512 | | | $ | 492,242 | |
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA(b) | | | | | | | 50,220 | | | | 249,076 | |
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 11,300 | | | | 363,550 | |
Qantas Airways Ltd.(a) | | | | | | | 89,274 | | | | 189,111 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,293,979 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Allegion PLC | | | | | | | 1,640 | | | | 113,865 | |
AO Smith Corp. | | | | | | | 6,730 | | | | 592,980 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 706,845 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Babcock International Group PLC | | | | | | | 18,625 | | | | 225,180 | |
Elior(c) | | | | | | | 8,820 | | | | 191,386 | |
Regus PLC | | | | | | | 111,898 | | | | 432,670 | |
Republic Services, Inc.–Class A | | | | | | | 1,592 | | | | 81,686 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 930,922 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Quanta Services, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 7,485 | | | | 173,053 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Acuity Brands, Inc. | | | | | | | 2,918 | | | | 723,547 | |
Eaton Corp. PLC | | | | | | | 13,295 | | | | 794,111 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,517,658 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
3M Co. | | | | | | | 4,210 | | | | 737,255 | |
Danaher Corp. | | | | | | | 8,849 | | | | 893,749 | |
General Electric Co. | | | | | | | 29,687 | | | | 934,547 | |
Rheinmetall AG | | | | | | | 3,580 | | | | 212,934 | |
Roper Technologies, Inc. | | | | | | | 1,980 | | | | 337,709 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 3,116,194 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION–0.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
DCT Industrial Trust, Inc. | | | | | | | 8,450 | | | | 405,938 | |
GLP J-Reit | | | | | | | 162 | | | | 204,488 | |
Granite Real Estate Investment Trust | | | | | | | 5,152 | | | | 155,591 | |
Macquarie Mexico Real Estate Management SA de CV(a) | | | | | | | 59,400 | | | | 77,911 | |
Pure Industrial Real Estate Trust | | | | | | | 41,420 | | | | 165,109 | |
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. | | | | | | | 19,890 | | | | 419,480 | |
Segro PLC | | | | | | | 42,950 | | | | 238,065 | |
Warehouses De Pauw CVA | | | | | | | 1,602 | | | | 150,441 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,817,023 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
MACHINERY–0.5% | |
Hoshizaki Electric Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 8,300 | | | | 812,522 | |
IHI Corp. | | | | | | | 86,000 | | | | 231,812 | |
ITT, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 13,600 | | | | 434,928 | |
JTEKT Corp. | | | | | | | 28,300 | | | | 320,765 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,800,027 | |
| | | | | | | | | �� | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
MIXED OFFICE INDUSTRIAL–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Axiare Patrimonio SOCIMI SA | | | | | | | 11,730 | | | $ | 149,440 | |
Goodman Group | | | | | | | 62,170 | | | | 333,449 | |
Kungsleden AB | | | | | | | 27,140 | | | | 176,600 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 659,489 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adecco SA (REG) | | | | | | | 2,650 | | | | 133,661 | |
Bureau Veritas SA | | | | | | | 6,033 | | | | 126,663 | |
Capita PLC | | | | | | | 7,730 | | | | 99,605 | |
Teleperformance | | | | | | | 5,669 | | | | 482,897 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 842,826 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ROAD & RAIL–0.1% | |
Central Japan Railway Co. | | | | | | | 2,200 | | | | 391,300 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BOC Aviation Ltd.(a) | | | | | | | 46,800 | | | | 237,375 | |
Brenntag AG | | | | | | | 6,350 | | | | 307,606 | |
Bunzl PLC | | | | | | | 5,290 | | | | 162,766 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 707,747 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Transurban Group | | | | | | | 18,080 | | | | 162,842 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 17,533,132 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–4.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asahi Group Holdings Ltd. | | | | | | | 3,200 | | | | 103,471 | |
Monster Beverage Corp.(a) | | | | | | | 7,921 | | | | 1,272,984 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,376,455 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–1.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Costco Wholesale Corp. | | | | | | | 4,550 | | | | 714,532 | |
CP ALL PCL | | | | | | | 51,300 | | | | 73,359 | |
CVS Health Corp. | | | | | | | 18,690 | | | | 1,789,380 | |
Delhaize Group | | | | | | | 5,470 | | | | 577,819 | |
Kroger Co. (The) | | | | | | | 8,586 | | | | 315,879 | |
Olam International Ltd. | | | | | | | 73,412 | | | | 101,322 | |
Wesfarmers Ltd. | | | | | | | 4,340 | | | | 130,881 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 3,703,172 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–0.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | | | | | | | 4,072 | | | | 174,648 | |
Bunge Ltd. | | | | | | | 1,020 | | | | 60,333 | |
ConAgra Foods, Inc. | | | | | | | 2,447 | | | | 116,991 | |
Ingredion, Inc. | | | | | | | 3,401 | | | | 440,123 | |
Mondelez International, Inc.–Class A | | | | | | | 10,786 | | | | 490,871 | |
Nestle SA (REG) | | | | | | | 5,280 | | | | 409,086 | |
Tyson Foods, Inc.–Class A | | | | | | | 6,635 | | | | 443,152 | |
WH Group Ltd.(a)(c) | | | | | | | 173,500 | | | | 137,411 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,272,615 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
6
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | | | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–0.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Preference Shares) | | | | | | | 2,550 | | | $ | 311,637 | |
Kimberly-Clark Corp. | | | | | | | 487 | | | | 66,953 | |
Procter & Gamble Co. (The) | | | | | | | 8,091 | | | | 685,065 | |
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC | | | | | | | 6,920 | | | | 693,879 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,757,534 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
PERSONAL PRODUCTS–0.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The)–Class A | | | | | | | 8,730 | | | | 794,605 | |
L’Oreal SA | | | | | | | 2,820 | | | | 539,898 | |
Unilever PLC | | | | | | | 20,328 | | | | 974,019 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,308,522 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOBACCO–1.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | | | | | | 10,283 | | | | 709,116 | |
British American Tobacco PLC | | | | | | | 26,109 | | | | 1,692,620 | |
Imperial Brands PLC | | | | | | | 4,220 | | | | 228,862 | |
Japan Tobacco, Inc.(b) | | | | | | | 9,800 | | | | 394,961 | |
Philip Morris International, Inc. | | | | | | | 8,386 | | | | 853,024 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 3,878,583 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 15,296,881 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ENERGY–3.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–0.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aker Solutions ASA(a)(c) | | | | | | | 14,840 | | | | 63,638 | |
Helmerich & Payne, Inc. | | | | | | | 8,177 | | | | 548,922 | |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | | | | | | 15,622 | | | | 1,235,388 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,847,948 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–3.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. | | | | | | | 6,470 | | | | 199,616 | |
Chevron Corp. | | | | | | | 2,545 | | | | 266,792 | |
Devon Energy Corp. | | | | | | | 15,526 | | | | 562,818 | |
EOG Resources, Inc. | | | | | | | 10,425 | | | | 869,654 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | | | | | 24,096 | | | | 2,258,759 | |
Hess Corp. | | | | | | | 12,159 | | | | 730,756 | |
JX Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | 102,800 | | | | 401,261 | |
QEP Resources, Inc. | | | | | | | 31,900 | | | | 562,397 | |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC–Class A | | | | | | | 73,345 | | | | 2,011,882 | |
TOTAL SA | | | | | | | 24,749 | | | | 1,186,863 | |
Tupras Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri AS(a) | | | | | | | 5,410 | | | | 120,101 | |
Valero Energy Corp. | | | | | | | 8,638 | | | | 440,538 | |
YPF SA (Sponsored ADR) | | | | | | | 6,600 | | | | 126,720 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 9,738,157 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 11,586,105 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
EQUITY: OTHER–3.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED/SPECIALTY–2.3% | | | | | | | | | |
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. | | | | | | | 3,170 | | | | 328,158 | |
Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc. | | | | | | | 20,100 | | | | 276,174 | |
Buzzi Unicem SpA | | | | | | | 7,640 | | | | 133,883 | |
CBRE Group, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | | | | | 6,490 | | | | 171,855 | |
Cheung Kong Property Holdings Ltd. | | | | | | | 93,000 | | | | 587,171 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
City Developments Ltd. | | | | | | | 15,300 | | | $ | 92,976 | |
Colony Starwood Homes | | | | | | | 13,710 | | | | 417,058 | |
East Japan Railway Co. | | | | | | | 1,800 | | | | 166,812 | |
Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. | | | | | | | 9,140 | | | | 188,193 | |
Frasers Centrepoint Ltd. | | | | | | | 67,200 | | | | 76,532 | |
Fukuoka REIT Corp. | | | | | | | 79 | | | | 156,301 | |
GPT Group (The) | | | | | | | 78,470 | | | | 319,110 | |
Gramercy Property Trust | | | | | | | 43,523 | | | | 401,282 | |
ICADE | | | | | | | 3,300 | | | | 231,892 | |
IMMOFINANZ AG(a) | | | | | | | 70,880 | | | | 152,045 | |
Kaisa Group Holdings Ltd.(a)(b)(d)(e) | | | | | | | 409,000 | | | | 20,561 | |
Kennedy Wilson Europe Real Estate PLC | | | | | | | 24,254 | | | | 311,440 | |
LendLease Group | | | | | | | 51,070 | | | | 485,122 | |
Merlin Properties Socimi SA | | | | | | | 33,274 | | | | 351,137 | |
Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 13,000 | | | | 238,456 | |
Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 21,100 | | | | 484,261 | |
New World Development Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 209,682 | | | | 213,805 | |
Premier Investment Corp. | | | | | | | 161 | | | | 211,527 | |
Sino Land Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 10,000 | | | | 16,465 | |
STORE Capital Corp. | | | | | | | 14,510 | | | | 427,320 | |
Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 16,000 | | | | 433,878 | |
Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. | | | | | | | 10,600 | | | | 127,862 | |
TLG Immobilien AG | | | | | | | 4,640 | | | | 97,587 | |
UOL Group Ltd. | | | | | | | 79,661 | | | | 324,719 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 7,443,582 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–0.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assura PLC | | | | | | | 125,490 | | | | 91,872 | |
Care Capital Properties, Inc. | | | | | | | 10,843 | | | | 284,195 | |
HCP, Inc. | | | | | | | 3,780 | | | | 133,736 | |
LTC Properties, Inc. | | | | | | | 3,870 | | | | 200,195 | |
Ventas, Inc. | | | | | | | 11,340 | | | | 825,779 | |
Welltower, Inc. | | | | | | | 3,570 | | | | 271,927 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,807,704 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TRIPLE NET–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
National Retail Properties, Inc. | | | | | | | 11,000 | | | | 568,920 | |
Realty Income Corp. | | | | | | | 2,570 | | | | 178,255 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 747,175 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 9,998,461 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
RESIDENTIAL–2.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
MULTI-FAMILY–1.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Apartment Investment & Management Co.–Class A | | | | | | | 7,110 | | | | 313,978 | |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | | | | | | | 5,670 | | | | 1,022,811 | |
Camden Property Trust | | | | | | | 3,830 | | | | 338,648 | |
China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd. | | | | | | | 100,000 | | | | 318,785 | |
China Resources Land Ltd. | | | | | | | 76,000 | | | | 179,090 | |
CIFI Holdings Group Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 506,000 | | | | 125,459 | |
Emlak Konut Gayrimenkul Yatirim Ortakligi AS | | | | | | | 126,210 | | | | 125,701 | |
Independence Realty Trust, Inc. | | | | | | | 31,810 | | | | 260,206 | |
7
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | | | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Japan Rental Housing Investments, Inc. | | | | | | | 200 | | | $ | 163,917 | |
Kenedix Residential Investment Corp.(b) | | | | | | | 61 | | | | 165,143 | |
Killam Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust | | | | | | | 17,580 | | | | 172,677 | |
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | | | | | | | 4,080 | | | | 434,112 | |
Mirvac Group | | | | | | | 187,760 | | | | 285,554 | |
Sun Communities, Inc. | | | | | | | 5,501 | | | | 421,597 | |
UNITE Group PLC (The) | | | | | | | 31,150 | | | | 257,688 | |
Vonovia SE | | | | | | | 10,932 | | | | 399,171 | |
Wing Tai Holdings Ltd. | | | | | | | 126,000 | | | | 152,941 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 5,137,478 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
SELF STORAGE–0.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Big Yellow Group PLC | | | | | | | 17,500 | | | | 182,227 | |
Extra Space Storage, Inc. | | | | | | | 5,380 | | | | 497,865 | |
National Storage Affiliates Trust | | | | | | | 14,450 | | | | 300,849 | |
Public Storage | | | | | | | 1,030 | | | | 263,258 | |
Sovran Self Storage, Inc. | | | | | | | 2,505 | | | | 262,824 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,507,023 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
STUDENT HOUSING–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Education Realty Trust, Inc. | | | | | | | 5,230 | | | | 241,312 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 6,885,813 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
RETAIL–2.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
REGIONAL MALL–0.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Growth Properties, Inc. | | | | | | | 5,470 | | | | 163,115 | |
Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust | | | | | | | 1,155 | | | | 24,775 | |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | | | | | | | 8,716 | | | | 1,890,501 | |
Taubman Centers, Inc. | | | | | | | 5,630 | | | | 417,746 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,496,137 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
SHOPPING CENTER/OTHER RETAIL–1.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aeon Mall Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 24,577 | | | | 321,566 | |
DDR Corp. | | | | | | | 7,170 | | | | 130,064 | |
Fibra Shop Portafolios Inmobiliarios SAPI de CV | | | | | | | 128,490 | | | | 120,882 | |
Frontier Real Estate Investment Corp.(b) | | | | | | | 39 | | | | 202,499 | |
Kite Realty Group Trust | | | | | | | 15,960 | | | | 447,359 | |
Klepierre | | | | | | | 8,383 | | | | 369,902 | |
Link REIT | | | | | | | 70,768 | | | | 483,926 | |
Mercialys SA | | | | | | | 11,530 | | | | 245,477 | |
Parque Arauco SA | | | | | | | 54,650 | | | | 110,394 | |
Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust | | | | | | | 18,050 | | | | 353,960 | |
Regency Centers Corp. | | | | | | | 6,720 | | | | 562,666 | |
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. | | | | | | | 9,955 | | | | 215,725 | |
Scentre Group | | | | | | | 131,319 | | | | 486,400 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 4,050,820 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 6,546,957 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
UTILITIES–1.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–1.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
American Electric Power Co., Inc. | | | | | | | 10,800 | | | $ | 756,972 | |
Edison International | | | | | | | 11,008 | | | | 854,991 | |
EDP–Energias de Portugal SA | | | | | | | 94,270 | | | | 288,614 | |
Enel SpA | | | | | | | 40,691 | | | | 180,645 | |
Eversource Energy | | | | | | | 1,154 | | | | 69,125 | |
Exelon Corp. | | | | | | | 16,177 | | | | 588,196 | |
FirstEnergy Corp. | | | | | | | 2,857 | | | | 99,738 | |
Korea Electric Power Corp. | | | | | | | 2,700 | | | | 141,728 | |
PG&E Corp. | | | | | | | 10,091 | | | | 645,017 | |
PPL Corp. | | | | | | | 11,932 | | | | 450,433 | |
Westar Energy, Inc. | | | | | | | 10,000 | | | | 560,900 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 4,636,359 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INDEPENDENT POWER AND RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PRODUCERS–0.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Huaneng Power International, Inc.–Class H | | | | | | | 26,000 | | | | 16,183 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
DTE Energy Co. | | | | | | | 1,111 | | | | 110,122 | |
NiSource, Inc. | | | | | | | 22,229 | | | | 589,513 | |
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. | | | | | | | 3,500 | | | | 163,135 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 862,770 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 5,515,312 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | | | | | | 33,700 | | | | 1,456,177 | |
BT Group PLC | | | | | | | 127,070 | | | | 698,452 | |
Com Hem Holding AB | | | | | | | 15,220 | | | | 128,527 | |
Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. | | | | | | | 13,000 | | | | 609,633 | |
TDC A/S | | | | | | | 57,360 | | | | 281,091 | |
Telenor ASA | | | | | | | 8,370 | | | | 138,549 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | | | | | 12,171 | | | | 679,629 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 3,992,058 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
SoftBank Group Corp. | | | | | | | 2,800 | | | | 158,346 | |
T-Mobile US, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 16,622 | | | | 719,234 | |
Tower Bersama Infrastructure Tbk PT | | | | | | | 257,000 | | | | 128,830 | |
Vodafone Group PLC | | | | | | | 167,263 | | | | 509,961 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,516,371 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 5,508,429 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
8
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | | | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
OFFICE–1.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OFFICE–1.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Allied Properties Real Estate Investment Trust | | | | | | | 7,776 | | | $ | 232,808 | |
alstria office REIT-AG(a) | | | | | | | 32,768 | | | | 442,366 | |
Boston Properties, Inc. | | | | | | | 5,874 | | | | 774,781 | |
Brandywine Realty Trust | | | | | | | 23,180 | | | | 389,424 | |
CA Immobilien Anlagen AG(a) | | | | | | | 9,840 | | | | 164,332 | |
Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trust | | | | | | | 12,286 | | | | 176,689 | |
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.–Class A | | | | | | | 14,650 | | | | 278,203 | |
Equity Commonwealth(a) | | | | | | | 8,500 | | | | 247,605 | |
Highwoods Properties, Inc. | | | | | | | 6,850 | | | | 361,680 | |
Inmobiliaria Colonial SA | | | | | | | 403,870 | | | | 295,037 | |
Investa Office Fund | | | | | | | 64,800 | | | | 208,441 | |
Kenedix Office Investment Corp.–Class A | | | | | | | 50 | | | | 297,995 | |
MCUBS MidCity Investment Corp.(b) | | | | | | | 44 | | | | 151,796 | |
Workspace Group PLC | | | | | | | 31,686 | | | | 292,407 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 4,313,564 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
MATERIALS–0.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–0.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Arkema SA | | | | | | | 3,556 | | | | 271,866 | |
CF Industries Holdings, Inc. | | | | | | | 18,961 | | | | 456,960 | |
Covestro AG(c) | | | | | | | 4,195 | | | | 186,847 | |
Dow Chemical Co. (The) | | | | | | | 9,497 | | | | 472,096 | |
Essentra PLC | | | | | | | 78,276 | | | | 537,051 | |
JSR Corp. | | | | | | | 13,200 | | | | 174,809 | |
Koninklijke DSM NV | | | | | | | 3,878 | | | | 223,723 | |
LyondellBasell Industries NV–Class A | | | | | | | 1,887 | | | | 140,430 | |
Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd. | | | | | | | 2,200 | | | | 126,536 | |
Teijin Ltd. | | | | | | | 38,000 | | | | 125,915 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,716,233 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
METALS & MINING–0.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Newmont Mining Corp. | | | | | | | 3,210 | | | | 125,575 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mondi PLC | | | | | | | 9,704 | | | | 181,683 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 3,023,491 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
LODGING–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
LODGING–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Chesapeake Lodging Trust | | | | | | | 6,840 | | | | 159,030 | |
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | | | | | | | 8,030 | | | | 210,787 | |
Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. | | | | | | | 24,990 | | | | 330,868 | |
Wyndham Worldwide Corp. | | | | | | | 2,020 | | | | 143,885 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 844,570 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
MORTGAGE–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
MORTGAGE–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc.–Class A | | | | | | | 5,480 | | | | 151,632 | |
Concentradora Hipotecaria SAPI de CV | | | | | | | 104,000 | | | | 143,179 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
First American Financial Corp. | | | | | | | 12,923 | | | $ | 519,763 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 814,574 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $174,496,728) | | | | | | | | | | | 200,961,172 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | | |
CORPORATES–INVESTMENT GRADE–10.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–6.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BASIC–0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Barrick Gold Corp. 4.10%, 5/01/23 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 40 | | | | 42,195 | |
Dow Chemical Co. (The) 4.125%, 11/15/21 | | | | | | | 165 | | | | 181,018 | |
Eastman Chemical Co. 3.80%, 3/15/25 | | | | | | | 110 | | | | 116,257 | |
Glencore Funding LLC 4.125%, 5/30/23(c) | | | | | | | 126 | | | | 115,920 | |
LyondellBasell Industries NV 5.75%, 4/15/24 | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 238,041 | |
Minsur SA 6.25%, 2/07/24(c) | | | | | | | 168 | | | | 164,604 | |
Mosaic Co. (The) 5.625%, 11/15/43 | | | | | | | 96 | | | | 106,476 | |
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA 3.625%, 4/03/23(c) | | | | | | | 237 | | | | 228,823 | |
Vale Overseas Ltd. 6.875%, 11/21/36 | | | | | | | 65 | | | | 59,150 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,252,484 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Electric Co. Series D 5.00%, 1/21/21(f) | | | | | | | 68 | | | | 72,148 | |
Owens Corning 6.50%, 12/01/16(g) | | | | | | | 11 | | | | 11,155 | |
Republic Services, Inc. 3.80%, 5/15/18 | | | | | | | 17 | | | | 17,787 | |
Yamana Gold, Inc. 4.95%, 7/15/24 | | | | | | | 142 | | | | 139,700 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 240,790 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS–MEDIA–1.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
21st Century Fox America, Inc. 3.00%, 9/15/22 | | | | | | | 400 | | | | 416,605 | |
6.15%, 2/15/41 | | | | | | | 130 | | | | 162,342 | |
CBS Corp. 3.50%, 1/15/25 | | | | | | | 215 | | | | 221,060 | |
5.75%, 4/15/20 | | | | | | | 250 | | | | 284,251 | |
9
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital 4.908%, 7/23/25 | | U.S.$ | | | | | 165 | | | $ | 180,395 | |
Comcast Corp. 5.15%, 3/01/20 | | | | | | | 451 | | | | 509,653 | |
Cox Communications, Inc. 2.95%, 6/30/23(c) | | | | | | | 91 | | | | 87,700 | |
Discovery Communications LLC 3.45%, 3/15/25 | | | | | | | 176 | | | | 172,197 | |
NBCUniversal Enterprise, Inc. 5.25%, 3/19/21(c)(f) | | | | | | | 233 | | | | 240,281 | |
RELX Capital, Inc. 8.625%, 1/15/19 | | | | | | | 435 | | | | 501,707 | |
S&P Global, Inc. 4.40%, 2/15/26 | | | | | | | 226 | | | | 253,651 | |
Time Warner Cable, Inc. 4.125%, 2/15/21 | | | | | | | 165 | | | | 174,676 | |
4.50%, 9/15/42 | | | | | | | 85 | | | | 79,173 | |
Time Warner, Inc. 3.55%, 6/01/24 | | | | | | | 99 | | | | 105,177 | |
4.70%, 1/15/21 | | | | | | | 123 | | | | 137,195 | |
7.625%, 4/15/31 | | | | | | | 110 | | | | 150,880 | |
Viacom, Inc. 3.875%, 4/01/24 | | | | | | | 75 | | | | 76,177 | |
5.625%, 9/15/19 | | | | | | | 83 | | | | 91,493 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 3,844,613 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS–TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
American Tower Corp. 5.05%, 9/01/20 | | | | | | | 380 | | | | 422,533 | |
AT&T, Inc. 3.40%, 5/15/25 | | | | | | | 475 | | | | 485,881 | |
3.80%, 3/15/22 | | | | | | | 75 | | | | 79,674 | |
4.45%, 4/01/24 | | | | | | | 292 | | | | 320,794 | |
Rogers Communications, Inc. 4.00%, 6/06/22 | | | CAD | | | | 46 | | | | 38,910 | |
Telefonica Emisiones SAU 5.462%, 2/16/21 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 185 | | | | 211,066 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. 3.50%, 11/01/24 | | | | | | | 778 | | | | 827,429 | |
4.862%, 8/21/46 | | | | | | | 134 | | | | 146,474 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,532,761 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–AUTOMOTIVE–0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC 5.875%, 8/02/21 | | | | | | | 915 | | | | 1,049,423 | |
General Motors Co. 3.50%, 10/02/18 | | | | | | | 130 | | | | 133,845 | |
General Motors Financial Co., Inc. 4.00%, 1/15/25 | | | | | | | 41 | | | | 41,484 | |
4.30%, 7/13/25 | | | | | | | 50 | | | | 51,299 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,276,051 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–RETAILERS–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CVS Health Corp. 3.875%, 7/20/25 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 222 | | | $ | 244,195 | |
Kohl’s Corp. 5.55%, 7/17/45 | | | | | | | 170 | | | | 158,330 | |
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. 3.80%, 11/18/24 | | | | | | | 320 | | | | 339,034 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 741,559 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–1.6% | | | | | | | | | |
AbbVie, Inc. 3.60%, 5/14/25 | | | | | | | 166 | | | | 173,940 | |
Actavis Funding SCS 3.80%, 3/15/25 | | | | | | | 282 | | | | 293,796 | |
3.85%, 6/15/24 | | | | | | | 89 | | | | 93,137 | |
Agilent Technologies, Inc. 5.00%, 7/15/20 | | | | | | | 71 | | | | 78,263 | |
Altria Group, Inc. 2.625%, 1/14/20 | | | | | | | 320 | | | | 332,655 | |
AstraZeneca PLC 6.45%, 9/15/37 | | | | | | | 90 | | | | 122,843 | |
Baxalta, Inc. 5.25%, 6/23/45 | | | | | | | 130 | | | | 141,001 | |
Bayer US Finance LLC 3.375%, 10/08/24(c) | | | | | | | 321 | | | | 333,678 | |
Becton Dickinson and Co. 3.734%, 12/15/24 | | | | | | | 141 | | | | 151,877 | |
Biogen, Inc. 4.05%, 9/15/25 | | | | | | | 251 | | | | 270,189 | |
Bunge Ltd. Finance Corp. 8.50%, 6/15/19 | | | | | | | 155 | | | | 181,237 | |
Celgene Corp. 3.875%, 8/15/25 | | | | | | | 280 | | | | 298,666 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. 3.65%, 3/01/26 | | | | | | | 122 | | | | 132,758 | |
Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV 3.875%, 6/27/24(c) | | | | | | | 339 | | | | 352,778 | |
Kraft Heinz Foods Co. 2.80%, 7/02/20(c) | | | | | | | 130 | | | | 134,997 | |
3.50%, 7/15/22(c) | | | | | | | 162 | | | | 172,054 | |
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings 3.60%, 2/01/25 | | | | | | | 100 | | | | 103,795 | |
Medtronic, Inc. 3.50%, 3/15/25 | | | | | | | 320 | | | | 348,840 | |
Newell Brands, Inc. 3.15%, 4/01/21 | | | | | | | 280 | | | | 291,699 | |
3.85%, 4/01/23 | | | | | | | 50 | | | | 53,033 | |
Perrigo Finance Unlimited Co. 3.50%, 12/15/21 | | | | | | | 300 | | | | 308,741 | |
Reynolds American, Inc. 5.85%, 8/15/45 | | | | | | | 79 | | | | 100,941 | |
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. 4.15%, 2/01/24 | | | | | | | 121 | | | | 132,059 | |
10
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tyson Foods, Inc. 2.65%, 8/15/19 | | U.S.$ | | | | | 64 | | | $ | 65,750 | |
3.95%, 8/15/24 | | | | | | | 206 | | | | 222,366 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 4,891,093 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ENERGY–1.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Encana Corp. 3.90%, 11/15/21 | | | | | | | 140 | | | | 135,765 | |
Energy Transfer Partners LP 7.50%, 7/01/38 | | | | | | | 248 | | | | 273,817 | |
EnLink Midstream Partners LP 5.05%, 4/01/45 | | | | | | | 215 | | | | 175,679 | |
Enterprise Products Operating LLC 3.70%, 2/15/26 | | | | | | | 278 | | | | 289,303 | |
5.20%, 9/01/20 | | | | | | | 185 | | | | 208,141 | |
Halliburton Co. 5.00%, 11/15/45 | | | | | | | 295 | | | | 324,465 | |
Husky Energy, Inc. 7.25%, 12/15/19 | | | | | | | 36 | | | | 40,501 | |
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP 2.65%, 2/01/19 | | | | | | | 302 | | | | 301,870 | |
3.95%, 9/01/22 | | | | | | | 424 | | | | 431,510 | |
Kinder Morgan, Inc./DE 5.00%, 2/15/21(c) | | | | | | | 250 | | | | 263,487 | |
Marathon Petroleum Corp. 5.125%, 3/01/21 | | | | | | | 163 | | | | 180,248 | |
Noble Energy, Inc. 3.90%, 11/15/24 | | | | | | | 170 | | | | 172,705 | |
8.25%, 3/01/19 | | | | | | | 374 | | | | 428,347 | |
Plains All American Pipeline LP/PAA Finance Corp. 3.60%, 11/01/24 | | | | | | | 232 | | | | 217,870 | |
Schlumberger Holdings Corp. 3.625%, 12/21/22(c) | | | | | | | 295 | | | | 312,064 | |
TransCanada PipeLines Ltd. 6.35%, 5/15/67 | | | | | | | 120 | | | | 84,900 | |
Valero Energy Corp. 6.125%, 2/01/20 | | | | | | | 175 | | | | 197,507 | |
Williams Partners LP 4.125%, 11/15/20 | | | | | | | 155 | | | | 153,527 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 4,191,706 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTHER INDUSTRIAL–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hutchison Whampoa International 14 Ltd. 1.625%, 10/31/17(c) | | | | | | | 320 | | | | 321,459 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
SERVICES–0.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
eBay, Inc. 3.80%, 3/09/22 | | | | | | | 75 | | | | 79,693 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY–0.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Diamond 1 Finance Corp./Diamond 2 Finance Corp. 4.42%, 6/15/21 | | | | | | | 280 | | | | 288,196 | |
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. 3.50%, 4/15/23 | | | | | | | 39 | | | | 40,493 | |
5.00%, 10/15/25 | | | | | | | 3 | | | | 3,406 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. 4.90%, 10/15/25(c) | | U.S.$ | | | | | 300 | | | $ | 313,446 | |
HP, Inc. 4.65%, 12/09/21 | | | | | | | 114 | | | | 123,276 | |
KLA-Tencor Corp. 4.65%, 11/01/24 | | | | | | | 225 | | | | 245,447 | |
Lam Research Corp. 2.80%, 6/15/21 | | | | | | | 71 | | | | 72,686 | |
Motorola Solutions, Inc. 3.50%, 3/01/23 | | | | | | | 150 | | | | 144,806 | |
7.50%, 5/15/25 | | | | | | | 33 | | | | 38,849 | |
Seagate HDD Cayman 4.75%, 1/01/25 | | | | | | | 127 | | | | 100,489 | |
Tencent Holdings Ltd. 3.375%, 5/02/19(c) | | | | | | | 335 | | | | 347,504 | |
Total System Services, Inc. 2.375%, 6/01/18 | | | | | | | 141 | | | | 142,086 | |
3.75%, 6/01/23 | | | | | | | 139 | | | | 141,172 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,001,856 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 21,374,065 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–2.9% | | | | | | | | | |
BANKING–2.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Barclays Bank PLC 6.625%, 3/30/22(c) | | | EUR | | | | 84 | | | | 109,687 | |
Barclays PLC 3.65%, 3/16/25 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 270 | | | | 259,624 | |
Citigroup, Inc. 3.875%, 3/26/25 | | | | | | | 235 | | | | 237,128 | |
Compass Bank 5.50%, 4/01/20 | | | | | | | 314 | | | | 338,430 | |
Cooperatieve Rabobank UA 4.375%, 8/04/25 | | | | | | | 320 | | | | 334,249 | |
Credit Suisse Group Funding Guernsey Ltd. 4.55%, 4/17/26 | | | | | | | 375 | | | | 389,017 | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) 3.75%, 5/22/25 | | | | | | | 186 | | | | 194,253 | |
5.75%, 1/24/22 | | | | | | | 335 | | | | 388,922 | |
Series D 6.00%, 6/15/20 | | | | | | | 440 | | | | 502,055 | |
Lloyds Banking Group PLC 3.10%, 7/06/21 | | | | | | | 395 | | | | 394,708 | |
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. 3.85%, 3/01/26 | | | | | | | 272 | | | | 296,748 | |
Morgan Stanley 5.625%, 9/23/19 | | | | | | | 168 | | | | 186,397 | |
Series G 5.50%, 7/24/20 | | | | | | | 189 | | | | 212,080 | |
Murray Street Investment Trust I 4.647%, 3/09/17 | | | | | | | 44 | | | | 44,988 | |
Nationwide Building Society 6.25%, 2/25/20(c) | | | | | | | 465 | | | | 532,889 | |
11
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
PNC Bank NA 3.80%, 7/25/23 | | U.S.$ | | | | | 685 | | | $ | 738,580 | |
Rabobank Capital Funding Trust III 5.254%, 10/21/16(c)(f) | | | | | | | 190 | | | | 189,287 | |
Santander Issuances SAU 5.179%, 11/19/25 | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 199,807 | |
Santander UK PLC 5.00%, 11/07/23(c) | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 205,300 | |
Standard Chartered PLC 6.409%, 1/30/17(c)(f) | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 180,000 | |
UBS AG/Stamford CT 7.625%, 8/17/22 | | | | | | | 380 | | | | 430,350 | |
UBS Group Funding Jersey Ltd. 4.125%, 9/24/25(c) | | | | | | | 305 | | | | 316,197 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 6,680,696 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
BROKERAGE–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nomura Holdings, Inc. 2.00%, 9/13/16 | | | | | | | 468 | | | | 468,808 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FINANCE–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aviation Capital Group Corp. 7.125%, 10/15/20(c) | | | | | | | 173 | | | | 197,273 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INSURANCE–0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings Ltd. 7.50%, 8/01/16 | | | | | | | 160 | | | | 160,752 | |
American International Group, Inc. 4.875%, 6/01/22 | | | | | | | 155 | | | | 172,674 | |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The) 5.125%, 4/15/22 | | | | | | | 180 | | | | 204,713 | |
5.50%, 3/30/20 | | | | | | | 242 | | | | 273,265 | |
Lincoln National Corp. 8.75%, 7/01/19 | | | | | | | 98 | | | | 115,926 | |
MetLife, Inc. 10.75%, 8/01/39 | | | | | | | 70 | | | | 108,815 | |
Series C 5.25%, 6/15/20(f) | | | | | | | 106 | | | | 105,205 | |
Prudential Financial, Inc. 5.625%, 6/15/43 | | | | | | | 69 | | | | 71,954 | |
XLIT Ltd. 6.375%, 11/15/24 | | | | | | | 157 | | | | 188,823 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,402,127 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
REITS–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Host Hotels & Resorts LP Series D 3.75%, 10/15/23 | | | | | | | 10 | | | | 10,073 | |
Welltower, Inc. 5.25%, 1/15/22 | | | | | | | 300 | | | | 337,005 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 347,078 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 9,095,982 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
UTILITY–0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CMS Energy Corp. 5.05%, 3/15/22 | | U.S.$ | | | | | 155 | | | $ | 177,202 | |
Constellation Energy Group, Inc. 5.15%, 12/01/20 | | | | | | | 89 | | | | 99,050 | |
Entergy Corp. 4.00%, 7/15/22 | | | | | | | 223 | | | | 239,298 | |
Exelon Corp. 5.10%, 6/15/45 | | | | | | | 125 | | | | 143,643 | |
Exelon Generation Co. LLC 4.25%, 6/15/22 | | | | | | | 128 | | | | 136,520 | |
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. 6.05%, 3/01/34 | | | | | | | 38 | | | | 50,630 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 846,343 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
NATURAL GAS–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Talent Yield Investments Ltd. 4.50%, 4/25/22(c) | | | | | | | 490 | | | | 532,155 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,378,498 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Corporates–Investment Grade (cost $30,223,280) | | | | | | | | | | | 31,848,545 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGHS–7.2% | | | | | | | | | |
AGENCY FIXED RATE 30-YEAR–6.3% | | | | | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Gold 4.00%, 1/01/45 | | | | | | | 1,185 | | | | 1,300,705 | |
4.00% FGLMC, 7/01/46, TBA | | | | | | | 835 | | | | 893,711 | |
Series 2005 5.50%, 1/01/35 | | | | | | | 254 | | | | 288,666 | |
Series 2007 5.50%, 7/01/35 | | | | | | | 25 | | | | 28,749 | |
Federal National Mortgage Association 3.00%, 5/01/45 | | | | | | | 1,423 | | | | 1,478,100 | |
3.50%, 5/01/42-9/01/45 | | | | | | | 4,565 | | | | 4,900,649 | |
3.50% FNCL, 7/01/46, TBA | | | | | | | 465 | | | | 490,648 | |
4.00%, 10/01/44-8/01/45 | | | | | | | 2,393 | | | | 2,631,351 | |
4.50% FNCL, 7/25/46, TBA | | | | | | | 2,588 | | | | 2,824,950 | |
5.00%, 12/01/39 | | | | | | | 155 | | | | 172,567 | |
Series 2004 5.50%, 2/01/34-11/01/34 | | | | | | | 94 | | | | 106,071 | |
Series 2007 5.50%, 1/01/37-8/01/37 | | | | | | | 344 | | | | 390,802 | |
Series 2008 5.50%, 8/01/37 | | | | | | | 157 | | | | 179,078 | |
Series 2015 3.50%, 4/01/45 | | | | | | | 584 | | | | 626,842 | |
Series AS6516 4.00%, 1/01/46 | | | | | | | 1,128 | | | | 1,210,698 | |
12
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Government National Mortgage Association 3.00%, 7/20/45 | | U.S.$ | | | | | 539 | | | $ | 563,267 | |
3.50% G2SF, 7/01/46, TBA | | | | | | | 1,855 | | | | 1,968,836 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 20,055,690 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
AGENCY FIXED RATE 15-YEAR–0.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association 2.50% FNCI, 7/01/31, TBA | | | | | | | 1,835 | | | | 1,898,471 | |
3.50%, 10/01/25-1/12/30 | | | | | | | 1,000 | | | | 1,061,654 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,960,125 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Mortgage Pass-Throughs (cost $22,580,059) | | | | | | | | | | | 23,015,815 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES–3.9% | | | | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE CMBS–3.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2007-5, Class AM 5.772%, 2/10/51 | | | | | | | 150 | | | | 154,577 | |
Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust Series 2006-PW13, Class AJ 5.611%, 9/11/41 | | | | | | | 184 | | | | 184,112 | |
BHMS Mortgage Trust Series 2014-ATLS, Class AFX 3.601%, 7/05/33(c) | | | | | | | 335 | | | | 351,940 | |
CGRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2013-VN05, Class A 3.369%, 3/13/35(c) | | | | | | | 495 | | | | 527,193 | |
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2012-GC8, Class D 4.877%, 9/10/45(c) | | | | | | | 169 | | | | 157,576 | |
Series 2015-GC27, Class A5 3.137%, 2/10/48 | | | | | | | 246 | | | | 258,296 | |
COBALT CMBS Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2007-C3, Class A4 5.767%, 5/15/46 | | | | | | | 256 | | | | 264,325 | |
Commercial Mortgage Loan Trust Series 2008-LS1, Class A1A 6.097%, 12/10/49 | | | | | | | 937 | | | | 982,031 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2006-C8, Class A1A 5.292%, 12/10/46 | | U.S.$ | | | | | 385 | | | $ | 389,726 | |
Series 2006-C8, Class A4 5.306%, 12/10/46 | | | | | | | 236 | | | | 236,734 | |
Series 2013-SFS, Class A1 1.873%, 4/12/35(c) | | | | | | | 181 | | | | 180,591 | |
Credit Suisse Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2007-C3, Class AM 5.699%, 6/15/39 | | | | | | | 155 | | | | 157,177 | |
CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2015-C3, Class A4 3.718%, 8/15/48 | | | | | | | 343 | | | | 372,778 | |
Series 2015-C4, Class A4 3.808%, 11/15/48 | | | | | | | 260 | | | | 286,221 | |
DBUBS Mortgage Trust Series 2011-LC1A, Class E 5.646%, 11/10/46(c) | | | | | | | 130 | | | | 137,405 | |
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II Series 2013-KING, Class A 2.706%, 12/10/27(c) | | | | | | | 463 | | | | 473,781 | |
GS Mortgage Securities Trust Series 2007-GG10, Class A4 5.794%, 8/10/45 | | | | | | | 193 | | | | 197,992 | |
Series 2013-G1, Class A2 3.557%, 4/10/31(c) | | | | | | | 276 | | | | 285,966 | |
JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust Series 2004-LN2, Class A1A 4.838%, 7/15/41(c) | | | | | | | 108 | | | | 107,638 | |
Series 2006-LDP8, Class AJ 5.48%, 5/15/45 | | | | | | | 136 | | | | 135,819 | |
Series 2006-LDP9, Class AM 5.372%, 5/15/47 | | | | | | | 135 | | | | 134,987 | |
Series 2007-CB19, Class AM 5.702%, 2/12/49 | | | | | | | 175 | | | | 178,168 | |
Series 2007-LD12, Class AM 6.01%, 2/15/51 | | | | | | | 280 | | | | 290,270 | |
Series 2007-LDPX, Class A1A 5.439%, 1/15/49 | | | | | | | 518 | | | | 527,066 | |
Series 2010-C2, Class A1 2.749%, 11/15/43(c) | | | | | | | 7 | | | | 6,926 | |
Series 2011-C5, Class D 5.323%, 8/15/46(c) | | | | | | | 100 | | | | 101,501 | |
Series 2012-C6, Class E 5.192%, 5/15/45(c) | | | | | | | 119 | | | | 112,773 | |
JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust Series 2015-C31, Class A3 3.801%, 8/15/48 | | | | | | | 368 | | | | 406,804 | |
Series 2015-C32, Class C 4.669%, 11/15/48 | | | | | | | 195 | | | | 181,407 | |
LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2006-C6, Class AJ 5.452%, 9/15/39 | | | | | | | 97 | | | | 96,713 | |
13
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2007-C1, Class AM 5.455%, 2/15/40 | | U.S.$ | | | | | 100 | | | $ | 101,157 | |
LSTAR Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2014-2, Class A2 2.767%, 1/20/41(c) | | | | | | | 164 | | | | 165,945 | |
Series 2015-3, Class A2 2.729%, 4/20/48(c) | | | | | | | 258 | | | | 254,908 | |
Series 2016-4, Class A2 2.57%, 3/10/49 | | | | | | | 161 | | | | 160,636 | |
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust Series 2006-C2, Class AJ 5.802%, 8/12/43 | | | | | | | 116 | | | | 115,859 | |
ML-CFC Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2006-4, Class A1A 5.166%, 12/12/49 | | | | | | | 232 | | | | 233,103 | |
UBS-Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2012-C3, Class A4 3.091%, 8/10/49 | | | | | | | 86 | | | | 90,716 | |
Series 2012-C4, Class A5 2.85%, 12/10/45 | | | | | | | 168 | | | | 175,489 | |
UBS-Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2011-C1, Class E 5.888%, 1/10/45(c) | | | | | | | 81 | | | | 87,451 | |
Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2006-C26, Class A1A 6.009%, 6/15/45 | | | | | | | 42 | | | | 42,284 | |
WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2012-C9, Class D 4.802%, 11/15/45(c) | | | | | | | 118 | | | | 113,772 | |
Series 2013-C14, Class A5 3.337%, 6/15/46 | | | | | | | 456 | | | | 488,605 | |
Series 2014-C20, Class A2 3.036%, 5/15/47 | | | | | | | 206 | | | | 214,971 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 10,123,389 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FLOATING RATE CMBS–0.7% | | | | | | | | | |
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2007-4, Class A1A 5.774%, 2/10/51(h) | | | | | | | 543 | | | | 561,042 | |
Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2014-SAVA, Class A 1.577% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.15%), 6/15/34(c)(g) | | | | | | | 104 | | | | 102,791 | |
H/2 Asset Funding NRE Series 2015-1A 2.099%, 6/24/49(c)(g) | | | | | | | 247 | | | | 245,290 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust Series 2014-INN, Class A 1.351% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.92%), 6/15/29(c)(g) | | U.S.$ | | | | | 339 | | | $ | 334,959 | |
Series 2015-SGP, Class A 2.127% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.70%), 7/15/36(c)(g) | | | | | | | 304 | | | | 304,570 | |
Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust Series 2015-XLF2, Class AFSA 2.297% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.87%), 8/15/26(c)(g) | | | | | | | 119 | | | | 118,431 | |
Series 2015-XLF2, Class SNMA 2.377% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.95%), 11/15/26(c)(g) | | | | | | | 119 | | | | 119,374 | |
Resource Capital Corp., Ltd. Series 2014-CRE2, Class A 1.48% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.05%), 4/15/32(c)(g) | | | | | | | 89 | | | | 87,305 | |
Starwood Retail Property Trust Series 2014-STAR, Class A 1.647% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.22%), 11/15/27(c)(g) | | | | | | | 378 | | | | 373,408 | |
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2015-SG1, Class C 4.61%, 12/15/47(h) | | | | | | | 197 | | | | 190,211 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,437,381 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $12,759,516) | | | | | | | | | | | 12,560,770 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES–3.7% | | | | | | | | | |
AUTOS–FIXED RATE–2.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ally Master Owner Trust Series 2015-3, Class A 1.63%, 5/15/20 | | | | | | | 454 | | | | 456,216 | |
AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust Series 2013-4, Class A3 0.96%, 4/09/18 | | | | | | | 3 | | | | 2,758 | |
Series 2014-1, Class A3 0.90%, 2/08/19 | | | | | | | 134 | | | | 134,375 | |
ARI Fleet Lease Trust Series 2014-A, Class A2 0.81%, 11/15/22(c) | | | | | | | 35 | | | | 35,165 | |
California Republic Auto Receivables Trust Series 2014-2, Class A4 1.57%, 12/16/19 | | | | | | | 203 | | | | 203,578 | |
Series 2015-2, Class A3 1.31%, 8/15/19 | | | | | | | 208 | | | | 208,434 | |
Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust Series 2014-1, Class B 2.22%, 1/22/19 | | | | | | | 80 | | | | 80,615 | |
14
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Chrysler Capital Auto Receivables Trust Series 2015-BA, Class A3 1.91%, 3/16/20(c) | | | U.S.$ | | | | 179 | | | $ | 181,345 | |
CPS Auto Receivables Trust Series 2013-B, Class A 1.82%, 9/15/20(c) | | | | | | | 88 | | | | 87,352 | |
Series 2014-B, Class A 1.11%, 11/15/18(c) | | | | | | | 47 | | | | 46,589 | |
Drive Auto Receivables Trust Series 2015-DA, Class A2A 1.23%, 6/15/18(c) | | | | | | | 46 | | | | 46,451 | |
Series 2016-AA, Class A2A 1.50%, 3/15/18(c) | | | | | | | 78 | | | | 78,210 | |
Series 2016-BA, Class A2 1.38%, 8/15/18 | | | | | | | 309 | | | | 309,030 | |
Enterprise Fleet Financing LLC Series 2014-1, Class A2 0.87%, 9/20/19(c) | | | | | | | 60 | | | | 59,659 | |
Series 2014-2, Class A2 1.05%, 3/20/20(c) | | | | | | | 138 | | | | 137,476 | |
Series 2015-1, Class A2 1.30%, 9/20/20(c) | | | | | | | 329 | | | | 328,381 | |
Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust Series 2014-2A, Class A 1.06%, 8/15/18(c) | | | | | | | 8 | | | | 7,637 | |
Series 2016-1A, Class D 8.20%, 2/15/23(c) | | | | | | | 140 | | | | 139,892 | |
Fifth Third Auto Trust Series 2014-3, Class A4 1.47%, 5/17/21 | | | | | | | 268 | | | | 268,932 | |
Ford Credit Auto Lease Trust Series 2014-B, Class A3 0.89%, 9/15/17 | | | | | | | 105 | | | | 105,164 | |
Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust Series 2012-D, Class B 1.01%, 5/15/18 | | | | | | | 155 | | | | 154,733 | |
Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust Series 2015-2, Class A1 1.98%, 1/15/22 | | | | | | | 322 | | | | 327,131 | |
GM Financial Automobile Leasing Trust Series 2015-2, Class A3 1.68%, 12/20/18 | | | | | | | 412 | | | | 415,319 | |
GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust Series 2015-1, Class A1 1.65%, 5/15/20(c) | | | | | | | 221 | | | | 221,578 | |
Series 2016-1, Class A1 1.96%, 5/17/21 | | | | | | | 280 | | | | 282,048 | |
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Trust Series 2015-1, Class A3 1.41%, 6/15/20 | | | | | | | 126 | | | | 126,477 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hertz Vehicle Financing II LP Series 2015-2A, Class A 2.02%, 9/25/19(c) | | | U.S.$ | | | | 180 | | | $ | 181,197 | |
Hertz Vehicle Financing LLC Series 2013-1A, Class B2 2.48%, 8/25/19(c) | | | | | | | 192 | | | | 187,950 | |
Hyundai Auto Lease Securitization Trust Series 2015-A, Class A2 1.00%, 10/16/17(c) | | | | | | | 145 | | | | 144,873 | |
Series 2015-B, Class A3 1.40%, 11/15/18(c) | | | | | | | 213 | | | | 213,845 | |
Hyundai Auto Receivables Trust Series 2012-B, Class C 1.95%, 10/15/18 | | | | | | | 140 | | | | 140,194 | |
Mercedes Benz Auto Lease Trust Series 2015-B, Class A3 1.34%, 7/16/18 | | | | | | | 223 | | | | 223,549 | |
Nissan Auto Lease Trust Series 2015-A, Class A3 1.40%, 6/15/18 | | | | | | | 370 | | | | 371,413 | |
Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust Series 2015-3, Class A2A 1.02%, 9/17/18 | | | | | | | 72 | | | | 71,544 | |
Series 2015-4,Class A2A 1.20%, 12/17/18 | | | | | | | 113 | | | | 112,701 | |
TCF Auto Receivables Owner Trust Series 2015-1A, Class A2 1.02%, 8/15/18(c) | | | | | | | 105 | | | | 104,644 | |
Westlake Automobile Receivables Trust Series 2015-3A, Class A2A 1.42%, 5/17/21(c) | | | | | | | 159 | | | | 158,821 | |
Series 2016-2A, Class A2 1.57%, 6/17/19 | | | | | | | 161 | | | | 161,189 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 6,516,465 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
AUTOS–FLOATING RATE–0.5% | | | | | | | | | |
BMW Floorplan Master Owner Trust Series 2015-1A, Class A 0.931% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.50%), 7/15/20(c)(g) | �� | | | | | | 378 | | | | 378,000 | |
GE Dealer Floorplan Master Note Trust Series 2014-1, Class A 0.812% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.38%), 7/20/19(g) | | | | | | | 203 | | | | 202,525 | |
Series 2015-1, Class A 0.932% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.50%), 1/20/20(g) | | | | | | | 384 | | | | 383,074 | |
Hertz Fleet Lease Funding LP Series 2013-3, Class A 0.979% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.55%), 12/10/27(c)(g) | | | | | | | 95 | | | | 94,990 | |
15
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Navistar Financial Dealer Note Master Trust Series 2014-1, Class A 1.203% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.75%), 10/25/19(c)(g) | | U.S.$ | | | | | 207 | | | $ | 207,261 | |
NCF Dealer Floorplan Master Trust Series 2014-1A, Class A 1.932% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.50%), 10/20/20(c)(g) | | | | | | | 320 | | | | 320,000 | |
Volkswagen Credit Auto Master Trust Series 2014-1A, Class A1 0.782% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.35%), 7/22/19(c)(g) | | | | | | | 120 | | | | 118,528 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,704,378 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CREDIT CARDS–FIXED RATE–0.5% | | | | | | | | | |
American Express Credit Account Master Trust Series 2014-2, Class A 1.26%, 1/15/20 | | | | | | | 141 | | | | 141,534 | |
Barclays Dryrock Issuance Trust Series 2014-3, Class A 2.41%, 7/15/22 | | | | | | | 326 | | | | 336,046 | |
Series 2015-2, Class A 1.56%, 3/15/21 | | | | | | | 214 | | | | 215,511 | |
Chase Issuance Trust Series 2014-A1, Class A1 1.15%, 1/15/19 | | | | | | | 270 | | | | 270,474 | |
World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust Series 2012-B, Class A 1.76%, 5/17/21 | | | | | | | 310 | | | | 311,970 | |
Series 2013-A, Class A 1.61%, 12/15/21 | | | | | | | 246 | | | | 247,848 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,523,383 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTHER ABS–FIXED RATE–0.4% | | | | | | | | | |
Ascentium Equipment Receivables LLC Series 2015-2A, Class A1 1.00%, 11/10/16(c) | | | | | | | 13 | | | | 13,197 | |
Series 2016-1A, Class A2 1.75%, 11/13/18 | | | | | | | 85 | | | | 85,159 | |
CIT Equipment Collateral Series 2014-VT1, Class A2 0.86%, 5/22/17(c) | | | | | | | 66 | | | | 66,327 | |
CNH Equipment Trust Series 2014-B, Class A4 1.61%, 5/17/21 | | | | | | | 210 | | | | 211,622 | |
Series 2015-A, Class A4 1.85%, 4/15/21 | | | | | | | 227 | | | | 229,425 | |
Dell Equipment Finance Trust Series 2015-1, Class A3 1.30%, 3/23/20(c) | | | | | | | 173 | | | | 172,983 | |
Series 2015-2, Class A2A 1.42%, 12/22/17(c) | | | | | | | 179 | | | | 179,158 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
SBA Tower Trust 3.156%, 10/15/20(c) | | U.S.$ | | | | | 251 | | | $ | 254,451 | |
Taco Bell Funding LLC Series 2016-1A, Class A2I 3.832%, 5/25/46 | | | | | | | 155 | | | | 158,019 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,370,341 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CREDIT CARDS–FLOATING RATE–0.2% | | | | | | | | | |
Discover Card Execution Note Trust Series 2015-A1, Class A1 0.881% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.35%), 8/17/20(g) | | | | | | | 240 | | | | 240,483 | |
World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust Series 2015-A, Class A 0.911% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.48%), 2/15/22(g) | | | | | | | 256 | | | | 255,686 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 496,169 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
HOME EQUITY LOANS–FIXED RATE–0.0% | | | | | | | | | |
Credit-Based Asset Servicing and Securitization LLC Series 2003-CB1, Class AF 3.95%, 1/25/33 | | | | | | | 62 | | | | 62,501 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
HOME EQUITY LOANS–FLOATING RATE–0.0% | | | | | | | | | |
Residential Asset Securities Corp. Trust Series 2003-KS3, Class A2 1.036% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.60%), 5/25/33(g) | | | | | | | 1 | | | | 648 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Asset-Backed Securities (cost $11,617,210) | | | | | | | | | | | 11,673,885 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
GOVERNMENTS–TREASURIES–2.9% | | | | | | | | | |
UNITED STATES–2.9% | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2.75%, 8/15/42 | | | | | | | 280 | | | | 308,503 | |
3.00%, 5/15/45 | | | | | | | 265 | | | | 304,595 | |
3.125%, 2/15/43-8/15/44 | | | | | | | 575 | | | | 677,485 | |
3.375%, 5/15/44 | | | | | | | 234 | | | | 288,272 | |
3.625%, 8/15/43 | | | | | | | 1,304 | | | | 1,682,027 | |
4.375%, 2/15/38 | | | | | | | 1,027 | | | | 1,464,607 | |
6.25%, 5/15/30 | | | | | | | 149 | | | | 233,889 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1.25%, 3/31/21 | | | | | | | 2,343 | | | | 2,370,174 | |
1.625%, 5/15/26 | | | | | | | 724 | | | | 733,156 | |
2.25%, 11/15/25 | | | | | | | 813 | | | | 867,263 | |
2.50%, 8/15/23 | | | | | | | 305 | | | | 330,412 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Governments–Treasuries (cost $8,416,479) | | | | | | | | | | | 9,260,383 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
16
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS–2.5% | | | | | | | | | |
RISK SHARE FLOATING RATE–1.5% | | | | | | | | | |
Bellemeade Re II Ltd. Series 2016-1A, Class M2B 6.953% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.50%), 4/25/26(g) | | U.S.$ | | | | | 170 | | | $ | 171,364 | |
Bellemeade Re Ltd. Series 2015-1A, Class M1 2.936% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.50%), 7/25/25(d)(g)(i) | | | | | | | 87 | | | | 87,087 | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes Series 2014-DN3, Class M3 4.427% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 8/25/24(g) | | | | | | | 330 | | | | 328,841 | |
Series 2014-DN4, Class M3 4.977% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.55%), 10/25/24(g) | | | | | | | 250 | | | | 254,786 | |
Series 2014-HQ3, Class M3 5.177% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.75%), 10/25/24(g) | | | | | | | 250 | | | | 255,548 | |
Series 2015-DNA3, Class M3 5.136% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.70%), 4/25/28(g) | | | | | | | 250 | | | | 248,986 | |
Series 2015-HQA2, Class M3 5.236% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.80%), 5/25/28(g) | | | | | | | 250 | | | | 246,294 | |
Series 2016-DNA1, Class M3 5.986% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.55%), 7/25/28(g) | | | | | | | 250 | | | | 259,453 | |
Series 2016-DNA2, Class M3 5.103% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.65%), 10/25/28(g) | | | | | | | 250 | | | | 244,816 | |
Series 2016-DNA3, Class M3 5.446% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 12/25/28(g) | | | | | | | 250 | | | | 249,079 | |
Federal National Mortgage Association Connecticut Avenue Securities Series 2014-C03, Class 1M1 1.636% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.20%), 7/25/24(g) | | | | | | | 65 | | | | 64,681 | |
Series 2014-C04, Class 1M2 5.336% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.90%), 11/25/24(g) | | | | | | | 180 | | | | 184,474 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2014-C04, Class 2M2 5.436% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 11/25/24(g) | | U.S.$ | | | | | 75 | | | $ | 76,138 | |
Series 2015-C01, Class 1M2 4.736% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.30%), 2/25/25(g) | | | | | | | 155 | | | | 157,332 | |
Series 2015-C01, Class 2M2 4.986% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.55%), 2/25/25(g) | | | | | | | 210 | | | | 216,151 | |
Series 2015-C02, Class 1M2 4.436% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 5/25/25(g) | | | | | | | 199 | | | | 199,000 | |
Series 2015-C02, Class 2M2 4.436% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 5/25/25(g) | | | | | | | 185 | | | | 184,941 | |
Series 2015-C03, Class 1M1 1.936% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.50%), 7/25/25(g) | | | | | | | 103 | | | | 102,934 | |
Series 2015-C03, Class 1M2 5.436% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 7/25/25(g) | | | | | | | 90 | | | | 90,534 | |
Series 2015-C03, Class 2M2 5.436% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 7/25/25(g) | | | | | | | 244 | | | | 246,485 | |
Series 2015-C04, Class 1M2 6.136% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.70%), 4/25/28(g) | | | | | | | 74 | | | | 76,327 | |
Series 2015-C04, Class 2M2 5.986% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.55%), 4/25/28(g) | | | | | | | 117 | | | | 119,668 | |
Series 2016-C01, Class 1M2 7.177% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.75%), 8/25/28(g) | | | | | | | 149 | | | | 163,034 | |
Series 2016-C01, Class 2M2 7.377% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.95%), 8/25/28(g) | | | | | | | 159 | | | | 173,085 | |
Series 2016-C03, Class 1M2 5.753% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.30%), 10/25/28(g) | | | | | | | 46 | | | | 46,807 | |
Series 2016-C03, Class 2M2 6.353% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.90%), 10/25/28(g) | | | | | | | 145 | | | | 150,447 | |
17
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
JP Morgan Madison Avenue Securities Trust Series 2014-CH1, Class M2 4.686% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.25%), 11/25/24(g)(i) | | U.S.$ | | | | | 36 | | | $ | 35,642 | |
Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust Series 2015-WF1, Class 1M2 5.686% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.25%), 11/25/25(g)(i) | | | | | | | 144 | | | | 142,463 | |
Series 2015-WF1, Class 2M2 5.936% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.50%), 11/25/25(g)(i) | | | | | | | 41 | | | | 40,209 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 4,816,606 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE–0.5% | | | | | | | | | |
Alternative Loan Trust Series 2005-20CB, Class 3A6 5.50%, 7/25/35 | | | | | | | 41 | | | | 36,761 | |
Series 2005-57CB, Class 4A3 5.50%, 12/25/35 | | | | | | | 98 | | | | 81,819 | |
Series 2006-23CB, Class 1A7 6.00%, 8/25/36 | | | | | | | 70 | | | | 62,170 | |
Series 2006-24CB, Class A16 5.75%, 6/25/36 | | | | | | | 169 | | | | 130,651 | |
Series 2006-28CB, Class A14 6.25%, 10/25/36 | | | | | | | 116 | | | | 90,886 | |
Series 2006-J1, Class 1A13 5.50%, 2/25/36 | | | | | | | 102 | | | | 83,669 | |
Series 2007-2CB, Class 2A4 5.75%, 3/25/37 | | | | | | | 93 | | | | 74,643 | |
Chase Mortgage Finance Trust Series 2007-S5, Class 1A17 6.00%, 7/25/37 | | | | | | | 53 | | | | 44,281 | |
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc. Series 2005-2, Class 1A4 2.628%, 5/25/35 | | | | | | | 22 | | | | 20,371 | |
Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through Trust Series 2006-10, Class 1A8 6.00%, 5/25/36 | | | | | | | 86 | | | | 72,805 | |
Series 2006-13, Class 1A18 6.25%, 9/25/36 | | | | | | | 129 | | | | 106,592 | |
Series 2006-13, Class 1A19 6.25%, 9/25/36 | | | | | | | 46 | | | | 38,322 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2007-HYB2, Class 3A1 2.819%, 2/25/47 | | U.S.$ | | | | | 248 | | | $ | 189,609 | |
Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust Series 2010-6R, Class 3A2 5.875%, 1/26/38(c) | | | | | | | 157 | | | | 129,511 | |
First Horizon Alternative Mortgage Securities Trust Series 2006-FA3, Class A9 6.00%, 7/25/36 | | | | | | | 187 | | | | 145,433 | |
JP Morgan Mortgage Trust Series 2007-S3, Class 1A8 6.00%, 8/25/37 | | | | | | | 76 | | | | 65,383 | |
RBSSP Resecuritization Trust Series 2009-7, Class 10A3 6.00%, 8/26/37(c) | | | | | | | 206 | | | | 176,576 | |
Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust Series 2007-8, Class 2A5 5.75%, 7/25/37 | | | | | | | 62 | | | | 61,121 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,610,603 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
AGENCY FLOATING RATE–0.3% | | | | | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association Series 2011-15, Class SA 6.607% (LIBOR 1 Month + 7.06%), 3/25/41(g)(j) | | | | | | | 654 | | | | 160,136 | |
Series 2016-22, Class ST 5.647% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.10%), 4/25/46(g)(j) | | | | | | | 852 | | | | 164,028 | |
Federal National Mortgage Association REMICs Series 2013-130, Class SN 6.00% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.65%), 10/25/42(g)(j) | | | | | | | 886 | | | | 164,903 | |
Series 2015-66, Class AS 5.797% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.25%), 9/25/45(g)(j) | | | | | | | 832 | | | | 173,048 | |
Series 2016-11, Class SG 6.00% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.15%), 3/25/46(g)(j) | | | | | | | 935 | | | | 177,769 | |
Series 2016-19, Class SA 5.647% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.10%), 4/25/46(g)(j) | | | | | | | 1,027 | | | | 184,821 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,024,705 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FLOATING RATE–0.1% | | | | | | | | | |
Deutsche Alt-A Securities Mortgage Loan Trust Series 2006-AR4, Class A2 0.626% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.19%), 12/25/36(g) | | | | | | | 360 | | | | 212,630 | |
HomeBanc Mortgage Trust Series 2005-1, Class A1 0.686% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.25%), 3/25/35(g) | | | | | | | 155 | | | | 130,374 | |
18
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
RBSSP Resecuritization Trust Series 2010-9, Class 7A6 6.706%, 5/26/37(c)(h) | | | U.S.$ | | | | 194 | | | $ | 147,799 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 490,803 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
AGENCY FIXED RATE–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association REMICs Series 2015-33, Class AI 5.00%, 6/25/45(j) | | | | | | | 903 | | | | 161,794 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (cost $8,211,237) | | | | | | | | | | | 8,104,511 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES–2.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
UNITED STATES–2.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Inflation Index 0.125%, 4/15/19 (TIPS) | | | | | | | 4,172 | | | | 4,259,677 | |
0.25%, 1/15/25 (TIPS) | | | | | | | 1,127 | | | | 1,144,331 | |
0.375%, 7/15/25 (TIPS) | | | | | | | 1,230 | | | | 1,266,198 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Inflation-Linked Securities (cost $6,587,806) | | | | | | | | | | | 6,670,206 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CORPORATES–NON-INVESTMENT GRADE–1.5% | | | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–0.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BASIC–0.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Freeport-McMoran Oil & Gas LLC/FCX Oil & Gas, Inc. 6.50%, 11/15/20 | | | | | | | 49 | | | | 49,104 | |
Novelis, Inc. 8.375%, 12/15/17 | | | | | | | 29 | | | | 29,652 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 78,756 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc./Reynolds Group Issuer LLC/Reynolds Group Issuer Lu 5.75%, 10/15/20 | | | | | | | 115 | | | | 118,738 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS–MEDIA–0.0% | | | | | | | | | |
CSC Holdings LLC 8.625%, 2/15/19 | | | | | | | 44 | | | | 48,537 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS–TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Numericable-SFR SA 5.375%, 5/15/22(c) | | | EUR | | | | 195 | | | | 219,344 | |
Sprint Capital Corp. 6.90%, 5/01/19 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 370 | | | | 353,350 | |
Telecom Italia Capital SA 6.00%, 9/30/34 | | | | | | | 65 | | | | 62,075 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 634,769 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–OTHER–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
International Game Technology PLC 6.25%, 2/15/22(c) | | | U.S.$ | | | | 200 | | | $ | 203,250 | |
KB Home 4.75%, 5/15/19 | | | | | | | 107 | | | | 107,268 | |
MCE Finance Ltd. 5.00%, 2/15/21(c) | | | | | | | 210 | | | | 208,425 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 518,943 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–RETAILERS–0.0% | | | | | | | | | |
Hanesbrands, Inc. 4.625%, 5/15/24 | | | | | | | 70 | | | | 70,175 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–0.0% | | | | | | | | | |
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. 6.125%, 4/15/25(c) | | | | | | | 135 | | | | 108,338 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ENERGY–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cenovus Energy, Inc. 3.00%, 8/15/22 | | | | | | | 17 | | | | 15,519 | |
5.70%, 10/15/19 | | | | | | | 59 | | | | 62,405 | |
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. 4.875%, 11/01/43 | | | | | | | 111 | | | | 79,086 | |
SM Energy Co. 6.50%, 1/01/23 | | | | | | | 14 | | | | 13,020 | |
Transocean, Inc. 6.50%, 11/15/20 | | | | | | | 135 | | | | 119,974 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 290,004 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. 6.75%, 3/01/19 | | | | | | | 104 | | | | 99,840 | |
Diamond 1 Finance Corp./Diamond 2 Finance Corp. 7.125%, 6/15/24 | | | | | | | 117 | | | | 122,197 | |
NXP BV/NXP Funding LLC 4.125%, 6/01/21 | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 203,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 425,037 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION–SERVICES–0.0% | | | | | | | | | |
Avis Budget Car Rental LLC/Avis Budget Finance, Inc. 5.25%, 3/15/25(c) | | | | | | | 94 | | | | 85,070 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,378,367 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–0.7% | | | | | | | | | |
BANKING–0.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. Series Z 6.50%, 10/23/24(f) | | | | | | | 79 | | | | 84,135 | |
Barclays Bank PLC 6.86%, 6/15/32(c)(f) | | | | | | | 44 | | | | 49,280 | |
7.625%, 11/21/22 | | | | | | | 239 | | | | 257,224 | |
7.75%, 4/10/23 | | | | | | | 305 | | | | 314,913 | |
19
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Credit Agricole SA 8.125%, 12/23/25(c)(f) | | | U.S.$ | | | | 205 | | | $ | 205,000 | |
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA 5.017%, 6/26/24(c) | | | | | | | 339 | | | | 310,353 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC Series U 7.64%, 9/30/17(f) | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 190,000 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC (The) 9.50%, 3/16/22(c) | | | | | | | 61 | | | | 63,430 | |
Societe Generale SA 5.922%, 4/05/17(c)(f) | | | | | | | 100 | | | | 100,833 | |
UniCredit Luxembourg Finance SA 6.00%, 10/31/17(c) | | | | | | | 230 | | | | 239,892 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,815,060 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FINANCE–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AerCap Aviation Solutions BV 6.375%, 5/30/17 | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 206,500 | |
International Lease Finance Corp. 5.875%, 4/01/19 | | | | | | | 93 | | | | 99,161 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 305,661 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,120,721 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
UTILITY–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AES Corp./VA 7.375%, 7/01/21 | | | | | | | 119 | | | | 134,173 | |
NRG Energy, Inc. Series WI 6.25%, 5/01/24 | | | | | | | 92 | | | | 87,573 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 221,746 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
NON CORPORATE SECTORS–0.0% | | | | | | | | | |
AGENCIES–NOT GOVERNMENT GUARANTEED–0.0% | | | | | | | | | |
NOVA Chemicals Corp.(c) | | | | | | | 125 | | | | 125,625 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Corporates–Non-Investment Grade (cost $4,990,697) | | | | | | | | | | | 4,846,459 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
AGENCIES–1.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AGENCY DEBENTURES–1.3% | | | | | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Bank Series **** 0.418% (LIBOR 1 Month–0.03%), 11/18/16(g) (cost $4,285,000) | | | | | | | 4,285 | | | | 4,284,674 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
EMERGING MARKETS– TREASURIES–0.3% | | | | | | | | | |
BRAZIL–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional Series F 10.00%, 1/01/17-1/01/27 (cost $946,382) | | | BRL | | | | 3,050 | | | | 889,944 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
GOVERNMENTS–SOVEREIGN AGENCIES–0.3% | | | | | | | | | |
BRAZIL–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Petrobras Global Finance BV 5.75%, 1/20/20 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 253 | | | $ | 244,423 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COLOMBIA–0.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ecopetrol SA 5.875%, 5/28/45 | | | | | | | 94 | | | | 81,663 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ISRAEL–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Israel Electric Corp. Ltd. Series 6 5.00%, 11/12/24(c) | | | | | | | 320 | | | | 341,600 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
UNITED KINGDOM–0.1% | | | | | | | | | |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC 7.50%, 8/10/20(f) | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 183,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Governments–Sovereign Agencies (cost $865,858) | | | | | | | | | | | 850,686 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS–MUNICIPAL BONDS–0.2% | | | | | | | | | |
UNITED STATES–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
State of California Series 2010 7.625%, 3/01/40 (cost $350,441) | | | | | | | 345 | | | | 545,359 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
GOVERNMENTS–SOVEREIGN BONDS–0.1% | | | | | | | | | |
MEXICO–0.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mexico Government International Bond Series E 5.95%, 3/19/19 | | | | | | | 82 | | | | 91,594 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
QATAR–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Qatar Government International Bond 2.375%, 6/02/21 | | | | | | | 280 | | | | 282,800 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Governments–Sovereign Bonds (cost $367,372) | | | | | | | | | | | 374,394 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
QUASI-SOVEREIGNS–0.1% | | | | | | | | | |
QUASI-SOVEREIGN BONDS–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CHILE–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Empresa de Transporte de Pasajeros Metro SA 4.75%, 2/04/24(c) (cost $337,942) | | | | | | | 340 | | | | 361,276 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
EMERGING MARKETS–CORPORATE BONDS–0.1% | | | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Odebrecht Finance Ltd. 5.25%, 6/27/29(c) | | | | | | | 217 | | | | 86,366 | |
7.125%, 6/26/42(c) | | | | | | | 215 | | | | 92,450 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Emerging Markets–Corporate Bonds (cost $291,191) | | | | | | | | | | | 178,816 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
20
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–3.1% | | | | | | | | | |
AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTE–1.1% | | | | | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Bank Zero Coupon, 11/04/16 (cost $3,399,518) | | U.S.$ | | | | | 3,405 | | | $ | 3,399,518 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–1.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
State Street Time Deposit 0.01%, 7/01/16 (cost $5,482,848) | | | | | | | 5,483 | | | | 5,482,848 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT–0.3% | | | | | | | | | |
Wells Fargo Bank, NA 0.797%, 10/05/16(g) (cost $1,143,000) | | | | | | | 1,143 | | | | 1,143,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Short-Term Investments (cost $10,025,366) | | | | | | | | | | | 10,025,366 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned–102.3% (cost $297,352,564) | | | | | | | | | | | 326,452,261 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–0.6% | | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–0.6% | | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.25%(k)(l) (cost $1,836,803) | | | | | | | 1,836,803 | | | $ | 1,836,803 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–102.9% (cost $299,189,367) | | | | | | | | 328,289,064 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(2.9)% | | | | | | | | (9,284,538 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | | | | | $ | 319,004,526 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FUTURES (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Type | | Number of
Contracts | | | Expiration
Month | | | Original
Value | | | Value at
June 30,
2016 | | | Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation) | |
Purchased Contracts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. T-Note 2 Yr (CBT) Futures | | | 34 | | | | September 2016 | | | $ | 7,406,205 | | | $ | 7,457,156 | | | $ | 50,951 | |
U.S. T-Note 5 Yr (CBT) Futures | | | 129 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 15,471,120 | | | | 15,759,164 | | | | 288,044 | |
U.S. T-Note 10 Yr (CBT) Futures | | | 32 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 4,148,801 | | | | 4,255,500 | | | | 106,699 | |
U.S. Ultra Bond (CBT) Futures | | | 26 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 4,551,895 | | | | 4,845,750 | | | | 293,855 | |
| | | | | |
Sold Contracts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Euro-BOBL Futures | | | 28 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 4,110,920 | | | | 4,151,352 | | | | (40,432 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 699,117 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Contracts to Deliver (000) | | | In Exchange For (000) | | | Settlement Date | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | KRW | 74,874 | | | USD | 65 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | $ | 218 | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | KRW | 585,416 | | | USD | 497 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (10,589 | ) |
Barclays Bank PLC | | TWD | 6,760 | | | USD | 206 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (3,873 | ) |
BNP Paribas SA | | USD | 1,060 | | | JPY | 116,632 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 71,279 | |
Citibank | | USD | 521 | | | CHF | 515 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 7,419 | |
Citibank | | USD | 314 | | | SEK | 2,536 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (13,438 | ) |
Credit Suisse International | | CHF | 585 | | | USD | 592 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (8,367 | ) |
Credit Suisse International | | HUF | 22,118 | | | USD | 78 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 745 | |
Credit Suisse International | | USD | 850 | | | CHF | 826 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (2,166 | ) |
21
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Contracts to Deliver (000) | | | In Exchange For (000) | | | Settlement Date | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | BRL | 1,252 | | | USD | 390 | | | | 7/05/16 | | | $ | 304 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | USD | 374 | | | BRL | 1,252 | | | | 7/05/16 | | | | 15,798 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | BRL | 1,252 | | | USD | 371 | | | | 8/02/16 | | | | (15,294 | ) |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | JPY | 188,713 | | | USD | 1,701 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (129,060 | ) |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | BRL | 1,754 | | | USD | 381 | | | | 1/04/17 | | | | (135,870 | ) |
HSBC Bank USA | | GBP | 1,605 | | | USD | 2,304 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 166,543 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | GBP | 575 | | | USD | 786 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 20,593 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | USD | 3,190 | | | JPY | 347,292 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 177,135 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | CAD | 1,170 | | | USD | 903 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (2,339 | ) |
Societe Generale SA | | USD | 547 | | | JPY | 60,086 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 35,953 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | BRL | 1,252 | | | USD | 345 | | | | 7/05/16 | | | | (45,031 | ) |
Standard Chartered Bank | | USD | 390 | | | BRL | 1,252 | | | | 7/05/16 | | | | (304 | ) |
Standard Chartered Bank | | CNY | 1,943 | | | USD | 294 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 3,488 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | IDR | 435,664 | | | USD | 33 | | | | 7/12/16 | | | | (72 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | EUR | 612 | | | USD | 702 | | | | 7/20/16 | | | | 21,589 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | 356 | | | EUR | 318 | | | | 7/20/16 | | | | (2,562 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | AUD | 407 | | | USD | 294 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (9,425 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | CAD | 456 | | | USD | 354 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 1,168 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | CHF | 402 | | | USD | 408 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (4,721 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | EUR | 2,189 | | | USD | 2,461 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 28,375 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | EUR | 147 | | | USD | 163 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (589 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | GBP | 852 | | | USD | 1,194 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 59,446 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | HKD | 858 | | | USD | 111 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 42 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | HKD | 6,785 | | | USD | 875 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (415 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | JPY | 137,704 | | | USD | 1,279 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (55,932 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | JPY | 10,608 | | | USD | 103 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 562 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | NOK | 1,900 | | | USD | 228 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 1,029 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | NZD | 299 | | | USD | 201 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (11,586 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | SEK | 2,865 | | | USD | 345 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 6,252 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | SGD | 256 | | | USD | 189 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (942 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | 1,035 | | | AUD | 1,344 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (33,955 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | 289 | | | AUD | 398 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 7,813 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | 749 | | | CHF | 726 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (3,152 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | 113 | | | CHF | 112 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 1,673 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | 318 | | | EUR | 280 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (6,796 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | 3,054 | | | GBP | 2,144 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (198,323 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | 104 | | | HKD | 810 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 33 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | 656 | | | JPY | 72,340 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 44,992 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | 437 | | | NOK | 3,586 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (8,209 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | 204 | | | NZD | 299 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 9,407 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | 1,383 | | | SEK | 11,396 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (33,195 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | 185 | | | SGD | 256 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 5,046 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | AUD | 194 | | | USD | 144 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (612 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | CAD | 217 | | | USD | 166 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (1,994 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | CAD | 104 | | | USD | 82 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 1,171 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | EUR | 570 | | | USD | 644 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 10,039 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | MXN | 5,807 | | | USD | 316 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 836 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | SGD | 167 | | | USD | 123 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (576 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | 291 | | | CHF | 279 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (4,214 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | 207 | | | SEK | 1,686 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (7,436 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | $ | (52,089 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
22
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Clearing Broker/(Exchange) & Referenced Obligation | | Fixed Rate (Pay) Receive | | | Implied Credit Spread at June 30, 2016 | | | Notional Amount (000) | | | Market Value | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Buy Contracts–(2.2)% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(INTRCONX) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CDX-NAHY Series 21, 5 Year Index, 12/20/18* | | | (5.00 | )% | | | 2.67 | % | | $ | 2,784 | | | $ | (157,292 | ) | | $ | (101,889 | ) |
CDX-NAIG Series 22, 5 Year Index, 6/20/19* | | | (1.00 | ) | | | 0.65 | | | | 4,100 | | | | (43,428 | ) | | | (8,996 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (200,720 | ) | | $ | (110,885 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAPS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Rate Type | | | | |
Clearing Broker/(Exchange) | | Notional Amount (000) | | | Termination Date | | | Payments made by the Fund | | | Payments received by the Fund | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | AUD | 8,060 | | | | 3/11/17 | | | | 2.140% | | | | 3 Month BBSW | | | $ | (9,648 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | 7,220 | | | | 6/09/17 | | | | 2.218% | | | | 3 Month BBSW | | | | (18,262 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | 4,920 | | | | 10/30/17 | | | | 1.915% | | | | 3 Month BBSW | | | | (2,713 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | 5,770 | | | | 4/27/18 | | | | 2.213% | | | | 3 Month BBSW | | | | (31,419 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | NOK | 66,930 | | | | 5/12/18 | | | | 0.954% | | | | 6 Month NIBOR | | | | (4,137 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | 22,080 | | | | 5/19/18 | | | | 1.007% | | | | 6 Month NIBOR | | | | (3,928 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | GBP | 940 | | | | 6/05/20 | | | | 6 Month LIBOR | | | | 1.651% | | | | 55,883 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | AUD | 1,230 | | | | 3/11/25 | | | | 6 Month BBSW | | | | 2.973% | | | | 60,695 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | 780 | | | | 6/09/25 | | | | 6 Month BBSW | | | | 3.384% | | | | 58,068 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | $ | 430 | | | | 6/09/25 | | | | 2.488% | | | | 3 Month LIBOR | | | | (44,247 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | 1,560 | | | | 11/10/25 | | | | 2.256% | | | | 3 Month LIBOR | | | | (132,620 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | NOK | 8,310 | | | | 5/12/26 | | | | 6 Month NIBOR | | | | 1.556% | | | | 21,619 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | $ | 750 | | | | 6/28/26 | | | | 1.460% | | | | 3 Month LIBOR | | | | (5,898 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (56,607 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
23
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Swap Counterparty & Referenced Obligation | | Fixed Rate (Pay) Receive | | | Implied Credit Spread at June 30, 2016 | | | Notional Amount (000) | | | Market Value | | | Upfront Premiums Paid (Received) | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Buy Contracts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Citibank, NA | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., 7.75%, 8/01/20, 3/20/19* | | | (5.00 | )% | | | 5.90 | % | | $ | 104 | | | $ | 2,396 | | | $ | 5,057 | | | $ | (2,661 | ) |
Sprint Communications, Inc., 8.375%, 8/15/17, 6/20/19* | | | (5.00 | ) | | | 7.33 | | | | 198 | | | | 11,624 | | | | (7,492 | ) | | | 19,116 | |
Sprint Communications, Inc., 8.375%, 8/15/17, 6/20/19* | | | (5.00 | ) | | | 7.33 | | | | 172 | | | | 10,096 | | | | (6,278 | ) | | | 16,374 | |
| | | | | | |
Sale Contracts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Anadarko Petroleum Corp., 5.95%, 9/15/16, 9/20/17* | | | 1.00 | | | | 0.78 | | | | 530 | | | | 565 | | | | (4,383 | ) | | | 4,948 | |
Credit Suisse International | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 6, 5/11/63* | | | 3.00 | | | | 4.41 | | | | 48 | | | | (3,536 | ) | | | (3,585 | ) | | | 49 | |
CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 6, 5/11/63* | | | 3.00 | | | | 4.41 | | | | 165 | | | | (12,155 | ) | | | (11,530 | ) | | | (625 | ) |
Deutsche Bank AG | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 6, 5/11/63* | | | 3.00 | | | | 4.41 | | | | 232 | | | | (16,453 | ) | | | (17,564 | ) | | | 1,111 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (7,463 | ) | | $ | (45,775 | ) | | $ | 38,312 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INTEREST RATE SWAPS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Rate Type | | | | |
Swap Counterparty | | Notional Amount (000) | | | Termination Date | | | Payments made by the Fund | | | Payments received by the Fund | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA | | $ | 1,970 | | | | 1/30/17 | | | | 1.059 | % | | | 3 Month LIBOR | | | $ | (11,067 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA | | | 2,200 | | | | 2/07/22 | | | | 2.043 | % | | | 3 Month LIBOR | | | | (136,916 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | $ | (147,983 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | | Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information. |
(c) | | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2016, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $18,931,315 or 5.9% of net assets. |
(d) | | Fair valued by the Adviser. |
(f) | | Securities are perpetual and, thus, do not have a predetermined maturity date. The date shown, if applicable, reflects the next call date. |
(g) | | Floating Rate Security. Stated interest rate was in effect at June 30, 2016. |
(h) | | Variable rate coupon, rate shown as of June 30, 2016. |
24
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
(i) | | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities, which represent 0.09% of net assets as of June 30, 2016, are considered illiquid and restricted. Additional information regarding such securities follows: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
144A/Restricted & Illiquid Securities | | Acquisition Date | | | Cost | | | Market Value | | | Percentage of Net Assets | |
Bellemeade Re Ltd. Series 2015-1A, Class M1 2.936%, 7/25/25 | | | 7/27/15 | | | $ | 87,305 | | | $ | 87,087 | | | | 0.03 | % |
JP Morgan Madison Avenue Securities Trust Series 2014-CH1, Class M2 4.686%, 11/25/24 | | | 11/06/15 | | | | 35,638 | | | | 35,642 | | | | 0.01 | % |
Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust Series 2015-WF1, Class 1M2 5.686%, 11/25/25 | | | 9/28/15 | | | | 144,029 | | | | 142,463 | | | | 0.04 | % |
Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust Series 2015-WF1, Class 2M2 5.936%, 11/25/25 | | | 9/28/15 | | | | 40,811 | | | | 40,209 | | | | 0.01 | % |
(k) | | To obtain a copy of the fund’s financial statements, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618. |
(l) | | Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end. |
Currency Abbreviations:
AUD—Australian Dollar
BRL—Brazilian Real
CAD—Canadian Dollar
CHF—Swiss Franc
CNY—Chinese Yuan Renminbi
EUR—Euro
GBP—Great British Pound
HKD—Hong Kong Dollar
HUF—Hungarian Forint
IDR—Indonesian Rupiah
JPY—Japanese Yen
KRW—South Korean Won
MXN—Mexican Peso
NOK—Norwegian Krone
NZD—New Zealand Dollar
SEK—Swedish Krona
SGD—Singapore Dollar
TWD—New Taiwan Dollar
USD—United States Dollar
Glossary:
ABS—Asset-Backed Securities
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
BBSW—Bank Bill Swap Reference Rate (Australia)
BOBL—Bundesobligationen
CBT—Chicago Board of Trade
CDX-CMBX.NA—North American Commercial Mortgage-Backed Index
CDX-NAHY—North American High Yield Credit Default Swap Index
CDX-NAIG—North American Investment Grade Credit Default Swap Index
CMBS—Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
CME—Chicago Mercantile Exchange
INTRCONX—Inter-Continental Exchange
LIBOR—London Interbank Offered Rates
NIBOR—Norwegian Interbank Offered Rate
REG—Registered Shares
REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust
REMICs—Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits
TBA—To Be Announced
TIPS—Treasury Inflation Protected Security
See notes to financial statements.
25
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETS & LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $297,352,564) | | $ | 326,452,261 | (a) |
Affiliated issuers (cost $1,836,803—investment of cash collateral for securities loaned) | | | 1,836,803 | |
Cash | | | 2,930 | |
Cash collateral due from broker | | | 570,619 | |
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $404,863) | | | 403,904 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency transactions | | | 2,667,659 | |
Interest and dividends receivable | | | 1,175,122 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 698,948 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 96,329 | |
Unrealized appreciation on credit default swaps | | | 41,598 | |
Receivable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | | 9,528 | |
Upfront premium paid on credit default swaps | | | 5,057 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 333,960,758 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency transactions | | | 11,690,849 | |
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned | | | 1,836,803 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 751,037 | |
Unrealized depreciation on interest rate swaps | | | 147,983 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 144,322 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 126,804 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 59,153 | |
Upfront premium received on credit default swaps | | | 50,832 | |
Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | | 12,116 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 11,524 | |
Unrealized depreciation on credit default swaps | | | 3,286 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 114 | |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | | | 121,409 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 14,956,232 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 319,004,526 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 28,692 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 263,869,887 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 8,207,905 | |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 17,427,760 | |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 29,470,282 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 319,004,526 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
A | | $ | 31,504,809 | | | | 2,803,955 | | | $ | 11.24 | |
B | | $ | 287,499,717 | | | | 25,887,976 | | | $ | 11.11 | |
(a) | | Includes securities on loan with a value of $1,718,290 (see Note E). |
See notes to financial statements.
26
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $114,832) | | $ | 2,586,176 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 5,176 | |
Interest | | | 2,011,302 | |
Securities lending income | | | 19,450 | |
| | | | |
| | | 4,622,104 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 874,749 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 357,904 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 263 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 2,374 | |
Custodian | | | 129,308 | |
Audit and tax | | | 39,862 | |
Printing | | | 26,019 | |
Administrative | | | 24,058 | |
Legal | | | 20,044 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 10,665 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 12,019 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 1,497,265 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note E) | | | (41 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 1,497,224 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 3,124,880 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | (3,199,835 | ) |
Futures | | | 576,967 | |
Swaps | | | (109,547 | ) |
Foreign currency transactions | | | 271,661 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | 5,615,860 | (a) |
Futures | | | 657,958 | |
Swaps | | | (169,021 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (188,089 | ) |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 3,455,954 | |
| | | | |
Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B) | | | 29 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 6,580,863 | |
| | | | |
(a) | | Net of increase in accrued foreign capital gains taxes of $156. |
See notes to financial statements.
27
| | |
|
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 3,124,880 | | | $ | 5,271,283 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (2,460,754 | ) | | | 22,687,589 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 5,916,708 | | | | (22,819,745 | ) |
Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B) | | | 29 | | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 6,580,863 | | | | 5,139,127 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (785,980 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (6,316,945 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (3,162,337 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (28,847,554 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (19,218,806 | ) | | | 371,544 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (12,637,943 | ) | | | (33,602,145 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 331,642,469 | | | | 365,244,614 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $8,207,905 and $5,083,025, respectively) | | $ | 319,004,526 | | | $ | 331,642,469 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
28
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AB Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to maximize total return consistent with the determination of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) 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 sixteen 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 (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the 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 (the “Board”).
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, Adviser will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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 Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign
29
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
markets close well before the Portfolio 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 Portfolio may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The fair value of debt instruments, such as bonds, and over-the-counter derivatives is generally based on market price quotations, recently executed market transactions (where observable) or industry recognized modeling techniques and are generally classified as Level 2. Pricing vendor inputs to Level 2 valuations may include quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, interest rate curves, coupon rates, currency rates, yield curves, option adjusted spreads, default rates, credit spreads and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows which are then discounted to calculate fair values. If these inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value, these investments will be classified as Level 3. In addition, non-agency rated investments are classified as Level 3.
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
Valuations of mortgage-backed or other asset-backed securities, by pricing vendors, are based on both proprietary and industry recognized models and discounted cash flow techniques. Significant inputs to the valuation of these instruments are value of the collateral, the rates and timing of delinquencies, the rates and timing of prepayments, and default and loss expectations, which are driven in part by housing prices for residential mortgages. Significant inputs are determined based on relative value analyses, which incorporate comparisons to instruments with similar collateral and risk profiles, including relevant indices. Mortgage and asset-backed securities for which management has collected current observable data through pricing services are generally categorized within Level 2. Those investments for which current observable data has not been provided are classified as Level 3.
Other fixed income investments, including non-U.S. government and corporate debt, are generally valued using quoted market prices, if available, which are typically impacted by current interest rates, maturity dates and any perceived credit risk of the issuer. Additionally, in the absence of quoted market prices, these inputs are used by pricing vendors to derive a valuation based upon industry or proprietary models which incorporate issuer specific data with relevant yield/spread
30
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
comparisons with more widely quoted bonds with similar key characteristics. Those investments for which there are observable inputs are classified as Level 2. Where the inputs are not observable, the investments are classified as Level 3.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Investments in Securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common Stocks: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Information Technology | | $ | 31,113,477 | | | $ | 5,374,970 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 36,488,447 | |
Health Care | | | 20,304,629 | | | | 6,986,907 | | | | –0 | – | | | 27,291,536 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 19,590,988 | | | | 5,641,611 | | | | –0 | – | | | 25,232,599 | |
Financials | | | 14,914,596 | | | | 9,166,705 | | | | –0 | – | | | 24,081,301 | |
Industrials | | | 11,060,327 | | | | 6,472,805 | | | | –0 | – | | | 17,533,132 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 8,927,656 | | | | 6,369,225 | | | | –0 | – | | | 15,296,881 | |
Energy | | | 7,802,360 | | | | 3,783,745 | | | | –0 | – | | | 11,586,105 | |
Equity: Other | | | 4,673,047 | | | | 5,304,853 | | | | 20,561 | | | | 9,998,461 | |
Residential | | | 4,530,137 | | | | 2,355,676 | | | | –0 | – | | | 6,885,813 | |
Retail | | | 4,437,187 | | | | 2,109,770 | | | | –0 | – | | | 6,546,957 | |
Utilities | | | 4,888,142 | | | | 627,170 | | | | –0 | – | | | 5,515,312 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 2,855,040 | | | | 2,653,389 | | | | –0 | – | | | 5,508,429 | |
Office | | | 2,461,190 | | | | 1,852,374 | | | | –0 | – | | | 4,313,564 | |
Materials | | | 1,195,061 | | | | 1,828,430 | | | | –0 | – | | | 3,023,491 | |
Lodging | | | 844,570 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 844,570 | |
Mortgage | | | 814,574 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 814,574 | |
Corporates—Investment Grade | | | –0 | – | | | 31,848,545 | | | | –0 | – | | | 31,848,545 | |
Mortgage Pass-Throughs | | | –0 | – | | | 23,015,815 | | | | –0 | – | | | 23,015,815 | |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | | | –0 | – | | | 8,343,886 | | | | 4,216,884 | | | | 12,560,770 | |
Asset-Backed Securities | | | –0 | – | | | 11,198,266 | | | | 475,619 | | | | 11,673,885 | |
Governments—Treasuries | | | –0 | – | | | 9,260,383 | | | | –0 | – | | | 9,260,383 | |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | | | –0 | – | | | 7,846,060 | | | | 258,451 | | | | 8,104,511 | |
Inflation-Linked Securities | | | –0 | – | | | 6,670,206 | | | | –0 | – | | | 6,670,206 | |
Corporates—Non-Investment Grade | | | –0 | – | | | 4,846,459 | | | | –0 | – | | | 4,846,459 | |
Agencies | | | –0 | – | | | 4,284,674 | | | | –0 | – | | | 4,284,674 | |
Emerging Markets—Treasuries | | | –0 | – | | | 889,944 | | | | –0 | – | | | 889,944 | |
Governments—Sovereign Agencies | | | –0 | – | | | 850,686 | | | | –0 | – | | | 850,686 | |
Local Governments—Municipal Bonds | | | –0 | – | | | 545,359 | | | | –0 | – | | | 545,359 | |
Governments—Sovereign Bonds | | | –0 | – | | | 374,394 | | | | –0 | – | | | 374,394 | |
Quasi-Sovereigns | | | –0 | – | | | 361,276 | | | | –0 | – | | | 361,276 | |
Emerging Markets—Corporate Bonds | | | –0 | – | | | 178,816 | | | | –0 | – | | | 178,816 | |
Short-Term Investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Agency Discount Notes | | | –0 | – | | | 3,399,518 | | | | –0 | – | | | 3,399,518 | |
Time Deposits | | | –0 | – | | | 5,482,848 | | | | –0 | – | | | 5,482,848 | |
Certificates of Deposit | | | –0 | – | | | 1,143,000 | | | | –0 | – | | | 1,143,000 | |
Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund | | | 1,836,803 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 1,836,803 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 142,249,784 | | | | 181,067,765 | | | | 4,971,515 | | | | 328,289,064 | |
31
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Other Financial Instruments(a): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Futures | | $ | 739,549 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 739,549 | (b) |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | | –0 | – | | | 698,948 | | | | –0 | – | | | 698,948 | |
Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | 196,265 | | | | –0 | – | | | 196,265 | (b) |
Credit Default Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | 41,598 | | | | –0 | – | | | 41,598 | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Futures | | | (40,432 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | (40,432 | )(b) |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | | –0 | – | | | (751,037 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (751,037 | ) |
Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | (110,885 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (110,885 | )(b) |
Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | (252,872 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (252,872 | )(b) |
Credit Default Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | (3,286 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (3,286 | ) |
Interest Rate Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | (147,983 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (147,983 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total(c) | | $ | 142,948,901 | | | $ | 180,738,513 | | | $ | 4,971,515 | | | $ | 328,658,929 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
(b) | | Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of exchange-traded derivatives as reported in the portfolio of investments. |
(c) | | There were de minimis transfers under 1% of net assets between Level 1 and Level 2 during the reporting period. |
The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
The following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Common Stocks | | | Commercial Mortgage- Backed Securities | | | Asset- Backed Securities | |
Balance as of 12/31/15 | | $ | 303,923 | | | $ | 3,597,541 | | | $ | 1,940,567 | |
Accrued discounts/(premiums) | | | –0 | – | | | (3,447 | ) | | | 281 | |
Realized gain (loss) | | | 91,952 | | | | (28,260 | ) | | | 900 | |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | (165,983 | ) | | | 19,468 | | | | 9,552 | |
Purchases/Payups | | | –0 | – | | | 688,651 | | | | 227,000 | |
Sales/Paydowns | | | (209,331 | ) | | | (309,895 | ) | | | (76,909 | ) |
Transfers in to Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | 252,826 | | | | –0 | – |
Transfers out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | (1,625,772 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/16 | | $ | 20,561 | | | $ | 4,216,884 | | | $ | 475,619 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from investments held as of 6/30/16(c) | | $ | (41,185 | ) | | $ | 99 | | | $ | 9,552 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
32
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Collateralized Mortgage Obligation | | | Total | |
Balance as of 12/31/15 | | $ | 6,952,456 | | | $ | 12,794,487 | |
Accrued discounts/(premiums) | | | (18 | ) | | | (3,184 | ) |
Realized gain (loss) | | | 71,200 | | | | 135,792 | |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | 31,073 | | | | (105,890 | ) |
Purchases/Payups | | | 170,300 | | | | 1,085,951 | |
Sales/Paydowns | | | (2,020,032 | ) | | | (2,616,167 | ) |
Transfers in to Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | 252,826 | (a) |
Transfers out of Level 3 | | | (4,946,528 | ) | | | (6,572,300 | )(b) |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/16 | | $ | 258,451 | | | $ | 4,971,515 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from investments held as of 6/30/16(c) | | $ | 1,797 | | | $ | (29,737 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
(a) | | There were de minimis transfers under 1% of net assets from Level 2 to Level 3 during the reporting period. |
(b) | | An amount of $6,572,300 was transferred out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to increase in observability of inputs during the reporting period. |
(c) | | The unrealized appreciation/depreciation is included in net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and other financial instruments in the accompanying statement of operations. |
The following presents information about significant unobservable inputs related to the Portfolio’s Level 3 investments at June 30, 2016. Securities priced (i) by third party vendors, or (ii) using prior transaction prices, which approximate fair value, are excluded from the following table.
| | | | | | | | |
| | Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements |
| | Fair Value at 6/30/16 | | Valuation Technique | | Unobservable Input | | Range/ Weighted Average |
Common Stock | | $20,561 | | Market Approach | | Discount of Last Traded Price | | 75% / N/A |
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and a third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
33
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, foreign currency exchange contracts, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign 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 foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
4. 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.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
5. 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 the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. 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 proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
8. Repurchase Agreements
It is the Portfolio’s policy 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 .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 (the “Expense Caps”) to .75% and 1.00% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Adviser reimbursed the Portfolio $29 for trading losses incurred due to a trade entry error.
34
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $24,058.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $103,915, of which $5 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. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $569 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
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 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 or 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, 2016 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 79,088,759 | | | $ | 92,845,176 | |
U.S. government securities | | | 67,348,826 | | | | 65,526,894 | |
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, swaps and foreign currency transactions) are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 37,851,053 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (8,751,356 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 29,099,697 | |
| | | | |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The principal types of derivatives utilized by the Portfolio, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:
The Portfolio may buy or sell futures for investment purposes or for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse effects of potential movements in the market. The Portfolio bears the market risk that arises from changes in
35
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
the value of these instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures and movements in the price of the assets, reference rates or indices which they are designed to track. Among other things, the Portfolio may purchase or sell futures for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
At the time the Portfolio enters into futures, the Portfolio deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the 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. The credit/counterparty risk for exchange-traded futures is generally less than privately negotiated futures, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each exchange-traded future, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the 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.
Use of long futures subjects the Portfolio to risk of loss in excess of the amounts shown on the statement of assets and liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures. Use of short futures subjects the Portfolio to unlimited risk of loss. Under some circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of futures can vary from the previous day’s settlement price, which could effectively prevent liquidation of unfavorable positions.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
| • | | Forward Currency Exchange Contracts |
The Portfolio may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contract and the closing of such contract would be included in net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions. Fluctuations in the value of open forward currency exchange contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation by the Portfolio. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes.
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 gaining market exposures, including by 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. In addition, collateral may be pledged or received by the Portfolio in accordance with the terms of the respective swaps to provide value and recourse to the Portfolio or its counterparties in the event of default, bankruptcy or insolvency by one of the parties to the swap.
Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap to comply with the terms of the swap. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interim payment to be received by the Portfolio, and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Therefore, the Portfolio considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a swap in evaluating potential counterparty risk. This risk is mitigated by
36
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
having a netting arrangement between the Portfolio and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the Portfolio to cover the Portfolio’s exposure to the counterparty. Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying securities. The Portfolio accrues for the interim payments on swaps on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of assets and liabilities, where applicable. Once the interim payments are settled in cash, the net amount is recorded as realized gain/(loss) on swaps on the statement of operations, in addition to any realized gain/(loss) recorded upon the termination of swaps. Upfront premiums paid or received are recognized as cost or proceeds on the statement of assets and liabilities and are amortized on a straight line basis over the life of the contract. Amortized upfront premiums are included in net realized gain/(loss) from swaps on the statement of operations. Fluctuations in the value of swaps are recorded as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of operations.
Certain standardized swaps, including certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps, are (or soon will be) subject to mandatory central clearing. Cleared swaps are transacted through futures commission merchants (“FCMs”) that are members of central clearinghouses, with the clearinghouse serving as central counterparty, similar to transactions in futures contracts. Centralized clearing will be required for additional categories of swaps on a phased-in basis based on requirements published by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
At the time the Portfolio enters into a centrally cleared swap, the Portfolio deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the clearinghouse on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the 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 of a counterparty to meet the terms of the contract. The credit/counterparty risk for centrally cleared swaps is generally less than non-centrally cleared swaps, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each centrally cleared swap, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the 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.
Interest Rate Swaps:
The Portfolio is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Because the Portfolio holds fixed rate bonds, the value of these bonds may decrease if interest rates rise. To help hedge against this risk and to maintain its ability to generate income at prevailing market rates, the Portfolio may enter into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps are agreements between two parties to exchange cash flows based on a notional amount. The Portfolio may elect to pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate, or, receive a fixed rate and pay a floating rate on a notional amount.
In addition, the Portfolio may also enter into interest rate swap transactions to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio, or protecting against an increase in the price of securities the Portfolio anticipates purchasing at a later date. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Portfolio with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments) computed based on a contractually-based principal (or “notional”) amount. Interest rate swaps are entered into on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Portfolio receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments).
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held interest rate swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
Inflation (CPI) Swaps:
Inflation swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to pay the cumulative percentage increase in a price index (the Consumer Price Index with respect to CPI swaps) over the term of the swap (with some lag on the inflation index), and the other pays a compounded fixed rate. Inflation swaps may be used to protect the net asset value, or NAV, of a Portfolio against an unexpected change in the rate of inflation measured by an inflation index since the value of these agreements is expected to increase if unexpected inflation increases.
37
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held inflation (CPI) swaps for hedging purposes.
Credit Default Swaps:
The Portfolio may enter into credit default swaps, including to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its risk exposure to defaults by corporate and sovereign issuers held by the Portfolio, or to create exposure to corporate or sovereign issuers to which it is not otherwise exposed. The Portfolio may purchase credit protection (“Buy Contract”) or provide credit protection (“Sale Contract”) on the referenced obligation of the credit default swap. During the term of the swap, the Portfolio receives/(pays) fixed payments from/(to) the respective counterparty, calculated at the agreed upon rate applied to the notional amount. If the Portfolio is a buyer/(seller) of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap, the Portfolio will either (i) receive from the seller/(pay to the buyer) of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap (the “Maximum Payout Amount”) and deliver/(take delivery of) the referenced obligation or (ii) receive/(pay) a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation.
In certain circumstances Maximum Payout Amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront premium received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received from settlement of buy protection credit default swaps entered into by the Portfolio for the same reference obligation with the same counterparty. As of June 30, 2016, the Portfolio did not have Buy Contracts outstanding with respect to the same referenced obligation and same counterparty for its Sale Contracts outstanding.
Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if a Portfolio had invested in the referenced obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. If the Portfolio is a buyer of protection and no credit event occurs, it will lose the payments it made to its counterparty. If the Portfolio is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, the value of the referenced obligation received by the Portfolio coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the Maximum Payout Amount it pays to the buyer, resulting in a net loss to the Portfolio.
Implied credit spreads over U.S. Treasuries of comparable maturity utilized in determining the market value of credit default swaps on issuers as of period end are disclosed in the portfolio of investments. The implied spreads serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and typically reflect the likelihood of default by the issuer of the referenced obligation. The implied credit spread of a particular reference obligation also reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may reflect upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Widening credit spreads typically represent a deterioration of the referenced obligation’s credit soundness and greater likelihood of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement. A credit spread identified as “Defaulted” indicates a credit event has occurred for the referenced obligation.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held credit default swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
The Portfolio typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar master agreements (collectively, “Master Agreements”) with its derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Portfolio typically may offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instrument’s payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default or termination.
Various Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions with counterparties, including transactions such as derivative transactions, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These Master Agreements typically attempt to reduce the counterparty risk associated with such transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Cross-termination provisions under Master Agreements typically provide that a default in connection with one transaction between the Portfolio and a counterparty gives the non-defaulting party the right to terminate any other transactions in place with the defaulting party to create one single net payment due to/due from the defaulting party. In the event of a default by a Master Agreements counterparty, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Portfolio’s net liability, held by the defaulting party, may be delayed or denied.
38
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Portfolio’s Master Agreements may contain provisions for early termination of OTC derivative transactions in the event the net assets of the Portfolio decline below specific levels (“net asset contingent features”). If these levels are triggered, the Portfolio’s counterparty has the right to terminate such transaction and require the Portfolio to pay or receive a settlement amount in connection with the terminated transaction. For additional details, please refer to netting arrangements by counterparty tables below.
At June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Asset Derivatives | | | Liability Derivatives | |
Derivative Type | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | |
Interest rate contracts | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | $ | 935,814 | * | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | $ | 293,304 | * |
Credit contracts | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | | | | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | | 110,885 | * |
Foreign exchange contracts | | Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 698,948 | | | Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 751,037 | |
Interest rate contracts | | | | | | | | Unrealized depreciation on interest rate swaps | | | 147,983 | |
Credit contracts | | Unrealized appreciation on credit default swaps | | | 41,598 | | | Unrealized depreciation on credit default swaps | | | 3,286 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | $ | 1,676,360 | | | | | $ | 1,306,495 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | | Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of exchange-traded derivatives as reported in the portfolio of investments. |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative Type | | Location of Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Within Statement of Operations | | Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation or (Depreciation) | |
Interest rate contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures | | $ | 590,674 | | | $ | 657,958 | |
Equity contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures | | | (13,707 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Foreign exchange contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 244,372 | | | | (155,572 | ) |
Interest rate contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps | | | (28,362 | ) | | | (98,422 | ) |
Credit contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps | | | (81,185 | ) | | | (70,599 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | $ | 711,792 | | | $ | 333,365 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
39
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2016:
| | | | |
Futures: | | | | |
Average original value of buy contracts | | $ | 33,518,041 | |
Average original value of sale contracts | | $ | 4,879,979 | |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts: | | | | |
Average principal amount of buy contracts | | $ | 15,552,944 | |
Average principal amount of sale contracts | | $ | 19,670,607 | |
Interest Rate Swaps: | | | | |
Average notional amount | | $ | 4,170,000 | |
Inflation Swaps: | | | | |
Average notional amount | | $ | 1,920,000 | (a) |
Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps: | | | | |
Average notional amount | | $ | 44,007,777 | |
Credit Default Swaps: | | | | |
Average notional amount of buy contracts | | $ | 474,000 | |
Average notional amount of sale contracts | | $ | 621,274 | |
Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps: | | | | |
Average notional amount of buy contracts | | $ | 6,884,000 | |
(a) | | Positions were open for two months during the period. |
For financial reporting purposes, the Portfolio does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.
All derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Derivative Assets Subject to a MA | | | Derivative Available for Offset | | | Cash Collateral Received | | | Security Collateral Received | | | Net Amount of Derivatives Assets | |
Exchange-Traded Derivatives: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC* | | $ | 9,528 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 9,528 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 9,528 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 9,528 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTC Derivatives: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | $ | 218 | | | $ | (218 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
BNP Paribas SA | | | 71,844 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 71,844 | |
Citibank, NA | | | 31,535 | | | | (13,438 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 18,097 | |
Credit Suisse International | | | 745 | | | | (745 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | | 16,102 | | | | (16,102 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
HSBC Bank USA | | | 166,543 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 166,543 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | 197,728 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 197,728 | |
Societe Generale SA | | | 35,953 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 35,953 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | 3,488 | | | | (3,488 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | 199,473 | | | | (199,473 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 723,629 | | | $ | (233,464 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 490,165 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
40
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Derivative Liabilities Subject to a MA | | | Derivative Available for Offset | | | Cash Collateral Pledged** | | | Security Collateral Pledged | | | Net Amount of Derivatives Liabilities | |
Exchange-Traded Derivatives: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Goldman Sachs & Co* | | $ | 12,116 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | (12,116 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 12,116 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | (12,116 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTC Derivatives: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | $ | 14,462 | | | $ | (218 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 14,244 | |
Citibank, NA | | | 13,438 | | | | (13,438 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Credit Suisse International | | | 26,224 | | | | (745 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 25,479 | |
Deutsche Bank AG | | | 16,453 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 16,453 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | | 280,224 | | | | (16,102 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 264,122 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA | | | 147,983 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 147,983 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | 2,339 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 2,339 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | 45,335 | | | | (3,488 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 41,847 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | 384,706 | | | | (199,473 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 185,233 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 931,164 | | | $ | (233,464 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 697,700 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | | Cash and securities have been posted for initial margin requirements for exchange-traded derivatives outstanding at June 30, 2016. |
** | | The actual collateral received/pledged is more than the amount reported due to over-collateralization. |
^ | | Net amount represents the net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty. |
2. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated 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 other 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).
3. TBA and Dollar Rolls
The Portfolio may invest in TBA mortgage-backed securities. A TBA, or “To Be Announced”, trade represents a contract for the purchase or sale of mortgage-backed securities to be delivered at a future agree-upon date; however, the specific mortgage pool numbers or the number of pools that will be delivered to fulfill the trade obligation or terms of the contract are unknown at the time of the trade. Mortgage pools (including fixed-rate or variable-rate mortgages) guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association, or GNMA, the Federal National Mortgage Association, or FNMA, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or FHLMC, are subsequently allocated to the TBA transactions.
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. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio earned drop income of $73,249 which is included in interest income in the accompanying statement of operations.
41
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
4. Short Sales
The Portfolio may sell securities short. A short sale is a transaction in which the Portfolio sells securities it does not own, but has borrowed, in anticipation of a decline in the market price of the securities. The Portfolio is obligated to replace the borrowed securities at their market price at the time of settlement. The Portfolio’s obligation to replace the securities borrowed in connection with a short sale will be fully secured by collateral deposited with the broker. The Portfolio is liable to the buyer for any dividends/interest payable on securities while those securities are in a short position. These dividends/interest are recorded as an expense of the Portfolio. Short sales by the Portfolio involve certain risks and special considerations. Possible losses from short sales differ from losses that could be incurred from a purchase of a security because losses from short sales may be unlimited, whereas losses from purchases cannot exceed the total amount invested.
NOTE E: Securities Lending
The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not have the right to vote on any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. Prior to June 24, 2016, such cash collateral received was invested in AB Exchange Reserves. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had securities on loan with a value of $1,718,290 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into AB Government Money Market Portfolio of $1,836,803. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $19,450, $5,093 and $83 from the borrowers, AB Exchange Reserves and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2016; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of management fee assessed by the AB Government Money Market Portfolio. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, such waiver amounted to $41. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower will fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Exchange Reserves for the period January 1, 2016 to June 23, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value December 31, 2015 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Transfer to AB Government Money Market Portfolio (000) | | | Market Value June 23, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 3,438 | | | $ | 18,701 | | | $ | 20,335 | | | $ | 1,804 | | | $ | 0 | |
A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Government Money Market Portfolio for the period June 24, 2016 to June 30, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value June 24, 2016 (000) | | | Transfer from AB Exchange Reserves (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Market Value June 30, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 0 | | | $ | 1,804 | | | $ | 331 | | | $ | 298 | | | $ | 1,837 | |
42
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE F: 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 44,638 | | | | 104,328 | | | | | | | $ | 486,359 | | | $ | 1,236,369 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | 353,474 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 3,948,315 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (281,431 | ) | | | (449,647 | ) | | | | | | | (3,086,693 | ) | | | (5,329,791 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (236,793 | ) | | | 8,155 | | | | | | | $ | (2,600,334 | ) | | $ | (145,107 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 1,204,811 | | | | 2,141,298 | | | | | | | $ | 13,082,848 | | | $ | 25,514,009 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | –0 | – | | | 3,176,558 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 35,164,500 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (2,744,663 | ) | | | (5,149,363 | ) | | | | | | | (29,701,320 | ) | | | (60,161,858 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (1,539,852 | ) | | | 168,493 | | | | | | | $ | (16,618,472 | ) | | $ | 516,651 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE G: 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 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.
Below Investment Grade Securities Risk—Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally and less secondary market liquidity.
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce its returns.
Allocation Risk—The allocation of investments among the different investment styles, such as growth or value, equity or debt securities, or U.S. or non-U.S. securities may have a more significant effect on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV, when one of these investment strategies is performing more poorly than others.
Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.
Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.
43
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Real Estate Risk—The Portfolio’s investments in the real estate market have many of the same risks as direct ownership of real estate, including the risk that the value of real estate could decline due to a variety of factors that affect the real estate market generally. Investments in REITs may have additional risks. REITs are dependent on the capability of their managers, may have limited diversification, and could be significantly affected by changes in taxes.
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. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2016.
NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2016 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 9,440,355 | | | $ | 12,624,188 | |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 29,672,461 | | | | 54,579,292 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions paid | | $ | 39,112,816 | | | $ | 67,203,480 | |
| | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 5,755,908 | |
Undistributed capital gains | | | 21,059,867 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (10,640 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 21,719,977 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 48,525,112 | |
| | | | |
(a) | | As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had cumulative deferred losses on straddles of $10,640. |
(b) | | The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the tax treatment of swaps, partnerships, passive foreign investment companies (PFICs) and Treasury inflation-protected securities, the realization for tax purposes of gains/losses on certain derivative instruments, and the tax treatment of corporate restructurings. |
For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.
NOTE J: New Accounting Pronouncement
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2015-07 (the “ASU”) which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The ASU also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient but do not utilize that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
44
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE K: Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.
45
| | |
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $10.99 | | �� | | $12.16 | | | | $13.77 | | | | $12.12 | | | | $10.90 | | | | $11.48 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | | .12 | (b) | | | .20 | | | | .26 | | | | .23 | | | | .22 | | | | .23 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | .13 | | | | .02 | † | | | .71 | | | | 1.74 | | | | 1.25 | | | | (.53 | ) |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | .00 | (c) | | | –0 | – | | | .00 | (c) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .25 | | | | .22 | | | | .97 | | | | 1.97 | | | | 1.47 | | | | (.30 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.27 | ) | | | (.39 | ) | | | (.32 | ) | | | (.25 | ) | | | (.28 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | –0 | – | | | (1.12 | ) | | | (2.19 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | (1.39 | ) | | | (2.58 | ) | | | (.32 | ) | | | (.25 | ) | | | (.28 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $11.24 | | | | $10.99 | | | | $12.16 | | | | $13.77 | | | | $12.12 | | | | $10.90 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | | 2.28 | % | | | 1.65 | %(e) | | | 7.37 | %(e) | | | 16.49 | % | | | 13.63 | % | | | (2.81 | )%(e) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $31,505 | | | | $33,409 | | | | $36,882 | | | | $41,222 | | | | $41,801 | | | | $55,395 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | .72 | %^ | | | .70 | % | | | .71 | % | | | .65 | % | | | .65 | % | | | .66 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | .72 | %^ | | | .70 | % | | | .71 | % | | | .65 | % | | | .65 | % | | | .66 | % |
Net investment income | | | 2.19 | %^(b) | | | 1.71 | % | | | 1.96 | % | | | 1.76 | % | | | 1.91 | % | | | 2.03 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate ** | | | 46 | % | | | 132 | % | | | 114 | % | | | 117 | % | | | 90 | % | | | 94 | % |
See footnote summary on page 47.
46
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|
|
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
(unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $10.87 | | | | $12.05 | | | | $13.65 | | | | $12.01 | | | | $10.80 | | | | $11.38 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | | .10 | (b) | | | .17 | | | | .22 | | | | .19 | | | | .19 | | | | .20 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | .14 | | | | .01 | † | | | .71 | | | | 1.74 | | | | 1.24 | | | | (.53 | ) |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | .00 | (c) | | | –0 | – | | | .00 | (c) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .24 | | | | .18 | | | | .93 | | | | 1.93 | | | | 1.43 | | | | (.33 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.24 | ) | | | (.34 | ) | | | (.29 | ) | | | (.22 | ) | | | (.25 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | –0 | – | | | (1.12 | ) | | | (2.19 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | (1.36 | ) | | | (2.53 | ) | | | (.29 | ) | | | (.22 | ) | | | (.25 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $11.11 | | | | $10.87 | | | | $12.05 | | | | $13.65 | | | | $12.01 | | | | $10.80 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | | 2.21 | % | | | 1.29 | %(e) | | | 7.11 | %(e) | | | 16.27 | % | | | 13.38 | % | | | (3.06 | )%(e) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $287,500 | | | | $298,233 | | | | $328,363 | | | | $351,355 | | | | $508,141 | | | | $483,047 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | .97 | %^ | | | .95 | % | | | .96 | % | | | .90 | % | | | .90 | % | | | .91 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | .97 | %^ | | | .95 | % | | | .96 | % | | | .90 | % | | | .90 | % | | | .91 | % |
Net investment income | | | 1.94 | %^(b) | | | 1.46 | % | | | 1.71 | % | | | 1.49 | % | | | 1.67 | % | | | 1.78 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate ** | | | 46 | % | | | 132 | % | | | 114 | % | | | 117 | % | | | 90 | % | | | 94 | % |
(a) | | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | | Net of expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(c) | | Amount is less than $.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 (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions 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) | | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2011 by 0.03%, 0.01% and 0.02%, respectively. |
† | | Due to timing of sales and repurchase of capital shares, the net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share is not in accord with the Portfolio’s change in net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions for the period. |
** | | The Portfolio accounts for dollar roll transactions as purchases and sales. |
See notes to financial statements.
47
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| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AB 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 AB Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AB 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. | Management fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Management 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. |
These factors, with the exception of the first factor, are generally referred to as the “Gartenberg factors,” which were articulated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1982. Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc., 694 F. 2d 923 (2d Cir. 1982). The first factor is an additional factor required to be considered by the Assurance of Discontinuance between the NYAG and the Adviser. On March 30, 2010, the Supreme Court held the Gartenberg decision was correct in its basic formulation of what Section 36(b) requires: to face liability under Section 36(b), “an investment adviser must charge a fee that is so disproportionately large that it bears no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and could not have been the product of arm’s length bargaining.” Jones v. Harris Associates L.P., 130 S. Ct. 1418 (2010). In the Jones decision, the Court stated the Gartenberg approach fully incorporates the correct understanding of fiduciary duty within the context of Section 36(b) and noted with approval that “Gartenberg insists that all relevant circumstances be taken into account” and “uses the range of fees that might result from arm’s-length bargaining as the benchmark for reviewing challenged fees.”3
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, NET ASSETS & EXPENSE RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.4
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 06/30/15 ($MM) | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Category |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | $359.4 | | 0.55% on 1st $2.5 billion 0.45% on next $2.5 billion 0.40% on the balance | | Balanced |
1 | | The information in the fee evaluation was completed on July 23, 2015 and discussed with the Board of Directors on August 4-6, 2015. |
2 | | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AB.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | | Jones v. Harris at 1427. |
4 | | Most of the AB Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
48
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Portfolio. During the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $49,439 (0.013% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for providing such services.
The Adviser 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 current fiscal year. The agreement for such reimbursement is terminable by the Adviser upon at least 60 days’ notice prior to the Portfolio’s prospectus update. All share classes of the Portfolio were operating below their expense caps during the most recently completed fiscal year. Accordingly, the expense limitation was of no effect. Set forth below are the Portfolio’s gross expense ratios for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Cap Pursuant to Expense Limitation Undertaking | | Gross Expense Ratio (12/31/14) | | | Fiscal Year End |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | Class A 0.75% | | | 0.71% | | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.00% | | | 0.96% | | | |
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, the Adviser is reimbursed for providing such services. 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 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, the Supreme Court has indicated consideration should be given to the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.5 However, the Adviser represented that there is no category in the Form ADV for institutional products that has a similar investment style as the Portfolio.6
5 | | The Supreme Court stated that “courts may give such comparisons the weight that they merit in light of the similarities and differences between the services that the clients in question require, but the courts must be wary of inapt comparisons.” Among the significant differences the Supreme Court noted that may exist between services provided to mutual funds and institutional accounts are “higher marketing costs.” Jones v. Harris at 1428. |
6 | | The Adviser does manage two Collective Investment Trusts (“CIT”), AB Balanced 60/40 CIT and AB Balanced 50/50 CIT, that have a somewhat similar investment strategy as Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio. However, the Adviser has represented that are no advisory fees charged directly to these CITs. These CITs are among the underlying investments of the Lifetime Income Strategies, which are annuity contracts sold by insurance companies. The Adviser receives a fee for providing asset allocation and administrative services to the Lifetime Income Strategies. |
49
| | |
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser manages The AB Portfolios—Balanced Wealth Strategy (“TAP—Balanced Wealth Strategy”), a retail mutual fund which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.7 The Adviser also manages AB Global Risk Allocation Fund, Inc. (“Global Risk Allocation Fund, Inc.”), a retail mutual fund in the Balanced category. The advisory fee schedules of TAP—Balanced Wealth Strategy and Global Risk Allocation Fund, Inc. are shown in the table below.
| | | | |
Portfolio | | AB Mutual Fund | | Fee Schedule |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | TAP—Balanced Wealth Strategy | | 0.55% on first $2.5 billion 0.45% on next $2.5 billion 0.40% on the balance |
| | |
| | Global Risk Allocation Fund, Inc.8 | | 0.60% on first $200 million 0.50% on next $200 million 0.40% on the balance |
The AB 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 services, but not for distribution 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 |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | Alliance Global Balance (Neutral)9 | | 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.10 Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s contractual management fee11 estimated at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”).12
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, operating structure, and expense attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee13 | | | Lipper EG Median (%) | | | Lipper EG Rank | |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | | 0.550 | | | | 0.550 | | | | 5/11 | |
7 | | The AB 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 AB Mutual Fund. |
8 | | AB Global Risk Allocation Fund, Inc. was previously known as AB Balanced Shares, Inc. and had a different investment strategy that was then similar to Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio. The retail mutual fund’s advisory fee schedule does not follow the NYAG related categories since the fund’s advisory fee schedule has lower breakpoints than the NYAG related categories. Although AB Global Risk Allocation Fund, Inc. no longer has a similar investment strategy as Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio, the retail mutual fund’s investment advisory fee schedule is shown above for informational purposes. |
9 | | This ITM is privately placed or institutional. |
10 | | The Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since “these comparisons are problematic because these fees, like those challenged, may not be the product of the negotiations conducted at arm’s length.” Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
11 | | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that the Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
12 | | 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. In addition, there are limitations in Lipper’s expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
13 | | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. In addition, the contractual management fee does not reflect any advisory fee waivers for expense caps that would effectively reduce the actual management fee. |
50
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Lipper also compared the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio to the medians of the Portfolio’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective and load type as the subject Portfolio.14
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio (%)15 | | | Lipper EG Median (%) | | | Lipper EG Rank | | | Lipper EU Median (%) | | | Lipper EU Rank | |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | | 0.709 | | | | 0.668 | | | | 9/11 | | | | 0.692 | | | | 15/26 | |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a contractual management fee basis than 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.
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 2014, relative to 2013.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution and brokerage related services to the Portfolios and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments and 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 and distributor, AB Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), an affiliate of the Adviser, 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, 2014, ABI received $852,412 in Rule 12b-1 fees from the Portfolio.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Adviser incurred distribution expenses in the amount of $1,798,984 in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. This expense amount incurred by ABI is partially offset by the 12b-1 fees paid by the Portfolio.
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 AB Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of approximately $1,385 from the Portfolio.16
14 | | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
15 | | Most recently completed fiscal year Class A total expense ratio. |
16 | | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2014. |
51
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BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB 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. 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 pricing to scale, breakpoints, fee reductions/waivers and enhancement to services.
In May 2012, an independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors information on the Adviser’s firm-wide average costs from 2005 through 2011 and the potential economies of scale. The independent consultant noted that from 2005 through 2007 the Adviser experienced significant growth in assets under management (“AUM”). During this period, operating expenses increased, in part to keep up with growth, and in part reflecting market returns. However, from 2008 through the first quarter of 2009, AUM rapidly and significantly decreased due to declines in market value and client withdrawals. When AUM rapidly decreased, some operating expenses categories, including base compensation and office space, adjusted more slowly during this period, resulting in an increase in average costs. Since 2009, AUM has experienced less significant changes. The independent consultant noted that changes in operating expenses reflect changes in business composition and business practices in response to changes in financial markets. Finally, the independent consultant concluded that the increase in average cost and the decline in net operating margin across the Adviser since late 2008 are inconsistent with the view that there are currently reductions in average costs due to economies of scale that can be shared with the AB Mutual Funds managed by the Adviser through lower fees.
Previously, in February 2008, the independent consultant provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli17 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics.18 The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors.19 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 also compared the advisory fees of the AB 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.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $485 billion as of June 30, 2015, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
17 | | The Deli study, originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data and updated for the February 2008 Presentation, may be of diminished value due to the age of the data used in the presentation and the changes experienced in the industry since 2008. |
18 | | As mentioned previously, the Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since the fees may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length. See Jones V. Harris at 1429. |
19 | | The two dimensional analysis 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. |
52
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The information prepared by Lipper shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year net performance returns and rankings20 of the Portfolio relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)21 for the periods ended May 31, 2015.22
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Portfolio Return (%) | | | Lipper PG Median (%) | | | Lipper PU Median (%) | | | Lipper PG Rank | | | Lipper PU Rank | |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1 year | | | 6.93 | | | | 6.74 | | | | 6.77 | | | | 4/11 | | | | 9/26 | |
3 year | | | 12.92 | | | | 11.98 | | | | 11.62 | | | | 3/11 | | | | 6/25 | |
5 year | | | 10.25 | | | | 10.67 | | | | 10.25 | | | | 7/10 | | | | 12/23 | |
10 year | | | 6.09 | | | | 6.24 | | | | 6.55 | | | | 6/9 | | | | 14/19 | |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year and since inception net performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold) versus its benchmark for the periods ended May 31, 2015.23
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending May 31, 2015 Annualized Net Performance (%) | |
| | 1 Year (%) | | | 3 Year (%) | | | 5 Year (%) | | | 10 Year (%) | | | Since Inception (%) | |
Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio | | | 6.93 | | | | 12.92 | | | | 10.25 | | | | 6.09 | | | | 6.17 | |
60% S&P 500 / 40% Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index | | | 8.34 | | | | 12.49 | | | | 11.55 | | | | 7.00 | | | | 7.20 | |
S&P 500 Index | | | 11.81 | | | | 19.67 | | | | 16.54 | | | | 8.12 | | | | 8.08 | |
Barclays US Aggregate Index | | | 3.03 | | | | 2.21 | | | | 3.90 | | | | 4.61 | | | | 4.75 | |
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 28, 2015
20 | | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. The performance returns of the Portfolio shown were provided by Lipper. |
21 | | The Portfolio’s PG/PU is identical to the Portfolio’s EG/EU. |
22 | | 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 | | The performance returns shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. The performance returns for the Portfolio and the benchmark were provided by the Adviser. |
53
VPS-BW-0152-0616
JUN 06.30.16
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.
+ | | DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| |
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited) | | AB 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 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 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2016 | | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2016 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,019.40 | | | $ | 4.02 | | | | 0.80 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,020.89 | | | $ | 4.02 | | | | 0.80 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,018.70 | | | $ | 5.32 | | | | 1.06 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual 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
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
DESCRIPTION | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds & Notes | | $ | 100,497,339 | | | | 19.1 | % |
iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | | | 15,847,421 | | | | 3.0 | |
Vanguard REIT ETF | | | 15,788,669 | | | | 3.0 | |
iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF | | | 6,034,691 | | | | 1.1 | |
Vanguard Small-Cap ETF | | | 5,256,962 | | | | 1.0 | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 3,336,918 | | | | 0.6 | |
Alphabet, Inc.—Class A & Class C | | | 2,604,629 | | | | 0.5 | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | 2,546,731 | | | | 0.5 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | 2,450,082 | | | | 0.5 | |
Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF | | | 2,388,263 | | | | 0.4 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 156,751,705 | | | | 29.7 | % |
PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN†
June 30, 2016 (unaudited)
| | | | |
ASSET CLASSES | | CURRENT ALLOCATION | |
Equities | | | | |
U.S. Large Cap | | | 21.4 | % |
International Large Cap | | | 20.6 | |
U.S. Mid-Cap | | | 2.5 | |
U.S. Small-Cap | | | 3.2 | |
Emerging Market Equities | | | 6.1 | |
Real Estate Equities | | | 4.6 | |
| | | | |
Sub-total | | | 58.4 | |
| | | | |
Fixed Income | | | | |
U.S. Bonds | | | 35.1 | |
International Bonds | | | 4.0 | |
| | | | |
Sub-total | | | 39.1 | |
Opportunistic Assets | | | | |
High Yield | | | 2.5 | |
| | | | |
Total | | | 100.0 | % |
SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN‡
June 30, 2016 (unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
SECURITY TYPE | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 226,470,923 | | | | 43.0 | % |
Governments—Treasuries | | | 100,497,339 | | | | 19.1 | |
Investment Companies | | | 47,333,153 | | | | 9.0 | |
Rights | | | 2,888 | | | | 0.0 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 152,152,226 | | | | 28.9 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 526,456,529 | | | | 100.0 | % |
† | | All data are as of June 30, 2016. The Portfolio breakdown is expressed as an approximate percentage of the Portfolio’s total investments inclusive of derivative exposure, based on the Adviser’s internal classification guidelines. |
‡ | | The Portfolio’s security type breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. The Portfolio also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). |
2
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–42.9% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–8.2% | | | | | | | | |
BANKS–3.4% | | | | | | | | |
Aozora Bank Ltd. | | | 6,000 | | | $ | 20,814 | |
Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. | | | 27,773 | | | | 506,025 | |
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA(a) | | | 61,923 | | | | 354,785 | |
Banco de Sabadell SA | | | 50,635 | | | | 67,054 | |
Banco Espirito Santo SA (REG)(b)(c)(d) | | | 10,016 | | | | –0 | –^ |
Banco Popular Espanol SA | | | 31,769 | | | | 41,286 | |
Banco Santander SA | | | 137,404 | | | | 533,220 | |
Bank Hapoalim BM | | | 14,749 | | | | 74,304 | |
Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM(b) | | | 12,645 | | | | 44,399 | |
Bank of America Corp. | | | 64,945 | | | | 861,820 | |
Bank of East Asia Ltd. (The)(a) | | | 37,600 | | | | 145,163 | |
Bank of Ireland(b) | | | 348,125 | | | | 71,766 | |
Bank of Kyoto Ltd. (The) | | | 2,000 | | | | 12,267 | |
Bank of Queensland Ltd. | | | 3,683 | | | | 29,384 | |
Bankia SA | | | 43,854 | | | | 31,924 | |
Bankinter SA(a) | | | 7,353 | | | | 47,465 | |
Barclays PLC | | | 159,988 | | | | 297,559 | |
BB&T Corp. | | | 5,100 | | | | 181,611 | |
Bendigo & Adelaide Bank Ltd. | | | 3,446 | | | | 24,951 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | 10,743 | | | | 471,140 | |
BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd. | | | 22,500 | | | | 67,800 | |
CaixaBank SA | | | 25,344 | | | | 55,857 | |
Chiba Bank Ltd. (The)(a) | | | 11,000 | | | | 51,983 | |
Citigroup, Inc. | | | 18,529 | | | | 785,444 | |
Citizens Financial Group, Inc. | | | 3,319 | | | | 66,314 | |
Comerica, Inc. | | | 1,100 | | | | 45,243 | |
Commerzbank AG(b) | | | 6,474 | | | | 42,161 | |
Commonwealth Bank of Australia | | | 16,254 | | | | 912,340 | |
Concordia Financial Group Ltd. | | | 11,221 | | | | 43,335 | |
Credit Agricole SA | | | 10,706 | | | | 90,005 | |
Danske Bank A/S | | | 6,721 | | | | 176,899 | |
DBS Group Holdings Ltd. | | | 17,000 | | | | 200,446 | |
DNB ASA | | | 9,303 | | | | 111,355 | |
Erste Group Bank AG(b) | | | 2,659 | | | | 60,540 | |
Fifth Third Bancorp | | | 4,890 | | | | 86,015 | |
Fukuoka Financial Group, Inc. | | | 4,000 | | | | 13,189 | |
Hachijuni Bank Ltd. (The)(a) | | | 4,000 | | | | 17,421 | |
Hang Seng Bank Ltd. | | | 4,600 | | | | 78,963 | |
Hiroshima Bank Ltd. (The)(a) | | | 5,000 | | | | 16,707 | |
HSBC Holdings PLC | | | 187,397 | | | | 1,161,027 | |
Huntington Bancshares, Inc./OH | | | 4,965 | | | | 44,387 | |
ING Groep NV | | | 36,740 | | | | 380,108 | |
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA | | | 120,775 | | | | 230,041 | |
Iyo Bank Ltd. (The)(a) | | | 2,000 | | | | 12,249 | |
Japan Post Bank Co., Ltd.(b) | | | 3,855 | | | | 45,330 | |
Joyo Bank Ltd. (The) | | | 3,000 | | | | 11,215 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 23,065 | | | | 1,433,259 | |
KBC Groep NV | | | 2,388 | | | | 117,444 | |
KeyCorp | | | 5,225 | | | | 57,736 | |
Lloyds Banking Group PLC | | | 611,474 | | | | 442,884 | |
M&T Bank Corp. | | | 1,015 | | | | 120,003 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. | | | 121,400 | | | $ | 544,218 | |
Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd. | | | 973 | | | | 11,220 | |
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. | | | 225,100 | | | | 323,932 | |
National Australia Bank Ltd. | | | 25,110 | | | | 482,097 | |
Natixis SA | | | 21,759 | | | | 81,876 | |
Nordea Bank AB | | | 28,914 | | | | 245,296 | |
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd. | | | 29,000 | | | | 188,559 | |
People’s United Financial, Inc. | | | 1,915 | | | | 28,074 | |
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The) | | | 3,130 | | | | 254,751 | |
Raiffeisen Bank International AG(b) | | | 1,307 | | | | 16,511 | |
Regions Financial Corp. | | | 8,075 | | | | 68,718 | |
Resona Holdings, Inc. | | | 21,000 | | | | 76,753 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC(b) | | | 33,198 | | | | 75,232 | |
Seven Bank Ltd. | | | 16,218 | | | | 50,339 | |
Shinsei Bank Ltd. | | | 37,000 | | | | 53,908 | |
Shizuoka Bank Ltd. (The) | | | 4,000 | | | | 28,170 | |
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB–Class A | | | 9,222 | | | | 80,560 | |
Societe Generale SA | | | 7,767 | | | | 242,997 | |
Standard Chartered PLC | | | 31,205 | | | | 236,751 | |
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. | | | 12,800 | | | | 369,601 | |
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc. | | | 32,000 | | | | 104,122 | |
SunTrust Banks, Inc. | | | 3,140 | | | | 128,991 | |
Suruga Bank Ltd. | | | 1,000 | | | | 22,599 | |
Svenska Handelsbanken AB–Class A | | | 14,254 | | | | 173,051 | |
Swedbank AB–Class A | | | 8,621 | | | | 181,068 | |
UniCredit SpA | | | 48,282 | | | | 106,184 | |
Unione di Banche Italiane SpA | | | 5,202 | | | | 14,366 | |
United Overseas Bank Ltd. | | | 12,000 | | | | 165,335 | |
US Bancorp | | | 10,265 | | | | 413,988 | |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | | 29,075 | | | | 1,376,120 | |
Westpac Banking Corp. | | | 31,754 | | | | 704,162 | |
Zions Bancorporation | | | 1,280 | | | | 32,166 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 17,676,352 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–0.7% | |
3i Group PLC | | | 7,720 | | | | 56,642 | |
Aberdeen Asset Management PLC | | | 11,404 | | | | 42,787 | |
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.(b) | | | 357 | | | | 50,255 | |
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | | | 1,045 | | | | 93,893 | |
Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The) | | | 6,765 | | | | 262,820 | |
BlackRock, Inc.–Class A | | | 827 | | | | 283,272 | |
Charles Schwab Corp. (The) | | | 7,540 | | | | 190,837 | |
Credit Suisse Group AG (REG)(b) | | | 17,701 | | | | 188,558 | |
Daiwa Securities Group, Inc. | | | 16,000 | | | | 84,294 | |
3
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Deutsche Bank AG (REG) | | | 13,129 | | | $ | 181,484 | |
E*TRADE Financial Corp.(b) | | | 1,770 | | | | 41,577 | |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | | | 2,320 | | | | 77,418 | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) | | | 2,488 | | | | 369,667 | |
Hargreaves Lansdown PLC | | | 2,483 | | | | 41,419 | |
ICAP PLC | | | 4,211 | | | | 23,694 | |
Invesco Ltd. | | | 2,580 | | | | 65,893 | |
Investec PLC | | | 5,877 | | | | 36,530 | |
Julius Baer Group Ltd.(b) | | | 2,130 | | | | 85,729 | |
Legg Mason, Inc. | | | 660 | | | | 19,463 | |
Macquarie Group Ltd. | | | 2,915 | | | | 151,739 | |
Mediobanca SpA | | | 12,965 | | | | 74,702 | |
Morgan Stanley | | | 9,570 | | | | 248,629 | |
Nomura Holdings, Inc. | | | 34,600 | | | | 123,057 | |
Northern Trust Corp. | | | 1,360 | | | | 90,114 | |
Partners Group Holding AG | | | 158 | | | | 67,713 | |
Schroders PLC | | | 1,291 | | | | 40,797 | |
State Street Corp. | | | 2,485 | | | | 133,991 | |
T Rowe Price Group, Inc. | | | 1,575 | | | | 114,928 | |
UBS Group AG | | | 34,815 | | | | 451,745 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,693,647 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER FINANCE–0.2% | | | | | | | | |
Acom Co., Ltd.(a)(b) | | | 6,200 | | | | 30,036 | |
AEON Financial Service Co., Ltd. | | | 2,600 | | | | 56,298 | |
American Express Co. | | | 5,160 | | | | 313,522 | |
Capital One Financial Corp. | | | 3,313 | | | | 210,409 | |
Credit Saison Co., Ltd. | | | 700 | | | | 11,759 | |
Discover Financial Services | | | 2,610 | | | | 139,870 | |
Navient Corp. | | | 2,150 | | | | 25,692 | |
Provident Financial PLC | | | 1,401 | | | | 43,198 | |
Synchrony Financial(b) | | | 5,218 | | | | 131,911 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 962,695 | |
| | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–0.8% | | | | | | | | |
AMP Ltd. | | | 28,155 | | | | 109,726 | |
ASX Ltd. | | | 1,453 | | | | 50,028 | |
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.–Class B(b) | | | 11,794 | | | | 1,707,653 | |
Challenger Ltd./Australia | | | 12,809 | | | | 83,684 | |
CME Group, Inc./IL–Class A | | | 2,150 | | | | 209,410 | |
Deutsche Boerse AG | | | 1,511 | | | | 124,136 | |
Eurazeo SA | | | 1,305 | | | | 77,420 | |
EXOR SpA | | | 1,279 | | | | 47,215 | |
Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA | | | 768 | | | | 62,980 | |
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd. | | | 10,900 | | | | 265,726 | |
Industrivarden AB–Class C | | | 996 | | | | 16,204 | |
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. | | | 766 | | | | 196,065 | |
Investor AB–Class B | | | 4,336 | | | | 145,671 | |
Japan Exchange Group, Inc. | | | 4,965 | | | | 57,164 | |
Kinnevik AB | | | 4,676 | | | | 111,778 | |
Leucadia National Corp. | | | 2,055 | | | | 35,613 | |
London Stock Exchange Group PLC | | | 2,985 | | | | 101,426 | |
Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Co., Ltd. | | | 8,400 | | | | 32,278 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Moody’s Corp. | | | 1,045 | | | $ | 97,927 | |
Nasdaq, Inc. | | | 710 | | | | 45,916 | |
ORIX Corp. | | | 12,600 | | | | 163,050 | |
Pargesa Holding SA | | | 255 | | | | 16,860 | |
S&P Global, Inc. | | | 1,660 | | | | 178,052 | |
Singapore Exchange Ltd. | | | 10,000 | | | | 56,963 | |
Wendel SA | | | 398 | | | | 41,147 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,034,092 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INSURANCE–1.6% | |
Admiral Group PLC | | | 2,010 | | | | 54,652 | |
Aegon NV | | | 11,109 | | | | 44,017 | |
Aflac, Inc. | | | 2,655 | | | | 191,585 | |
Ageas | | | 1,646 | | | | 57,214 | |
AIA Group Ltd. | | | 114,690 | | | | 688,226 | |
Allianz SE (REG) | | | 4,350 | | | | 620,560 | |
Allstate Corp. (The) | | | 2,350 | | | | 164,383 | |
American International Group, Inc. | | | 7,202 | | | | 380,914 | |
Aon PLC | | | 1,715 | | | | 187,330 | |
Arthur J Gallagher & Co. | | | 1,102 | | | | 52,455 | |
Assicurazioni Generali SpA | | | 11,115 | | | | 131,072 | |
Assurant, Inc. | | | 410 | | | | 35,387 | |
Aviva PLC | | | 38,541 | | | | 203,161 | |
Baloise Holding AG (REG) | | | 926 | | | | 103,138 | |
Chubb Ltd. | | | 2,932 | | | | 383,242 | |
Cincinnati Financial Corp. | | | 910 | | | | 68,150 | |
CNP Assurances | | | 4,544 | | | | 67,041 | |
Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (The) | | | 10,264 | | | | 114,899 | |
Direct Line Insurance Group PLC | | | 13,089 | | | | 60,512 | |
Gjensidige Forsikring ASA | | | 1,333 | | | | 22,209 | |
Hannover Rueck SE (REG) | | | 1,064 | | | | 111,483 | |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The) | | | 2,475 | | | | 109,841 | |
Insurance Australia Group Ltd. | | | 23,145 | | | | 95,340 | |
Japan Post Holdings Co., Ltd.(b) | | | 3,000 | | | | 36,496 | |
Legal & General Group PLC | | | 56,628 | | | | 144,973 | |
Lincoln National Corp. | | | 1,490 | | | | 57,767 | |
Loews Corp. | | | 1,640 | | | | 67,388 | |
Mapfre SA | | | 10,570 | | | | 23,213 | |
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc. | | | 3,290 | | | | 225,233 | |
Medibank Pvt Ltd. | | | 33,575 | | | | 74,455 | |
MetLife, Inc. | | | 6,870 | | | | 273,632 | |
MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc. | | | 4,800 | | | | 124,369 | |
Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen (REG) | | | 1,588 | | | | 266,300 | |
NN Group NV | | | 5,602 | | | | 154,214 | |
Old Mutual PLC | | | 46,916 | | | | 126,742 | |
Principal Financial Group, Inc. | | | 1,690 | | | | 69,476 | |
Progressive Corp. (The) | | | 3,645 | | | | 122,108 | |
Prudential Financial, Inc. | | | 2,815 | | | | 200,822 | |
Prudential PLC | | | 24,489 | | | | 415,551 | |
QBE Insurance Group Ltd. | | | 13,053 | | | | 103,113 | |
RSA Insurance Group PLC | | | 7,994 | | | | 53,579 | |
Sampo Oyj–Class A | | | 4,256 | | | | 174,055 | |
4
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
SCOR SE | | | 1,611 | | | $ | 47,629 | |
Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Holdings, Inc. | | | 3,000 | | | | 79,837 | |
Sony Financial Holdings, Inc. | | | 4,130 | | | | 46,697 | |
St James’s Place PLC | | | 4,994 | | | | 52,666 | |
Standard Life PLC | | | 18,753 | | | | 73,987 | |
Suncorp Group Ltd. | | | 12,247 | | | | 112,304 | |
Swiss Life Holding AG(b) | | | 249 | | | | 57,543 | |
Swiss Re AG | | | 3,176 | | | | 277,393 | |
T&D Holdings, Inc. | | | 5,500 | | | | 46,706 | |
Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. | | | 6,500 | | | | 216,392 | |
Torchmark Corp. | | | 702 | | | | 43,398 | |
Travelers Cos., Inc. (The) | | | 1,880 | | | | 223,795 | |
Tryg A/S | | | 795 | | | | 14,234 | |
UnipolSai SpA | | | 4,035 | | | | 6,089 | |
Unum Group | | | 1,470 | | | | 46,731 | |
Willis Towers Watson PLC | | | 887 | | | | 110,263 | |
XL Group PLC | | | 1,810 | | | | 60,291 | |
Zurich Insurance Group AG(b) | | | 1,432 | | | | 354,252 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 8,530,504 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITs)–1.1% | | | | | | | | |
American Tower Corp. | | | 2,665 | | | | 302,771 | |
Apartment Investment & Management Co.–Class A | | | 975 | | | | 43,056 | |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | | | 895 | | | | 161,449 | |
Boston Properties, Inc. | | | 950 | | | | 125,305 | |
British Land Co. PLC (The) | | | 9,308 | | | | 75,574 | |
CapitaLand Mall Trust | | | 14,000 | | | | 22,260 | |
Crown Castle International Corp. | | | 2,120 | | | | 215,032 | |
Dexus Property Group | | | 13,420 | | | | 91,064 | |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.(a) | | | 930 | | | | 101,361 | |
Equinix, Inc. | | | 470 | | | | 182,233 | |
Equity Residential | | | 2,290 | | | | 157,735 | |
Essex Property Trust, Inc. | | | 428 | | | | 97,623 | |
Extra Space Storage, Inc. | | | 783 | | | | 72,459 | |
Federal Realty Investment Trust | | | 472 | | | | 78,140 | |
Fonciere Des Regions | | | 933 | | | | 82,464 | |
Gecina SA | | | 837 | | | | 113,370 | |
General Growth Properties, Inc. | | | 3,644 | | | | 108,664 | |
Goodman Group | | | 16,928 | | | | 90,793 | |
GPT Group (The) | | | 17,105 | | | | 69,560 | |
Hammerson PLC | | | 7,467 | | | | 53,782 | |
HCP, Inc. | | | 2,880 | | | | 101,894 | |
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | | | 4,700 | | | | 76,187 | |
ICADE | | | 1,592 | | | | 111,870 | |
Intu Properties PLC(a) | | | 13,702 | | | | 53,270 | |
Iron Mountain, Inc. | | | 1,508 | | | | 60,064 | |
Japan Prime Realty Investment Corp.(a) | | | 7 | | | | 30,038 | |
Japan Real Estate Investment Corp. | | | 12 | | | | 74,119 | |
Japan Retail Fund Investment Corp. | | | 24 | | | | 61,283 | |
Kimco Realty Corp. | | | 2,580 | | | | 80,960 | |
Klepierre | | | 2,231 | | | | 98,443 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Land Securities Group PLC | | | 7,526 | | | $ | 104,728 | |
Link REIT | | | 21,500 | | | | 147,021 | |
Macerich Co. (The) | | | 810 | | | | 69,166 | |
Mirvac Group | | | 40,488 | | | | 61,576 | |
Nippon Building Fund, Inc.(a) | | | 13 | | | | 80,081 | |
Nippon Prologis REIT, Inc. | | | 5 | | | | 12,215 | |
Nomura Real Estate Master Fund, Inc. | | | 34 | | | | 53,748 | |
Prologis, Inc. | | | 3,270 | | | | 160,361 | |
Public Storage | | | 930 | | | | 237,699 | |
Realty Income Corp. | | | 1,558 | | | | 108,063 | |
Scentre Group | | | 50,683 | | | | 187,728 | |
Segro PLC | | | 7,118 | | | | 39,454 | |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | | | 1,966 | | | | 426,425 | |
SL Green Realty Corp. | | | 626 | | | | 66,650 | |
Stockland | | | 14,259 | | | | 50,555 | |
UDR, Inc. | | | 1,678 | | | | 61,952 | |
Unibail-Rodamco SE(a) | | | 1,361 | | | | 352,082 | |
United Urban Investment Corp.(a) | | | 26 | | | | 46,835 | |
Ventas, Inc. | | | 2,091 | | | | 152,267 | |
Vicinity Centres | | | 20,397 | | | | 50,887 | |
Vornado Realty Trust | | | 1,135 | | | | 113,636 | |
Welltower, Inc. | | | 2,225 | | | | 169,478 | |
Westfield Corp. | | | 18,793 | | | | 150,958 | |
Weyerhaeuser Co. | | | 4,698 | | | | 139,860 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 6,036,248 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–0.4% | | | | | | | | |
Aeon Mall Co., Ltd. | | | 1,700 | | | | 22,243 | |
CapitaLand Ltd. | | | 35,000 | | | | 80,359 | |
CBRE Group, Inc.–Class A(b) | | | 1,815 | | | | 48,061 | |
Cheung Kong Property Holdings Ltd. | | | 25,719 | | | | 162,381 | |
City Developments Ltd. | | | 3,000 | | | | 18,231 | |
Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd. | | | 700 | | | | 113,654 | |
Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd. | | | 5,000 | | | | 146,835 | |
Deutsche Wohnen AG | | | 3,212 | | | | 109,362 | |
Global Logistic Properties Ltd. | | | 80,329 | | | | 108,448 | |
Hang Lung Properties Ltd. | | | 14,000 | | | | 28,357 | |
Henderson Land Development Co., Ltd. | | | 22,856 | | | | 129,108 | |
Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd. | | | 14,000 | | | | 85,684 | |
Hulic Co., Ltd. | | | 2,197 | | | | 23,151 | |
Kerry Properties Ltd. | | | 8,500 | | | | 21,133 | |
LendLease Group | | | 3,450 | | | | 32,772 | |
Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. | | | 12,000 | | | | 220,114 | |
Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. | | | 8,000 | | | | 183,606 | |
New World Development Co., Ltd. | | | 22,000 | | | | 22,433 | |
Nomura Real Estate Holdings, Inc. | | | 800 | | | | 13,979 | |
NTT Urban Development Corp. | | | 1,600 | | | | 17,201 | |
Sino Land Co., Ltd. | | | 16,000 | | | | 26,344 | |
5
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd. | | | 3,000 | | | $ | 81,352 | |
Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. | | | 10,000 | | | | 120,624 | |
Swire Pacific Ltd.–Class A | | | 7,000 | | | | 79,244 | |
Swire Properties Ltd. | | | 25,389 | | | | 67,811 | |
Swiss Prime Site AG (REG)(b) | | | 461 | | | | 41,734 | |
Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd. | | | 1,500 | | | | 17,988 | |
Tokyu Fudosan Holdings Corp. | | | 7,989 | | | | 49,840 | |
Vonovia SE | | | 4,436 | | | | 161,976 | |
Wharf Holdings Ltd. (The) | | | 13,000 | | | | 79,248 | |
Wheelock & Co., Ltd. | | | 6,000 | | | | 28,302 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,341,575 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 43,275,113 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–5.8% | | | | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–0.8% | | | | | | | | |
AbbVie, Inc. | | | 10,116 | | | | 626,282 | |
Actelion Ltd. (REG)(b) | | | 978 | | | | 164,693 | |
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(b) | | | 1,430 | | | | 166,967 | |
Amgen, Inc. | | | 4,753 | | | | 723,169 | |
Biogen, Inc.(b) | | | 1,415 | | | | 342,175 | |
Celgene Corp.(b) | | | 4,930 | | | | 486,246 | |
CSL Ltd. | | | 4,406 | | | | 371,569 | |
Genmab A/S(b) | | | 540 | | | | 98,467 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | 8,615 | | | | 718,663 | |
Grifols SA | | | 2,839 | | | | 64,492 | |
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(b) | | | 490 | | | | 171,123 | |
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(b) | | | 1,557 | | | | 133,933 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,067,779 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–0.7% | | | | | | | | |
Abbott Laboratories | | | 9,265 | | | | 364,207 | |
Baxter International, Inc. | | | 3,430 | | | | 155,105 | |
Becton Dickinson and Co. | | | 1,337 | | | | 226,742 | |
Boston Scientific Corp.(b) | | | 8,460 | | | | 197,710 | |
Cochlear Ltd. | | | 405 | | | | 36,952 | |
Coloplast A/S–Class B | | | 1,154 | | | | 86,382 | |
CR Bard, Inc. | | | 465 | | | | 109,349 | |
DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc. | | | 1,496 | | | | 92,812 | |
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(b) | | | 1,340 | | | | 133,638 | |
Essilor International SA | | | 1,957 | | | | 257,207 | |
Getinge AB–Class B | | | 2,013 | | | | 41,560 | |
Hologic, Inc.(b) | | | 1,520 | | | | 52,592 | |
Hoya Corp. | | | 3,900 | | | | 139,292 | |
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(b) | | | 255 | | | | 168,660 | |
Medtronic PLC | | | 8,859 | | | | 768,695 | |
Olympus Corp. | | | 2,800 | | | | 104,556 | |
Smith & Nephew PLC | | | 8,524 | | | | 144,747 | |
Sonova Holding AG (REG) | | | 351 | | | | 46,587 | |
St Jude Medical, Inc. | | | 1,765 | | | | 137,670 | |
Stryker Corp. | | | 1,975 | | | | 236,664 | |
Sysmex Corp. | | | 1,500 | | | | 103,288 | |
Terumo Corp. | | | 3,300 | | | | 140,829 | |
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 595 | | | | 48,927 | |
William Demant Holding A/S | | | 2,050 | | | | 39,905 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | | | 1,135 | | | $ | 136,631 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,970,707 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–0.8% | | | | | | | | |
Aetna, Inc. | | | 2,217 | | | | 270,762 | |
Alfresa Holdings Corp. | | | 2,700 | | | | 56,409 | |
AmerisourceBergen Corp.–Class A | | | 1,185 | | | | 93,994 | |
Anthem, Inc. | | | 1,650 | | | | 216,711 | |
Cardinal Health, Inc. | | | 2,045 | | | | 159,530 | |
Centene Corp.(b) | | | 1,037 | | | | 74,011 | |
Cigna Corp. | | | 1,615 | | | | 206,704 | |
DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc.(b) | | | 1,050 | | | | 81,186 | |
Express Scripts Holding Co.(b) | | | 3,989 | | | | 302,366 | |
Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA | | | 2,085 | | | | 181,617 | |
Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA | | | 3,896 | | | | 286,268 | |
HCA Holdings, Inc.(b) | | | 1,900 | | | | 146,319 | |
Healthscope Ltd. | | | 13,458 | | | | 28,961 | |
Henry Schein, Inc.(b) | | | 520 | | | | 91,936 | |
Humana, Inc. | | | 965 | | | | 173,584 | |
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(b) | | | 625 | | | | 81,419 | |
McKesson Corp. | | | 1,465 | | | | 273,442 | |
Mediclinic International PLC | | | 2,447 | | | | 35,824 | |
Medipal Holdings Corp. | | | 1,500 | | | | 24,661 | |
Patterson Cos., Inc. | | | 510 | | | | 24,424 | |
Quest Diagnostics, Inc. | | | 900 | | | | 73,269 | |
Ramsay Health Care Ltd. | | | 1,156 | | | | 62,477 | |
Ryman Healthcare Ltd. | | | 3,027 | | | | 20,204 | |
Sonic Healthcare Ltd. | | | 5,598 | | | | 90,783 | |
Suzuken Co., Ltd./Aichi Japan | | | 1,200 | | | | 37,772 | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | 5,985 | | | | 845,082 | |
Universal Health Services, Inc.–Class B | | | 600 | | | | 80,460 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,020,175 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Cerner Corp.(b) | | | 1,880 | | | | 110,168 | |
M3, Inc. | | | 1,200 | | | | 41,880 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 152,048 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
Agilent Technologies, Inc. | | | 2,045 | | | | 90,716 | |
Illumina, Inc.(b) | | | 911 | | | | 127,886 | |
Lonza Group AG (REG)(b) | | | 385 | | | | 63,953 | |
PerkinElmer, Inc. | | | 655 | | | | 34,335 | |
QIAGEN NV(b) | | | 1,320 | | | | 28,766 | |
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | | | 2,485 | | | | 367,184 | |
Waters Corp.(b) | | | 495 | | | | 69,622 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 782,462 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–3.4% | | | | | | | | |
Allergan PLC(b) | | | 2,496 | | | | 576,801 | |
Astellas Pharma, Inc. | | | 20,100 | | | | 315,215 | |
6
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
AstraZeneca PLC | | | 12,034 | | | $ | 719,434 | |
Bayer AG | | | 7,872 | | | | 790,623 | |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | | | 10,515 | | | | 773,378 | |
Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.(a) | | | 2,100 | | | | 74,840 | |
Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. | | | 5,700 | | | | 138,482 | |
Eisai Co., Ltd. | | | 2,400 | | | | 134,007 | |
Eli Lilly & Co. | | | 6,115 | | | | 481,556 | |
Endo International PLC(b) | | | 1,283 | | | | 20,002 | |
Galenica AG | | | 59 | | | | 79,537 | |
GlaxoSmithKline PLC | | | 46,359 | | | | 995,559 | |
Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC | | | 1,367 | | | | 45,017 | |
Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc. | | | 1,000 | | | | 57,661 | |
Johnson & Johnson | | | 17,355 | | | | 2,105,161 | |
Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd.(a) | | | 2,000 | | | | 34,111 | |
Mallinckrodt PLC(b) | | | 674 | | | | 40,966 | |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | | 17,455 | | | | 1,005,582 | |
Merck KGaA | | | 1,230 | | | | 125,021 | |
Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corp. | | | 3,000 | | | | 54,205 | |
Mylan NV(b) | | | 2,555 | | | | 110,478 | |
Novartis AG (REG) | | | 21,660 | | | | 1,787,784 | |
Novo Nordisk A/S–Class B | | | 17,670 | | | | 951,580 | |
Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | | | 3,900 | | | | 169,888 | |
Orion Oyj–Class B | | | 974 | | | | 37,820 | |
Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 3,717 | | | | 171,290 | |
Perrigo Co. PLC | | | 922 | | | | 83,598 | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | 38,036 | | | | 1,339,248 | |
Roche Holding AG | | | 6,688 | | | | 1,764,828 | |
Sanofi | | | 11,186 | | | | 929,363 | |
Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | | | 2,500 | | | | 39,293 | |
Shionogi & Co., Ltd. | | | 2,800 | | | | 153,065 | |
Shire PLC | | | 8,540 | | | | 527,793 | |
Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd.(a) | | | 1,400 | | | | 24,266 | |
Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 567 | | | | 59,665 | |
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | | | 6,800 | | | | 293,272 | |
Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.(b) | | | 143 | | | | 20,821 | |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. | | | 8,751 | | | | 442,890 | |
UCB SA | | | 1,203 | | | | 90,330 | |
Zoetis, Inc. | | | 2,846 | | | | 135,071 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 17,699,501 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 30,692,672 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–5.4% | | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.3% | | | | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | | | 31,640 | | | | 907,752 | |
F5 Networks, Inc.(b) | | | 430 | | | | 48,951 | |
Harris Corp. | | | 795 | | | | 66,335 | |
Juniper Networks, Inc. | | | 2,190 | | | | 49,253 | |
Motorola Solutions, Inc. | | | 995 | | | | 65,640 | |
Nokia Oyj | | | 54,920 | | | | 312,793 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson–Class B | | | 28,969 | | | $ | 222,556 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,673,280 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–0.3% | | | | | | | | |
Alps Electric Co., Ltd. | | | 1,053 | | | | 20,005 | |
Amphenol Corp.–Class A | | | 1,950 | | | | 111,793 | |
Corning, Inc. | | | 6,955 | | | | 142,438 | |
FLIR Systems, Inc. | | | 860 | | | | 26,617 | |
Hamamatsu Photonics KK | | | 1,200 | | | | 33,671 | |
Hexagon AB–Class B | | | 2,435 | | | | 89,111 | |
Hirose Electric Co., Ltd. | | | 300 | | | | 36,890 | |
Hitachi High-Technologies Corp. | | | 600 | | | | 16,421 | |
Hitachi Ltd. | | | 46,000 | | | | 192,733 | |
Ingenico Group SA | | | 930 | | | | 107,792 | |
Keyence Corp. | | | 400 | | | | 272,931 | |
Kyocera Corp. | | | 3,100 | | | | 147,507 | |
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | | | 1,800 | | | | 201,806 | |
Omron Corp.(a) | | | 1,800 | | | | 58,753 | |
Shimadzu Corp. | | | 2,000 | | | | 30,067 | |
TDK Corp. | | | 1,200 | | | | 67,172 | |
TE Connectivity Ltd. | | | 2,310 | | | | 131,924 | |
Yaskawa Electric Corp. | | | 2,000 | | | | 26,113 | |
Yokogawa Electric Corp. | | | 1,100 | | | | 12,405 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,726,149 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(b) | | | 1,105 | | | | 61,803 | |
Alphabet, Inc.–Class A(b) | | | 1,839 | | | | 1,293,792 | |
Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(b) | | | 1,894 | | | | 1,310,837 | |
eBay, Inc.(b) | | | 6,785 | | | | 158,837 | |
Facebook, Inc.–Class A(b) | | | 14,437 | | | | 1,649,860 | |
Kakaku.com, Inc.(a) | | | 961 | | | | 19,095 | |
Mixi, Inc. | | | 409 | | | | 16,910 | |
United Internet AG | | | 1,223 | | | | 50,839 | |
VeriSign, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 625 | | | | 54,037 | |
Yahoo Japan Corp. | | | 13,553 | | | | 60,099 | |
Yahoo!, Inc.(b) | | | 5,465 | | | | 205,265 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,881,374 | |
| | | | | | | | |
IT SERVICES–1.0% | | | | | | | | |
Accenture PLC–Class A | | | 3,935 | | | | 445,796 | |
Alliance Data Systems Corp.(b) | | | 380 | | | | 74,450 | |
Amadeus IT Holding SA–Class A | | | 4,177 | | | | 184,033 | |
Atos SE | | | 677 | | | | 55,818 | |
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. | | | 2,870 | | | | 263,667 | |
Cap Gemini SA | | | 1,557 | | | | 134,358 | |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.–Class A(b) | | | 3,830 | | | | 219,229 | |
Computershare Ltd. | | | 3,663 | | | | 25,329 | |
CSRA, Inc. | | | 840 | | | | 19,681 | |
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. | | | 1,720 | | | | 126,730 | |
Fiserv, Inc.(b) | | | 1,400 | | | | 152,222 | |
7
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Fujitsu Ltd. | | | 18,000 | | | $ | 66,192 | |
Global Payments, Inc. | | | 959 | | | | 68,453 | |
International Business Machines Corp. | | | 5,576 | | | | 846,325 | |
MasterCard, Inc.–Class A | | | 6,160 | | | | 542,450 | |
Nomura Research Institute Ltd. | | | 1,200 | | | | 44,010 | |
NTT Data Corp. | | | 1,202 | | | | 56,769 | |
Obic Co., Ltd. | | | 730 | | | | 40,184 | |
Otsuka Corp. | | | 600 | | | | 28,057 | |
Paychex, Inc. | | | 1,995 | | | | 118,702 | |
PayPal Holdings, Inc.(b) | | | 6,985 | | | | 255,022 | |
Teradata Corp.(b) | | | 795 | | | | 19,931 | |
Total System Services, Inc. | | | 1,060 | | | | 56,297 | |
Visa, Inc.–Class A | | | 12,050 | | | | 893,748 | |
Western Union Co. (The)–Class W | | | 3,130 | | | | 60,033 | |
Worldpay Group PLC(b)(e) | | | 13,327 | | | | 48,506 | |
Xerox Corp. | | | 5,945 | | | | 56,418 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,902,410 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–0.8% | | | | | | | | |
Analog Devices, Inc. | | | 1,930 | | | | 109,315 | |
Applied Materials, Inc. | | | 7,085 | | | | 169,827 | |
ARM Holdings PLC | | | 13,407 | | | | 203,648 | |
ASM Pacific Technology Ltd. | | | 900 | | | | 6,483 | |
ASML Holding NV | | | 3,784 | | | | 372,490 | |
Broadcom Ltd. | | | 2,325 | | | | 361,305 | |
Infineon Technologies AG | | | 10,766 | | | | 155,853 | |
Intel Corp. | | | 29,690 | | | | 973,832 | |
KLA-Tencor Corp. | | | 610 | | | | 44,683 | |
Lam Research Corp. | | | 979 | | | | 82,295 | |
Linear Technology Corp. | | | 1,490 | | | | 69,330 | |
Microchip Technology, Inc.(a) | | | 1,345 | | | | 68,272 | |
Micron Technology, Inc.(b) | | | 6,520 | | | | 89,715 | |
NVIDIA Corp. | | | 3,185 | | | | 149,727 | |
NXP Semiconductors NV(b) | | | 2,799 | | | | 219,274 | |
Qorvo, Inc.(b) | | | 818 | | | | 45,203 | |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | | | 9,370 | | | | 501,951 | |
Rohm Co., Ltd. | | | 1,300 | | | | 51,311 | |
Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | | | 1,174 | | | | 74,291 | |
STMicroelectronics NV | | | 4,174 | | | | 24,369 | |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | | 6,325 | | | | 396,261 | |
Tokyo Electron Ltd. | | | 1,500 | | | | 126,763 | |
Xilinx, Inc. | | | 1,585 | | | | 73,116 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,369,314 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SOFTWARE–1.2% | |
Activision Blizzard, Inc. | | | 3,180 | | | | 126,023 | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.(b) | | | 3,160 | | | | 302,696 | |
Autodesk, Inc.(b) | | | 1,425 | | | | 77,150 | |
CA, Inc. | | | 1,835 | | | | 60,243 | |
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.(b) | | | 1,249 | | | | 99,520 | |
Citrix Systems, Inc.(b) | | | 980 | | | | 78,488 | |
Dassault Systemes | | | 924 | | | | 69,666 | |
Electronic Arts, Inc.(b) | | | 1,935 | | | | 146,596 | |
Gemalto NV | | | 323 | | | | 19,569 | |
| | | | | | | | |
GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc.(a) | | | 4,000 | | | $ | 10,839 | |
Intuit, Inc. | | | 1,600 | | | | 178,576 | |
Konami Holdings Corp.(a) | | | 1,300 | | | | 49,595 | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | 49,770 | | | | 2,546,731 | |
Mobileye NV(a)(b) | | | 1,669 | | | | 77,008 | |
Nexon Co., Ltd. | | | 2,595 | | | | 38,406 | |
NICE-Systems Ltd. | | | 596 | | | | 37,925 | |
Nintendo Co., Ltd. | | | 1,100 | | | | 158,069 | |
Oracle Corp. | | | 19,800 | | | | 810,414 | |
Oracle Corp. Japan | | | 500 | | | | 26,662 | |
Red Hat, Inc.(b) | | | 1,140 | | | | 82,764 | |
Sage Group PLC (The) | | | 10,274 | | | | 88,804 | |
salesforce.com, Inc.(b) | | | 3,984 | | | | 316,369 | |
SAP SE | | | 9,355 | | | | 702,608 | |
Symantec Corp. | | | 3,805 | | | | 78,155 | |
Trend Micro, Inc./Japan | | | 1,600 | | | | 57,222 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 6,240,098 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 34,905 | | | | 3,336,918 | |
Brother Industries Ltd. | | | 800 | | | | 8,581 | |
Canon, Inc.(a) | | | 10,200 | | | | 291,212 | |
EMC Corp./MA | | | 12,205 | | | | 331,610 | |
FUJIFILM Holdings Corp. | | | 4,200 | | | | 162,962 | |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. | | | 10,760 | | | | 196,585 | |
HP, Inc. | | | 10,860 | | | | 136,293 | |
Konica Minolta, Inc. | | | 6,000 | | | | 43,707 | |
NEC Corp. | | | 25,000 | | | | 58,247 | |
NetApp, Inc. | | | 1,790 | | | | 44,016 | |
Ricoh Co., Ltd. | | | 6,000 | | | | 52,011 | |
Seagate Technology PLC(a) | | | 1,850 | | | | 45,066 | |
Seiko Epson Corp. | | | 2,700 | | | | 43,285 | |
Western Digital Corp. | | | 1,763 | | | | 83,320 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,833,813 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 28,626,438 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–5.3% | | | | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–0.3% | | | | | | | | |
Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. | | | 1,800 | | | | 73,320 | |
BorgWarner, Inc. | | | 1,330 | | | | 39,262 | |
Bridgestone Corp.(a) | | | 6,200 | | | | 199,249 | |
Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin–Class B | | | 1,732 | | | | 163,225 | |
Continental AG | | | 1,047 | | | | 198,120 | |
Delphi Automotive PLC | | | 1,741 | | | | 108,986 | |
Denso Corp. | | | 4,600 | | | | 161,852 | |
GKN PLC | | | 16,316 | | | | 58,990 | |
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The) | | | 1,660 | | | | 42,596 | |
Johnson Controls, Inc. | | | 4,030 | | | | 178,368 | |
Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | | | 1,000 | | | | 46,044 | |
NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. | | | 3,000 | | | | 45,284 | |
NOK Corp. | | | 700 | | | | 11,904 | |
Nokian Renkaat Oyj | | | 1,090 | | | | 39,068 | |
8
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. | | | 1,600 | | | $ | 34,170 | |
Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. | | | 7,200 | | | | 95,295 | |
Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.(a) | | | 1,200 | | | | 16,065 | |
Toyota Industries Corp. | | | 1,600 | | | | 63,616 | |
Valeo SA | | | 417 | | | | 18,571 | |
Valeo SA | | | 1,017 | | | | 45,149 | |
Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. (The) | | | 1,000 | | | | 12,542 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,651,676 | |
| | | | | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG | | | 3,152 | | | | 229,387 | |
Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.(a) | | | 3,000 | | | | 39,078 | |
Daimler AG (REG) | | | 9,166 | | | | 548,478 | |
Ferrari NV(b) | | | 572 | | | | 23,482 | |
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV(a) | | | 14,140 | | | | 87,038 | |
Ford Motor Co. | | | 24,520 | | | | 308,216 | |
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. | | | 6,000 | | | | 206,240 | |
General Motors Co. | | | 8,816 | | | | 249,493 | |
Harley-Davidson, Inc.(a) | | | 1,150 | | | | 52,095 | |
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | | | 15,500 | | | | 388,821 | |
Isuzu Motors Ltd. | | | 5,500 | | | | 67,743 | |
Mazda Motor Corp. | | | 5,200 | | | | 68,813 | |
Mitsubishi Motors Corp. | | | 11,400 | | | | 52,626 | |
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | | | 23,700 | | | | 211,506 | |
Peugeot SA(b) | | | 7,475 | | | | 89,596 | |
Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Preference Shares) | | | 1,458 | | | | 67,392 | |
Renault SA | | | 1,830 | | | | 138,160 | |
Suzuki Motor Corp. | | | 3,500 | | | | 94,773 | |
Toyota Motor Corp. | | | 25,400 | | | | 1,252,182 | |
Volkswagen AG | | | 630 | | | | 83,515 | |
Volkswagen AG (Preference Shares) | | | 1,767 | | | | 214,020 | |
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.(a) | | | 2,700 | | | | 41,188 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,513,842 | |
| | | | | | | | |
DISTRIBUTORS–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Genuine Parts Co. | | | 960 | | | | 97,200 | |
Jardine Cycle & Carriage Ltd. | | | 2,000 | | | | 54,712 | |
LKQ Corp.(b) | | | 1,914 | | | | 60,674 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 212,586 | |
| | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Benesse Holdings, Inc.(a) | | | 300 | | | | 7,043 | |
H&R Block, Inc. | | | 1,470 | | | | 33,810 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 40,853 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.7% | | | | | | | | |
Accor SA | | | 2,705 | | | | 103,645 | |
Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. | | | 4,876 | | | | 50,725 | |
Carnival Corp. | | | 2,835 | | | | 125,307 | |
Carnival PLC | | | 1,804 | | | | 80,025 | |
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.–Class A(a)(b) | | | 194 | | | | 78,136 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Compass Group PLC | | | 15,651 | | | $ | 297,766 | |
Crown Resorts Ltd. | | | 9,430 | | | | 89,693 | |
Darden Restaurants, Inc. | | | 720 | | | | 45,605 | |
Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd.(a) | | | 471 | | | | 11,205 | |
Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. | | | 20,155 | | | | 60,435 | |
Genting Singapore PLC | | | 22,000 | | | | 11,934 | |
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC | | | 1,779 | | | | 65,610 | |
Marriott International, Inc./MD–Class A(a) | | | 1,195 | | | | 79,420 | |
McDonald’s Corp. | | | 5,680 | | | | 683,531 | |
McDonald’s Holdings Co. Japan Ltd.(a) | | | 500 | | | | 13,581 | |
Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd. (ADR)(a) | | | 1,811 | | | | 22,782 | |
Merlin Entertainments PLC(e) | | | 6,755 | | | | 39,780 | |
MGM China Holdings Ltd. | | | 14,013 | | | | 18,261 | |
Oriental Land Co., Ltd./Japan | | | 2,100 | | | | 135,974 | |
Paddy Power Betfair PLC | | | 757 | | | | 79,558 | |
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. | | | 1,077 | | | | 72,321 | |
Sands China Ltd. | | | 39,744 | | | | 134,231 | |
SJM Holdings Ltd. | | | 13,014 | | | | 8,002 | |
Sodexo SA | | | 572 | | | | 61,278 | |
Starbucks Corp. | | | 9,270 | | | | 529,503 | |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. | | | 1,045 | | | | 77,278 | |
Tatts Group Ltd. | | | 15,121 | | | | 43,514 | |
TUI AG | | | 5,576 | | | | 63,466 | |
Whitbread PLC | | | 1,737 | | | | 81,273 | |
William Hill PLC | | | 8,420 | | | | 29,003 | |
Wyndham Worldwide Corp. | | | 700 | | | | 49,861 | |
Wynn Macau Ltd.(a) | | | 35,799 | | | | 52,062 | |
Wynn Resorts Ltd.(a) | | | 510 | | | | 46,226 | |
Yum! Brands, Inc. | | | 2,545 | | | | 211,031 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,552,022 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.3% | | | | | | | | |
Auto Trader Group PLC(e) | | | 9,529 | | | | 45,046 | |
Barratt Developments PLC | | | 9,541 | | | | 51,846 | |
Berkeley Group Holdings PLC | | | 1,236 | | | | 41,737 | |
Casio Computer Co., Ltd.(a) | | | 2,100 | | | | 30,240 | |
DR Horton, Inc. | | | 2,055 | | | | 64,691 | |
Electrolux AB–Class B | | | 2,430 | | | | 66,254 | |
Garmin Ltd. | | | 720 | | | | 30,542 | |
Harman International Industries, Inc. | | | 440 | | | | 31,601 | |
Husqvarna AB–Class B | | | 8,194 | | | | 61,016 | |
Iida Group Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 1,346 | | | | 27,565 | |
Leggett & Platt, Inc. | | | 825 | | | | 42,166 | |
Lennar Corp.–Class A | | | 1,100 | | | | 50,710 | |
Mohawk Industries, Inc.(b) | | | 400 | | | | 75,904 | |
Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. | | | 2,855 | | | | 138,667 | |
Nikon Corp.(a) | | | 3,200 | | | | 43,327 | |
Panasonic Corp. | | | 21,000 | | | | 180,674 | |
Persimmon PLC | | | 2,928 | | | | 56,779 | |
9
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
PulteGroup, Inc. | | | 1,985 | | | $ | 38,688 | |
Rinnai Corp. | | | 700 | | | | 61,854 | |
Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. | | | 4,000 | | | | 49,283 | |
Sekisui House Ltd. | | | 6,000 | | | | 105,073 | |
Sony Corp. | | | 12,000 | | | | 353,544 | |
Taylor Wimpey PLC | | | 31,025 | | | | 55,041 | |
Whirlpool Corp. | | | 500 | | | | 83,320 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,785,568 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INTERNET & CATALOG RETAIL–0.5% | | | | | | | | |
Amazon.com, Inc.(b) | | | 2,430 | | | | 1,738,956 | |
Expedia, Inc. | | | 732 | | | | 77,812 | |
Netflix, Inc.(b) | | | 2,682 | | | | 245,349 | |
Priceline Group, Inc. (The)(b) | | | 347 | | | | 433,198 | |
Rakuten, Inc. | | | 8,852 | | | | 96,074 | |
Start Today Co., Ltd. | | | 864 | | | | 45,670 | |
TripAdvisor, Inc.(b) | | | 712 | | | | 45,782 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,682,841 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LEISURE PRODUCTS–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc. | | | 1,900 | | | | 49,032 | |
Hasbro, Inc. | | | 700 | | | | 58,793 | |
Mattel, Inc. | | | 2,135 | | | | 66,804 | |
Sankyo Co., Ltd. | | | 300 | | | | 11,248 | |
Sega Sammy Holdings, Inc. | | | 2,500 | | | | 26,925 | |
Shimano, Inc.(a) | | | 700 | | | | 107,028 | |
Yamaha Corp. | | | 1,600 | | | | 43,126 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 362,956 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MEDIA–1.0% | | | | | | | | |
Altice NV–Class A(a)(b) | | | 3,528 | | | | 52,678 | |
Altice NV–Class B(b) | | | 1,176 | | | | 17,718 | |
Axel Springer SE | | | 401 | | | | 21,054 | |
CBS Corp.–Class B | | | 2,640 | | | | 143,722 | |
Comcast Corp.–Class A | | | 15,301 | | | | 997,472 | |
Dentsu, Inc. | | | 2,100 | | | | 98,439 | |
Discovery Communications, Inc.–Class A(b) | | | 895 | | | | 22,581 | |
Discovery Communications, Inc.–Class C(b) | | | 1,495 | | | | 35,656 | |
Eutelsat Communications SA | | | 1,052 | | | | 19,857 | |
Hakuhodo DY Holdings, Inc. | | | 2,490 | | | | 29,845 | |
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The) | | | 2,495 | | | | 57,635 | |
ITV PLC | | | 34,542 | | | | 82,820 | |
JCDecaux SA | | | 1,374 | | | | 46,327 | |
Lagardere SCA | | | 2,184 | | | | 47,506 | |
News Corp.–Class A | | | 2,358 | | | | 26,763 | |
News Corp.–Class B | | | 667 | | | | 7,784 | |
Omnicom Group, Inc. | | | 1,510 | | | | 123,050 | |
Pearson PLC | | | 7,821 | | | | 101,736 | |
ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE | | | 1,328 | | | | 58,089 | |
Publicis Groupe SA | | | 1,801 | | | | 120,491 | |
REA Group Ltd. | | | 1,002 | | | | 44,968 | |
RELX NV | | | 15,125 | | | | 261,672 | |
RELX PLC | | | 10,540 | | | | 194,088 | |
RTL Group SA (London)(b) | | | 1,166 | | | | 95,343 | |
Schibsted ASA–Class B(b) | | | 2,252 | | | | 64,430 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc.–Class A | | | 570 | | | $ | 35,494 | |
SES SA | | | 1,845 | | | | 39,497 | |
Singapore Press Holdings Ltd.(a) | | | 6,000 | | | | 17,681 | |
Sky PLC | | | 9,828 | | | | 111,680 | |
TEGNA, Inc. | | | 1,350 | | | | 31,280 | |
Telenet Group Holding NV(b) | | | 459 | | | | 20,988 | |
Time Warner, Inc. | | | 4,945 | | | | 363,655 | |
Toho Co., Ltd./Tokyo(a) | | | 1,000 | | | | 27,691 | |
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.–Class A | | | 7,021 | | | | 189,918 | |
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.–Class B | | | 2,667 | | | | 72,676 | |
Viacom, Inc.–Class B | | | 2,160 | | | | 89,575 | |
Vivendi SA | | | 11,072 | | | | 207,143 | |
Walt Disney Co. (The) | | | 9,464 | | | | 925,768 | |
WPP PLC | | | 12,325 | | | | 256,870 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 5,161,640 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–0.2% | | | | | | | | |
Dollar General Corp. | | | 1,820 | | | | 171,080 | |
Dollar Tree, Inc.(b) | | | 1,488 | | | | 140,229 | |
Don Quijote Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 1,000 | | | | 37,163 | |
Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. | | | 2,200 | | | | 19,582 | |
J Front Retailing Co., Ltd. | | | 1,500 | | | | 15,553 | |
Kohl’s Corp. | | | 1,180 | | | | 44,746 | |
Macy’s, Inc. | | | 1,905 | | | | 64,027 | |
Marks & Spencer Group PLC | | | 15,442 | | | | 66,131 | |
Next PLC | | | 1,363 | | | | 90,061 | |
Nordstrom, Inc.(a) | | | 770 | | | | 29,298 | |
Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd. | | | 146 | | | | 35,580 | |
Target Corp. | | | 3,775 | | | | 263,570 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 977,020 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–0.8% | | | | | | | | |
ABC-Mart, Inc. | | | 500 | | | | 33,556 | |
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. | | | 481 | | | | 77,744 | |
AutoNation, Inc.(b) | | | 435 | | | | 20,436 | |
AutoZone, Inc.(b) | | | 225 | | | | 178,614 | |
Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.(b) | | | 995 | | | | 43,004 | |
Best Buy Co., Inc. | | | 1,750 | | | | 53,550 | |
CarMax, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 1,220 | | | | 59,817 | |
Dixons Carphone PLC | | | 7,310 | | | | 31,375 | |
Dufry AG (REG)(b) | | | 264 | | | | 31,575 | |
Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. | | | 500 | | | | 134,240 | |
Foot Locker, Inc. | | | 842 | | | | 46,192 | |
Gap, Inc. (The) | | | 1,405 | | | | 29,814 | |
Hennes & Mauritz AB–Class B | | | 9,038 | | | | 265,905 | |
Hikari Tsushin, Inc. | | | 200 | | | | 16,755 | |
Home Depot, Inc. (The) | | | 7,980 | | | | 1,018,966 | |
Industria de Diseno Textil SA | | | 10,384 | | | | 348,840 | |
Kingfisher PLC | | | 21,712 | | | | 93,255 | |
L Brands, Inc. | | | 1,585 | | | | 106,401 | |
Lowe’s Cos., Inc. | | | 5,740 | | | | 454,436 | |
Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd.(a) | | | 750 | | | | 90,963 | |
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(b) | | | 640 | | | | 173,504 | |
Ross Stores, Inc. | | | 2,550 | | | | 144,559 | |
Shimamura Co., Ltd. | | | 200 | | | | 29,757 | |
10
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Signet Jewelers Ltd. | | | 508 | | | $ | 41,864 | |
Staples, Inc. | | | 4,015 | | | | 34,609 | |
Tiffany & Co. | | | 705 | | | | 42,751 | |
TJX Cos., Inc. (The) | | | 4,220 | | | | 325,911 | |
Tractor Supply Co. | | | 865 | | | | 78,871 | |
Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.(b) | | | 402 | | | | 97,943 | |
Urban Outfitters, Inc.(b) | | | 535 | | | | 14,713 | |
USS Co., Ltd.(a) | | | 1,310 | | | | 21,650 | |
Yamada Denki Co., Ltd. | | | 10,990 | | | | 58,014 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,199,584 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.5% | | | | | | | | |
adidas AG | | | 1,792 | | | | 257,240 | |
Asics Corp. | | | 1,000 | | | | 16,895 | |
Burberry Group PLC | | | 4,236 | | | | 65,893 | |
Christian Dior SE | | | 331 | | | | 53,023 | |
Cie Financiere Richemont SA | | | 4,969 | | | | 290,859 | |
Coach, Inc. | | | 1,730 | | | | 70,480 | |
Hanesbrands, Inc. | | | 2,427 | | | | 60,991 | |
Hermes International | | | 156 | | | | 58,153 | |
HUGO BOSS AG | | | 623 | | | | 35,419 | |
Kering | | | 721 | | | | 116,068 | |
Li & Fung Ltd. | | | 48,000 | | | | 23,337 | |
Luxottica Group SpA | | | 1,559 | | | | 75,982 | |
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE | | | 2,654 | | | | 400,050 | |
Michael Kors Holdings Ltd.(b) | | | 1,109 | | | | 54,873 | |
NIKE, Inc.–Class B | | | 8,470 | | | | 467,544 | |
Pandora A/S | | | 1,106 | | | | 150,636 | |
PVH Corp. | | | 495 | | | | 46,644 | |
Ralph Lauren Corp. | | | 390 | | | | 34,952 | |
Swatch Group AG (The) | | | 294 | | | | 85,554 | |
Swatch Group AG (The) (REG) | | | 522 | | | | 29,894 | |
Under Armour, Inc.– Class A(a)(b) | | | 1,097 | | | | 44,023 | |
Under Armour, Inc.–Class C | | | 1,105 | | | | 40,214 | |
VF Corp. | | | 2,110 | | | | 129,744 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,608,468 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 27,749,056 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–5.1% | | | | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–1.1% | | | | | | | | |
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV | | | 7,655 | | | | 1,012,269 | |
Asahi Group Holdings Ltd. | | | 3,700 | | | | 119,639 | |
Brown-Forman Corp.–Class B | | | 652 | | | | 65,044 | |
Carlsberg A/S–Class B | | | 1,051 | | | | 100,274 | |
Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd. | | | 8,031 | | | | 49,575 | |
Coca-Cola Co. (The) | | | 24,480 | | | | 1,109,678 | |
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC | | | 2,055 | | | | 73,638 | |
Coca-Cola HBC AG(b) | | | 2,126 | | | | 43,019 | |
Constellation Brands, Inc.–Class A | | | 1,120 | | | | 185,248 | |
Diageo PLC | | | 23,955 | | | | 669,199 | |
Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. | | | 1,170 | | | | 113,057 | |
Heineken NV | | | 2,187 | | | | 200,596 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd.(a) | | | 8,000 | | | $ | 134,929 | |
Molson Coors Brewing Co.–Class B | | | 1,150 | | | | 116,299 | |
Monster Beverage Corp.(b) | | | 960 | | | | 154,282 | |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | | 9,075 | | | | 961,405 | |
Pernod Ricard SA | | | 2,021 | | | | 223,758 | |
Remy Cointreau SA | | | 195 | | | | 16,786 | |
SABMiller PLC (London) | | | 9,258 | | | | 539,918 | |
Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd. | | | 1,324 | | | | 59,912 | |
Treasury Wine Estates Ltd. | | | 6,024 | | | | 41,860 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 5,990,385 | |
| | | | | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Aeon Co., Ltd. | | | 6,200 | | | | 96,265 | |
Carrefour SA | | | 3,792 | | | | 93,267 | |
Casino Guichard Perrachon SA(a) | | | 1,228 | | | | 68,164 | |
Colruyt SA | | | 810 | | | | 44,824 | |
Costco Wholesale Corp. | | | 2,765 | | | | 434,216 | |
CVS Health Corp. | | | 6,930 | | | | 663,478 | |
Delhaize Group | | | 992 | | | | 104,789 | |
Distribuidora Internacional de Alimentacion SA | | | 4,415 | | | | 25,770 | |
FamilyMart Co., Ltd. | | | 400 | | | | 24,376 | |
ICA Gruppen AB | | | 2,462 | | | | 82,514 | |
J Sainsbury PLC(a) | | | 12,819 | | | | 39,934 | |
Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA | | | 1,190 | | | | 18,768 | |
Koninklijke Ahold NV | | | 5,462 | | | | 120,615 | |
Kroger Co. (The) | | | 6,130 | | | | 225,523 | |
Lawson, Inc. | | | 600 | | | | 47,901 | |
METRO AG | | | 1,551 | | | | 47,703 | |
Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 7,200 | | | | 301,882 | |
Sundrug Co., Ltd. | | | 500 | | | | 46,947 | |
Sysco Corp. | | | 3,305 | | | | 167,696 | |
Tesco PLC(b) | | | 77,496 | | | | 182,006 | |
Tsuruha Holdings, Inc. | | | 200 | | | | 24,218 | |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | | | 9,863 | | | | 720,196 | |
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. | | | 5,445 | | | | 453,405 | |
Wesfarmers Ltd. | | | 10,720 | | | | 323,282 | |
Whole Foods Market, Inc. | | | 2,020 | | | | 64,680 | |
Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC(a) | | | 18,352 | | | | 46,071 | |
Woolworths Ltd. | | | 12,098 | | | | 190,284 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,658,774 | |
| | | | | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–1.1% | | | | | | | | |
Ajinomoto Co., Inc. | | | 5,000 | | | | 117,805 | |
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | | | 3,715 | | | | 159,336 | |
Associated British Foods PLC | | | 3,391 | | | | 123,562 | |
Barry Callebaut AG (REG)(b) | | | 91 | | | | 112,044 | |
Calbee, Inc. | | | 698 | | | | 29,202 | |
Campbell Soup Co. | | | 1,125 | | | | 74,846 | |
Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG (REG) | | | 1 | | | | 71,463 | |
ConAgra Foods, Inc. | | | 2,685 | | | | 128,370 | |
Danone SA | | | 5,611 | | | | 392,673 | |
General Mills, Inc. | | | 3,735 | | | | 266,380 | |
Golden Agri-Resources Ltd. | | | 48,000 | | | | 12,559 | |
11
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Hershey Co. (The) | | | 900 | | | $ | 102,141 | |
Hormel Foods Corp. | | | 1,700 | | | | 62,220 | |
JM Smucker Co. (The) | | | 745 | | | | 113,545 | |
Kellogg Co. | | | 1,565 | | | | 127,782 | |
Kerry Group PLC–Class A | | | 1,507 | | | | 133,654 | |
Kikkoman Corp. | | | 1,000 | | | | 36,900 | |
Kraft Heinz Co. (The) | | | 3,728 | | | | 329,853 | |
Marine Harvest ASA(b) | | | 4,327 | | | | 72,985 | |
McCormick & Co., Inc./MD | | | 725 | | | | 77,336 | |
Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.–Class A | | | 1,160 | | | | 105,270 | |
MEIJI Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 1,100 | | | | 113,031 | |
Mondelez International, Inc.–Class A | | | 9,835 | | | | 447,591 | |
Nestle SA (REG) | | | 30,351 | | | | 2,351,544 | |
NH Foods Ltd. | | | 1,000 | | | | 24,494 | |
Nisshin Seifun Group, Inc. | | | 1,500 | | | | 24,112 | |
Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 400 | | | | 21,844 | |
Orkla ASA | | | 5,657 | | | | 50,311 | |
Tate & Lyle PLC | | | 4,440 | | | | 39,698 | |
Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd. | | | 1,000 | | | | 40,563 | |
Tyson Foods, Inc.–Class A | | | 1,825 | | | | 121,892 | |
WH Group Ltd.(b)(e) | | | 67,807 | | | | 53,703 | |
Wilmar International Ltd. | | | 26,000 | | | | 63,292 | |
Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. | | | 800 | | | | 41,579 | |
Yamazaki Baking Co., Ltd. | | | 2,000 | | | | 55,835 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 6,099,415 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–0.7% | | | | | | | | |
Church & Dwight Co., Inc. | | | 813 | | | | 83,650 | |
Clorox Co. (The) | | | 820 | | | | 113,480 | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | | | 5,600 | | | | 409,920 | |
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA | | | 989 | | | | 106,978 | |
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Preference Shares) | | | 1,696 | | | | 207,269 | |
Kimberly-Clark Corp. | | | 2,265 | | | | 311,392 | |
Procter & Gamble Co. (The) | | | 16,715 | | | | 1,415,259 | |
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC | | | 6,053 | | | | 606,944 | |
Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA–Class B | | | 4,979 | | | | 159,978 | |
Unicharm Corp. | | | 3,800 | | | | 85,377 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,500,247 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PERSONAL PRODUCTS–0.5% | | | | | | | | |
Beiersdorf AG | | | 1,051 | | | | 99,503 | |
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The)–Class A | | | 1,390 | | | | 126,518 | |
Kao Corp. | | | 4,800 | | | | 279,562 | |
Kose Corp. | | | 500 | | | | 42,370 | |
L’Oreal SA | | | 2,412 | | | | 461,785 | |
Pola Orbis Holdings, Inc. | | | 450 | | | | 42,349 | |
Shiseido Co., Ltd. | | | 3,600 | | | | 93,808 | |
Unilever NV | | | 15,507 | | | | 721,225 | |
Unilever PLC | | | 12,217 | | | | 585,379 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,452,499 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOBACCO–0.8% | | | | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | | 12,310 | | | | 848,898 | |
| | | | | | | | |
British American Tobacco PLC | | | 17,746 | | | $ | 1,150,455 | |
Imperial Brands PLC | | | 9,126 | | | | 494,928 | |
Japan Tobacco, Inc.(a) | | | 10,471 | | | | 422,004 | |
Philip Morris International, Inc. | | | 9,750 | | | | 991,770 | |
Reynolds American, Inc. | | | 5,198 | | | | 280,328 | |
Swedish Match AB | | | 831 | | | | 29,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,217,383 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 26,918,703 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–5.0% | | | | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–0.8% | | | | | | | | |
Airbus Group SE | | | 5,607 | | | | 321,393 | |
BAE Systems PLC | | | 30,144 | | | | 211,025 | |
Boeing Co. (The) | | | 3,910 | | | | 507,792 | |
Cobham PLC | | | 7,675 | | | | 16,170 | |
General Dynamics Corp. | | | 1,860 | | | | 258,986 | |
Honeywell International, Inc. | | | 4,855 | | | | 564,734 | |
L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. | | | 475 | | | | 69,678 | |
Lockheed Martin Corp. | | | 1,650 | | | | 409,481 | |
Meggitt PLC | | | 10,854 | | | | 58,996 | |
Northrop Grumman Corp. | | | 1,140 | | | | 253,399 | |
Raytheon Co. | | | 1,900 | | | | 258,305 | |
Rockwell Collins, Inc. | | | 800 | | | | 68,112 | |
Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC(b) | | | 17,503 | | | | 167,065 | |
Safran SA | | | 2,977 | | | | 200,476 | |
Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. | | | 19,000 | | | | 44,724 | |
Textron, Inc. | | | 1,705 | | | | 62,335 | |
Thales SA | | | 694 | | | | 57,633 | |
TransDigm Group, Inc.(b) | | | 363 | | | | 95,719 | |
United Technologies Corp. | | | 4,875 | | | | 499,931 | |
Zodiac Aerospace | | | 1,135 | | | | 26,478 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,152,432 | |
| | | | | | | | |
AIR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS–0.3% | | | | | | | | |
Bollore SA | | | 11,606 | | | | 39,072 | |
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc. | | | 915 | | | | 67,939 | |
Deutsche Post AG (REG) | | | 9,235 | | | | 260,173 | |
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. | | | 1,120 | | | | 54,925 | |
FedEx Corp. | | | 1,615 | | | | 245,125 | |
Kuehne & Nagel International AG (REG) | | | 432 | | | | 60,527 | |
Royal Mail PLC | | | 8,567 | | | | 57,558 | |
United Parcel Service, Inc.–Class B | | | 4,355 | | | | 469,120 | |
Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 3,400 | | | | 78,067 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,332,506 | |
| | | | | | | | |
AIRLINES–0.2% | | | | | | | | |
Alaska Air Group, Inc. | | | 793 | | | | 46,224 | |
American Airlines Group, Inc. | | | 3,782 | | | | 107,068 | |
ANA Holdings, Inc. | | | 8,000 | | | | 22,797 | |
Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd.(a) | | | 20,000 | | | | 29,341 | |
Delta Air Lines, Inc. | | | 4,852 | | | | 176,758 | |
12
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Deutsche Lufthansa AG (REG)(b) | | | 3,330 | | | $ | 39,153 | |
easyJet PLC | | | 964 | | | | 14,009 | |
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA | | | 6,202 | | | | 30,708 | |
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. | | | 900 | | | | 28,955 | |
Singapore Airlines Ltd. | | | 14,000 | | | | 111,173 | |
Southwest Airlines Co. | | | 4,005 | | | | 157,036 | |
United Continental Holdings, Inc.(b) | | | 2,072 | | | | 85,035 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 848,257 | |
| | | | | | | | |
BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.2% | | | | | | | | |
Allegion PLC | | | 585 | | | | 40,617 | |
Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.(a) | | | 10,000 | | | | 54,269 | |
Assa Abloy AB–Class B | | | 9,541 | | | | 196,285 | |
Cie de Saint-Gobain | | | 4,539 | | | | 172,053 | |
Daikin Industries Ltd. | | | 2,200 | | | | 184,899 | |
Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. | | | 971 | | | | 56,289 | |
Geberit AG (REG) | | | 360 | | | | 136,354 | |
LIXIL Group Corp. | | | 2,500 | | | | 41,055 | |
Masco Corp. | | | 2,055 | | | | 63,582 | |
TOTO Ltd. | | | 1,000 | | | | 39,959 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 985,362 | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–0.2% | | | | | | | | |
Aggreko PLC | | | 2,438 | | | | 41,697 | |
Babcock International Group PLC | | | 2,400 | | | | 29,016 | |
Brambles Ltd. | | | 15,030 | | | | 140,326 | |
Cintas Corp. | | | 535 | | | | 52,500 | |
Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.(a) | | | 5,000 | | | | 55,725 | |
Edenred | | | 818 | | | | 16,749 | |
G4S PLC | | | 12,380 | | | | 30,335 | |
ISS A/S | | | 954 | | | | 35,880 | |
Park24 Co., Ltd. | | | 1,300 | | | | 44,674 | |
Pitney Bowes, Inc. | | | 1,205 | | | | 21,449 | |
Republic Services, Inc.–Class A | | | 1,500 | | | | 76,965 | |
Secom Co., Ltd. | | | 2,000 | | | | 147,866 | |
Societe BIC SA | | | 221 | | | | 31,138 | |
Sohgo Security Services Co., Ltd. | | | 1,100 | | | | 54,378 | |
Stericycle, Inc.(b) | | | 560 | | | | 58,307 | |
Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. | | | 5,000 | | | | 42,994 | |
Tyco International PLC | | | 2,645 | | | | 112,677 | |
Waste Management, Inc. | | | 2,595 | | | | 171,971 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,164,647 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.2% | | | | | | | | |
ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA | | | 1,829 | | | | 50,168 | |
Bouygues SA | | | 1,739 | | | | 49,819 | |
CIMIC Group Ltd. | | | 1,344 | | | | 36,285 | |
Eiffage SA | | | 1,102 | | | | 78,341 | |
Ferrovial SA | | | 4,609 | | | | 90,235 | |
Fluor Corp. | | | 865 | | | | 42,627 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HOCHTIEF AG | | | 422 | | | $ | 54,485 | |
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.(b) | | | 765 | | | | 38,105 | |
JGC Corp. | | | 4,000 | | | | 57,262 | |
Kajima Corp. | | | 7,000 | | | | 48,627 | |
Obayashi Corp. | | | 6,000 | | | | 63,881 | |
Quanta Services, Inc.(b) | | | 915 | | | | 21,155 | |
Shimizu Corp. | | | 4,000 | | | | 37,476 | |
Skanska AB–Class B | | | 3,301 | | | | 69,120 | |
Taisei Corp. | | | 10,000 | | | | 82,167 | |
Vinci SA | | | 4,768 | | | | 336,462 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,156,215 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.4% | | | | | | | | |
ABB Ltd. (REG)(b) | | | 18,729 | | | | 370,686 | |
Acuity Brands, Inc. | | | 273 | | | | 67,693 | |
AMETEK, Inc. | | | 1,449 | | | | 66,987 | |
Eaton Corp. PLC | | | 2,894 | | | | 172,859 | |
Emerson Electric Co. | | | 4,050 | | | | 211,248 | |
First Solar, Inc.(b) | | | 470 | | | | 22,786 | |
Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. | | | 4,000 | | | | 16,654 | |
Legrand SA | | | 2,541 | | | | 130,077 | |
Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd. | | | 800 | | | | 33,884 | |
Mitsubishi Electric Corp. | | | 18,000 | | | | 214,890 | |
Nidec Corp. | | | 2,300 | | | | 175,083 | |
OSRAM Licht AG | | | 292 | | | | 15,171 | |
Prysmian SpA | | | 1,074 | | | | 23,573 | |
Rockwell Automation, Inc. | | | 830 | | | | 95,301 | |
Schneider Electric SE (Paris) | | | 5,314 | | | | 310,022 | |
Vestas Wind Systems A/S | | | 2,133 | | | | 144,979 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,071,893 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–0.9% | | | | | | | | |
3M Co. | | | 3,805 | | | | 666,332 | |
CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. | | | 25,840 | | | | 284,252 | |
Danaher Corp. | | | 3,740 | | | | 377,740 | |
DCC PLC | | | 843 | | | | 74,184 | |
General Electric Co. | | | 58,706 | | | | 1,848,065 | |
Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd. | | | 2,300 | | | | 134,466 | |
Keihan Electric Railway Co., Ltd. | | | 5,000 | | | | 34,647 | |
Keppel Corp., Ltd. | | | 13,000 | | | | 53,629 | |
Koninklijke Philips NV | | | 7,299 | | | | 181,280 | |
Roper Technologies, Inc. | | | 625 | | | | 106,600 | |
Seibu Holdings, Inc. | | | 3,142 | | | | 53,217 | |
Siemens AG (REG) | | | 7,282 | | | | 747,287 | |
Smiths Group PLC | | | 3,761 | | | | 58,119 | |
Toshiba Corp.(b) | | | 38,000 | | | | 103,512 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,723,330 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MACHINERY–0.8% | | | | | | | | |
Alfa Laval AB(a) | | | 3,611 | | | | 56,912 | |
Alstom SA(b) | | | 1,012 | | | | 23,366 | |
Amada Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 3,000 | | | | 30,456 | |
ANDRITZ AG | | | 693 | | | | 32,860 | |
Atlas Copco AB–Class A | | | 6,392 | | | | 166,014 | |
Atlas Copco AB–Class B | | | 3,579 | | | | 84,831 | |
13
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Caterpillar, Inc. | | | 3,635 | | | $ | 275,569 | |
CNH Industrial NV | | | 22,634 | | | | 164,179 | |
Cummins, Inc. | | | 1,050 | | | | 118,062 | |
Deere & Co. | | | 1,885 | | | | 152,760 | |
Dover Corp. | | | 985 | | | | 68,280 | |
FANUC Corp. | | | 1,900 | | | | 309,079 | |
Flowserve Corp. | | | 810 | | | | 36,588 | |
GEA Group AG | | | 1,741 | | | | 82,178 | |
Hino Motors Ltd. | | | 2,000 | | | | 19,920 | |
Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. | | | 3,000 | | | | 43,788 | |
Hoshizaki Electric Co., Ltd. | | | 400 | | | | 39,158 | |
IHI Corp. | | | 8,000 | | | | 21,564 | |
Illinois Tool Works, Inc. | | | 2,075 | | | | 216,132 | |
IMI PLC | | | 1,648 | | | | 21,357 | |
Ingersoll-Rand PLC | | | 1,605 | | | | 102,206 | |
JTEKT Corp. | | | 4,300 | | | | 48,738 | |
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. | | | 9,000 | | | | 25,377 | |
Komatsu Ltd. | | | 8,800 | | | | 152,871 | |
Kone Oyj–Class B | | | 3,207 | | | | 148,004 | |
Kubota Corp. | | | 10,000 | | | | 135,253 | |
Kurita Water Industries Ltd. | | | 1,200 | | | | 26,750 | |
Makita Corp. | | | 1,100 | | | | 73,037 | |
MAN SE | | | 407 | | | | 41,538 | |
Metso Oyj | | | 1,073 | | | | 25,226 | |
Minebea Co., Ltd. | | | 2,000 | | | | 13,588 | |
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. | | | 31,000 | | | | 124,658 | |
Nabtesco Corp.(a) | | | 1,000 | | | | 23,860 | |
NGK Insulators Ltd. | | | 2,000 | | | | 40,435 | |
NSK Ltd. | | | 3,000 | | | | 21,960 | |
PACCAR, Inc. | | | 2,210 | | | | 114,633 | |
Parker-Hannifin Corp. | | | 845 | | | | 91,302 | |
Pentair PLC | | | 1,160 | | | | 67,616 | |
Sandvik AB | | | 12,165 | | | | 121,795 | |
Schindler Holding AG | | | 413 | | | | 74,773 | |
Schindler Holding AG (REG) | | | 271 | | | | 49,318 | |
Sembcorp Marine Ltd.(a) | | | 7,000 | | | | 8,146 | |
SKF AB–Class B | | | 4,700 | | | | 75,308 | |
SMC Corp./Japan | | | 500 | | | | 123,013 | |
Snap-on, Inc. | | | 370 | | | | 58,393 | |
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. | | | 965 | | | | 107,327 | |
Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.(a) | | | 6,000 | | | | 26,357 | |
THK Co., Ltd. | | | 800 | | | | 13,636 | |
Volvo AB–Class B | | | 14,676 | | | | 145,796 | |
Wartsila Oyj Abp | | | 1,408 | | | | 57,448 | |
Weir Group PLC (The) | | | 2,037 | | | | 39,341 | |
Xylem, Inc./NY | | | 1,085 | | | | 48,445 | |
Zardoya Otis SA(a) | | | 2,136 | | | | 20,171 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,209,372 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MARINE–0.0% | |
AP Moeller–Maersk A/S–Class A | | | 70 | | | | 88,225 | |
AP Moeller–Maersk A/S–Class B | | | 43
| | | | 56,165 | |
Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd. | | | 12,000 | | | | 25,518 | |
Nippon Yusen KK | | | 31,000 | | | | 54,536 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 224,444 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–0.2% | | | | | | | | |
Adecco SA (REG) | | | 1,673 | | | $ | 84,383 | |
Bureau Veritas SA | | | 3,094 | | | | 64,958 | |
Capita PLC | | | 6,326 | | | | 81,514 | |
Dun & Bradstreet Corp. (The) | | | 215 | | | | 26,196 | |
Equifax, Inc. | | | 755 | | | | 96,942 | |
Experian PLC | | | 9,136 | | | | 173,329 | |
Intertek Group PLC | | | 1,536 | | | | 71,567 | |
Nielsen Holdings PLC | | | 2,266 | | | | 117,764 | |
Randstad Holding NV | | | 1,613 | | | | 64,505 | |
Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 2,691 | | | | 98,313 | |
Robert Half International, Inc. | | | 785 | | | | 29,956 | |
SGS SA (REG) | | | 52 | | | | 119,119 | |
Verisk Analytics, Inc.–Class A(b) | | | 950 | | | | 77,026 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,105,572 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ROAD & RAIL–0.4% | | | | | | | | |
Asciano Ltd. | | | 10,098 | | | | 66,998 | |
Aurizon Holdings Ltd. | | | 12,975 | | | | 47,077 | |
Central Japan Railway Co. | | | 1,373 | | | | 244,207 | |
CSX Corp. | | | 6,060 | | | | 158,045 | |
DSV A/S | | | 1,630 | | | | 68,538 | |
East Japan Railway Co. | | | 3,200 | | | | 296,555 | |
Hankyu Hanshin Holdings, Inc. | | | 11,000 | | | | 82,022 | |
JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc. | | | 553 | | | | 44,754 | |
Kansas City Southern | | | 670 | | | | 60,360 | |
Keikyu Corp. | | | 4,000 | | | | 40,252 | |
Keio Corp. | | | 6,000 | | | | 56,597 | |
Keisei Electric Railway Co., Ltd. | | | 2,000 | | | | 25,780 | |
Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 17,000 | | | | 72,750 | |
MTR Corp., Ltd. | | | 15,500 | | | | 78,836 | |
Nagoya Railroad Co., Ltd. | | | 9,000 | | | | 50,710 | |
Nippon Express Co., Ltd. | | | 12,000 | | | | 54,837 | |
Norfolk Southern Corp. | | | 1,890 | | | | 160,896 | |
Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd. | | | 4,000 | | | | 46,904 | |
Ryder System, Inc. | | | 315 | | | | 19,259 | |
Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. | | | 6,000 | | | | 32,931 | |
Tokyu Corp. | | | 10,000 | | | | 87,797 | |
Union Pacific Corp. | | | 5,350 | | | | 466,787 | |
West Japan Railway Co. | | | 1,568 | | | | 99,369 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,362,261 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–0.3% | | | | | | | | |
AerCap Holdings NV(b) | | | 1,621 | | | | 54,450 | |
Ashtead Group PLC | | | 4,791 | | | | 68,434 | |
Brenntag AG | | | 1,471 | | | | 71,258 | |
Bunzl PLC | | | 3,191 | | | | 98,182 | |
Fastenal Co. | | | 1,780 | | | | 79,014 | |
ITOCHU Corp. | | | 14,000 | | | | 171,265 | |
Marubeni Corp. | | | 16,000 | | | | 72,284 | |
Mitsubishi Corp. | | | 14,400 | | | | 253,546 | |
Mitsui & Co., Ltd. | | | 16,200 | | | | 193,382 | |
Noble Group Ltd.(a) | | | 24,000 | | | | 3,634 | |
14
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Sumitomo Corp. | | | 11,300 | | | $ | 113,903 | |
Toyota Tsusho Corp. | | | 1,300 | | | | 27,988 | |
Travis Perkins PLC | | | 1,926 | | | | 38,000 | |
United Rentals, Inc.(b) | | | 550 | | | | 36,905 | |
Wolseley PLC | | | 2,430 | | | | 125,834 | |
WW Grainger, Inc.(a) | | | 380 | | | | 86,355 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,494,434 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
Abertis Infraestructuras SA | | | 5,185 | | | | 76,622 | |
Aena SA(b)(e) | | | 643 | | | | 85,230 | |
Aeroports de Paris | | | 1,000 | | | | 109,570 | |
Atlantia SpA | | | 2,911 | | | | 72,731 | |
Auckland International Airport Ltd. | | | 9,917 | | | | 46,133 | |
Groupe Eurotunnel SE (REG) | | | 2,068 | | | | 21,844 | |
Hutchison Port Holdings Trust–Class U | | | 43,553 | | | | 19,929 | |
Kamigumi Co., Ltd. | | | 3,000 | | | | 27,728 | |
Mitsubishi Logistics Corp. | | | 1,000 | | | | 13,990 | |
Sydney Airport | | | 15,829 | | | | 82,653 | |
Transurban Group | | | 19,376 | | | | 174,515 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 730,945 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 26,561,670 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ENERGY–2.7% | | | | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–0.3% | | | | | | | | |
Baker Hughes, Inc. | | | 2,710 | | | | 122,302 | |
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.(a) | | | 390 | | | | 9,489 | |
FMC Technologies, Inc.(b) | | | 1,410 | | | | 37,605 | |
Halliburton Co. | | | 5,390 | | | | 244,113 | |
Helmerich & Payne, Inc. | | | 685 | | | | 45,984 | |
National Oilwell Varco, Inc. | | | 2,355 | | | | 79,246 | |
Petrofac Ltd. | | | 2,606 | | | | 27,088 | |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | | 8,750 | | | | 691,950 | |
Technip SA | | | 1,332 | | | | 72,094 | |
Tenaris SA | | | 8,782 | | | | 126,927 | |
Transocean Ltd.(a) | | | 2,150 | | | | 25,564 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,482,362 | |
| | | | | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–2.4% | | | | | | | | |
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. | | | 3,195 | | | | 170,134 | |
Apache Corp. | | | 2,345 | | | | 130,546 | |
BP PLC | | | 175,969 | | | | 1,030,037 | |
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. | | | 2,840 | | | | 73,102 | |
Caltex Australia Ltd. | | | 3,100 | | | | 74,741 | |
Chesapeake Energy Corp.(a) | | | 3,245 | | | | 13,889 | |
Chevron Corp. | | | 11,830 | | | | 1,240,139 | |
Cimarex Energy Co. | | | 627 | | | | 74,814 | |
Columbia Pipeline Group, Inc. | | | 2,505 | | | | 63,852 | |
Concho Resources, Inc.(b) | | | 807 | | | | 96,251 | |
ConocoPhillips | | | 7,770 | | | | 338,772 | |
Devon Energy Corp. | | | 3,170 | | | | 114,912 | |
Eni SpA | | | 24,216 | | | | 390,051 | |
EOG Resources, Inc. | | | 3,460 | | | | 288,633 | |
| | | | | | | | |
EQT Corp. | | | 1,040 | | | $ | 80,527 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | 26,137 | | | | 2,450,082 | |
Galp Energia SGPS SA | | | 2,341 | | | | 32,559 | |
Hess Corp. | | | 1,640 | | | | 98,564 | |
Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. | | | 1,200 | | | | 26,052 | |
Inpex Corp. | | | 9,048 | | | | 70,761 | |
JX Holdings, Inc. | | | 20,000 | | | | 78,066 | |
Kinder Morgan, Inc./DE | | | 11,489 | | | | 215,074 | |
Koninklijke Vopak NV | | | 502 | | | | 24,989 | |
Lundin Petroleum AB(b) | | | 856 | | | | 15,599 | |
Marathon Oil Corp. | | | 5,305 | | | | 79,628 | |
Marathon Petroleum Corp. | | | 3,324 | | | | 126,179 | |
Murphy Oil Corp.(a) | | | 1,005 | | | | 31,909 | |
Neste Oyj | | | 1,220 | | | | 43,748 | |
Newfield Exploration Co.(b) | | | 1,220 | | | | 53,900 | |
Noble Energy, Inc. | | | 2,650 | | | | 95,055 | |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | | 4,800 | | | | 362,688 | |
Oil Search Ltd. | | | 8,307 | | | | 41,947 | |
OMV AG | | | 1,402 | | | | 39,411 | |
ONEOK, Inc. | | | 1,320 | | | | 62,634 | |
Origin Energy Ltd. | | | 16,658 | | | | 72,781 | |
Phillips 66 | | | 2,960 | | | | 234,846 | |
Pioneer Natural Resources Co. | | | 1,015 | | | | 153,478 | |
Range Resources Corp. | | | 1,050 | | | | 45,297 | |
Repsol SA | | | 10,293 | | | | 131,945 | |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC–Class A | | | 40,072 | | | | 1,100,583 | |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC–Class B | | | 35,654 | | | | 985,069 | |
Santos Ltd. | | | 18,468 | | | | 65,373 | |
Showa Shell Sekiyu KK(a) | | | 1,900 | | | | 17,734 | |
Southwestern Energy Co.(b) | | | 2,445 | | | | 30,758 | |
Spectra Energy Corp. | | | 4,185 | | | | 153,297 | |
Statoil ASA | | | 10,624 | | | | 183,566 | |
Tesoro Corp. | | | 725 | | | | 54,317 | |
TonenGeneral Sekiyu KK(a) | | | 2,000 | | | | 18,219 | |
TOTAL SA | | | 21,024 | | | | 1,008,227 | |
Valero Energy Corp. | | | 2,925 | | | | 149,175 | |
Williams Cos., Inc. (The) | | | 4,255 | | | | 92,036 | |
Woodside Petroleum Ltd. | | | 7,059 | | | | 143,137 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 12,769,083 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 14,251,445 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MATERIALS–2.1% | | | | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–1.2% | | | | | | | | |
Air Liquide SA | | | 3,277 | | | | 341,403 | |
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | | | 1,220 | | | | 173,289 | |
Air Water, Inc. | | | 1,000 | | | | 14,714 | |
Akzo Nobel NV | | | 2,351 | | | | 146,046 | |
Albemarle Corp. | | | 711 | | | | 56,389 | |
Arkema SA | | | 450 | | | | 34,404 | |
Asahi Kasei Corp. | | | 12,000 | | | | 83,508 | |
BASF SE | | | 8,743 | | | | 670,402 | |
CF Industries Holdings, Inc. | | | 1,450 | | | | 34,945 | |
Chr Hansen Holding A/S | | | 1,460 | | | | 95,886 | |
Covestro AG(b)(e) | | | 1,766 | | | | 78,658 | |
Croda International PLC | | | 1,104 | | | | 46,344 | |
Daicel Corp. | | | 3,000 | | | | 31,086 | |
Dow Chemical Co. (The) | | | 7,025 | | | | 349,213 | |
Eastman Chemical Co. | | | 930 | | | | 63,147 | |
15
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Ecolab, Inc. | | | 1,690 | | | $ | 200,434 | |
EI du Pont de Nemours & Co. | | | 5,495 | | | | 356,076 | |
EMS-Chemie Holding AG (REG) | | | 109 | | | | 56,278 | |
Evonik Industries AG | | | 2,574 | | | | 76,727 | |
FMC Corp. | | | 830 | | | | 38,437 | |
Givaudan SA (REG) | | | 88 | | | | 177,190 | |
Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. | | | 3,000 | | | | 56,029 | |
Incitec Pivot Ltd. | | | 32,013 | | | | 71,911 | |
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. | | | 500 | | | | 63,035 | |
Israel Chemicals Ltd. | | | 4,414 | | | | 17,197 | |
Johnson Matthey PLC | | | 1,842 | | | | 69,088 | |
JSR Corp. | | | 800 | | | | 10,595 | |
K&S AG (REG)(a) | | | 1,472 | | | | 30,135 | |
Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.(a) | | | 3,000 | | | | 60,569 | |
Kuraray Co., Ltd. | | | 3,000 | | | | 35,794 | |
LANXESS AG | | | 1,319 | | | | 57,868 | |
Linde AG | | | 1,768 | | | | 246,347 | |
LyondellBasell Industries NV–Class A | | | 2,149 | | | | 159,929 | |
Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp. | | | 13,000 | | | | 59,592 | |
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Inc. | | | 5,000 | | | | 26,085 | |
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. | | | 8,000 | | | | 29,398 | |
Monsanto Co. | | | 2,790 | | | | 288,514 | |
Mosaic Co. (The) | | | 2,180 | | | | 57,072 | |
Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 1,000 | | | | 24,722 | |
Nitto Denko Corp. | | | 1,600 | | | | 101,495 | |
Novozymes A/S–Class B | | | 1,531 | | | | 73,520 | |
Orica Ltd. | | | 2,259 | | | | 21,014 | |
PPG Industries, Inc. | | | 1,700 | | | | 177,055 | |
Praxair, Inc. | | | 1,790 | | | | 201,178 | |
Sherwin-Williams Co. (The) | | | 515 | | | | 151,240 | |
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. | | | 3,700 | | | | 216,777 | |
Sika AG | | | 20 | | | | 83,861 | |
Solvay SA | | | 705 | | | | 65,853 | |
Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. | | | 15,000 | | | | 61,891 | |
Symrise AG | | | 547 | | | | 37,311 | |
Syngenta AG (REG) | | | 885 | | | | 339,706 | |
Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corp. | | | 2,000 | | | | 18,382 | |
Teijin Ltd. | | | 5,000 | | | | 16,568 | |
Toray Industries, Inc. | | | 14,000 | | | | 119,461 | |
Umicore SA | | | 1,001 | | | | 51,706 | |
Yara International ASA | | | 1,297 | | | | 41,202 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 6,266,676 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS–0.2% | | | | | | | | |
Boral Ltd. | | | 12,163 | | | | 57,103 | |
CRH PLC | | | 7,835 | | | | 228,314 | |
Fletcher Building Ltd. | | | 7,055 | | | | 43,396 | |
HeidelbergCement AG | | | 1,342 | | | | 101,096 | |
Imerys SA | | | 448 | | | | 28,585 | |
James Hardie Industries PLC | | | 3,449 | | | | 53,416 | |
LafargeHolcim Ltd. (REG)(b) | | | 4,333 | | | | 181,282 | |
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. | | | 427 | | | | 81,984 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Taiheiyo Cement Corp. | | | 5,000 | | | $ | 11,843 | |
Vulcan Materials Co. | | | 865 | | | | 104,111 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 891,130 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
Amcor Ltd./Australia | | | 11,024 | | | | 123,949 | |
Avery Dennison Corp. | | | 535 | | | | 39,991 | |
Ball Corp. | | | 910 | | | | 65,784 | |
International Paper Co. | | | 2,565 | | | | 108,705 | |
Owens-Illinois, Inc.(b) | | | 1,010 | | | | 18,190 | |
Sealed Air Corp. | | | 1,190 | | | | 54,704 | |
Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Ltd. | | | 1,700 | | | | 32,484 | |
WestRock Co. | | | 1,597 | | | | 62,076 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 505,883 | |
| | | | | | | | |
METALS & MINING–0.5% | | | | | | | | |
Alcoa, Inc. | | | 8,270 | | | | 76,663 | |
Anglo American PLC | | | 13,345 | | | | 130,811 | |
Antofagasta PLC(a) | | | 6,389 | | | | 39,950 | |
ArcelorMittal (Euronext Amsterdam) | | | 6,075 | | | | 27,697 | |
BHP Billiton Ltd. | | | 30,572 | | | | 426,058 | |
BHP Billiton PLC | | | 20,105 | | | | 254,468 | |
Boliden AB | | | 1,652 | | | | 32,287 | |
Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. | | | 18,067 | | | | 48,348 | |
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. | | | 7,875 | | | | 87,728 | |
Fresnillo PLC | | | 1,459 | | | | 32,129 | |
Glencore PLC | | | 116,471 | | | | 240,060 | |
Hitachi Metals Ltd. | | | 5,000 | | | | 50,796 | |
JFE Holdings, Inc. | | | 5,000 | | | | 65,226 | |
Kobe Steel Ltd. | | | 12,000 | | | | 9,863 | |
Mitsubishi Materials Corp. | | | 7,000 | | | | 16,761 | |
Newcrest Mining Ltd.(b) | | | 7,017 | | | | 121,617 | |
Newmont Mining Corp. | | | 3,295 | | | | 128,900 | |
Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. | | | 7,600 | | | | 147,133 | |
Norsk Hydro ASA | | | 16,444 | | | | 60,199 | |
Nucor Corp. | | | 1,960 | | | | 96,844 | |
Randgold Resources Ltd. | | | 890 | | | | 99,873 | |
Rio Tinto Ltd. | | | 4,038 | | | | 139,677 | |
Rio Tinto PLC | | | 11,772 | | | | 365,715 | |
South32 Ltd.(b) | | | 32,320 | | | | 37,904 | |
Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. | | | 3,000 | | | | 30,517 | |
ThyssenKrupp AG | | | 2,036 | | | | 40,924 | |
voestalpine AG(a) | | | 1,082 | | | | 36,415 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,844,563 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
Mondi PLC | | | 3,496 | | | | 65,454 | |
Oji Holdings Corp. | | | 14,000 | | | | 53,746 | |
Stora Enso Oyj–Class R | | | 5,244 | | | | 42,172 | |
UPM-Kymmene Oyj | | | 5,081 | | | | 93,342 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 254,714 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 10,762,966 | |
| | | | | | | | |
16
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.7% | | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.3% | | | | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | | 38,676 | | | $ | 1,671,190 | |
Bezeq The Israeli Telecommunication Corp., Ltd. | | | 25,040 | | | | 49,602 | |
BT Group PLC | | | 80,605 | | | | 443,053 | |
CenturyLink, Inc. | | | 3,410 | | | | 98,924 | |
Deutsche Telekom AG (REG) | | | 30,696 | | | | 523,436 | |
Elisa Oyj | | | 1,354 | | | | 52,025 | |
Frontier Communications Corp. | | | 7,310 | | | | 36,111 | |
HKT Trust & HKT Ltd.–Class SS | | | 55,098 | | | | 79,542 | |
Iliad SA | | | 163 | | | | 32,904 | |
Inmarsat PLC | | | 4,283 | | | | 46,157 | |
Koninklijke KPN NV | | | 28,755 | | | | 102,495 | |
Level 3 Communications, Inc.(b) | | | 1,797 | | | | 92,528 | |
Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. | | | 6,600 | | | | 309,506 | |
Numericable-SFR SA | | | 2,106 | | | | 52,629 | |
Orange SA | | | 18,911 | | | | 307,502 | |
Proximus SADP | | | 1,568 | | | | 49,829 | |
Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. | | | 76,000 | | | | 234,465 | |
Spark New Zealand Ltd. | | | 17,417 | | | | 44,268 | |
Swisscom AG (REG) | | | 247 | | | | 122,711 | |
TDC A/S | | | 10,119 | | | | 49,588 | |
Telecom Italia SpA/Milano (ordinary shares)(b) | | | 64,157 | | | | 52,693 | |
Telecom Italia SpA/Milano (savings shares) | | | 96,487 | | | | 62,078 | |
Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG | | | 3,756 | | | | 15,471 | |
Telefonica SA | | | 42,624 | | | | 404,664 | |
Telenor ASA | | | 7,146 | | | | 118,288 | |
Telia Co. AB | | | 24,258 | | | | 114,873 | |
Telstra Corp., Ltd. | | | 40,732 | | | | 170,249 | |
TPG Telecom Ltd. | | | 2,487 | | | | 22,301 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 25,595 | | | | 1,429,225 | |
Vocus Communications Ltd. | | | 2,752 | | | | 17,209 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 6,805,516 | |
| | | | | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.4% | | | | | | | | |
KDDI Corp. | | | 17,930 | | | | 545,246 | |
Millicom International Cellular SA | | | 641 | | | | 39,318 | |
NTT DOCOMO, Inc. | | | 13,613 | | | | 367,123 | |
SoftBank Group Corp. | | | 9,100 | | | | 514,623 | |
StarHub Ltd. | | | 4,000 | | | | 11,287 | |
Tele2 AB–Class B | | | 3,826 | | | | 33,590 | |
Vodafone Group PLC | | | 252,791 | | | | 770,724 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,281,911 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 9,087,427 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
UTILITIES–1.6% | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Alliant Energy Corp. | | | 1,438 | | | $ | 57,089 | |
American Electric Power Co., Inc. | | | 3,075 | | | | 215,527 | |
AusNet Services | | | 37,398 | | | | 46,060 | |
Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. | | | 7,000 | | | | 60,219 | |
Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. | | | 6,100 | | | | 86,809 | |
Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc. (The) | | | 1,300 | | | | 16,527 | |
CLP Holdings Ltd. | | | 12,500 | | | | 127,851 | |
Contact Energy Ltd. | | | 4,696 | | | | 17,434 | |
Duke Energy Corp. | | | 4,332 | | | | 371,642 | |
Edison International | | | 2,065 | | | | 160,389 | |
EDP–Energias de Portugal SA | | | 14,060 | | | | 43,046 | |
Electricite de France SA | | | 5,592 | | | | 67,804 | |
Endesa SA(a) | | | 3,024 | | | | 60,678 | |
Enel SpA | | | 72,583 | | | | 322,228 | |
Entergy Corp. | | | 1,125 | | | | 91,519 | |
Eversource Energy | | | 1,960 | | | | 117,404 | |
Exelon Corp. | | | 5,747 | | | | 208,961 | |
FirstEnergy Corp. | | | 2,635 | | | | 91,988 | |
Fortum Oyj | | | 4,228 | | | | 67,929 | |
HK Electric Investments & HK Electric Investments Ltd.(e) | | | 104,180 | | | | 97,078 | |
Iberdrola SA | | | 51,761 | | | | 353,091 | |
Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (The)(b) | | | 6,700 | | | | 65,253 | |
Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc.(b) | | | 4,100 | | | | 41,121 | |
Mighty River Power Ltd. | | | 4,915 | | | | 10,608 | |
NextEra Energy, Inc. | | | 2,895 | | | | 377,508 | |
PG&E Corp. | | | 3,075 | | | | 196,554 | |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | | | 685 | | | | 55,526 | |
Power Assets Holdings Ltd. | | | 8,500 | | | | 78,153 | |
PPL Corp. | | | 4,195 | | | | 158,361 | |
Red Electrica Corp. SA(a) | | | 1,030 | | | | 92,034 | |
Shikoku Electric Power Co., Inc. | | | 2,700 | | | | 31,982 | |
Southern Co. (The) | | | 5,710 | | | | 306,227 | |
SSE PLC | | | 9,578 | | | | 199,348 | |
Terna Rete Elettrica Nazionale SpA | | | 23,069 | | | | 128,381 | |
Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc. | | | 4,300 | | | | 54,268 | |
Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc.(b) | | | 13,800 | | | | 58,444 | |
Xcel Energy, Inc. | | | 3,170 | | | | 141,953 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,676,994 | |
| | | | | | | | |
GAS UTILITIES–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
AGL Resources, Inc. | | | 748 | | | | 49,346 | |
APA Group | | | 6,755 | | | | 46,983 | |
Enagas SA(a) | | | 2,159 | | | | 65,958 | |
Gas Natural SDG SA(a) | | | 3,334 | | | | 66,272 | |
Hong Kong & China Gas Co., Ltd. | | | 72,131 | | | | 131,986 | |
Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. | | | 18,000 | | | | 69,201 | |
Snam SpA | | | 14,719 | | | | 87,997 | |
17
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Toho Gas Co., Ltd. | | | 6,000 | | | $ | 49,096 | |
Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. | | | 19,000 | | | | 78,446 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 645,285 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INDEPENDENT POWER AND RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PRODUCERS–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
AES Corp./VA | | | 4,135 | | | | 51,605 | |
Electric Power Development Co., Ltd.(a) | | | 1,600 | | | | 37,277 | |
Meridian Energy Ltd. | | | 18,542 | | | | 34,993 | |
NRG Energy, Inc. | | | 1,940 | | | | 29,081 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 152,956 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–0.6% | | | | | | | | |
AGL Energy Ltd. | | | 6,423 | | | | 93,282 | |
Ameren Corp. | | | 1,510 | | | | 80,906 | |
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | | | 2,695 | | | | 64,680 | |
Centrica PLC | | | 51,646 | | | | 156,177 | |
CMS Energy Corp. | | | 1,720 | | | | 78,879 | |
Consolidated Edison, Inc. | | | 1,830 | | | | 147,205 | |
Dominion Resources, Inc./VA | | | 3,735 | | | | 291,069 | |
DTE Energy Co. | | | 1,120 | | | | 111,014 | |
DUET Group | | | 22,926 | | | | 43,000 | |
E.ON SE | | | 19,048 | | | | 192,286 | |
Engie SA | | | 13,909 | | | | 223,332 | |
National Grid PLC | | | 35,656 | | | | 524,333 | |
NiSource, Inc. | | | 2,005 | | | | 53,173 | |
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. | | | 3,155 | | | | 147,055 | |
RWE AG | | | 5,973 | | | | 95,121 | |
SCANA Corp. | | | 895 | | | | 67,716 | |
Sempra Energy | | | 1,510 | | | | 172,170 | |
Suez Environnement Co. | | | 2,665 | | | | 41,567 | |
TECO Energy, Inc. | | | 1,475 | | | | 40,769 | |
United Utilities Group PLC | | | 6,491 | | | | 89,967 | |
Veolia Environnement SA | | | 2,727 | | | | 58,889 | |
WEC Energy Group, Inc. | | | 1,988 | | | | 129,816 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,902,406 | |
| | | | | | | | |
WATER UTILITIES–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
American Water Works Co., Inc. | | | 1,121 | | | | 94,735 | |
Severn Trent PLC | | | 2,239 | | | | 73,057 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 167,792 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 8,545,433 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $208,320,564) | | | | | | | 226,470,923 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | | |
GOVERNMENTS— TREASURIES–19.1% | | | | | | | | |
UNITED STATES–19.1% | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds | | | | | | | | |
2.50%, 2/15/45 | | $ | 520 | | | | 541,389 | |
2.75%, 8/15/42 | | | 920 | | | | 1,013,653 | |
| | | | | | | | |
2.875%, 5/15/43–8/15/45 | | $ | 2,545 | | | $ | 2,858,919 | |
3.00%, 5/15/45 | | | 185 | | | | 212,642 | |
3.125%, 11/15/41–2/15/43 | | | 2,825 | | | | 3,333,449 | |
3.50%, 2/15/39 | | | 358 | | | | 451,807 | |
3.625%, 8/15/43 | | | 2,245 | | | | 2,896,488 | |
3.75%, 8/15/41 | | | 220 | | | | 286,971 | |
3.875%, 8/15/40 | | | 280 | | | | 371,623 | |
4.25%, 5/15/39 | | | 240 | | | | 335,437 | |
4.375%, 11/15/39–5/15/41 | | | 1,258 | | | | 1,789,805 | |
4.50%, 8/15/39 | | | 220 | | | | 318,037 | |
4.75%, 2/15/37–2/15/41 | | | 401 | | | | 600,246 | |
5.375%, 2/15/31 | | | 650 | | | | 964,057 | |
6.00%, 2/15/26 | | | 1,242 | | | | 1,749,133 | |
6.25%, 8/15/23–5/15/30 | | | 724 | | | | 1,109,306 | |
6.875%, 8/15/25 | | | 590 | | | | 865,617 | |
7.25%, 8/15/22 | | | 775 | | | | 1,055,272 | |
7.50%, 11/15/16 | | | 92 | | | | 94,437 | |
7.625%, 2/15/25 | | | 55 | | | | 82,962 | |
8.00%, 11/15/21 | | | 123 | | | | 167,458 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes | | | | | | | | |
0.50%, 7/31/17 | | | 975 | | | | 974,696 | |
0.75%, 3/31/18 | | | 1,003 | | | | 1,005,742 | |
0.875%, 1/31/17–4/30/17 | | | 1,690 | | | | 1,694,529 | |
1.00%, 9/30/16–9/30/19 | | | 4,645 | | | | 4,676,215 | |
1.25%, 11/30/18–3/31/21 | | | 7,834 | | | | 7,947,676 | |
1.375%, 12/31/18–10/31/20 | | | 9,120 | | | | 9,286,350 | |
1.50%, 5/31/19–5/31/20 | | | 4,840 | | | | 4,951,629 | |
1.625%, 6/30/20–2/15/26 | | | 5,640 | | | | 5,778,469 | |
1.75%, 5/15/23 | | | 1,740 | | | | 1,794,987 | |
2.00%, 11/15/21–8/15/25 | | | 6,195 | | | | 6,485,470 | |
2.125%, 8/15/21–5/15/25 | | | 3,440 | | | | 3,627,851 | |
2.25%, 11/30/17–11/15/24 | | | 899 | | | | 933,749 | |
2.375%, 7/31/17–8/15/24 | | | 1,271 | | | | 1,344,244 | |
2.50%, 8/15/23–5/15/24 | | | 2,242 | | | | 2,430,660 | |
2.625%, 1/31/18–11/15/20 | | | 4,500 | | | | 4,785,697 | |
2.75%, 5/31/17–11/15/23 | | | 3,570 | | | | 3,752,152 | |
3.00%, 2/28/17 | | | 889 | | | | 903,724 | |
3.125%, 5/15/21 | | | 394 | | | | 433,147 | |
3.375%, 11/15/19 | | | 1,890 | | | | 2,053,678 | |
3.50%, 5/15/20 | | | 910 | | | | 1,000,218 | |
3.625%, 2/15/20–2/15/21 | | | 6,204 | | | | 6,877,065 | |
3.75%, 11/15/18(f) | | | 6,205 | | | | 6,660,683 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Governments–Treasuries (cost $95,822,277) | | | | | | | 100,497,339 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Shares | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–9.0% | | | | | | | | |
FUNDS AND INVESTMENT TRUSTS–9.0% | | | | | | | | |
iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF(a) | | | 378,853 | | | | 15,847,421 | |
iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF | | | 206,951 | | | | 6,034,691 | |
Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF | | | 44,178 | | | | 2,388,263 | |
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF(a) | | | 16,316 | | | | 2,017,147 | |
Vanguard REIT ETF | | | 178,061 | | | | 15,788,669 | |
18
| | |
|
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Vanguard Small-Cap ETF(a) | | | 45,444 | | | $ | 5,256,962 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investment Companies (cost $43,106,430) | | | | | | | 47,333,153 | |
| | | | | | | | |
RIGHTS–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA, expiring 6/27/16(b) | | | 1,829 | | | | 1,285 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Noble Group Ltd., expiring 6/28/16(b) | | | 24,000 | | | | 1,603 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Rights (cost $7,158) | | | | | | | 2,888 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–28.8% | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–24.0% | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.25%(g)(h) (cost $126,618,938) | | | 126,618,938 | | | | 126,618,938 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
U.S. TREASURY BILLS–4.8% | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Bill 0.01%, 7/28/16 (cost $25,533,288) | | $ | 25,538 | | | $ | 25,533,288 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Short-Term Investments (cost $152,152,226) | | | | | | | 152,152,226 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned–99.8% (cost $499,408,655) | | | | | | | 526,456,529 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Shares | | | | |
INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–4.3% | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–4.3% | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.25%(g)(h) (cost $22,622,247) | | | 22,622,247 | | | | 22,622,247 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–104.1% (cost $522,030,902) | | | | | | | 549,078,776 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(4.1)% | | | | | | | (21,622,868 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | $ | 527,455,908 | |
| | | | | | | | |
FUTURES (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Type | | Number of Contracts | | | Expiration Month | | | Original Value | | | Value at June 30, 2016 | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Purchased Contracts | |
10 Yr Australian Bond Futures | | | 78 | | | | September 2016 | | | $ | 7,836,992 | | | $ | 7,923,055 | | | $ | 86,063 | |
10 Yr Canadian Bond Futures | | | 82 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 9,367,924 | | | | 9,396,091 | | | | 28,167 | |
Euro STOXX 50 Futures | | | 66 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 2,111,960 | | | | 2,091,101 | | | | (20,859 | ) |
Mini MSCI EAFE Futures | | | 4 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 324,782 | | | | 323,040 | | | | (1,742 | ) |
Russell 2000 Mini Futures | | | 21 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 2,361,565 | | | | 2,409,540 | | | | 47,975 | |
TOPIX Index Futures | | | 5 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 601,162 | | | | 603,060 | | | | 1,898 | |
U.S. T-Note 10 Yr (CBT) Futures | | | 154 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 20,523,219 | | | | 20,479,594 | | | | (43,625 | ) |
U.S. T-Note 5 Yr (CBT) Futures | | | 120 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 14,685,205 | | | | 14,659,687 | | | | (25,518 | ) |
U.S. Ultra Bond (CBT) Futures | | | 100 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 17,529,438 | | | | 18,637,500 | | | | 1,108,062 | |
|
Sold Contracts | |
FTSE 100 Index Futures | | | 45 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 3,590,171 | | | | 3,847,477 | | | | (257,306 | ) |
S&P 500 E Mini Futures | | | 26 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 2,708,640 | | | | 2,717,260 | | | | (8,620 | ) |
SPI 200 Futures | | | 18 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 1,677,639 | | | | 1,737,117 | | | | (59,478 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 855,017 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
19
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Contracts to Deliver (000) | | | In Exchange For (000) | | | Settlement Date | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | | JPY | | | | 117,793 | | | | USD | | | | 1,154 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | $ | 9,926 | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | | USD | | | | 5,821 | | | | CHF | | | | 5,639 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (21,112 | ) |
Barclays Bank PLC | | | USD | | | | 4,367 | | | | GBP | | | | 3,089 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (251,224 | ) |
BNP Paribas SA | | | AUD | | | | 6,972 | | | | USD | | | | 5,110 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (75,845 | ) |
BNP Paribas SA | | | GBP | | | | 1,949 | | | | USD | | | | 2,839 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 242,068 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | USD | | | | 486 | | | | AUD | | | | 655 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 1,010 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | USD | | | | 2,020 | | | | CAD | | | | 2,623 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 10,592 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | USD | | | | 1,413 | | | | EUR | | | | 1,247 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (24,636 | ) |
BNP Paribas SA | | | USD | | | | 3,436 | | | | NZD | | | | 4,844 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 8,951 | |
Citibank | | | EUR | | | | 2,840 | | | | USD | | | | 3,226 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 64,953 | |
Citibank | | | USD | | | | 5,774 | | | | EUR | | | | 5,048 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (155,610 | ) |
Citibank | | | USD | | | | 2,095 | | | | JPY | | | | 224,041 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 80,223 | |
Credit Suisse International | | | CHF | | | | 5,024 | | | | USD | | | | 5,207 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 39,312 | |
Credit Suisse International | | | EUR | | | | 2,386 | | | | USD | | | | 2,641 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (14,130 | ) |
Credit Suisse International | | | EUR | | | | 9,433 | | | | USD | | | | 10,510 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 12,833 | |
Credit Suisse International | | | JPY | | | | 590,718 | | | | USD | | | | 5,524 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (210,900 | ) |
Credit Suisse International | | | USD | | | | 323 | | | | AUD | | | | 435 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 762 | |
Credit Suisse International | | | USD | | | | 7,114 | | | | EUR | | | | 6,307 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (95,375 | ) |
Credit Suisse International | | | USD | | | | 5,527 | | | | JPY | | | | 587,214 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 173,987 | |
Credit Suisse International | | | USD | | | | 2,386 | | | | NZD | | | | 3,439 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 60,025 | |
Deutsche Bank AG | | | JPY | | | | 117,793 | | | | USD | | | | 1,153 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 8,875 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | | JPY | | | | 437,153 | | | | USD | | | | 4,138 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (106,721 | ) |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | | JPY | | | | 227,097 | | | | USD | | | | 2,235 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 30,118 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | | USD | | | | 4,882 | | | | JPY | | | | 519,204 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 159,149 | |
HSBC Bank USA | | | GBP | | | | 3,819 | | | | USD | | | | 5,508 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 420,455 | |
HSBC Bank USA | | | USD | | | | 485 | | | | AUD | | | | 655 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 1,686 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | AUD | | | | 2,826 | | | | USD | | | | 2,072 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (29,569 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | EUR | | | | 5,422 | | | | USD | | | | 6,182 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 147,606 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | GBP | | | | 1,062 | | | | USD | | | | 1,404 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (10,097 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | NZD | | | | 4,144 | | | | USD | | | | 2,896 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (51,583 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | USD | | | | 1,242 | | | | EUR | | | | 1,122 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 6,437 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | USD | | | | 1,578 | | | | GBP | | | | 1,121 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (84,530 | ) |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | USD | | | | 2,481 | | | | AUD | | | | 3,348 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 9,003 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | USD | | | | 1,065 | | | | EUR | | | | 931 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (29,469 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 2,814 | | | | AUD | | | | 3,874 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 66,521 | |
UBS AG | | | USD | | | | 637 | | | | CAD | | | | 810 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (9,939 | ) |
UBS AG | | | USD | | | | 997 | | | | GBP | | | | 688 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (79,939 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 303,813 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Description | | Contracts | | | Exercise Price | | | Expiration Month | | | Premiums Received | | | U.S. $ Value | |
S&P 500 Index(i) | | | 25,100 | | | $ | 1,825.00 | | | | July 2016 | | | $ | 243,470 | | | $ | (6,995 | ) |
20
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Clearing Broker/(Exchange) & Referenced Obligation | | Fixed Rate (Pay) Receive | | | Implied Credit Spread at June 30, 2016 | | | Notional Amount (000) | | | Market Value | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Buy Contracts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc./(INTRCONX) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CDX-NAHY Series 26, 5 Year Index, 6/20/21* | | | (5.00 | )% | | | 4.29 | % | | $ | 2,120 | | | $ | (67,323 | ) | | $ | (38,499 | ) |
Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC/(INTRCONX) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CDX-NAHY Series 26, 5 Year Index, 6/20/21* | | | (5.00 | ) | | | 4.29 | | | | 205 | | | | (6,510 | ) | | | 4 | |
CDX-NAHY Series 26, 5 Year Index, 6/20/21* | | | (5.00 | ) | | | 4.29 | | | | 87 | | | | (2,763 | ) | | | 2 | |
CDX-NAHY Series 26, 5 Year Index, 6/20/21* | | | (5.00 | ) | | | 4.29 | | | | 40 | | | | (1,270 | ) | | | 1 | |
| | | | | |
Sale Contracts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc./(INTRCONX) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CDX-NAHY Series 26, 5 Year Index, 6/20/21* | | | 5.00 | | | | 4.29 | | | | 9,777 | | | | 310,477 | | | | 166,766 | |
CDX-NAHY Series 26, 5 Year Index, 6/20/21* | | | 5.00 | | | | 4.29 | | | | 5,223 | | | | 165,861 | | | | 93,372 | |
CDX-NAHY Series 26, 5 Year Index, 6/20/21* | | | 5.00 | | | | 4.29 | | | | 205 | | | | 6,510 | | | | 3,464 | |
CDX-NAHY Series 26, 5 Year Index, 6/20/21* | | | 5.00 | | | | 4.29 | | | | 87 | | | | 2,763 | | | | 187 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 407,745 | | | $ | 225,297 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL RETURN SWAPS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty & Referenced Obligation | | # of Shares or Units | | | Rate Paid/ Received | | | Notional Amount (000) | | | Maturity Date | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Receive Total Return on Reference Obligation | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Citibank, NA | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Standard and Poor’s Midcap 400 Index | | | 5,069 | | | | LIBOR Minus 0.23% | | | $ | 10,629 | | | | 2/21/17 | | | $ | 328,467 | |
Goldman Sachs International | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index | | | 44,715 | | | | LIBOR Minus 0.25% | | | | 16,352 | | | | 10/17/16 | | | | (109,685 | ) |
Russell 2000 Total Return Index | | | 441 | | | | LIBOR Minus 0.71% | | | | 2,440 | | | | 3/20/17 | | | | 8,054 | |
Russell 2000 Total Return Index | | | 657 | | | | LIBOR Minus 0.80% | | | | 3,569 | | | | 7/20/16 | | | | 79,777 | |
UBS AG | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Russell 2000 Total Return Index | | | 599 | | | | LIBOR Minus 0.70 | % | | | 3,254 | | | | 10/17/16 | | | | 72,084 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 378,697 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
21
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
(a) | | Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information. |
(b) | | Non-income producing security. |
(c) | | Fair valued by the Adviser. |
(e) | | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2016, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $448,001 or 0.1% of net assets. |
(f) | | Position, or a portion thereof, has been segregated to collateralize OTC derivatives outstanding. |
(g) | | To obtain a copy of the fund’s financial statements, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618. |
(h) | | Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end. |
(i) | | One contract relates to 1 share. |
Currency Abbreviations:
AUD—Australian Dollar
CAD—Canadian Dollar
CHF—Swiss Franc
EUR—Euro
GBP—Great British Pound
JPY—Japanese Yen
NZD—New Zealand Dollar
USD—United States Dollar
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
CBT—Chicago Board of Trade
CDX-NAHY—North American High Yield Credit Default Swap Index
EAFE—Europe, Australia, and Far East
ETF—Exchange Traded Fund
FTSE—Financial Times Stock Exchange
INTRCONX—Inter-Continental Exchange
LIBOR—London Interbank Offered Rates
MSCI—Morgan Stanley Capital International
REG—Registered Shares
REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust
SPI—Share Price Index
TOPIX—Tokyo Price Index
See notes to financial statements.
22
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETS & LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $372,789,717) | | $ | 399,837,591 | (a) |
Affiliated issuers (cost $149,241,185—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $22,622,247) | | | 149,241,185 | |
Cash collateral due from broker | | | 2,805,641 | |
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $666,581) | | | 664,974 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 1,554,492 | |
Interest and dividends receivable | | | 1,105,504 | |
Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps | | | 488,382 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 230,254 | |
Receivable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | | 38,840 | |
Receivable for newly entered credit default swaps | | | 31,505 | |
Collateral due from Securities Lending Agent | | | 15,908 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 4,437 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 556,018,713 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Due to custodian | | | 94,955 | |
Options written, at value (premiums received $243,470) | | | 6,995 | |
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned | | | 22,638,155 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 3,630,441 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 1,250,679 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 278,572 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 134,293 | |
Unrealized depreciation on total return swaps | | | 109,685 | |
Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | | 108,667 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 107,377 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 11,625 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 112 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 191,249 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 28,562,805 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 527,455,908 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 46,035 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 497,771,197 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 5,571,734 | |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (4,970,639 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 29,037,581 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 527,455,908 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
A | | $ | 411,701 | | | | 35,665 | | | $ | 11.54 | |
B | | $ | 527,044,207 | | | | 45,999,495 | | | $ | 11.46 | |
(a) | | Includes securities on loan with a value of $11,601,134 (see Note E). |
See notes to financial statements.
23
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $172,771) | | $ | 3,485,687 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 282,518 | |
Interest | | | 869,499 | |
Securities lending income | | | 47,998 | |
| | | | |
| | | 4,685,702 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 1,772,014 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 632,313 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1,892 | |
Custodian | | | 127,777 | |
Audit and tax | | | 46,321 | |
Administrative | | | 24,077 | |
Legal | | | 22,232 | |
Printing | | | 17,926 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 10,665 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 38,996 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 2,694,214 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B and E) | | | (22,360 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 2,671,854 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 2,013,848 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 1,836,193 | |
Futures | | | (3,196,156 | ) |
Swaps | | | (334,778 | ) |
Foreign currency transactions | | | 480,146 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | 5,145,031 | |
Futures | | | 994,730 | |
Options written | | | 236,475 | |
Swaps | | | 2,353,210 | |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (290,523 | ) |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 7,224,328 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 9,238,176 | |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
24
| | |
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 2,013,848 | | | $ | 2,203,588 | |
Net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (1,214,595 | ) | | | (351,816 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 8,438,923 | | | | (10,275,850 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | 9,238,176 | | | | (8,424,078 | ) |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (3,081 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (3,424,561 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (6,189 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (9,052,556 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 6,653,894 | | | | 50,524,230 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase | | | 15,892,070 | | | | 29,613,765 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 511,563,838 | | | | 481,950,073 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $5,571,734 and $3,557,886, respectively) | | $ | 527,455,908 | | | $ | 511,563,838 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
25
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AB Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to maximize total return consistent with the determination of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) 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 sixteen 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 (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the 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 (the “Board”).
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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 Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign
26
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
markets close well before the Portfolio 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 Portfolio may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The fair value of debt instruments, such as bonds, and over-the-counter derivatives is generally based on market price quotations, recently executed market transactions (where observable) or industry recognized modeling techniques and are generally classified as Level 2. Pricing vendor inputs to Level 2 valuations may include quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, interest rate curves, coupon rates, currency rates, yield curves, option adjusted spreads, default rates, credit spreads and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows which are then discounted to calculate fair values. If these inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value, these investments will be classified as Level 3. In addition, non-agency rated investments are classified as Level 3.
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
Options are valued using market-based inputs to models, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency, where such inputs and models are available. Alternatively the values may be obtained through unobservable management determined inputs and/or management’s proprietary models. Where models are used, the selection of a particular model to value an option depends upon the contractual terms of, and specific risks inherent in, the option as well as the availability of pricing information in the market. Valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, measures of volatility and correlations of such inputs. Exchange traded options generally will be classified as Level 2. For options that do not trade on exchange but trade in liquid markets, inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment. Options are classified within Level 2 on the fair value hierarchy when all of the significant inputs can be corroborated to market evidence. Otherwise such instruments are classified as Level 3.
Other fixed income investments, including non-U.S. government and corporate debt, are generally valued using quoted market prices, if available, which are typically impacted by current interest rates, maturity dates and any perceived credit risk of the issuer. Additionally, in the absence of quoted market prices, these inputs are used by pricing vendors to derive a
27
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
valuation based upon industry or proprietary models which incorporate issuer specific data with relevant yield/spread comparisons with more widely quoted bonds with similar key characteristics. Those investments for which there are observable inputs are classified as Level 2. Where the inputs are not observable, the investments are classified as Level 3.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Investments in Securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common Stocks: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financials | | $ | 18,155,514 | | | $ | 25,119,599 | | | $ | –0 | –(a) | | $ | 43,275,113 | |
Health Care | | | 16,885,732 | | | | 13,806,940 | | | | –0 | – | | | 30,692,672 | |
Information Technology | | | 23,087,226 | | | | 5,539,212 | | | | –0 | – | | | 28,626,438 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 14,262,398 | | | | 13,486,658 | | | | –0 | – | | | 27,749,056 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 12,926,847 | | | | 13,991,856 | | | | –0 | – | | | 26,918,703 | |
Industrials | | | 11,821,579 | | | | 14,740,091 | | | | –0 | – | | | 26,561,670 | |
Energy | | | 8,430,741 | | | | 5,820,704 | | | | –0 | – | | | 14,251,445 | |
Materials | | | 3,295,633 | | | | 7,467,333 | | | | –0 | – | | | 10,762,966 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 3,407,520 | | | | 5,662,698 | | | | 17,209 | | | | 9,087,427 | |
Utilities | | | 4,159,867 | | | | 4,385,566 | | | | –0 | – | | | 8,545,433 | |
Governments—Treasuries | | | –0 | – | | | 100,497,339 | | | | –0 | – | | | 100,497,339 | |
Investment Companies | | | 47,333,153 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 47,333,153 | |
Rights | | | 1,285 | | | | –0 | – | | | 1,603 | | | | 2,888 | |
Short-Term Investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment Companies | | | 126,618,938 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 126,618,938 | |
U.S. Treasury Bills | | | –0 | – | | | 25,533,288 | | | | –0 | – | | | 25,533,288 | |
Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund | | | 22,638,155 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 22,638,155 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 313,024,588 | | | | 236,051,284 | | | | 18,812 | | | | 549,094,684 | |
Other Financial Instruments(b): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Futures | | | 1,270,267 | | | | 1,898 | | | | –0 | – | | | 1,272,165 | (c) |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | | –0 | – | | | 1,554,492 | | | | –0 | – | | | 1,554,492 | |
Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | 263,796 | | | | –0 | – | | | 263,796 | (c) |
Total Return Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | 488,382 | | | | –0 | – | | | 488,382 | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Futures | | | (79,505 | ) | | | (337,643 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (417,148 | )(c) |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | | –0 | – | | | (1,250,679 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (1,250,679 | ) |
Put Options Written | | | –0 | – | | | (6,995 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (6,995 | ) |
Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | (38,499 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (38,499 | )(c) |
Total Return Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | (109,685 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (109,685 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total(d) | | $ | 314,215,350 | | | $ | 236,616,351 | | | $ | 18,812 | | | $ | 550,850,513 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(b) | | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. Other financial instruments may also include options written which are valued at market value. |
(c) | | Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of exchange-traded derivatives as reported in the portfolio of investments. |
(d) | | There were de minimis transfers under 1% of net assets between Level 1 and Level 2 during the reporting period. |
The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
28
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Common Stocks | | | Rights | | | Total | |
Balance as of 12/31/15 | | $ | –0 | –(a) | | $ | –0 | –(a) | | $ | –0 | –(a) |
Accrued discounts/(premiums) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain (loss) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | 2,377 | | | | (4,120 | ) | | | (1,743 | ) |
Purchases | | | 14,832 | | | | 5,723 | | | | 20,555 | |
Sales | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Transfers in to Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Transfers out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/16 | | $ | 17,209 | | | $ | 1,603 | | | $ | 18,812 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments held as of 6/30/16(b) | | $ | 2,377 | | | $ | (4,120 | ) | | $ | (1,743 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(b) | | The unrealized appreciation/depreciation is included in net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and other financial instruments in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. |
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and a third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed 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 foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
29
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
4. 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.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
5. 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 the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. 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 proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .70% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. 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 (the “Expense Caps”) to .85% and 1.10% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. The Expense Caps will remain in effect until May 1, 2017 and then may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.
Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $24,077.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $569 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
The AB Fixed-Income Shares, Inc.—Government STIF Portfolio (the “Government STIF Portfolio”), prior to June 1, 2016, was offered as a cash management option to mutual funds and other institutional accounts of the Adviser, and was not available for direct purchase by members of the public. Prior to June 1, 2016, the Government STIF Portfolio paid no investment management fees but did bear its own expenses. As of June 1, 2016, the Government STIF Portfolio, which was renamed “AB Government Money Market Portfolio” (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”), will have a contractual investment management fee rate of .20% and will continue to bear its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser will waive its investment management fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to Government Money Market Portfolio’s effective management fee. For the six months ended
30
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
June 30, 2016, such waiver amounted to $22,155. A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of the Government Money Market Portfolio for the six months ended June 30, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value December 31, 2015 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Market Value June 30, 2016 (000) | | | Dividend Income (000) | |
$ | 151,611 | | | $ | 147,240 | | | $ | 172,232 | | | $ | 126,619 | | | $ | 230 | |
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $71,464, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
NOTE C: Distribution 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 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 or 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, 2016 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 173,606,100 | | | $ | 103,145,374 | |
U.S. government securities | | | 21,234,343 | | | | 53,026,696 | |
The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation (excluding futures, foreign currency and swap transactions) are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 39,741,497 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (12,693,623 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 27,047,874 | |
| | | | |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The principal types of derivatives utilized by the Portfolio, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:
The Portfolio may buy or sell futures for investment purposes or for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse effects of potential movements in the market. The Portfolio bears the market risk that arises from changes in the value of these instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures and
31
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
movements in the price of the assets, reference rates or indices which they are designed to track. Among other things, the Portfolio may purchase or sell futures for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
At the time the Portfolio enters into futures, the Portfolio deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the 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. The credit/counterparty risk for exchange-traded futures is generally less than privately negotiated futures, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each exchange-traded future, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the 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.
Use of long futures subjects the Portfolio to risk of loss in excess of the amounts shown on the statement of assets and liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures. Use of short futures subjects the Portfolio to unlimited risk of loss. Under some circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of futures can vary from the previous day’s settlement price, which could effectively prevent liquidation of unfavorable positions.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
| • | | Forward Currency Exchange Contracts |
The Portfolio may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contract and the closing of such contract would be included in net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions. Fluctuations in the value of open forward currency exchange contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation by the Portfolio. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
For hedging and investment 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. Among other things, the Portfolio may use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions” and may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, for hedging and investment purposes.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the 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.
32
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
The Portfolio may also invest in options on swap agreements, also called “swaptions”. A swaption is an option that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a swap on a future date in exchange for paying a market-based “premium”. A receiver swaption gives the owner the right to receive the total return of a specified asset, reference rate, or index. A payer swaption gives the owner the right to pay the total return on a specified asset, reference rate, or index. Swaptions also include options that allow an existing swap to be terminated or extended by one of the counterparties.
At June 30, 2016, the maximum payments for written put options amounted to $45,807,500. In certain circumstances maximum payout amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced assets and upfront premium received upon entering into the contract.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held purchased options for hedging and non-hedging purposes. During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held written options for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had the following transactions in written options:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Number of Contracts | | | Premiums Received | |
Options written outstanding as of 12/31/15 | | | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Options written | | | 25,100 | | | | 243,470 | |
Options expired | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Options bought back | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Options exercised | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Options written outstanding as of 06/30/16 | | | 25,100 | | | $ | 243,470 | |
| | | | | | | | |
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 gaining market exposures, including by making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions” or in order to take a “long” or “short” position with respect to an underlying referenced asset described below under “Total Return Swaps”. A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. The payment flows are usually netted against each other, with the difference being paid by one party to the other. In addition, collateral may be pledged or received by the Portfolio in accordance with the terms of the respective swaps to provide value and recourse to the Portfolio or its counterparties in the event of default, bankruptcy or insolvency by one of the parties to the swap.
Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap to comply with the terms of the swap. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interim payment to be received by the Portfolio, and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Therefore, the Portfolio considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a swap in evaluating potential counterparty risk. This risk is mitigated by having a netting arrangement between the Portfolio and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the Portfolio to cover the Portfolio’s exposure to the counterparty. Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying securities. The Portfolio accrues for the interim payments on swaps on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation/
33
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
depreciation of swaps on the statement of assets and liabilities, where applicable. Once the interim payments are settled in cash, the net amount is recorded as realized gain/(loss) on swaps on the statement of operations, in addition to any realized gain/(loss) recorded upon the termination of swaps. Upfront premiums paid or received are recognized as cost or proceeds on the statement of assets and liabilities and are amortized on a straight line basis over the life of the contract. Amortized upfront premiums are included in net realized gain/(loss) from swaps on the statement of operations. Fluctuations in the value of swaps are recorded as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of operations.
Certain standardized swaps, including certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps, are (or soon will be) subject to mandatory central clearing. Cleared swaps are transacted through futures commission merchants (“FCMs”) that are members of central clearinghouses, with the clearinghouse serving as central counterparty, similar to transactions in futures contracts. Centralized clearing will be required for additional categories of swaps on a phased-in basis based on requirements published by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
At the time the Portfolio enters into a centrally cleared swap, the Portfolio deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the clearinghouse on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the 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. The credit/counterparty risk for centrally cleared swaps is generally less than non-centrally cleared swaps, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each centrally cleared swap, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the 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.
Credit Default Swaps:
The Portfolio may enter into credit default swaps, including to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its risk exposure to defaults by corporate and sovereign issuers held by the Portfolio, or to create exposure to corporate or sovereign issuers to which it is not otherwise exposed. The Portfolio may purchase credit protection (“Buy Contract”) or provide credit protection (“Sale Contract”) on the referenced obligation of the credit default swap. During the term of the swap, the Portfolio receives/(pays) fixed payments from/(to) the respective counterparty, calculated at the agreed upon rate applied to the notional amount. If the Portfolio is a buyer/(seller) of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap, the Portfolio will either (i) receive from the seller/(pay to the buyer) of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap (the “Maximum Payout Amount”) and deliver/(take delivery of) the referenced obligation or (ii) receive/(pay) a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation.
In certain circumstances Maximum Payout Amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront premium received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received from settlement of buy protection credit default swaps entered into by the Portfolio for the same reference obligation with the same counterparty. As of June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had Buy Contracts outstanding with respect to the same referenced obligation and same counterparty for its Sales Contracts which may partially offset the Maximum Payout Amount in the amount of $15,292,000.
Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if a Portfolio had invested in the referenced obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. If the Portfolio is a buyer of protection and no credit event occurs, it will lose the payments it made to its counterparty. If the Portfolio is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, the value of the referenced obligation received by the Portfolio coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the Maximum Payout Amount it pays to the buyer, resulting in a net loss to the Portfolio.
34
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Implied credit spreads over U.S. Treasuries comparable maturity utilized in determining the market value of credit default swaps on issuers as of period end are disclosed in the portfolio of investments. The implied spreads serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and typically reflect the likelihood of default by the issuer of the referenced obligation. The implied credit spread of a particular reference obligation also reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may reflect upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Widening credit spreads typically represent a deterioration of the referenced obligation’s credit soundness and greater likelihood of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement. A credit spread identified as “Defaulted” indicates a credit event has occurred for the referenced obligation.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held credit default swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
Total Return Swaps:
The Portfolio may enter into total return swaps in order take a “long” or “short” position with respect to an underlying referenced asset. The Portfolio is subject to market price volatility of the underlying referenced asset. A total return swap involves commitments to pay interest in exchange for a market linked return based on a notional amount. To the extent that the total return of the security, group of securities or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest obligation, the Portfolio will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held total return swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
The Portfolio typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar master agreements (collectively, “Master Agreements”) with its derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Portfolio typically may offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instrument’s payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default or termination.
Various Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions with counterparties, including transactions such as derivative transactions, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These Master Agreements typically attempt to reduce the counterparty risk associated with such transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Cross-termination provisions under Master Agreements typically provide that a default in connection with one transaction between the Portfolio and a counterparty gives the non-defaulting party the right to terminate any other transactions in place with the defaulting party to create one single net payment due to/due from the defaulting party. In the event of a default by a Master Agreements counterparty, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Portfolio’s net liability, held by the defaulting party, may be delayed or denied.
The Portfolio’s Master Agreements may contain provisions for early termination of OTC derivative transactions in the event the net assets of the Portfolio decline below specific levels (“net asset contingent features”). If these levels are triggered, the Portfolio’s counterparty has the right to terminate such transaction and require the Portfolio to pay or receive a settlement amount in connection with the terminated transaction. For additional details, please refer to netting arrangements by counterparty tables below.
At June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Asset Derivatives | | | Liability Derivatives | |
Derivative Type | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | |
Interest rate contracts | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | $ | 1,222,292 | * | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | $ | 69,143 | * |
Credit contracts | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | | 263,796 | * | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | | 38,499 | * |
35
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Asset Derivatives | | | Liability Derivatives | |
Derivative Type | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | |
Equity contracts | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | $ | 49,873 | * | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | $ | 348,005 | * |
Foreign exchange contracts | | Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 1,554,492 | | | Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 1,250,679 | |
Equity contracts | | | | | | | | Options written, at value | | | 6,995 | |
Equity contracts | | Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps | | | 488,382 | | | Unrealized depreciation on total return swaps | | | 109,685 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | $ | 3,578,835 | | | | | $ | 1,823,006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | | Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of exchange-traded derivatives as reported in the portfolio of investments. |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative Type | | Location of Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Within Statement of Operations | | Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation or (Depreciation) | |
Interest rate contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures | | $ | 2,609,650 | | | $ | 1,446,857 | |
Equity contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures | | | (5,805,806 | ) | | | (452,127 | ) |
Foreign exchange contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 361,003 | | | | (289,476 | ) |
Equity contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (401,816 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Equity contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on options written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of options written | | | –0 | – | | | 236,475 | |
Credit contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps | | | (269,865 | ) | | | 341,106 | |
Equity contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps | | | (64,913 | ) | | | 2,012,104 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | $ | (3,571,747 | ) | | $ | 3,294,939 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
36
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2016:
| | | | |
Futures: | | | | |
Average original value of buy contracts | | $ | 116,692,084 | |
Average original value of sale contracts | | $ | 3,876,175 | (a) |
| |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts: | | | | |
Average principal amount of buy contracts | | $ | 65,868,234 | |
Average principal amount of sale contracts | | $ | 44,076,344 | |
| |
Purchased Options: | | | | |
Average monthly cost | | $ | 1,244,239 | (b) |
| |
Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps: | | | | |
Average notional amount of buy contracts | | $ | 2,452,000 | (c) |
Average notional amount of sale contracts | | $ | 18,182,667 | (b) |
Total Return Swaps: | | | | |
Average notional amount | | $ | 34,120,433 | |
(a) | | Positions were open for three months during the period. |
(b) | | Positions were open for two months during the period. |
(c) | | Positions were open for one month during the period. |
For financial reporting purposes, the Portfolio does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.
All derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Derivative Assets Subject to a MA | | | Derivative Available for Offset | | | Cash Collateral Received | | | Security Collateral Received | | | Net Amount of Derivatives Assets | |
Exchange-Traded Derivatives: | |
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.* | �� | $ | 40,155 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 40,155 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 40,155 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 40,155 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTC Derivatives: | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | $ | 9,926 | | | $ | (9,926 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
BNP Paribas SA | | | 262,621 | | | | (100,481 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 162,140 | |
Citibank, NA | | | 473,643 | | | | (162,605 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 311,038 | |
Credit Suisse International | | | 286,919 | | | | (286,919 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Deutsche Bank AG | | | 8,875 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 8,875 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA/Goldman Sachs International | | | 277,098 | | | | (216,406 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 60,692 | |
HSBC Bank USA | | | 422,141 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 422,141 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | 154,043 | | | | (154,043 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | 9,003 | | | | (9,003 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | 66,521 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 66,521 | |
UBS AG | | | 72,084 | | | | (72,084 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 2,042,874 | | | $ | (1,011,467 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 1,031,407 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
37
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Derivative Liabilities Subject to a MA | | | Derivative Available for Offset | | | Cash Collateral Pledged** | | | Security Collateral Pledged | | | Net Amount of Derivatives Liabilities | |
Exchange-Traded Derivatives: | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc./ Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC* | | $ | 109,982 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | (109,982 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 109,982 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | (109,982 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTC Derivatives: | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | $ | 272,336 | | | $ | (9,926 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 262,410 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | 100,481 | | | | (100,481 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Citibank, NA | | | 162,605 | | | | (162,605 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Credit Suisse International | | | 320,405 | | | | (286,919 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 33,486 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA/Goldman Sachs International | | | 216,406 | | | | (216,406 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | 175,779 | | | | (154,043 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 21,736 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | 29,469 | | | | (9,003 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 20,466 | |
UBS AG | | | 89,878 | | | | (72,084 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 17,794 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 1,367,359 | | | $ | (1,011,467 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 355,892 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | | Cash and securities have been posted for initial margin requirements for exchange-traded derivatives outstanding at June 30, 2016. |
** | | The actual collateral received/pledged is more than the amount reported due to over-collateralization. |
^ | | Net amount represents the net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty. |
2. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated 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 other 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: Securities Lending
The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not have the right to vote on any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. Prior to June 24, 2016, such cash collateral received was invested in AB Exchange Reserves. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At
38
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had securities on loan with a value of $11,601,134 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into Government Money Market Portfolio of $22,622,247. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $47,998, $51,728 and $502 from the borrowers, AB Exchange Reserves and Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2016; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of management fee assessed by the Government Money Market Portfolio. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, such waiver amounted to $205. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Exchange Reserves for the period January 1, 2016 to June 23, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value December 31, 2015 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Transfer to Government Money Market Portfolio (000) | | | Market Value June 23, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 22,314 | | | $ | 436,490 | | | $ | 451,471 | | | $ | 7,333 | | | $ | 0 | |
A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of Government Money Market Portfolio for the period June 24, 2016 to June 30, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value June 24, 2016 (000) | | | Transfer from AB Exchange Reserves (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Market Value June 30, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 0 | | | $ | 7,333 | | | $ | 23,729 | | | $ | 8,440 | | | $ | 22,622 | |
NOTE F: 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
Class A | |
Shares sold | | | 9,768 | | | | 16,626 | | | | | | | $ | 108,774 | | | $ | 193,334 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | 769 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 8,969 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (9,384 | ) | | | (11,885 | ) | | | | | | | (104,108 | ) | | | (140,688 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 384 | | | | 5,510 | | | | | | | $ | 4,666 | | | $ | 61,615 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 4,038,922 | | | | 10,015,664 | | | | | | | $ | 45,129,901 | | | $ | 118,142,651 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | 1,074,687 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 12,477,117 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (3,443,736 | ) | | | (6,926,352 | ) | | | | | | | (38,480,673 | ) | | | (80,157,153 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 595,186 | | | | 4,163,999 | | | | | | | $ | 6,649,228 | | | $ | 50,462,615 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE G: 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 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.
39
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Allocation Risk—The allocation of investments among different global asset classes may have a significant effect on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV, when one of these asset classes is performing more poorly than others. As both the direct investments and derivatives positions will be periodically adjusted to reflect the Adviser’s view of market and economic conditions, there will be transaction costs that may be, over time, significant. In addition, there is a risk that certain asset allocation decisions may not achieve the desired results and, as a result, the Portfolio may incur significant losses.
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—The Portfolio’s investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Emerging Market Risk—Investments in emerging market countries may have more risk because the markets are less developed and less liquid, and because these investments may be subject to increased economic, political, regulatory, or other uncertainties.
Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce its returns.
ETF Risk—ETFs are investment companies. When the Portfolio invests in an ETF, the Portfolio bears its share of the ETF’s expenses and runs the risk that the ETF may not achieve its investment objective.
Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.
Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as forwards, futures, options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.
Liquidity Risk—Liquidity risk occurs when certain investments become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling less liquid securities may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Portfolio. Causes of liquidity risk may include low trading volumes, large positions and heavy redemptions of Portfolio shares.
Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.
Real Estate Risk—The Portfolio’s investments in the real estate securities have many of the same risks as direct ownership of real estate, including the risk that the value of real estate could decline due to a variety of factors that affect the real estate market generally. Investments in real estate investment trusts, or “REITs”, may have additional risks. REITs are dependent on the capability of their managers, may have limited diversification, and could be significantly affected by changes in taxes.
Commodity Risk—Investing in commodities and commodity-linked derivative instruments may subject the Portfolio to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments.
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. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
40
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2016.
NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2016 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 8,554,468 | | | $ | 10,233,755 | |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 3,931,919 | | | | 8,045,104 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions paid | | $ | 12,486,387 | | | $ | 18,278,859 | |
| | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 3,070,859 | |
Undistributed net capital gain | | | 110,904 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (10,347 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 17,229,083 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 20,400,499 | |
| | | | |
(a) | | As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had cumulative deferred losses on straddles of $10,347. |
(b) | | The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the tax treatment of swaps and passive foreign investment companies (PFICs), return of capital distributions received from underlying securities, the tax treatment of corporate restructurings, the tax treatment of Treasury inflation-protected securities, and the realization for tax purposes of gains/losses on certain derivative instruments. |
For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.
NOTE J: New Accounting Pronouncement
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2015-07 (the “ASU”) which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The ASU also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient but do not utilize that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
NOTE K: Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.
41
| | |
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | April 1, 2011(a) to December 31, 2011 | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $11.33 | | | | $11.74 | | | | $11.74 | | | | $10.53 | | | | $9.75 | | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (b) | | | .06 | (c) | | | .08 | | | | .08 | (c) | | | .03 | (c) | | | (.01 | )(c) | | | .03 | (c) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | .15 | | | | (.19 | ) | | | .44 | | | | 1.26 | | | | .81 | | | | (.28 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .21 | | | | (.11 | ) | | | .52 | | | | 1.29 | | | | .80 | | | | (.25 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.10 | ) | | | (.07 | ) | | | (.04 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | –0 | – | | | (.20 | ) | | | (.45 | ) | | | (.04 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | (.30 | ) | | | (.52 | ) | | | (.08 | ) | | | (.02 | ) | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $11.54 | | | | $11.33 | | | | $11.74 | | | | $11.74 | | | | $10.53 | | | | $9.75 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | | 1.94 | % | | | (1.09 | )% | | | 4.45 | % | | | 12.31 | % | | | 8.22 | % | | | (2.50 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $412 | | | | $400 | | | | $350 | | | | $269 | | | | $27 | | | | $9,742 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | .80 | %^ | | | .83 | % | | | .85 | % | | | .85 | % | | | .85 | % | | | .85 | %^ |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | .81 | %^ | | | .83 | % | | | .85 | % | | | .89 | % | | | 1.22 | % | | | 2.53 | %^ |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.08 | %(c)^ | | | .67 | % | | | .69 | %(c) | | | .31 | %(c) | | | (.14 | )%(c) | | | .36 | %(c)^ |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 45 | % | | | 93 | % | | | 53 | % | | | 52 | % | | | 51 | % | | | 68 | % |
See footnote summary on page 43.
42
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | | | April 1, 2011(a) to December 31, 2011 | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $11.26 | | | | $11.68 | | | | $11.68 | | | | $10.49 | | | | $9.74 | | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b) | | | .04 | (c) | | | .05 | | | | .05 | (c) | | | .01 | (c) | | | .01 | (c) | | | .06 | (c) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | .16 | | | | (.19 | ) | | | .45 | | | | 1.25 | | | | .76 | | | | (.32 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .20 | | | | (.14 | ) | | | .50 | | | | 1.26 | | | | .77 | | | | (.26 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.08 | ) | | | (.05 | ) | | | (.03 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | –0 | – | | | (.20 | ) | | | (.45 | ) | | | (.04 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | (.28 | ) | | | (.50 | ) | | | (.07 | ) | | | (.02 | ) | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $11.46 | | | | $11.26 | | | | $11.68 | | | | $11.68 | | | | $10.49 | | | | $9.74 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | | 1.87 | % | | | (1.30 | )% | | | 4.21 | % | | | 12.04 | % | | | 7.90 | % | | | (2.60 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $527,044 | | | | $511,164 | | | | $481,600 | | | | $387,519 | | | | $220,663 | | | | $51,687 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.06 | %^ | | | 1.08 | % | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.10 | %^ |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.06 | %^ | | | 1.08 | % | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.14 | % | | | 1.29 | % | | | 2.45 | %^ |
Net investment income | | | .80 | %(c)^ | | | .43 | % | | | .44 | %(c) | | | .05 | %(c) | | | .12 | %(c) | | | 1.02 | %(c)^ |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 45 | % | | | 93 | % | | | 53 | % | | | 52 | % | | | 51 | % | | | 68 | % |
(a) | | Commencement of operations. |
(b) | | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(c) | | Net of fees waived and expenses 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 (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions 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. |
See notes to financial statements.
43
| | |
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
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 AB Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AB Dynamic Asset Allocation 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. | Management fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Management 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. |
These factors, with the exception of the first factor, are generally referred to as the “Gartenberg factors,” which were articulated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1982. Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc., 694 F. 2d 923 (2d Cir. 1982). The first factor is an additional factor required to be considered by the Assurance of Discontinuance between the NYAG and the Adviser. On March 30, 2010, the Supreme Court held the Gartenberg decision was correct in its basic formulation of what Section 36(b) requires: to face liability under Section 36(b), “an investment adviser must charge a fee that is so disproportionately large that it bears no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and could not have been the product of arm’s length bargaining.” Jones v. Harris Associates L.P., 130 S. Ct. 1418 (2010). In the Jones decision, the Court stated the Gartenberg approach fully incorporates the correct understanding of fiduciary duty within the context of Section 36(b) and noted with approval that “Gartenberg insists that all relevant circumstances be taken into account” and “uses the range of fees that might result from arm’s-length bargaining as the benchmark for reviewing challenged fees.”3
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, NET ASSETS & EXPENSE RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement.
| | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 06/30/15 ($MM) | | Advisory Fee |
Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio | | $525.2 | | 0.70% of average daily net assets |
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 $48,567 (0.010% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
The Adviser 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
1 | | The information in the fee evaluation was completed on July 23, 2015 and discussed with the Board of Directors on August 4-5, 2015. |
2 | | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AB.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | | Jones v. Harris at 1427. |
44
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Portfolio’s current fiscal year. The agreement for such reimbursement is terminable by the Adviser upon at least 60 days’ notice prior to the Portfolio’s prospectus update. Set forth below are the Portfolio’s gross expense ratios for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Cap Pursuant to Expense Limitation Undertaking | | Gross Expense Ratio (12/31/14) | | | Fiscal Year End |
Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio4 | | Class A 0.85% | | | 0.85% | | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.10% | | | 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 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, the Adviser is reimbursed by the Portfolio for providing such services. 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. 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, the Supreme Court has indicated consideration should be given to the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.5 In addition to the AB institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AB institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee based on June 30, 2015 net assets:6
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 6/30/15 ($MM) | | AB Institutional Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio | | $525.2 | | Dynamic All Market 0.60% on 1st $500 million 0.50% on next the balance Minimum account size: $25m | | | 0.595 | % | | | 0.700 | % |
4 | | The Portfolio’s percentage of net assets allocated to ETFs as of April 30, 2015 is 17.86%. The Portfolio’s underlying expense ratio related to such ETF holdings is 0.0406%. |
5 | | The Supreme Court stated that “courts may give such comparisons the weight that they merit in light of the similarities and differences between the services that the clients in question require, but the courts must be wary of inapt comparisons.” Among the significant differences the Supreme Court noted that may exist between services provided to mutual funds and institutional accounts are “higher marketing costs.” Jones v. Harris at 1428. |
6 | | 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. |
45
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser manages AB Cap Fund (“ACF”)—AB All Market Growth Portfolio—(“All Market Growth Portfolio”), a retail mutual fund which has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio. The advisory fee schedule of All Market Growth Portfolio is set forth below.
| | | | |
Portfolio | | AB Fund | | Fee |
Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio | | ACF—All Market Growth Portfolio7 | | 0.60% of average daily net assets |
The Adviser manages the Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc. Overlay Portfolios (the “Overlay Portfolios”), which utilize the Adviser’s DAA strategy. Unlike the Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio, the Overlay Portfolios are not designed as stand-alone investments and are used in conjunction with globally diversified Private Client portfolios.8 The advisory fee schedules of the Overlay Portfolios are set forth below. Also shown are what would have been the effective advisory fees of the Portfolio had the Overlay Portfolios’ fee schedules been applicable to the Portfolio based on June 30, 2015 net assets:
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Overlay Portfolio | | Fee9 | | Portfolio Advisory Fee |
Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio | | Overlay A Portfolio Tax-Aware Overlay A Portfolio | | 0.90% of average daily net assets
| | 0.700% |
| | Overlay B Portfolio Tax-Aware Overlay B Portfolio Tax-Aware Overlay C Portfolio Tax-Aware Overlay N Portfolio | | 0.65% of average daily net assets | | |
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 Dynamic Diversified Portfolio, a Luxembourg fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio:
| | | | |
Portfolio | | Luxembourg Fund | | Fee10 |
Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio | | Dynamic Diversified Portfolio | | |
| | Class A | | 1.70% |
| | Class I (Institutional) | | 0.90% |
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 sub-advisory relationship that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio. Also shown are what would have been the effective advisory fees of the Portfolio had the fee schedules of the sub-advisory relationships been applicable to the Portfolio based on June 30, 2015 net assets.
7 | | ACF—All Market Growth Portfolio was not in existence at the time of the NYAG settlement. Accordingly, the retail mutual fund’s advisory fee schedule does not follow any of the NYAG related categories. |
8 | | Overlay A Portfolio and Tax-Aware Overlay A Portfolio are intended for use in Private Client accounts that have a higher equity weighting (e.g. 80% equity and 20% fixed-income). The other Overlay Portfolios are intended for use in Private Client accounts that have a higher fixed income weighting (e.g. 70% fixed- income and 30% equity). The Overlay Portfolios will gain exposure to various asset classes through direct investments in equity and debt securities as well as derivatives. |
9 | | The advisory fees of each Overlay Portfolio are based on the percentage of each portfolio’s average daily net assets, not an aggregate of the assets in the portfolios shown. |
10 | | Class A shares of the Luxembourg funds are charged an “all-in” fee, which includes investment advisory and distribution-related services, unlike Class I shares, whose fee is for only investment advisory services. |
46
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | | | Fee Schedule | | Effective Sub-Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio | | Client #1 | | 0.40% on first $100 million 0.35% on next $100 million 0.30% on the balance | | | 0.329% | | | | 0.700% | |
| | | | |
| | Client #2 | | 0.40% on 1st $250 million 0.35% on next $250 million 0.325% on next $500 million 0.30% on the balance | | | 0.371% | | | | 0.700% | |
| | | | |
| | Client #3 | | 0.40% on first $250 million 0.35% on next $500 million 0.30% on the balance | | | 0.374% | | | | 0.700% | |
| | | | |
| | Client #411 | | 0.35% on first $400 million 0.30% on the balance | | | 0.338% | | | | 0.700% | |
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.
While it appears that the sub-advisory relationship is paying a lower fee than the Portfolio, it is difficult to evaluate the relevance of such a lower fee due to differences in terms of the services provided, risks involved and other competitive factors between the Portfolio and the sub-advisory relationship. There could be various business reasons why an investment adviser would be willing to provide a sub-advisory relationship investment related services at a different fee level than an investment company it is sponsoring where the investment adviser is providing all the services, not just investment management, generally required by a registered investment company.
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.12 Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s contractual management fee13 estimated at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”).14
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, operating structure, and expense attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
The Portfolio’s original EG had an insufficient number of peers in Lipper’s view. Consequently, Lipper expanded the Portfolio’s EG to include peers that have similar but not the same Lipper investment classification/objective.
11 | | The client is an affiliate of the Adviser. |
12 | | The Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since “these comparisons are problematic because these fees, like those challenged, may not be the product of the negotiations conducted at arm’s length.” Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
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. |
14 | | 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. In addition, there are limitations in Lipper’s expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
47
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee15 | | | Lipper EG Median (%) | | | Lipper EG Rank | |
Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio16 | | | 0.700 | | | | 0.700 | | | | 5/9 | |
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 universe of those peers that had a similar but not the same Lipper investment classification/objective. A “normal” EU will include funds that have the same investment classification/objective as the subject Portfolio.17
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio (%)18 | | | Lipper EG Median (%) | | | Lipper EG Rank | | | Lipper EU Median (%) | | | Lipper EU Rank | |
Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio19 | | | 0.850 | | | | 0.730 | | | | 6/9 | | | | 0.730 | | | | 11/15 | |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a contractual management fee basis than 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.
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 2014, relative to 2013.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship. These affiliates provide transfer agent, 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 and distributor, AB Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), an affiliate of the Adviser, 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, 2014, ABI received $1,082,584 in Rule 12b-1 fees from the Portfolio.
15 | | 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 for expense caps that would effectively reduce the actual management fee. |
16 | | The Portfolio’s EG consists of the Portfolio, six other Flexible Portfolio (“FX”) funds and two Alternative Other (“ALT”) funds |
17 | | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG peer when selecting an EU peer. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
18 | | Most recently completed fiscal year Class A total expense ratio. |
19 | | The Portfolio’s EU consists of the Portfolio, the EG, and all other FX and ALT funds. |
48
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Adviser incurred distribution expenses in the amount of $2,143,984 in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. This expense amount incurred by ABI is partially offset by the 12b-1 fees paid by the Portfolio.
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 AB Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of approximately $1,385 from the Portfolio.20
The Portfolio did not effect any brokerage transactions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) nor its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB.” 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 pricing to scale, breakpoints, fee reductions/waivers and enhancement to services.
In May 2012, an independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors information on the Adviser’s firm-wide average costs from 2005 through 2011 and the potential economies of scale. The independent consultant noted that from 2005 through 2007 the Adviser experienced significant growth in assets under management (“AUM”). During this period, operating expenses increased, in part to keep up with growth, and in part reflecting market returns. However, from 2008 through the first quarter of 2009, AUM rapidly and significantly decreased due to declines in market value and client withdrawals. When AUM rapidly decreased, some operating expenses categories, including base compensation and office space, adjusted more slowly during this period, resulting in an increase in average costs. Since 2009, AUM has experienced less significant changes. The independent consultant noted that changes in operating expenses reflect changes in business composition and business practices in response to changes in financial markets. Finally, the independent consultant concluded that the increase in average cost and the decline in net operating margin across the Adviser since late 2008 are inconsistent with the view that there are currently reductions in average costs due to economies of scale that can be shared with the AB Mutual Funds managed by the Adviser through lower fees.
Previously, in February 2008, the independent consultant provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli21 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics.22 The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors.23 The independent consultant then
20 | | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other series of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2014. |
21 | | The Deli study, originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data and updated for the February 2008 Presentation, may be of diminished value due to the age of the data used in the presentation and the changes experienced in the industry since 2008. |
22 | | As mentioned previously, the Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since the fees may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length. See Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
23 | | The two dimensional analysis 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. |
49
| | |
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 also compared the advisory fees of the AB 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.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $485 billion as of June 30, 2015, 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 net performance ranking and return24 of the Portfolio relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)25 for the periods ended May 31, 2015.26
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Portfolio Return (%) | | | PG Median (%) | | | PU Median (%) | | | PG Rank | | | PU Rank | |
Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1 year | | | 5.57 | | | | 4.93 | | | | 4.72 | | | | 2/7 | | | | 4/15 | |
3 year | | | 9.62 | | | | 10.61 | | | | 10.27 | | | | 7/7 | | | | 10/13 | |
Set forth below are the 1 year, 3 year and since inception net performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold) versus its benchmark for the periods ended May 31, 2015.27
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending May 31, 2015 Annualized Net Performance (%) | |
| | 1 Year (%) | | | 3 Year (%) | | | Since Inception (%) | |
Dynamic Asset Allocation | | | 5.57 | | | | 9.61 | | | | 6.29 | |
60% MSCI World/ 40% Barclays US Aggregate Government—Treasury | | | 4.77 | | | | 10.54 | | | | 7.26 | |
MSCI World Net Index | | | 5.70 | | | | 17.09 | | | | 9.33 | |
Barclays US Aggregate Government—Treasury | | | 3.07 | | | | 1.07 | | | | 3.55 | |
Inception Date: April 1, 2011 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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. However, the Senior Officer recommended that the Directors discuss with the Adviser the proposed advisory fee schedule of the Portfolio, which lacks potential for sharing economies of scale through breakpoints, should the Portfolio’s assets, which currently remain low, grow to a substantial level. 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 28, 2015
24 | | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. The performance return of the Portfolio shown was provided by Lipper. |
25 | | The Portfolio’s EG is not identical to the Portfolio’s PG as the criteria for including/excluding a fund from an EG is somewhat different from that of a PG. The Portfolio’s EU is identical to the Portfolio’s PU. |
26 | | 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 | | The performance returns shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. The performance returns for the Portfolio and the benchmark were provided by the Adviser. |
50
VPS-DAA-0152-0616
JUN 06.30.16
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS
SERIES FUND, INC.
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited) | | AB 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 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 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2016 | | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2016 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,063.30 | | | $ | 1.95 | | | | 0.38 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,022.97 | | | $ | 1.91 | | | | 0.38 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,062.40 | | | $ | 3.23 | | | | 0.63 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,021.73 | | | $ | 3.17 | | | | 0.63 | % |
* | | Expenses are equal to the 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 BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN* | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
SECURITY TYPE | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Investment Companies | | $ | 5,283,404 | | | | 49.6 | % |
Governments—Treasuries | | | 3,180,867 | | | | 29.8 | |
Corporates—Investment Grade | | | 462,528 | | | | 4.3 | |
Governments—Sovereign Agencies | | | 302,218 | | | | 2.8 | |
Inflation-Linked Securities | | | 254,371 | | | | 2.4 | |
Emerging Markets—Treasuries | | | 178,630 | | | | 1.7 | |
Mortgage Pass-Throughs | | | 87,323 | | | | 0.8 | |
Corporates—Non-Investment Grade | | | 56,631 | | | | 0.5 | |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | | | 54,211 | | | | 0.5 | |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | | | 39,192 | | | | 0.4 | |
Local Governments—Provincial Bonds | | | 20,293 | | | | 0.2 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 742,013 | | | | 7.0 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 10,661,681 | | | | 100.0 | % |
COUNTRY BREAKDOWN†
June 30, 2016 (unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
COUNTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
United States | | $ | 7,315,142 | | | | 68.6 | % |
Canada | | | 623,951 | | | | 5.8 | |
Italy | | | 581,824 | | | | 5.5 | |
United Kingdom | | | 454,921 | | | | 4.3 | |
Brazil | | | 189,662 | | | | 1.8 | |
Germany | | | 142,410 | | | | 1.3 | |
France | | | 138,511 | | | | 1.3 | |
Australia | | | 124,201 | | | | 1.2 | |
Mexico | | | 112,492 | | | | 1.0 | |
Spain | | | 83,563 | | | | 0.8 | |
Portugal | | | 76,535 | | | | 0.7 | |
Belgium | | | 51,463 | | | | 0.5 | |
Turkey | | | 12,405 | | | | 0.1 | |
Other | | | 12,588 | | | | 0.1 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 742,013 | | | | 7.0 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 10,661,681 | | | | 100.0 | % |
* | | The Portfolio’s security type breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. The Portfolio also enters into derivatives transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purpose (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). |
† | | All data are as of June 30, 2016. The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represent 0.1% or less in the following countries: Greece, New Zealand and Switzerland. |
2
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–49.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FUNDS AND INVESTMENT TRUSTS–49.9% | | | | | | | | | |
AB Global Bond Fund, Inc.– Class Z(a) (cost $5,222,893) | | | | | | | 617,942 | | | $ | 5,283,404 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | | |
GOVERNMENTS– TREASURIES–30.0% | | | | | | | | | |
AUSTRALIA–1.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Australia Government Bond | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 142 4.25%, 4/21/26(b) | | | AUD | | | | 110 | | | | 98,507 | |
Series 144 3.75%, 4/21/37(b) | | | | | | | 29 | | | | 25,694 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 124,201 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
BELGIUM–0.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Belgium Government Bond Series 71 3.75%, 6/22/45(b) | | | EUR | | | | 27 | | | | 51,463 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CANADA–2.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Canadian Government Bond 1.25%, 8/01/17 | | | CAD | | | | 360 | | | | 280,791 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FRANCE–1.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
France Government Bond OAT | | | | | | | | | | | | |
0.50%, 5/25/25(b) | | | EUR | | | | 10 | | | | 11,516 | |
2.50%, 5/25/30(b) | | | | | | | 12 | | | | 17,040 | |
3.50%, 4/25/20(b) | | | | | | | 86 | | | | 109,955 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 138,511 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
GERMANY–1.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bundesrepublik Deutschland | | | | | | | | | | | | |
0.50%, 2/15/25(b) | | | | | | | 30 | | | | 35,045 | |
2.25%, 9/04/21(b) | | | | | | | 26 | | | | 33,128 | |
2.50%, 7/04/44(b) | | | | | | | 35 | | | | 61,195 | |
Series 00 6.25%, 1/04/30(b) | | | | | | | 3 | | | | 6,198 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 135,566 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
GREECE–0.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hellenic Republic Government Bond 4.75%, 4/17/19(b) | | | | | | | 3 | | | | 3,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ITALY–5.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Italy Buoni Poliennali Del Tesoro | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1.35%, 4/15/22 | | | | | | | 75 | | | | 87,012 | |
3.25%, 9/01/46(b) | | | | | | | 20 | | | | 26,668 | |
3.75%, 5/01/21 | | | | | | | 262 | | | | 338,104 | |
5.50%, 11/01/22 | | | | | | | 65 | | | | 93,689 | |
6.00%, 5/01/31 | | | | | | | 21 | | | | 36,351 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 581,824 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
MEXICO–1.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mexican Bonos | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series M 5.75%, 3/05/26 | | | MXN | | | | 660 | | | $ | 35,803 | |
8.00%, 6/11/20 | | | | | | | 1,280 | | | | 76,689 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 112,492 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
PORTUGAL–0.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portugal Obrigacoes do Tesouro OT | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2.875%, 10/15/25(b) | | | EUR | | | | 35 | | | | 39,212 | |
4.80%, 6/15/20(b) | | | | | | | 30 | | | | 37,323 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 76,535 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
SPAIN–0.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Spain Government Bond | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1.95%, 7/30/30(b) | | | | | | | 13 | | | | 15,092 | |
2.15%, 10/31/25(b) | | | | | | | 20 | | | | 24,109 | |
4.20%, 1/31/37(b) | | | | | | | 21 | | | | 31,917 | |
5.15%, 10/31/44(b) | | | | | | | 7 | | | | 12,445 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 83,563 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TURKEY–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Turkey Government Bond 9.40%, 7/08/20 | | | TRY | | | | 35 | | | | 12,405 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
UNITED KINGDOM–4.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
United Kingdom Gilt | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1.75%, 7/22/19–9/07/22(b) | | | GBP | | | | 135 | | | | 190,418 | |
2.25%, 9/07/23(b) | | | | | | | 78 | | | | 115,125 | |
2.50%, 7/22/65(b) | | | | | | | 10 | | | | 17,912 | |
3.25%, 1/22/44(b) | | | | | | | 65 | | | | 115,435 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 438,890 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
UNITED STATES–10.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2.875%, 5/15/43 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 54 | | | | 60,723 | |
3.00%, 11/15/44–11/15/45 | | | | | | | 95 | | | | 109,233 | |
3.625%, 8/15/43 | | | | | | | 90 | | | | 116,118 | |
6.25%, 5/15/30 | | | | | | | 90 | | | | 141,465 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes | | | | | | | | | | | | |
0.875%, 4/30/17 | | | | | | | 325 | | | | 325,987 | |
1.375%, 4/30/20 | | | | | | | 50 | | | | 50,941 | |
2.00%, 2/15/25 | | | | | | | 108 | | | | 112,995 | |
2.125%, 6/30/21 | | | | | | | 65 | | | | 68,466 | |
2.25%, 11/15/25 | | | | | | | 15 | | | | 16,003 | |
2.50%, 5/15/24 | | | | | | | 42 | | | | 45,618 | |
2.625%, 8/15/20 | | | | | | | 88 | | | | 94,077 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,141,626 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Governments–Treasuries (cost $3,102,274) | | | | | | | | | | | 3,180,867 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CORPORATES–INVESTMENT GRADE–4.4% | | | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–3.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BASIC–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Glencore Funding LLC 4.00%, 4/16/25(b) | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 4,425 | |
Mosaic Co. (The) 5.625%, 11/15/43 | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 5,546 | |
3
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Rio Tinto Finance USA Ltd. 3.75%, 6/15/25 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 10 | | | $ | 10,461 | |
Vale Overseas Ltd. 5.875%, 6/10/21 | | | | | | | 6 | | | | 6,007 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 26,439 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Electric Co. Series D 5.00%, 1/21/21(c) | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 5,305 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– MEDIA–0.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital | | | | | | | | | | | | |
3.579%, 7/23/20 | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 5,227 | |
4.908%, 7/23/25 | | | | | | | 15 | | | | 16,400 | |
Cox Communications, Inc. 2.95%, 6/30/23(b) | | | | | | | 8 | | | | 7,710 | |
S&P Global, Inc. 4.40%, 2/15/26 | | | | | | | 15 | | | | 16,835 | |
Time Warner, Inc. 3.60%, 7/15/25 | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 5,291 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 51,463 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. 3.60%, 2/17/23 | | | | | | | 15 | | | | 15,648 | |
Deutsche Telekom International Finance BV Series E 4.25%, 7/13/22(b) | | | EUR | | | | 5 | | | | 6,844 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. 4.862%, 8/21/46 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 5 | | | | 5,465 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 27,957 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–AUTOMOTIVE– 0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Motors Financial Co., Inc. 3.25%, 5/15/18 | | | | | | | 12 | | | | 12,249 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER NON- CYCLICAL–0.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AbbVie, Inc. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2.50%, 5/14/20 | | | | | | | 4 | | | | 4,089 | |
3.60%, 5/14/25 | | | | | | | 10 | | | | 10,478 | |
Baxalta, Inc. 5.25%, 6/23/45 | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 5,423 | |
Biogen, Inc. 2.90%, 9/15/20 | | | | | | | 4 | | | | 4,169 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. 3.65%, 3/01/26 | | | | | | | 3 | | | | 3,265 | |
Kraft Heinz Foods Co. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2.80%, 7/02/20(b) | | | | | | | 7 | | | | 7,269 | |
3.50%, 7/15/22(b) | | | | | | | 7 | | | | 7,435 | |
Mylan NV 3.15%, 6/15/21 | | | | | | | 11 | | | | 11,158 | |
Newell Brands, Inc. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
3.15%, 4/01/21 | | | | | | | 9 | | | | 9,376 | |
3.85%, 4/01/23 | | | | | | | 6 | | | | 6,364 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Philip Morris International, Inc. 2.125%, 5/10/23 | | U.S.$ | | | | | 10 | | | $ | 10,037 | |
Reynolds American, Inc. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
4.45%, 6/12/25 | | | | | | | 10 | | | | 11,199 | |
5.85%, 8/15/45 | | | | | | | 3 | | | | 3,833 | �� |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 94,095 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ENERGY–0.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ConocoPhillips 5.75%, 2/01/19 | | | | | | | 12 | | | | 13,202 | |
Energy Transfer Partners LP 4.65%, 6/01/21 | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 5,162 | |
EnLink Midstream Partners LP 4.15%, 6/01/25 | | | | | | | 13 | | | | 11,981 | |
Enterprise Products Operating LLC 3.70%, 2/15/26 | | | | | | | 10 | | | | 10,407 | |
Halliburton Co. 5.00%, 11/15/45 | | | | | | | 6 | | | | 6,599 | |
Husky Energy, Inc. 7.25%, 12/15/19 | | | | | | | 6 | | | | 6,750 | |
Marathon Oil Corp. 6.60%, 10/01/37 | | | | | | | 2 | | | | 2,022 | |
Plains All American Pipeline LP/PAA Finance Corp. 3.60%, 11/01/24 | | | | | | | 12 | | | | 11,269 | |
Schlumberger Holdings Corp. 2.35%, 12/21/18(b) | | | | | | | 12 | | | | 12,234 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 79,626 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
SERVICES–0.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
eBay, Inc. 3.80%, 3/09/22 | | | | | | | 4 | | | | 4,250 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY–0.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Diamond 1 Finance Corp./Diamond 2 Finance Corp. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
4.42%, 6/15/21 | | | | | | | 10 | | | | 10,293 | |
5.45%, 6/15/23 | | | | | | | 10 | | | | 10,376 | |
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
3.50%, 4/15/23 | | | | | | | 3 | | | | 3,115 | |
5.00%, 10/15/25 | | | | | | | 3 | | | | 3,406 | |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. 4.90%, 10/15/25(b) | | | | | | | 10 | | | | 10,448 | |
HP, Inc. 4.65%, 12/09/21 | | | | | | | 10 | | | | 10,814 | |
KLA-Tencor Corp. 4.65%, 11/01/24 | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 5,454 | |
Lam Research Corp. 2.80%, 6/15/21 | | | | | | | 8 | | | | 8,190 | |
Micron Technology, Inc. 7.50%, 9/15/23 | | | | | | | 6 | | | | 6,375 | |
Seagate HDD Cayman 4.75%, 6/01/23 | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 4,226 | |
Total System Services, Inc. 3.75%, 6/01/23 | | | | | | | 7 | | | | 7,109 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 79,806 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 381,190 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
4
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–0.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BANKING–0.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. 3.875%, 8/01/25 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 20 | | | $ | 21,216 | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
3.85%, 7/08/24 | | | | | | | 10 | | | | 10,603 | |
5.15%, 5/22/45 | | | | | | | 3 | | | | 3,090 | |
Morgan Stanley Series G 4.00%, 7/23/25 | | | | | | | 11 | | | | 11,779 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 46,688 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INSURANCE–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aetna, Inc. 2.40%, 6/15/21 | | | | | | | 12 | | | | 12,243 | |
MetLife, Inc. Series C 5.25%, 6/15/20(c) | | | | | | | 1 | | | | 993 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 13,236 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 59,924 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
UTILITY–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Entergy Corp. 4.00%, 7/15/22 | | | | | | | 8 | | | | 8,585 | |
Exelon Corp. 3.95%, 6/15/25 | | | | | | | 12 | | | | 12,829 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 21,414 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Corporates–Investment Grade (cost $444,105) | | | | | | | | | | | 462,528 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
GOVERNMENTS–SOVEREIGN AGENCIES–2.8% | | | | | | | | | |
BRAZIL–0.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Petrobras Global Finance BV 8.75%, 5/23/26 | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 5,025 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CANADA–2.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Canada Housing Trust No. 1 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
3.80%, 6/15/21(b) | | | CAD | | | | 285 | | | | 250,044 | |
1.70%, 12/15/17(b) | | | | | | | 60 | | | | 47,149 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 297,193 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Governments–Sovereign Agencies (cost $303,423) | | | | | | | | | | | 302,218 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES–2.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
UNITED STATES – 2.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Inflation Index 0.125%, 4/15/19 (TIPS) (cost $253,035) | | | U.S.$ | | | | 249 | | | | 254,371 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
EMERGING MARKETS–TREASURIES – 1.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BRAZIL–1.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional Series B 6.00%, 8/15/50-5/15/55 | | | BRL | | | | 37 | | | | 33,108 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series F 10.00%, 1/01/25 | | | BRL | | | | 260 | | | $ | 72,634 | |
10.00%, 1/01/27 | | | | | | | 265 | | | | 72,888 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Emerging Markets–Treasuries (cost $157,891) | | | | | | | | | | | 178,630 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGHS–0.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AGENCY FIXED RATE 30-YEAR–0.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association 4.00%, 12/01/44 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 22 | | | | 24,330 | |
Government National Mortgage Association 3.50%, 7/01/46, TBA | | | | | | | 48 | | | | 50,415 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 74,745 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTHER AGENCY FIXED RATE PROGRAMS–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Canadian Mortgage Pools 6.125%, 12/15/24 | | | CAD | | | | 13 | | | | 12,578 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Mortgage Pass-Throughs (cost $85,837) | | | | | | | | | | | 87,323 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CORPORATES–NON-INVESTMENT GRADE–0.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–0.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Herc Spinoff Escrow Issuer LLC/Herc Spinoff Escrow Issuer Corp. 7.75%, 6/01/24 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 10 | | | | 9,750 | |
Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc./Reynolds Group Issuer LLC/Reynolds Group Issuer Lu 5.75%, 10/15/20 | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 5,163 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 14,913 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.0% | | | | | | | | | |
Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc./CSL Capital LLC 6.00%, 4/15/23(b) | | | | | | | 2 | | | | 2,030 | |
T-Mobile USA, Inc. 6.50%, 1/15/26 | | | | | | | 2 | | | | 2,110 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 4,140 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–RETAILERS–0.0% | | | | | | | | | |
Sally Holdings LLC/Sally Capital, Inc. 5.625%, 12/01/25 | | | | | | | 4 | | | | 4,190 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ENERGY–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cenovus Energy, Inc. 5.70%, 10/15/19 | | | | | | | 6 | | | | 6,346 | |
Continental Resources, Inc./OK 5.00%, 9/15/22 | | | | | | | 4 | | | | 3,910 | |
5
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. 4.875%, 11/01/43 | | U.S.$ | | | | | 10 | | | $ | 7,125 | |
Noble Holding International Ltd. 3.95%, 3/15/22 | | | | | | | 8 | | | | 5,570 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 22,951 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Diamond 1 Finance Corp./Diamond 2 Finance Corp. 7.125%, 6/15/24 | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 5,222 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 51,416 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–0.0% | | | | | | | | | |
REITS–0.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
VEREIT Operating Partnership LP 4.125%, 6/01/21 | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 5,215 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Corporates–Non-Investment Grade (cost $53,472) | | | | | | | | | | | 56,631 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS–0.5% | | | | | | | | | |
RISK SHARE FLOATING RATE–0.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association Connecticut Avenue Securities Series 2015-C03, Class 1M1 1.936% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.50%), 7/25/25(d) | | | | | | | 11 | | | | 11,112 | |
Series 2016-C01, Class 1M2 7.177% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.75%), 8/25/28(d) | | | | | | | 13 | | | | 13,632 | |
Series 2016-C01, Class 2M2 7.377% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.95%), 8/25/28(d) | | | | | | | 13 | | | | 13,615 | |
Series 2016-C02, Class 1M2 6.446% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.00%), 9/25/28(d) | | | | | | | 15 | | | | 15,852 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (cost $51,094) | | | | | | | | | | | 54,211 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES–0.4% | | | | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE CMBS–0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust Series 2015-C32, Class C 4.81%, 11/15/48 | | U.S.$ | | | | | 10 | | | $ | 9,317 | |
LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2006-C6, Class AJ 5.452%, 9/15/39 | | | | | | | 30 | | | | 29,875 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $40,359) | | | | | | | | | | | 39,192 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS–PROVINCIAL BONDS–0.2% | | | | | | | | | |
CANADA–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Province of Ontario Canada | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2.40%, 6/02/26 | | | CAD | | | | 15 | | | | 12,064 | |
2.60%, 6/02/25 | | | | | | | 10 | | | | 8,229 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Local Governments–Provincial Bonds (cost $18,780) | | | | | | | | | | | 20,293 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Shares | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–7.0% | | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–7.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB 0.25%(a)(e) (cost $742,013) | | | | | | | 742,013 | | | | 742,013 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.6% | | | | | | | | | |
(cost $10,475,176) | | | | | | | | | | | 10,661,681 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(0.6)% | | | | | | | | | | | (64,515 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | | | | | $ | 10,597,166 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FUTURES (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Type | | Number of Contracts | | | Expiration Month | | | Original Value | | | Value at June 30, 2016 | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Purchased Contracts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
10 Yr Mini Japan Government Bond Futures | | | 6 | | | | September 2016 | | | $ | 883,646 | | | $ | 887,987 | | | $ | 4,341 | |
Long Gilt Futures | | | 1 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 163,052 | | | | 171,052 | | | | 8,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 12,341 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
6
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Contracts to Deliver (000) | | | In Exchange For (000) | | | Settlement Date | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | ARS | | | | 17 | | | | USD | | | | 1 | | | | 7/01/16 | | | $ | 10 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | USD | | | | 1 | | | | ARS | | �� | | 17 | | | | 7/01/16 | | | | 38 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | BRL | | | | 178 | | | | USD | | | | 49 | | | | 7/05/16 | | | | (6,630 | ) |
BNP Paribas SA | | | USD | | | | 55 | | | | BRL | | | | 178 | | | | 7/05/16 | | | | (43 | ) |
BNP Paribas SA | | | ZAR | | | | 273 | | | | USD | | | | 18 | | | | 7/12/16 | | | | (711 | ) |
BNP Paribas SA | | | ARS | | | | 52 | | | | USD | | | | 3 | | | | 12/12/16 | | | | 156 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | USD | | | | 3 | | | | ARS | | | | 52 | | | | 12/12/16 | | | | 326 | |
Nomura Global Financial Products, Inc. | | | USD | | | | 23 | | | | MYR | | | | 95 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 559 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | BRL | | | | 353 | | | | USD | | | | 110 | | | | 7/05/16 | | | | 86 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | USD | | | | 107 | | | | BRL | | | | 353 | | | | 7/05/16 | | | | 3,247 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | CNY | | | | 688 | | | | USD | | | | 105 | | | | 7/20/16 | | | | 1,044 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | BRL | | | | 353 | | | | USD | | | | 106 | | | | 8/02/16 | | | | (3,112 | ) |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | CAD | | | | 1,031 | | | | USD | | | | 800 | | | | 9/08/16 | | | | 2,357 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | BRL | | | | 176 | | | | USD | | | | 50 | | | | 7/05/16 | | | | (4,490 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 46 | | | | ZAR | | | | 696 | | | | 7/12/16 | | | | 1,295 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | MYR | | | | 252 | | | | USD | | | | 65 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 1,501 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | SGD | | | | 107 | | | | USD | | | | 79 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (91 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 38 | | | | INR | | | | 2,580 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (122 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 39 | | | | MYR | | | | 159 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 733 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | EUR | | | | 48 | | | | SEK | | | | 443 | | | | 7/20/16 | | | | (329 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | EUR | | | | 987 | | | | USD | | | | 1,130 | | | | 7/20/16 | | | | 34,114 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 14 | | | | EUR | | | | 12 | | | | 7/20/16 | | | | (138 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | GBP | | | | 536 | | | | USD | | | | 774 | | | | 7/21/16 | | | | 59,860 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 258 | | | | GBP | | | | 176 | | | | 7/21/16 | | | | (23,194 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | BRL | | | | 135 | | | | USD | | | | 40 | | | | 8/02/16 | | | | (1,749 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | MXN | | | | 2,062 | | | | USD | | | | 107 | | | | 8/04/16 | | | | (5,335 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 26 | | | | MXN | | | | 489 | | | | 8/04/16 | | | | 887 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | JPY | | | | 15,060 | | | | USD | | | | 140 | | | | 8/05/16 | | | | (5,670 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | TWD | | | | 5,097 | | | | USD | | | | 157 | | | | 8/05/16 | | | | (1,580 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 102 | | | | JPY | | | | 10,803 | | | | 8/05/16 | | | | 2,282 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 106 | | | | TWD | | | | 3,423 | | | | 8/05/16 | | | | 422 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | TRY | | | | 106 | | | | USD | | | | 35 | | | | 8/10/16 | | | | (929 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 49 | | | | TRY | | | | 148 | | | | 8/11/16 | | | | 2,489 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | AUD | | | | 218 | | | | USD | | | | 163 | | | | 8/12/16 | | | | 314 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 53 | | | | RUB | | | | 3,440 | | | | 8/18/16 | | | | 603 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 58,200 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
7
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Clearing Broker/(Exchange) & Referenced Obligation | | Fixed Rate (Pay) Receive | | | Implied Credit Spread at June 30, 2016 | | | Notional Amount (000) | | | Market Value | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Sale Contracts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC/(INTRCONX) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CDX-NAHY Series 25, 5 Year Index, 12/20/20* | | | 5.00 | % | | | 3.99 | % | | $ | 218 | | | $ | 8,963 | | | $ | 13,101 | |
CDX-NAIG Series 26, 5 Year Index, 6/20/21* | | | 1.00 | | | | 0.79 | | | | 1,100 | | | | 11,404 | | | | (504 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 20,367 | | | $ | 12,597 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Swap Counterparty & Referenced Obligation | | Fixed Rate (Pay) Receive | | | Implied Credit Spread at June 30, 2016 | | | Notional Amount (000) | | | Market Value | | | Upfront Premiums Paid (Received) | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Sale Contracts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bank of America, NA | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CDX-EM Series 23, 5 Year Index 6/20/20* | | | 1.00 | % | | | 2.60 | % | | $ | 147 | | | $ | (8,643 | ) | | $ | (10,011 | ) | | $ | 1,368 | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 7, 1/17/47* | | | 3.00 | | | | 4.70 | | | | 100 | | | | (10,127 | ) | | | (613 | ) | | | (9,514 | ) |
CDX-CMBX.NA.BB.6, 5/11/63* | | | 5.00 | | | | 7.89 | | | | 6 | | | | (820 | ) | | | (101 | ) | | | (719 | ) |
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CDX-CMBX.NA.BB.6, 5/11/63* | | | 5.00 | | | | 7.89 | | | | 6 | | | | (821 | ) | | | (105 | ) | | | (716 | ) |
Goldman Sachs International | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CDX-CMBX.NA.BB.6, 5/11/63* | | | 5.00 | | | | 7.89 | | | | 12 | | | | (1,640 | ) | | | (196 | ) | | | (1,444 | ) |
CDX-CMBX.NA.BB.6, 5/11/63* | | | 5.00 | | | | 7.89 | | | | 11 | | | | (1,504 | ) | | | (204 | ) | | | (1,300 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (23,555) | | | $ | (11,230) | | | $ | (12,325) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
8
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
(a) | | To obtain a copy of the fund’s financial statements, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618. |
(b) | | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2016, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $1,433,985 or 13.5% of net assets. |
(c) | | Securities are perpetual and, thus, do not have a predetermined maturity date. The date shown, if applicable, reflects the next call date. |
(d) | | Floating Rate Security. Stated interest rate was in effect at June 30, 2016. |
(e) | | Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end. |
Currency Abbreviations:
ARS—Argentine Peso
AUD—Australian Dollar
BRL—Brazilian Real
CAD—Canadian Dollar
CNY—Chinese Yuan Renminbi
EUR—Euro
GBP—Great British Pound
INR—Indian Rupee
JPY—Japanese Yen
MXN—Mexican Peso
MYR—Malaysian Ringgit
RUB—Russian Ruble
SEK—Swedish Krona
SGD—Singapore Dollar
TRY—Turkish Lira
TWD—New Taiwan Dollar
USD—United States Dollar
ZAR—South African Rand
Glossary:
CDX-CMBX.NA—North American Commercial Mortgage-Backed Index
CDX-EM—Emerging Market Credit Default Swap Index
CDX-NAHY—North American High Yield Credit Default Swap Index
CDX-NAIG—North American Investment Grade Credit Default Swap Index
CMBS—Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
INTRCONX—Inter-Continental Exchange
LIBOR—London Interbank Offered Rates
OAT—Obligations Assimilables du Trésor
REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust
TBA—To Be Announced
TIPS—Treasury Inflation Protected Security
See notes to financial statements.
9
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF ASSETS & LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $4,510,270) | | $ | 4,636,264 | |
Affiliated issuers (cost $5,964,906) | | | 6,025,417 | |
Cash | | | 5,340 | |
Cash collateral due from broker | | | 43,291 | |
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $7,190) | | | 7,181 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 112,323 | |
Interest and dividends receivable | | | 45,111 | |
Receivable due from Adviser | | | 13,007 | |
Receivable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | | 2,079 | |
Unrealized appreciation on credit default swaps | | | 1,368 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency transactions | | | 1,049 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 10,892,430 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency transactions | | | 148,456 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 54,123 | |
Audit and tax fee payable | | | 23,650 | |
Legal fee payable | | | 23,439 | |
Unrealized depreciation on credit default swaps | | | 13,693 | |
Upfront premium received on credit default swaps | | | 11,230 | |
Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | | 371 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 63 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 3 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 20,236 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 295,264 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 10,597,166 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 1,000 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 9,999,541 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 386,407 | |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment transactions and foreign currency transactions | | | (47,429 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 257,647 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 10,597,166 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
A | | $ | 10,582,673 | | | | 999,000 | | | $ | 10.59 | |
B | | $ | 14,493 | | | | 1,372 | | | $ | 10.56 | |
See notes to financial statements.
10
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends—Affiliated issuers | | $ | 62,730 | |
Interest | | | 40,762 | |
| | | | |
| | | 103,492 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 25,438 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 16 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,309 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1 | |
Custodian | | | 39,168 | |
Audit and tax | | | 23,684 | |
Administrative | | | 23,508 | |
Legal | | | 16,334 | |
Amortization of offering expenses | | | 14,997 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 10,665 | |
Printing | | | 6,625 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 473 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 162,218 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B) | | | (142,932 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 19,286 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 84,206 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 31,007 | |
Futures | | | 19,366 | |
Swaps | | | (9,494 | ) |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (78,713 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation of: | | | | |
Affiliated Underlying Portfolios | | | 245,659 | |
Investments | | | 265,490 | |
Futures | | | 10,816 | |
Swaps | | | 24,408 | |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | �� | | 44,186 | |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 552,725 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 636,931 | |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
11
| | |
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | April 29, 2015(a) to December 31, 2015 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 84,206 | | | $ | 183,378 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and foreign currency transactions | | | (37,834 | ) | | | 106,018 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 590,559 | | | | (332,912 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | 636,931 | | | | (43,516 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 2,500 | | | | 10,001,251 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase | | | 639,431 | | | | 9,957,735 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 9,957,735 | | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $386,407 and $302,201, respectively) | | $ | 10,597,166 | | | $ | 9,957,735 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Commencement of operations. |
See notes to financial statements.
12
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AB Global Bond Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). AB Global Bond Portfolio commenced operations on April 29, 2015. The Portfolio’s investment objective is to generate income and price appreciation without assuming what the Adviser considers undue risk. The Portfolio is non-diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers sixteen separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. As of June 30, 2016 AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) was the sole shareholder of Class A 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 (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the 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 (the “Board”).
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, the Adviser will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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 Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign
13
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GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
markets close well before the Portfolio 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 Portfolio may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The fair value of debt instruments, such as bonds, and over-the-counter derivatives is generally based on market price quotations, recently executed market transactions (where observable) or industry recognized modeling techniques and are generally classified as Level 2. Pricing vendor inputs to Level 2 valuations may include quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, interest rate curves, coupon rates, currency rates, yield curves, option adjusted spreads, default rates, credit spreads and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows which are then discounted to calculate fair values. If these inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value, these investments will be classified as Level 3. In addition, non-agency rated investments are classified as Level 3.
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as
Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
Valuations of mortgage-backed or other asset-backed securities, by pricing vendors, are based on both proprietary and industry recognized models and discounted cash flow techniques. Significant inputs to the valuation of these instruments are value of the collateral, the rates and timing of delinquencies, the rates and timing of prepayments, and default and loss expectations, which are driven in part by housing prices for residential mortgages. Significant inputs are determined based on relative value analyses, which incorporate comparisons to instruments with similar collateral and risk profiles, including relevant indices. Mortgage and asset-backed securities for which management has collected current observable data through pricing services are generally categorized within Level 2. Those investments for which current observable data has not been provided are classified as Level 3.
Other fixed income investments, including non-U.S. government and corporate debt, are generally valued using quoted market prices, if available, which are typically impacted by current interest rates, maturity dates and any perceived credit risk of the issuer. Additionally, in the absence of quoted market prices, these inputs are used by pricing vendors to derive a valuation based upon industry or proprietary models which incorporate issuer specific data with relevant yield/spread comparisons with more widely quoted bonds with similar key characteristics. Those investments for which there are observable inputs are classified as Level 2. Where the inputs are not observable, the investments are classified as Level 3.
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Investments in Securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment Companies | | $ | 5,283,404 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 5,283,404 | |
Governments—Treasuries | | | –0 | – | | | 3,180,867 | | | | –0 | – | | | 3,180,867 | |
Corporates—Investment Grade | | | –0 | – | | | 462,528 | | | | –0 | – | | | 462,528 | |
Governments—Sovereign Agencies | | | –0 | – | | | 302,218 | | | | –0 | – | | | 302,218 | |
Inflation-Linked Securities | | | –0 | – | | | 254,371 | | | | –0 | – | | | 254,371 | |
Emerging Markets—Treasuries | | | –0 | – | | | 178,630 | | | | –0 | – | | | 178,630 | |
Mortgage Pass-Throughs | | | –0 | – | | | 87,323 | | | | –0 | – | | | 87,323 | |
Corporates—Non-Investment Grade | | | –0 | – | | | 56,631 | | | | –0 | – | | | 56,631 | |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | | | –0 | – | | | 54,211 | | | | –0 | – | | | 54,211 | |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 39,192 | | | | 39,192 | |
Local Governments—Provincial Bonds | | | –0 | – | | | 20,293 | | | | –0 | – | | | 20,293 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 742,013 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 742,013 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 6,025,417 | | | | 4,597,072 | | | | 39,192 | | | | 10,661,681 | |
Other Financial Instruments(a): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Futures | | | 12,341 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 12,341 | (b) |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | | –0 | – | | | 112,323 | | | | –0 | – | | | 112,323 | |
Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | 13,101 | | | | –0 | – | | | 13,101 | (b) |
Credit Default Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | 1,368 | | | | –0 | – | | | 1,368 | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | | –0 | – | | | (54,123 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (54,123 | ) |
Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | (504 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (504 | )(b) |
Credit Default Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | (13,693 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (13,693 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total(c) | | $ | 6,037,758 | | | $ | 4,655,544 | | | $ | 39,192 | | | $ | 10,732,494 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
(b) | | Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of exchange-traded derivatives as reported in the portfolio of investments. |
(c) | | There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period. |
The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
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GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value.
| | | | | | | | |
| | Commercial Mortgage- Backed Securities | | | Total | |
Balance as of 12/31/15 | | $ | 38,998 | | | $ | 38,998 | |
Accrued discounts/(premiums) | | | (12 | ) | | | (12 | ) |
Realized gain (loss) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | 206 | | | | 206 | |
Purchases | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Sales | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Transfers in to Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Transfers out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 06/30/16 | | $ | 39,192 | | | $ | 39,192 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from investments held as of 06/30/16(a) | | $ | 206 | | | $ | 206 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(a) | | The unrealized appreciation/depreciation is included in net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and other financial instruments in the accompanying statement of operations. |
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and a third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed 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 foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
4. 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.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current tax year and the prior tax year) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
5. 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 the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. 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 proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
8. Offering Expenses
Offering expenses of $46,000 were deferred and amortized on a straight line basis over a one year period starting from April 29, 2015 (commencement of operations).
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .50% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses (excluding interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, expenses associated with securities sold short, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs) on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to .64% and .89% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B, respectively. Any fees waived and expenses borne by the Adviser may be reimbursed by the Portfolio until the end of the third fiscal year after the fiscal period in which the fee was waived or the expense was borne, provided that no reimbursement payment will be made that would cause the Portfolio’s total annual fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Caps. The Expense Caps may not be terminated by the Adviser before May 1, 2017. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, such reimbursement amounted to $106,130.
The Portfolio may invest in AB mutual funds managed by the Adviser. In addition to the Expense Caps, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fees and/or bear Portfolio expenses through May 1, 2017 in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s share of all fees and expenses of any AB mutual funds in which the Portfolio invests. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, such waiver amounted to $13,196.
17
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GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual fund for the six months ended June 30, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AB Global Bond Fund, Inc. | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Distributions | |
Market Value 12/31/15 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Realized Gain (Loss) (000) | | | Change in Unrealized Appr./(Depr.) (000) | | | Market Value 06/30/16 (000) | | | Income (000) | | | Realized Gains (000) | |
$ | 4,977 | | | $ | 61 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 245 | | | $ | 5,283 | | | $ | 61 | | | $ | 0 | |
Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Adviser voluntarily agreed to waive such fees amounting to $23,508.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $569 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
The AB Fixed-Income Shares, Inc.—Government STIF Portfolio (the “Government STIF Portfolio”), prior to June 1, 2016, was offered as a cash management option to mutual funds and other institutional accounts of the Adviser, and was not available for direct purchase by members of the public. Prior to June 1, 2016, the Government STIF Portfolio paid no investment management fees but did bear its own expenses. As of June 1, 2016, the Government STIF Portfolio, which was renamed “AB Government Money Market Portfolio” (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”), will have a contractual investment management fee rate of .20% and will continue to bear its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser will waive its investment management fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to Government Money Market Portfolio’s effective management fee. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, such waiver amounted to $98. A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of the Government Money Market Portfolio for the six months ended June 30, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value
December 31, 2015
(000) | | | Purchases
at Cost
(000) | | | Sales
Proceeds
(000) | | | Market Value
June 30, 2016
(000) | | | Dividend
Income
(000) | |
$ | 909 | | | $ | 842 | | | $ | 1,009 | | | $ | 742 | | | $ | 1 | |
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 .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board 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 or 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.
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2016 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 1,693,494 | | | $ | 1,218,604 | |
U.S. government securities | | | 743,691 | | | | 921,376 | |
The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation (excluding futures, foreign currency and swap transactions) are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 225,277 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (38,772 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 186,505 | |
| | | | |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The principal types of derivatives utilized by the Portfolio, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:
The Portfolio may buy or sell futures for investment purposes or for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse effects of potential movements in the market. The Portfolio bears the market risk that arises from changes in the value of these instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures and movements in the price of the assets, reference rates or indices which they are designed to track. Among other things, the Portfolio may purchase or sell futures for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
At the time the Portfolio enters into futures, the Portfolio deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the 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. The credit/counterparty risk for exchange-traded futures is generally less than privately negotiated futures, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each exchange-traded future, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the 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.
Use of long futures subjects the Portfolio to risk of loss in excess of the amounts shown on the statement of assets and liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures. Use of short futures subjects the Portfolio to unlimited risk of loss. Under some circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of futures can vary from the previous day’s settlement price, which could effectively prevent liquidation of unfavorable positions.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
| • | | Forward Currency Exchange Contracts |
The Portfolio may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
19
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contract and the closing of such contract would be included in net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions. Fluctuations in the value of open forward currency exchange contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation by the Portfolio. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and nonhedging purposes.
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 gaining market exposures, including by making direct investments in foreign currencies. A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. The payment flows are usually netted against each other, with the difference being paid by one party to the other. In addition, collateral may be pledged or received by the Portfolio in accordance with the terms of the respective swaps to provide value and recourse to the Portfolio or its counterparties in the event of default, bankruptcy or insolvency by one of the parties to the swap.
Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap to comply with the terms of the swap. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interim payment to be received by the Portfolio, and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Therefore, the Portfolio considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a swap in evaluating potential counterparty risk. This risk is mitigated by having a netting arrangement between the Portfolio and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the Portfolio to cover the Portfolio’s exposure to the counterparty. Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying securities. The Portfolio accrues for the interim payments on swaps on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of assets and liabilities, where applicable. Once the interim payments are settled in cash, the net amount is recorded as realized gain/(loss) on swaps on the statement of operations, in addition to any realized gain/(loss) recorded upon the termination of swaps. Upfront premiums paid or received are recognized as cost or proceeds on the statement of assets and liabilities and are amortized on a straight line basis over the life of the contract. Amortized upfront premiums are included in net realized gain/(loss) from swaps on the statement of operations. Fluctuations in the value of swaps are recorded as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of operations.
Certain standardized swaps, including certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps, are (or soon will be) subject to mandatory central clearing. Cleared swaps are transacted through futures commission merchants (“FCMs”) that are members of central clearinghouses, with the clearinghouse serving as central counterparty, similar to transactions in futures contracts. Centralized clearing will be required for additional categories of swaps on a phased-in basis based on requirements published by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
At the time the Portfolio enters into a centrally cleared swap, the Portfolio deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the clearinghouse on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the 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. The credit/counterparty risk for centrally cleared swaps is generally less than non-centrally cleared swaps, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each centrally cleared swap, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the 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.
20
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Credit Default Swaps:
The Portfolio may enter into credit default swaps, including to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its risk exposure to defaults by corporate and sovereign issuers held by the Portfolio, or to create exposure to corporate or sovereign issuers to which it is not otherwise exposed. The Portfolio may purchase credit protection (“Buy Contract”) or provide credit protection (“Sale Contract”) on the referenced obligation of the credit default swap. During the term of the swap, the Portfolio receives/(pays) fixed payments from/(to) the respective counterparty, calculated at the agreed upon rate applied to the notional amount. If the Portfolio is a buyer/(seller) of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap, the Portfolio will either (i) receive from the seller/(pay to the buyer) of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap (the “Maximum Payout Amount”) and deliver/(take delivery of) the referenced obligation or (ii) receive/(pay) a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation.
In certain circumstances Maximum Payout Amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront premium received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received from settlement of buy protection credit default swaps entered into by the Portfolio for the same reference obligation with the same counterparty. As of June 30, 2016, the Portfolio did not have Buy Contracts outstanding with respect to the same referenced obligation and counterparty Sale Contracts outstanding.
Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if a Portfolio had invested in the referenced obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. If the Portfolio is a buyer of protection and no credit event occurs, it will lose the payments it made to its counterparty. If the Portfolio is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, the value of the referenced obligation received by the Portfolio coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the Maximum Payout Amount it pays to the buyer, resulting in a net loss to the Portfolio.
Implied credit spreads over U.S. Treasuries of comparable maturity utilized in determining the market value of credit default swaps on issuers as of period end are disclosed in the portfolio of investments. The implied spreads serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and typically reflect the likelihood of default by the issuer of the referenced obligation. The implied credit spread of a particular reference obligation also reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may reflect upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Widening credit spreads typically represent a deterioration of the referenced obligation’s credit soundness and greater likelihood of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement. A credit spread identified as “Defaulted” indicates a credit event has occurred for the referenced obligation.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held credit default swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
The Portfolio typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar master agreements (collectively, “Master Agreements”) with its derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Portfolio typically may offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instrument’s payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default or termination.
Various Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions with counterparties, including transactions such as derivative transactions, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These Master Agreements typically attempt to reduce the counterparty risk associated with such transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Cross-termination provisions under Master Agreements typically provide that a default in connection with one transaction between the Portfolio and a counterparty gives the non-defaulting party the right to terminate any other transactions in place with the defaulting party to create one single net payment due to/due from the defaulting party. In the event of a default by a Master Agreements counterparty, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Portfolio’s net liability, held by the defaulting party, may be delayed or denied.
21
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Portfolio’s Master Agreements may contain provisions for early termination of OTC derivative transactions in the event the net assets of the Portfolio decline below specific levels (“net asset contingent features”). If these levels are triggered, the Portfolio’s counterparty has the right to terminate such transaction and require the Portfolio to pay or receive a settlement amount in connection with the terminated transaction. For additional details, please refer to netting arrangements by counterparty tables below.
At June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Asset Derivatives | | | Liability Derivatives | |
Derivative Type | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | |
Interest rate contracts | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | $ | 12,341 | * | | | | | | |
Credit contracts | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | | 13,101 | * | | | | $ | 504 | * |
Foreign exchange contracts | | Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 112,323 | | | Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 54,123 | |
Credit contracts | | Unrealized appreciation on credit default swaps | | | 1,368 | | | Unrealized depreciation on credit default swaps | | | 13,693 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | $ | 139,133 | | | | | $ | 68,320 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | | Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of exchange-traded derivatives as reported in the portfolio of investments. |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative Type | | Location of Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Within Statement of Operations | | Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation or (Depreciation) | |
Interest rate contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures | | $ | 19,366 | | | $ | 10,816 | |
Foreign exchange contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 1,024 | | | | 43,401 | |
Credit contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps | | | (9,494 | ) | | | 24,408 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | $ | 10,896 | | | $ | 78,625 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2016:
| | | | |
Futures: | | | | |
Average original value of buy contracts | | $ | 927,351 | |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts: | | | | |
Average principal amount of buy contracts | | $ | 469,895 | |
Average principal amount of sale contracts | | $ | 3,270,788 | |
Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps: | | | | |
Average notional amount of sale contracts | | $ | 282,000 | |
Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps: | | | | |
Average notional amount of sale contracts | | $ | 1,633,029 | |
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| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
For financial reporting purposes, the Portfolio does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.
All derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Derivative Assets Subject to a MA | | | Derivative Available for Offset | | | Cash Collateral Received | | | Security Collateral Received | | | Net Amount of Derivatives Assets | |
Exchange-Traded Derivatives: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC/Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.* | | $ | 2,079 | | | $ | (371 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 1,708 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 2,079 | | | $ | (371 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 1,708 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTC Derivatives: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BNP Paribas SA | | $ | 530 | | | $ | (530 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Nomura Global Financial Products, Inc. | | | 559 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 559 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | 6,734 | | | | (3,112 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 3,622 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | 104,500 | | | | (43,627 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 60,873 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 112,323 | | | $ | (47,269 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 65,054 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Derivative Liabilities Subject to a MA | | | Derivative Available for Offset | | | Cash Collateral Pledged | | | Security Collateral Pledged | | | Net Amount of Derivatives Liabilities | |
Exchange-Traded Derivatives: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC/Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.* | | $ | 371 | | | $ | (371 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 371 | | | $ | (371 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTC Derivatives: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bank of America, NA | | $ | 8,643 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 8,643 | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | | 10,947 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 10,947 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | 7,384 | | | | (530 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 6,854 | |
Citibank, N.A. | | | 821 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 821 | |
Goldman Sachs International | | | 3,144 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 3,144 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | 3,112 | | | | (3,112 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | 43,627 | | | | (43,627 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 77,678 | | | $ | (47,269 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 30,409 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | | Cash and securities have been posted for initial margin requirements for exchange-traded derivatives outstanding at June 30, 2016. |
^ | | Net amount represents the net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty. |
23
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
2. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated 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 other 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).
3. TBA and Dollar Rolls
The Portfolio may invest in TBA mortgage-backed securities. A TBA, or “To Be Announced”, trade represents a contract for the purchase or sale of mortgage-backed securities to be delivered at a future agree-upon date; however, the specific mortgage pool numbers or the number of pools that will be delivered to fulfill the trade obligation or terms of the contract are unknown at the time of the trade. Mortgage pools (including fixed-rate or variable-rate mortgages) guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association, or GNMA, the Federal National Mortgage Association, or FNMA, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or FHLMC, are subsequently allocated to the TBA transactions.
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. During the six months ended June 30, 2016, 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | | April 29, 2015(a) to December 31, 2015 | | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | April 29, 2015(a) to December 31, 2015 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | –0 | – | | | 999,000 | | | | | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 9,990,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | –0 | – | | | 999,000 | | | | | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 9,990,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 248 | | | | 1,125 | | | | | | | $ | 2,513 | | | $ | 11,252 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (1 | ) | | | –0 | –(b) | | | | | | | (13 | ) | | | (1 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 247 | | | | 1,125 | | | | | | | $ | 2,500 | | | $ | 11,251 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Commencement of operations. |
(b) | | Share is less than 0.5 |
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 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.
24
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Below Investment Grade Securities Risk—Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are subject to a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate developments, negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally and less secondary market liquidity.
Duration Risk—Duration is a measure that relates the expected price volatility of a fixed-income security to changes in interest rates. The duration of a fixed-income security may be shorter than or equal to full maturity of a fixed-income security. Fixed-income securities with longer durations have more risk and will decrease in price as interest rates rise. For example, a fixed-income security with a duration of three years will decrease in value by approximately 3% if interest rates increase by 1%.
Inflation Risk—This is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the value of each Portfolio’s assets can decline as can the value of the Portfolio’s distributions. This risk is significantly greater if the Portfolio invests a significant portion of its assets in fixed-income securities with longer maturities.
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Emerging Market Risk—Investments in emerging market countries may have more risk because the markets are less developed and less liquid, and because these investments may be subject to increased economic, political, regulatory, or other uncertainties.
Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce its returns.
Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.
Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its portfolio, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures contracts or by borrowing money. The use of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as forwards, futures, options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.
Non-Diversification Risk—The Portfolio may have more risk because it is “non-diversified”, meaning that it can invest more of its assets in a smaller number of issuers and that adverse changes in the value of one security could have a more significant effect on the Portfolio NAV.
Liquidity Risk—Liquidity risk occurs when certain investments become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling less liquid securities may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Portfolio. Causes of liquidity risk may include low trading volumes, large positions and heavy redemptions of Portfolio shares. Foreign fixed-income securities may have more liquidity risk because secondary trading markets for these securities may be smaller and less well-developed and the securities may trade less frequently. Liquidity risk may be higher in a rising interest rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally decline.
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.
25
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2016.
NOTE H: Tax Information
As of December 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 290,931 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (7,908 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | (323,329 | )(b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (40,306 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | | As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $7,908. |
(b) | | The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the tax treatment of swaps and the realization for tax purposes of gains/losses on certain derivative instruments. |
For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $7,908 which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.
NOTE I: New Accounting Pronouncement
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2015-07 (the “ASU”) which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The ASU also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient but do not utilize that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
NOTE J: Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.
26
| | |
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | April 29, 2015(a) to December 31, 2015 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $9.96 | | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b)(c) | | | .08 | | | | .18 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions and foreign currency transactions | | | .55 | | | | (.22 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .63 | | | | (.04 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $10.59 | | | | $9.96 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | | 6.33 | % | | | (.40 | )% |
| | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $10,583 | | | | $9,947 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (e)^ | | | .38 | % | | | .38 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (e)^ | | | 3.19 | % | | | 3.63 | % |
Net investment income (c)^ | | | 1.66 | % | | | 2.74 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 22 | % | | | 62 | % |
See footnote summary on page 28.
27
| | |
GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | April 29, 2015(a) to December 31, 2015 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $9.94 | | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b)(c) | | | .07 | | | | .17 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions and foreign currency transactions | | | .55 | | | | (.23 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .62 | | | | (.06 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $10.56 | | | | $9.94 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | | 6.24 | % | | | (.60 | )% |
| | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $14 | | | | $11 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (e)^ | | | .63 | % | | | .64 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (e)^ | | | 3.41 | % | | | 3.90 | % |
Net investment income (c)^ | | | 1.42 | % | | | 2.55 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 22 | % | | | 62 | % |
(a) | | Commencement of operations. |
(b) | | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(c) | | Net of fees and expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(d) | | Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions 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) | | Expense ratios do not include expenses of ABGB in which the Portfolio invests. For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and period ended December 31, 2015, the estimated annualized blended expense ratios of acquired funds were .26% and .26%, respectively, for Class A and Class B Class Shares. |
See notes to financial statements.
28
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GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AB 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 AB Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of Global Bond Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).2 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund, for the Directors of the Fund, as required by 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 initial approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement.
The Portfolio’s investment objective is to generate current income consistent with the preservation of capital. The Portfolio invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets in fixed-income securities. Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests significantly in fixed-income securities of companies located in at least three countries (including the United States). The Portfolio may invest in a broad range of fixed-income securities in both developed and emerging markets. The Portfolio may invest across all fixed-income sectors, including U.S. and non-U.S. government and corporate debt securities. The Portfolio’s investments may be denominated in local currency or U.S. dollar denominated. The Portfolio may invest in debt securities with a range of maturities from short- to long-term. Under normal market circumstances invest at least 75% of its net assets in fixed-income securities rated investment grade at the time of investment and may invest up to 25% of its net assets in below investment grade fixed-income securities.
The Adviser expects to utilize a variety of derivatives, including futures, interest rate and credit default swaps and currency derivatives, in its management of the Portfolio, and exposure through derivatives will generally count towards the percentage minimums and limits applicable to the Portfolio. In addition, the Portfolio is expected to enter into transactions such as reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls that are functionally equivalent to borrowings. These derivatives and borrowings are expected to create gross exposure to fixed income securities for the Portfolio substantially in excess of the Portfolio’s net assets, effectively leveraging the Portfolio.
The Adviser proposed the Barclays Capital Global Aggregate Bond Index (USD hedged) as the Portfolio’s benchmark. The Adviser expects Lipper and Morningstar to place the Portfolio in their respective World Bond and Global Income categories.
The Portfolio’s investment strategy would be substantially similar to that of AB Global Bond Fund, Inc. (“Global Bond Fund, Inc.”). At launch and for some period of time thereafter until Global Bond Portfolio can gather sufficient assets to make direct securities investments on a more efficient basis, the Portfolio intends to invest approximately 50% of its assets in Global Bond Fund, Inc.3
The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Management fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Management 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; |
1 | | The information in the fee evaluation was completed on January 22, 2015 and discussed with the Board of Directors on February 3-4, 2015. |
2 | | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AB.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | | The Adviser proposed an Acquired Fund Fee Waiver Agreement so that shareholders of Global Bond Portfolio will not have to bear the fund expenses of any affiliated underlying funds in which the Global Bond Portfolio may invest. |
29
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GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| 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. |
These factors, with the exception of the first factor, are generally referred to as the “Gartenberg factors,” which were articulated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1982. Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc., 694 F. 2d 923 (2d Cir. 1982). The first factor is an additional factor required to be considered by the Assurance of Discontinuance between the NYAG and the Adviser. On March 30, 2010, the Supreme Court held the Gartenberg decision was correct in its basic formulation of what Section 36(b) requires: to face liability under Section 36(b), “an investment adviser must charge a fee that is so disproportionately large that it bears no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and could not have been the product of arm’s length bargaining.” Jones v. Harris Associates L.P., 130 S. Ct. 1418 (2010). In the Jones decision, the Court stated the Gartenberg approach fully incorporates the correct understanding of fiduciary duty within the context of Section 36(b) and noted with approval that “Gartenberg insists that all relevant circumstances be taken into account” and “uses the range of fees that might result from arm’s-length bargaining as the benchmark for reviewing challenged fees.” 4
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, NET ASSETS & EXPENSE RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The proposed advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio follows the advisory fee schedule of the High Income category of the NYAG settlement related fee categories.
| | |
Portfolio | | Advisory Fee |
Global Bond Portfolio | | 0.50% on the first $2.5 billion 0.45% on the next $2.5 billion 0.40% on the balance |
In addition to paying the advisory fee, the Investment Advisory Agreement provides for the Adviser to be reimbursed for providing certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services.
The Adviser proposed an Acquired Fund Fee Agreement, which provides for the Adviser to waive all fees or reimburse expenses for a one year period after shares of the Portfolio are offered to the public in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s share of all fees and expenses of any AB Mutual Fund, in which the Portfolio may invest, so shareholders of the Portfolio will not bear those expenses. At present, it is not expected that the Portfolio will invest in any AB Mutual Fund other than Global Bond Fund, Inc.
The Portfolio‘s Expense Limitation Agreement calls for the Adviser to establish expense caps, set forth below, for a two year period after the date the date that shares of the Portfolio is first offered to the public.5 The Expense Limitation Agreement also provides a mechanism for reimbursing the Adviser for its expense cap subsidies. Under the Expense Limitation Agreement, the Adviser may be able to recoup all or a portion of the amounts waived or reimbursed until the end of three fiscal years after the fiscal period in which the amounts were waived or reimbursed to the extent that the reimbursements do not cause the expense ratios of the Portfolio’s share classes to exceed the expense caps. The Adviser will have the ability to recoup expenses during the three year fiscal period after an advisory fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement was made even if the Portfolio’s Expense Limitation Agreement terminates prior to the end of such three year fiscal period.
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Cap Pursuant to Expense Limitation Undertaking | | Estimated Gross Expense Ratio6 | | | Fiscal Year End |
Global Bond Portfolio | | Class A 0.64% | | | 0.65% | | | December 31 |
| | Class B 0.89% | | | 0.90% | | | |
4 | | Jones v. Harris at 1427. |
5 | | Prior to discussions between the Board of Directors and the Adviser at the February 3-5, 2015 meetings, the period after shares of the Portfolio are first offered to the public, in which the Adviser will waive all or a portion of its advisory fees and/or reimburse the Portfolio for fund expenses exceeding the Portfolio’s expense caps under the original terms of the Expense Limitation Undertaking, was for one year. |
6 | | The Portfolio’s estimated gross expense ratios are based on an initial estimate of the Portfolio’s net assets at $250 million. |
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| | AB 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 to be 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 will be more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, the Adviser will be entitled to be reimbursed by the Portfolio for providing such services. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors will be 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. 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, the Supreme Court has indicated consideration should be given to the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a similar investment style as the Portfolio.7 In addition to the institutional fee schedule, set forth below are what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio, the Portfolio’s advisory fee and the differences between those fees based on an initial estimate of the Portfolio’s net assets at $250 million.8
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Projected Net Assets ($MM) | | AB Institutional Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | | | Difference | |
Global Bond Portfolio | | $250.0 | | Global Plus Fixed Income 0.50% on first $30 million 0.25% on the balance Minimum account size: $25 million | | | 0.280 | % | | | 0.500 | % | | | 0.220 | % |
The Adviser manages Global Bond Fund Inc., a retail mutual fund that has a similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the advisory fee schedule of Global Bond Fund, Inc. and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of Global Bond Fund Inc. been applicable to the Portfolio based on an initial estimate of the Portfolio’s net asset at $250 million.
7 | | The Supreme Court stated that “courts may give such comparisons the weight that they merit in light of the similarities and differences between the services that the clients in question require, but the courts must be wary of inapt comparisons.” Among the significant differences the Supreme Court noted that may exist between services provided to mutual funds and institutional accounts are “higher marketing costs.” Jones v. Harris at 1428. |
8 | | 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. |
31
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GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AB Fund | | Fee | | ABMF Effective Fee (%) | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) | |
Global Bond Portfolio | | Global Bond Fund, Inc. | | 0.50% on first $2.5 billion 0.45% on next $2.5 billion 0.40% on the balance | | | 0.500% | | | | 0.500% | |
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 Plus Fixed Income, a Luxembourg fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio.
| | |
Fund | | Fee9 |
Global Plus Fixed Income | | |
Class A2 | | 1.10% |
Class I2 (Institutional) | | 0.55% |
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 |
Global Bond Portfolio | | AB Global Plus Bond Fund D/P (Hedged)10 | | 0.10%11,12 |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory 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 Portfolio. Also shown are the Portfolio’s advisory fee and the effective fee of the sub-advisory relationship based on initial estimate of the Portfolio’s net assets at $250 million:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | | | Fee Schedule | | Effective Sub-Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Global Bond Portfolio | | Client #1 | | AB Sub-Advisory Fee Schedule: 0.15% of average daily net assets | | | 0.150% | | | | 0.500% | |
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.
While it appears that the sub-advisory relationship is paying a lower fee than the Portfolio, it is difficult to evaluate the relevance of such lower fees due to differences in terms of the services provided, risks involved and other competitive factors between the Portfolio and the sub-advisory relationship. There could be various business reasons why an investment adviser would be willing to provide a sub-advisory relationship investment related services at a different fee level than an investment company it is sponsoring where the investment adviser is providing all the services, not just investment management, generally required by a registered investment company.
9 | | Class A shares of the fund are charged an “all-in” fee, which includes investment advisory services and distribution related services, unlike Class I shares, whose fee is for only investment advisory services. |
10 | | The ITM fund is privately placed or institutional. |
11 | | In addition to the fee shown above, the ITM fund’s four institutional clients are charged an additional fee. Three of the four institutional clients are charged the following: 0.33% on the first ¥3 billion, 0.08% thereafter. The fourth institutional client is charged the following fee: 0.34% on the first ¥3 billion, 0.09% thereafter. |
12 | | The Japanese Yen-U.S. dollar currency exchange rate quoted at 4 p.m. on October 31, 2014 by Reuters was ¥112 per $1. At that currency exchange rate, ¥3 billion would be equivalent to approximately $26.8 million. |
32
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| | AB 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.13 Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s contractual management fee14 estimated at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”).15
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 Fee16 | | | Lipper EG Median (%) | | | Lipper EG Rank | |
Global Bond Portfolio17 | | | 0.500 | | | | 0.625 | | | | 1/8 | |
Lipper also compared the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio to the medians of the Portfolio’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective and load type as the subject Portfolio.18
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio (%)19 | | | Lipper EG Median (%) | | | Lipper EG Rank | | | Lipper EU Median (%) | | | Lipper EU Rank | |
Global Bond Portfolio | | | 0.640 | | | | 0.733 | | | | 1/8 | | | | 0.723 | | | | 2/17 | |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has equally favorable rankings on a contractual management fee basis and 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.
13 | | The Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since “these comparisons are problematic because these fees, like those challenged, may not be the product of the negotiations conducted at arm’s length.” Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
14 | | 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. |
15 | | 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. In addition, there are limitations in Lipper’s expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
16 | | 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 for expense caps that would effectively reduce the actual management fee. |
17 | | The contractual management fee shown for the Portfolio does not take into consideration any advisory fee waivers or expense reimbursements made by the Adviser in connection with plans by the Portfolio to invest in Global Bond Funds, Inc. |
18 | | 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. |
19 | | Projected total expense ratio information, based on an initial net asset estimate of $250 million, pertains to the Portfolio’s Class A shares. |
33
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GLOBAL BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.
The Portfolio has not yet commenced operations. Therefore, there is no historic profitability data with respect to the Adviser’s investment services to the Portfolio.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship. These affiliates provide transfer agent, distribution and brokerage related services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees and Rule 12b-1 payments.
The Portfolio will adopt 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”), an affiliate of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of each Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, will market and sell shares of the Portfolio and will typically receive compensation from ABI, the Adviser and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries will receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, and payments related to providing contract-holder record-keeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder record keeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of each Portfolio attributable to the firm over the year. With respect to the Fund, ABI paid approximately $600,000 in 2013 and expects to pay approximately $600,000 in 2014 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Fund is AB Investor Services (“ABIS”), an affiliate of the Adviser.20 The Fund pays ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 for each calendar year, which is allocated evenly among its separate Portfolios.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through pricing to scale, breakpoints, fee reductions/waivers and enhancement to services.
In May 2012, an independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors information on the Adviser’s firm-wide average costs from 2005 through 2011 and the potential economies of scale. The independent consultant noted that from 2005 through 2007 the Adviser experienced significant growth in assets under management (“AUM”). During this period, operating expenses increased, in part to keep up with growth, and in part reflecting market returns. However, from 2008 through the first quarter of 2009, AUM rapidly and significantly decreased due to declines in market value and client withdrawals. When AUM rapidly decreased, some operating expenses categories, including base compensation and office space, adjusted more slowly during this period, resulting in an increase in average costs. Since 2009, AUM have experienced less significant changes. The independent consultant noted that changes in operating expenses reflect changes in business composition and business practices in response to changes in financial markets. Finally, the independent consultant concluded that the increase in average cost and the decline in net operating margin across the Adviser since late 2008 are inconsistent with the view that there are currently reductions in average costs due to economies of scale that can be shared with the AB Mutual Funds managed by the Adviser through lower fees.
In February 2008, the independent consultant provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics.21,22 The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional
20 | | It should be noted that the insurance companies, linked to the variable products, will provide additional shareholder services for the Portfolio, including record keeping, administration and customer service for contract holders. |
21 | | The Deli study, originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data and updated for the February 2008 Presentation, may be of diminished value due to the age of the data used in the presentation and the changes experienced in the industry since 2008. |
22 | | As mentioned previously, the Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since the fees may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length. See Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
34
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors.23 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 also compared the advisory fees of the AB 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.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $474 billion as of December 31, 2014, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
Since the Portfolio has not yet commenced operations, the Portfolio has no performance history. The Adviser does manage Global Bond Fund, Inc. and its 1, 3, 5 year and since inception performance returns as of December 31, 2014 against its benchmarks are shown in the table below.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ended December 31, 2014 Annualized Performance | |
| | 1 Year (%) | | | 3 Year (%) | | | 5 Year (%) | | | Since Inception (%) | |
Global Bond Fund, Inc.24 | | | 6.92 | | | | 3.84 | | | | 5.07 | | | | 5.13 | |
Barclays Capital Global Aggregate Index (USD hedged) | | | 7.59 | | | | 4.34 | | | | 4.60 | | | | 4.79 | |
Barclays Capital Global Treasury Index (USD hedged) | | | 8.14 | | | | 4.19 | | | | 4.33 | | | | 4.50 | |
Inception Date: December 1, 2007 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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. The Senior Officer recommended that the Directors discuss with the Adviser the Acquired Fund Fee Agreement, which the Adviser proposed for a one year period after shares are offered to the public in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s share of all fees and expenses of any AB Mutual Fund, in which the Portfolio may invest. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: February 27, 2015
23 | | The two dimensional analysis 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 | | Global Bond Fund, Inc.’s actual inception date of the fund is March 27, 1992. However, inception performance is shown only from December 1, 2007, which is the first full month since the retail mutual fund has been operating in with its current investment strategy. |
35
VPS-GB-0152-0616
JUN 06.30.16
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.
+ | | GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited) | | AB 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 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 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2016 | | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2016 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 997.90 | | | $ | 3.43 | | | | 0.69 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,021.43 | | | $ | 3.47 | | | | 0.69 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 997.90 | | | $ | 4.57 | | | | 0.92 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,020.29 | | | $ | 4.62 | | | | 0.92 | % |
* | | 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 RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN* | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
SECURITY TYPE | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Investment Companies | | $ | 24,338,808 | | | | 39.2 | % |
Inflation-Linked Securities | | | 2,794,153 | | | | 4.5 | |
Options Purchased—Puts | | | 68,379 | | | | 0.1 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 34,915,758 | | | | 56.2 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 62,117,098 | | | | 100.0 | % |
COUNTRY BREAKDOWN†
June 30, 2016 (unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
COUNTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
United States | | $ | 27,152,340 | | | | 43.7 | % |
Japan | | | 30,650 | | | | 0.1 | |
Germany | | | 17,019 | | | | 0.0 | |
United Kingdom | | | 1,331 | | | | 0.0 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 34,915,758 | | | | 56.2 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 62,117,098 | | | | 100.0 | % |
* | | The Portfolio’s security type breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. The Portfolio also enters into derivatives transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purpose (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). |
† | | All data are as of June 30, 2016. The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. |
2
| | |
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–38.2% | | | | | | | | |
FUNDS AND INVESTMENT TRUSTS–38.2% | | | | | | | | |
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF | | | 23,730 | | | $ | 4,999,911 | |
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF | | | 90,720 | | | | 5,063,083 | |
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | | | 27,800 | | | | 955,208 | |
iShares Russell 2000 ETF | | | 11,040 | | | | 1,269,269 | |
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust | | | 32,820 | | | | 6,876,775 | |
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF | | | 26,920 | | | | 5,174,562 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investment Companies (cost $23,800,128) | | | | | | | 24,338,808 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | | |
INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES–4.4% | | | | | | | | |
UNITED STATES–4.4% | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Inflation Index 0.375%, 7/15/25 (cost $2,756,860) | | $ | 2,714 | | | | 2,794,153 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Contracts | | | | |
OPTIONS PURCHASED–PUTS–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
OPTIONS ON EQUITY INDICES–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
Euro STOXX 50 Index Expiration: Jul 2016, Exercise Price: EUR 2,775.00(a)(b) | | | 54 | | | | 17,019 | |
FTSE 100 Index Expiration: Jul 2016, Exercise Price: GBP 5,900.00(a)(b) | | | 8 | | | | 1,331 | |
Nikkei 225 Index Expiration: Jul 2016, Exercise Price: JPY 16,000.00(b)(c) | | | 6 | | | | 30,650 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 49,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
OPTIONS ON FUNDS AND INVESTMENT TRUSTS–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Expiration: Jul 2016, Exercise Price: $ 202.00(b)(d) | | | 343 | | | $ | 19,379 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Options Purchased–Puts (premiums paid $164,654) | | | | | | | 68,379 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Shares | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–54.9% | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–44.0% | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.25%(e)(f) (cost $27,994,027) | | | 27,994,027 | | | | 27,994,027 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | | |
U.S. TREASURY BILLS–10.9% | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Bill 0.01%, 7/07/16–10/06/16 (cost $6,921,731) | | $ | 6,924 | | | | 6,921,731 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Short-Term Investments (cost $34,915,758) | | | | | | | 34,915,758 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–97.6% (cost $61,637,400) | | | | | | | 62,117,098 | |
Other assets less liabilities–2.4% | | | | | | | 1,509,575 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | $ | 63,626,673 | |
| | | | | | | | |
FUTURES (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Type | | Number of Contracts | | | Expiration Month | | | Original Value | | | Value at June 30, 2016 | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Purchased Contracts | |
10 Yr Australian Bond Futures | | | 12 | | | | September 2016 | | | $ | 1,202,352 | | | $ | 1,218,931 | | | $ | 16,579 | |
10 Yr Canadian Bond Futures | | | 16 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 1,787,097 | | | | 1,833,384 | | | | 46,287 | |
Euro BTP Futures | | | 11 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 1,725,265 | | | | 1,740,876 | | | | 15,611 | |
Euro STOXX 50 Futures | | | 81 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 2,508,161 | | | | 2,566,352 | | | | 58,191 | |
FTSE 100 Index Futures | | | 8 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 634,857 | | | | 683,996 | | | | 49,139 | |
Long Gilt Futures | | | 9 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 1,467,474 | | | | 1,539,470 | | | | 71,996 | |
Mini MSCI EAFE Futures | | | 50 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 4,047,077 | | | | 4,038,000 | | | | (9,077 | ) |
S&P 500 E Mini Futures | | | 29 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 3,058,348 | | | | 3,030,790 | | | | (27,558 | ) |
S&P TSX 60 Index Futures | | | 9 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 1,154,235 | | | | 1,134,517 | | | | (19,718 | ) |
3
| | |
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Type | | Number of Contracts | | | Expiration Month | | | Original Value | | | Value at June 30, 2016 | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Purchased Contracts: (continued) | |
SPI 200 Futures | | | 5 | | | | September 2016 | | | $ | 482,509 | | | $ | 482,533 | | | $ | 24 | |
TOPIX Index Futures | | | 12 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 1,496,999 | | | | 1,447,344 | | | | (49,655 | ) |
U.S. T-Note 5 Yr (CBT) Futures | | | 21 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 2,518,532 | | | | 2,565,445 | | | | 46,913 | |
U.S. T-Note 10 Yr (CBT) Futures | | | 7 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 907,551 | | | | 930,891 | | | | 23,340 | |
U.S. Ultra Bond (CBT) Futures | | | 2 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 350,160 | | | | 372,750 | | | | 22,590 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 244,662 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Contracts to Deliver (000) | | | In Exchange For (000) | | | Settlement Date | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Citibank | | | EUR | | | | 1,120 | | | | USD | | | | 1,240 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | $ | (6,170 | ) |
Citibank | | | USD | | | | 1,240 | | | | EUR | | | | 1,105 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (10,089 | ) |
Credit Suisse International | | | EUR | | | | 2,204 | | | | USD | | | | 2,506 | | | | 7/06/16 | | | | 59,845 | |
Deutsche Bank AG | | | GBP | | | | 858 | | | | USD | | | | 1,178 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 34,837 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co. | | | USD | | | | 1,237 | | | | GBP | | | | 877 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (68,216 | ) |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | AUD | | | | 784 | | | | USD | | | | 581 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (2,536 | ) |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | EUR | | | | 1,505 | | | | USD | | | | 1,708 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 33,208 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | GBP | | | | 1,207 | | | | USD | | | | 1,749 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 141,030 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 2,511 | | | | EUR | | | | 2,204 | | | | 7/06/16 | | | | (64,606 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | AUD | | | | 192 | | | | USD | | | | 140 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (3,294 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | CAD | | | | 107 | | | | USD | | | | 84 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 1,205 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | CHF | | | | 795 | | | | USD | | | | 830 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 12,008 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | DKK | | | | 1,178 | | | | USD | | | | 180 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 3,739 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | EUR | | | | 1,031 | | | | USD | | | | 1,173 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 25,668 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | HKD | | | | 2,304 | | | | USD | | | | 297 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (250 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | JPY | | | | 230,433 | | | | USD | | | | 2,157 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (80,243 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | SEK | | | | 2,210 | | | | USD | | | | 272 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 9,747 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | SGD | | | | 158 | | | | USD | | | | 115 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (2,010 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 83,873 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Description | | Contracts | | | Exercise Price | | | Expiration Month | | | Premiums Received | | | U.S. $ Value | |
FTSE 100 Index(a) | | | 4 | | | | GBP | | | | 6,500.00 | | | | July 2016 | | | $ | 1,028 | | | $ | (4,473 | ) |
Nikkei 225 Index(c) | | | 13 | | | | JPY | | | | 17,750.00 | | | | July 2016 | | | | 4,825 | | | | (189 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 5,853 | | | $ | (4,662 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INTEREST RATE SWAPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Description | | Index | | | Counterparty | | Strike Rate | | | Expiration Date | | | Notional Amount (000) | | | Premiums Received | | | Market Value | |
Call—IRS RTR Swaption | | | 3 Month LIBOR | | | JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA | | | 1.26 | % | | | 7/18/16 | | | $ | 6,200 | | | $ | 13,635 | | | $ | (12,183 | ) |
4
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Description | | Contracts | | | Exercise Price | | | Expiration Month | | | Premiums Received | | | U.S. $ Value | |
Euro STOXX 50 Index(a) | | | 54 | | | | EUR | | | | 2,675.00 | | | | July 2016 | | | | $ 33,299 | | | | $ (7,071 | ) |
FTSE 100 Index(a) | | | 8 | | | | GBP | | | | 5,700.00 | | | | July 2016 | | | | 11,594 | | | | (958 | ) |
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets(d) | | | 1,311 | | | | $ | | | | 30.50 | | | | July 2016 | | | | 32,721 | | | | (5,244 | ) |
Nikkei 225 Index(c) | | | 6 | | | | JPY | | | | 15,375.00 | | | | July 2016 | | | | 8,724 | | | | (9,878 | ) |
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust(d) | | | 343 | | | | $ | | | | 193.00 | | | | July 2016 | | | | 29,826 | | | | (4,974 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ 116,164 | | | | $ (28,125 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | One contract relates to 10 shares. |
(b) | | Non-income producing security. |
(c) | | One contract relates to 1000 shares. |
(d) | | One contract relates to 100 shares. |
(e) | | To obtain a copy of the fund’s financial statements, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618. |
(f) | | Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end. |
Currency Abbreviations:
AUD—Australian Dollar
CAD—Canadian Dollar
CHF—Swiss Franc
DKK—Danish Krone
EUR—Euro
GBP—Great British Pound
HKD—Hong Kong Dollar
JPY—Japanese Yen
SEK—Swedish Krona
SGD—Singapore Dollar
USD—United States Dollar
Glossary:
BTP—Buoni del Tesoro Poliennali
CBT—Chicago Board of Trade
EAFE—Europe, Australia, and Far East
ETF—Exchange Traded Fund
FTSE—Financial Times Stock Exchange
IRS—Interest Rate Swaption
MSCI—Morgan Stanley Capital International
RTR—Right To Receive
SPDR—Standard & Poor’s Depository Receipt
SPI—Share Price Index
TOPIX—Tokyo Price Index
TSX—Toronto Stock Exchange
See notes to financial statements.
5
| | |
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETS & LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $33,643,373) | | $ | 34,123,071 | |
Affiliated issuers (cost $27,994,027) | | | 27,994,027 | |
Cash collateral due from broker | | | 1,055,783 | |
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $61,817) | | | 60,816 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 321,287 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 249,545 | |
Receivable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | | 169,967 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 39,965 | |
Receivable due from Adviser | | | 5,110 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 64,019,571 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Due to custodian | | | 9,340 | |
Options written, at value (premiums received $122,017) | | | 32,787 | |
Swaptions written, at value (premiums received $13,635) | | | 12,183 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 237,414 | |
Legal fee payable | | | 30,004 | |
Audit and tax fee payable | | | 25,798 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 12,810 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 8,984 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 3,940 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 65 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 19,573 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 392,898 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 63,626,673 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 6,805 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 64,422,962 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 307,951 | |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment transactions and foreign currency transactions | | | (2,012,617 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 901,572 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 63,626,673 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
A | | $ | 10,312 | | | | 1,100 | | | $ | 9.37 | |
B | | $ | 63,616,361 | | | | 6,804,394 | | | $ | 9.35 | |
See notes to financial statements.
6
| | |
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | | $ | 267,433 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 50,666 | |
Interest | | | 10,331 | |
| | | | |
| | | 328,430 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 168,764 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 70,306 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1,309 | |
Custodian | | | 34,880 | |
Audit and tax | | | 25,838 | |
Legal | | | 18,347 | |
Administrative | | | 17,360 | |
Amortization of offering expenses | | | 14,871 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 10,665 | |
Printing | | | 6,645 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 14,728 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 383,713 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B) | | | (124,137 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 259,576 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 68,854 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | (435,614 | ) |
Futures | | | (222,271 | ) |
Options written | | | 210,985 | |
Swaps | | | 351 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (509,700 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | 513,803 | |
Futures | | | 155,106 | |
Options written | | | 60,531 | |
Swaptions written | | | 1,452 | |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 129,180 | |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (96,177 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (27,323 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
| | |
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | April 28, 2015(a) to December 31, 2015 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | |
Net investment income | | $ | 68,854 | | | $ | 59,321 | |
Net realized loss on investment transactions and foreign currency transactions | | | (956,249 | ) | | | (890,383 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 860,072 | | | | 41,500 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net decrease in net assets from operations | | | (27,323 | ) | | | (789,562 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | |
Net increase | | | 12,528,683 | | | | 51,914,875 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase | | | 12,501,360 | | | | 51,125,313 | |
NET ASSETS | |
Beginning of period | | | 51,125,313 | | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $307,951 and $239,097, respectively) | | $ | 63,626,673 | | | $ | 51,125,313 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Commencement of operations. |
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AB Global Risk Allocation—Moderate Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). AB Global Risk Allocation—Moderate Portfolio commenced operations on April 28, 2015. The Portfolio’s investment objective is to generate income and price appreciation without assuming what the Adviser considers undue risk. The Portfolio is non-diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers sixteen separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. As of June 30, 2016 AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) was the sole shareholder of Class A 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 (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the 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 (the “Board”).
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, the Adviser will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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
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GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio 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 Portfolio may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The fair value of debt instruments, such as bonds, and over-the-counter derivatives is generally based on market price quotations, recently executed market transactions (where observable) or industry recognized modeling techniques and are generally classified as Level 2. Pricing vendor inputs to Level 2 valuations may include quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, interest rate curves, coupon rates, currency rates, yield curves, option adjusted spreads, default rates, credit spreads and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows which are then discounted to calculate fair values. If these inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value, these investments will be classified as Level 3. In addition, non-agency rated investments are classified as Level 3.
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
Options are valued using market-based inputs to models, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency, where such inputs and models are available. Alternatively the values may be obtained through unobservable management determined inputs and/or management’s proprietary models. Where models are used, the selection of a particular model to value an option depends upon the contractual terms of, and specific risks inherent in, the option as well as the availability of pricing information in the market. Valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, measures of volatility and correlations of such inputs. Exchange traded options generally will be classified as Level 2. For options that do not trade on exchange but trade in liquid markets, inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment. Options are classified within Level 2 on the fair value hierarchy when all of the significant inputs can be corroborated to market evidence. Otherwise such instruments are classified as Level 3.
Other fixed income investments, including non-U.S. government and corporate debt, are generally valued using quoted market prices, if available, which are typically impacted by current interest rates, maturity dates and any perceived credit risk
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
of the issuer. Additionally, in the absence of quoted market prices, these inputs are used by pricing vendors to derive a valuation based upon industry or proprietary models which incorporate issuer specific data with relevant yield/spread comparisons with more widely quoted bonds with similar key characteristics. Those investments for which there are observable inputs are classified as Level 2. Where the inputs are not observable, the investments are classified as Level 3.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Investments in Securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment Companies | | $ | 24,338,808 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 24,338,808 | |
Inflation-Linked Securities | | | –0 | – | | | 2,794,153 | | | | –0 | – | | | 2,794,153 | |
Options Purchased—Puts | | | –0 | – | | | 68,379 | | | | –0 | – | | | 68,379 | |
Short-Term Investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment Companies | | | 27,994,027 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 27,994,027 | |
U.S. Treasury Bills | | | –0 | – | | | 6,921,731 | | | | –0 | – | | | 6,921,731 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 52,332,835 | | | | 9,784,263 | | | | –0 | – | | | 62,117,098 | |
Other Financial Instruments(a): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Futures | | | 243,316 | | | | 107,354 | | | | –0 | – | | | 350,670 | (b) |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | | –0 | – | | | 321,287 | | | | –0 | – | | | 321,287 | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Futures | | | (56,353 | ) | | | (49,655 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (106,008 | )(b) |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | | –0 | – | | | (237,414 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (237,414 | ) |
Call Options Written | | | –0 | – | | | (4,662 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (4,662 | ) |
Interest Rate Swaptions Written | | | –0 | – | | | (12,183 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (12,183 | ) |
Put Options Written | | | –0 | – | | | (28,125 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (28,125 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total(c) | | $ | 52,519,798 | | | $ | 9,880,865 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 62,400,663 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. Other financial instruments may also include options written and swaptions written which are valued at market value. |
(b) | | Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of exchange-traded derivatives as reported in the portfolio of investments. |
(c) | | There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period. |
The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and a third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due
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GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed 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 foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
4. 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.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current tax year and the prior tax year) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
5. 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 the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. 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 proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
8. Offering Expenses
Offering expenses of $46,000 were deferred and amortized on a straight line basis over a one year period starting from April 28, 2015 (commencement of operations).
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .60% 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 (the “Expense Caps”) to ..75% and 1.00% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B, respectively. Any fees waived and expenses borne by the Adviser through April 28, 2016 may be reimbursed by the Portfolio until December 31, 2019, provided that no reimbursement payment will be made that would cause the Portfolio’s total annual fund operating expenses to exceed the net fee percentage set forth above. The Expense Caps may not be terminated by the Adviser before May 1, 2017. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, such reimbursement amounted to $119,220.
Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $17,360.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $569 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
The AB Fixed-Income Shares, Inc.—Government STIF Portfolio (the “Government STIF Portfolio”), prior to June 1, 2016, was offered as a cash management option to mutual funds and other institutional accounts of the Adviser, and was not available for direct purchase by members of the public. Prior to June 1, 2016, the Government STIF Portfolio paid no investment management fees but did bear its own expenses. As of June 1, 2016, the Government STIF Portfolio, which was renamed “AB Government Money Market Portfolio” (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”), will have a contractual investment management fee rate of .20% and will continue to bear its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser will waive its investment management fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to Government Money Market Portfolio’s effective management fee. Such waiver amounted to $4,917. A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of the Government Money Market Portfolio for the six months ended June 30, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value December 31, 2015 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Market Value June 30, 2016 (000) | | | Dividend Income (000) | |
$ | 25,515 | | | $ | 23,233 | | | $ | 20,754 | | | $ | 27,994 | | | $ | 51 | |
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $31,338, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
NOTE C: Distribution 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 ..25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board 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 or 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.
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GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE D: Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2016 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 21,658,090 | | | $ | 17,019,206 | |
U.S. government securities | | | 2,753,143 | | | | –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, foreign currency, written options and swap transactions) are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 1,162,255 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (682,557 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 479,698 | |
| | | | |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The principal types of derivatives utilized by the Portfolio, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:
The Portfolio may buy or sell futures for investment purposes or for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse effects of potential movements in the market. The Portfolio bears the market risk that arises from changes in the value of these instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures and movements in the price of the assets, reference rates or indices which they are designed to track. Among other things, the Portfolio may purchase or sell futures for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
At the time the Portfolio enters into futures, the Portfolio deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the 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. The credit/counterparty risk for exchange-traded futures is generally less than privately negotiated futures, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each exchange-traded future, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the 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.
Use of long futures subjects the Portfolio to risk of loss in excess of the amounts shown on the statement of assets and liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures. Use of short futures subjects the Portfolio to unlimited risk of loss. Under some circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of futures can vary from the previous day’s settlement price, which could effectively prevent liquidation of unfavorable positions.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
| • | | Forward Currency Exchange Contracts |
The Portfolio may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contract and the closing of such contract would be included in net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions. Fluctuations in the value of open forward currency exchange contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation by the Portfolio. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
For hedging and investment 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. Among other things, the Portfolio may use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions” and may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, for hedging and investment purposes.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the 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 selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
The Portfolio may also invest in options on swap agreements, also called “swaptions”. A swaption is an option that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a swap on a future date in exchange for paying a market-based “premium”. A receiver swaption gives the owner the right to receive the total return of a specified asset, reference rate, or index. A payer swaption gives the owner the right to pay the total return on a specified asset, reference rate, or index. Swaptions also include options that allow an existing swap to be terminated or extended by one of the counterparties.
At June 30, 2016, the maximum payments for written put options amounted to $104,768,950. In certain circumstances maximum payout amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced assets and upfront premium received upon entering into the contract.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held purchased options for hedging and non-hedging purposes. During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held written options for hedging and non-heding purposes. During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held written Swaptions for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
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GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had the following transactions in written options and swaptions:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Number of Contracts | | | Premiums Received | |
Options written outstanding as of 12/31/15 | | | 224 | | | $ | 41,766 | |
Options written | | | 4,179 | | | | 453,411 | |
Options assigned | | | (136 | ) | | | (38,002 | ) |
Options expired | | | (2,303 | ) | | | (280,232 | ) |
Options bought back | | | (225 | ) | | | (54,926 | ) |
Options exercised | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Options written outstanding as of 06/30/16 | | | 1,739 | | | $ | 122,017 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | Notional Amount | | | Premiums Received | |
Swaptions written outstanding as of 12/31/15 | | | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Swaptions written | | | 6,200,000 | | | | 13,635 | |
Swaptions expired | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Swaptions bought back | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Swaptions exercised | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Swaptions written outstanding as of 06/30/16 | | | 6,200,000 | | | $ | 13,635 | |
| | | | | | | | |
The Portfolio typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar master agreements (collectively, “Master Agreements”) with its derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Portfolio typically may offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instrument’s payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default or termination.
Various Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions with counterparties, including transactions such as derivative transactions, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These Master Agreements typically attempt to reduce the counterparty risk associated with such transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Cross-termination provisions under Master Agreements typically provide that a default in connection with one transaction between the Portfolio and a counterparty gives the non-defaulting party the right to terminate any other transactions in place with the defaulting party to create one single net payment due to/due from the defaulting party. In the event of a default by a Master Agreements counterparty, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Portfolio’s net liability, held by the defaulting party, may be delayed or denied.
The Portfolio’s Master Agreements may contain provisions for early termination of OTC derivative transactions in the event the net assets of the Portfolio decline below specific levels (“net asset contingent features”). If these levels are triggered, the Portfolio’s counterparty has the right to terminate such transaction and require the Portfolio to pay or receive a settlement amount in connection with the terminated transaction. For additional details, please refer to netting arrangements by counterparty tables below.
At June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Asset Derivatives | | | Liability Derivatives | |
Derivative Type | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | |
Interest rate contracts | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | $ | 243,316 | * | | | | | | |
Equity contracts | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | | 107,354 | * | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | $ | 106,008 | * |
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Asset Derivatives | | | Liability Derivatives | |
Derivative Type | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | |
Foreign exchange contracts | | Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | $ | 321,287 | | | Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | $ | 237,414 | |
Equity contracts | | Investments in securities, at value | | | 68,379 | | | | | | | |
Interest rate contracts | | | | | | | | Swaptions written, at value | | | 12,183 | |
Equity contracts | | | | | | | | Options written, at value | | | 32,787 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | $ | 740,336 | | | | | $ | 388,392 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | | Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of exchange-traded derivatives as reported in the portfolio of investments. |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative Type | | Location of Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Within Statement of Operations | | Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation or (Depreciation) | |
Interest rate contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures | | $ | 544,944 | | | $ | 286,037 | |
Equity contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures | | | (767,215 | ) | | | (130,931 | ) |
Foreign exchange contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (544,125 | ) | | | 128,678 | |
Interest rate contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (294 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Equity contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (212,375 | ) | | | 25,591 | |
Interest rate contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on swaptions written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaptions written | | | | | | | 1,452 | |
Equity contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on options written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of options written | | | 210,985 | | | | 60,531 | |
Interest rate contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps | | | 351 | | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | $ | (767,729 | ) | | $ | 371,358 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
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GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2016:
| | | | |
Futures: | | | | |
Average original value of buy contracts | | $ | 28,128,671 | |
Average original value of sale contracts | | $ | 371,723 | (a) |
| |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts: | | | | |
Average principal amount of buy contracts | | $ | 3,962,834 | |
Average principal amount of sale contracts | | $ | 13,606,289 | |
| |
Purchased Options: | | | | |
Average monthly cost | | $ | 160,396 | |
(a) | | Positions were open for two months during the period. |
For financial reporting purposes, the Portfolio does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.
All derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Derivative Assets Subject to a MA | | | Derivative Available for Offset | | | Cash Collateral Received | | | Security Collateral Received | | | Net Amount of Derivatives Assets | |
Exchange-Traded Derivatives: | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc./Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC* | | $ | 238,265 | | | $ | (32,787 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 205,478 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 238,265 | | | $ | (32,787 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 205,478 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTC Derivatives: | |
Credit Suisse International | | $ | 59,845 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 59,845 | |
Deutsche Bank AG | | | 34,837 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 34,837 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | 174,238 | | | | (2,536 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 171,702 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | 52,367 | | | | (52,367 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 321,287 | | | $ | (54,903 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 266,384 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Counterparty | | Derivative Liabilities Subject to a MA | | | Derivative Available for Offset | | | Cash Collateral Pledged | | | Security Collateral Pledged | | | Net Amount of Derivatives Liabilities | |
Exchange-Traded Derivatives: | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc./Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC* | | $ | 32,787 | | | $ | (32,787 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 32,787 | | | $ | (32,787 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTC Derivatives: | |
Citibank | | $ | 16,259 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 16,259 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA | | | 12,183 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 12,183 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co. | | | 68,216 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 68,216 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | 2,536 | | | | (2,536 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | 150,403 | | | | (52,367 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 98,036 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 249,597 | | | $ | (54,903 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 194,694 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | | Cash and securities have been posted for initial margin requirements for exchange-traded derivatives outstanding at June 30, 2016. |
^ | | Net amount represents the net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty. |
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
2. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated 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 other 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).
3. TBA and Dollar Rolls
The Portfolio may invest in TBA mortgage-backed securities. A TBA, or “To Be Announced”, trade represents a contract for the purchase or sale of mortgage-backed securities to be delivered at a future agree-upon date; however, the specific mortgage pool numbers or the number of pools that will be delivered to fulfill the trade obligation or terms of the contract are unknown at the time of the trade. Mortgage pools (including fixed-rate or variable-rate mortgages) guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association, or GNMA, the Federal National Mortgage Association, or FNMA, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or FHLMC, are subsequently allocated to the TBA transactions.
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. During the six months ended June 30, 2016, 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | | April 28, 2015(a) to December 31, 2015 | | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | April 28, 2015(a) to December 31, 2015 | |
Class A | |
Shares sold | | | –0 | – | | | 999,000 | | | | | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 9,989,999 | |
Shares redeemed | | | –0 | – | | | (997,900 | ) | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | (9,260,512 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | –0 | – | | | 1,100 | | | | | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 729,487 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | |
Shares sold | | | 1,733,028 | | | | 5,664,403 | | | | | | | $ | 15,969,163 | | | $ | 53,289,350 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (372,073 | ) | | | (220,964 | ) | | | | | | | (3,440,480 | ) | | | (2,103,962 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 1,360,955 | | | | 5,443,439 | | | | | | | $ | 12,528,683 | | | $ | 51,185,388 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Commencement of operations. |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Allocation Risk—The allocation of investments among asset classes may have a significant effect on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV, when asset classes in which the Portfolio has invested more heavily perform worse than the asset classes invested in less heavily.
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 rating. Credit risk is greater for
19
| | |
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB 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.
Investments in fixed-income securities with ratings below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”) tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally and less secondary market liquidity.
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce its returns.
Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.
Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its portfolio, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures contracts or by borrowing money. The use of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as forwards, futures, options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.
Liquidity Risk—Liquidity risk occurs when certain investments become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling less liquid securities may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Portfolio. Causes of liquidity risk may include low trading volumes and large positions. Foreign fixed-income securities may have more liquidity risk because secondary trading markets for these securities may be smaller and less well-developed and the securities may trade less frequently. Liquidity risk may be higher in a rising interest rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally decline.
High Yield Debt Securities—Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally and less secondary market liquidity.
Non-Diversification Risk—The Portfolio may have more risk because it is “non-diversified”, meaning that it can invest more of its assets in a smaller number of issuers and that adverse changes in the value of one security could have a more significant effect on the Portfolio NAV.
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. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2016.
20
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE H: Tax Information
As of December 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 193,254 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (946,504 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | (22,521 | )(b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (775,771 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | | As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $771,662. As of that date, the cumulative deferred loss on straddles was $174,842. |
(b) | | The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the realization for tax purposes of gains/losses on certain derivative instruments. |
For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $246,484 and a net long-term capital loss carryforward of $525,178 which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.
NOTE I: New Accounting Pronouncement
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2015-07 (the “ASU”) which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The ASU also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient but do not utilize that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
NOTE J: Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.
21
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|
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | April 28, 2015(a) to December 31, 2015 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $9.40 | | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b)(c) | | | .02 | | | | .05 | |
Net realized and unrealized loss on investment transactions and foreign currency transactions | | | (.05 | ) | | | (.65 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net decrease in net asset value from operations | | | (.03 | ) | | | (.60 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $9.37 | | | | $9.40 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | | (.21 | )% | | | (6.00 | )% |
| | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $10 | | | | $10 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (e)^ | | | .67 | % | | | .69 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (e)^ | | | 1.12 | % | | | 3.21 | % |
Net investment income (c)^ | | | .44 | % | | | .82 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 72 | % | | | 111 | % |
See footnote summary on page 23.
22
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | April 28, 2015(a) to December 31, 2015 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $9.39 | | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (b)(c) | | | .01 | | | | .01 | |
Net realized and unrealized loss on investment transactions and foreign currency transactions | | | (.05 | ) | | | (.62 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net decrease in net asset value from operations | | | (.04 | ) | | | (.61 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $9.35 | | | | $9.39 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | | (.21 | )% | | | (6.20 | )% |
| | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $63,617 | | | | $51,115 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (e)^ | | | .92 | % | | | .94 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (e)^ | | | 1.36 | % | | | 1.62 | % |
Net investment income (c)^ | | | .24 | % | | | .19 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 72 | % | | | 111 | % |
(a) | | Commencement of operations. |
(b) | | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(c) | | Net of fees waived and expenses 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 (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions 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) | | Expense ratios do not include expenses of acquired funds in which the Portfolio invests. For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and the period ended December 31, 2015, the estimated annualized blended expense ratios of acquired funds in which the Portfolio invests were .08% and .06%, respectively, for both Class A and Class B Shares. |
See notes to financial statements.
23
| | |
| | |
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AB 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 AB Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of Global Risk Allocation—Moderate Portfolio (“Risk Allocation Portfolio” or 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 initial approval of the of the Investment Advisory Agreement.
The Portfolio seeks long term growth of capital with consideration of reducing volatility. The Portfolio will invest dynamically in a number of global equity and fixed-income asset classes, including equity securities of all types, corporate fixed-income securities, fixed income securities of U.S. and foreign governments and their agencies and instrumentalities, and inflation-indexed instruments (including Treasury Inflation Protected Securities). The Portfolio will invest in fixed-income securities with a range of maturities from short- to long-term. The Portfolio’s investments in each asset class may generally be global in nature, and may generally include investments in developed markets only. In making decisions on the allocation of asset classes, the Portfolio may use a risk-weighted allocation methodology based on the expected “tail risk” of each asset class. This strategy attempts to provide investors with favorable long-term total return while minimizing exposure to volatility and material downside or “tail” events. To execute this strategy, an expected tail loss for each asset class is calculated based on historical market behavior and on a forward-looking basis through options prices. Portfolio assets are then allocated among asset classes so that growth assets, such as global equities, contribute the majority of the expected tail risk of the Portfolio, and safety assets, such as government securities of developed countries, contribute a lesser amount of tail risk. The Adviser will make frequent adjustments to the Portfolio’s asset class exposures based on these tail risk determinations. The specified tail risk allocations will generally result in an asset allocation for the Portfolio of approximately 60% equities and 40% fixed income securities.
To help limit tail risk, the Portfolio may utilize a risk management system strategy involving the purchase of put options and sale of call options on equity indexes, equity index futures or ETFs. The Adviser may also assess tail risk on a security, sector and country basis, and make adjustments to the Portfolio’s allocations within each asset class where possible. The Adviser expects to utilize a variety of derivatives in managing the Portfolio to gain exposure to various equity and fixed-income asset classes to limit tail risk. These derivatives are expected to create gross exposure for the Portfolio that will at times be substantially in excess of the Portfolio’s net assets.
The Adviser proposed the MSCI World Index (Net) as the Portfolio’s benchmark. The Adviser also proposed a secondary benchmark for the Portfolio, 60% MSCI World Index (Net) / 40% Barclays Capital G7 Global Treasury Index. The Adviser anticipates that Lipper and Morningstar will place the Portfolio in their respective Flexible and Tactical Allocation categories.
The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Management fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Management 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; |
1 | | The information in the fee evaluation was completed on January 22, 2015 and discussed with the Board of Directors on February 3-4, 2015. |
2 | | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AB.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
24
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| 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. |
These factors, with the exception of the first factor, are generally referred to as the “Gartenberg factors,” which were articulated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1982. Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc., 694 F. 2d 923 (2d Cir. 1982). The first factor is an additional factor required to be considered by the Assurance of Discontinuance between the NYAG and the Adviser. On March 30, 2010, the Supreme Court held the Gartenberg decision was correct in its basic formulation of what Section 36(b) requires: to face liability under Section 36(b), “an investment adviser must charge a fee that is so disproportionately large that it bears no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and could not have been the product of arm’s length bargaining.” Jones v. Harris Associates L.P., 130 S. Ct. 1418 (2010). In the Jones decision, the Court stated the Gartenberg approach fully incorporates the correct understanding of fiduciary duty within the context of Section 36(b) and noted with approval that “Gartenberg insists that all relevant circumstances be taken into account” and “uses the range of fees that might result from arm’s-length bargaining as the benchmark for reviewing challenged fees.”3
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, NET ASSETS & EXPENSE RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement.
| | |
Portfolio | | Advisory Fee |
Risk Allocation Portfolio | | 0.60% of average daily net assets |
In addition to paying the advisory fee, the Investment Advisory Agreement provides for the Adviser to be reimbursed for providing certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services.
The Portfolio‘s Expense Limitation Agreement calls for the Adviser to establish expense caps, set forth below, for a one year period after the date the date that shares of the Portfolio is first offered to the public. The Expense Limitation Agreement also provides a mechanism for reimbursing the Adviser for its expense cap subsidies. Under the Expense Limitation Agreement, the Adviser may be able to recoup all or a portion of the amounts waived or reimbursed until the end of three fiscal years after the fiscal period in which the amounts were waived or reimbursed to the extent that the reimbursements do not cause the expense ratios of the Portfolio’s share classes to exceed the expense caps. The Adviser will have the ability to recoup expenses during the three year fiscal period after an advisory fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement was made even if the Portfolio’s Expense Limitation Agreement terminates prior to the end of such three year fiscal period. The Adviser will have the ability to recoup expenses during the three year fiscal period after an advisory fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement was made even if the Portfolio’s Expense Limitation Agreement terminates prior to the end of such three year fiscal period.
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Cap Pursuant to Expense Limitation Undertaking | | Estimated Gross Expense Ratio4 | | | Fiscal Year End |
Risk Allocation Portfolio | | Class A 0.75% | | | 0.81 | % | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.00% | | | 1.06 | % | | |
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 to be 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 will be more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, the Adviser will be entitled to be reimbursed by the Portfolio for providing such services. Also, retail mutual funds managed
3 | | Jones v. Harris at 1427. |
4 | | The Portfolio’s estimated gross expense ratios are based on an initial estimate of the Portfolio’s net assets at $250 million. |
25
| | |
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors will be 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. 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, the Supreme Court has indicated consideration should be given to the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a similar investment style as the Portfolio.5 In addition to the institutional fee schedule, set forth below are what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio, the Portfolio’s advisory fee and the differences between those fees based on an initial estimate of the Portfolio’s net assets at $250 million.6
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Projected Net Assets ($MM) | | AB Institutional Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | | | Difference | |
Risk Allocation Portfolio7 | | $250 | | Tail Risk Parity | | | 0.440 | % | | | 0.600 | % | | | 0.160 | % |
| | | | 0.50% on first $100 million | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 0.40% on next $400 million | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 0.30% on the balance | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Minimum account size: $100 million | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Adviser manages AB Global Risk Allocation Fund Inc., (“Global Risk Allocation Fund, Inc.”), a retail mutual fund which has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the retail mutual fund’s advisory fee schedule and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the retail mutual fund’s fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio based on an initial estimate of the Portfolio’s net asset at $250 million.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AB Fund | | Fee | | ABMF Effective Fee (%) | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) | |
Risk Allocation Portfolio | | Global Risk Allocation Fund, Inc. | | 0.60% on first $200 million 0.50% on next $200 million 0.40% on the balance | | | 0.580 | | | | 0.600 | |
The Adviser has represented that it does not manage any sub-advisory relationship that has a substantially similar investment style as any of the Portfolio.
5 | | The Supreme Court stated that “courts may give such comparisons the weight that they merit in light of the similarities and differences between the services that the clients in question require, but the courts must be wary of inapt comparisons.” Among the significant differences the Supreme Court noted that may exist between services provided to mutual funds and institutional accounts are “higher marketing costs.” Jones v. Harris at 1428. |
6 | | 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. |
7 | | There are some differences in the investment strategy between the Portfolio and the institutional mandate, among the differences in the management of the tail risk for each asset class and that, unlike the institutional mandate, the Portfolio will generally not have exposure to commodities or exposure to currencies other than through its securities investments denominated in foreign currencies |
26
| | |
| | AB 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.8 Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s contractual management fee9 estimated at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”).10
Traditionally, Lipper chooses a Portfolio’s peers among the Portfolio’s Lipper investment classification/objective. However, in selecting Risk Allocation Portfolio’s peers, Lipper has departed from its traditional methodology. Instead, Lipper selected peer funds that have a managed volatility attribute that allows a fund to shift its portfolio assets from one asset class to another based on its manager’s perception of the markets. This managed volatility attribute was given greater weight by Lipper than a peer fund’s investment classification/objective during the peer fund selection process.
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 EG Median (%) | | | Lipper EG Rank | |
Risk Allocation Portfolio12 | | | 0.600 | | | | 0.660 | | | | 4/11 | |
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 universe of those peers that had a similar but not the same Lipper investment classification/objective. A “normal” EU will include funds that have the same investment classification/objective as the subject Portfolio.13
It should be noted that Lipper compared the Portfolio to a number of non-Class A share peers, which may have a 12b-1 or non 12b-1 service fee. Since the Portfolio’s Class A shares do not have a 12b-1 or non 12b-1 service fee, the Senior Officer compared the Portfolio’s total expenses to that of its peers excluding 12b-1/non 12b-1 service fees. In addition, the EU does not include funds with a 12b-1 or non 12b-1 service fee other than funds in the EG.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio (%)14 | | | Lipper EG Median (%) | | | Lipper EG Rank | | | Lipper EU Median (%) | | | Lipper EU Rank | |
Risk Allocation Portfolio15 | | | 0.750 | | | | 0.750 | | | | 6/11 | | | | 0.750 | | | | 9/17 | |
8 | | The Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since “these comparisons are problematic because these fees, like those challenged, may not be the product of the negotiations conducted at arm’s length.” Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
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 | | 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. In addition, there are limitations in Lipper’s expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
11 | | 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 for expense caps that would effectively reduce the actual management fee. |
12 | | The Portfolio’s EG includes the Portfolio, two other Flexible (“FX”) funds, three Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Moderate (“MTAM”) funds, two Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth (“MTAG”) funds, one Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Conservative (“MTAC”) fund and one Alternative Other Fund (“ALT”) fund. |
13 | | Except for asset (size) comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG peer when selecting an EU peer. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
14 | | Projected total expense ratio information, based on an initial net asset estimate of $250 million, pertains to the Portfolio’s Class A shares. |
15 | | The Portfolio’s EU includes the Portfolio, EG and all other FX, MTAM, MTAG, MTAC and ALT funds. |
27
| | |
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a contractual management fee basis than 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 has not yet commenced operations. Therefore, there is no historic profitability data with respect to the Adviser’s investment services to the Portfolio.
In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Portfolio, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Portfolio and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Portfolio. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Portfolio and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship. These affiliates provide transfer agent, 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 will adopt 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”), an affiliate of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of each Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, will market and sell shares of the Portfolio and will typically receive compensation from ABI, the Adviser and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries will receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, and payments related to providing contract-holder record-keeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder record keeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of each Portfolio attributable to the firm over the year. With respect to the Fund, ABI paid approximately $600,000 in 2013 and expects to pay approximately $600,000 in 2014 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Fund is AB Investor Services (“ABIS”), an affiliate of the Adviser.16 The Fund pays ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 for each calendar year, which is allocated evenly among its separate Portfolios.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through pricing to scale, breakpoints, fee reductions/waivers and enhancement to services.
In May 2012, an independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors information on the Adviser’s firm-wide average costs from 2005 through 2011 and the potential economies of scale. The independent consultant noted that from 2005 through 2007 the Adviser experienced significant growth in assets under management (“AUM”). During this period, operating expenses increased, in part to keep up with growth, and in part reflecting market returns. However, from 2008 through the first quarter of 2009, AUM rapidly and significantly decreased due to declines in market value and client withdrawals. When AUM rapidly decreased, some operating expenses categories, including base compensation and office space, adjusted more slowly during this period, resulting in an increase in average costs. Since 2009, AUM have experienced less significant changes. The independent consultant noted that changes in operating expenses reflect changes in business composition and business practices in response to changes in financial markets. Finally, the
16 | | It should be noted that the insurance companies, linked to the variable products, will provide additional shareholder services for the Portfolio, including record keeping, administration and customer service for contract holders. |
28
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
independent consultant concluded that the increase in average cost and the decline in net operating margin across the Adviser since late 2008 are inconsistent with the view that there are currently reductions in average costs due to economies of scale that can be shared with the AB Mutual Funds managed by the Adviser through lower fees.
In February 2008, the independent consultant provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics.17,18 The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors.19 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 also compared the advisory fees of the AB 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.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $474 billion as of December 31, 2014, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
Since the Portfolio has not yet commenced operations, the Portfolio has no performance history. The Adviser does manage Global Risk Allocation Fund, Inc. and its 1 year and since inception performance returns as of December 31, 2014 against its benchmarks are shown in the table below.
| | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ended December 31, 2014 Annualized Performance | |
| | 1 Year (%) | | | Since Inception (%) | |
Global Risk Allocation Fund, Inc.20 | | | 7.35 | | | | 3.94 | |
60% MSCI World Index (Net) / 40% | | | 3.23 | | | | 8.76 | |
Barclays Capital Global Aggregate Index MSCI World Index (Net) | | | 4.94 | | | | 15.70 | |
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index | | | 0.59 | | | | –1.10 | |
Inception Date: November 1, 2012 | | | | | | | | |
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. The Senior Officer recommended that the Directors consider discussing with the Adviser the addition of breakpoints to the proposed advisory fee schedule for the Portfolio. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: February 27, 2015
17 | | The Deli study, originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data and updated for the February 2008 Presentation, may be of diminished value due to the age of the data used in the presentation and the changes experienced in the industry since 2008. |
18 | | As mentioned previously, the Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since the fees may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length. See Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
19 | | The two dimensional analysis 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. |
20 | | Global Risk Allocation Fund, Inc.’s actual inception date is June 8, 1932. However, inception performance is shown only from November 1, 2012, which is the first full month since the retail mutual fund has been operating in with its current investment strategy. |
29
VPS-GRA-0152-0616
JUN 06.30.16
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS
SERIES FUND, INC.
+ | | GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited) | | AB 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 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2016 | | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2016 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 967.50 | | | $ | 5.09 | | | | 1.04 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,019.69 | | | $ | 5.22 | | | | 1.04 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 965.90 | | | $ | 6.31 | | | | 1.29 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,018.45 | | | $ | 6.47 | | | | 1.29 | % |
* | | 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 THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Essilor International SA | | $ | 2,374,527 | | | | 2.2 | % |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | 2,370,748 | | | | 2.1 | |
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV | | | 2,340,583 | | | | 2.1 | |
Tencent Holdings Ltd. | | | 2,340,207 | | | | 2.1 | |
Broadcom Ltd. | | | 2,315,460 | | | | 2.1 | |
AIA Group Ltd. | | | 2,305,488 | | | | 2.1 | |
Alphabet, Inc.—Class C | | | 2,240,328 | | | | 2.0 | |
Facebook, Inc.—Class A | | | 2,239,888 | | | | 2.0 | |
Roche Holding AG | | | 2,200,757 | | | | 2.0 | |
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC | | | 2,174,890 | | | | 2.0 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 22,902,876 | | | | 20.7 | % |
SECTOR BREAKDOWN†
June 30, 2016 (unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Information Technology | | $ | 27,640,715 | | | | 25.3 | % |
Financials | | | 20,222,340 | | | | 18.5 | |
Health Care | | | 18,715,982 | | | | 17.2 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 14,243,827 | | | | 13.0 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 13,072,626 | | | | 12.0 | |
Industrials | | | 8,471,702 | | | | 7.8 | |
Materials | | | 3,027,205 | | | | 2.8 | |
Utilities | | | 2,368,428 | | | | 2.2 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 1,294,553 | | | | 1.2 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 109,057,378 | | | | 100.0 | % |
† | | The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. The Portfolio also enters into derivatives transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purpose (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). |
Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.
2
| | |
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
COUNTRY BREAKDOWN* | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
COUNTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
United States | | $ | 53,329,577 | | | | 48.9 | % |
China | | | 9,314,814 | | | | 8.5 | |
Switzerland | | | 7,823,913 | | | | 7.2 | |
United Kingdom | | | 6,054,242 | | | | 5.6 | |
India | | | 3,897,792 | | | | 3.6 | |
France | | | 3,684,602 | | | | 3.4 | |
Denmark | | | 2,904,618 | | | | 2.7 | |
Belgium | | | 2,340,583 | | | | 2.1 | |
Japan | | | 2,334,975 | | | | 2.1 | |
Singapore | | | 2,315,460 | | | | 2.1 | |
Hong Kong | | | 2,305,488 | | | | 2.1 | |
Netherlands | | | 1,903,109 | | | | 1.7 | |
Philippines | | | 1,801,364 | | | | 1.7 | |
Other | | | 7,752,288 | | | | 7.1 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 1,294,553 | | | | 1.2 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 109,057,378 | | | | 100.0 | % |
* | | All data are as of June 30, 2016. The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represent 1.2% or less in the following countries: Austria, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Norway and South Korea. |
3
| | |
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | | | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–97.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–25.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–1.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 12,530 | | | $ | 1,536,679 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–1.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TE Connectivity Ltd. | | | | | | | 19,030 | | | | 1,086,804 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–8.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (Sponsored ADR)(a) | | | | | | | 25,640 | | | | 2,039,149 | |
Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(a) | | | | | | | 3,237 | | | | 2,240,328 | |
Facebook, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | | | | | 19,600 | | | | 2,239,888 | |
Tencent Holdings Ltd. | | | | | | | 101,900 | | | | 2,340,207 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 8,859,572 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
IT SERVICES–1.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Visa, Inc.–Class A | | | | | | | 26,460 | | | | 1,962,538 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–6.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ams AG(b) | | | | | | | 27,570 | | | | 765,410 | |
Broadcom Ltd. | | | | | | | 14,900 | | | | 2,315,460 | |
Infineon Technologies AG | | | | | | | 77,120 | | | | 1,116,420 | |
NVIDIA Corp. | | | | | | | 30,298 | | | | 1,424,309 | |
NXP Semiconductors NV(a) | | | | | | | 15,029 | | | | 1,177,372 | |
Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | | | | | | | 12,650 | | | | 800,492 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 7,599,463 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
SOFTWARE–4.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fortinet, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 49,233 | | | | 1,555,270 | |
Mobileye NV(a)(b) | | | | | | | 37,530 | | | | 1,731,634 | |
salesforce.com, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 20,772 | | | | 1,649,505 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 4,936,409 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–1.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Apple, Inc. | | | | | | | 11,525 | | | | 1,101,790 | |
Thin Film Electronics ASA(a) | | | | | | | 1,183,690 | | | | 557,460 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,659,250 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 27,640,715 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–18.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BANKS–1.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | | | | | | 32,160 | | | | 1,522,133 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–6.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 6,890 | | | | 969,905 | |
Azimut Holding SpA | | | | | | | 64,490 | | | | 1,052,210 | |
Charles Schwab Corp. (The) | | | | | | | 57,940 | | | | 1,466,461 | |
Flow Traders(c) | | | | | | | 21,245 | | | | 725,737 | |
Partners Group Holding AG | | | | | | | 4,430 | | | | 1,898,545 | |
UBS Group AG(a) | | | | | | | 36,980 | | | | 479,261 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
WisdomTree Investments, Inc.(b) | | | | | | | 98,356 | | | $ | 962,905 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 7,555,024 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER FINANCE–2.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gentera SAB de CV | | | | | | | 515,410 | | | | 923,267 | |
SKS Microfinance Ltd.(a) | | | | | | | 132,660 | | | | 1,456,584 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,379,851 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–2.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. | | | | | | | 6,070 | | | | 1,553,677 | |
London Stock Exchange Group PLC | | | | | | | 28,020 | | | | 952,076 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,505,753 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INSURANCE–3.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AIA Group Ltd. | | | | | | | 384,200 | | | | 2,305,488 | |
St James’s Place PLC | | | | | | | 96,470 | | | | 1,017,350 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 3,322,838 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–0.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ayala Land, Inc. | | | | | | | 1,145,100 | | | | 949,889 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–1.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd. | | | | | | | 106,730 | | | | 1,986,852 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 20,222,340 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–17.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–2.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cepheid(a) | | | | | | | 37,707 | | | | 1,159,490 | |
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 3,080 | | | | 1,075,629 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,235,119 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–6.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Abbott Laboratories | | | | | | | 43,170 | | | | 1,697,013 | |
Align Technology, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 20,950 | | | | 1,687,523 | |
Cerus Corp.(a)(b) | | | | | | | 194,585 | | | | 1,214,210 | |
Essilor International SA | | | | | | | 18,067 | | | | 2,374,527 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 6,973,273 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–3.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
HealthEquity, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 32,972 | | | | 1,001,854 | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | | | | | 16,790 | | | | 2,370,748 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 3,372,602 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–2.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Illumina, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 8,321 | | | | 1,168,102 | |
Quintiles Transnational Holdings, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 25,078 | | | | 1,638,095 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,806,197 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
4
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | | | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–3.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Perrigo Co. PLC | | | | | | | 7,430 | | | $ | 673,678 | |
Roche Holding AG | | | | | | | 8,340 | | | | 2,200,757 | |
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. | | | | | | | 39,999 | | | | 454,356 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 3,328,791 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 18,715,982 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–12.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–1.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Delphi Automotive PLC | | | | | | | 30,510 | | | | 1,909,926 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–1.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
New Oriental Education & Technology Group, Inc. (Sponsored ADR) | | | | | | | 40,720 | | | | 1,705,354 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–1.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Starbucks Corp. | | | | | | | 29,570 | | | | 1,689,038 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Panasonic Corp. | | | | | | | 71,100 | | | | 611,712 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INTERNET & CATALOG RETAIL–3.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amazon.com, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 1,873 | | | | 1,340,356 | |
Ctrip.com International Ltd. (ADR)(a)(b) | | | | | | | 39,630 | | | | 1,632,756 | |
Netflix, Inc.(a) | | | | | | | 12,610 | | | | 1,153,563 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 4,126,675 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–1.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Matahari Department Store Tbk PT | | | | | | | 831,500 | | | | 1,267,296 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–2.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NIKE, Inc.–Class B | | | | | | | 31,140 | | | | 1,718,928 | |
Pandora A/S | | | | | | | 8,920 | | | | 1,214,898 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,933,826 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 14,243,827 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–11.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–2.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV | | | | | | | 17,700 | | | | 2,340,583 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–1.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CVS Health Corp. | | | | | | | 13,280 | | | | 1,271,427 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–5.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Danone SA | | | | | | | 18,720 | | | | 1,310,075 | |
Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.–Class A | | | | | | | 13,690 | | | | 1,242,367 | |
Nestle SA (REG) | | | | | | | 27,860 | | | | 2,158,546 | |
Universal Robina Corp. | | | | | | | 191,981 | | | | 851,475 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 5,562,463 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–3.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC | | | | | | | 21,690 | | | $ | 2,174,890 | |
Unicharm Corp. | | | | | | | 76,700 | | | | 1,723,263 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 3,898,153 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 13,072,626 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–7.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hexcel Corp. | | | | | | | 38,869 | | | | 1,618,505 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kingspan Group PLC | | | | | | | 46,700 | | | | 1,010,594 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–0.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
China Everbright International Ltd. | | | | | | | 571,000 | | | | 638,462 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–1.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Vestas Wind Systems A/S | | | | | | | 24,860 | | | | 1,689,720 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Danaher Corp. | | | | | | | 19,350 | | | | 1,954,350 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
MACHINERY–1.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Xylem, Inc./NY | | | | | | | 34,940 | | | | 1,560,071 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 8,471,702 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
MATERIALS–2.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–2.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ecolab, Inc. | | | | | | | 16,590 | | | | 1,967,574 | |
LG Chem Ltd. | | | | | | | 4,640 | | | | 1,059,631 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 3,027,205 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
UTILITIES–2.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
WATER UTILITIES–2.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
American Water Works Co., Inc. | | | | | | | 16,679 | | | | 1,409,542 | |
Beijing Enterprises Water Group Ltd.(b) | | | | | | | 1,580,000 | | | | 958,886 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,368,428 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $95,687,033) | | | | | | | | | | | 107,762,825 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
WARRANTS–0.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–0.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–0.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Thin Film Electronics ASA, expiring 7/14/18(a)(d)(e) (cost $0) | | | | | | | 591,845 | | | | –0 | –^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
5
| | |
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | | | | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–1.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
State Street Time Deposit 0.01%, 7/01/16 (cost $1,294,553) | | U.S.$ | | | | | 1,295 | | | $ | 1,294,553 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned–98.8% (cost $96,981,586) | | | | | | | | | | | 109,057,378 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | | | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–6.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–6.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.25%(f)(g) (cost $7,213,726) | | | | | | | 7,213,726 | | | $ | 7,213,726 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–105.3% (cost $104,195,312) | | | | | | | | | | | 116,271,104 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(5.3)% | | | | | | | | | | | (5,880,524 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | | | | | $ | 110,390,580 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Contracts to Deliver (000) | | | In Exchange For (000) | | | Settlement Date | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Credit Suisse International | | | USD | | | | 591 | | | | JPY | | | | 63,210 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | $ | 22,567 | |
HSBC Bank USA | | | CNY | | | | 1,191 | | | | USD | | | | 180 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 1,920 | |
HSBC Bank USA | | | USD | | | | 701 | | | | GBP | | | | 485 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (54,940 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | EUR | | | | 816 | | | | USD | | | | 930 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 22,213 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | USD | | | | 1,134 | | | | GBP | | | | 784 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (89,964 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | USD | | | | 1,123 | | | | SEK | | | | 9,126 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (41,012 | ) |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | CHF | | | | 3,127 | | | | USD | | | | 3,257 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 40,446 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | USD | | | | 2,498 | | | | AUD | | | | 3,374 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 10,915 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | USD | | | | 2,078 | | | | CAD | | | | 2,651 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (26,135 | ) |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | USD | | | | 6,117 | | | | JPY | | | | 649,393 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 188,014 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | CNY | | | | 34,362 | | | | USD | | | | 5,205 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 67,081 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | HKD | | | | 7,979 | | | | USD | | | | 1,029 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (120 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | EUR | | | | 1,507 | | | | USD | | | | 1,721 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | 44,100 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 290 | | | | GBP | | | | 200 | | | | 9/20/16 | | | | (23,109 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | $ | 161,976 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | | Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information. |
(c) | | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security is considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2016, the market value of this security amounted to $725,737 or 0.7% of net assets. |
(e) | | Fair valued by the Adviser. |
(f) | | Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end. |
(g) | | To obtain a copy of the fund’s financial statements, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618. |
6
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Currency Abbreviations:
AUD—Australian Dollar
CAD—Canadian Dollar
CHF—Swiss Franc
CNY—Chinese Yuan Renminbi
EUR—Euro
GBP—Great British Pound
HKD—Hong Kong Dollar
JPY—Japanese Yen
SEK—Swedish Krona
USD—United States Dollar
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
REG—Registered Shares
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETS & LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | |
Investments in securities, at value Unaffiliated issuers (cost $96,981,586) | | $ | 109,057,378 | (a) |
Affiliated issuers (cost $7,213,726—investment of cash collateral for securities loaned) | | | 7,213,726 | |
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $83,373) | | | 82,948 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency transactions | | | 1,754,379 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 397,256 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 155,873 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 17,987 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 118,679,547 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | |
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned | | | 7,213,726 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 620,845 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 235,280 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 68,524 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 34,796 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 16,974 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 11,625 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 112 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 87,085 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 8,288,967 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 110,390,580 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 5,219 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 136,868,522 | |
Accumulated net investment loss | | | (25,350 | ) |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (38,691,339 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 12,233,528 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 110,390,580 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
A | | $ | 28,646,650 | | | | 1,320,500 | | | $ | 21.69 | |
B | | $ | 81,743,930 | | | | 3,898,440 | | | $ | 20.97 | |
(a) | | Includes securities on loan with a value of $7,216,303 (see Note E). |
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $71,331) | | $ | 872,200 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 9,313 | |
Interest | | | 56 | |
Securities lending income | | | 30,587 | |
| | | | |
| | | 912,156 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 419,259 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 103,847 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 845 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 2,444 | |
Custodian | | | 49,596 | |
Printing | | | 27,482 | |
Audit and tax | | | 24,842 | |
Administrative | | | 24,077 | |
Legal | | | 15,711 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 10,665 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 6,241 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 685,009 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note E) | | | (166 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 684,843 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 227,313 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 774,268 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | 859,843 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (6,191,035 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 23,572 | |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (4,533,352 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (4,306,039 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
9
| | |
| | |
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | $ | 227,313 | | | $ | (148,001 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 1,634,111 | | | | 4,664,510 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (6,167,463 | ) | | | (954,384 | ) |
Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B) | | | –0 | – | | | 33,342 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (4,306,039 | ) | | | 3,595,467 | |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (9,135,773 | ) | | | (7,377,270 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (13,441,812 | ) | | | (3,781,803 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 123,832,392 | | | | 127,614,195 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including accumulated net investment loss of ($25,350) and ($252,663), respectively) | | $ | 110,390,580 | | | $ | 123,832,392 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
10
| | |
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AB Global Thematic Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB 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 sixteen 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 (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the 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 (the “Board”).
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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 Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign
11
| | |
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Investments in Securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common Stocks: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Information Technology | | $ | 22,861,218 | | | $ | 4,779,497 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 27,640,715 | |
Financials | | | 7,877,609 | | | | 12,344,731 | | | | –0 | – | | | 20,222,340 | |
Health Care | | | 13,686,342 | | | | 5,029,640 | | | | –0 | – | | | 18,715,982 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 11,149,921 | | | | 3,093,906 | | | | –0 | – | | | 14,243,827 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 2,513,794 | | | | 10,558,832 | | | | –0 | – | | | 13,072,626 | |
Industrials | | | 6,143,520 | | | | 2,328,182 | | | | –0 | – | | | 8,471,702 | |
Materials | | | 1,967,574 | | | | 1,059,631 | | | | –0 | – | | | 3,027,205 | |
Utilities | | | 1,409,542 | | | | 958,886 | | | | –0 | – | | | 2,368,428 | |
Warrants | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | –(a) | | | –0 | –(a) |
Short-Term Investments | | | –0 | – | | | 1,294,553 | | | | –0 | – | | | 1,294,553 | |
Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund | | | 7,213,726 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 7,213,726 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 74,823,246 | | | | 41,447,858 | (c) | | | –0 | –(a) | | | 116,271,104 | |
12
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Other Financial Instruments(b): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 397,256 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 397,256 | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | | –0 | – | | | (235,280 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (235,280 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total(d) | | $ | 74,823,246 | | | $ | 41,609,834 | | | $ | –0 | –(a) | | $ | 116,433,080 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(b) | | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
(c) | | A significant portion of the Portfolio’s foreign equity investments are categorized as Level 2 investments since they are valued using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available, see Note A.1. |
(d) | | There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period. |
The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
The following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value.
| | | | | | | | |
| | Warrants | | | Total | |
Balance as of 12/31/15 | | $ | –0 | –(a) | | $ | –0 | –(a) |
Accrued discounts/(premiums) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain (loss) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | –0 | –(a) | | | –0 | –(a) |
Purchases | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Sales | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Transfers in to Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Transfers out of Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/16 | | $ | –0 | –(a) | | $ | –0 | –(a) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from investments held as of 6/30/16(b) | | $ | –0 | –(a) | | $ | –0 | –(a) |
| | | | | | | | |
(b) | | The unrealized appreciation/depreciation is included in net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and other financial instruments in the accompanying statement of operations. |
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and a third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
13
| | |
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, foreign currency exchange contracts, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the 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 foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
4. 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.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
5. 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 the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. 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 proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the 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 year ended December 31, 2015, the Adviser reimbursed the Portfolio $33,342 for trading losses incurred due to a trade entry error.
14
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $24,077.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $39,886, of which $0 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. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $569 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
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 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 or 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, 2016 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 25,835,805 | | | $ | 33,960,864 | |
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 | | $ | 18,448,328 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (6,372,536 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 12,075,792 | |
| | | | |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The principal type of derivatives utilized by the Portfolio, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:
| • | | Forward Currency Exchange Contracts |
The Portfolio may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
15
| | |
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contract and the closing of such contract would be included in net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions. Fluctuations in the value of open forward currency exchange contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation by the Portfolio. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes.
The Portfolio typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar master agreements (collectively, “Master Agreements”) with its derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Portfolio typically may offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instrument’s payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default or termination.
Various Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions with counterparties, including transactions such as derivative transactions, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These Master Agreements typically attempt to reduce the counterparty risk associated with such transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Cross-termination provisions under Master Agreements typically provide that a default in connection with one transaction between the Portfolio and a counterparty gives the non-defaulting party the right to terminate any other transactions in place with the defaulting party to create one single net payment due to/due from the defaulting party. In the event of a default by a Master Agreements counterparty, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Portfolio’s net liability, held by the defaulting party, may be delayed or denied.
The Portfolio’s Master Agreements may contain provisions for early termination of OTC derivative transactions in the event the net assets of the Portfolio decline below specific levels (“net asset contingent features”). If these levels are triggered, the Portfolio’s counterparty has the right to terminate such transaction and require the Portfolio to pay or receive a settlement amount in connection with the terminated transaction. For additional details, please refer to netting arrangements by counterparty tables below.
At June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Asset Derivatives | | | Liability Derivatives | |
Derivative Type | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | |
Foreign exchange contracts | | Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | $ | 397,256 | | | Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | $ | 235,280 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | $ | 397,256 | | | | | $ | 235,280 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative Type | | Location of Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Within Statement of Operations | | Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation or (Depreciation) | |
Foreign exchange contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | $ | 876,864 | | | $ | 16,045 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | $ | 876,864 | | | $ | 16,045 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
16
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2016:
| | | | |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts: | | | | |
Average principal amount of buy contracts | | $ | 17,415,193 | |
Average principal amount of sale contracts | | $ | 14,682,423 | |
For financial reporting purposes, the Portfolio does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.
All derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Derivative Assets Subject to a MA | | | Derivative Available for Offset | | | Cash Collateral Received | | | Security Collateral Received | | | Net Amount of Derivatives Assets | |
OTC Derivatives: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Credit Suisse International | | $ | 22,567 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 22,567 | |
HSBC Bank USA | | | 1,920 | | | | (1,920 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | 22,213 | | | | (22,213 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | 239,375 | | | | (26,135 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 213,240 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | 67,081 | | | | (120 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 66,961 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | 44,100 | | | | (23,109 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 20,991 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 397,256 | | | $ | (73,497 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 323,759 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Counterparty | | Derivative Liabilities Subject to a MA | | | Derivative Available for Offset | | | Cash Collateral Pledged | | | Security Collateral Pledged | | | Net Amount of Derivatives Liabilities | |
OTC Derivatives: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
HSBC Bank USA | | $ | 54,940 | | | $ | (1,920 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 53,020 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | 89,964 | | | | (22,213 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 67,751 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | 41,012 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 41,012 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | 26,135 | | | | (26,135 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | 120 | | | | (120 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | 23,109 | | | | (23,109 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 235,280 | | | $ | (73,497 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 161,783 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
^ | | Net amount represents the net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty. |
2. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated 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 other 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: Securities Lending
The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees
17
| | |
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not have the right to vote on any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. Prior to June 24, 2016, such cash collateral received was invested in AB Exchange Reserves. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had securities on loan with a value of $7,216,303 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into AB Government Money Market Portfolio of $7,213,726. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $30,587, $8,975 and $338 from the borrowers, AB Exchange Reserves and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2016; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of management fee assessed by the AB Government Money Market Portfolio. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, such waiver amounted to $166. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower will fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Exchange Reserves for the period January 1, 2016 to June 23, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value December 31, 2015 (000) | �� | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Transfer to AB Government Money Market Portfolio (000) | | | Market Value June 23, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 6,022 | | | $ | 29,877 | | | $ | 27,975 | | | $ | 7,924 | | | $ | 0 | |
A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Government Money Market Portfolio for the period June 24, 2016 to June 30, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value June 24, 2016 (000) | | | Transfer from AB Exchange Reserves (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Market Value June 30, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 0 | | | $ | 7,924 | | | $ | 1,018 | | | $ | 1,728 | | | $ | 7,214 | |
NOTE F: 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
Class A | |
Shares sold | | | 73,479 | | | | 219,493 | | | | | | | $ | 1,551,863 | | | $ | 5,007,537 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (158,860 | ) | | | (230,239 | ) | | | | | | | (3,369,013 | ) | | | (5,294,797 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (85,381 | ) | | | (10,746 | ) | | | | | | $ | (1,817,150 | ) | | $ | (287,260 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | |
Shares sold | | | 383,321 | | | | 659,569 | | | | | | | $ | 7,958,985 | | | $ | 14,703,428 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (736,791 | ) | | | (980,504 | ) | | | | | | | (15,277,608 | ) | | | (21,793,438 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (353,470 | ) | | | (320,935 | ) | | | | | | $ | (7,318,623 | ) | | $ | (7,090,010 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
18
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Emerging Market Risk—Investments in emerging market countries may have more risk because the markets are less developed and less liquid as well as being subject to increased economic, political, regulatory, or other uncertainties.
Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce its returns.
Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.
Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.
Focused Portfolio Risk—Investments in a limited number of companies may have more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV.
Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as forwards, futures, options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.
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. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2016.
NOTE I: Components of Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)
As of December 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | $ | (40,339,371 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 18,162,249 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (22,177,122 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | | On December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $40,232,799. During the fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized $5,183,475 of capital loss carryforwards to offset current year net realized gains. At December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had a qualified late-year ordinary loss deferral of $106,572 which is deemed to arise on January 1, 2016. |
(b) | | The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the realization for tax purposes of gains/losses on certain derivative instruments. |
For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an indefinite period. These post-
19
| | |
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
December 22, 2010 capital losses must be utilized prior to the earlier capital losses, which are subject to expiration. Post-December 22, 2010 capital loss carryforwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered short-term as under previous regulation.
As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $40,232,799 which will expire as follows:
| | | | |
SHORT-TERM AMOUNT | | LONG-TERM AMOUNT | | EXPIRATION |
$ 21,432,239 | | n/a | | 2016 |
18,800,560 | | n/a | | 2017 |
NOTE J: New Accounting Pronouncement
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2015-07 (the “ASU”) which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The ASU also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient but do not utilize that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
NOTE K: Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.
20
| | |
|
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $22.43 | | | | $21.80 | | | | $20.75 | | | | $16.88 | | | | $14.87 | | | | $19.47 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | | .06 | (b) | | | .02 | | | | .06 | | | | .04 | | | | .13 | | | | .02 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (.80 | ) | | | .60 | | | | .99 | | | | 3.88 | | | | 1.88 | | | | (4.52 | ) |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | –0 | – | | | .01 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | (.74 | ) | | | .63 | | | | 1.05 | | | | 3.92 | | | | 2.01 | | | | (4.50 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | (.05 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (.10 | ) |
Tax return of capital | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | (.00 | )(c) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | (.05 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (.10 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $21.69 | | | | $22.43 | | | | $21.80 | | | | $20.75 | | | | $16.88 | | | | $14.87 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | | (3.25 | )% | | | 2.89 | %* | | | 5.06 | %* | | | 23.26 | %* | | | 13.52 | %* | | | (23.23 | )%* |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $28,647 | | | | $31,534 | | | | $30,886 | | | | $32,195 | | | | $40,231 | | | | $42,094 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.04 | %^ | | | 1.01 | % | | | 1.01 | % | | | .98 | % | | | .99 | % | | | .94 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.04 | %^ | | | 1.01 | % | | | 1.01 | % | | | .98 | % | | | .99 | % | | | .94 | % |
Net investment income | | | .60 | %^(b) | | | .07 | % | | | .26 | % | | | .22 | % | | | .83 | % | | | .10 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 23 | % | | | 47 | % | | | 48 | % | | | 96 | % | | | 152 | % | | | 163 | % |
See footnote summary on page 22.
21
| | |
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $21.71 | | | | $21.15 | | | | $20.18 | | | | $16.42 | | | | $14.50 | | | | $18.99 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | | | .03 | (b) | | | (.04 | ) | | | .00 | (c) | | | (.01 | ) | | | .09 | | | | (.03 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (.77 | ) | | | .59 | | | | .97 | | | | 3.77 | | | | 1.83 | | | | (4.40 | ) |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | –0 | – | | | .01 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | (.74 | ) | | | .56 | | | | .97 | | | | 3.76 | | | | 1.92 | | | | (4.43 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | (.00 | )(c) | | | –0 | – | | | (.06 | ) |
Tax return of capital | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | (.00 | )(c) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | (.00 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (.06 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $20.97 | | | | $21.71 | | | | $21.15 | | | | $20.18 | | | | $16.42 | | | | $14.50 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | | (3.41 | )% | | | 2.65 | %* | | | 4.81 | %* | | | 22.93 | %* | | | 13.24 | %* | | | (23.41 | )%* |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $81,744 | | | | $92,298 | | | | $96,728 | | | | $101,388 | | | | $91,864 | | | | $99,084 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.29 | %^ | | | 1.26 | % | | | 1.26 | % | | | 1.23 | % | | | 1.24 | % | | | 1.19 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.29 | %^ | | | 1.26 | % | | | 1.26 | % | | | 1.23 | % | | | 1.24 | % | | | 1.19 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | | .34 | %^(b) | | | (.17 | )% | | | .01 | % | | | (.06 | )% | | | .58 | % | | | (.14 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 23 | % | | | 47 | % | | | 48 | % | | | 96 | % | | | 152 | % | | | 163 | % |
(a) | | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | | Net of fees waived and expenses reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(c) | | Amount is less than $.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 (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions 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. |
* | | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 by 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.07% and 0.04%, respectively. |
See notes to financial statements.
22
| | |
| | |
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Global Thematic Growth Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 3-5, 2016 (the “Meeting”).
Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Company’s Senior Officer (who is also the Company’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Company’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they receive presentations from the Adviser on the investment results of the Fund and review extensive materials and information presented by the Adviser.
The directors also considered all other factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. In their deliberations, the directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided
The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.
Costs of Services Provided and Profitability
The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues, expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2014 and 2015 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.
23
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GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.
At the Meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 29, 2016. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by Broadridge concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same Broadridge category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors considered the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate against a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.
The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for institutional clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Company’s Senior Officer and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors noted that the Adviser advises another AB Fund with a substantially similar investment style for the same fee schedule as the Fund except that the Fund’s fee rate is a monthly fee based on average daily net assets whereas the AB 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 Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s Broadridge category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of
24
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
25
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GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AB 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 AB Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AB Global Thematic 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. |
These factors, with the exception of the first factor, are generally referred to as the “Gartenberg factors,” which were articulated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1982. Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc., 694 F. 2d 923 (2d Cir. 1982). On March 30, 2010, the Supreme Court held the Gartenberg decision was correct in its basic formulation of what Section 36(b) requires: to face liability under Section 36(b), “an investment adviser must charge a fee that is so disproportionately large that it bears no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and could not have been the product of arm’s length bargaining.” Jones v. Harris Associates L.P., 130 S. Ct. 1418 (2010). In Jones, the Court stated the Gartenberg approach fully incorporates the correct understanding of fiduciary duty within the context of Section 36(b) and noted with approval that “Gartenberg insists that all relevant circumstances be taken into account” and “uses the range of fees that might result from arm’s length bargaining as the benchmark for reviewing challenged fees.”3
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, NET ASSETS & EXPENSE RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 03/31/16 ($MIL) | |
Global Thematic Growth Portfolio | | Specialty | | 0.75% on 1st $2.5 billion 0.65% on next $2.5 billion 0.60% on the balance | | $ | 117.3 | |
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 $50,998 (0.039% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
1 | | The information in the fee summary was completed on April 21, 2016 and discussed with the Board of Directors on May 3-5, 2016. |
2 | | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AB.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | | Jones v. Harris at 1427. |
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s total expense ratios for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | Fiscal Year | |
Global Thematic Growth Portfolio | | Class A 1.01% | | | December 31 | |
| | Class B 1.26% | | | | |
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, the Adviser is reimbursed for providing some of these services. 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. 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, the Supreme Court has indicated consideration should be given to the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AB Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AB Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee based on March 31, 2016 net assets:5
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 3/31/16 ($MIL) | | | AB Institutional Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Global Thematic Growth Portfolio | | $ | 117.3 | | | Global Thematic Research Schedule | | | 0.570 | % | | | 0.750 | % |
| | | | | | 0.80% on 1st $25m | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 0.60% on next $25m | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 0.50% on next $50m | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 0.40% on the balance | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Minimum account size $25m | | | | | | | | |
4 | | The Supreme Court stated that “courts may give such comparisons the weight that they merit in light of the similarities and differences between the services that the clients in question require, but the courts must be wary of inapt comparisons.” Among the significant differences the Supreme Court noted that may exist between services provided to mutual funds and institutional accounts are “higher marketing costs.” Jones v. Harris at 1428. |
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. |
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GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages AB Global Thematic Growth Fund, Inc. (“Global Thematic 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 Global Thematic Growth Fund, Inc. and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the retail mutual fund been applicable to the Portfolio:6
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AB Mutual Fund | | Fee Schedule | | ABMF Effective Fee | |
Global Thematic Growth Portfolio | | Global Thematic Growth Fund, Inc.7 | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion 0.65% on next $2.5 billion 0.60% on the balance | | | 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 Thematic Research Growth Portfolio, a Luxembourg fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio.
| | | | |
Portfolio | | Fee8 | |
Thematic Research Growth Portfolio | | | | |
Class A | | | 1.70 | % |
Class I (Institutional) | | | 0.90 | % |
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.
Broadridge, an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolios with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services by other investment advisers.9,10 Broadridge’s analysis included each Portfolio’s contractual management fee, estimated at the approximate current asset level of the subject Portfolio, to the median of the Portfolio’s Broadridge Expense Group (“EG”) and the Portfolio’s contractual management fee ranking.11,12
Broadridge describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Broadridge’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, operating structure, and expense attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
The original EG for the Portfolio had an insufficient number of peers. Consequently, Broadridge expanded the EGs of the Portfolio to include peers that had a similar but not the same Lipper investment classification/objective.
6 | | The retail 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 retail mutual fund. |
7 | | The advisory fees of AB Global Thematic Growth Fund, Inc. are based on the mutual fund’s net assets at the end of each quarter 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. |
8 | | Class A shares of the fund are charged an “all-in” fee, which includes investment advisory services and distribution related services, unlike Class I shares, whose fee is for only investment advisory services. |
9 | | On June 5, 2015, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) acquired the Fiduciary Services and Competitive Intelligence unit, i.e., the group responsible for providing the Portfolio’s 15(c) report, from Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. The group that maintains Lipper’s expense and performance databases and investment classifications/objectives remains a part of Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. Accordingly, the Portfolio’s investment classification/objective continues to be determined by Lipper. |
10 | | The Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since “these comparisons are problematic because these fees, like those challenged, may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length.” Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
11 | | The contractual management fee is calculated by Broadridge 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. Broadridge’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 Broadridge peer group. |
12 | | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursement made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. |
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee (%)13 | | | Broadridge EG Median (%) | | | Broadridge EG Rank | |
Global Thematic Growth Portfolio14 | | | 0.750 | | | | 0.750 | | | | 3/8 | |
However, because Broadridge had expanded those Portfolio’s EGs to include peers that had a similar but not the same Lipper investment classification/objective, under Broadridge’s standard guidelines, each of the Portfolio’s Broadridge 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. A “normal” EU will include funds that have the same investment classification/objective and load type as the subject Portfolio.15 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 in the table below.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)16 | | | Broadridge EG Median (%) | | | Broadridge EG Rank | | | Broadridge EU Median (%) | | | Broadridge EU Rank | |
Global Thematic Growth Portfolio17 | | | 1.005 | | | | 0.881 | | | | 6/8 | | | | 0.876 | | | | 10/12 | |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a contractual 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.
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 2015, relative to 2014.
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”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the adviser, 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, 2015, ABI received $247,899 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
13 | | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. |
14 | | The Portfolio’s EG includes the Portfolio, four other variable insurance product (“VIP”) Global Multi-Cap Growth (“GMLG”) funds and four VIP Global Multi-Cap Core (“GMLC”) funds. |
15 | | Except for asset (size) comparability, Broadridge 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. |
16 | | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
17 | | Portfolio’s EU includes the Portfolio, EG and all other VIP GMLG and VIP GMLC funds, excluding outliers. |
29
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GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the Adviser incurred distribution expenses in the amount of $505,616 in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. This expense amount incurred by ABI is partially offset by the 12b-1 fees paid by the Portfolio.
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. With respect to the Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund not discussed in this summary, ABI paid approximately $400,000 in 2015 and expects to pay approximately $450,000 in 2016 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $1,262 from the Portfolio.18
The Portfolio did not effect any 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 pay commissions during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. 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 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 pricing to scale, breakpoints, fee reductions/waivers and enhancement to services.
In May 2012, an independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors information on the Adviser’s firm-wide average costs from 2005 through 2011 and the potential economies of scale. The independent consultant noted that from 2005 through 2007 the Adviser experienced significant growth in assets under management (“AUM”). During this period, operating expenses increased, in part to keep up with growth, and in part reflecting market returns. However, from 2008 through the first quarter of 2009, AUM rapidly and significantly decreased due to declines in market value and client withdrawals. When AUM rapidly decreased, some operating expenses categories, including base compensation and office space, adjusted more slowly during this period, resulting in an increase in average costs. Since 2009, AUM has experienced less significant changes. The independent consultant noted that changes in operating expenses reflect changes in business composition and business practices in response to changes in financial markets. Finally, the independent consultant concluded that the increase in average cost and the decline in net operating margin across the Adviser since late 2008 are inconsistent with the view that there are currently reductions in average costs due to economies of scale that can be shared with the AB Mutual Funds managed by the Adviser through lower fees.
In February 2008, the independent consultant provided the Board of Directors an update of Deli’s study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics.19,20 The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors.21 The independent consultant then discussed the
18 | | The Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund pays ABIS a fee of $18,000 for each calendar year. |
19 | | The Deli study, originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data and updated for the February 2008 Presentation, may be of diminished value due to the age of the data used in the presentation and the changes experienced in the industry over the last four years. Source: Deli, Daniel N. “Mutual Fund Advisory Contracts: An Empirical Investigation.” Journal of Finance, 57(1): 109-133 (2002). |
20 | | As mentioned previously, the Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since the fees may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length. See Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
21 | | The two dimensional analysis 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. |
30
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 also compared the advisory fees of the AB 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.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $479 billion as of March 31, 2016, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information in the table below shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year net performance returns, rankings and quintiles22 of the Portfolios relative to their Broadridge Performance Group (“PG”) and Broadridge Performance Universe (“PU”)23 for the periods ended February 29, 2016.24
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio (%) | | | PG Median (%) | | | PU Median (%) | | | PG Rank | | | PU Rank | |
Global Thematic Growth Portfolio25 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1 year | | | –12.47 | | | | –12.47 | | | | –10.50 | | | | 3/5 | | | | 5/7 | |
3 year | | | 5.51 | | | | 4.75 | | | | 4.75 | | | | 1/5 | | | | 2/7 | |
5 year | | | 0.22 | | | | 2.06 | | | | 2.27 | | | | 5/5 | | | | 7/7 | |
10 year | | | 2.46 | | | | 3.56 | | | | 3.56 | | | | 4/5 | | | | 5/7 | |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)26 versus its benchmarks. Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.27
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Period Ending February 29, 2016 Annualized Performance | |
| | 1 Year (%) | | | 3 Year (%) | | | 5 Year (%) | | | 10 Year (%) | | | Since Inception (%) | | | Annualized | | | Risk Period (Year) | |
| | | | | | | Volatility (%) | | | Sharpe (%) | | |
Global Thematic Growth Portfolio | | | –12.47 | | | | 5.51 | | | | 0.22 | | | | 2.46 | | | | 4.42 | | | | 17.45 | | | | 0.10 | | | | 5 | |
MSCI AC World Index (Net) | | | –12.32 | | | | 3.67 | | | | 3.71 | | | | 3.55 | | | | N/A | | | | 13.23 | | | | 0.33 | | | | 5 | |
MSCI World Index (Net)28 | | | –11.00 | | | | 5.32 | | | | 4.92 | | | | 3.82 | | | | 5.58 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | |
Inception Date: January 11, 1996 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
22 | | The performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio are for the Portfolio’s Class A shares. The performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio were provided by Broadridge. |
23 | | The Portfolio’s PG/PU are not identical to the Portfolio’s EG/EU as the criteria for including/excluding a fund in a PG/PU is different from that of an EG/EU. |
24 | | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of each fund even if the fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
25 | | The Portfolio’s Lipper classification changed in 2009 from VA Science/Technology Funds to VA Global Growth as a result of changes to the Portfolio’s strategy. Consequently, for the 10 year period, the Portfolio’s performance is being compared to funds that did not have the same Lipper investment category/objective during the entirety of that period. |
26 | | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
27 | | 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 fund’s return in excess of the riskless return by the fund’s standard deviation. A fund with a greater volatility would be viewed as more risky than a fund with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky fund. A fund with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a fund with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
28 | | Benchmark since inception date is the nearest month end after the Portfolio’s inception date. |
31
| | |
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
CONCLUSION:
The Senior Officer observed that the Portfolio had a relatively high total expense ratio compared to the Portfolio’s Broadridge peers, and recommended that the Directors discuss with the Adviser possible actions to reduce the Portfolio’s total expense ratio. 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 2, 2016
32
VPS-GTG-0152-0616
JUN 06.30.16
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS
SERIES FUND, INC.
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited) | | AB 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 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 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2016 | | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2016 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 980.00 | | | $ | 5.56 | | | | 1.13 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,019.24 | | | $ | 5.67 | | | | 1.13 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 978.80 | | | $ | 6.79 | | | | 1.38 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,018.00 | | | $ | 6.92 | | | | 1.38 | % |
* | | 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Alphabet, Inc.—Class A & Class C | | $ | 4,050,958 | | | | 6.1 | % |
Facebook, Inc.—Class A | | | 3,607,477 | | | | 5.5 | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | 2,565,321 | | | | 3.9 | |
Visa, Inc.—Class A | | | 2,511,396 | | | | 3.8 | |
Home Depot, Inc. (The) | | | 2,431,090 | | | | 3.7 | |
Starbucks Corp. | | | 2,284,800 | | | | 3.5 | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 2,276,714 | | | | 3.4 | |
CVS Health Corp. | | | 2,238,402 | | | | 3.4 | |
Biogen, Inc. | | | 2,174,929 | | | | 3.3 | |
NIKE, Inc.—Class B | | | 1,867,526 | | | | 2.8 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 26,008,613 | | | | 39.4 | % |
SECTOR BREAKDOWN†
June 30, 2016 (unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Information Technology | | $ | 22,110,350 | | | | 33.0 | % |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 17,842,152 | | | | 26.6 | |
Health Care | | | 11,977,960 | | | | 17.9 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 6,145,457 | | | | 9.2 | |
Industrials | | | 4,190,166 | | | | 6.2 | |
Financials | | | 347,274 | | | | 0.5 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 4,429,664 | | | | 6.6 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 67,043,023 | | | | 100.0 | % |
† | | The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. |
Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.
2
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–95.0% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–33.5% | | | | | | | | |
Communications Equipment–1.5% | | | | | | | | |
Arista Networks, Inc.(a) | | | 8,520 | | | $ | 548,517 | |
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.(a) | | | 3,370 | | | | 413,297 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 961,814 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–12.4% | | | | | |
Alphabet, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | 1,159 | | | | 815,391 | |
Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(a) | | | 4,675 | | | | 3,235,567 | |
CoStar Group, Inc.(a) | | | 2,510 | | | | 548,837 | |
Facebook, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | 31,567 | | | | 3,607,477 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 8,207,272 | |
| | | | | | | | |
IT SERVICES–6.0% | | | | | | | | |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.–Class A(a) | | | 12,340 | | | | 706,342 | |
Vantiv, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | 12,850 | | | | 727,310 | |
Visa, Inc.–Class A | | | 33,860 | | | | 2,511,396 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,945,048 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–4.7% | | | | | | | | |
NVIDIA Corp. | | | 33,360 | | | | 1,568,254 | |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | | 5,370 | | | | 336,430 | |
Xilinx, Inc. | | | 25,230 | | | | 1,163,860 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,068,544 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SOFTWARE–5.5% | | | | | | | | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a) | | | 12,180 | | | | 1,166,722 | |
HubSpot, Inc.(a) | | | 9,340 | | | | 405,543 | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | 15,736 | | | | 805,211 | |
ServiceNow, Inc.(a) | | | 7,727 | | | | 513,073 | |
Ultimate Software Group, Inc. (The)(a) | | | 3,616 | | | | 760,409 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,650,958 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–3.4% | | | | | | | | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 23,815 | | | | 2,276,714 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 22,110,350 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–27.1% | | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–0.5% | | | | | | | | |
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.(a) | | | 5,070 | | | | 336,192 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–4.2% | | | | | | | | |
Planet Fitness, Inc.(a) (b) | | | 26,660 | | | | 503,341 | |
Starbucks Corp. | | | 40,000 | | | | 2,284,800 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,788,141 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INTERNET & CATALOG RETAIL–2.0% | | | | | | | | |
Priceline Group, Inc. (The)(a) | | | 1,067 | | | | 1,332,053 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
MEDIA–6.7% | | | | | | | | |
AMC Networks, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | 21,777 | | | | 1,315,766 | |
Comcast Corp.–Class A | | | 27,185 | | | | 1,772,190 | |
Walt Disney Co. (The) | | | 13,458 | | | | 1,316,462 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,404,418 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–2.4% | | | | | | | | |
Dollar Tree, Inc.(a) | | | 16,490 | | | $ | 1,554,018 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–8.4% | | | | | | | | |
Five Below, Inc.(a) | | | 21,469 | | | | 996,376 | |
Home Depot, Inc. (The) | | | 19,039 | | | | 2,431,090 | |
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(a) | | | 1,756 | | | | 476,052 | |
Tractor Supply Co. | | | 10,090 | | | | 920,006 | |
Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.(a) | | | 3,022 | | | | 736,280 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 5,559,804 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–2.9% | | | | | | | | |
NIKE, Inc.–Class B | | | 33,832 | | | | 1,867,526 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 17,842,152 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–18.2% | | | | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–7.6% | | | | | | | | |
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | | | 13,250 | | | | 1,547,070 | |
Biogen, Inc.(a) | | | 8,994 | | | | 2,174,929 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | 15,590 | | | | 1,300,518 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 5,022,517 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–5.7% | | | | | | | | |
Align Technology, Inc.(a) | | | 9,523 | | | | 767,078 | |
DexCom, Inc.(a) | | | 7,560 | | | | 599,735 | |
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a) | | | 6,070 | | | | 605,361 | |
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a) | | | 2,720 | | | | 1,799,035 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,771,209 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–4.9% | | | | | | | | |
Premier, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | 18,927 | | | | 618,913 | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | 18,168 | | | | 2,565,321 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,184,234 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 11,977,960 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–9.3% | | | | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–2.6% | | | | | | | | |
Monster Beverage Corp.(a) | | | 10,816 | | | | 1,738,239 | |
| | | | | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–5.9% | | | | | | | | |
Costco Wholesale Corp. | | | 10,555 | | | | 1,657,557 | |
CVS Health Corp. | | | 23,380 | | | | 2,238,402 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,895,959 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PERSONAL PRODUCTS–0.8% | | | | | | | | |
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The)–Class A | | | 5,617 | | | | 511,259 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 6,145,457 | |
| | | | | | | | |
3
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–6.4% | | | | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.9% | | | | | | | | |
Hexcel Corp. | | | 8,240 | | | $ | 343,114 | |
Rockwell Collins, Inc. | | | 10,460 | | | | 890,564 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,233,678 | |
| | | | | | | | |
AIRLINES–0.8% | | | | | | | | |
Spirit Airlines, Inc.(a) | | | 11,940 | | | | 535,748 | |
| | | | | | | | |
BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.5% | | | | | | | | |
Allegion PLC | | | 4,960 | | | | 344,373 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–1.3% | | | | | | | | |
Acuity Brands, Inc. | | | 3,390 | | | | 840,584 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.4% | | | | | | | | |
Danaher Corp. | | | 9,126 | | | | 921,726 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–0.5% | | | | | | | | |
Robert Half International, Inc. | | | 8,230 | | | | 314,057 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,190,166 | |
| | | | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–0.5% | | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–0.5% | | | | | | | | |
Virtu Financial, Inc.–Class A | | | 19,293 | | | | 347,274 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $46,538,905) | | | | | | | 62,613,359 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–6.7% | | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–6.7% | | | | | | | | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. 0.01%, 7/01/16 (cost $4,429,664) | | $ | 4,430 | | | | 4,429,664 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SECURITY LENDING COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–101.7% (cost $50,968,569) | | | | | | | 67,043,023 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–0.3% | | | | | | | | |
Investment Companies–0.3% | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.-Government Money Market Portfolio- Class AB, 0.25%(c)(d) (cost $213,991) | | | 213,991 | | | $ | 213,991 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–102.0% (cost $51,182,560) | | | | | | | 67,257,014 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(2.0)% | | | | | | | (1,303,016 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | $ | 65,953,998 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | | Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information. |
(c) | | Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end. |
(d) | | To obtain a copy of the fund’s financial statements, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618. |
See notes to financial statements.
4
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF ASSETS & LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $50,968,569) | | $ | 67,043,023 | (a) |
Affiliated issuers (cost $213,991—investment of cash collateral for securities loaned) | | | 213,991 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 360,570 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 40,461 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 7,160 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 67,665,205 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 1,371,913 | |
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned | | | 213,991 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 40,860 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 11,625 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 8,250 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 265 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 112 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 64,191 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 1,711,207 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 65,953,998 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 2,229 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 42,321,503 | |
Accumulated net investment loss | | | (163,092 | ) |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 7,718,904 | |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments | | | 16,074,454 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 65,953,998 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
A | | $ | 26,073,681 | | | | 856,829 | | | $ | 30.43 | |
B | | $ | 39,880,317 | | | | 1,371,962 | | | $ | 29.07 | |
(a) | | Includes securities on loan with a value of $204,565 (see Note E). |
See notes to financial statements.
5
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | | $ | 254,652 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 1,246 | |
Interest | | | 125 | |
Securities lending income | | | 2,031 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 258,054 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 246,968 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 50,328 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 974 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1,528 | |
Custodian | | | 36,557 | |
Administrative | | | 24,077 | |
Audit and tax | | | 19,364 | |
Legal | | | 14,690 | |
Printing | | | 13,712 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 10,665 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 2,294 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 421,157 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note E) | | | (11 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 421,146 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Net investment loss | | | (163,092 | ) |
| | | | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 25,643 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (2,313 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (1,382,111 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 2,716 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (1,356,065 | ) |
| | | | |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (1,519,157 | ) |
| | | | |
| | See notes to financial statements. |
6
| | |
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (163,092 | ) | | $ | (285,850 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 23,330 | | | | 8,045,915 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (1,379,395 | ) | | | (1,472,302 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (1,519,157 | ) | | | 6,287,763 | |
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (4,892,406 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (8,198,796 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (2,969,560 | ) | | | 2,774,676 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (4,488,717 | ) | | | (4,028,763 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 70,442,715 | | | | 74,471,478 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including accumulated net investment loss of ($163,092) and ($0), respectively) | | $ | 65,953,998 | | | $ | 70,442,715 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AB Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB 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 sixteen 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 (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the 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 (the “Board”).
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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 Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign
8
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Investments in Securities: | |
Assets: | |
Common Stocks(a) | | $ | 62,613,359 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 62,613,359 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | –0 | – | | | 4,429,664 | | | | –0 | – | | | 4,429,664 | |
Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund | | | 213,991 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 213,991 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 62,827,350 | | | | 4,429,664 | | | | –0 | – | | | 67,257,014 | |
Other Financial Instruments(b) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total(c) | | $ | 62,827,350 | | | $ | 4,429,664 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 67,257,014 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications. |
(b) | | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
(c) | | There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period. |
The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the
9
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and a third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed 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 foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
4. 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.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
5. 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 the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. 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 proportionately to each portfolio or
10
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the 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 investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $24,077.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $569 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $14,850, of which $150 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
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 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 or 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, 2016 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 15,075,470 | | | $ | 19,404,732 | |
U.S. government securities | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
11
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AB 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 | | $ | 17,249,145 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (1,174,691 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 16,074,454 | |
| | | | |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
2. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated 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 other 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: Securities Lending
The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not have the right to vote on any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. Prior to June 24, 2016, such cash collateral received was invested in AB Exchange Reserves. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had securities on loan with a value of $204,565 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into AB Government Money Market Portfolio of $213,991. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $2,031, $1,225 and $21 from the borrowers, AB Exchange Reserves and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2016; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of management fee assessed by the AB Government Money Market Portfolio. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, such waiver amounted to $11. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower will fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. A
12
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Exchange Reserves for the period January 1, 2016 to June 23, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value December 31, 2015 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Transfer to AB Government Money Market Portfolio (000) | | | Market Value June 23, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 1,065 | | | $ | 3,828 | | | $ | 4,433 | | | $ | 460 | | | $ | 0 | |
A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Government Money Market Portfolio for the period June 24, 2016 to June 30, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value June 24, 2016 (000) | | Transfer from AB Exchange Reserves (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Market Value June 30, 2016 (000) | |
$0 | | $ | 460 | | | $ | 60 | | | $ | 306 | | | $ | 214 | |
NOTE F: 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 41,122 | | | | 82,273 | | | | | | | $ | 1,246,919 | | | $ | 2,900,736 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | –0 | – | | | 158,074 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 4,892,406 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (55,707 | ) | | | (185,439 | ) | | | | | | | (1,667,781 | ) | | | (6,409,176 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (14,585 | ) | | | 54,908 | | | | | | | $ | (420,862 | ) | | $ | 1,383,966 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 33,021 | | | | 63,838 | | | | | | | $ | 958,116 | | | $ | 2,088,138 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | –0 | – | | | 276,706 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 8,198,796 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (121,802 | ) | | | (270,982 | ) | | | | | | | (3,506,814 | ) | | | (8,896,224 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (88,781 | ) | | | 69,562 | | | | | | | $ | (2,548,698 | ) | | $ | 1,390,710 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.
Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.
Focused Portfolio Risk—Investments in a limited number of companies may have more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s NAV.
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. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
13
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2016.
NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2016 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 542,864 | | | $ | –0 | – |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 12,548,338 | | | | 1,402,051 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions paid | | $ | 13,091,202 | | | $ | 1,402,051 | |
| | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed capital gains | | $ | 7,775,008 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (32,750 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 17,407,166 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 25,149,424 | |
| | | | |
(a) | | At December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had a post-October short-term capital loss deferral of $32,750, which is deemed to arise on January 1, 2016. |
(b) | | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.
NOTE J: New Accounting Pronouncement
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2015-07 (the “ASU”) which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The ASU also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient but do not utilize that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
NOTE K: Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.
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| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $31.05 | | | | $34.47 | | | | $31.03 | | | | $23.22 | | | | $20.40 | | | | $20.15 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | | | (.05 | )(b) | | | (.08 | ) | | | (.09 | ) | | | (.03 | ) | | | .06 | | | | .03 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (.57 | ) | | | 3.18 | | | | 4.15 | | | | 7.92 | | | | 2.77 | | | | .22 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | (.62 | ) | | | 3.10 | | | | 4.06 | | | | 7.89 | | | | 2.83 | | | | .25 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | (.08 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | –0 | – | | | (6.52 | ) | | | (.62 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | (6.52 | ) | | | (.62 | ) | | | (.08 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $30.43 | | | | $31.05 | | | | $34.47 | | | | $31.03 | | | | $23.22 | | | | $20.40 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(c)* | | | (2.00 | )% | | | 9.06 | % | | | 13.28 | % | | | 34.01 | % | | | 13.89 | % | | | 1.24 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $26,074 | | | | $27,060 | | | | $28,141 | | | | $28,650 | | | | $25,220 | | | | $30,833 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.13 | %^ | | | 1.09 | % | | | 1.08 | % | | | 1.06 | % | | | 1.06 | % | | | 1.00 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.13 | %^ | | | 1.09 | % | | | 1.08 | % | | | 1.06 | % | | | 1.06 | % | | | 1.00 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | | (.34 | )%(b)^ | | | (.24 | )% | | | (.28 | )% | | | (.10 | )% | | | .27 | % | | | .17 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 23 | % | | | 51 | % | | | 66 | % | | | 63 | % | | | 83 | % | | | 97 | % |
See footnote summary on page 16.
15
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $29.70 | | | | $33.30 | | | | $30.08 | | | | $22.50 | | | | $19.81 | | | | $19.62 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | | | (.08 | )(b) | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.09 | ) | | | .01 | | | | (.02 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (.55 | ) | | | 3.08 | | | | 4.00 | | | | 7.68 | | | | 2.68 | | | | .21 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | (.63 | ) | | | 2.92 | | | | 3.84 | | | | 7.59 | | | | 2.69 | | | | .19 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | (.01 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | –0 | – | | | (6.52 | ) | | | (.62 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | (6.52 | ) | | | (.62 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $29.07 | | | | $29.70 | | | | $33.30 | | | | $30.08 | | | | $22.50 | | | | $19.81 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(c)* | | | (2.12 | )% | | | 8.82 | % | | | 12.96 | % | | | 33.72 | % | | | 13.58 | % | | | .97 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $39,880 | | | | $43,383 | | | | $46,330 | | | | $51,993 | | | | $46,948 | | | | $51,114 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.38 | %^ | | | 1.34 | % | | | 1.33 | % | | | 1.31 | % | | | 1.31 | % | | | 1.25 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.38 | %^ | | | 1.34 | % | | | 1.33 | % | | | 1.31 | % | | | 1.31 | % | | | 1.25 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | | (.59 | )%(b)^ | | | (.49 | )% | | | (.52 | )% | | | (.35 | )% | | | .03 | % | | | (.08 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 23 | % | | | 51 | % | | | 66 | % | | | 63 | % | | | 83 | % | | | 97 | % |
(a) | | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | | Net of expenses waived and 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 (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions 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. |
* | | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 by 0.01%, 0.06%, 0.03%, 0.06%, 0.28% and 0.07%, respectively. |
See notes to financial statements.
16
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| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Growth Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 3-5, 2016 (the “Meeting”).
Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Company’s Senior Officer (who is also the Company’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Company’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they receive presentations from the Adviser on the investment results of the Fund and review extensive materials and information presented by the Adviser.
The directors also considered all other factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. In their deliberations, the directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided
The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.
Costs of Services Provided and Profitability
The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues, expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2014 and 2015 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous
17
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.
At the Meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 29, 2016 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) the period since inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by Broadridge concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same Broadridge category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors considered the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate against a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.
The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for institutional clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Company’s Senior Officer and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors noted that the Adviser advises another AB Fund with a substantially similar investment style for the same fee schedule as the Fund.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s Broadridge category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.
18
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
19
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| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AB 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 AB Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AB 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. |
These factors, with the exception of the first factor, are generally referred to as the “Gartenberg factors,” which were articulated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1982. Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc., 694 F. 2d 923 (2d Cir. 1982). On March 30, 2010, the Supreme Court held the Gartenberg decision was correct in its basic formulation of what Section 36(b) requires: to face liability under Section 36(b), “an investment adviser must charge a fee that is so disproportionately large that it bears no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and could not have been the product of arm’s length bargaining.” Jones v. Harris Associates L.P., 130 S. Ct. 1418 (2010). In Jones, the Court stated the Gartenberg approach fully incorporates the correct understanding of fiduciary duty within the context of Section 36(b) and noted with approval that “Gartenberg insists that all relevant circumstances be taken into account” and “uses the range of fees that might result from arm’s length bargaining as the benchmark for reviewing challenged fees.”3
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, NET ASSETS & EXPENSE RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 3/31/16 ($MIL) | |
Growth Portfolio | | Growth | | 0.75% on 1st $2.5 billion 0.65% on next $2.5 billion 0.60% on the balance | | $ | 68.1 | |
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 $50,998 (0.070% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
1 | | The information in the fee summary was completed on April 21, 2016 and discussed with the Board of Directors on May 3-5, 2016. |
2 | | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AB.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | | Jones v. Harris at 1427. |
20
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 | | | 1.09% | | | December 31 |
| | Class B | | | 1.34% | | | |
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, the Adviser is reimbursed for providing some of these services. 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. 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, the Supreme Court has indicated consideration should be given to the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AB Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AB Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio based on March 31, 2016 net assets:5
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 3/31/16 ($MIL) | | | AB Institutional Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Growth Portfolio | | $ | 68.1 | | | U.S. Growth Schedule
0.80% on 1st $25m
0.50% on next $25m
0.40% on next $50m
0.30% on next $100m
0.25% on the balance
Minimum account size $25m | | | 0.564 | % | | | 0.750 | % |
4 | | The Supreme Court stated that “courts may give such comparisons the weight that they merit in light of the similarities and differences between the services that the clients in question require, but the courts must be wary of inapt comparisons.” Among the significant differences the Supreme Court noted that may exist between services provided to mutual funds and institutional accounts are “higher marketing costs.” Jones v. Harris at 1428. |
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. |
21
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GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages The AB 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 Growth Fund and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the retail mutual fund been applicable to the Portfolio:6
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AB Mutual Fund | | Fee Schedule | | ABMF Effective Fee | |
Growth Portfolio | | Growth Fund | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion
0.65% on next $2.5 billion
0.60% on the balance | | | 0.750% | |
The AB 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 |
Growth Portfolio | | AB U.S. Growth Stock Fund A, B-Hedged/Unhedged | | 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.
Broadridge, an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolios with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services by other investment advisers.7,8 Broadridge’s analysis included each Portfolio’s contractual management fee, estimated at the approximate current asset level of the subject Portfolio, to the median of the Portfolio’s Broadridge Expense Group (“EG”) and the Portfolio’s contractual management fee ranking.9
Broadridge describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Broadridge’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, operating structure, and expense attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee (%)10 | | | Broadridge EG Median (%) | | | Broadridge EG Rank | |
Growth Portfolio | | | 0.750 | | | | 0.750 | | | | 5/10 | |
Broadridge also analyzed the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio in comparison to the Portfolio’s EG and Broadridge Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU 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.11
6 | | The retail 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 retail mutual fund. |
7 | | On June 5, 2015, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) acquired the Fiduciary Services and Competitive Intelligence unit, i.e., the group responsible for providing the Portfolio’s 15(c) report, from Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. The group that maintains Lipper’s expense and performance databases and investment classifications/objectives remains a part of Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. Accordingly, the Portfolio’s investment classification/objective continues to be determined by Lipper. |
8 | | The Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since “these comparisons are problematic because these fees, like those challenged, may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length.” Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
9 | | The contractual management fee is calculated by Broadridge 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. Broadridge’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 Broadridge 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, Broadridge 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. |
22
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)12 | | | Broadridge EG Median (%) | | | Broadridge EG Rank | | | Broadridge EU Median (%) | | | Broadridge EU Rank | |
Growth Portfolio | | | 1.095 | | | | 0.771 | | | | 10/10 | | | | 0.744 | | | | 31/31 | |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a contractual 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.
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 2015, relative to 2014.
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”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, 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, 2015, ABI received $113,273 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the Adviser incurred distribution expenses in the amount of $231,822 in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. This expense amount incurred by ABI is partially offset by the 12b-1 fees paid by the Portfolio.
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. With respect to the Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund not discussed in this summary, ABI paid approximately $400,000 in 2015 and expects to pay approximately $450,000 in 2016 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $1,262 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 during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business
12 | | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
13 | | The Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund paid ABIS a fee of $18,000 for each calendar year. |
23
| | |
GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 pricing to scale, breakpoints, fee reductions/waivers and enhancement to services.
In May 2012, an independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors information on the Adviser’s firm-wide average costs from 2005 through 2011 and the potential economies of scale. The independent consultant noted that from 2005 through 2007 the Adviser experienced significant growth in assets under management (“AUM”). During this period, operating expenses increased, in part to keep up with growth, and in part reflecting market returns. However, from 2008 through the first quarter of 2009, AUM rapidly and significantly decreased due to declines in market value and client withdrawals. When AUM rapidly decreased, some operating expenses categories, including base compensation and office space, adjusted more slowly during this period, resulting in an increase in average costs. Since 2009, AUM has experienced less significant changes. The independent consultant noted that changes in operating expenses reflect changes in business composition and business practices in response to changes in financial markets. Finally, the independent consultant concluded that the increase in average cost and the decline in net operating margin across the Adviser since late 2008 are inconsistent with the view that there are currently reductions in average costs due to economies of scale that can be shared with the AB Mutual Funds managed by the Adviser through lower fees.
In February 2008, the independent consultant provided the Board of Directors an update of Deli’s study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics.14,15 The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors.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 also compared the advisory fees of the AB 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.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $479 billion as of March 31, 2016, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information in the table below shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year net performance returns, rankings and quintiles17 of the Portfolios relative to their Broadridge Performance Group (“PG”) and Broadridge Performance Universe (“PU”)18 for the periods ended February 29, 2016.19
14 | | The Deli study, originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data and updated for the February 2008 Presentation, may be of diminished value due to the age of the data used in the presentation and the changes experienced in the industry over the last four years. Source: Deli, Daniel N. “Mutual Fund Advisory Contracts: An Empirical Investigation.” Journal of Finance, 57(1): 109-133 (2002). |
15 | | As mentioned previously, the Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since the fees may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length. See Jones V. Harris at 1429. |
16 | | The two dimensional analysis 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 returns and rankings of the Portfolio are for the Portfolio’s Class A shares. The performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio were provided by Broadridge. |
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/excluding a fund in/from a PU is different from that of an EU. |
19 | | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of each fund even if the fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
24
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio (%) | | | PG Median (%) | | | PU Median (%) | | | PG Rank | | | PU Rank | |
Growth Portfolio | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1 year | | | –3.43 | | | | –11.40 | | | | –10.60 | | | | 1/10 | | | | 1/38 | |
3 year | | | 13.73 | | | | 9.43 | | | | 11.11 | | | | 1/9 | | | | 3/37 | |
5 year | | | 10.82 | | | | 8.19 | | | | 9.40 | | | | 1/9 | | | | 8/32 | |
10 year | | | 5.71 | | | | 5.71 | | | | 6.50 | | | | 5/9 | | | | 20/29 | |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)20 versus its benchmarks. Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.21
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending February 29, 2016 | |
| | Annualized Performance | |
| | 1 | | | 3 | | | 5 | | | 10 | | | Since | | | Annualized | | | Risk Period (Year) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year (%) | | | Year (%) | | | Year (%) | | | Year (%) | | | Inception (%) | | | Volatility (%) | | | Sharpe (%) | | |
Growth Portfolio | | | –3.43 | | | | 13.73 | | | | 10.82 | | | | 5.71 | | | | 8.47 | | | | 16.09 | | | | 0.35 | | | | 10 | |
Russell 3000 Growth Index22 | | | –5.98 | | | | 12.11 | | | | 10.63 | | | | 7.57 | | | | 8.25 | | | | 15.66 | | | | 0.47 | | | | 10 | |
Russell 1000 Growth Index | | | –5.05 | | | | 12.54 | | | | 10.95 | | | | 7.74 | | | | 8.29 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | |
Inception Date: September 15, 1994 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONCLUSION:
The Senior Officer observed that the Portfolio had a relatively high total expense ratio compared to the Portfolio’s Broadridge peers, and recommended that the Directors discuss with the Adviser possible actions to reduce the Portfolio’s total expense ratio. 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 2, 2016
20 | | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
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 fund’s return in excess of the riskless return by the fund’s standard deviation. A fund with a greater volatility would be viewed as more risky than a fund with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky fund. A fund with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a fund with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
22 | | On April 1, 2013, the Portfolio’s benchmark changed from the Russell 1000 Growth Index to the Russell 3000 Growth Index to more closely reflect the Portfolio’s investments and performance. |
25
VPS-GTH-0152-0616
JUN 06.30.16
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.
+ | | GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO |
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited) | | AB 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 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 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2016 | | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2016 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,011.30 | | | $ | 3.00 | | | | 0.60 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,021.88 | | | $ | 3.02 | | | | 0.60 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,010.10 | | | $ | 4.25 | | | | 0.85 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | $ | 49,042,131 | | | | 5.0 | % |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | 41,776,665 | | | | 4.2 | |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | | 34,700,463 | | | | 3.5 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | 33,773,422 | | | | 3.4 | |
Chubb Ltd. | | | 32,197,794 | | | | 3.3 | |
Biogen, Inc. | | | 29,311,002 | | | | 3.0 | |
Aetna, Inc. | | | 28,992,441 | | | | 2.9 | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | | | 27,632,487 | | | | 2.8 | |
Allstate Corp. (The) | | | 25,781,472 | | | | 2.6 | |
Raytheon Co. | | | 25,104,527 | | | | 2.5 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 328,312,404 | | | | 33.2 | % |
SECTOR BREAKDOWN†
June 30, 2016 (unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 222,202,975 | | | | 22.5 | % |
Health Care | | | 185,379,942 | | | | 18.8 | |
Information Technology | | | 145,506,775 | | | | 14.8 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 134,169,648 | | | | 13.6 | |
Industrials | | | 120,615,263 | | | | 12.2 | |
Energy | | | 55,673,651 | | | | 5.7 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 24,799,863 | | | | 2.5 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 20,651,586 | | | | 2.1 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 76,650,446 | | | | 7.8 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 985,650,149 | | | | 100.0 | % |
† | | The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. |
Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.
2
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–92.0% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–22.5% | | | | | | | | |
BANKS–8.5% | | | | | | | | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 789,220 | | | $ | 49,042,131 | |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | | 733,160 | | | | 34,700,463 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 83,742,594 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–2.3% | | | | | | | | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) | | | 100,160 | | | | 14,881,773 | |
Virtu Financial, Inc.–Class A | | | 451,256 | | | | 8,122,608 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 23,004,381 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER FINANCE–2.1% | | | | | | | | |
Capital One Financial Corp. | | | 334,390 | | | | 21,237,109 | |
| | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–2.1% | | | | | | | | |
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.–Class B(a) | | | 142,222 | | | | 20,592,323 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INSURANCE–7.5% | | | | | | | | |
Allstate Corp. (The) | | | 368,570 | | | | 25,781,472 | |
Chubb Ltd. | | | 246,330 | | | | 32,197,794 | |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The) | | | 174,760 | | | | 7,755,849 | |
Validus Holdings Ltd. | | | 162,409 | | | | 7,891,453 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 73,626,568 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 222,202,975 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–18.8% | | | | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–6.4% | | | | | | | | |
Biogen, Inc.(a) | | | 121,210 | | | | 29,311,002 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | 404,860 | | | | 33,773,422 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 63,084,424 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–8.2% | | | | | | | | |
Aetna, Inc. | | | 237,390 | | | | 28,992,441 | |
Cigna Corp. | | | 186,160 | | | | 23,826,618 | |
Express Scripts Holding Co.(a) | | | 115,110 | | | | 8,725,338 | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | 134,380 | | | | 18,974,456 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 80,518,853 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–4.2% | | | | | | | | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | 1,186,500 | | | | 41,776,665 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 185,379,942 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–14.7% | | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–3.4% | | | | | | | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | | | 963,140 | | | | 27,632,487 | |
F5 Networks, Inc.(a) | | | 56,350 | | | | 6,414,884 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 34,047,371 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–0.6% | | | | | | | | |
Flextronics International Ltd.(a) | | | 488,950 | | | | 5,769,610 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
IT SERVICES–2.4% | | | | | | | | |
International Business Machines Corp. | | | 155,270 | | | $ | 23,566,881 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–3.3% | | | | | | | | |
Intel Corp. | | | 548,252 | | | | 17,982,665 | |
Xilinx, Inc. | | | 311,630 | | | | 14,375,492 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 32,358,157 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SOFTWARE–3.2% | | | | | | | | |
Activision Blizzard, Inc. | | | 230,431 | | | | 9,131,980 | |
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.(a) | | | 45,071 | | | | 3,591,257 | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | 371,580 | | | | 19,013,749 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 31,736,986 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–1.8% | | | | | | | | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 188,575 | | | | 18,027,770 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 145,506,775 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–13.6% | | | | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–1.7% | | | | | | | | |
BorgWarner, Inc. | | | 234,990 | | | | 6,936,905 | |
Delphi Automotive PLC | | | 53,710 | | | | 3,362,246 | |
Johnson Controls, Inc. | | | 151,270 | | | | 6,695,210 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 16,994,361 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.6% | | | | | | | | |
Wyndham Worldwide Corp. | | | 86,120 | | | | 6,134,328 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.7% | | | | | | | | |
DR Horton, Inc. | | | 215,890 | | | | 6,796,217 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INTERNET & CATALOG RETAIL–2.6% | | | | | | | | |
Liberty Interactive Corp. QVC Group–Class A(a) | | | 817,698 | | | | 20,744,998 | |
Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | 203,147 | | | | 4,444,857 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 25,189,855 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MEDIA–6.8% | | | | | | | | |
Comcast Corp.–Class A | | | 295,770 | | | | 19,281,246 | |
Discovery Communications, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | 346,780 | | | | 8,749,259 | |
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The) | | | 973,020 | | | | 22,476,762 | |
Time Warner, Inc. | | | 223,640 | | | | 16,446,486 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 66,953,753 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–1.2% | | | | | | | | |
Lowe’s Cos., Inc. | | | 152,850 | | | | 12,101,134 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 134,169,648 | |
| | | | | | | | |
3
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–12.2% | | | | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–6.0% | | | | | | | | |
Boeing Co. (The) | | | 108,010 | | | $ | 14,027,259 | |
General Dynamics Corp. | | | 97,640 | | | | 13,595,393 | |
Honeywell International, Inc. | | | 58,460 | | | | 6,800,067 | |
Raytheon Co. | | | 184,660 | | | | 25,104,527 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 59,527,246 | |
| | | | | | | | |
AIRLINES–1.7% | | | | | | | | |
Delta Air Lines, Inc. | | | 448,670 | | | | 16,345,048 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–1.3% | | | | | | | | |
Chicago Bridge & Iron Co. NV | | | 99,275 | | | | 3,437,893 | |
Fluor Corp. | | | 73,300 | | | | 3,612,224 | |
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.(a) | | | 126,850 | | | | 6,318,399 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 13,368,516 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–1.3% | | | | | | | | |
EnerSys | | | 94,559 | | | | 5,623,424 | |
Hubbell, Inc. | | | 64,950 | | | | 6,850,276 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 12,473,700 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–0.6% | | | | | | | | |
Carlisle Cos., Inc. | | | 55,109 | | | | 5,823,919 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MACHINERY–1.3% | | | | | | | | |
Actuant Corp.–Class A | | | 69,600 | | | | 1,573,656 | |
Kennametal, Inc. | | | 77,133 | | | | 1,705,411 | |
Parker-Hannifin Corp. | | | 52,239 | | | | 5,644,424 | |
Xylem, Inc./NY | | | 93,020 | | | | 4,153,343 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 13,076,834 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 120,615,263 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ENERGY–5.6% | | | | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–2.1% | | | | | | | | |
Dril-Quip, Inc.(a) | | | 99,090 | | | | 5,789,829 | |
FMC Technologies, Inc.(a) | | | 108,920 | | | | 2,904,896 | |
Oil States International, Inc.(a) | | | 113,006 | | | | 3,715,637 | |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | | 110,311 | | | | 8,723,394 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 21,133,756 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–3.5% | | | | | | | | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | 212,750 | | | $ | 19,943,185 | |
Valero Energy Corp. | | | 286,210 | | | | 14,596,710 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 34,539,895 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 55,673,651 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–2.5% | | | | | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–2.5% | | | | | | | | |
CVS Health Corp. | | | 161,541 | | | | 15,465,935 | |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | | | 127,827 | | | | 9,333,928 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 24,799,863 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.1% | | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.1% | | | | | | | | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 369,835 | | | | 20,651,586 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $820,578,104) | | | | | | | 908,999,703 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–7.7% | | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–7.7% | | | | | | | | |
State Street Time Deposit 0.01%, 7/01/16 (cost $76,650,446) | | $ | 76,650 | | | | 76,650,446 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.7% (cost $897,228,550) | | | | | | | 985,650,149 | |
Other assets less liabilities–0.3% | | | | | | | 2,531,519 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | $ | 988,181,668 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Non-income producing security. |
See notes to financial statements.
4
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETS & LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $897,228,550) | | $ | 985,650,149 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 3,752,494 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 549,729 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 320,207 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 990,272,579 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 846,092 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 512,513 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 448,554 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 173,253 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 11,623 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 112 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 98,764 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 2,090,911 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 988,181,668 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 32,789 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 785,362,771 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 13,785,614 | |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 100,578,895 | |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments | | | 88,421,599 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 988,181,668 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
A | | $ | 148,084,886 | | | | 4,862,143 | | | $ | 30.46 | |
B | | $ | 840,096,782 | | | | 27,927,164 | | | $ | 30.08 | |
See notes to financial statements.
5
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $33,799) | | $ | 8,688,234 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 6,281 | |
Interest | | | 2,682 | |
Securities lending income | | | 2,773 | |
| | | | |
| | | 8,699,970 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 2,289,026 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 859,016 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 796 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 3,743 | |
Custodian | | | 74,153 | |
Printing | | | 52,612 | |
Legal | | | 29,319 | |
Administrative | | | 24,077 | |
Audit and tax | | | 19,681 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 10,665 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 13,001 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 3,376,089 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 5,323,881 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 40,653,301 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (37,814,334 | ) |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment transactions | | | 2,838,967 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 8,162,848 | |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
6
| | |
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 5,323,881 | | | $ | 8,467,042 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 40,653,301 | | | | 75,832,751 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (37,814,334 | ) | | | (72,224,366 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 8,162,848 | | | | 12,075,427 | |
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (2,239,317 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (7,965,992 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 182,793,499 | | | | (74,221,929 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | 190,956,347 | | | | (72,351,811 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 797,225,321 | | | | 869,577,132 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $13,785,614 and $8,461,733, respectively) | | $ | 988,181,668 | | | $ | 797,225,321 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTESTO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AB Growth & Income Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB 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 sixteen 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 (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the 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 (the “Board”).
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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 Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign
8
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Investments in Securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common Stocks(a) | | $ | 908,999,703 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 908,999,703 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | –0 | – | | | 76,650,446 | | | | –0 | – | | | 76,650,446 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 908,999,703 | | | | 76,650,446 | | | | –0 | – | | | 985,650,149 | |
Other Financial Instruments(b) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total(c) | | $ | 908,999,703 | | | $ | 76,650,446 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 985,650,149 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications. |
(b) | | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
(c) | | There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period. |
The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to imple-
9
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTESTO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
ment these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and a third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed 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 foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
4. 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.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
5. 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 the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. 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 proportionately to each portfolio or
10
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the 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 investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $24,077.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $569 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $359,205, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
NOTE C: Distribution 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 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 or 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, 2016 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 472,512,647 | | | $ | 314,296,865 | |
U.S. government securities | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
11
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTESTO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB 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 are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 115,103,373 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (26,681,774 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 88,421,599 | |
| | | | |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
2. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated 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 other 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: Securities Lending
The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not have the right to vote on any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. Prior to June 24, 2016, such cash collateral received was invested in AB Exchange Reserves. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. As of June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had no securities out on loan. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $2,773, $6,281 and $0 from the borrowers, AB Exchange Reserves and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2016; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower will fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Exchange Reserves for the period January 1, 2016 to June 23, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value December 31, 2015 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Transfer to AB Government Money Market Portfolio (000) | | | Market Value June 23, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 5,671 | | | $ | 20,543 | | | $ | 26,214 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Government Money Market Portfolio for the period June 24, 2016 to June 30, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value June 24, 2016 (000) | | | Transfer from AB Exchange Reserves (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Market Value June 30, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
NOTE F: 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 267,905 | | | | 560,733 | | | | | | | $ | 7,989,049 | | | $ | 16,929,785 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | –0 | – | | | 73,832 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 2,239,317 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (413,123 | ) | | | (1,223,938 | ) | | | | | | | (12,205,823 | ) | | | (36,953,264 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (145,218 | ) | | | (589,373 | ) | | | | | | $ | (4,216,774 | ) | | $ | (17,784,162 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 7,988,234 | | | | 1,209,171 | | | | | | | $ | 238,726,319 | | | $ | 36,060,846 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | –0 | – | | | 265,356 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 7,965,992 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (1,766,875 | ) | | | (3,377,728 | ) | | | | | | | (51,716,046 | ) | | | (100,464,605 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 6,221,359 | | | | (1,903,201 | ) | | | | | | $ | 187,010,273 | | | $ | (56,437,767 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce its returns.
Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.
Industry/Sector Risk—Investments in a particular industry or group of related industries may have more risk because market or economic factors affecting that industry could have a significant effect on the value of the Portfolio’s investments.
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. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2016.
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GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTESTO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2016 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 10,205,309 | | | $ | 9,935,104 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions paid | | $ | 10,205,309 | | | $ | 9,935,104 | |
| | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 8,461,733 | |
Undistributed capital gains | | | 60,679,228 | (a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 125,482,300 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 194,623,261 | |
| | | | |
(a) | | During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the Portfolio utilized $14,562,823 of capital loss carryforwards to offset current year net realized gains. |
(b) | | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.
NOTE J: New Accounting Pronouncement
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2015-07 (the “ASU”) which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The ASU also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient but do not utilize that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
NOTE K: Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.
14
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GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $30.12 | | | | $30.04 | | | | $27.80 | | | | $20.88 | | | | $18.05 | | | | $17.19 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | | .22 | | | | .37 | | | | .40 | | | | .33 | | | | .29 | | | | .27 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions | | | .12 | | | | .14 | | | | 2.23 | | | | 6.92 | | | | 2.86 | | | | .83 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | | .34 | | | | .51 | | | | 2.63 | | | | 7.25 | | | | 3.15 | | | | 1.10 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.43 | ) | | | (.39 | ) | | | (.33 | ) | | | (.32 | ) | | | (.24 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $30.46 | | | | $30.12 | | | | $30.04 | | | | $27.80 | | | | $20.88 | | | | $18.05 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (b)* | | | 1.13 | % | | | 1.70 | % | | | 9.54 | % | | | 34.96 | % | | | 17.53 | % | | | 6.32 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $148,085 | | | | $150,801 | | | | $168,135 | | | | $164,154 | | | | $131,402 | | | | $138,731 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses | | | .60 | %^ | | | .60 | % | | | .60 | % | | | .60 | % | | | .60 | % | | | .60 | % |
Net investment income | | | 1.48 | %^ | | | 1.21 | % | | | 1.39 | % | | | 1.35 | % | | | 1.48 | % | | | 1.52 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 39 | % | | | 73 | % | | | 51 | % | | | 63 | % | | | 80 | % | | | 76 | % |
See footnote summary on page 16.
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| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $29.78 | | | | $29.71 | | | | $27.49 | | | | $20.66 | | | | $17.86 | | | | $17.01 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | | .18 | | | | .29 | | | | .32 | | | | .27 | | | | .24 | | | | .23 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions | | | .12 | | | | .14 | | | | 2.22 | | | | 6.83 | | | | 2.83 | | | | .81 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | | .30 | | | | .43 | | | | 2.54 | | | | 7.10 | | | | 3.07 | | | | 1.04 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.36 | ) | | | (.32 | ) | | | (.27 | ) | | | (.27 | ) | | | (.19 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $30.08 | | | | $29.78 | | | | $29.71 | | | | $27.49 | | | | $20.66 | | | | $17.86 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (b)* | | | 1.01 | % | | | 1.43 | % | | | 9.29 | % | | | 34.59 | % | | | 17.24 | % | | | 6.07 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $840,097 | | | | $646,424 | | | | $701,442 | | | | $709,257 | | | | $764,198 | | | | $735,514 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses | | | .85 | %^ | | | .85 | % | | | .85 | % | | | .85 | % | | | .85 | % | | | .85 | % |
Net investment income | | | 1.24 | %^ | | | .96 | % | | | 1.14 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.23 | % | | | 1.28 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 39 | % | | | 73 | % | | | 51 | % | | | 63 | % | | | 80 | % | | | 76 | % |
(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 (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions 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. |
* | | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 by 0.02%, 0.14%, 0.11%, 0.08%, 0.19% and 0.13%, respectively. |
See notes to financial statements.
16
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GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Growth and Income Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 3-5, 2016 (the “Meeting”).
Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Company’s Senior Officer (who is also the Company’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Company’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they receive presentations from the Adviser on the investment results of the Fund and review extensive materials and information presented by the Adviser.
The directors also considered all other factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. In their deliberations, the directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided
The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.
Costs of Services Provided and Profitability
The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues, expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2014 and 2015 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution
17
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.
At the Meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 29, 2016 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) the period since inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by Broadridge concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same Broadridge category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors considered the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate against a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.
The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for institutional clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Company’s Senior Officer and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors noted that the Adviser advises another AB Fund with a substantially similar investment style for the same fee schedule as the Fund.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s Broadridge category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.
18
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
19
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| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AB 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 AB Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AB Growth and 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. |
These factors, with the exception of the first factor, are generally referred to as the “Gartenberg factors,” which were articulated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1982. Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc., 694 F. 2d 923 (2d Cir. 1982). The first factor is an additional factor required to be considered by the AoD. On March 30, 2010, the Supreme Court held the Gartenberg decision was correct in its basic formulation of what Section 36(b) requires: to face liability under Section 36(b), “an investment adviser must charge a fee that is so disproportionately large that it bears no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and could not have been the product of arm’s length bargaining.” Jones v. Harris Associates L.P., 130 S. Ct. 1418 (2010). In the Jones decision, the Court stated the Gartenberg approach fully incorporates the correct understanding of fiduciary duty within the context of Section 36(b) and noted with approval that “Gartenberg insists that all relevant circumstances be taken into account” and “uses the range of fees that might result from arm’s-length bargaining as the benchmark for reviewing challenged fees.”3
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, NET ASSETS & EXPENSE RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 3/31/16 ($MIL) | |
Growth and Income Portfolio | | Value | | 0.55% on first $2.5 billion 0.45% on next $2.5 billion 0.40% on the balance | | $ | 779.7 | |
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 $50,998 (0.006% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
1 | | The information in the fee summary was completed on April 21, 2016 and discussed with the Board of Directors on May 3-5, 2016. |
2 | | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AB.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | | Jones v. Harris at 1427. |
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| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s total expense ratios for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | Fiscal Year | |
Growth and Income Portfolio | | Class A 0.60% | | | December 31 | |
| | Class B 0.85% | | | | |
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, the Adviser is reimbursed for providing some of these services. 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. 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, the Supreme Court has indicated consideration should be given to the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AB Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AB Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio advisory fee based on March 31, 2016 net assets:5
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 3/31/16 ($MIL) | | AB Institutional Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Growth and Income Portfolio | | $779.7 | | U.S. Growth and Income 0.65% on first $25m 0.50% on next $25m 0.40% on next $50m 0.30% on next $100m 0.25% on the balance Minimum account size $25m | | | 0.287% | | | | 0.550% | |
4 | | The Supreme Court stated that “courts may give such comparisons the weight that they merit in light of the similarities and differences between the services that the clients in question require, but the courts must be wary of inapt comparisons.” Among the significant differences the Supreme Court noted that may exist between services provided to mutual funds and institutional accounts are “higher marketing costs.” Jones v. Harris at 1428. |
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. |
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GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages AB Growth and Income Fund, Inc. (“Growth and 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 Growth and Income Fund, Inc. and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the retail mutual fund been applicable to the Portfolio:6
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AB Mutual Fund | | Fee Schedule | | ABMF Effective Fee | |
Growth and Income Portfolio | | Growth and Income Fund, Inc. | | 0.55% on first $2.5 billion 0.45% on next $2.5 billion 0.40% on the balance | | | 0.550% | |
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.
Broadridge, an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolios with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services by other investment advisers.7 Broadridge’s analysis included each Portfolio’s contractual management fee, estimated at the approximate current asset level of the subject Portfolio, to the median of the Portfolio’s Broadridge Expense Group (“EG”) and the Portfolio’s contractual management fee ranking.8
Broadridge describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Broadridge’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, operating structure, and expense attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee (%)9 | | | EG Median (%) | | | EG Rank | |
Growth and Income Portfolio | | | 0.550 | | | | 0.687 | | | | 4/12 | |
Broadridge also analyzed the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio in comparison to the Portfolio’s EG and Broadridge Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU 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.10
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)11 | | | EG Median (%) | | | EG Rank | | | EU Median (%) | | | EU Rank | |
Growth and Income Portfolio | | | 0.601 | | | | 0.731 | | | | 3/12 | | | | 0.741 | | | | 5/30 | |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a total expense ratio basis than on a contractual management fee basis.
6 | | The retailmutual 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 retail mutual fund. |
7 | | On June 5, 2015, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) acquired the Fiduciary Services and Competitive Intelligence unit, i.e., the group responsible for providing the Portfolio’s 15(c) report, from Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. The group that maintains Lipper’s expense and performance databases and investment classifications/objectives remains a part of Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. Accordingly, the Portfolio’s investment classification/objective continues to be determined by Lipper. |
8 | | The contractual management fee is calculated by Broadridge 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. Broadridge’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 Broadridge 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, Broadridge 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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| | AB 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.
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 2015, relative to 2014.
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”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, 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, 2015, ABI received $1,694,691 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the Adviser incurred distribution expenses in the amount of $3,465,172 in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. This expense amount incurred by ABI is partially offset by the 12b-1 fees paid by the Portfolio.
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. With respect to the Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund not discussed in this summary, ABI paid approximately $400,000 in 2015 and expects to pay approximately $450,000 in 2016 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $1,262 from the Portfolio.12
The Portfolio effected brokerage transactions during the most recently completed fiscal year 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. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from any 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. 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 Portfolios of the Fund paid ABIS a fee of $18,000 for each calendar year. |
23
| | |
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through pricing to scale, breakpoints, fee reductions/waivers and enhancement to services.
In May 2012, an independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors information on the Adviser’s firm-wide average costs from 2005 through 2011 and the potential economies of scale. The independent consultant noted that from 2005 through 2007 the Adviser experienced significant growth in assets under management (“AUM”). During this period, operating expenses increased, in part to keep up with growth, and in part reflecting market returns. However, from 2008 through the first quarter of 2009, AUM rapidly and significantly decreased due to declines in market value and client withdrawals. When AUM rapidly decreased, some operating expenses categories, including base compensation and office space, adjusted more slowly during this period, resulting in an increase in average costs. Since 2009, AUM has experienced less significant changes. The independent consultant noted that changes in operating expenses reflect changes in business composition and business practices in response to changes in financial markets. Finally, the independent consultant concluded that the increase in average cost and the decline in net operating margin across the Adviser since late 2008 are inconsistent with the view that there are currently reductions in average costs due to economies of scale that can be shared with the AB Mutual Funds managed by the Adviser through lower fees.
Previously in February 2008, the independent consultant provided the Board of Directors an update of Deli’s study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics.13,14 The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors.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 also compared the advisory fees of the AB 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.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $479 billion as of March 31, 2016, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
13 | | The Deli study, originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data and updated for the February 2008 Presentation, may be of diminished value due to the age of the data used in the presentation and the changes experienced in the industry over the last four years. Source: Deli, Daniel N. “Mutual Fund Advisory Contracts: An Empirical Investigation.” Journal of Finance, 57(1): 109-133 (2002). |
14 | | As mentioned previously, the Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since the fees may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length. See Jones V. Harris at 1429. |
15 | | The two dimensional analysis 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
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The information in the table below shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year net performance returns, rankings and quintiles16 of the Portfolios relative to their Broadridge Performance Group (“PG”) and Broadridge Performance Universe (“PU”)17 for the periods ended February 29, 2016.18
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio (%) | | | PG Median (%) | | | PU Median (%) | | | PG Rank | | | PU Rank | |
Growth and Income Portfolio | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1 year | | | –4.92 | | | | –11.41 | | | | –10.82 | | | | 1/12 | | | | 1/49 | |
3 year | | | 10.46 | | | | 7.87 | | | | 7.70 | | | | 2/12 | | | | 5/48 | |
5 year | | | 10.95 | | | | 6.82 | | | | 7.55 | | | | 1/12 | | | | 3/45 | |
10 year | | | 5.77 | | | | 5.03 | | | | 5.94 | | | | 5/11 | | | | 23/40 | |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)19 versus its benchmarks. Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.20
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending February 29, 2016 Annualized Performance | |
| | 1 Year (%) | | | 3 Year (%) | | | 5 Year (%) | | | 10 Year (%) | | | Since Inception (%) | | | Annualized | | | Risk Period (Year) | |
| | | | | | | Volatility (%) | | | Sharpe (%) | | |
Growth and Income Portfolio | | – | 4.92 | | | | 10.46 | | | | 10.95 | | | | 5.77 | | | | 9.13 | | | | 15.49 | | | | 0.36 | | | | 10 | |
Russell 1000 Value Index | | – | 9.41 | | | | 8.27 | | | | 8.81 | | | | 5.13 | | | | 10.20 | | | | 15.91 | | | | 0.32 | | | | 10 | |
Inception Date: February 25, 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 2, 2016
16 | | The performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio are for the Portfolio’s Class A shares. The performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio were provided by Broadridge. |
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/excluding a fund in/from a PU is different from that of an EU. |
18 | | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of each fund even if the fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
19 | | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
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 fund’s return in excess of the riskless return by the fund’s standard deviation. A fund with a greater volatility would be viewed as more risky than a fund with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky fund. A fund with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a fund with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
25
VPS-GI-0152-0616
JUN 06.30.16
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.
+ | | INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO |
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited) | | AB 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 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 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2016 | | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2016 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,058.30 | | | $ | 5.12 | | | | 1.00 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,019.89 | | | $ | 5.02 | | | | 1.00 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,056.00 | | | $ | 6.39 | | | | 1.25 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,018.65 | | | $ | 6.27 | | | | 1.25 | % |
* | | 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 | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
TOP TEN SECTORS (including derivatives)* | | | |
Corporates—Investment Grade(a) | | | 27.7 | % |
Governments—Treasuries(b) | | | 19.2 | |
Mortgage Pass-Throughs | | | 18.4 | |
Asset-Backed Securities | | | 14.5 | |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | | | 12.3 | |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | | | 7.1 | |
Corporates—Non Investment Grade(a) | | | 6.2 | |
Inflation-Linked Securities | | | 6.1 | |
Agencies | | | 2.5 | |
Interest Rate Swaps(c) | | | -30.7 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
SECTOR BREAKDOWN (excluding derivatives)† | |
Corporates—Investment Grade | | | 25.7 | % | | Agencies | | | 2.4 | % |
Mortgage Pass-Throughs | | | 17.3 | | | Governments—Sovereign Agencies | | | 1.0 | |
Asset-Backed Securities | | | 13.7 | | | Emerging Markets—Treasuries | | | 0.9 | |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | | | 11.0 | | | Local Governments—Municipal Bonds | | | 0.5 | |
Governments—Treasuries | | | 7.8 | | | Governments—Sovereign Bonds | | | 0.4 | |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | | | 6.9 | | | Short-Term Investments | | | 1.0 | |
Inflation-Linked Securities | | | 5.8 | | | Other | | | 0.6 | |
Corporates—Non-Investment Grade | | | 5.0 | | | | | | | |
* | | All data are as of June 30, 2016. The Portfolio’s sectors include derivative exposure and are expressed as approximate percentages of the Portfolio’s total net assets, based on the Adviser’s internal classification. The percentages will vary over time. |
(a) | | Includes Credit Default Swaps. |
(b) | | Includes Treasury Futures. |
(c) | | Represents the exposure of the Portfolio’s fixed-rate payments on the Interest Rate Swaps. Interest Rate Swaps involve the exchange by a fund with another party of payments calculated by reference to specified interest rates (e.g., an exchange of floating-rate payments for fixed-rate payments). |
† | | All data are as of June 30, 2016. The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. The Portfolio also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). “Other” represents less than 0.4% weightings in the following security types: Emerging Markets—Corporate Bonds, Preferred Stocks and Quasi-Sovereigns. |
2
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CORPORATES–INVESTMENT GRADE–27.2% | | | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–19.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BASIC–1.4% | |
Barrick Gold Corp. 4.10%, 5/01/23 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 15 | | | $ | 15,823 | |
Dow Chemical Co. (The) 8.55%, 5/15/19 | | | | | | | 86 | | | | 102,085 | |
Eastman Chemical Co. 3.80%, 3/15/25 | | | | | | | 65 | | | | 68,697 | |
Glencore Funding LLC 4.125%, 5/30/23(a) | | | | | | | 58 | | | | 53,360 | |
International Paper Co. 4.75%, 2/15/22 | | | | | | | 45 | | | | 49,994 | |
LyondellBasell Industries NV 5.75%, 4/15/24 | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 238,041 | |
Mosaic Co. (The) 5.625%, 11/15/43 | | | | | | | 53 | | | | 58,784 | |
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA 3.625%, 4/03/23(a) | | | | | | | 260 | | | | 251,030 | |
Vale Overseas Ltd. 6.875%, 11/21/36 | | | | | | | 40 | | | | 36,400 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 874,214 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–0.2% | |
General Electric Co. Series D 5.00%, 1/21/21(b) | | | | | | | 40 | | | | 42,440 | |
Owens Corning 6.50%, 12/01/16(c) | | | | | | | 10 | | | | 10,141 | |
Yamana Gold, Inc. 4.95%, 7/15/24 | | | | | | | 81 | | | | 79,688 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 132,269 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS–MEDIA–3.0% | |
21st Century Fox America, Inc. 4.00%, 10/01/23 | | | | | | | 64 | | | | 70,365 | |
4.50%, 2/15/21 | | | | | | | 300 | | | | 334,951 | |
CBS Corp. 3.50%, 1/15/25 | | | | | | | 190 | | | | 195,356 | |
Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital 4.908%, 7/23/25 | | | | | | | 135 | | | | 147,596 | |
Cox Communications, Inc. 2.95%, 6/30/23(a) | | | | | | | 51 | | | | 49,150 | |
Discovery Communications LLC 3.45%, 3/15/25 | | | | | | | 105 | | | | 102,731 | |
NBCUniversal Enterprise, Inc. 5.25%, 3/19/21(a)(b) | | | | | | | 128 | | | | 132,000 | |
S&P Global, Inc. 4.40%, 2/15/26 | | | | | | | 127 | | | | 142,539 | |
TCI Communications, Inc. 7.875%, 2/15/26 | | | | | | | 115 | | | | 164,796 | |
Time Warner Cable, Inc. 4.125%, 2/15/21 | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 211,728 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Time Warner, Inc. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
3.55%, 6/01/24 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 114 | | | $ | 121,113 | |
7.625%, 4/15/31 | | | | | | | 69 | | | | 94,643 | |
Viacom, Inc. 3.875%, 4/01/24 | | | | | | | 53 | | | | 53,832 | |
5.625%, 9/15/19 | | | | | | | 60 | | | | 66,139 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,886,939 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– TELECOMMUNICATIONS–2.4% | |
American Tower Corp. 5.05%, 9/01/20 | | | | | | | 260 | | | | 289,102 | |
AT&T, Inc. 3.40%, 5/15/25 | | | | | | | 270 | | | | 276,185 | |
3.80%, 3/15/22 | | | | | | | 57 | | | | 60,552 | |
4.45%, 4/01/24 | | | | | | | 206 | | | | 226,313 | |
Rogers Communications, Inc. 4.00%, 6/06/22 | | | CAD | | | | 27 | | | | 22,839 | |
Telefonica Emisiones SAU 5.462%, 2/16/21 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 120 | | | | 136,907 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. 3.50%, 11/01/24 393 | | | | | | | | | | | 417,968 | |
3.85%, 11/01/42 | | | | | | | 89 | | | | 83,701 | |
4.862%, 8/21/46 | | | | | | | 40 | | | | 43,724 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,557,291 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL– AUTOMOTIVE–1.2% | | | | | |
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC 5.875%, 8/02/21 | | | | | | | 455 | | | | 521,844 | |
General Motors Co. 3.50%, 10/02/18 | | | | | | | 80 | | | | 82,366 | |
General Motors Financial Co., Inc. 3.10%, 1/15/19 | | | | | | | 110 | | | | 112,371 | |
3.25%, 5/15/18 | | | | | | | 9 | | | | 9,187 | |
4.00%, 1/15/25 | | | | | | | 23 | | | | 23,272 | |
4.30%, 7/13/25 | | | | | | | 30 | | | | 30,779 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 779,819 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL– RETAILERS–0.7% | | | | | |
CVS Health Corp. 3.875%, 7/20/25 | | | | | | | 124 | | | | 136,397 | |
Kohl’s Corp. 5.55%, 7/17/45 | | | | | | | 95 | | | | 88,479 | |
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. 3.80%, 11/18/24 | | | | | | | 195 | | | | 206,599 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 431,475 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–4.4% | | | | | |
AbbVie, Inc. 3.60%, 5/14/25 | | | | | | | 97 | | | | 101,640 | |
Actavis Funding SCS 3.80%, 3/15/25 | | | | | | | 165 | | | | 171,902 | |
3.85%, 6/15/24 | | | | | | | 54 | | | | 56,510 | |
Altria Group, Inc. 2.625%, 1/14/20 | | | | | | | 195 | | | | 202,711 | |
3
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
AstraZeneca PLC 6.45%, 9/15/37 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 50 | | | $ | 68,246 | |
Baxalta, Inc. 5.25%, 6/23/45 | | | | | | | 75 | | | | 81,347 | |
Bayer US Finance LLC 3.375%, 10/08/24(a) | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 207,899 | |
Becton Dickinson and Co. 3.734%, 12/15/24 | | | | | | | 85 | | | | 91,557 | |
Biogen, Inc. 4.05%, 9/15/25 | | | | | | | 144 | | | | 155,009 | |
Bunge Ltd. Finance Corp. 8.50%, 6/15/19 | | | | | | | 2 | | | | 2,339 | |
Celgene Corp. 3.875%, 8/15/25 | | | | | | | 155 | | | | 165,333 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. 3.65%, 3/01/26 | | | | | | | 69 | | | | 75,084 | |
Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV 3.875%, 6/27/24(a) | | | | | | | 201 | | | | 209,169 | |
Kraft Heinz Foods Co. 2.80%, 7/02/20(a) | | | | | | | 70 | | | | 72,691 | |
3.50%, 7/15/22(a) | | | | | | | 94 | | | | 99,834 | |
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings 3.60%, 2/01/25 | | | | | | | 60 | | | | 62,277 | |
Medtronic, Inc. 3.50%, 3/15/25 | | | | | | | 195 | | | | 212,574 | |
Newell Brands, Inc. 3.15%, 4/01/21 | | | | | | | 165 | | | | 171,894 | |
3.85%, 4/01/23 | | | | | | | 49 | | | | 51,973 | |
Perrigo Finance Unlimited Co. 3.50%, 12/15/21 | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 205,827 | |
Reynolds American, Inc. 5.85%, 8/15/45 | | | | | | | 44 | | | | 56,220 | |
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. 4.15%, 2/01/24 | | | | | | | 78 | | | | 85,129 | |
Tyson Foods, Inc. 2.65%, 8/15/19 | | | | | | | 39 | | | | 40,066 | |
3.95%, 8/15/24 | | | | | | | 123 | | | | 132,772 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,780,003 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ENERGY–3.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Encana Corp. 3.90%, 11/15/21 | | | | | | | 45 | | | | 43,639 | |
Energy Transfer Partners LP 7.50%, 7/01/38 | | | | | | | 149 | | | | 164,511 | |
EnLink Midstream Partners LP 5.05%, 4/01/45 | | | | | | | 125 | | | | 102,139 | |
Enterprise Products Operating LLC 3.70%, 2/15/26 | | | | | | | 161 | | | | 167,546 | |
5.20%, 9/01/20 | | | | | | | 55 | | | | 61,880 | |
Halliburton Co. 5.00%, 11/15/45 | | | | | | | 170 | | | | 186,980 | |
Husky Energy, Inc. 7.25%, 12/15/19 | | | | | | | 23 | | | | 25,875 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP 3.95%, 9/01/22 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 321 | | | $ | 326,686 | |
4.15%, 3/01/22 | | | | | | | 89 | | | | 90,037 | |
Noble Energy, Inc. 3.90%, 11/15/24 | | | | | | | 107 | | | | 108,702 | |
8.25%, 3/01/19 | | | | | | | 238 | | | | 272,584 | |
Plains All American Pipeline LP/PAA Finance Corp. 3.60%, 11/01/24 | | | | | | | 137 | | | | 128,656 | |
Schlumberger Holdings Corp. 3.625%, 12/21/22(a) | | | | | | | 165 | | | | 174,544 | |
TransCanada PipeLines Ltd. 6.35%, 5/15/67 | | | | | | | 235 | | | | 166,263 | |
Valero Energy Corp. 6.125%, 2/01/20 | | | | | | | 177 | | | | 199,765 | |
Williams Partners LP 4.125%, 11/15/20 | | | | | | | 97 | | | | 96,078 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2,315,885 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTHER INDUSTRIAL–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hutchison Whampoa International 14 Ltd. 1.625%, 10/31/17(a) | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 200,912 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
SERVICES–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
eBay, Inc. 3.80%, 3/09/22 | | | | | | | 45 | | | | 47,816 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY–1.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Diamond 1 Finance Corp./Diamond 2 Finance Corp. 5.45%, 6/15/23 | | | | | | | 160 | | | | 166,012 | |
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. 3.50%, 4/15/23 | | | | | | | 24 | | | | 24,919 | |
5.00%, 10/15/25 | | | | | | | 2 | | | | 2,270 | |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. 4.90%, 10/15/25(a) | | | | | | | 170 | | | | 177,620 | |
HP, Inc. 4.65%, 12/09/21 | | | | | | | 107 | | | | 115,706 | |
KLA-Tencor Corp. 4.65%, 11/01/24 | | | | | | | 134 | | | | 146,177 | |
Lam Research Corp. 2.80%, 6/15/21 | | | | | | | 39 | | | | 39,926 | |
Micron Technology, Inc. 7.50%, 9/15/23 | | | | | | | 41 | | | | 43,562 | |
Motorola Solutions, Inc. 3.50%, 3/01/23 | | | | | | | 82 | | | | 79,161 | |
7.50%, 5/15/25 | | | | | | | 23 | | | | 27,077 | |
Seagate HDD Cayman 4.75%, 1/01/25 | | | | | | | 75 | | | | 59,344 | |
Tencent Holdings Ltd. 3.375%, 5/02/19(a) | | | | | | | 205 | | | | 212,652 | |
Total System Services, Inc. 2.375%, 6/01/18 | | | | | | | 74 | | | | 74,570 | |
3.75%, 6/01/23 | | | | | | | 69 | | | | 70,078 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,239,074 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 12,245,697 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
4
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–6.5% | | | | | | | | | |
BANKING–4.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Compass Bank 5.50%, 4/01/20 | | U.S.$ | | | | | 250 | | | $ | 269,450 | |
Cooperatieve Rabobank UA 4.375%, 8/04/25 | | | | | | | 250 | | | | 261,132 | |
Credit Suisse Group Funding Guernsey Ltd. 4.55%, 4/17/26 | | | | | | | 255 | | | | 264,532 | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) 3.75%, 5/22/25 | | | | | | | 53 | | | | 55,352 | |
3.85%, 7/08/24 | | | | | | | 210 | | | | 222,665 | |
Series D 6.00%, 6/15/20 | | | | | | | 395 | | | | 450,709 | |
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. 3.85%, 3/01/26 | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 218,197 | |
Morgan Stanley 5.625%, 9/23/19 | | | | | | | 143 | | | | 158,660 | |
Murray Street Investment Trust I 4.647%, 3/09/17 | | | | | | | 27 | | | | 27,607 | |
Nationwide Building Society 6.25%, 2/25/20(a) | | | | | | | 230 | | | | 263,579 | |
Rabobank Capital Funding Trust III 5.254%, 10/21/16(a)(b) | | | | | | | 90 | | | | 89,662 | |
Santander Issuances SAU 5.179%, 11/19/25 | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 199,807 | |
Standard Chartered PLC 6.409%, 1/30/17(a)(b) | | | | | | | 100 | | | | 90,000 | |
UBS AG/Stamford CT 7.625%, 8/17/22 | | | | | | | 250 | | | | 283,125 | |
UBS Group Funding Jersey Ltd. 4.125%, 9/24/25(a) | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 207,342 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 3,061,819 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FINANCE–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aviation Capital Group Corp. 7.125%, 10/15/20(a) | | | | | | | 155 | | | | 176,748 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INSURANCE–1.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
American International Group, Inc. 4.875%, 6/01/22 | | | | | | | 75 | | | | 83,552 | |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The) 5.50%, 3/30/20 | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 225,838 | |
Lincoln National Corp. 8.75%, 7/01/19 | | | | | | | 113 | | | | 133,670 | |
MetLife, Inc. 10.75%, 8/01/39 | | | | | | | 85 | | | | 132,132 | |
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. 9.375%, 8/15/39(a) | | | | | | | 55 | | | | 83,619 | |
Prudential Financial, Inc. 5.625%, 6/15/43 | | | | | | | 63 | | | | 65,698 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 724,509 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
REITS–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Host Hotels & Resorts LP Series D 3.75%, 10/15/23 | | U.S.$ | | | | | 6 | | | $ | 6,044 | |
Welltower, Inc. 5.25%, 1/15/22 | | | | | | | 183 | | | | 205,573 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 211,617 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 4,174,693 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
UTILITY–1.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC–1.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co. 6.125%, 4/01/36 | | | | | | | 170 | | | | 225,426 | |
CMS Energy Corp. 5.05%, 3/15/22 | | | | | | | 37 | | | | 42,300 | |
Constellation Energy Group, Inc. 5.15%, 12/01/20 | | | | | | | 64 | | | | 71,227 | |
Entergy Corp. 4.00%, 7/15/22 | | | | | | | 125 | | | | 134,136 | |
Exelon Corp. 5.10%, 6/15/45 | | | | | | | 45 | | | | 51,711 | |
Exelon Generation Co. LLC 4.25%, 6/15/22 | | | | | | | 78 | | | | 83,192 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 607,992 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
NATURAL GAS–0.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Talent Yield Investments Ltd. 4.50%, 4/25/22(a) | | | | | | | 305 | | | | 331,239 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 939,231 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Corporates–Investment Grade (cost $16,392,272) | | | | | | | | | | | 17,359,621 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGHS–18.4% | | | | | | | | | |
AGENCY FIXED RATE 15-YEAR–2.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association 2.50%, 7/01/31, TBA | | | | | | | 1,038 | | | | 1,073,903 | |
3.50%, 1/12/30 | | | | | | | 543 | | | | 576,401 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,650,304 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
AGENCY FIXED RATE 30-YEAR–15.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Gold 4.00%, 1/01/45 | | | | | | | 667 | | | | 731,886 | |
Series 2007 5.50%, 7/01/35 | | | | | | | 34 | | | | 38,590 | |
Series 2005 5.50%, 1/01/35 | | | | | | | 126 | | | | 143,892 | |
Federal National Mortgage Association 3.50%, 7/01/46, TBA | | | | | | | 305 | | | | 321,823 | |
4.50%, 7/25/46, TBA | | | | | | | 1,533 | | | | 1,673,357 | |
Series 2003 5.50%, 4/01/33-7/01/33 | | | | | | | 116 | | | | 130,872 | |
5
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2004 5.50%, 4/01/34–11/01/34 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 104 | | | $ | 117,485 | |
Series 2005 5.50%, 2/01/35 | | | | | | | 126 | | | | 142,522 | |
3.50%, 5/01/42–9/01/45 | | | | | | | 2,882 | | | | 3,093,247 | |
4.00%, 10/01/44–1/01/46 | | | | | | | 2,010 | | | | 2,188,547 | |
Government National Mortgage Association Series 1994 9.00%, 9/15/24 | | | | | | | 1 | | | | 1,517 | |
3.00%, 7/20/45 | | | | | | | 355 | | | | 371,517 | |
3.50%, 7/01/46, TBA | | | | | | | 1,064 | | | | 1,129,295 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 10,084,550 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Mortgage Pass-Throughs (cost $11,507,324) | | | | | | | | | | | 11,734,854 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES–14.5% | | | | | | | | | |
AUTOS–FIXED RATE–7.6% | | | | | | | | | |
Ally Auto Receivables Trust Series 2015-2, Class A3 1.49%, 11/15/19 | | | | | | | 174 | | | | 175,261 | |
Ally Master Owner Trust Series 2015-3, Class A 1.63%, 5/15/20 | | | | | | | 259 | | | | 260,264 | |
AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust Series 2013-4, Class A3 0.96%, 4/09/18 | | | | | | | 1 | | | | 1,304 | |
ARI Fleet Lease Trust Series 2014-A, Class A2 0.81%, 11/15/22(a) | | | | | | | 22 | | | | 22,044 | |
Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC Series 2013-2A, Class A 2.97%, 2/20/20(a) | | | | | | | 288 | | | | 295,234 | |
Series 2016-1A, Class A 2.99%, 6/20/22 | | | | | | | 100 | | | | 103,499 | |
Bank of The West Auto Trust Series 2015-1, Class A3 1.31%, 10/15/19(a) | | | | | | | 259 | | | | 259,934 | |
California Republic Auto Receivables Trust Series 2014-2, Class A4 1.57%, 12/16/19 | | | | | | | 122 | | | | 122,347 | |
Series 2015-2, Class A3 1.31%, 8/15/19 | | | | | | | 118 | | | | 118,246 | |
Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust Series 2014-1, Class B 2.22%, 1/22/19 | | | | | | | 60 | | | | 60,461 | |
Chrysler Capital Auto Receivables Trust Series 2015-BA, Class A3 1.91%, 3/16/20(a) | | | | | | | 168 | | | | 170,201 | |
CPS Auto Receivables Trust Series 2013-B, Class A 1.82%, 9/15/20(a) | | | | | | | 74 | | | | 73,769 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2014-B, Class A 1.11%, 11/15/18(a) | | | U.S.$ | | | | 25 | | | $ | 24,622 | |
Drive Auto Receivables Trust Series 2015-DA, Class A2A 1.23%, 6/15/18(a) | | | | | | | 26 | | | | 26,433 | |
Series 2016-AA, Class A2A 1.50%, 3/15/18(a) | | | | | | | 45 | | | | 44,941 | |
Enterprise Fleet Financing LLC Series 2014-2, Class A2 1.05%, 3/20/20(a) | | | | | | | 102 | | | | 101,834 | |
Series 2015-1, Class A2 1.30%, 9/20/20(a) | | | | | | | 194 | | | | 193,642 | |
Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust Series 2014-2A, Class A 1.06%, 8/15/18(a) | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 4,526 | |
Fifth Third Auto Trust Series 2014-3, Class A4 1.47%, 5/17/21 | | | | | | | 165 | | | | 165,574 | |
Ford Credit Auto Lease Trust Series 2014-B, Class A3 0.89%, 9/15/17 | | | | | | | 62 | | | | 62,064 | |
Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust Series 2012-D, Class B 1.01%, 5/15/18 | | | | | | | 100 | | | | 99,828 | |
Series 2014-2, Class A 2.31%, 4/15/26(a) | | | | | | | 257 | | | | 264,175 | |
Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust Series 2015-2, Class A1 1.98%, 1/15/22 | | | | | | | 198 | | | | 201,155 | |
Series 2016-1, Class A1 1.76%, 2/15/21 | | | | | | | 131 | | | | 132,350 | |
GM Financial Automobile Leasing Trust Series 2015-2, Class A3 1.68%, 12/20/18 | | | | | | | 232 | | | | 233,869 | |
GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust Series 2015-1, Class A1 1.65%, 5/15/20(a) | | | | | | | 128 | | | | 128,634 | |
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Trust Series 2015-1, Class A3 1.41%, 6/15/20 | | | | | | | 137 | | | | 137,518 | |
Hertz Vehicle Financing LLC Series 2013-1A, Class A2 1.83%, 8/25/19(a) | | | | | | | 485 | | | | 485,205 | |
Hyundai Auto Lease Securitization Trust Series 2015-A, Class A2 1.00%, 10/16/17(a) | | | | | | | 84 | | | | 84,074 | |
Series 2015-B, Class A3 1.40%, 11/15/18(a) | | | | | | | 126 | | | | 126,500 | |
Mercedes Benz Auto Lease Trust Series 2015-B, Class A3 1.34%, 7/16/18 | | | | | | | 128 | | | | 128,315 | |
6
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nissan Auto Lease Trust Series 2015-A, Class A3 1.40%, 6/15/18 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 202 | | | $ | 202,771 | |
Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust Series 2015-3, Class A2A 1.02%, 9/17/18 | | | | | | | 40 | | | | 40,325 | |
Series 2015-4,Class A2A 1.20%, 12/17/18 | | | | | | | 61 | | | | 60,806 | |
TCF Auto Receivables Owner Trust Series 2015-1A, Class A2 1.02%, 8/15/18(a) | | | | | | | 60 | | | | 59,545 | |
Westlake Automobile Receivables Trust Series 2015-3A, Class A2A 1.42%, 5/17/21(a) | | | | | | | 88 | | | | 88,234 | |
Series 2016-2A, Class A2 1.57%, 6/17/19 | | | | | | | 88 | | | | 88,104 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 4,847,608 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CREDIT CARDS–FIXED RATE– 2.8% | | | | | | | | | |
American Express Credit Account Master Trust Series 2014-2, Class A 1.26%, 1/15/20 | | | | | | | 161 | | | | 161,610 | |
Barclays Dryrock Issuance Trust | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2014-3, Class A 2.41%, 7/15/22 | | | | | | | 320 | | | | 329,861 | |
Series 2015-2, Class A 1.56%, 3/15/21 | | | | | | | 183 | | | | 184,292 | |
Discover Card Execution Note Trust Series 2015-A2, Class A 1.90%, 10/17/22 | | | | | | | 242 | | | | 247,610 | |
Synchrony Credit Card Master Note Trust | | | | | |
Series 2012-2, Class A 2.22%, 1/15/22 | | | | | | | 232 | | | | 236,398 | |
Series 2015-3, Class A 1.74%, 9/15/21 | | | | | | | 173 | | | | 175,123 | |
Series 2016-1, Class A 2.04%, 3/15/22 | | | | | | | 130 | | | | 132,476 | |
World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2012-B, Class A 1.76%, 5/17/21 | | | | | | | 190 | | | | 191,208 | |
Series 2015-B,Class A 2.55%, 6/17/24 | | | | | | | 113 | | | | 117,575 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,776,153 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
AUTOS–FLOATING RATE–1.7% | | | | | | | | | |
BMW Floorplan Master Owner Trust Series 2015-1A, Class A 0.931% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.50%), 7/15/20(a)(d) | | | | | | | 214 | | | | 214,000 | |
GE Dealer Floorplan Master Note Trust
| | | | | | | | | |
Series 2014-1, Class A 0.812% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.38%), 7/20/19(d) | | | | | | | 120 | | | | 119,719 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2015-1, Class A 0.932% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.50%), 1/20/20(d) | | | U.S.$ | | | | 227 | | | $ | 226,452 | |
Hertz Fleet Lease Funding LP Series 2013-3, Class A 0.979% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.55%), 12/10/27(a)(d) | | | | | | | 48 | | | | 48,071 | |
Navistar Financial Dealer Note Master Trust Series 2014-1, Class A 1.203% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.75%), 10/25/19(a)(d) | | | | | | | 197 | | | | 197,249 | |
NCF Dealer Floorplan Master Trust Series 2014-1A, Class A 1.932% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.50%), 10/20/20(a)(d) | | | | | | | 197 | | | | 197,000 | |
Volkswagen Credit Auto Master Trust Series 2014-1A, Class A1 0.782% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.35%), 7/22/19(a)(d) | | | | | | | 70 | | | | 69,141 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,071,632 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTHER ABS–FIXED RATE–1.3% | | | | | | | | | |
Ascentium Equipment Receivables LLC | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2015-2A, Class A1 1.00%, 11/10/16(a) | | | | | | | 8 | | | | 7,591 | |
Series 2016-1A, Class A2 1.75%, 11/13/18 | | | | | | | 50 | | | | 50,093 | |
CIT Equipment Collateral Series 2014-VT1, Class A2 0.86%, 5/22/17(a) | | | | | | | 41 | | | | 40,752 | |
CNH Equipment Trust | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2014-B, Class A4 1.61%, 5/17/21 | | | | | | | 101 | | | | 101,627 | |
Series 2015-A, Class A4 1.85%, 4/15/21 | | | | | | | 134 | | | | 135,271 | |
Dell Equipment Finance Trust | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2015-1, Class A3 1.30%, 3/23/20(a) | | | | | | | 119 | | | | 118,988 | |
Series 2015-2, Class A2A 1.42%, 12/22/17(a) | | | | | | | 103 | | | | 103,091 | |
SBA Tower Trust 3.156%, 10/15/20(a) | | | | | | | 147 | | | | 149,021 | |
Taco Bell Funding LLC Series 2016-1A, Class A2I 3.832%, 5/25/46 | | | | | | | 129 | | | | 131,513 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 837,947 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CREDIT CARDS–FLOATING RATE–0.9% | | | | | |
Cabela’s Credit Card Master Note Trust Series 2014-1, Class A 0.781% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.35%), 3/16/20(d) | | | | | | | 205 | | | | 203,937 | |
Discover Card Execution Note Trust Series 2015-A1, Class A1 0.881% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.35%), 8/17/20(d) | | | | | | | 263 | | | | 263,530 | |
7
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust Series 2015-A, Class A 0.911% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.48%), 2/15/22(d) | | | U.S.$ | | | | 150 | | | $ | 149,816 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 617,283 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
HOME EQUITY LOANS–FIXED RATE–0.1% | | | | | | | | | |
Credit-Based Asset Servicing and Securitization LLC Series 2003-CB1, Class AF 3.95%, 1/25/33 | | | | | | | 71 | | | | 71,882 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
HOME EQUITY LOANS–FLOATING RATE–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asset Backed Funding Certificates Trust Series 2003-WF1, Class A2 1.561% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.13%), 12/25/32(d) | | | | | | | 35 | | | | 33,755 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Asset-Backed Securities (cost $9,186,878) | | | | | | | | | | | 9,256,260 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES–11.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE CMBS–10.4% | | | | | | | | | |
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2007-5, Class AM 5.772%, 2/10/51 | | | | | | | 78 | | | | 80,127 | |
Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust Series 2006-PW13, Class AJ 5.611%, 9/11/41 | | | | | | | 108 | | | | 108,197 | |
Series 2006-PW14, Class A4 5.201%, 12/11/38 | | | | | | | 314 | | | | 316,243 | |
BHMS Mortgage Trust Series 2014-ATLS, Class AFX 3.601%, 7/05/33(a) | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 210,114 | |
CGRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2013-VN05, Class A 3.369%, 3/13/35(a) | | | | | | | 260 | | | | 276,910 | |
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2012-GC8, Class D 4.877%, 9/10/45(a) | | | | | | | 96 | | | | 89,150 | |
Series 2015-GC27, Class A5 3.137%, 2/10/48 | | | | | | | 144 | | | | 150,786 | |
Series 2016-C1, Class A4 3.209%, 5/10/49 | | | | | | | 192 | | | | 201,839 | |
COBALT CMBS Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2007-C3, Class A4 5.767%, 5/15/46 | | | | | | | 157 | | | | 161,559 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2006-C8, Class A1A 5.292%, 12/10/46 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 228 | | | $ | 230,598 | |
Series 2006-C8, Class A4 5.306%, 12/10/46 | | | | | | | 139 | | | | 140,119 | |
Series 2007-GG9, Class A4 5.444%, 3/10/39 | | | | | | | 423 | | | | 426,386 | |
Series 2013-SFS, Class A1 1.873%, 4/12/35(a) | | | | | | | 94 | | | | 94,151 | |
Credit Suisse Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2007-C3, Class AM 5.699%, 6/15/39 | | | | | | | 95 | | | | 95,961 | |
CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2015-C3, Class A4 3.718%, 8/15/48 | | | | | | | 189 | | | | 205,363 | |
Series 2015-C4, Class A4 3.808%, 11/15/48 | | | | | | | 150 | | | | 165,127 | |
DBUBS Mortgage Trust Series 2011-LC1A, Class E 5.646%, 11/10/46(a) | | | | | | | 100 | | | | 105,615 | |
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II Series 2013-KING, Class A 2.706%, 12/10/27(a) | | | | | | | 251 | | | | 257,195 | |
GS Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2007-GG10, Class A4 5.794%, 8/10/45 | | | | | | | 113 | | | | 115,616 | |
Series 2013-G1, Class A2 3.557%, 4/10/31(a) | | | | | | | 136 | | | | 141,432 | |
JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2006-LDP8, Class AJ 5.48%, 5/15/45 | | | | | | | 76 | | | | 75,679 | |
Series 2006-LDP9, Class AM 5.372%, 5/15/47 | | | | | | | 76 | | | | 75,369 | |
Series 2007-LDPX, Class A1A 5.439%, 1/15/49 | | | | | | | 114 | | | | 116,027 | |
Series 2010-C2, Class A1 2.749%, 11/15/43(a) | | | | | | | 4 | | | | 4,488 | |
Series 2011-C5, Class D 5.323%, 8/15/46(a) | | | | | | | 100 | | | | 101,501 | |
Series 2012-C6, Class E 5.192%, 5/15/45(a) | | | | | | | 132 | | | | 124,937 | |
JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust Series 2015-C31, Class A3 3.801%, 8/15/48 | | | | | | | 206 | | | | 227,722 | |
LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2006-C6, Class AJ 5.452%, 9/15/39 | | | | | | | 52 | | | | 51,563 | |
LSTAR Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2016-4, Class A2 2.57%, 3/10/49 | | | | | | | 159 | | | | 159,092 | |
8
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust Series 2006-C2, Class AJ 5.802%, 8/12/43 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 66 | | | $ | 65,551 | |
ML-CFC Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2006-4, Class A1A 5.166%, 12/12/49 | | | | | | | 230 | | | | 231,012 | |
Series 2007-9, Class A4 5.70%, 9/12/49 | | | | | | | 1,049 | | | | 1,090,726 | |
UBS-Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2012-C3, Class A4 3.091%, 8/10/49 | | | | | | | 60 | | | | 63,037 | |
Series 2012-C4, Class A5 2.85%, 12/10/45 | | | | | | | 112 | | | | 117,149 | |
Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2006-C26, Class A1A 6.009%, 6/15/45 | | | | | | | 27 | | | | 27,229 | |
Series 2007-C32, Class A3 5.722%, 6/15/49 | | | | | | | 125 | | | | 128,722 | |
WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2013-C14, Class A5 3.337%, 6/15/46 | | | | | | | 233 | | | | 249,666 | |
Series 2014-C20, Class A2 3.036%, 5/15/47 | | | | | | | 125 | | | | 130,556 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 6,612,514 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FLOATING RATE CMBS–1.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2007-4, Class A1A 5.774%, 2/10/51(c) | | | | | | | 334 | | | | 344,689 | |
Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2014-SAVA, Class A 1.577% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.15%), 6/15/34(a)(d) | | | | | | | 54 | | | | 53,750 | |
JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2014-INN, Class A 1.351% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.92%), 6/15/29(a)(d) | | | | | | | 201 | | | | 198,604 | |
Series 2015-SGP, Class A 2.127% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.70%), 7/15/36(a)(d) | | | | | | | 138 | | | | 138,259 | |
Resource Capital Corp., Ltd. Series 2014-CRE2, Class A 1.48% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.05%), 4/15/32(a)(d) | | | | | | | 57 | | | | 55,609 | |
Starwood Retail Property Trust Series 2014-STAR, Class A 1.647% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.22%), 11/15/27(a)(d) | | | | | | | 196 | | | | 193,726 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 984,637 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $7,610,180) | | | | | | | | | | | 7,597,151 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
GOVERNMENTS– TREASURIES–8.3% | | | | | |
UNITED KINGDOM–0.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
United Kingdom Gilt 3.75%, 9/07/21(a) | | | GBP | | | | 320 | | | $ | 498,786 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
UNITED STATES–7.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2.875%, 8/15/45 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 230 | | | | 258,265 | |
3.00%, 11/15/45 | | | | | | | 65 | | | | 74,280 | |
3.625%, 8/15/43–2/15/44 | | | | | | | 845 | | | | 1,090,364 | |
6.25%, 5/15/30 | | | | | | | 386 | | | | 606,100 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1.25%, 3/31/21 | | | | | | | 475 | | | | 480,732 | |
1.50%, 8/31/18 | | | | | | | 115 | | | | 117,169 | |
1.625%, 5/15/26 | | | | | | | 409 | | | | 413,596 | |
2.125%, 8/31/20 | | | | | | | 597 | | | | 625,626 | |
2.25%, 11/15/24–11/15/25 | | | | | | | 826 | | | | 880,785 | |
2.50%, 8/15/23 | | | | | | | 215 | | | | 232,914 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 4,779,831 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Governments–Treasuries (cost $4,989,074) | | | | | | | | | | | 5,278,617 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS–7.1% | | | | | |
RISK SHARE FLOATING RATE–5.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bellemeade Re II Ltd. Series 2016-1A, Class M2B 6.953% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.50%), 4/25/26(d) | | | | | | | 150 | | | | 150,938 | |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2014-DN3, Class M2 2.827% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.40%), 8/25/24(d) | | | | | | | 229 | | | | 230,551 | |
Series 2014-DN4, Class M3 4.977% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.55%), 10/25/24(d) | | | | | | | 250 | | | | 254,786 | |
Series 2014-HQ3, Class M2 3.077% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.65%), 10/25/24(d) | | | | | | | 250 | | | | 252,537 | |
Series 2015-DNA1, Class M3 3.736% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.30%), 10/25/27(d) | | | | | | | 250 | | | | 246,282 | |
Series 2015-HQA1, Class M2 3.086% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.65%), 3/25/28(d) | | | | | | | 250 | | | | 255,801 | |
Series 2016-DNA2, Class M3 5.103% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.65%), 10/25/28(d) | | | | | | | 250 | | | | 244,816 | |
Federal National Mortgage Association Connecticut Avenue Securities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2014-C03, Class 1M1 1.636% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.20%), 7/25/24(d) | | | | | | | 38 | | | | 38,329 | |
9
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2014-C04, Class 1M2 5.336% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.90%), 11/25/24(d) | | | U.S.$ | | | | 169 | | | $ | 173,201 | |
Series 2014-C04, Class 2M2 5.436% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 11/25/24(d) | | | | | | | 65 | | | | 65,987 | |
Series 2015-C01, Class 1M2 4.736% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.30%), 2/25/25(d) | | | | | | | 95 | | | | 96,429 | |
Series 2015-C01, Class 2M2 4.986% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.55%), 2/25/25(d) | | | | | | | 119 | | | | 122,366 | |
Series 2015-C02, Class 1M2 4.436% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 5/25/25(d) | | | | | | | 113 | | | | 113,000 | |
Series 2015-C02, Class 2M2 4.436% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 5/25/25(d) | | | | | | | 130 | | | | 129,959 | |
Series 2015-C03, Class 1M1 1.936% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.50%), 7/25/25(d) | | | | | | | 61 | | | | 61,023 | |
Series 2015-C03, Class 1M2 5.436% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 7/25/25(d) | | | | | | | 130 | | | | 130,772 | |
Series 2015-C03, Class 2M2 5.436% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 7/25/25(d) | | | | | | | 105 | | | | 106,069 | |
Series 2015-C04, Class 2M2 5.986% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.55%), 4/25/28(d) | | | | | | | 138 | | | | 140,435 | |
Series 2016-C01, Class 1M2 7.177% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.75%), 8/25/28(d) | | | | | | | 85 | | | | 92,469 | |
Series 2016-C01, Class 2M2 7.377% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.95%), 8/25/28(d) | | | | | | | 92 | | | | 100,338 | |
Series 2016-C02, Class 1M2 6.453% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.00%), 9/25/28(d) | | | | | | | 130 | | | | 137,384 | |
Series 2016-C03, Class 1M2 5.753% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.30%), 10/25/28(d) | | | | | | | 37 | | | | 37,649 | |
Series 2016-C03, Class 2M2 6.353% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.90%), 10/25/28(d) | | | | | | | 83 | | | | 86,118 | |
Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust Series 2015-WF1, Class 1M2 5.686% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.25%), 11/25/25(d)(e) | | | | | | | 48 | | | | 47,488 | |
Series 2015-WF1, Class 2M2 5.936% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.50%), 11/25/25(d)(e) | | | | | | | 21 | | | | 20,251 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 3,334,978 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE–1.5% | | | | | | | | | |
Alternative Loan Trust Series 2005-20CB, Class 3A6 5.50%, 7/25/35 | | | | | | | 27 | | | | 24,507 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2005-57CB, Class 4A3 5.50%, 12/25/35 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 61 | | | $ | 50,380 | |
Series 2006-23CB, Class 1A7 6.00%, 8/25/36 | | | | | | | 36 | | | | 31,478 | |
Series 2006-24CB, Class A16 5.75%, 6/25/36 | | | | | | | 101 | | | | 77,563 | |
Series 2006-28CB, Class A14 6.25%, 10/25/36 | | | | | | | 69 | | | | 53,706 | |
Series 2006-9T1, Class A1 5.75%, 5/25/36 | | | | | | | 43 | | | | 31,079 | |
Series 2006-J1, Class 1A13 5.50%, 2/25/36 | | | | | | | 61 | | | | 49,845 | |
Series 2007-2CB, Class 2A4 5.75%, 3/25/37 | | | | | | | 56 | | | | 44,786 | |
Chase Mortgage Finance Trust Series 2007-S5, Class 1A17 6.00%, 7/25/37 | | | | | | | 33 | | | | 27,150 | |
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc. Series 2005-2, Class 1A4 2.628%, 5/25/35 | | | | | | | 78 | | | | 72,753 | |
Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through Trust Series 2006-10, Class 1A8 6.00%, 5/25/36 | | | | | | | 52 | | | | 43,683 | |
Series 2006-13, Class 1A18 6.25%, 9/25/36 | | | | | | | 76 | | | | 63,098 | |
Series 2006-13, Class 1A19 6.25%, 9/25/36 | | | | | | | 28 | | | | 22,744 | |
Series 2007-HYB2, Class 3A1 2.819%, 2/25/47 | | | | | | | 125 | | | | 95,386 | |
First Horizon Alternative Mortgage Securities Trust Series 2006-FA3, Class A9 6.00%, 7/25/36 | | | | | | | 95 | | | | 73,534 | |
JP Morgan Alternative Loan Trust Series 2006-A3, Class 2A1 2.723%, 7/25/36 | | | | | | | 196 | | | | 160,144 | |
JP Morgan Mortgage Trust Series 2007-S3, Class 1A8 6.00%, 8/25/37 | | | | | | | 46 | | | | 40,010 | |
Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust Series 2007-8, Class 2A5 5.75%, 7/25/37 | | | | | | | 35 | | | | 34,381 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 996,227 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
NON-AGENCY FLOATING RATE–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deutsche Alt-A Securities Mortgage Loan Trust Series 2006-AR4, Class A2 0.626% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.19%), 12/25/36(d) | | | | | | | 181 | | | | 107,140 | |
HomeBanc Mortgage Trust Series 2005-1, Class A1 0.686% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.25%), 3/25/35(d) | | | | | | | 78 | | | | 65,521 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 172,661 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
10
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
AGENCY FIXED RATE–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Federal National Mortgage Association Grantor Trust Series 2004-T5, Class AB4 0.898%, 5/28/35 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 50 | | | $ | 43,316 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 43,316 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (cost $4,673,079) | | | | | | | | | | | 4,547,182 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES–6.1% | | | | | | | | | |
UNITED STATES–6.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Inflation Index 0.125%, 4/15/19 (TIPS) | | | | | | | 2,471 | | | | 2,522,863 | |
0.25%, 1/15/25 (TIPS) | | | | | | | 632 | | | | 641,892 | |
0.375%, 7/15/25 (TIPS) | | | | | | | 712 | | | | 733,335 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Inflation-Linked Securities (cost $3,850,853) | | | | | | | | | | | 3,898,090 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CORPORATES– NON-INVESTMENT GRADE–5.3% | | | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–3.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BASIC–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Freeport-McMoran Oil & Gas LLC/FCX Oil & Gas, Inc. 6.50%, 11/15/20 | | | | | | | 31 | | | | 31,066 | |
Novelis, Inc. 8.375%, 12/15/17 | | | | | | | 18 | | | | 18,405 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 49,471 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–0.1% | | | | | | | | | |
Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc./Reynolds Group Issuer LLC/Reynolds Group Issuer Lu 5.75%, 10/15/20 | | | | | | | 65 | | | | 67,112 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– MEDIA–0.8% | | | | | |
Arqiva Broadcast Finance PLC 9.50%, 3/31/20(a) | | | GBP | | | | 100 | | | | 141,906 | |
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp. 5.50%, 5/01/26 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 63 | | | | 63,945 | |
CSC Holdings LLC 8.625%, 2/15/19 | | | | | | | 29 | | | | 31,990 | |
Quebecor Media, Inc. 5.75%, 1/15/23 | | | | | | | 75 | | | | 76,125 | |
Unitymedia Hessen GmbH & Co. KG/Unitymedia NRW GmbH 5.50%, 1/15/23(a) | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 201,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 514,966 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS– TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.6% | |
Numericable-SFR SA 5.375%, 5/15/22(a) | | | EUR | | | | 120 | | | $ | 134,981 | |
Sprint Capital Corp. 6.90%, 5/01/19 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 210 | | | | 200,550 | |
Windstream Services LLC 6.375%, 8/01/23 | | | | | | | 80 | | | | 67,200 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 402,731 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL– OTHER–0.1% | | | | | | | | | |
KB Home 4.75%, 5/15/19 | | | | | | | 63 | | | | 63,158 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER CYCLICAL–RETAILERS–0.2% | | | | | | | | | |
CST Brands, Inc. 5.00%, 5/01/23 | | | | | | | 75 | | | | 76,125 | |
Hanesbrands, Inc. 4.625%, 5/15/24 | | | | | | | 39 | | | | 39,097 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 115,222 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–0.3% | | | | | | | | | |
First Quality Finance Co., Inc. 4.625%, 5/15/21(a) | | | | | | | 85 | | | | 80,325 | |
Voyage Care Bondco PLC 6.50%, 8/01/18(a) | | | GBP | | | | 100 | | | | 127,441 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 207,766 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ENERGY–0.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cenovus Energy, Inc. 3.00%, 8/15/22 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 12 | | | | 10,954 | |
5.70%, 10/15/19 | | | | | | | 36 | | | | 38,078 | |
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. 4.875%, 11/01/43 | | | | | | | 68 | | | | 48,449 | |
ONEOK, Inc. 4.25%, 2/01/22 | | | | | | | 203 | | | | 186,760 | |
SM Energy Co. 6.50%, 1/01/23 | | | | | | | 9 | | | | 8,370 | |
Transocean, Inc. 6.50%, 11/15/20 | | | | | | | 75 | | | | 66,653 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 359,264 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. 6.75%, 3/01/19 | | | | | | | 59 | | | | 56,640 | |
Diamond 1 Finance Corp./Diamond 2 Finance Corp. 7.125%, 6/15/24 | | | | | | | 69 | | | | 72,065 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 128,705 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TRANSPORTATION– SERVICES–0.1% | | | | | | | | | |
Avis Budget Car Rental LLC/Avis Budget Finance, Inc. 5.25%, 3/15/25(a) | | | | | | | 52 | | | | 47,060 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,955,455 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
11
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–1.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BANKING–1.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series Z 6.50%, 10/23/24(b) | | | U.S.$ | | | | 49 | | | $ | 52,185 | |
Barclays Bank PLC 6.86%, 6/15/32(a)(b) | | | | | | | 29 | | | | 32,480 | |
7.75%, 4/10/23 | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 206,500 | |
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA 5.017%, 6/26/24(a) | | | | | | | 202 | | | | 184,930 | |
Lloyds Banking Group PLC 7.50%, 6/27/24(b) | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 195,500 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC (The) 9.50%, 3/16/22(a) | | | | | | | 12 | | | | 12,478 | |
UniCredit Luxembourg Finance SA 6.00%, 10/31/17(a) | | | | | | | 190 | | | | 198,172 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 882,245 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FINANCE–0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AerCap Aviation Solutions BV 6.375%, 5/30/17 | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 206,500 | |
International Lease Finance Corp. 5.875%, 4/01/19 | | | | | | | 55 | | | | 58,644 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 265,144 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 1,147,389 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
UTILITY–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AES Corp./VA 7.375%, 7/01/21 | | | | | | | 70 | | | | 78,925 | |
NRG Energy, Inc. 7.875%, 5/15/21 | | | | | | | 43 | | | | 44,505 | |
Series WI 6.25%, 5/01/24 | | | | | | | 54 | | | | 51,401 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 174,831 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
NON CORPORATE SECTORS–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AGENCIES–NOT GOVERNMENT GUARANTEED–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOVA Chemicals Corp. 5.25%, 8/01/23(a) | | | | | | | 74 | | | | 74,370 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Corporates–Non-Investment Grade (cost $3,539,011) | | | | | | | | | | | 3,352,045 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
AGENCIES–2.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AGENCY DEBENTURES–2.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Residual Funding Corp. Principal Strip Zero Coupon, 7/15/20 (cost $1,434,857) | | | | | | | 1,677 | | | | 1,600,978 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
GOVERNMENTS– SOVEREIGN AGENCIES–1.0% | | | | | | | | | |
BRAZIL–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Petrobras Global Finance BV 5.75%, 1/20/20 | | | U.S.$ | | | | 147 | | | $ | 142,017 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COLOMBIA–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ecopetrol SA 5.875%, 5/28/45 | | | | | | | 57 | | | | 49,519 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
GERMANY–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank 5.125%, 2/01/17 | | | | | | | 70 | | | | 71,777 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ISRAEL–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Israel Electric Corp. Ltd. Series 6 5.00%, 11/12/24(a) | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 213,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
UNITED KINGDOM–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC 7.50%, 8/10/20(b) | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 183,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Governments–Sovereign Agencies (cost $673,334) | | | | | | | | | | | 659,813 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
EMERGING MARKETS–TREASURIES–1.0% | | | | | | | | | |
BRAZIL–1.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional Series F 10.00%, 1/01/17–1/01/27 (cost $644,655) | | | BRL | | | | 2,170 | | | | 628,340 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS–MUNICIPAL BONDS–0.5% | | | | | | | | | |
UNITED STATES–0.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
State of California Series 2010 7.625%, 3/01/40 (cost $203,154) | | | U.S.$ | | | | 200 | | | | 316,150 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
GOVERNMENTS– SOVEREIGN BONDS–0.4% | | | | | | | | | |
MEXICO–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mexico Government International Bond Series E 5.95%, 3/19/19 | | | | | | | 42 | | | | 46,914 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
QATAR–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Qatar Government International Bond 2.375%, 6/02/21 | | | | | | | 200 | | | | 202,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Governments–Sovereign Bonds (cost $244,151) | | | | | | | | | | | 248,914 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
QUASI-SOVEREIGNS–0.3% | | | | | | | | | |
QUASI-SOVEREIGN BONDS–0.3% | | | | | | | | | |
CHILE–0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Empresa de Transporte de Pasajeros Metro SA 4.75%, 2/04/24(a) (cost $208,729) | | | | | | | 210 | | | | 223,141 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
12
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
PREFERRED STOCKS–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
REITS–0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sovereign Real Estate Investment Trust 12.00%(a) (cost $87,658) | | | | | | | 93 | | | $ | 118,110 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | | |
EMERGING MARKETS–CORPORATE BONDS–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL GOODS–0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Odebrecht Finance Ltd. 7.125%, 6/26/42(a) (cost $58,510) | | U.S.$ | | | | | 200 | | | | 86,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–1.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
State Street Time Deposit 0.01%, 7/01/16 (cost $698,213) | | | U.S.$ | | | | 698 | | | $ | 698,213 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–105.9% (cost $66,001,932) | | | | | | | | | | | 67,603,479 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(5.9)% | | | | | | | | | | | (3,781,462 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | | | | | $ | 63,822,017 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
FUTURES (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Type | | Number of Contracts | | | Expiration Month | | | Original Value | | | Value at June 30, 2016 | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Purchased Contracts | |
U.S. T-Note 5 Yr (CBT) Futures | | | 92 | | | | September 2016 | | | $ | 11,038,105 | | | $ | 11,239,094 | | | $ | 200,989 | |
U.S. Ultra Bond (CBT) Futures | | | 18 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 3,151,327 | | | | 3,354,750 | | | | 203,423 | |
|
Sold Contracts | |
Euro-BOBL Futures | | | 16 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 2,349,097 | | | | 2,372,201 | | | | (23,104 | ) |
U.S. T-Note 2 Yr (CBT) Futures | | | 10 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 2,177,954 | | | | 2,193,281 | | | | (15,327 | ) |
U.S. T-Note 10 Yr (CBT) Futures | | | 25 | | | | September 2016 | | | | 3,241,172 | | | | 3,324,610 | | | | (83,438 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 282,543 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Contracts to Deliver (000) | | | In Exchange For (000) | | | Settlement Date | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | | USD | | | | 160 | | | | INR | | | | 10,742 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | $ | (689 | ) |
Deutsche Bank AG | | | MYR | | | | 1,011 | | | | USD | | | | 259 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 5,754 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | | BRL | | | | 1,024 | | | | USD | | | | 319 | | | | 7/05/16 | | | | 248 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | | USD | | | | 306 | | | | BRL | | | | 1,024 | | | | 7/05/16 | | | | 12,916 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | | USD | | | | 248 | | | | MYR | | | | 1,013 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 5,860 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | | BRL | | | | 1,024 | | | | USD | | | | 303 | | | | 8/02/16 | | | | (12,504 | ) |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | | BRL | | | | 1,082 | | | | USD | | | | 235 | | | | 1/04/17 | | | | (83,800 | ) |
HSBC Bank USA | | | GBP | | | | 848 | | | | USD | | | | 1,225 | | | | 7/21/16 | | | | 96,346 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | USD | | | | 129 | | | | INR | | | | 8,722 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (2 | ) |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | BRL | | | | 1,024 | | | | USD | | | | 282 | | | | 7/05/16 | | | | (36,816 | ) |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | USD | | | | 319 | | | | BRL | | | | 1,024 | | | | 7/05/16 | | | | (248 | ) |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | SGD | | | | 710 | | | | USD | | | | 525 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (2,288 | ) |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | TWD | | | | 16,796 | | | | USD | | | | 515 | | | | 8/05/16 | | | | (7,608 | ) |
13
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Contracts to Deliver (000) | | | In Exchange For (000) | | | Settlement Date | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | EUR | | | | 401 | | | | USD | | | | 453 | | | | 7/20/16 | | | $ | 7,892 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 96 | | | | EUR | | | | 86 | | | | 7/20/16 | | | | (558 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 369 | | | | GBP | | | | 267 | | | | 7/21/16 | | | | (13,584 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 305 | | | | MXN | | | | 5,779 | | | | 8/04/16 | | | | 10,474 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | AUD | | | | 467 | | | | USD | | | | 348 | | | | 8/12/16 | | | | (396 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | CAD | | | | 413 | | | | USD | | | | 320 | | | | 9/08/16 | | | | 1,154 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | CAD | | | | 392 | | | | USD | | | | 302 | | | | 9/08/16 | | | | (1,552 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (19,401 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Clearing Broker/(Exchange) & Referenced Obligation | | Fixed Rate (Pay) Receive | | | Implied Credit Spread at June 30, 2016 | | | Notional Amount (000) | | | Market Value | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Sale Contracts | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(INTRCONX) | |
CDX-NAHY Series 25, 5 Year Index, 12/20/20* | | | 5.00 | % | | | 3.99 | % | | $ | 849 | | | $ | 34,954 | | | $ | 32,920 | |
CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAPS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Rate Type | | | | |
Clearing Broker/(Exchange) | | Notional Amount (000) | | | Termination Date | | | Payments made by the Fund | | | Payments received by the Fund | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | AUD | | | | 4,720 | | | | 3/11/17 | | | | 2.140 | % | | | 3 Month BBSW | | | $ | (5,650 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | | | | | 4,100 | | | | 6/09/17 | | | | 2.218 | % | | | 3 Month BBSW | | | | (10,370 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | | | | | 2,250 | | | | 10/30/17 | | | | 1.915 | % | | | 3 Month BBSW | | | | (1,241 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | | | | | 3,820 | | | | 4/27/18 | | | | 2.213 | % | | | 3 Month BBSW | | | | (20,801 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | NOK | | | | 37,710 | | | | 5/12/18 | | | | 0.954 | % | | | 6 Month NIBOR | | | | (2,331 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | | | | | 12,420 | | | | 5/19/18 | | | | 1.007 | % | | | 6 Month NIBOR | | | | (2,209 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | USD | | | | 530 | | | | 1/14/24 | | | | 2.980 | % | | | 3 Month LIBOR | | | | (75,556 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | | | | | 650 | | | | 4/28/24 | | | | 2.817 | % | | | 3 Month LIBOR | | | | (80,978 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | AUD | | | | 720 | | | | 3/11/25 | | | | 6 Month BBSW | | | | 2.973 | % | | | 35,529 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | | | | | 440 | | | | 6/09/25 | | | | 6 Month BBSW | | | | 3.384 | % | | | 32,756 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | USD | | | | 740 | | | | 11/10/25 | | | | 2.256 | % | | | 3 Month LIBOR | | | | (62,909 | ) |
14
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Rate Type | | | | |
Clearing Broker/(Exchange) | | Notional Amount (000) | | | Termination Date | | | Payments made by the Fund | | | Payments received by the Fund | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | NOK | | | | 4,680 | | | | 5/12/26 | | | | 6 Month NIBOR | | | | 1.556 | % | | $ | 12,175 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC/(CME Group) | | | USD | | | | 420 | | | | 6/28/26 | | | | 1.460 | % | | | 3 Month LIBOR | | | | (3,303 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (184,888 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Swap Counterparty & Referenced Obligation | | Fixed Rate (Pay) Receive | | | Implied Credit Spread at June 30, 2016 | | | Notional Amount (000) | | | Market Value | | | Upfront Premiums Paid (Received) | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Buy Contracts | |
Citibank, NA | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., 7.75%, 8/01/20, 3/20/19* | | | (5.00 | )% | | | 5.90 | % | | $ | 58 | | | $ | 1,337 | | | $ | 2,821 | | | $ | (1,484 | ) |
Sprint Communications, Inc., 8.375%, 8/15/17, 6/20/19* | | | (5.00 | ) | | | 7.33 | | | | 98 | | | | 5,753 | | | | (3,577 | ) | | | 9,330 | |
Sprint Communications, Inc., 8.375%, 8/15/17, 6/20/19* | | | (5.00 | ) | | | 7.33 | | | | 112 | | | | 6,574 | | | | (4,239 | ) | | | 10,813 | |
|
Sale Contracts | |
Credit Suisse International | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Anadarko Petroleum Corp., 5.95%, 9/15/16, 9/20/17* | | | 1.00 | | | | 0.78 | | | | 270 | | | | 288 | | | | (2,321 | ) | | | 2,609 | |
CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 6, 5/11/63* | | | 3.00 | | | | 4.41 | | | | 94 | | | | (6,925 | ) | | | (6,569 | ) | | | (356 | ) |
CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 6, 5/11/63* | | | 3.00 | | | | 4.41 | | | | 28 | | | | (2,063 | ) | | | (2,091 | ) | | | 28 | |
Deutsche Bank AG | |
CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB Series 6, 5/11/63* | | | 3.00 | | | | 4.41 | | | | 132 | | | | (9,361 | ) | | | (9,993 | ) | | | 632 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (4,397 | ) | | $ | (25,969 | ) | | $ | 21,572 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INTEREST RATE SWAPS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Rate Type | | | | |
Swap Counterparty | | Notional Amount (000) | | | Termination Date | | | Payments made by the Fund | | | Payments received by the Fund | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA | | $ | 1,390 | | | | 1/30/17 | | | | 1.059 | % | | | 3 Month LIBOR | | | $ | | (7,809) |
15
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
(a) | | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2016, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $11,101,622 or 17.4% of net assets. |
(b) | | Securities are perpetual and, thus, do not have a predetermined maturity date. The date shown, if applicable, reflects the next call date. |
(c) | | Variable rate coupon, rate shown as of June 30, 2016. |
(d) | | Floating Rate Security. Stated interest rate was in effect at June 30, 2016. |
(e) | | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities, which represent 0.10% of net assets as of June 30, 2016, are considered illiquid and restricted. Additional information regarding such securities follows: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
144A/Restricted & Illiquid Securities | | Acquisition Date | | | Cost | | | Market Value | | | Percentage of Net Assets | |
Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust Series 2015-WF1, Class 1M2 5.686%, 11/25/25 | | | 09/28/15 | | | $ | 48,010 | | | $ | 47,488 | | | | 0.07 | % |
Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust Series 2015-WF1, Class 2M2 5.936%, 11/25/25 | | | 09/28/15 | | | | 20,554 | | | | 20,251 | | | | 0.03 | % |
Currency Abbreviations:
AUD—Australian Dollar
BRL—Brazilian Real
CAD—Canadian Dollar
EUR—Euro
GBP—Great British Pound
INR—Indian Rupee
MXN—Mexican Peso
MYR—Malaysian Ringgit
NOK—Norwegian Krone
SGD—Singapore Dollar
TWD—New Taiwan Dollar
USD—United States Dollar
Glossary:
ABS—Asset-Backed Securities
BBSW—Bank Bill Swap Reference Rate (Australia)
BOBL—Bundesobligationen
CBT—Chicago Board of Trade
CDX-CMBX.NA—North American Commercial Mortgage-Backed Index
CDX-NAHY—North American High Yield Credit Default Swap Index
CMBS—Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
CME—Chicago Mercantile Exchange
INTRCONX—Inter-Continental Exchange
LIBOR—London Interbank Offered Rates
NIBOR—Norwegian Interbank Offered Rate
REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust
TBA—To Be Announced
TIPS—Treasury Inflation Protected Security
See notes to financial statements.
16
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETS & LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $66,001,932) | | $ | 67,603,479 | |
Cash | | | 116 | |
Cash collateral due from broker | | | 314,378 | |
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $582) | | | 596 | |
Interest and dividends receivable | | | 396,055 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 277,727 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 140,644 | |
Unrealized appreciation on credit default swaps | | | 23,412 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 19,689 | |
Upfront premium paid on credit default swaps | | | 2,821 | |
Receivable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | | 2,725 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 68,781,642 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 4,595,689 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 160,045 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 38,240 | |
Upfront premium received on credit default swaps | | | 28,790 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 23,441 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 11,625 | |
Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | | 9,100 | |
Unrealized depreciation on interest rate swaps | | | 7,809 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 3,411 | |
Unrealized depreciation on credit default swaps | | | 1,840 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 112 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 79,523 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 4,959,625 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 63,822,017 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 5,692 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 58,255,769 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 2,698,239 | |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 1,134,172 | |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 1,728,145 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 63,822,017 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
A | | $ | 47,151,713 | | | | 4,192,242 | | | $ | 11.25 | |
B | | $ | 16,670,304 | | | | 1,499,417 | | | $ | 11.12 | |
See notes to financial statements.
17
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Interest | | $ | 1,181,911 | |
Dividends | | | 8,337 | |
| | | | |
| | | 1,190,248 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 144,236 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 20,911 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,658 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 582 | |
Custodian | | | 72,006 | |
Audit and tax | | | 37,624 | |
Administrative | | | 24,077 | |
Legal | | | 14,727 | |
Printing | | | 12,538 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 10,665 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 2,852 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 341,876 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 848,372 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 137,919 | |
Futures | | | 389,048 | |
Swaps | | | (98,357 | ) |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (72,268 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | 2,199,461 | |
Futures | | | 261,150 | |
Swaps | | | (34,191 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (48,867 | ) |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 2,733,895 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 3,582,267 | |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
18
| | |
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 848,372 | | | $ | 1,704,463 | |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 356,342 | | | | 1,313,401 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 2,377,553 | | | | (2,946,458 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 3,582,267 | | | | 71,406 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (1,846,751 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (628,301 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (1,514,588 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (559,008 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (4,995,710 | ) | | | (6,615,195 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (1,413,443 | ) | | | (11,092,437 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 65,235,460 | | | | 76,327,897 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $2,698,239 and $1,849,867, respectively) | | $ | 63,822,017 | | | $ | 65,235,460 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
19
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AB Intermediate Bond Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), is a series of AB 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 sixteen 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 (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the 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 (the “Board”).
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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 Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign
20
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The fair value of debt instruments, such as bonds, and over-the-counter derivatives is generally based on market price quotations, recently executed market transactions (where observable) or industry recognized modeling techniques and are generally classified as Level 2. Pricing vendor inputs to Level 2 valuations may include quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, interest rate curves, coupon rates, currency rates, yield curves, option adjusted spreads, default rates, credit spreads and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows which are then discounted to calculate fair values. If these inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value, these investments will be classified as Level 3. In addition, non-agency rated investments are classified as Level 3.
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
Valuations of mortgage-backed or other asset-backed securities, by pricing vendors, are based on both proprietary and industry recognized models and discounted cash flow techniques. Significant inputs to the valuation of these instruments are value of the collateral, the rates and timing of delinquencies, the rates and timing of prepayments, and default and loss expectations, which are driven in part by housing prices for residential mortgages. Significant inputs are determined based on relative value analyses, which incorporate comparisons to instruments with similar collateral and risk profiles, including relevant indices. Mortgage and asset-backed securities for which management has collected current observable data through pricing services are generally categorized within Level 2. Those investments for which current observable data has not been provided are classified as Level 3.
Other fixed income investments, including non-U.S. government and corporate debt, are generally valued using quoted market prices, if available, which are typically impacted by current interest rates, maturity dates and any perceived credit risk of the issuer. Additionally, in the absence of quoted market prices, these inputs are used by pricing vendors to derive a valuation based upon industry or proprietary models which incorporate issuer specific data with relevant yield/spread comparisons with more widely quoted bonds with similar key characteristics. Those investments for which there are observable inputs are classified as Level 2. Where the inputs are not observable, the investments are classified as Level 3.
21
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Investments in Securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | |
Corporates—Investment Grade | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 17,359,621 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 17,359,621 | |
Mortgage Pass-Throughs | | | –0 | – | | | 11,734,854 | | | | –0 | – | | | 11,734,854 | |
Asset-Backed Securities | | | –0 | – | | | 8,870,089 | | | | 386,171 | | | | 9,256,260 | |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | | | –0 | – | | | 6,220,071 | | | | 1,377,080 | | | | 7,597,151 | |
Governments—Treasuries | | | –0 | – | | | 5,278,617 | | | | –0 | – | | | 5,278,617 | |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | | | –0 | – | | | 4,396,244 | | | | 150,938 | | | | 4,547,182 | |
Inflation-Linked Securities | | | –0 | – | | | 3,898,090 | | | | –0 | – | | | 3,898,090 | |
Corporates—Non-Investment Grade | | | –0 | – | | | 3,352,045 | | | | –0 | – | | | 3,352,045 | |
Agencies | | | –0 | – | | | 1,600,978 | | | | –0 | – | | | 1,600,978 | |
Governments—Sovereign Agencies | | | –0 | – | | | 659,813 | | | | –0 | – | | | 659,813 | |
Emerging Markets—Treasuries | | | –0 | – | | | 628,340 | | | | –0 | – | | | 628,340 | |
Local Governments—Municipal Bonds | | | –0 | – | | | 316,150 | | | | –0 | – | | | 316,150 | |
Governments—Sovereign Bonds | | | –0 | – | | | 248,914 | | | | –0 | – | | | 248,914 | |
Quasi-Sovereigns | | | –0 | – | | | 223,141 | | | | –0 | – | | | 223,141 | |
Preferred Stocks | | | –0 | – | | | 118,110 | | | | –0 | – | | | 118,110 | |
Emerging Markets—Corporate Bonds | | | –0 | – | | | 86,000 | | | | –0 | – | | | 86,000 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | –0 | – | | | 698,213 | | | | –0 | – | | | 698,213 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | –0 | – | | | 65,689,290 | | | | 1,914,189 | | | | 67,603,479 | |
Other Financial Instruments(a): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | |
Futures | | | 404,412 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 404,412 | (b) |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | | –0 | – | | | 140,644 | | | | –0 | – | | | 140,644 | |
Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | 32,920 | | | | –0 | – | | | 32,920 | (b) |
Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | 80,460 | | | | –0 | – | | | 80,460 | (b) |
Credit Default Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | 23,412 | | | | –0 | – | | | 23,412 | |
Liabilities: | |
Futures | | | (121,869 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | (121,869 | )(b) |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | | –0 | – | | | (160,045 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (160,045 | ) |
Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | (265,348 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (265,348 | )(b) |
Credit Default Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | (1,840 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (1,840 | ) |
Interest Rate Swaps | | | –0 | – | | | (7,809 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (7,809 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total(c) | | $ | 282,543 | | | $ | 65,531,684 | | | $ | 1,914,189 | | | $ | 67,728,416 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
(b) | | Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of exchange-traded derivatives as reported in the portfolio of investments. |
(c) | | There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the reporting period. |
The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
22
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Asset- Backed Securities | | | Commercial Mortgage- Backed Securities | | | Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | |
Balance as of 12/31/15 | | $ | 1,050,365 | | | $ | 742,820 | | | $ | 3,618,583 | |
Accrued discounts/(premiums) | | | 19 | | | | (789 | ) | | | –0 | – |
Realized gain (loss) | | | 46 | | | | (231 | ) | | | 40,229 | |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | 6,944 | | | | (10,218 | ) | | | 938 | |
Purchases/Payups | | | 129,000 | | | | 648,563 | | | | 150,000 | |
Sales/Paydowns | | | (8,275 | ) | | | (3,065 | ) | | | (40,230 | ) |
Transfers in to Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Transfers out of Level 3 | | | (791,928 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (3,618,582 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/16 | | $ | 386,171 | | | $ | 1,377,080 | | | $ | 150,938 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from investments held as of 6/30/16(b) | | $ | 6,944 | | | $ | (10,218 | ) | | $ | 938 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | Total | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 12/31/15 | | $ | 5,411,768 | | | | | | | | | |
Accrued discounts/(premiums) | | | (770 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Realized gain (loss) | | | 40,044 | | | | | | | | | |
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | (2,336 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Purchases/Payups | | | 927,563 | | | | | | | | | |
Sales/Paydowns | | | (51,570 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Transfers in to Level 3 | | | –0 | – | | | | | | | | |
Transfers out of Level 3 | | | (4,410,510 | )(a) | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of 6/30/16 | | $ | 1,914,189 | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from investments held as of 6/30/16(b) | | $ | (2,336 | ) | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | An amount of $4,410,510 was transferred out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to increase in observability of inputs during the reporting period. |
(b) | | The unrealized appreciation/depreciation is included in net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and other financial instruments in the accompanying statement of operations. |
As of June 30, 2016, all Level 3 securities were priced i) by third party vendors, or ii) using prior transaction prices, which approximates fair value.
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and a third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due
23
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed 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 foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
4. 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.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
5. 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 the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. 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 proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the 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.
24
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $24,077.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $569 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
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 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 or 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, 2016 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 5,937,144 | | | $ | 5,669,849 | |
U.S. government securities | | | 29,595,853 | | | | 27,121,926 | |
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, swaps and foreign currency transactions) are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 2,450,676 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (849,129 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 1,601,547 | |
| | | | |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The principal types of derivatives utilized by the Portfolio, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:
The Portfolio may buy or sell futures for investment purposes or for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse effects of potential movements in the market. The Portfolio bears the market risk that arises from changes in the value of these instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures and movements in the price of the assets, reference rates or indices which they are designed to track. Among other things, the Portfolio may purchase or sell futures for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
25
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
At the time the Portfolio enters into futures, the Portfolio deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the 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. The credit/counterparty risk for exchange-traded futures is generally less than privately negotiated futures, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each exchange-traded future, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the 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.
Use of long futures subjects the Portfolio to risk of loss in excess of the amounts shown on the statement of assets and liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures. Use of short futures subjects the Portfolio to unlimited risk of loss. Under some circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of futures can vary from the previous day’s settlement price, which could effectively prevent liquidation of unfavorable positions.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
| • | | Forward Currency Exchange Contracts |
The Portfolio may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contract and the closing of such contract would be included in net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions. Fluctuations in the value of open forward currency exchange contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation by the Portfolio. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
For hedging and investment 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. Among other things, the Portfolio may use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions” and may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, for hedging and investment purposes.
The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the 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
26
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held written options for non-hedging purposes.
For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had the following transactions in written options:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Number of Contracts | | | Premiums Received | |
Options written outstanding as of 12/31/15 | | | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Options written | | | 56,742,000 | | | | 2,531 | |
Options assigned | | | (56,742,000 | ) | | | (2,531 | ) |
Options expired | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Options bought back | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Options exercised | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Options written outstanding as of 06/30/16 | | | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
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 gaining market exposures, including by 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. In addition, collateral may be pledged or received by the Portfolio in accordance with the terms of the respective swaps to provide value and recourse to the Portfolio or its counterparties in the event of default, bankruptcy or insolvency by one of the parties to the swap.
Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap to comply with the terms of the swap. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interim payment to be received by the Portfolio, and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Therefore, the Portfolio considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a swap in evaluating potential counterparty risk. This risk is mitigated by having a netting arrangement between the Portfolio and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the Portfolio to cover the Portfolio’s exposure to the counterparty. Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying securities. The Portfolio accrues for the interim payments on swaps on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of assets and liabilities, where applicable. Once the interim payments are settled in cash, the net amount is recorded as realized gain/(loss) on swaps on the statement of operations, in addition to any realized gain/(loss) recorded upon the termination of swaps. Upfront premiums paid or received are recognized as cost or proceeds on the statement of assets and liabilities and are amortized on a straight line basis over the life of the contract. Amortized upfront premiums are included in net realized gain/(loss) from swaps on the statement of operations. Fluctuations in the value of swaps are recorded as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of operations.
Certain standardized swaps, including certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps, are (or soon will be) subject to mandatory central clearing. Cleared swaps are transacted through futures commission merchants (“FCMs”) that are members of central clearinghouses, with the clearinghouse serving as central counterparty, similar to transactions in futures contracts. Centralized clearing will be required for additional categories of swaps on a phased-in basis based on requirements published by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
At the time the Portfolio enters into a centrally cleared swap, the Portfolio deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the clearinghouse on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is
27
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. 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 of a counterparty to meet the terms of the contract. The credit/counterparty risk for centrally cleared swaps is generally less than non-centrally cleared swaps, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each centrally cleared swap, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the 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.
Interest Rate Swaps:
The Portfolio is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Because the Portfolio holds fixed rate bonds, the value of these bonds may decrease if interest rates rise. To help hedge against this risk and to maintain its ability to generate income at prevailing market rates, the Portfolio may enter into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps are agreements between two parties to exchange cash flows based on a notional amount. The Portfolio may elect to pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate, or, receive a fixed rate and pay a floating rate on a notional amount.
In addition, the Portfolio may also enter into interest rate swap transactions to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio, or protecting against an increase in the price of securities the Portfolio anticipates purchasing at a later date. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Portfolio with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments) computed based on a contractually-based principal (or “notional”) amount. Interest rate swaps are entered into on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Portfolio receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments).
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held interest rate swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
Inflation (CPI) Swaps:
Inflation swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to pay the cumulative percentage increase in a price index (the Consumer Price Index with respect to CPI swaps) over the term of the swap (with some lag on the inflation index), and the other pays a compounded fixed rate. Inflation swaps may be used to protect the net asset value, or NAV, of a Portfolio against an unexpected change in the rate of inflation measured by an inflation index since the value of these agreements is expected to increase if unexpected inflation increases.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held inflation (CPI) swaps for hedging purposes.
Credit Default Swaps:
The Portfolio may enter into credit default swaps, including to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its risk exposure to defaults by corporate and sovereign issuers held by the Portfolio, or to create exposure to corporate or sovereign issuers to which it is not otherwise exposed. The Portfolio may purchase credit protection (“Buy Contract”) or provide credit protection (“Sale Contract”) on the referenced obligation of the credit default swap. During the term of the swap, the Portfolio receives/(pays) fixed payments from/(to) the respective counterparty, calculated at the agreed upon rate applied to the notional amount. If the Portfolio is a buyer/(seller) of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap, the Portfolio will either (i) receive from the seller/(pay to the buyer) of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap (the “Maximum Payout Amount”) and deliver/(take delivery of) the referenced obligation or (ii) receive/(pay) a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation.
In certain circumstances Maximum Payout Amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront premium received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received from settlement of buy protection credit default swaps entered into by the Portfolio for the same reference obligation with the same counterparty. As of June 30, 2016, the Portfolio did not have Buy Contracts outstanding with respect to the same referenced obligation and same counterparty for its Sale Contracts outstanding.
28
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if a Portfolio had invested in the referenced obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. If the Portfolio is a buyer of protection and no credit event occurs, it will lose the payments it made to its counterparty. If the Portfolio is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, the value of the referenced obligation received by the Portfolio coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the Maximum Payout Amount it pays to the buyer, resulting in a net loss to the Portfolio.
Implied credit spreads over U.S. Treasuries of comparable maturity utilized in determining the market value of credit default swaps on issuers as of period end are disclosed in the portfolio of investments. The implied spreads serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and typically reflect the likelihood of default by the issuer of the referenced obligation. The implied credit spread of a particular reference obligation also reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may reflect upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Widening credit spreads typically represent a deterioration of the referenced obligation’s credit soundness and greater likelihood of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement. A credit spread identified as “Defaulted” indicates a credit event has occurred for the referenced obligation.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held credit default swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
The Portfolio typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar master agreements (collectively, “Master Agreements”) with its derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Portfolio typically may offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instrument’s payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default or termination.
Various Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions with counterparties, including transactions such as derivative transactions, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These Master Agreements typically attempt to reduce the counterparty risk associated with such transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Cross-termination provisions under Master Agreements typically provide that a default in connection with one transaction between the Portfolio and a counterparty gives the non-defaulting party the right to terminate any other transactions in place with the defaulting party to create one single net payment due to/due from the defaulting party. In the event of a default by a Master Agreements counterparty, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Portfolio’s net liability, held by the defaulting party, may be delayed or denied.
The Portfolio’s Master Agreements may contain provisions for early termination of OTC derivative transactions in the event the net assets of the Portfolio decline below specific levels (“net asset contingent features”). If these levels are triggered, the Portfolio’s counterparty has the right to terminate such transaction and require the Portfolio to pay or receive a settlement amount in connection with the terminated transaction. For additional details, please refer to netting arrangements by counterparty tables below.
At June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Asset Derivatives | | | Liability Derivatives | |
Derivative Type | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | |
Interest rate contracts | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | $ | 484,872 | * | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | $ | 387,217 | * |
Credit contracts | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | | 32,920 | * | | Receivable/Payable for variation margin on exchange-traded derivatives | | | | |
29
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Asset Derivatives | | | Liability Derivatives | |
Derivative Type | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | |
Foreign exchange contracts | | Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | $ | 140,644 | | | Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | $ | 160,045 | |
Interest rate contracts | | | | | | | | Unrealized depreciation on interest rate swaps | | | 7,809 | |
Credit contracts | | Unrealized appreciation on credit default swaps | | | 23,412 | | | Unrealized depreciation on credit default swaps | | | 1,840 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | $ | 681,848 | | | | | $ | 556,911 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | | Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of exchange-traded derivatives as reported in the portfolio of investments. |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative Type | | Location of Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Within Statement of Operations | | Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation or (Depreciation) | |
Interest rate contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures | | $ | 389,048 | | | $ | 261,150 | |
Foreign exchange contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (57,594 | ) | | | (21,151 | ) |
Interest rate contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps | | | (116,669 | ) | | | (32,388 | ) |
Credit contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps | | | 18,312 | | | | (1,803 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | $ | 233,097 | | | $ | 205,808 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2016:
| | | | |
Futures: | | | | |
Average original value of buy contracts | | $ | 19,070,180 | |
Average original value of sale contracts | | $ | 6,981,159 | |
| |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts: | | | | |
Average principal amount of buy contracts | | $ | 1,711,754 | |
Average principal amount of sale contracts | | $ | 5,673,751 | |
| |
Interest Rate Swaps: | | | | |
Average notional amount | | $ | 2,475,714 | |
| |
Inflation Swaps: | | | | |
Average notional amount | | $ | 1,120,000 | (a) |
| |
Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps: | | | | |
Average notional amount | | $ | 25,245,342 | |
| |
Credit Default Swaps: | | | | |
Average notional amount of buy contracts | | $ | 268,000 | |
Average notional amount of sale contracts | | $ | 349,143 | |
30
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps: | | | | |
Average notional amount of sale contracts | | $ | 942,017 | |
(a) | | Positions were open for two months during the period. |
For financial reporting purposes, the Portfolio does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.
All derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Derivative Assets Subject to a MA | | | Derivative Available for Offset | | | Cash Collateral Received | | | Security Collateral Received | | | Net Amount of Derivatives Assets | |
Exchange-Traded Derivatives: | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC* | | $ | 2,725 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 2,725 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 2,725 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 2,725 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTC Derivatives: | |
Citibank, NA | | $ | 13,664 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 13,664 | |
Credit Suisse International | | | 288 | | | | (288 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Deutsche Bank AG | | | 5,754 | | | | (5,754 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | | 19,024 | | | | (19,024 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
HSBC Bank USA | | | 96,346 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 96,346 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | 19,520 | | | | (16,090 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 3,430 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 154,596 | | | $ | (41,156 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 113,440 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Counterparty | | Derivative Liabilities Subject to a MA | | | Derivative Available for Offset | | | Cash Collateral Pledged** | | | Security Collateral Pledged | | | Net Amount of Derivatives Liabilities | |
Exchange-Traded Derivatives: | |
Goldman Sachs & Co* | | $ | 9,100 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | (9,100 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 9,100 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | (9,100 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTC Derivatives: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | $ | 689 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 689 | |
Credit Suisse International | | | 8,988 | | | | (288 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 8,700 | |
Deutsche Bank AG | | | 9,361 | | | | (5,754 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 3,607 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | | 96,304 | | | | (19,024 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 77,280 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA | | | 7,809 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 7,809 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | 2 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 2 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | 46,960 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 46,960 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | 16,090 | | | | (16,090 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 186,203 | | | $ | (41,156 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 145,047 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | | Cash and securities have been posted for initial margin requirements for exchange-traded derivatives outstanding at June 30, 2016. |
** | | The actual collateral received/pledged is more than the amount reported due to over-collateralization. |
^ | | Net amount represents the net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty. |
2. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated 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 other options. The
31
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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).
3. TBA and Dollar Rolls
The Portfolio may invest in TBA mortgage-backed securities. A TBA, or “To Be Announced”, trade represents a contract for the purchase or sale of mortgage-backed securities to be delivered at a future agree-upon date; however, the specific mortgage pool numbers or the number of pools that will be delivered to fulfill the trade obligation or terms of the contract are unknown at the time of the trade. Mortgage pools (including fixed-rate or variable-rate mortgages) guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association, or GNMA, the Federal National Mortgage Association, or FNMA, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or FHLMC, are subsequently allocated to the TBA transactions.
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. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio earned drop income of $31,785 which is included in interest income in the accompanying statement of operations.
4. Reverse Repurchase Agreements
The Portfolio may enter into reverse repurchase transactions (“RVP”) in accordance with the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), under which 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 comparable to the repurchase price. Under the MRA and other Master Agreements, the Portfolio is permitted to offset payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted to the counterparty and create one single net payment due to or from the Portfolio in the event of a default. In the event of a default by a MRA counterparty, the Portfolio may be considered an unsecured creditor with respect to any excess collateral (collateral with a market value in excess of the repurchase price) held by and/or posted to the counterparty, and as such the return of such excess collateral may be delayed or denied. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had no transactions in reverse repurchase agreements.
5. Short Sales
The Portfolio may sell securities short. A short sale is a transaction in which the Portfolio sells securities it does not own, but has borrowed, in anticipation of a decline in the market price of the securities. The Portfolio is obligated to replace the borrowed securities at their market price at the time of settlement. The Portfolio’s obligation to replace the securities borrowed in connection with a short sale will be fully secured by collateral deposited with the broker. The Portfolio is liable to the buyer for any dividends/interest payable on securities while those securities are in a short position. These dividends/interest are recorded as an expense of the Portfolio. Short sales by the Portfolio involve certain risks and special considerations. Possible losses from short sales differ from losses that could be incurred from a purchase of a security because losses from short sales may be unlimited, whereas losses from purchases cannot exceed the total amount invested. For the period ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had no short sales.
32
| | |
| | AB 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
Class A | |
Shares sold | | | 77,143 | | | | 195,721 | | | | | | | $ | 832,602 | | | $ | 2,249,979 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | 314,732 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 3,361,339 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (356,492 | ) | | | (1,002,381 | ) | | | | | | | (3,898,132 | ) | | | (11,220,799 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (279,349 | ) | | | (491,928 | ) | | | | | | $ | (3,065,530 | ) | | $ | (5,609,481 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | |
Shares sold | | | 59,129 | | | | 68,692 | | | | | | | $ | 642,955 | | | $ | 754,645 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | 112,222 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 1,187,309 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (239,555 | ) | | | (268,223 | ) | | | | | | | (2,573,135 | ) | | | (2,947,668 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (180,426 | ) | | | (87,309 | ) | | | | | | $ | (1,930,180 | ) | | $ | (1,005,714 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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 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.
Below Investment Grade Securities Risk—Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally and less secondary market liquidity.
Duration Risk—Duration is a measure that relates the expected price volatility of a fixed-income security to changes in interest rates. The duration of a fixed-income security may be shorter than or equal to full maturity of a fixed-income security. Fixed-income securities with longer durations have more risk and will decrease in price as interest rates rise. For example, a fixed-income security with a duration of three years will decrease in value by approximately 3% if interest rates increase by 1%.
Inflation Risk—This is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Portfolio’s assets can decline as can the real value of the Portfolio’s distributions. This risk is significantly greater if the Portfolio’s invests a significant portion of its assets in fixed-income securities with longer maturities.
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Emerging Market Risk—Investments in emerging market countries may have more risk because the markets are less developed and less liquid, and because these investments may be subject to increased economic, political, regulatory, or other uncertainties.
Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce its returns.
33
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Prepayment Risk—The value of mortgage-related or asset-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. Early payments of principal on some of these securities may occur during periods of falling mortgage interest rates and expose the Portfolio to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. Early payments associated with these securities cause these securities to experience significantly greater price and yield volatility than is experienced by traditional fixed-income securities. During periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective life of mortgage-related securities, subjecting them to greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates. If the life of a mortgage-related security is inaccurately predicted, the Portfolio may not be able to realize the rate of return it expected.
Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its portfolio, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures contracts or by borrowing money. The use of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as forwards, futures, options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.
Liquidity Risk—Liquidity risk occurs when certain investments become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling less liquid securities may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Portfolio. Causes of liquidity risk may include low trading volumes, large positions and heavy redemptions of Portfolio shares. Over recent years liquidity risk has also increased because the capacity of dealers in the secondary market for fixed-income securities to make markets in these securities has decreased, even as the overall bond market has grown significantly, due to, among other things, structural changes, additional regulatory requirements and capital and risk restraints that have led to reduced inventories. Liquidity risk may be higher in a rising interest rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally decline.
Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.
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. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2016.
NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2016 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 3,320,511 | | | $ | 2,731,013 | |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 1,228,137 | | | | 1,077,101 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions paid | | $ | 4,548,648 | | | $ | 3,808,114 | |
| | | | | | | | |
34
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
As of December 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 2,674,769 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (3,710 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | (692,770 | )(b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 1,978,289 | |
| | | | |
(a) | | As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had cumulative deferred loss on straddles of $3,710. |
(b) | | The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax treatment of swaps and Treasury inflation-protected securities, and the realization for tax purposes of gains/losses on certain derivative instruments. |
For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.
NOTE I: New Accounting Pronouncement
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2015-07 (the “ASU”) which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The ASU also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient but do not utilize that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
NOTE J: Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.
35
| | |
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $10.63 | | | | $11.37 | | | | $11.22 | | | | $12.30 | | | | $12.54 | | | | $12.39 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | | .15 | | | | .27 | | | | .28 | | | | .32 | | | | .33 | | | | .42 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | .47 | | | | (.27 | ) | | | .44 | | | | (.59 | ) | | | .35 | # | | | .38 | |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | .05 | # | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .62 | | | | –0 | – | | | .72 | | | | (.27 | ) | | | .73 | | | | .80 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.40 | ) | | | (.41 | ) | | | (.45 | ) | | | (.58 | ) | | | (.60 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | –0 | – | | | (.34 | ) | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.36 | ) | | | (.39 | ) | | | (.05 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | (.74 | ) | | | (.57 | ) | | | (.81 | ) | | | (.97 | ) | | | (.65 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $11.25 | | | | $10.63 | | | | $11.37 | | | | $11.22 | | | | $12.30 | | | | $12.54 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (b) | | | 5.83 | % | | | .01 | %* | | | 6.48 | % | | | (2.16 | )%* | | | 6.05 | %* | | | 6.64 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $47,152 | | | | $47,554 | | | | $56,437 | | | | $61,848 | | | | $79,104 | | | | $106,028 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses | | | 1.00 | %^ | | | .96 | % | | | .88 | % | | | .77 | % | | | .70 | % | | | .65 | % |
Net investment income | | | 2.71 | %^ | | | 2.44 | % | | | 2.46 | % | | | 2.74 | % | | | 2.67 | % | | | 3.42 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate** | | | 50 | % | | | 230 | % | | | 262 | % | | | 217 | % | | | 116 | % | | | 108 | % |
See footnote summary on page 37.
36
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $10.53 | | | | $11.26 | | | | $11.11 | | | | $12.17 | | | | $12.41 | | | | $12.26 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | | .13 | | | | .24 | | | | .25 | | | | .29 | | | | .30 | | | | .39 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | .46 | | | | (.26 | ) | | | .43 | | | | (.58 | ) | | | .35 | # | | | .37 | |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | .05 | # | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .59 | | | | (.02 | ) | | | .68 | | | | (.29 | ) | | | .70 | | | | .76 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.37 | ) | | | (.37 | ) | | | (.41 | ) | | | (.55 | ) | | | (.56 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | –0 | – | | | (.34 | ) | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.36 | ) | | | (.39 | ) | | | (.05 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | (.71 | ) | | | (.53 | ) | | | (.77 | ) | | | (.94 | ) | | | (.61 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $11.12 | | | | $10.53 | | | | $11.26 | | | | $11.11 | | | | $12.17 | | | | $12.41 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (b) | | | 5.60 | % | | | (.18 | )%* | | | 6.22 | % | | | (2.34 | )%* | | | 5.79 | %* | | | 6.38 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $16,670 | | | | $17,681 | | | | $19,891 | | | | $22,450 | | | | $29,363 | | | | $33,973 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses | | | 1.25 | %^ | | | 1.21 | % | | | 1.13 | % | | | 1.02 | % | | | .96 | % | | | .90 | % |
Net investment income | | | 2.46 | %^ | | | 2.19 | % | | | 2.21 | % | | | 2.49 | % | | | 2.43 | % | | | 3.17 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate** | | | 50 | % | | | 230 | % | | | 262 | % | | | 217 | % | | | 116 | % | | | 108 | % |
(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 (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions 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. |
# | | Amount reclassified from realized gain (loss) on investment transactions. |
* | | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012 by 0.03%, 0.02% and 0.05%, respectively. |
** | | The Portfolio accounts for dollar roll transactions as purchases and sales. |
See notes to financial statements
37
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| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AB 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 AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), in respect of AB Intermediate Bond Portfolio (the “Portfolio”),2,3 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 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 this 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. |
These factors, with the exception of the first factor, are generally referred to as the “Gartenberg factors,” which were articulated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1982. Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc., 694 F. 2d 923 (2d Cir. 1982). The first factor is an additional factor required to be considered by the Assurance of Discontinuance between the NYAG and the Adviser. On March 30, 2010, the Supreme Court held the Gartenberg decision was correct in its basic formulation of what Section 36(b) requires: to face liability under Section 36(b), “an investment adviser must charge a fee that is so disproportionately large that it bears no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and could not have been the product of arm’s length bargaining.” Jones v. Harris Associates L.P., 130 S. Ct. 1418 (2010). In the Jones decision, the Court stated the Gartenberg approach fully incorporates the correct understanding of fiduciary duty within the context of Section 36(b) and noted with approval that “Gartenberg insists that all relevant circumstances be taken into account” and “uses the range of fees that might result from arm’s-length bargaining as the benchmark for reviewing challenged fees.” 4
INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEES, NET ASSETS & EXPENSE RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.5 Also shown are the Portfolio’s net assets on September 30, 2015.
1 | | The information in the fee evaluation was completed on October 22, 2015 and discussed with the Board of Directors on November 3-5, 2015. |
2 | | Future references to the Portfolio do not include “AB.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | | On April 25, 2008, the Adviser’s variable fixed-income offerings were reorganized and U.S. Government/ High Grade Securities Portfolio acquired the assets of other fixed income series of the Fund, including Americas Government Income Portfolio, Global Bond Portfolio, Global Dollar Government Portfolio and High Yield Portfolio. On April 28, 2008 the investment guidelines of U.S. Government/ High Grade Securities Portfolio were broadened to match those of the Adviser’s U.S. Strategic Core Plus Strategy and the Portfolio’s name was changed to Intermediate Bond Portfolio. |
4 | | Jones v. Harris at 1427. |
5 | | Most of the AB Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. |
38
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets ($MM) | |
Intermediate Bond Portfolio | | Low Risk Income | | 0.45% on 1st $2.5 billion 0.40% on next $2.5 billion 0.35% on the balance | | $ | 68.9 | |
The Portfolio’s Investment Advisory Agreement provides for the Adviser to be reimbursed 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 $49,294 (0.061% of the Portfolio��s average daily net assets) for providing such services.
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s total expense ratios for the most recent annual period:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio6 | | | Fiscal Year | |
Intermediate Bond Portfolio | |
| Class A 0.88
Class B 1.13 | %
% | | | December 31, 2014 | |
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, the Adviser is reimbursed for providing such services. 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, the Supreme Court has indicated consideration should be given to the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a similar investment style as the Portfolio.7 In addition to the AB Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AB Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee based on September 30, 2015 net assets.8
7 | | The Supreme Court stated that “courts may give such comparisons the weight that they merit in light of the similarities and differences between the services that the clients in question require, but the courts must be wary of inapt comparisons.” Among the significant differences the Supreme Court noted that may exist between services provided to mutual funds and institutional accounts are “higher marketing costs.” Jones v. Harris at 1428. |
8 | | The Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300 million, it will negotiate a fee schedule. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship. |
39
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 9/30/15 ($MM) | | | AllianceBernstein Institutional Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee (%) | | | Fund Advisory Fee (%) | |
Intermediate Bond Portfolio | | $ | 68.9 | | | U.S. Strategic Core Plus | | | 0.331 | | | | 0.450 | |
| | | | | | 0.50% on the first $30 million | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 0.20% on the balance | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Minimum account size: $25 million | | | | | | | | |
Certain of the AB Mutual Funds (“ABMF”), which the Adviser manages, have a similar investment style as the Portfolio and their fee schedules are set forth below. The AB Mutual Funds were also affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG. As a result, the Portfolio has the same breakpoints as AB Bond Fund, Inc.—Intermediate Bond Portfolio. Sanford C. Bernstein Fund II, Inc.—Intermediate Duration Institutional Portfolio, which is managed similarly as the Portfolio, was not affected by the settlement since the fund has lower breakpoints than the NYAG related fee schedule. Also shown are what would have been the effective advisory fees of the Portfolio had the ABMF fee schedules been applicable to the Portfolio based on September 30, 2015 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | ABMF Fund | | Fee Schedule | | ABMF Effective Fee (%) | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) | |
Intermediate Bond Portfolio | | Bond Fund, Inc.—Intermediate Bond Portfolio | | 0.45% on first $2.5 billion
0.40% on next $2.5 billion
0.35% on the balance | | | 0.450 | | | | 0.450 | |
| | | | |
Intermediate Bond Portfolio | | Intermediate Duration Institutional Portfolio9 | | 0.50% on first $1 billion
0.45% on the balance | | | 0.500 | | | | 0.450 | |
The Adviser manages Intermediate Duration Portfolio of the Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc. (“SCB Fund”), an open-end management investment company which has a similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is Intermediate Duration Portfolio’s advisory fee and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of Intermediate Duration Portfolio been applicable to the Portfolio based on September 30, 2015 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | SCB Fund Portfolio | | Fee Schedule | | SCB Fund Effective Fee (%) | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) | |
Intermediate Bond Portfolio | | Intermediate Duration
Portfolio | | 0.50% on 1st $1 billion 0.45% on next $2 billion 0.40% on next $2 billion 0.35% on next $2 billion 0.30% the balance | | | 0.500 | | | | 0.450 | |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory 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 Portfolio. Also shown are the Portfolio’s advisory fee and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the sub-advisory relationship been applicable to the Portfolio based on September 30, 2015 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | | | Fee Schedule | | Effective Sub-Adv. Fee (%) | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) | |
Intermediate Bond Portfolio10 | | Client #111 | | AB Sub-Advisory Fee Schedule: 0.29% on first $100 million 0.20% thereafter | | | 0.290 | | | | 0.450 | |
9 | | Intermediate Duration Institutional Portfolio has an expense cap of 0.45%, which effectively reduces the advisory fee of the fund. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, Intermediate Duration Institutional Portfolio’s gross expense ratio was 0.58%; accordingly, the fund’s advisory fee was reduced by 0.13% from 0.50% to 0.37%. |
10 | | It should be noted that the advisory fee paid by the shareholders of the sub-advisory relationship is higher than the fee charged to the Portfolio. |
11 | | The sub-advisory relationship is with an affiliate of the Adviser. |
40
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
It is fair to note that the services the Adviser provides pursuant to sub-advisory agreements are generally confined to the services related to the investment process; in other words, they are not as comprehensive as the services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. In addition, to the extent that this is the only sub-advisory relationship and it is with an affiliate of the Adviser, the fee schedule may not reflect arm’s-length bargaining or negotiations.
While it appears that the sub-advisory relationship is paying a lower fee than the Portfolio, it is difficult to evaluate the relevance of such a lower fee due to differences in terms of the services provided, risks involved and other competitive factors between the Portfolio and the sub-advisory relationship. There could be various business reasons why an investment adviser would be willing to provide a sub-advised relationship investment related services at a different fee level than an investment company it is sponsoring where the investment adviser is providing all the services, not just investment management service generally required by a registered investment company.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), 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.12,13 Broadridge’s analysis included the comparison of the Portfolio’s contractual management fee, estimated at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio, to the median of the Portfolio’s Broadridge Expense Group (“EG”)14 and the Portfolio’s contractual management fee ranking.15
Broadridge describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Broadridge’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, Lipper 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. Consequently, Broadridge expanded the Portfolio’s EG to include peers that have a similar but not the same Lipper classification/objective as the Portfolio. However, because Broadridge had expanded the Portfolio’s EG, under Broadridge’s standard guidelines, the Portfolio’s Broadridge Expense Universe (“EU”) was also expanded to include universes of those peers that had a similar but not the same Lipper investment objective/classification. A “normal” EU will include funds that have the same investment objective/classification as the subject portfolio.16
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee (%)17 | | | Broadridge Exp. Group Median (%) | | | Broadridge Group Rank | |
Intermediate Bond Portfolio18 | | | 0.450 | | | | 0.500 | | | | 2/11 | |
12 | | The Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since “these comparisons are problematic because these fees, like those challenged, may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length.” Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
13 | | On June 5, 2015, Broadridge acquired the Fiduciary Services and Competitive Intelligence unit, i.e., the group responsible for providing the Portfolio’s 15(c) reports, from Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. Accordingly, the Portfolio’s investment classifications/objectives continue to be determined by Lipper. |
14 | | Broadridge 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. |
15 | | The contractual management fee is calculated by Broadridge 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. Broadridge’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 Broadridge peer group. |
16 | | Except for asset size comparability, Broadridge 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. |
17 | | 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. |
18 | | The Portfolio’s EG includes the Portfolio, four other A-rated Corporate Debt (“A”) funds underlying variable insurance products (“VIPs”) and six BBB-rated Corporate Debt (“BBB”) funds underlying VIPs. |
41
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below is a comparison of the Portfolio’s total expense ratio and the medians of the Portfolio’s EG and EU.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio (%)19 | | | Broadridge Exp. Group Median (%) | | | Broadridge Group Rank | | | Broadridge Exp. Universe Median (%) | | | Broadridge Universe Rank | |
Intermediate Bond Portfolio20 | | | 0.878 | | | | 0.652 | | | | 11/11 | | | | 0.639 | | | | 23/23 | |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has more favorable ranking on a contractual management fee basis than on a total expense basis.
III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE MANAGEMENT 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 2014, relative to 2013.
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 and the relationship otherwise complies with the 40 Act restrictions. These affiliates provide transfer agent and distribution services to the Portfolio and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments and front-end sales loads.
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”), an affiliate of the Adviser, 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, 2014, ABI received $53,389 in Rule 12b-1 fees from the Portfolio.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, distribution expenses were incurred by ABI in the amount of $108,041 in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. This expense amount incurred by ABI, is partially offset by the 12b-1 fees paid by the Portfolio.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, market and sell shares of the Portfolio and typically receive compensation from ABI, the Adviser and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, and payments related to providing contract-holder record-keeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder record keeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to the firm over the year. With respect to the Fund,21 ABI paid approximately $350,000 in 2014 and expects to pay approximately $400,000 in 2015 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), an affiliate of the Adviser. During the most recently completed fiscal year, the Portfolio paid ABIS a fee of approximately $1,385.22
19 | | Most recently completed fiscal year Class A share total expense ratio. |
20 | | The Portfolio’s EU includes the Portfolio, EG and all other A funds underlying VIPs and BBB funds underlying VIPs, excluding outliers. |
21 | | The fee is inclusive of other Portfolios of the Fund (Equity and Multi-Asset), which are not discussed in this summary. |
22 | | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 in 2014. |
42
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through pricing to scale, breakpoints, fee reductions/waivers and enhancement to services.
In May 2012, an independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors information on the Adviser’s firm-wide average costs from 2005 through 2011 and the potential economies of scale. The independent consultant noted that from 2005 through 2007 the Adviser experienced significant growth in assets under management (“AUM”). During this period, operating expenses increased, in part to keep up with growth, and in part reflecting market returns. However, from 2008 through the first quarter of 2009, AUM rapidly and significantly decreased due to declines in market value and client withdrawals. When AUM rapidly decreased, some operating expenses categories, including base compensation and office space, adjusted more slowly during this period, resulting in an increase in average costs. Since 2009, AUM has experienced less significant changes. The independent consultant noted that changes in operating expenses reflect changes in business composition and business practices in response to changes in financial markets. Finally, the independent consultant concluded that the increase in average cost and the decline in net operating margin across the Adviser since late 2008 are inconsistent with the view that there are currently reductions in average costs due to economies of scale that can be shared with the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds managed by the Adviser through lower fees.
Previously, in February 2008, the independent consultant provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli23 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics.24 The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors.25 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 also compared the advisory fees of the AB 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.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FUND
With assets under management of approximately $463 billion as of September 30, 2015, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information prepared by Broadridge shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance rankings26 of the Portfolio relative to its Broadridge Performance Group (“PG”) and Broadridge Performance Universe (“PU”)27 for the periods ended July 31, 2015.28
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fund Return (%) | | | PG Median (%) | | | PU Median (%) | | | PG Rank | | | PU Rank | |
Intermediate Bond Portfolio | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1 year | | | 2.66 | | | | 2.34 | | | | 2.36 | | | | 1/5 | | | | 5/17 | |
3 year | | | 2.15 | | | | 2.02 | | | | 2.07 | | | | 2/5 | | | | 7/16 | |
5 year | | | 3.75 | | | | 3.61 | | | | 3.63 | | | | 2/5 | | | | 7/16 | |
10 year | | | 4.65 | | | | 4.18 | | | | 4.35 | | | | 1/5 | | | | 3/13 | |
23 | | The Deli study, originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data and updated for the February 2008 Presentation, may be of diminished value due to the age of the data used in the presentation and the changes experienced in the industry since 2008. |
24 | | As mentioned previously, the Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since the fees may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length. See Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
25 | | The two dimensional analysis 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. |
26 | | The performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio are for the Portfolio’s Class A shares. The performance returns of the Portfolio were provided by Broadridge. |
27 | | The Portfolio’s PG/PU is not identical to its respective EG/EU as the criteria for including/excluding a fund to/from PG/PU is somewhat different than that of EG/EU. |
28 | | 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. |
43
| | |
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)29 versus its benchmarks.30 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.31
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending July 31, 2015 Annualized Performance | |
| | 1 Year (%) | | | 3 Year (%) | | | 5 Year (%) | | | 10 Year (%) | | | Since Inception (%) | | | Annualized | | | Risk Period (Year) | |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | | Sharpe (%) | | |
Intermediate Bond Portfolio32 | | | 2.66 | | | | 2.15 | | | | 3.75 | | | | 4.65 | | | | 5.27 | | | | 4.30 | | | | 0.74 | | | | 10 | |
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index | | | 2.82 | | | | 1.60 | | | | 3.27 | | | | 4.61 | | | | 5.72 | | | | 3.25 | | | | 0.96 | | | | 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 25, 2015
29 | | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
30 | | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through July 31, 2015. |
31 | | 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 fund’s return in excess of the riskless return by the fund’s standard deviation. A fund with a greater volatility would be viewed as more risky than a fund with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky fund. A fund with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a fund with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
32 | | On or around April 25, 2008, the Portfolio’s name was changed from U.S. Government/U.S. High Grade Portfolio to Intermediate Bond Portfolio. Also at this time, the Portfolio’s strategy and the benchmark changed from Barclays Capital U.S. Government Index to Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index. |
44
VPS-IB-0152-0616
JUN 06.30.16
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS
SERIES FUND, INC.
+ | | INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited) | | AB 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 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 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2016 | | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2016 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 975.30 | | | $ | 5.89 | | | | 1.20 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,018.90 | | | $ | 6.02 | | | | 1.20 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 974.40 | | | $ | 7.12 | | | | 1.45 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual 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
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Partners Group Holding AG | | $ | 2,048,542 | | | | 3.1 | % |
AIA Group Ltd. | | | 2,041,455 | | | | 3.1 | |
Nestle SA (REG) | | | 1,973,992 | | | | 3.0 | |
Roche Holding AG | | | 1,965,905 | | | | 2.9 | |
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV | | | 1,847,209 | | | | 2.8 | |
Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd. | | | 1,769,179 | | | | 2.6 | |
Essilor International SA | | | 1,689,125 | | | | 2.5 | |
Tencent Holdings Ltd. | | | 1,671,905 | | | | 2.5 | |
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC | | | 1,564,236 | | | | 2.3 | |
Siemens AG (REG) | | | 1,562,920 | | | | 2.3 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 18,134,468 | | | | 27.1 | % |
SECTOR BREAKDOWN†
June 30, 2016 (unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 16,276,232 | | | | 24.7 | % |
Consumer Staples | | | 11,399,863 | | | | 17.3 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 10,918,961 | | | | 16.5 | |
Industrials | | | 7,739,817 | | | | 11.7 | |
Information Technology | | | 7,499,988 | | | | 11.4 | |
Health Care | | | 5,819,740 | | | | 8.8 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 2,406,191 | | | | 3.6 | |
Materials | | | 2,379,065 | | | | 3.6 | |
Utilities | | | 619,028 | | | | 0.9 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 984,117 | | | | 1.5 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 66,043,002 | | | | 100.0 | % |
† | | The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. The Portfolio also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). |
Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.
2
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
COUNTRY BREAKDOWN* | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
COUNTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
United Kingdom | | $ | 10,850,665 | | | | 16.4 | % |
India | | | 6,971,976 | | | | 10.6 | |
Switzerland | | | 6,571,276 | | | | 9.9 | |
France | | | 6,191,663 | | | | 9.4 | |
China | | | 6,040,484 | | | | 9.1 | |
Japan | | | 5,497,222 | | | | 8.3 | |
Germany | | | 3,662,712 | | | | 5.5 | |
Denmark | | | 3,115,111 | | | | 4.7 | |
Hong Kong | | | 2,041,455 | | | | 3.1 | |
Mexico | | | 1,892,511 | | | | 2.9 | |
Belgium | | | 1,847,209 | | | | 2.8 | |
Indonesia | | | 1,767,150 | | | | 2.7 | |
South Korea | | | 1,573,821 | | | | 2.4 | |
Other | | | 7,035,630 | | | | 10.7 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 984,117 | | | | 1.5 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 66,043,002 | | | | 100.0 | % |
* | | All data are as of June 30, 2016. The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represent 2.1% or less in the following countries: Austria, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Philippines and Taiwan. |
3
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–97.2% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–24.3% | | | | | | | | |
BANKS–1.7% | | | | | | | | |
HDFC Bank Ltd. | | | 55,360 | | | $ | 1,119,462 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–6.3% | | | | | | | | |
Azimut Holding SpA | | | 55,705 | | | | 908,875 | |
Flow Traders(a) | | | 19,504 | | | | 666,264 | |
Partners Group Holding AG | | | 4,780 | | | | 2,048,542 | |
UBS Group AG | | | 44,918 | | | | 582,837 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,206,518 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER FINANCE–2.9% | | | | | | | | |
Gentera SAB de CV | | | 463,620 | | | | 830,494 | |
SKS Microfinance Ltd.(b) | | | 98,460 | | | | 1,081,074 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,911,568 | |
| | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–3.1% | | | | | | | | |
IG Group Holdings PLC | | | 92,690 | | | | 1,003,672 | |
London Stock Exchange Group PLC | | | 31,180 | | | | 1,059,448 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,063,120 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INSURANCE–6.7% | | | | | | | | |
AIA Group Ltd. | | | 340,200 | | | | 2,041,455 | |
Prudential PLC | | | 90,845 | | | | 1,541,540 | |
St James’s Place PLC | | | 87,840 | | | | 926,340 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,509,335 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–1.0% | | | | | | | | |
Ayala Land, Inc. | | | 840,300 | | | | 697,050 | |
| | | | | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–2.6% | | | | | | | | |
Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd. | | | 95,037 | | | | 1,769,179 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 16,276,232 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–17.0% | | | | | | | | |
BEVERAGES–2.8% | | | | | | | | |
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV | | | 13,969 | | | | 1,847,209 | |
| | | | | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–1.7% | | | | | | | | |
Tsuruha Holdings, Inc. | | | 9,500 | | | | 1,150,342 | |
| | | | | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–5.9% | | | | | | | | |
Danone SA | | | 20,780 | | | | 1,454,239 | |
Nestle SA (REG) | | | 25,478 | | | | 1,973,992 | |
Universal Robina Corp. | | | 123,110 | | | | 546,018 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,974,249 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–5.6% | | | | | | | | |
Pigeon Corp.(c) | | | 32,900 | | | | 983,528 | |
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC | | | 15,600 | | | | 1,564,236 | |
Unicharm Corp. | | | 54,400 | | | | 1,222,236 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,770,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PERSONAL PRODUCTS–1.0% | | | | | | | | |
Cosmax, Inc. | | | 4,390 | | | | 658,063 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 11,399,863 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–16.3% | | | | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–1.8% | | | | | | | | |
Delphi Automotive PLC | | | 19,740 | | | $ | 1,235,724 | |
| | | | | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–1.9% | | | | | | | | |
Tata Motors Ltd.–Class A(b) | | | 290,924 | | | | 1,267,461 | |
| | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–1.8% | | | | | | | | |
New Oriental Education & Technology Group, Inc. (Sponsored ADR) | | | 27,970 | | | | 1,171,384 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–1.6% | | | | | | | | |
Alsea SAB de CV | | | 278,971 | | | | 1,062,017 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–1.6% | | | | | | | | |
Panasonic Corp. | | | 123,600 | | | | 1,063,397 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INTERNET & CATALOG RETAIL–1.6% | | | | | | | | |
Ctrip.com International Ltd. (ADR)(b) | | | 26,530 | | | | 1,093,036 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–3.8% | | | | | | | | |
Don Quijote Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 29,000 | | | | 1,077,719 | |
Matahari Department Store Tbk PT | | | 963,000 | | | | 1,467,716 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,545,435 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–0.4% | | | | | | | | |
Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk PT | | | 4,260,000 | | | | 299,434 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–1.8% | | | | | | | | |
Pandora A/S | | | 4,480 | | | | 610,173 | |
Titan Co., Ltd. | | | 94,390 | | | | 570,900 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,181,073 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 10,918,961 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–11.6% | | | | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–2.3% | | | | | | | | |
Safran SA | | | 22,750 | | | | 1,532,025 | |
| | | | | | | | |
BUILDING PRODUCTS–1.3% | | | | | | | | |
Kingspan Group PLC | | | 39,940 | | | | 864,306 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–4.0% | | | | | | | | |
Schneider Electric SE (Paris) | | | 25,990 | | | | 1,516,274 | |
Vestas Wind Systems A/S | | | 16,640 | | | | 1,131,011 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,647,285 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–2.3% | | | | | | | | |
Siemens AG (REG) | | | 15,230 | | | | 1,562,920 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–1.7% | | | | | | | | |
Capita PLC | | | 87,950 | | | | 1,133,281 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 7,739,817 | |
| | | | | | | | |
4
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–11.2% | | | | | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–4.6% | | | | | | | | |
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (Sponsored ADR)(b) | | | 17,550 | | | $ | 1,395,751 | |
Tencent Holdings Ltd. | | | 72,800 | | | | 1,671,905 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,067,656 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–4.7% | | | | | | | | |
ams AG(c) | | | 25,560 | | | | 709,608 | |
Infineon Technologies AG | | | 74,550 | | | | 1,079,215 | |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | | | 275,000 | | | | 1,385,917 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,174,740 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SOFTWARE–1.9% | | | | | | | | |
Mobileye NV(b)(c) | | | 27,256 | | | | 1,257,592 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 7,499,988 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–8.7% | | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–2.5% | | | | | | | | |
Essilor International SA | | | 12,852 | | | | 1,689,125 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–1.1% | | | | | | | | |
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd. | | | 36,970 | | | | 722,096 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–5.1% | | | | | | | | |
Roche Holding AG | | | 7,450 | | | | 1,965,905 | |
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. | | | 38,894 | | | | 441,804 | |
Vectura Group PLC(b) | | | 465,500 | | | | 1,000,810 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,408,519 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 5,819,740 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–3.6% | | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.5% | | | | | | | | |
Deutsche Telekom AG (REG) | | | 59,850 | | | | 1,020,577 | |
| | | | | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.1% | | | | | | | | |
Vodafone Group PLC | | | 454,470 | | | | 1,385,614 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,406,191 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MATERIALS–3.6% | | | | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–3.6% | | | | | | | | |
Bloomage BioTechnology Corp., Ltd.(c) | | | 57,500 | | | | 89,380 | |
Chr Hansen Holding A/S | | | 20,920 | | | | 1,373,927 | |
LG Chem Ltd. | | | 4,010 | | | | 915,758 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,379,065 | |
| | | | | | | | |
UTILITIES–0.9% | | | | | | | | |
WATER UTILITIES–0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Beijing Enterprises Water Group Ltd.(c) | | | 1,020,000 | | | | 619,028 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $51,854,712) | | | | | | | 65,058,885 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.5% | | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–1.5% | | | | | | | | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. 0.01%, 7/01/16 (cost $984,117) | | $ | 984 | | | $ | 984,117 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Shares | | | | |
Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned–98.7% (cost $52,838,829) | | | | | | | 66,043,002 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–3.4% | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–3.4% | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.– Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.25%(d)(e) (cost $2,324,568) | | | 2,324,568 | | | | 2,324,568 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–102.1% (cost $55,163,397) | | | | | | | 68,367,570 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(2.1)% | | | | | | | (1,437,595 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | | $66,929,975 | |
| | | | | | | | |
5
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Contracts to Deliver (000) | | | In Exchange For (000) | | | Settlement Date | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | | INR | | | | 161,741 | | | | USD | | | | 2,400 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | $ | 21,891 | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | | USD | | | | 204 | | | | CNY | | | | 1,347 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (2,574 | ) |
Barclays Bank PLC | | | USD | | | | 694 | | | | SEK | | | | 5,621 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (28,208 | ) |
BNP Paribas SA | | | CNY | | | | 13,545 | | | | USD | | | | 2,056 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 26,262 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | JPY | | | | 336,788 | | | | USD | | | | 3,079 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (186,981 | ) |
HSBC Bank USA | | | USD | | | | 2,295 | | | | CAD | | | | 2,965 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 508 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | USD | | | | 6,523 | | | | JPY | | | | 703,950 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 302,380 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | GBP | | | | 524 | | | | USD | | | | 705 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 7,300 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | USD | | | | 677 | | | | CHF | | | | 670 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 10,797 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | EUR | | | | 971 | | | | USD | | | | 1,079 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 27 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | USD | | | | 3,186 | | | | AUD | | | | 4,398 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 88,798 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | USD | | | | 296 | | | | CNY | | | | 1,973 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (66 | ) |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | USD | | | | 718 | | | | INR | | | | 48,579 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (3,380 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | IDR | | | | 790,612 | | | | USD | | | | 60 | | | | 7/11/16 | | | | (100 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | AUD | | | | 221 | | | | USD | | | | 164 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (545 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | CHF | | | | 3,882 | | | | USD | | | | 4,002 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 16,851 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | CNY | | | | 5,151 | | | | USD | | | | 786 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 13,718 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | EUR | | | | 3,285 | | | | USD | | | | 3,733 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 81,878 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | GBP | | | | 379 | | | | USD | | | | 521 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 16,236 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | HKD | | | | 7,825 | | | | USD | | | | 1,009 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (493 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | JPY | | | | 91,426 | | | | USD | | | | 879 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (7,900 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | NOK | | | | 899 | | | | USD | | | | 108 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 487 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 204 | | | | AUD | | | | 279 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 3,425 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 393 | | | | EUR | | | | 348 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (6,290 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 927 | | | | GBP | | | | 644 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (69,060 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 1,991 | | | | JPY | | | | 213,101 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | 75,445 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 401 | | | | NOK | | | | 3,284 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (8,227 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 659 | | | | SEK | | | | 5,414 | | | | 8/16/16 | | | | (18,166 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 1,089 | | | | CHF | | | | 1,056 | | | | 11/16/16 | | | | 1,039 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 335,052 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security is considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2016, the market value of this security amounted to $666,264 or 1.0% of net assets. |
(b) | | Non-income producing security. |
(c) | | Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information. |
(d) | | Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end. |
(e) | | To obtain a copy of the fund’s financial statements, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618. |
Currency Abbreviations:
AUD—Australian Dollar
CAD—Canadian Dollar
CHF—Swiss Franc
CNY—Chinese Yuan Renminbi
EUR—Euro
GBP—Great British Pound
HKD—Hong Kong Dollar
IDR—Indonesian Rupiah
INR—Indian Rupee
JPY—Japanese Yen
NOK—Norwegian Krone
SEK—Swedish Krona
USD—United States Dollar
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
REG—Registered Shares
See notes to financial statements.
6
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETS & LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $52,838,829) | | $ | 66,043,002 | (a) |
Affiliated issuers (cost $2,324,568—investment of cash collateral for securities loaned) | | | 2,324,568 | |
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $180,790) | | | 180,546 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency transactions | | | 2,810,323 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 667,042 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 360,164 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 21,938 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 72,407,583 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency transactions | | | 2,667,380 | |
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned | | | 2,324,568 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 331,990 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 41,591 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 23,486 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 11,217 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 7,708 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 112 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 69,556 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 5,477,608 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 66,929,975 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 3,713 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 86,317,081 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 323,920 | |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (33,241,646 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 13,526,907 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 66,929,975 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
A | | $ | 29,981,594 | | | | 1,650,804 | | | $ | 18.16 | |
B | | $ | 36,948,381 | | | | 2,061,746 | | | $ | 17.92 | |
(a) | | Includes securities on loan with a value of $2,368,230 (see Note E). |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $86,501) | | $ | 853,439 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 5,130 | |
Securities lending income | | | 14,206 | |
| | | | |
| | | 872,775 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 251,567 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 46,243 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,057 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1,303 | |
Custodian | | | 47,831 | |
Audit and tax | | | 25,398 | |
Administrative | | | 23,999 | |
Printing | | | 19,132 | |
Legal | | | 14,916 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 10,665 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 6,061 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 448,172 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note E) | | | (58 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 448,114 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 424,661 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | (803,697 | ) |
Foreign currency transactions | | | 515,406 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (2,425,489 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 236,802 | |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (2,476,978 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (2,052,317 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 424,661 | | | $ | 531,932 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (288,291 | ) | | | 2,788,389 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (2,188,687 | ) | | | (4,603,184 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net decrease in net assets from operations | | | (2,052,317 | ) | | | (1,282,863 | ) |
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (126,565 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (26,794 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (4,673,927 | ) | | | (11,715,834 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (6,726,244 | ) | | | (13,152,056 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 73,656,219 | | | | 86,808,275 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $323,920 and distributions in excess of net investment income of $(100,741), respectively) | | $ | 66,929,975 | | | $ | 73,656,219 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
9
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AB International Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB 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 sixteen 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 (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the 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 (the “Board”).
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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 Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign
10
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
11
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Investments in Securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | |
Common Stocks: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financials | | $ | 830,494 | | | $ | 15,445,738 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 16,276,232 | |
Consumer Staples | | | –0 | – | | | 11,399,863 | | | | –0 | – | | | 11,399,863 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 4,562,161 | | | | 6,356,800 | | | | –0 | – | | | 10,918,961 | |
Industrials | | | 864,306 | | | | 6,875,511 | | | | –0 | – | | | 7,739,817 | |
Information Technology | | | 2,653,343 | | | | 4,846,645 | | | | –0 | – | | | 7,499,988 | |
Health Care | | | 1,000,810 | | | | 4,818,930 | | | | –0 | – | | | 5,819,740 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | –0 | – | | | 2,406,191 | | | | –0 | – | | | 2,406,191 | |
Materials | | | –0 | – | | | 2,379,065 | | | | –0 | – | | | 2,379,065 | |
Utilities | | | –0 | – | | | 619,028 | | | | –0 | – | | | 619,028 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | –0 | – | | | 984,117 | | | | –0 | – | | | 984,117 | |
Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund | | | 2,324,568 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 2,324,568 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 12,235,682 | | | | 56,131,888 | (b) | | | –0 | – | | | 68,367,570 | |
Other Financial Instruments(a): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | | –0 | – | | | 667,042 | | | | –0 | – | | | 667,042 | |
Liabilities: | |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | | –0 | – | | | (331,990 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (331,990 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total(c) | | $ | 12,235,682 | | | $ | 56,466,940 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 68,702,622 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
(b) | | A significant portion of the Portfolio’s foreign equity investments are categorized as Level 2 investments since they are valued using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available, see Note A.1. |
(c) | | There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period. |
The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and a third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
12
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, foreign currency exchange contracts, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the 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 foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
4. 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.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
5. 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 the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. 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 proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the 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 investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $23,999.
13
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $569 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $46,365, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
NOTE C: Distribution 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 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 or 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, 2016 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 26,693,482 | | | $ | 31,618,112 | |
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 | | $ | 14,750,719 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (1,546,546 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 13,204,173 | |
| | | | |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The principal type of derivative utilized by the Portfolio, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:
| • | | Forward Currency Exchange Contracts |
The Portfolio may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contract and the closing of
14
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
such contract would be included in net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions. Fluctuations in the value of open forward currency exchange contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation by the Portfolio. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for [ ] purposes.
The Portfolio typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar master agreements (collectively, “Master Agreements”) with its derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Portfolio typically may offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instrument’s payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default or termination.
Various Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions with counterparties, including transactions such as derivative transactions, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These Master Agreements typically attempt to reduce the counterparty risk associated with such transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Cross-termination provisions under Master Agreements typically provide that a default in connection with one transaction between the Portfolio and a counterparty gives the non-defaulting party the right to terminate any other transactions in place with the defaulting party to create one single net payment due to/due from the defaulting party. In the event of a default by a Master Agreements counterparty, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Portfolio’s net liability, held by the defaulting party, may be delayed or denied.
The Portfolio’s Master Agreements may contain provisions for early termination of OTC derivative transactions in the event the net assets of the Portfolio decline below specific levels (“net asset contingent features”). If these levels are triggered, the Portfolio’s counterparty has the right to terminate such transaction and require the Portfolio to pay or receive a settlement amount in connection with the terminated transaction. For additional details, please refer to netting arrangements by counterparty tables below.
At June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Asset Derivatives | | | Liability Derivatives | |
Derivative Type | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | |
Foreign exchange contracts | | Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | $ | 667,042 | | | Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | $ | 331,990 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | | $667,042 | | | | | $ | 331,990 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative Type | | Location of Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Within Statement of Operations | | Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation or (Depreciation) | |
Foreign exchange contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | $ | 477,137 | | | $ | 224,894 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | $ | 477,137 | | | $ | 224,894 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2016:
| | | | |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts: | | | | |
Average principal amount of buy contracts | | $ | 14,042,880 | |
Average principal amount of sale contracts | | $ | 13,874,514 | |
15
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
For financial reporting purposes, the Portfolio does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.
All derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Derivative Assets Subject to a MA | | | Derivative Available for Offset | | | Cash Collateral Received | | | Security Collateral Received | | | Net Amount of Derivatives Assets | |
OTC Derivatives: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | $ | 21,891 | | | $ | (21,891 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
BNP Paribas SA | | | 26,262 | | | | (26,262 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
HSBC Bank USA | | | 508 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 508 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | 302,380 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 302,380 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | 18,097 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 18,097 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | 88,825 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 88,825 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | 209,079 | | | | (110,781 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 98,298 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 667,042 | | | $ | (158,934 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 508,108 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Counterparty | | Derivative Liabilities Subject to a MA | | | Derivative Available for Offset | | | Cash Collateral Pledged | | | Security Collateral Pledged | | | Net Amount of Derivatives Liabilities | |
OTC Derivatives: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | $ | 30,782 | | | $ | (21,891 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 8,891 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | 186,981 | | | | (26,262 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 160,719 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | 3,446 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 3,446 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | 110,781 | | | | (110,781 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 331,990 | | | $ | (158,934 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 173,056 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
^ | | Net amount represents the net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty. |
2. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated 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 other 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: Securities Lending
The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not have the right to vote on any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.
16
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. Prior to June 24, 2016, such cash collateral received was invested in AB Exchange Reserves. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had securities on loan with a value of $2,368,230 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into AB Government Money Market Portfolio of $2,324,568. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $14,206, $5,013 and $117 from the borrowers, AB Exchange Reserves and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2016; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of management fee assessed by the AB Government Money Market Portfolio. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, such waiver amounted to $58. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower will fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Exchange Reserves for the period January 1, 2016 to June 23, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value December 31, 2015 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Transfer to AB Government Money Market Portfolio (000) | | | Market Value June 23, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 2,835 | | | $ | 21,435 | | | $ | 21,899 | | | $ | 2,371 | | | $ | 0 | |
A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Government Money Market Portfolio for the period June 24, 2016 to June 30, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value June 24, 2016 (000) | | | Transfer from AB Exchange Reserves (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Market Value June 30, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 0 | | | $ | 2,371 | | | $ | 1,036 | | | $ | 1,082 | | | $ | 2,325 | |
NOTE F: 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 26,418 | | | | 129,045 | | | | | | | $ | 470,476 | | | $ | 2,512,012 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | –0 | – | | | 6,544 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 126,565 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (152,951 | ) | | | (402,478 | ) | | | | | | | (2,701,166 | ) | | | (7,834,655 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (126,533 | ) | | | (266,889 | ) | | | | | | $ | (2,230,690 | ) | | $ | (5,196,078 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 147,370 | | | | 260,706 | | | | | | | $ | 2,638,463 | | | $ | 4,992,035 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | –0 | – | | | 1,402 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 26,794 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (291,100 | ) | | | (602,977 | ) | | | | | | | (5,081,700 | ) | | | (11,538,585 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (143,730 | ) | | | (340,869 | ) | | | | | | $ | (2,443,237 | ) | | $ | (6,519,756 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
17
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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Emerging Market Risk—Investments in emerging market countries may have more risk because the markets are less developed and less liquid, and because these investments may be subject to increased economic, political, regulatory, or other uncertainties.
Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce its returns.
Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.
Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.
Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as forwards, futures, options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.
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. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2016.
NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2016 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 153,359 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions paid | | $ | 153,359 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | $ | (32,860,285 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 15,521,784 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (17,338,501 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | | As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $32,845,011. During the fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized $3,977,282 of capital loss carryforwards to offset current year net realized gains. At December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had a post-October short-term capital loss deferral of $15,274 which is deemed to arise on January 1, 2016. |
(b) | | The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the realization for tax purposes of gain/losses on certain derivative instruments. |
18
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an indefinite period. These post-December 22, 2010 capital losses must be utilized prior to the earlier capital losses, which are subject to expiration. Post-December 22, 2010 capital loss carryforwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered short-term as under previous regulation. As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $32,845,011 which will expire in 2017.
NOTE J: New Accounting Pronouncement
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2015-07 (the “ASU”) which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The ASU also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient but do not utilize that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
NOTE K: Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.
19
| | |
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $18.62 | | | | $19.04 | | | | $19.27 | | | | $17.13 | | | | $15.08 | | | | $18.42 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | | .12 | (b) | | | .15 | | | | .24 | | | | .21 | | | | .21 | | | | .26 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (.58 | ) | | | (.50 | ) | | | (.47 | ) | | | 2.11 | | | | 2.12 | | | | (3.08 | ) |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | .00 | (c) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | .00 | (c) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | (.46 | ) | | | (.35 | ) | | | (.23 | ) | | | 2.32 | | | | 2.33 | | | | (2.82 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.07 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (.18 | ) | | | (.28 | ) | | | (.52 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $18.16 | | | | $18.62 | | | | $19.04 | | | | $19.27 | | | | $17.13 | | | | $15.08 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | | (2.47 | )% | | | (1.87 | )% | | | (1.19 | )% | | | 13.60 | % | | | 15.54 | % | | | (15.85 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $29,982 | | | | $33,090 | | | | $38,924 | | | | $102,467 | | | | $97,611 | | | | $90,912 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.20 | %^ | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | .94 | % | | | .97 | % | | | .94 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.20 | %^ | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | .94 | % | | | .97 | % | | | .94 | % |
Net investment income | | | 1.38 | %^(b) | | | .78 | % | | | 1.20 | % | | | 1.15 | % | | | 1.33 | % | | | 1.53 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 40 | % | | | 17 | % | | | 29 | % | | | 31 | % | | | 52 | % | | | 66 | % |
See footnote summary on page 21.
20
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $18.39 | | | | $18.81 | | | | $19.08 | | | | $16.96 | | | | $14.93 | | | | $18.24 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | | .10 | (b) | | | .10 | | | | .20 | | | | .16 | | | | .18 | | | | .22 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (.57 | ) | | | (.51 | ) | | | (.47 | ) | | | 2.09 | | | | 2.08 | | | | (3.06 | ) |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | .00 | (c) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | .00 | (c) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | (.47 | ) | | | (.41 | ) | | | (.27 | ) | | | 2.25 | | | | 2.26 | | | | (2.84 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.01 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (.13 | ) | | | (.23 | ) | | | (.47 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $17.92 | | | | $18.39 | | | | $18.81 | | | | $19.08 | | | | $16.96 | | | | $14.93 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d) | | | (2.56 | )% | | | (2.17 | )% | | | (1.41 | )% | | | 13.32 | % | | | 15.23 | % | | | (16.04 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $36,948 | | | | $40,566 | | | | $47,884 | | | | $54,643 | | | | $58,694 | | | | $58,322 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.45 | %^ | | | 1.36 | % | | | 1.36 | % | | | 1.19 | % | | | 1.22 | % | | | 1.19 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.45 | %^ | | | 1.36 | % | | | 1.36 | % | | | 1.19 | % | | | 1.22 | % | | | 1.19 | % |
Net investment income | | | 1.17 | %^(b) | | | .52 | % | | | 1.02 | % | | | .92 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.27 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 40 | % | | | 17 | % | | | 29 | % | | | 31 | % | | | 52 | % | | | 66 | % |
(a) | | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | | Net of expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(c) | | Amount is less than $.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 (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions 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. |
See notes to financial statements.
21
| | |
| | |
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB International Growth Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 3-5, 2016 (the “Meeting”).
Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Company’s Senior Officer (who is also the Company’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Company’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they receive presentations from the Adviser on the investment results of the Fund and review extensive materials and information presented by the Adviser.
The directors also considered all other factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. In their deliberations, the directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided
The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.
Costs of Services Provided and Profitability
The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues, expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2014 and 2015 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.
At the Meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 29, 2016 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) the period since inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by Broadridge concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same Broadridge category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors considered the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate against a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.
The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for institutional clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Company’s Senior Officer and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors noted that the Adviser advises another AB Fund with a substantially similar investment style for the same fee schedule as the Fund. The directors also considered that a portfolio of Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc. pursuing a somewhat similar investment style has higher fee rates at each breakpoint of its fee schedule, and that the Adviser has been waiving 5 basis points of the advisory fee payable by that portfolio under its contract since November 2011.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s Broadridge category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.
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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AB 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 AB Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AB 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. |
These factors, with the exception of the first factor, are generally referred to as the “Gartenberg factors,” which were articulated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1982. Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc., 694 F. 2d 923 (2d Cir. 1982). On March 30, 2010, the Supreme Court held the Gartenberg decision was correct in its basic formulation of what Section 36(b) requires: to face liability under Section 36(b), “an investment adviser must charge a fee that is so disproportionately large that it bears no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and could not have been the product of arm’s length bargaining.” Jones v. Harris Associates L.P., 130 S. Ct. 1418 (2010). In Jones, the Court stated the Gartenberg approach fully incorporates the correct understanding of fiduciary duty within the context of Section 36(b) and noted with approval that “Gartenberg insists that all relevant circumstances be taken into account” and “uses the range of fees that might result from arm’s length bargaining as the benchmark for reviewing challenged fees.”3
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, NET ASSETS & EXPENSE RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 3/31/16 ($MIL) |
International Growth Portfolio | | International | | 0.75% on 1st $2.5 billion 0.65% on next $2.5 billion 0.60% on the balance | | $69.3 |
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 $50,338 (0.060% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
1 | | The information in the fee summary was completed on April 21, 2016 and discussed with the Board of Directors on May 3-5, 2016. |
2 | | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AB.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | | Jones v. Harris at 1427. |
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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 1.11% | | | December 31 | |
| | Class B 1.36% | | | | |
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, the Adviser is reimbursed for providing some of these services. 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. 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, the Supreme Court has indicated consideration should be given to the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AB Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AB Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio based on March 31, 2016 net assets:5
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 3/31/16 ($MIL) | | | AB Institutional Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
International Growth Portfolio | | $ | 69.3 | | | International Growth Trends Schedule | | | 0.694 | % | | | 0.750 | % |
| | | | | | 0.85% on first $25m | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 0.65% on next $25m | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 0.55% on next $50m | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 0.45% on the balance | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Minimum account size $25m | | | | | | | | |
4 | | The Supreme Court stated that “courts may give such comparisons the weight that they merit in light of the similarities and differences between the services that the clients in question require, but the courts must be wary of inapt comparisons.” Among the significant differences the Supreme Court noted that may exist between services provided to mutual funds and institutional accounts are “higher marketing costs.” Jones v. Harris at 1428. |
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. |
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages AB International Growth Fund, Inc. (“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 International Growth Fund, Inc. and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the retail mutual fund been applicable to the Portfolio:6
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AB Mutual Fund | | Fee Schedule | | ABMF Effective 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 | % |
The Adviser manages Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc. (“SCB Fund”), an open-end management investment company. The International Portfolio of SCB Fund (“SCB International Portfolio”) has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of SCB International Portfolio and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of SCB International Portfolio been applicable to the Portfolio based on March 31, 2016 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | SCB Fund Portfolio | | Fee Schedule | | SCB Fund Effective Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
International Growth Portfolio7 | | International Portfolio | | 0.925% on 1st $1 billion 0.850% on next $3 billion 0.800% on next $2 billion 0.750% on next $2 billion 0.650% thereafter The Adviser is waving 5 basis points in advisory fees effective through October 31, 2016. | | | 0.875 | % | | | 0.750 | % |
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.
Broadridge, an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolios with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services by other investment advisers.8,9 Broadridge’s analysis included each Portfolio’s contractual management fee, estimated at the approximate current asset level of the subject Portfolio, to the median of the Portfolio’s Broadridge Expense Group (“EG”) and the Portfolio’s contractual management fee ranking.10,11
6 | | The retail 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 retail mutual fund. |
7 | | The investment guidelines of the Portfolio are more restrictive than the SCB Fund portfolio. The Portfolio invests primarily in international growth equity securities, in contrast to the SCB Fund portfolio, which invests in both international growth and international value equity securities. |
8 | | On June 5, 2015, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) acquired the Fiduciary Services and Competitive Intelligence unit, i.e., the group responsible for providing the Portfolio’s 15(c) report, from Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. The group that maintains Lipper’s expense and performance databases and investment classifications/objectives remains a part of Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. Accordingly, the Portfolio’s investment classification/objective continues to be determined by Lipper. |
9 | | The Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since “these comparisons are problematic because these fees, like those challenged, may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length.” Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
10 | | The contractual management fee is calculated by Broadridge 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. Broadridge’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 Broadridge peer group. |
11 | | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursement made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. |
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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Broadridge describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Broadridge’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, operating structure, and expense attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee (%)12 | | | EG Median (%) | | | EG Rank | |
International Growth Portfolio | | | 0.750 | | | | 0.865 | | | | 4/12 | |
Broadridge also analyzed the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio in comparison to the Portfolio’s EG and Broadridge Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU 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.13
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)14 | | | EG Median (%) | | | EG Rank | | | EU Median (%) | | | EU Rank | |
International Growth Portfolio | | | 1.114 | | | | 1.014 | | | | 9/12 | | | | 0.923 | | | | 19/23 | |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a contractual management fee basis than they do 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.
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 2015, relative to 2014.
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”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, 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, 2015, ABI received $114,712 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Adviser incurred distribution expenses in the amount of $234,511 in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. This expense amount incurred by ABI is partially offset by the 12b-1 fees paid by the Portfolio.
12 | | 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. |
13 | | Except for asset (size) comparability, Broadridge 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. |
14 | | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
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| | AB 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. With respect to the Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund not discussed in this summary, ABI paid approximately $400,000 in 2015 and expects to pay approximately $450,000 in 2016 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $1,262 from the Portfolio.15
The Portfolio did not effect brokerage transactions and pay commissions to the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) nor its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business conducted in the future 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 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 pricing to scale, breakpoints, fee reductions/waivers and enhancement to services.
In May 2012, an independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors information on the Adviser’s firm-wide average costs from 2005 through 2011 and the potential economies of scale. The independent consultant noted that from 2005 through 2007 the Adviser experienced significant growth in assets under management (“AUM”). During this period, operating expenses increased, in part to keep up with growth, and in part reflecting market returns. However, from 2008 through the first quarter of 2009, AUM rapidly and significantly decreased due to declines in market value and client withdrawals. When AUM rapidly decreased, some operating expenses categories, including base compensation and office space, adjusted more slowly during this period, resulting in an increase in average costs. Since 2009, AUM has experienced less significant changes. The independent consultant noted that changes in operating expenses reflect changes in business composition and business practices in response to changes in financial markets. Finally, the independent consultant concluded that the increase in average cost and the decline in net operating margin across the Adviser since late 2008 are inconsistent with the view that there are currently reductions in average costs due to economies of scale that can be shared with the AB Mutual Funds managed by the Adviser through lower fees.
In February 2008, the independent consultant provided the Board of Directors an update of Deli’s study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics.16,17 The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors.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
15 | | The Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund paid ABIS a fee of $18,000 for each calendar year. |
16 | | The Deli study, originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data and updated for the February 2008 Presentation, may be of diminished value due to the age of the data used in the presentation and the changes experienced in the industry over the last four years. Source: Deli, Daniel N. “Mutual Fund Advisory Contracts: An Empirical Investigation.” Journal of Finance, 57(1): 109-133 (2002). |
17 | | As mentioned previously, the Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since the fees may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length. See Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
18 | | The two dimensional analysis 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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INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
AUM, family AUM, index fund indicator and investment style. The independent consultant also compared the advisory fees of the AB 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.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $479 billion as of March 31, 2016, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information in the table below shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year net performance returns, rankings and quintiles19 of the Portfolios relative to their Broadridge Performance Group (“PG”) and Broadridge Performance Universe (“PU”)20 for the periods ended February 29, 2016.21
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio (%) | | | PG Median (%) | | | PU Median (%) | | | PG Rank | | | PU Rank | |
International Growth Portfolio | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1 year | | | –16.14 | | | | –12.72 | | | | –12.32 | | | | 12/12 | | | | 25/27 | |
3 year | | | –1.26 | | | | 0.71 | | | | 0.69 | | | | 12/12 | | | | 26/27 | |
5 year | | | –0.84 | | | | 1.31 | | | | 1.38 | | | | 12/12 | | | | 25/26 | |
10 year | | | 0.75 | | | | 2.87 | | | | 2.04 | | | | 11/11 | | | | 21/23 | |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)22 versus its benchmarks. Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.23
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending February 29, 2016 Annualized Performance | |
| | 1 Year (%) | | | 3 Year (%) | | | 5 Year (%) | | | 10 Year (%) | | | Since Inception (%) | | | Annualized | | | Risk Period (Year) | |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | | Sharpe (%) | | |
International Growth Portfolio | | | –16.14 | | | | –1.26 | | | | –0.84 | | | | 0.75 | | | | 6.63 | | | | 20.43 | | | | 0.08 | | | | 10 | |
MSCI AC World Ex US Net Index24 | | | –17.37 | | | | –2.20 | | | | –1.29 | | | | 1.43 | | | | 4.32 | | | | 19.03 | | | | 0.11 | | | | 10 | |
MSCI World X-US Net Index | | | –15.69 | | | | –0.25 | | | | –0.11 | | | | 1.45 | | | | 4.14 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | |
Inception Date: September 23, 1994 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONCLUSION:
The Senior Officer observed that the Portfolio had a relatively high total expense ratio compared to the Portfolio’s Broadridge peers, and recommended that the Directors discuss with the Adviser possible actions to reduce the Portfolio’s total expense ratio. 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 2, 2016
19 | | The performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio are for the Portfolio’s Class A shares. The performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio were provided by Broadridge. |
20 | | 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 is different from that of an EU. |
21 | | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of each fund even if the 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 | | 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 fund’s return in excess of the riskless return by the fund’s standard deviation. A fund with a greater volatility would be viewed as more risky than a fund with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky fund. A fund with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a fund with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
24 | | Effective November 1, 2013, MSCI AC World Ex US Net Index became the Portfolio’s primary benchmark. |
30
VPS-IG-0152-0616
JUN 06.30.16
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.
+ | | INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited) | | AB 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 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 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2016 | | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2016 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 934.20 | | | $ | 4.18 | | | | 0.87 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,020.54 | | | $ | 4.37 | | | | 0.87 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 932.10 | | | $ | 5.38 | | | | 1.12 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,019.29 | | | $ | 5.62 | | | | 1.12 | % |
* | | 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 LARGERST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Roche Holding AG | | $ | 19,500,715 | | | | 4.0 | % |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC—Class A | | | 19,001,886 | | | | 3.9 | |
BT Group PLC | | | 18,021,140 | | | | 3.7 | |
Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. | | | 16,671,130 | | | | 3.4 | |
British American Tobacco PLC | | | 16,513,245 | | | | 3.3 | |
Delhaize Group | | | 15,350,771 | | | | 3.1 | |
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. | | | 13,019,101 | | | | 2.6 | |
ING Groep NV | | | 11,891,682 | | | | 2.4 | |
Vodafone Group PLC | | | 11,768,783 | | | | 2.4 | |
JX Holdings, Inc. | | | 10,992,524 | | | | 2.2 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 152,730,977 | | | | 31.0 | % |
SECTOR BREAKDOWN†
June 30, 2016 (unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 86,902,365 | | | | 17.7 | % |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 79,982,824 | | | | 16.3 | |
Industrials | | | 61,255,754 | | | | 12.5 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 53,912,285 | | | | 11.0 | |
Energy | | | 52,783,420 | | | | 10.8 | |
Information Technology | | | 44,700,788 | | | | 9.1 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 40,036,232 | | | | 8.2 | |
Health Care | | | 36,084,745 | | | | 7.3 | |
Materials | | | 17,836,580 | | | | 3.6 | |
Utilities | | | 13,694,660 | | | | 2.8 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 3,471,170 | | | | 0.7 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 490,660,823 | | | | 100.0 | % |
† | | The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. The Portfolio also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). |
Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.
2
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
COUNTRY BREAKDOWN* | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
COUNTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Japan | | $ | 124,365,415 | | | | 25.3 | % |
United Kingdom | | | 83,066,797 | | | | 16.9 | |
France | | | 56,916,830 | | | | 11.6 | |
Netherlands | | | 40,341,322 | | | | 8.2 | |
Germany | | | 27,994,441 | | | | 5.7 | |
South Korea | | | 23,267,144 | | | | 4.7 | |
Australia | | | 23,113,116 | | | | 4.7 | |
Belgium | | | 21,930,188 | | | | 4.5 | |
Switzerland | | | 19,500,715 | | | | 4.0 | |
Denmark | | | 14,693,547 | | | | 3.0 | |
Canada | | | 11,527,467 | | | | 2.4 | |
Taiwan | | | 10,169,710 | | | | 2.1 | |
Portugal | | | 7,769,065 | | | | 1.6 | |
Other | | | 22,533,896 | | | | 4.6 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 3,471,170 | | | | 0.7 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 490,660,823 | | | | 100.0 | % |
* | | All data are as of June 30, 2016. The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represent 1.2% or less in the following countries: Argentina, China, Hungary, India, Italy and Turkey. |
3
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–98.9% | | | | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–17.7% | | | | | | | | |
BANKS–11.9% | | | | | | | | |
Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. | | | 280,480 | | | $ | 5,110,359 | |
Bank of Queensland Ltd. | | | 942,411 | | | | 7,518,783 | |
Danske Bank A/S | | | 275,160 | | | | 7,242,315 | |
ING Groep NV | | | 1,149,410 | | | | 11,891,682 | |
KB Financial Group, Inc. | | | 128,860 | | | | 3,664,255 | |
KBC Groep NV(a) | | | 133,780 | | | | 6,579,417 | |
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. | | | 2,904,200 | | | | 13,019,101 | |
OTP Bank PLC | | | 153,134 | | | | 3,426,736 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 58,452,648 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–1.3% | | | | | | | | |
Amundi SA(b) | | | 81,705 | | | | 3,394,883 | |
Azimut Holding SpA | | | 168,540 | | | | 2,749,874 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 6,144,757 | |
| | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–1.0% | | | | | | | | |
Challenger Ltd./Australia | | | 745,470 | | | | 4,870,326 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INSURANCE–3.5% | | | | | | | | |
Dongbu Insurance Co., Ltd. | | | 82,600 | | | | 4,971,735 | |
Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen (REG) | | | 36,460 | | | | 6,114,160 | |
NN Group NV | | | 230,625 | | | | 6,348,739 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 17,434,634 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 86,902,365 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–16.2% | | | | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–5.1% | | | | | | | | |
Hankook Tire Co., Ltd.(a) | | | 85,884 | | | | 3,821,011 | |
Magna International, Inc. (New York)–Class A | | | 184,940 | | | | 6,485,846 | |
Plastic Omnium SA | | | 113,530 | | | | 3,173,848 | |
Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.(c) | | | 531,400 | | | | 7,033,313 | |
Valeo SA | | | 104,580 | | | | 4,642,731 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 25,156,749 | |
| | | | | | | | |
AUTOMOBILES–4.8% | | | | | | | | |
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | | | 386,000 | | | | 9,682,904 | |
Peugeot SA(a) | | | 677,700 | | | | 8,122,973 | |
Tata Motors Ltd.–Class A(a) | | | 1,327,986 | | | | 5,785,602 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 23,591,479 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LEISURE PRODUCTS–1.1% | | | | | | | | |
Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc. | | | 211,300 | | | | 5,452,916 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MEDIA–5.2% | | | | | | | | |
Altice NV–Class A(a)(c) | | | 455,770 | | | | 6,805,301 | |
Liberty Global PLC–Series C(a) | | | 287,567 | | | | 8,238,795 | |
Liberty Global PLC LiLAC(a) | | | 35,879 | | | | 1,165,722 | |
Vivendi SA | | | 511,626 | | | | 9,571,862 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 25,781,680 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 79,982,824 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–12.4% | | | | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.4% | | | | | | | | |
Airbus Group SE | | | 120,540 | | | | 6,909,344 | |
| | | | | | | | |
AIRLINES–4.6% | | | | | | | | |
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA(c) | | | 1,416,060 | | | | 7,023,216 | |
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. | | | 311,800 | | | | 10,031,415 | |
Qantas Airways Ltd.(a) | | | 2,650,045 | | | | 5,613,648 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 22,668,279 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.2% | | | | | | | | |
Rheinmetall AG | | | 102,930 | | | | 6,122,143 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MACHINERY–3.1% | | | | | | | | |
IHI Corp. | | | 2,337,000 | | | | 6,299,362 | |
JTEKT Corp. | | | 793,500 | | | | 8,993,900 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 15,293,262 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ROAD & RAIL–2.1% | | | | | | | | |
Central Japan Railway Co. | | | 57,700 | | | | 10,262,726 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 61,255,754 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–11.0% | | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–8.6% | | | | | | | | |
BT Group PLC | | | 3,278,600 | | | | 18,021,140 | |
Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. | | | 355,500 | | | | 16,671,130 | |
TDC A/S | | | 1,520,514 | | | | 7,451,232 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 42,143,502 | |
| | | | | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.4% | | | | | | | | |
Vodafone Group PLC | | | 3,860,064 | | | | 11,768,783 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 53,912,285 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ENERGY–10.7% | | | | | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–10.7% | | | | | | | | |
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. | | | 163,410 | | | | 5,041,621 | |
JX Holdings, Inc. | | | 2,816,200 | | | | 10,992,524 | |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC (Euronext Amsterdam)–Class A | | | 339,360 | | | | 9,308,778 | |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC–Class A | | | 352,924 | | | | 9,693,108 | |
TOTAL SA | | | 163,856 | | | | 7,857,877 | |
Tupras Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri AS | | | 225,240 | | | | 5,000,289 | |
YPF SA (Sponsored ADR) | | | 254,647 | | | | 4,889,223 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 52,783,420 | |
| | | | | | | | |
4
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–9.1% | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Largan Precision Co., Ltd. | | | 48,000 | | | $ | 4,439,192 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–5.8% | | | | | | | | |
Infineon Technologies AG | | | 524,020 | | | | 7,585,922 | |
Novatek Microelectronics Corp. | | | 1,529,000 | | | | 5,730,518 | |
SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 803,000 | | | | 8,740,013 | |
Sumco Corp.(c) | | | 988,100 | | | | 6,330,033 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 28,386,486 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SOFTWARE–1.3% | | | | | | | | |
Nintendo Co., Ltd. | | | 43,900 | | | | 6,308,390 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–1.1% | | | | | | | | |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | | | 4,470 | | | | 5,566,720 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 44,700,788 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–8.1% | | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–3.1% | | | | | | | | |
Delhaize Group | | | 145,320 | | | | 15,350,771 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–1.7% | | | | | | | | |
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Preference Shares) | | | 66,870 | | | | 8,172,216 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOBACCO–3.3% | | | | | | | | |
British American Tobacco PLC | | | 254,720 | | | | 16,513,245 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 40,036,232 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–7.3% | | | | | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–7.3% | | | | | | | | |
GlaxoSmithKline PLC | | | 495,590 | | | | 10,642,788 | |
Roche Holding AG | | | 73,900 | | | | 19,500,715 | |
Sanofi | | | 71,510 | | | | 5,941,242 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 36,084,745 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MATERIALS–3.6% | | | | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–3.6% | | | | | | | | |
Arkema SA | | | 95,511 | | | | 7,302,070 | |
JSR Corp. | | | 343,400 | | | | 4,547,688 | |
Koninklijke DSM NV | | | 103,775 | | | | 5,986,822 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 17,836,580 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
UTILITIES–2.8% | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–2.7% | | | | | | | | |
EDP–Energias de Portugal SA | | | 2,537,610 | | | | 7,769,065 | |
Korea Electric Power Corp. | | | 99,890 | | | | 5,243,423 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 13,012,488 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INDEPENDENT POWER AND RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PRODUCERS–0.1% | | | | | | | | |
Huaneng Power International, Inc.–Class H | | | 1,096,000 | | | | 682,172 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 13,694,660 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $507,862,595) | | | | | | | 487,189,653 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–0.7% | | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–0.7% | | | | | | | | |
State Street Time Deposit 0.01%, 7/01/16 (cost $3,471,170) | | $ | 3,471 | | | | 3,471,170 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Shares | | | | |
Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned–99.6% (cost $511,333,765) | | | | | | | 490,660,823 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–4.1% | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–4.1% | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.25%(d)(e) (cost $20,021,274) | | | 20,021,274 | | | | 20,021,274 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–103.7% (cost $531,355,039) | | | | | | | 510,682,097 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(3.7)% | | | | | | | (18,253,024 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | $ | 492,429,073 | |
| | | | | | | | |
5
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Contracts to Deliver (000) | | | In Exchange For (000) | | | Settlement Date | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Bank of America, NA | | | USD | | | | 4,144 | | | | EUR | | | | 3,747 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | $ | 15,867 | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | | KRW | | | | 4,569,183 | | | | USD | | | | 3,985 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 22,723 | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | | TWD | | | | 115,373 | | | | USD | | | | 3,564 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (22,228 | ) |
BNP Paribas SA | | | USD | | | | 20,445 | | | | AUD | | | | 27,290 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (99,630 | ) |
BNP Paribas SA | | | USD | | | | 3,606 | | | | EUR | | | | 3,191 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (63,725 | ) |
BNP Paribas SA | | | USD | | | | 33,013 | | | | JPY | | | | 3,637,483 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 2,221,847 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | CAD | | | | 5,379 | | | | USD | | | | 4,242 | | | | 10/19/16 | | | | 77,862 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | GBP | | | | 1,583 | | | | USD | | | | 2,112 | | | | 10/19/16 | | | | 2,282 | |
Citibank | | | CAD | | | | 8,429 | | | | USD | | | | 6,414 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (110,365 | ) |
Citibank | | | EUR | | | | 12,821 | | | | USD | | | | 14,402 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 168,478 | |
Citibank | | | NOK | | | | 11,286 | | | | USD | | | | 1,379 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 30,473 | |
Citibank | | | SEK | | | | 43,925 | | | | USD | | | | 5,339 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 145,636 | |
Citibank | | | USD | | | | 12,677 | | | | CHF | | | | 12,542 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 175,022 | |
Citibank | | | USD | | | | 981 | | | | ILS | | | | 3,696 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (23,390 | ) |
Citibank | | | USD | | | | 3,248 | | | | NOK | | | | 27,015 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (20,192 | ) |
Citibank | | | USD | | | | 30,218 | | | | SEK | | | | 245,263 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (1,218,145 | ) |
Citibank | | | EUR | | | | 4,508 | | | | USD | | | | 5,023 | | | | 10/19/16 | | | | 750 | |
Credit Suisse International | | | AUD | | | | 9,847 | | | | USD | | | | 7,450 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 109,028 | |
Credit Suisse International | | | CHF | | | | 14,612 | | | | USD | | | | 14,771 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (202,368 | ) |
Credit Suisse International | | | HUF | | | | 857,088 | | | | USD | | | | 3,042 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 29,921 | |
Credit Suisse International | | | JPY | | | | 862,569 | | | | USD | | | | 7,678 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (677,228 | ) |
Credit Suisse International | | | NZD | | | | 13,132 | | | | USD | | | | 8,850 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (521,095 | ) |
Credit Suisse International | | | SEK | | | | 91,088 | | | | USD | | | | 10,956 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 185,622 | |
Credit Suisse International | | | USD | | | | 27,757 | | | | CHF | | | | 27,008 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (81,782 | ) |
Credit Suisse International | | | USD | | | | 7,431 | | | | JPY | | | | 825,212 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 562,249 | |
Credit Suisse International | | | USD | | | | 11,347 | | | | NOK | | | | 96,291 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 159,102 | |
Deutsche Bank AG | | | USD | | | | 6,033 | | | | JPY | | | | 653,993 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 301,970 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | | CNY | | | | 25,389 | | | | USD | | | | 3,859 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 45,582 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | | JPY | | | | 4,655,886 | | | | USD | | | | 41,919 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (3,181,546 | ) |
HSBC Bank USA | | | AUD | | | | 7,338 | | | | USD | | | | 5,259 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (211,802 | ) |
HSBC Bank USA | | | EUR | | | | 2,253 | | | | USD | | | | 2,557 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 56,350 | |
HSBC Bank USA | | | GBP | | | | 1,251 | | | | USD | | | | 1,827 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 161,555 | |
HSBC Bank USA | | | ILS | | | | 7,630 | | | | USD | | | | 2,017 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 39,339 | |
HSBC Bank USA | | | USD | | | | 3,875 | | | | CNY | | | | 25,389 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (61,485 | ) |
HSBC Bank USA | | | USD | | | | 9,208 | | | | GBP | | | | 6,261 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (872,630 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | AUD | | | | 5,710 | | | | USD | | | | 4,103 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (153,478 | ) |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | GBP | | | | 3,428 | | | | USD | | | | 4,687 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 123,493 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | NOK | | | | 87,249 | | | | USD | | | | 10,471 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 45,943 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | GBP | | | | 14,310 | | | | USD | | | | 19,580 | | | | 10/19/16 | | | | 509,313 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | CAD | | | | 1,861 | | | | USD | | | | 1,436 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (4,179 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | EUR | | | | 5,096 | | | | USD | | | | 5,757 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 99,829 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | USD | | | | 19,278 | | | | EUR | | | | 17,179 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (206,565 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | EUR | | | | 2,775 | | | | USD | | | | 3,143 | | | | 10/19/16 | | | | 51,549 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | JPY | | | | 271,795 | | | | USD | | | | 2,568 | | | | 10/19/16 | | | | (73,709 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | USD | | | | 4,438 | | | | CHF | | | | 4,259 | | | | 10/19/16 | | | | (49,679 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | USD | | | | 14,739 | | | | GBP | | | | 10,305 | | | | 10/19/16 | | | | (1,005,215 | ) |
Nomura Global Financial Products, Inc. | | | USD | | | | 8,519 | | | | JPY | | | | 945,671 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 641,397 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | KRW | | | | 21,134,634 | | | | USD | | | | 18,127 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (199,646 | ) |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | USD | | | | 1,656 | | | | CAD | | | | 2,134 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (3,723 | ) |
6
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Contracts to Deliver (000) | | | In Exchange For (000) | | | Settlement Date | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | USD | | | | 8,997 | | | | NZD | | | | 13,132 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | $ | 374,508 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | USD | | | | 1,560 | | | | TWD | | | | 50,661 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 14,581 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | JPY | | | | 173,749 | | | | USD | | | | 1,544 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (139,189 | ) |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | TWD | | | | 182,877 | | | | USD | | | | 5,629 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (56,169 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | CHF | | | | 1,376 | | | | USD | | | | 1,418 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 8,224 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | EUR | | | | 4,892 | | | | USD | | | | 5,556 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 125,015 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | GBP | | | | 1,582 | | | | USD | | | | 2,242 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 135,578 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | JPY | | | | 1,154,127 | | | | USD | | | | 10,735 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (444,500 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 1,042 | | | | ILS | | | | 3,934 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | (22,183 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | EUR | | | | 3,294 | | | | USD | | | | 3,729 | | | | 10/19/16 | | | | 59,188 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | USD | | | | 5,686 | | | | CHF | | | | 5,450 | | | | 10/19/16 | | | | (71,072 | ) |
UBS AG | | | CHF | | | | 2,291 | | | | USD | | | | 2,361 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 13,283 | |
UBS AG | | | EUR | | | | 2,178 | | | | USD | | | | 2,468 | | | | 7/15/16 | | | | 50,367 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | $ | (3,032,992) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security is considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2016, the market value of this security amounted to $3,394,883 or 0.7% of net assets. |
(c) | | Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information. |
(d) | | Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end. |
(e) | | To obtain a copy of the fund’s financial statements, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618. |
Currency Abbreviations:
AUD—Australian Dollar
CAD—Canadian Dollar
CHF—Swiss Franc
CNY—Chinese Yuan Renminbi
EUR—Euro
GBP—Great British Pound
HUF—Hungarian Forint
ILS—Israeli Shekel
JPY—Japanese Yen
KRW—South Korean Won
NOK—Norwegian Krone
NZD—New Zealand Dollar
SEK—Swedish Krona
TWD—New Taiwan Dollar
USD—United States Dollar
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
REG—Registered Shares
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | |
Investments in securities, at value | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $511,333,765) | | $ | 490,660,823 | (a) |
Affiliated issuers (cost $20,021,274—investment of cash collateral for securities loaned) | | | 20,021,274 | |
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $1,783,508) | | | 1,777,799 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 6,763,926 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency transactions | | | 3,690,332 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 3,671,741 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 487,779 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 527,073,674 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned | | | 20,021,274 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 9,796,918 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency transactions | | | 3,776,326 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 367,842 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 313,289 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 95,074 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 11,524 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 112 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 262,242 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 34,644,601 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 492,429,073 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 39,357 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 1,536,637,999 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 9,221,755 | |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (1,029,698,545 | ) |
Net unrealized depreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (23,771,493 | ) |
| | | | |
| | $ | 492,429,073 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
A | | $ | 44,924,740 | | | | 3,558,257 | | | $ | 12.63 | |
B | | $ | 447,504,333 | | | | 35,798,774 | | | $ | 12.50 | |
(a) | | Includes securities on loan with a value of $19,183,095 (see Note E). |
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $1,359,985) | | $ | 10,975,622 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 21,055 | |
Securities lending income | | | 163,425 | |
| | | | |
| | | 11,160,102 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 2,028,598 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 618,960 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 226 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 2,434 | |
Printing | | | 109,606 | |
Custodian | | | 107,993 | |
Legal | | | 25,580 | |
Audit and tax | | | 25,398 | |
Administrative | | | 24,058 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 10,665 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 16,397 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 2,969,915 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note E) | | | (373 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 2,969,542 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 8,190,560 | |
| | | | |
| |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized loss on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | (20,003,614 | ) |
Futures | | | (1,659,059 | ) |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (1,328,171 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | (20,298,225 | ) |
Futures | | | (16,405 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (2,883,260 | ) |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (46,188,734 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (37,998,174 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
9
| | |
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 8,190,560 | | | $ | 12,425,614 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (22,990,844 | ) | | | 28,496,624 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (23,197,890 | ) | | | (21,603,964 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (37,998,174 | ) | | | 19,318,274 | |
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (1,256,699 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (13,020,683 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (68,984,275 | ) | | | (71,815,762 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (106,982,449 | ) | | | (66,774,870 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 599,411,522 | | | | 666,186,392 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $9,221,755 and $1,031,195, respectively) | | $ | 492,429,073 | | | $ | 599,411,522 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
10
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AB International Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB 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 sixteen 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 (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the 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 (the “Board”).
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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 Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign
11
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Investments in Securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | |
Common Stocks: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financials | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 86,902,365 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 86,902,365 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 15,890,363 | | | | 64,092,461 | | | | –0 | – | | | 79,982,824 | |
Industrials | | | –0 | – | | | 61,255,754 | | | | –0 | – | | | 61,255,754 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | –0 | – | | | 53,912,285 | | | | –0 | – | | | 53,912,285 | |
Energy | | | 9,930,844 | | | | 42,852,576 | | | | –0 | – | | | 52,783,420 | |
Information Technology | | | –0 | – | | | 44,700,788 | | | | –0 | – | | | 44,700,788 | |
Consumer Staples | | | –0 | – | | | 40,036,232 | | | | –0 | – | | | 40,036,232 | |
Health Care | | | –0 | – | | | 36,084,745 | | | | –0 | – | | | 36,084,745 | |
Materials | | | –0 | – | | | 17,836,580 | | | | –0 | – | | | 17,836,580 | |
Utilities | | | –0 | – | | | 13,694,660 | | | | –0 | – | | | 13,694,660 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | –0 | – | | | 3,471,170 | | | | –0 | – | | | 3,471,170 | |
Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund | | | 20,021,274 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 20,021,274 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 45,842,481 | | | | 464,839,616 | (b) | | | –0 | – | | | 510,682,097 | |
12
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Other Financial Instruments(a): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 6,763,926 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 6,763,926 | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | | –0 | – | | | (9,796,918 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | (9,796,918 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total(c)(d) | | $ | 45,842,481 | | | $ | 461,806,624 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 507,649,105 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
(b) | | A significant portion of the Portfolio’s foreign equity investments are categorized as Level 2 investments since they are valued using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available, see Note A.1. |
(c) | | An amount of $20,217,504 was transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 due to the above mentioned foreign equity fair valuation using third party vendor modeling tools during the reporting period. |
(d) | | There were no transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 during the reporting period. |
The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and a third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed 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 foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
13
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
4. 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.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
5. 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 the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. 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 proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the 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 (the “Expense Caps”) to 1.20% and 1.45% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.
Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $24,058.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $569 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $353,853, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
NOTE C: Distribution 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 currently limits
14
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 or 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, 2016 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 163,495,141 | | | $ | 224,440,379 | |
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 | | $ | 33,922,449 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (54,595,391 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | (20,672,942 | ) |
| | | | |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The principal types of derivatives utilized by the Portfolio, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:
The Portfolio may buy or sell futures for investment purposes or for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse effects of potential movements in the market. The Portfolio bears the market risk that arises from changes in the value of these instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures and movements in the price of the assets, reference rates or indices which they are designed to track. Among other things, the Portfolio may purchase or sell futures for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
At the time the Portfolio enters into futures, the Portfolio deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the 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. The credit/counterparty risk for exchange-traded futures is generally less than privately negotiated futures, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each exchange-traded future, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the 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.
15
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Use of long futures subjects the Portfolio to risk of loss in excess of the amounts shown on the statement of assets and liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures. Use of short futures subjects the Portfolio to unlimited risk of loss. Under some circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of futures can vary from the previous day’s settlement price, which could effectively prevent liquidation of unfavorable positions.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held futures for non-hedging purposes.
| • | | Forward Currency Exchange Contracts |
The Portfolio may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.
A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contract and the closing of such contract would be included in net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions. Fluctuations in the value of open forward currency exchange contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation by the Portfolio. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
The Portfolio typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar master agreements (collectively, “Master Agreements”) with its derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Portfolio typically may offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instrument’s payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default or termination.
Various Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions with counterparties, including transactions such as derivative transactions, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These Master Agreements typically attempt to reduce the counterparty risk associated with such transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Cross-termination provisions under Master Agreements typically provide that a default in connection with one transaction between the Portfolio and a counterparty gives the non-defaulting party the right to terminate any other transactions in place with the defaulting party to create one single net payment due to/due from the defaulting party. In the event of a default by a Master Agreements counterparty, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Portfolio’s net liability, held by the defaulting party, may be delayed or denied.
The Portfolio’s Master Agreements may contain provisions for early termination of OTC derivative transactions in the event the net assets of the Portfolio decline below specific levels (“net asset contingent features”). If these levels are triggered, the Portfolio’s counterparty has the right to terminate such transaction and require the Portfolio to pay or receive a settlement amount in connection with the terminated transaction. For additional details, please refer to netting arrangements by counterparty tables below.
At June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Asset Derivatives | | | Liability Derivatives | |
Derivative Type | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | | Fair Value | |
Foreign exchange contracts | | Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | $ | 6,763,926 | | | Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | $ | 9,796,918 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | $ | 6,763,926 | | | | | $ | 9,796,918 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
16
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative Type | | Location of Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Within Statement of Operations | | Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation or (Depreciation) | |
Equity contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures | | $ | (1,659,059 | ) | | $ | (16,405 | ) |
Foreign exchange contracts | | Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (1,457,822 | ) | | | (3,019,043 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | $ | (3,116,881 | ) | | $ | (3,035,448 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2016:
| | | | |
Futures: | | | | |
Average original value of buy contracts | | $ | 4,004,957 | (a) |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts: | | | | |
Average principal amount of buy contracts | | $ | 174,253,688 | |
Average principal amount of sale contracts | | $ | 177,211,493 | |
(a) | | Positions were open for four months during the period. |
For financial reporting purposes, the Portfolio does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.
All derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Derivative Assets Subject to a MA | | | Derivative Available for Offset | | | Cash Collateral Received | | | Security Collateral Received | | | Net Amount of Derivatives Assets | |
OTC Derivatives: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bank of America, NA | | $ | 15,867 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 15,867 | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | | 22,723 | | | | (22,228 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 495 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | 2,301,991 | | | | (163,355 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 2,138,636 | |
Citibank | | | 520,358 | | | | (520,358 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Credit Suisse International | | | 1,045,922 | | | | (1,045,922 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Deutsche Bank AG | | | 301,970 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 301,970 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | | 45,582 | | | | (45,582 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
HSBC Bank USA | | | 257,244 | | | | (257,244 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | 678,748 | | | | (153,478 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 525,270 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | 151,378 | | | | (151,378 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Nomura Global Financial Products, Inc. | | | 641,397 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 641,397 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | 389,089 | | | | (203,369 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 185,720 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | 328,005 | | | | (328,005 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
UBS AG | | | 63,650 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 63,650 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 6,763,924 | | | $ | (2,890,919 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 3,873,005 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | �� | | | | | | | |
17
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Counterparty | | Derivative Liabilities Subject to a MA | | | Derivative Available for Offset | | | Cash Collateral Pledged | | | Security Collateral Pledged | | | Net Amount of Derivatives Liabilities | |
OTC Derivatives: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | $ | 22,228 | | | $ | (22,228 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
BNP Paribas SA | | | 163,355 | | | | (163,355 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Citibank | | | 1,372,092 | | | | (520,358 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 851,734 | |
Credit Suisse International | | | 1,482,473 | | | | (1,045,922 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 436,551 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | | 3,181,546 | | | | (45,582 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 3,135,964 | |
HSBC Bank USA | | | 1,145,917 | | | | (257,244 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 888,673 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | | | 153,478 | | | | (153,478 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | 1,339,346 | | | | (151,378 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 1,187,968 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | 203,369 | | | | (203,369 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | 195,358 | | | | 0 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 195,358 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | 537,754 | | | | (328,005 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 209,749 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 9,796,916 | | | $ | (2,890,919 | ) | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 6,905,997 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
^ | | Net amount represents the net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty. |
2. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated 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 other 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 : Securities Lending
The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not have the right to vote on any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. Prior to June 24, 2016, such cash collateral received was invested in AB Exchange Reserves. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had securities on loan with a value of $19,183,095 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into AB Government Money Market Portfolio of $20,021,274. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $163,425, $20,273 and $782 from the borrowers, AB Exchange Reserves and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2016; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the
18
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of management fee assessed by the AB Government Money Market Portfolio. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, such waiver amounted to $373. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Exchange Reserves for the period January 1, 2016 to June 23, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value December 31, 2015 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Transfer to AB Government Money Market Portfolio (000) | | | Market Value June 23, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 3,408 | | | $ | 177,576 | | | $ | 163,704 | | | $ | 17,280 | | | $ | 0 | |
A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Government Money Market Portfolio for the period June 24, 2016 to June 30, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value June 24, 2016 (000) | | | Transfer from AB Exchange Reserves (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Market Value June 30, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 0 | | | $ | 17,280 | | | $ | 5,855 | | | $ | 3,114 | | | $ | 20,021 | |
NOTE F: 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 152,982 | | | | 410,557 | | | | | | | $ | 1,963,082 | | | $ | 5,859,389 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | –0 | – | | | 93,564 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 1,256,699 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (193,073 | ) | | | (639,799 | ) | | | | | | | (2,486,187 | ) | | | (9,165,278 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (40,091 | ) | | | (135,678 | ) | | | | | | $ | (523,105 | ) | | $ | (2,049,190 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 1,118,901 | | | | 3,059,597 | | | | | | | $ | 14,326,020 | | | $ | 43,344,961 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | –0 | – | | | 977,218 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 13,020,682 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (6,397,755 | ) | | | (8,879,432 | ) | | | | | | | (82,787,190 | ) | | | (126,132,215 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (5,278,854 | ) | | | (4,842,617 | ) | | | | | | $ | (68,461,170 | ) | | $ | (69,766,572 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Emerging Market Risk—Investments in emerging market countries may have more risk because the markets are less developed and less liquid, and because these investments may be subject to increased economic, political, regulatory, or other uncertainties.
Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce its returns.
Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as forwards, futures, options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.
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. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2016.
NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2016 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 14,277,382 | | | $ | 24,579,997 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions paid | | $ | 14,277,382 | | | $ | 24,579,997 | |
| | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 902,312 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (1,005,255,357 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | (1,897,065 | )(b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (1,006,250,110 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | | As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $1,002,884,088. During the fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized $25,558,363 of capital loss carryforwards to offset current year net realized gains. At December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had a post-October net short-term loss deferral of $2,371,269 which is deemed to arise on January 1, 2016. |
(b) | | The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the realization for tax purposes of gains/losses on certain derivative instruments. |
For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an indefinite period. These post-December 22, 2010 capital losses must be utilized prior to the earlier capital losses, which are subject to expiration. Post-December 22, 2010 capital loss carryforwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered short-term as under previous regulation.
As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $1,002,884,088 which will expire as follows:
| | | | |
SHORT-TERM AMOUNT | | LONG-TERM AMOUNT | | EXPIRATION |
$ 35,584,681 | | n/a | | 2016 |
917,130,062 | | n/a | | 2017 |
50,169,345 | | n/a | | 2018 |
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| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE J: New Accounting Pronouncement
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2015-07 (the “ASU”) which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The ASU also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient but do not utilize that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
NOTE K: Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.
21
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $13.52 | | | | $13.53 | | | | $14.99 | | | | $12.96 | | | | $11.50 | | | | $14.90 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | | .21 | (b) | | | .30 | | | | .48 | | | | .33 | | | | .36 | | | | .36 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (1.10 | ) | | | .05 | | | | (1.40 | ) | | | 2.59 | | | | 1.31 | | | | (3.19 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | (.89 | ) | | | .35 | | | | (.92 | ) | | | 2.92 | | | | 1.67 | | | | (2.83 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.36 | ) | | | (.54 | ) | | | (.89 | ) | | | (.21 | ) | | | (.56 | ) |
Tax return of capital | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | (.01 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | (.36 | ) | | | (.54 | ) | | | (.89 | ) | | | (.21 | ) | | | (.57 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $12.63 | | | | $13.52 | | | | $13.53 | | | | $14.99 | | | | $12.96 | | | | $11.50 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | | (6.58 | )% | | | 2.59 | % | | | (6.21 | )% | | | 23.00 | % | | | 14.53 | % | | | (19.25 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $44,925 | | | | $48,665 | | | | $50,504 | | | | $58,723 | | | | $48,029 | | | | $62,003 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | .87 | %^ | | | .85 | % | | | .85 | % | | | .82 | % | | | .81 | % | | | .82 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | .87 | %^ | | | .85 | % | | | .85 | % | | | .82 | % | | | .81 | % | | | .82 | % |
Net investment income | | | 3.28 | %^(b) | | | 2.09 | % | | | 3.25 | % | | | 2.33 | % | | | 2.97 | % | | | 2.55 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 30 | % | | | 74 | % | | | 64 | % | | | 59 | % | | | 41 | % | | | 62 | % |
See footnote summary on page 23.
22
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $13.41 | | | | $13.41 | | | | $14.86 | | | | $12.84 | | | | $11.40 | | | | $14.77 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | | .19 | (b) | | | .26 | | | | .45 | | | | .30 | | | | .32 | | | | .31 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (1.10 | ) | | | .06 | | | | (1.40 | ) | | | 2.56 | | | | 1.29 | | | | (3.14 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | (.91 | ) | | | .32 | | | | (.95 | ) | | | 2.86 | | | | 1.61 | | | | (2.83 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.32 | ) | | | (.50 | ) | | | (.84 | ) | | | (.17 | ) | | | (.53 | ) |
Tax return of capital | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | (.01 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | (.32 | ) | | | (.50 | ) | | | (.84 | ) | | | (.17 | ) | | | (.54 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $12.50 | | | | $13.41 | | | | $13.41 | | | | $14.86 | | | | $12.84 | | | | $11.40 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | | (6.79 | )% | | | 2.40 | % | | | (6.46 | )% | | | 22.73 | % | | | 14.19 | % | | | (19.44 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000,000’s omitted) | | | $448 | | | | $551 | | | | $616 | | | | $744 | | | | $1,058 | | | | $1,033 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.12 | %^ | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.06 | % | | | 1.07 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.12 | %^ | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.06 | % | | | 1.07 | % |
Net investment income | | | 3.01 | %^(b) | | | 1.85 | % | | | 3.06 | % | | | 2.20 | % | | | 2.70 | % | | | 2.23 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 30 | % | | | 74 | % | | | 64 | % | | | 59 | % | | | 41 | % | | | 62 | % |
(a) | | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | | Net of expenses waived and 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 (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions 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. |
See notes to financial statements.
23
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB International Value Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 3-5, 2016 (the “Meeting”).
Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Company’s Senior Officer (who is also the Company’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Company’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they receive presentations from the Adviser on the investment results of the Fund and review extensive materials and information presented by the Adviser.
The directors also considered all other factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. In their deliberations, the directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided
The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.
Costs of Services Provided and Profitability
The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues, expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2014 and 2015 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution
24
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.
At the Meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 29, 2016 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) the period since inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by Broadridge concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same Broadridge category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors considered the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate against a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.
The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for institutional clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Company’s Senior Officer and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors noted that the Adviser advises another AB Fund with a substantially similar investment style for the same fee schedule as the Fund. The directors also considered that a portfolio of Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc. pursuing a somewhat similar investment style has higher fee rates at each breakpoint of its fee schedule, and that the Adviser has been waiving 5 basis points of the advisory fee payable by that portfolio under its contract since November 2011.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted the effects of any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements as a result of an undertaking by the Adviser. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s Broadridge category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.
25
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
26
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AB 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 AB Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AB 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. |
These factors, with the exception of the first factor, are generally referred to as the “Gartenberg factors,” which were articulated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1982. Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc., 694 F. 2d 923 (2d Cir. 1982). The first factor is an additional factor required to be considered by the AoD. On March 30, 2010, the Supreme Court held the Gartenberg decision was correct in its basic formulation of what Section 36(b) requires: to face liability under Section 36(b), “an investment adviser must charge a fee that is so disproportionately large that it bears no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and could not have been the product of arm’s length bargaining.” Jones v. Harris Associates L.P., 130 S. Ct. 1418 (2010). In the Jones decision, the Court stated the Gartenberg approach fully incorporates the correct understanding of fiduciary duty within the context of Section 36(b) and noted with approval that “Gartenberg insists that all relevant circumstances be taken into account” and “uses the range of fees that might result from arm’s-length bargaining as the benchmark for reviewing challenged fees.”3
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, NET ASSETS & EXPENSE RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 3/31/16 ($MIL) |
International Value Portfolio | | International | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion
0.65% on next $2.5 billion
0.60% on the balance | | $568.8 |
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 $50,834 (0.008% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
1 | | The information in the fee summary was completed on April 21, 2016 and discussed with the Board of Directors on May 3-5, 2016. |
2 | | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AB.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | | Jones v. Harris at 1427. |
27
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser has agreed to waive that portion of its management fees and/or reimburse the Portfolio for that portion of its total operating expenses to the degree necessary to limit the Portfolio’s expense ratios to the amounts set forth below for the Portfolio’s fiscal year. The waiver is terminable by the Adviser upon at least 60 days’ notice prior to the Portfolio’s prospectus update. The Portfolio was operating below its expense caps during the most recently completed 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 |
International Value Portfolio | | Class A 1.20% | | | 0.85% | | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.45% | | | 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 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, the Adviser is reimbursed for providing some of these services. 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. 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, the Supreme Court has indicated consideration should be given to the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In
4 | | The Supreme Court stated that “courts may give such comparisons the weight that they merit in light of the similarities and differences between the services that the clients in question require, but the courts must be wary of inapt comparisons.” Among the significant differences the Supreme Court noted that may exist between services provided to mutual funds and institutional accounts are “higher marketing costs.” Jones v. Harris at 1428. |
28
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
addition to the AB Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AB Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio based on March 31, 2016 net assets:5
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 3/31/16 ($MIL) | | | AB Institutional Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
International Value Portfolio | | $ | 568.8 | | | International Value Schedule 0.80% on first $25m 0.60% on the next $25m 0.50% on the next $50m 0.40% on the balance Minimum account size $25m | | | 0.435 | % | | | 0.750 | % |
The Adviser also manages AB Trust, Inc.—International Value Fund (“International Value Fund”), a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below are the fee schedule of International Value Fund and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the retail mutual fund been applicable to the Portfolio:6
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AB Mutual Fund | | Fee Schedule | | ABMF Effective 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 | | | 0.750% | |
The Adviser manages Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc. (“SCB Fund”), an open-end management investment company. The International Portfolio of SCB Fund (“SCB International Portfolio”) has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below are the fee schedule of SCB International Portfolio and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of SCB International Portfolio been applicable to the Portfolio based on March 31, 2016 net assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | SCB Fund Portfolio | | | Fee Schedule | | SCB Fund Effective Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
International Value Portfolio7 | | | International Portfolio | | | 0.925% on 1st $1 billion 0.850% on next $3 billion 0.800% on next $2 billion 0.750% on next $2 billion 0.650% thereafter | | | 0.875 | %8 | | | 0.750 | % |
| | | | | | The Adviser is waving 5 basis points in advisory fees effective through October 31, 2016. | | | | | | | | |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory services to certain other investment companies managed by other fund families. The Adviser charges the fees set forth below for the sub-advisory relationship that has a somewhat similar investment style as the
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 | | The retail 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 retail mutual fund. |
7 | | The investment guidelines of the Portfolio are more restrictive than the SCB Fund portfolio. The Portfolio invests primarily in international value equity securities, in contrast to the SCB Fund portfolio, which invests in both growth and value equity securities. |
8 | | The SCB Fund portfolio effective fee of 0.875% reflects the five basis points advisory fee waiver. |
29
| | |
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Portfolio. Also shown are the Portfolio’s advisory fee and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the sub-advisory relationship been applicable to the Portfolio based on March 31, 2016 net assets.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | | | Fee Schedule | | Effective Sub-Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
International Value Portfolio | | Client # 19,10 | | 0.60% on first $1 billion 0.55% on next $500 million 0.50% on next $500 million 0.45% on next $500 million 0.40% on the balance | | | 0.600 | % | | | 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 Portfolio by the Adviser. In addition, to the extent that the sub-advisory relationship is with an affiliate of the Adviser, the fee schedule may not reflect arm’s length bargaining or negotiations.
While it appears that the sub-advisory relationship is paying a lower fee than the Portfolio, it is difficult to evaluate the relevance of such lower fees due to differences in terms of the services provided, risks involved and other competitive factors between the Portfolio and the sub-advisory relationship. There could be various business reasons why an investment adviser would be willing to provide a sub-advisory relationship investment related services at a different fee level than an investment company it is sponsoring where the investment adviser is providing all the services, not just investment management, generally required by a registered investment company.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Broadridge, 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.11,12 Broadridge’s analysis included the Portfolio’s contractual management fee, estimated at the approximate current asset level of the subject Portfolio, to the median of the Portfolio’s Broadridge Expense Group (“EG”) and the Portfolio’s contractual management fee ranking.13
Broadridge describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Broadridge’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, operating structure, and expense attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
9 | | The client is an affiliate of the Adviser. |
10 | | Assets are aggregated with other client portfolios for purposes of calculating the investment advisory fee. |
11 | | On June 5, 2015, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) acquired the Fiduciary Services and Competitive Intelligence unit, i.e., the group responsible for providing the Portfolio’s 15(c) report, from Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. The group that maintains Lipper’s expense and performance databases and investment classifications/objectives remains a part of Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. Accordingly, the Portfolio’s investment classification/objective continues to be determined by Lipper. |
12 | | The Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since “these comparisons are problematic because these fees, like those challenged, may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length.” Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
13 | | The contractual management fee is calculated by Broadridge 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. Broadridge’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 Broadridge peer group. |
30
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Portfolio’s original EG had an insufficient number of peers. Consequently, Broadridge expanded the Portfolio’s EG to include peers that have a similar but not the same Lipper classification/objective as the Portfolio.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee14 | | | EG Median (%) | | | EG Rank | |
International Value Portfolio15 | | | 0.750 | | | | 0.829 | | | | 4/10 | |
However, because Broadridge had expanded the Portfolio’s EG, under Lipper’s standard guidelines, the Portfolio’s Broadridge Expense Universe (“EU”) was also expanded to include universes of those peers that had a similar but not the same Lipper investment objective/classification. A “normal” EU will include funds that have the same investment objective/classification as the subject Portfolio. 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 in the table below.16
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)17 | | | EG Median (%) | | | EG Rank | | | EU Median (%) | | | EU Rank | |
International Value Portfolio18 | | | 0.854 | | | | 0.857 | | | | 5/10 | | | | 0.875 | | | | 8/18 | |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a high favorable ranking on a contractual management fee basis than 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.
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 2015, relative to 2014.
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”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, 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, 2015, ABI received $1,533,880 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
14 | | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. In addition, the contractual management fee does not reflect any advisory fee waiver or expense cap that would effectively reduce the actual management fee. |
15 | | The Portfolio’s EG includes the Portfolio, three other VIP International Multi-Cap Value (“IMLV”) funds and six VIP International Multi-Cap Core (“IMLC”) funds. |
16 | | Except for asset size comparability, Broadridge 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. |
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 IMLV and VIP IMLC funds, excluding outliers. |
31
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the Adviser incurred distribution expenses in the amount of $3,139,938 in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. This expense amount incurred by ABI is partially offset by the 12b-1 fees paid by the Portfolio.
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. With respect to the Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund not discussed in this summary, ABI paid approximately $400,000 in 2015 and expects to pay approximately $450,000 in 2016 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $1,262 from the Portfolio.19
The Portfolio did not effect brokerage transactions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) nor its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and pay commissions during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business conducted in the future 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 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 pricing to scale, breakpoints, fee reductions/waivers and enhancement to services.
In May 2012, an independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors information on the Adviser’s firm-wide average costs from 2005 through 2011 and the potential economies of scale. The independent consultant noted that from 2005 through 2007 the Adviser experienced significant growth in assets under management (“AUM”). During this period, operating expenses increased, in part to keep up with growth, and in part reflecting market returns. However, from 2008 through the first quarter of 2009, AUM rapidly and significantly decreased due to declines in market value and client withdrawals. When AUM rapidly decreased, some operating expenses categories, including base compensation and office space, adjusted more slowly during this period, resulting in an increase in average costs. Since 2009, AUM has experienced less significant changes. The independent consultant noted that changes in operating expenses reflect changes in business composition and business practices in response to changes in financial markets. Finally, the independent consultant concluded that the increase in average cost and the decline in net operating margin across the Adviser since late 2008 are inconsistent with the view that there are currently reductions in average costs due to economies of scale that can be shared with the AB Mutual Funds managed by the Adviser through lower fees.
In February 2008, the independent consultant provided the Board of Directors an update of Deli’s study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics.20,21 The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional
19 | | The Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund paid ABIS a fee of $18,000 for each calendar year. |
20 | | The Deli study, originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data and updated for the February 2008 Presentation, may be of diminished value due to the age of the data used in the presentation and the changes experienced in the industry over the last four years. Source: Deli, Daniel N. “Mutual Fund Advisory Contracts: An Empirical Investigation.”Journal of Finance, 57(1): 109-133 (2002). |
21 | | As mentioned previously, the Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since the fees may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length. See Jones V. Harris at 1429. |
32
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors.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 predicted were explained by various factors, but substantially by fund AUM, family AUM, index fund indicator and investment style. The independent consultant also compared the advisory fees of the AB 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.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $479 billion as of March 31, 2016, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information in the table below shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year net performance returns and rankings23 of the Portfolio relative to the Portfolio’s Broadridge Performance Group (“PG”) and Broadridge Performance Universe (“PU”)24 for the period ended February 29, 2016.25
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio (%) | | | PG Median (%) | | | PU Median (%) | | | PG Rank | | | PU Rank | |
International Value Portfolio | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1 year | | | –12.84 | | | | –17.73 | | | | –17.85 | | | | 1/4 | | | | 2/14 | |
3 year | | | 1.73 | | | | –2.12 | | | | –1.40 | | | | 1/4 | | | | 3/14 | |
5 year | | | –1.36 | | | | –1.77 | | | | –1.36 | | | | 1/4 | | | | 7/13 | |
10 year | | | –1.36 | | | | 0.00 | | | | 0.76 | | | | 4/4 | | | | 9/9 | |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)26 versus its benchmark. Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.27
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending February 29, 2016 Annualized Performance | |
| 1 Year (%) | | | 3 Year (%) | | | 5 Year (%) | | | 10 Year (%) | | | Since Inception (%) | | | Annualized | | | Risk Period (Year) | |
| | | | | | | Volatility (%) | | | Sharpe (%) | | |
International Value Portfolio | | – | 12.84 | | | | 1.73 | | | – | 1.36 | | | – | 1.36 | | | | 4.32 | | | | 21.53 | | | – | 0.01 | | | | 10 | |
MSCI EAFE Index (Net) | | – | 15.18 | | | | 0.38 | | | | 0.56 | | | | 1.49 | | | | 3.47 | | | | 18.47 | | | | 0.11 | | | | 10 | |
Inception Date: May 10, 2001 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
22 | | The two dimensional analysis showedpatterns 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. |
23 | | The performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio are for the Portfolio’s Class A shares. The performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio were provided by Broadridge. |
24 | | 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 is different from that of an EG/EU. |
25 | | The current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of each fund even if thefund 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 | | 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 fund’s return in excess of the riskless return by the fund’s standard deviation. A fund with a greater volatility would be viewed as more risky than a fund with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky fund. A fund with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a fund with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
33
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INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB 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 2, 2016
34
VPS-IV-0152-0616
JUN 06.30.16
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS
SERIES FUND, INC.
+ | | LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
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LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited) | | AB 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 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 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2016 | | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2016 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 979.60 | | | $ | 4.09 | | | | 0.83 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,020.74 | | | $ | 4.17 | | | | 0.83 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 978.50 | | | $ | 5.31 | | | | 1.08 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual 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
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LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Alphabet, Inc.—Class A & Class C | | $ | 26,731,770 | | | | 6.4 | % |
Facebook, Inc.—Class A | | | 24,667,224 | | | | 5.9 | |
Home Depot, Inc. (The) | | | 18,872,710 | | | | 4.5 | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 18,635,499 | | | | 4.4 | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | 18,100,569 | | | | 4.3 | |
Biogen, Inc. | | | 15,813,819 | | | | 3.8 | |
Visa, Inc.—Class A | | | 15,808,594 | | | | 3.8 | |
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. | | | 13,575,440 | | | | 3.2 | |
CVS Health Corp. | | | 12,364,725 | | | | 2.9 | |
Starbucks Corp. | | | 12,214,541 | | | | 2.9 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 176,784,891 | | | | 42.1 | % |
SECTOR BREAKDOWN†
June 30, 2016 (unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Technology | | $ | 132,060,759 | | | | 31.5 | % |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 108,745,525 | | | | 25.9 | |
Health Care | | | 83,931,532 | | | | 20.0 | |
Producer Durables | | | 29,958,177 | | | | 7.1 | |
Financial Services | | | 23,016,353 | | | | 5.5 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 21,243,310 | | | | 5.1 | |
Materials & Processing | | | 5,005,321 | | | | 1.2 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 15,779,941 | | | | 3.7 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 419,740,918 | | | | 100.0 | % |
† | | The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. |
Please note: The sector breakdown is classified in the above chart and throughout this report according to the Russell sector classification scheme. The Russell sector scheme was developed by Russell Investments. Russell classifies index members into industries that most closely describe the nature of its business and its primary economic orientation. Multiple resources are used to obtain overall information about the company. Additional Russell sector scheme information can be found within Russell Index methodology documents available on www.russell.com. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.
2
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–96.1% | | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY–31.4% | | | | | | | | |
COMPUTER SERVICES, SOFTWARE & SYSTEMS–19.6% | | | | | | | | |
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a) | | | 61,580 | | | $ | 5,898,748 | |
Alphabet, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | 4,550 | | | | 3,201,062 | |
Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(a) | | | 33,999 | | | | 23,530,708 | |
ANSYS, Inc.(a) | | | 44,292 | | | | 4,019,499 | |
Aspen Technology, Inc.(a) | | | 65,701 | | | | 2,643,808 | |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.–Class A(a) | | | 133,060 | | | | 7,616,354 | |
Facebook, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | 215,849 | | | | 24,667,224 | |
Intuit, Inc. | | | 15,118 | | | | 1,687,320 | |
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.(a) | | | 46,620 | | | | 5,717,477 | |
ServiceNow, Inc.(a) | | | 38,081 | | | | 2,528,578 | |
Ultimate Software Group, Inc. (The)(a) | | | 4,599 | | | | 967,124 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 82,477,902 | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY–4.4% | | | | | | | | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 194,932 | | | | 18,635,499 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS–1.2% | | | | | | | | |
Amphenol Corp.–Class A | | | 86,004 | | | | 4,930,609 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & COMPONENT–5.0% | | | | | | | | |
NVIDIA Corp. | | | 156,102 | | | | 7,338,355 | |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | | 93,780 | | | | 5,875,317 | |
Xilinx, Inc. | | | 170,710 | | | | 7,874,852 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 21,088,524 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–1.2% | | | | | | | | |
Arista Networks, Inc.(a) | | | 76,549 | | | | 4,928,225 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 132,060,759 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–25.9% | | | | | | | | |
CABLE TELEVISION SERVICES–4.3% | | | | | | | | |
AMC Networks, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | 107,261 | | | | 6,480,710 | |
Comcast Corp.–Class A | | | 174,090 | | | | 11,348,927 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 17,829,637 | |
| | | | | | | | |
COSMETICS–1.3% | | | | | | | | |
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The)–Class A | | | 61,950 | | | | 5,638,689 | |
| | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED RETAIL–3.8% | | | | | | | | |
Costco Wholesale Corp. | | | 31,370 | | | | 4,926,345 | |
Dollar Tree, Inc.(a) | | | 118,460 | | | | 11,163,670 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 16,090,015 | |
| | | | | | | | |
EDUCATION SERVICES–0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.(a) | | | 117 | | | | 7,758 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
ENTERTAINMENT–1.9% | | | | | | | | |
Walt Disney Co. (The) | | | 79,940 | | | $ | 7,819,731 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LEISURE TIME–1.7% | | | | | | | | |
Priceline Group, Inc. (The)(a) | | | 5,570 | | | | 6,953,644 | |
| | | | | | | | |
RESTAURANTS–2.9% | | | | | | | | |
Starbucks Corp. | | | 213,840 | | | | 12,214,541 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–7.3% | | | | | | | | |
Home Depot, Inc. (The) | | | 147,801 | | | | 18,872,710 | |
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(a) | | | 12,980 | | | | 3,518,878 | |
Tractor Supply Co. | | | 43,130 | | | | 3,932,593 | |
Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.(a) | | | 18,130 | | | | 4,417,193 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 30,741,374 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & SHOES–2.7% | | | | | | | | |
NIKE, Inc.–Class B | | | 207,430 | | | | 11,450,136 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 108,745,525 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–20.0% | | | | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–6.2% | | | | | | | | |
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | | | 86,660 | | | | 10,118,422 | |
Biogen, Inc.(a) | | | 65,395 | | | | 15,813,819 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 25,932,241 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE FACILITIES–0.2% | | | | | | | | |
VCA, Inc.(a) | | | 11,900 | | | | 804,559 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT SERVICES–4.3% | | | | | | | | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | 128,191 | | | | 18,100,569 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE SERVICES–0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Premier, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | 117,594 | | | | 3,845,324 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MEDICAL & DENTAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES–1.9% | | | | | | | | |
Align Technology, Inc.(a) | | | 64,310 | | | | 5,180,171 | |
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a) | | | 28,980 | | | | 2,890,175 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 8,070,346 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT–4.0% | | | | | | | | |
Illumina, Inc.(a) | | | 23,976 | | | | 3,365,751 | |
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a) | | | 20,525 | | | | 13,575,440 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 16,941,191 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–2.5% | | | | | | | | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | 122,720 | | | | 10,237,302 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 83,931,532 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PRODUCER DURABLES–7.1% | | | | | | | | |
AEROSPACE–1.8% | | | | | | | | |
Rockwell Collins, Inc. | | | 91,095 | | | | 7,755,828 | |
| | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS–2.7% | | | | | | | | |
3M Co. | | | 29,000 | | | | 5,078,480 | |
Danaher Corp. | | | 62,242 | | | | 6,286,442 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 11,364,922 | |
| | | | | | | | |
3
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS: CONTROL & FILTER–0.7% | | | | | | | | |
Allegion PLC | | | 11,340 | | | $ | 787,336 | |
Roper Technologies, Inc. | | | 13,810 | | | | 2,355,434 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,142,770 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS: ELECTRICAL–1.0% | | | | | | | | |
AO Smith Corp. | | | 46,390 | | | | 4,087,423 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS: GAUGES & METERS–0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(a) | | | 9,885 | | | | 3,607,234 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 29,958,177 | |
| | | | | | | | |
FINANCIAL SERVICES–5.5% | | | | | | | | |
ASSET MANAGEMENT & CUSTODIAN–0.8% | | | | | | | | |
BlackRock, Inc.–Class A | | | 9,380 | | | | 3,212,931 | |
| | | | | | | | |
FINANCIAL DATA & SYSTEMS–4.7% | | | | | | | | |
Vantiv, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | 70,580 | | | | 3,994,828 | |
Visa, Inc.–Class A | | | 213,140 | | | | 15,808,594 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 19,803,422 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 23,016,353 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–5.0% | | | | | | | | |
BEVERAGE: SOFT DRINKS–2.1% | | | | | | | | |
Monster Beverage Corp.(a) | | | 55,246 | | | | 8,878,585 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
DRUG & GROCERY STORE CHAINS–2.9% | | | | | | | | |
CVS Health Corp. | | | 129,149 | | | $ | 12,364,725 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 21,243,310 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MATERIALS & PROCESSING–1.2% | | | | | | | | |
BUILDING MATERIALS–1.2% | | | | | | | | |
Acuity Brands, Inc. | | | 20,186 | | | | 5,005,321 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $320,918,672) | | | | | | | 403,960,977 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–3.8% | | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–3.8% | | | | | | | | |
State Street Time Deposit 0.01%, 7/01/16 (cost $15,779,941) | | $ | 15,780 | | | | 15,779,941 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.9% (cost $336,698,613) | | | | | | | 419,740,918 | |
Other assets less liabilities–0.1% | | | | | | | 601,710 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | $ | 420,342,628 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Non-income producing security. |
See notes to financial statements.
4
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETS & LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $336,698,613) | | $ | 419,740,918 | |
Cash | | | 1,361 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 976,433 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 60,146 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 55,354 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 420,834,212 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 261,198 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 108,504 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 50,568 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 11,625 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 112 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 59,577 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 491,584 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 420,342,628 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 8,857 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 285,234,818 | |
Accumulated net investment loss | | | (427,303 | ) |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 52,483,951 | |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments | | | 83,042,305 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 420,342,628 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
A | | $ | 176,242,959 | | | | 3,634,450 | | | $ | 48.49 | |
B | | $ | 244,099,669 | | | | 5,222,788 | | | $ | 46.74 | |
See notes to financial statements.
5
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | | $ | 1,624,752 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 8,891 | |
Interest | | | 912 | |
Securities lending income | | | 18,558 | |
| | | | |
| | | 1,653,113 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 1,592,849 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 308,707 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,891 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 2,628 | |
Custodian | | | 58,451 | |
Printing | | | 33,715 | |
Administrative | | | 24,077 | |
Legal | | | 21,181 | |
Audit and tax | | | 19,364 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 10,665 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 6,929 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 2,080,457 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note E) | | | (41 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 2,080,416 | |
| | | | |
Net investment loss | | | (427,303 | ) |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 3,004,759 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (12,865,311 | ) |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment transactions | | | (9,860,552 | ) |
| | | | |
Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B) | | | 214 | |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (10,287,641 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
6
| | |
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (427,303 | ) | | $ | (451,105 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 3,004,759 | | | | 50,330,010 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (12,865,311 | ) | | | (3,725,632 | ) |
Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B) | | | 214 | | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (10,287,641 | ) | | | 46,153,273 | |
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (17,054,341 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (23,201,920 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (28,108,647 | ) | | | 25,770,154 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | (38,396,288 | ) | | | 31,667,166 | |
NET ASSETS | |
Beginning of period | | | 458,738,916 | | | | 427,071,750 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including accumulated net investment loss of ($427,303) and $0, respectively) | | $ | 420,342,628 | | | $ | 458,738,916 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AB Large Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB 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 sixteen 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 (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the 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 (the “Board”).
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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 Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign
8
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Investments in Securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common Stocks(a) | | $ | 403,960,977 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 403,960,977 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | –0 | – | | | 15,779,941 | | | | –0 | – | | | 15,779,941 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 403,960,977 | | | | 15,779,941 | | | | –0 | – | | | 419,740,918 | |
Other Financial Instruments(b) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total(c) | | $ | 403,960,977 | | | $ | 15,779,941 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 419,740,918 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications. |
(b) | | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
(c) | | There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period. |
The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to
9
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and a third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed 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 foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
4. 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.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
5. 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 the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. 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 proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
10
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the 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 investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $24,077.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $569 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $105,588, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
NOTE C: Distribution 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 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 or 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, 2016 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 131,043,522 | | | $ | 146,121,592 | |
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 | | $ | 89,317,211 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (6,274,906 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 83,042,305 | |
| | | | |
11
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
2. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated 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 other 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: Securities Lending
The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not have the right to vote on any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. Prior to June 24, 2016, such cash collateral received was invested in AB Exchange Reserves. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. As of June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had no securities out on loan. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $18,558, $8,818 and $73 from the borrowers, AB Exchange Reserves and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2016; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of management fee assessed by the AB Government Money Market Portfolio. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, such waiver amounted to $41. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower will fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Exchange Reserves for the period January 1, 2016 to June 23, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value December 31, 2015 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Transfer to AB Government Money Market Portfolio (000) | | | Market Value June 23, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 3,763 | | | $ | 32,425 | | | $ | 32,465 | | | $ | 3,723 | | | $ | 0 | |
A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Government Money Market Portfolio for the period June 24, 2016 to June 30, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value June 24, 2016 (000) | | | Transfer from AB Exchange Reserves (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Market Value June 30, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 0 | | | $ | 3,723 | | | $ | 128 | | | $ | 3,851 | | | $ | 0 | |
12
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE F: 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
Class A | |
Shares sold | | | 47,852 | | | | 199,525 | | | | | | | $ | 2,279,114 | | | $ | 10,118,836 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | –0 | – | | | 350,336 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 17,054,341 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (283,610 | ) | | | (562,984 | ) | | | | | | | (13,502,035 | ) | | | (28,506,471 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (235,758 | ) | | | (13,123 | ) | | | | | | $ | (11,222,921 | ) | | $ | (1,333,294 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | |
Shares sold | | | 317,190 | | | | 904,381 | | | | | | | $ | 14,447,910 | | | $ | 43,681,497 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | –0 | – | | | 493,448 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 23,201,920 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (687,724 | ) | | | (815,662 | ) | | | | | | | (31,333,636 | ) | | | (39,779,969 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (370,534 | ) | | | 582,167 | | | | | | | $ | (16,885,726 | ) | | $ | 27,103,448 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Focused Portfolio Risk—Investments in a limited number of companies may have more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV.
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.
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. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2016.
NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2016 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 40,256,261 | | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions paid | | $ | 40,256,261 | | | $ | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
13
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
As of December 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 237,824 | |
Undistributed capital gains | | | 49,545,304 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 95,603,679 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 145,386,807 | |
| | | | |
(a) | | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.
NOTE J: New Accounting Pronouncement
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2015-07 (the “ASU”) which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The ASU also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient but do not utilize that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
NOTE K: Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.
14
| | |
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $49.50 | | | | $48.83 | | | | $42.78 | | | | $31.17 | | | | $26.86 | | | | $27.79 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | | | (.01 | )(b) | | | .02 | | | | .02 | | | | (.04 | ) | | | .05 | | | | .09 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | (1.00 | ) | | | 5.33 | | | | 6.03 | | | | 11.68 | | | | 4.35 | | | | (.93 | ) |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | .00 | (c) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | (1.01 | ) | | | 5.35 | | | | 6.05 | | | | 11.64 | | | | 4.40 | | | | (.84 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | (.03 | ) | | | (.09 | ) | | | (.09 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | –0 | – | | | (4.68 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $48.49 | | | | $49.50 | | | | $48.83 | | | | $42.78 | | | | $31.17 | | | | $26.86 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d)* | | | (2.04 | )% | | | 11.11 | % | | | 14.14 | % | | | 37.35 | % | | | 16.39 | % | | | (3.04 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $176,243 | | | | $191,568 | | | | $189,620 | | | | $190,488 | | | | $160,226 | | | | $166,654 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | .83 | %^ | | | .82 | % | | | .83 | % | | | .85 | % | | | .86 | % | | | .84 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | .83 | %^ | | | .82 | % | | | .83 | % | | | .85 | % | | | .86 | % | | | .84 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | | (.06 | )%^(b) | | | .04 | % | | | .04 | % | | | (.11 | )% | | | .18 | % | | | .33 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 32 | % | | | 65 | % | | | 65 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 94 | % | | | 89 | % |
See footnote summary on page 16.
15
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $47.77 | | | | $47.38 | | | | $41.62 | | | | $30.38 | | | | $26.17 | | | | $27.08 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | | | (.07 | )(b) | | | (.10 | ) | | | (.09 | ) | | | (.13 | ) | | | (.02 | ) | | | .02 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | (.96 | ) | | | 5.17 | | | | 5.85 | | | | 11.37 | | | | 4.24 | | | | (.91 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | (1.03 | ) | | | 5.07 | | | | 5.76 | | | | 11.24 | | | | 4.22 | | | | (.89 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | (.01 | ) | | | (.02 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | –0 | – | | | (4.68 | ) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $46.74 | | | | $47.77 | | | | $47.38 | | | | $41.62 | | | | $30.38 | | | | $26.17 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (d)* | | | (2.15 | )% | | | 10.86 | % | | | 13.84 | % | | | 37.00 | % | | | 16.12 | % | | | (3.27 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $244,100 | | | | $267,171 | | | | $237,452 | | | | $230,350 | | | | $190,896 | | | | $194,729 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.08 | %^ | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.08 | % | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.09 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.08 | %^ | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.08 | % | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.09 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | | (.31 | )%^(b) | | | (.21 | )% | | | (.21 | )% | | | (.36 | )% | | | (.07 | )% | | | .08 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 32 | % | | | 65 | % | | | 65 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 94 | % | | | 89 | % |
(a) | | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | | Net of expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(c) | | Amount is less than $.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 (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions 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. |
* | | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 by 0.01%, 0.09%, 0.02%, 0.10%, 0.95% and 0.46%, respectively. |
See notes to financial statements.
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CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Large Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 3-5, 2016 (the “Meeting”).
Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Company’s Senior Officer (who is also the Company’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Company’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they receive presentations from the Adviser on the investment results of the Fund and review extensive materials and information presented by the Adviser.
The directors also considered all other factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. In their deliberations, the directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided
The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.
Costs of Services Provided and Profitability
The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues, expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2014 and 2015 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the
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CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.
At the Meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 29, 2016 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) the period since inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by Broadridge concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same Broadridge category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors considered the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate against a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.
The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for institutional clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Company’s Senior Officer and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors noted that the Adviser advises another AB Fund with a substantially similar investment style for the same fee schedule as the Fund.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s Broadridge category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
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SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AB 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 AB Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AB 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. |
These factors, with the exception of the first factor, are generally referred to as the “Gartenberg factors,” which were articulated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1982. Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc., 694 F. 2d 923 (2d Cir. 1982). The first factor is an additional factor required to be considered by the AoD. On March 30, 2010, the Supreme Court held the Gartenberg decision was correct in its basic formulation of what Section 36(b) requires: to face liability under Section 36(b), “an investment adviser must charge a fee that is so disproportionately large that it bears no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and could not have been the product of arm’s length bargaining.” Jones v. Harris Associates L.P., 130 S. Ct. 1418 (2010). In the Jones decision, the Court stated the Gartenberg approach fully incorporates the correct understanding of fiduciary duty within the context of Section 36(b) and noted with approval that “Gartenberg insists that all relevant circumstances be taken into account” and “uses the range of fees that might result from arm’s-length bargaining as the benchmark for reviewing challenged fees.”3
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, NET ASSETS & EXPENSE RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 3/31/16 ($MIL) | |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | Growth | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion 0.65% on next $2.5 billion 0.60% on the balance | | $ | 440.3 | |
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 $50,998 (0.011% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
1 | | The information in the fee summary was completed on April 21, 2016 and discussed with the Board of Directors on May 3-5, 2016. |
2 | | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AB.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | | Jones v. Harris at 1427. |
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below are the Portfolio’s gross expense ratios for the most recently completed fiscal year:
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio | | Fiscal Year | |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | Class A 0.82% Class B 1.07% | | | 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, the Adviser is reimbursed for providing some of these services. 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. 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, the Supreme Court has indicated consideration should be given to the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AB Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AB Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio based on March 31, 2016 net assets:5
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 3/31/16 ($MIL) | | | AB Institutional Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | $ | 440.3 | | | U.S. Large Cap Growth 0.80% on first $25 million 0.50% on next $25 million 0.40% on next $50 million 0.30% on next $100 million 0.25% on the balance Minimum account size: $25m | | | 0.324 | % | | | 0.750 | % |
4 | | The Supreme Court stated that “courts may give such comparisons the weight that they merit in light of the similarities and differences between the services that the clients in question require, but the courts must be wary of inapt comparisons.” Among the significant differences the Supreme Court noted that may exist between services provided to mutual funds and institutional accounts are “higher marketing costs.” Jones v. Harris at 1428. |
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. |
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SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages AB Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc. (“Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc.), retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below are the fee schedule of Large Cap Growth Fund, Inc. and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the retail mutual fund been applicable to the Portfolio:6
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AB Mutual Fund | | Fee Schedule | | ABMF Effective 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% | |
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 Growth Portfolio, a Luxembourg fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio.
| | | | |
Portfolio | | Fee7 | |
American Growth Portfolio | | | | |
Class A | | | 1.50 | % |
Class I (Institutional) | | | 0.70 | % |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory services to certain other investment companies managed by other fund families. The Adviser charges the fees set forth below for the sub-advisory relationship that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio. Also shown are the Portfolio’s advisory fee and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedules of the sub-advisory relationship been applicable to the Portfolio based on March 31, 2016 net assets.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | | | Fee Schedule | | Effective Sub-Adv. Fee (%) | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) | |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | Client #1 | | 0.35% on the first $50 million 0.30% on the next $100 million 0.25% on the balance | |
| 0.273
(Fee to AB) |
| | | 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 Portfolio by the Adviser.
While it appears that the sub-advisory relationship is paying a lower fee than the Portfolio, it is difficult to evaluate the relevance of such a lower fee due to differences in terms of the services provided, risks involved and other competitive factors between the Portfolio and the sub-advisory relationship. There could be various business reasons why an investment adviser would be willing to provide a sub-advisory relationship investment related services at a different fee level than an investment company it is sponsoring where the investment adviser is providing all the services, not just investment management, generally required by a registered investment company.
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Broadridge, 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.8,9 Broadridge’s analysis included
6 | | The retail 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 retail mutual fund. |
7 | | Class A shares of the fund are charged an “all-in” fee, which includes investment advisory services and distribution related services, unlike Class I shares, whose fee is for only investment advisory services. |
8 | | On June 5, 2015, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) acquired the Fiduciary Services and Competitive Intelligence unit, i.e., the group responsible for providing the Portfolio’s 15(c) report, from Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. The group that maintains Lipper’s expense and performance databases and investment classifications/objectives remains a part of Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. Accordingly, the Portfolio’s investment classification/objective continues to be determined by Lipper. |
9 | | The Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since “these comparisons are problematic because these fees, like those challenged, may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length.” Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
the Portfolio’s contractual management fee, estimated at the approximate current asset level of the subject Portfolio, to the median of the Portfolio’s Broadridge Expense Group (“EG”) and the Portfolio’s contractual management fee ranking.10
Broadridge describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Broadridge’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, operating structure, and expense attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee (%)11 | | | EG Median (%) | | | EG Rank | |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | | 0.750 | | | | 0.750 | | | | 7/14 | |
Broadridge also analyzed the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio in comparison to the Portfolio’s EG and Broadridge Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU 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.12
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)13 | | | EG Median (%) | | | EG Rank | | | EU Median (%) | | | EU Rank | |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | | 0.824 | | | | 0.793 | | | | 10/14 | | | | 0.789 | | | | 44/64 | |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a contractual management fee basis than 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.
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 2015, relative to 2014.
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”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of the Portfolio’s
10 | | The contractual management fee is calculated by Broadridge 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. Broadridge’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 Broadridge 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, Broadridge uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
13 | | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
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SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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, 2015, ABI, an affiliate of the Adviser, received $635,197 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the Adviser incurred distribution expenses in the amount of $1,275,236 in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. This expense amount incurred by ABI is partially offset by the 12b-1 fees paid by the Portfolio.
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. With respect to the Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund not discussed in this summary, ABI paid approximately $400,000 in 2015 and expects to pay approximately $450,000 in 2016 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $1,262 from the Portfolio.14
The Portfolio did not effect brokerage transactions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) nor its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and pay commissions during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business conducted in the future 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 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 pricing to scale, breakpoints, fee reductions/waivers and enhancement to services.
In May 2012, an independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors information on the Adviser’s firm-wide average costs from 2005 through 2011 and the potential economies of scale. The independent consultant noted that from 2005 through 2007 the Adviser experienced significant growth in assets under management (“AUM”). During this period, operating expenses increased, in part to keep up with growth, and in part reflecting market returns. However, from 2008 through the first quarter of 2009, AUM rapidly and significantly decreased due to declines in market value and client withdrawals. When AUM rapidly decreased, some operating expenses categories, including base compensation and office space, adjusted more slowly during this period, resulting in an increase in average costs. Since 2009, AUM has experienced less significant changes. The independent consultant noted that changes in operating expenses reflect changes in business composition and business practices in response to changes in financial markets. Finally, the independent consultant concluded that the increase in average cost and the decline in net operating margin across the Adviser since late 2008 are inconsistent with the view that there are currently reductions in average costs due to economies of scale that can be shared with the AB Mutual Funds managed by the Adviser through lower fees.
In February 2008, the independent consultant provided the Board of Directors an update of Deli’s study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics.15,16 The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional
14 | | The Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund paid ABIS a fee of $18,000 for each calendar year. |
15 | | The Deli study, originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data and updated for the February 2008 Presentation, may be of diminished value due to the age of the data used in the presentation and the changes experienced in the industry over the last four years. Source: Deli, Daniel N. “Mutual Fund Advisory Contracts: An Empirical Investigation.” Journal of Finance, 57(1): 109-133 (2002). |
16 | | As mentioned previously, the Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since the fees may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length. See Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
24
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors.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 also compared the advisory fees of the AB 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.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $479 billion as of March 31, 2016, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information in the table below shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year net performance returns and rankings18 of the Portfolio relative to the Portfolio’s Broadridge Performance Group (“PG”) and Broadridge Performance Universe (“PU”)19 for the period ended February 29, 2016.20
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio (%) | | | PG Median (%) | | | PU Median (%) | | | PG Rank | | | PU Rank | |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1 year | | | –2.12 | | | | –7.69 | | | | –6.96 | | | | 2/14 | | | | 3/82 | |
3 year | | | 15.24 | | | | 11.15 | | | | 11.63 | | | | 2/14 | | | | 5/81 | |
5 year | | | 11.36 | | | | 10.18 | | | | 9.95 | | | | 4/13 | | | | 13/75 | |
10 year | | | 6.60 | | | | 6.45 | | | | 6.80 | | | | 6/12 | | | | 34/63 | |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)21 versus its benchmark. Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.22
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending February 29, 2016 Annualized Performance | |
| | 1 Year (%) | | | 3 Year (%) | | | 5 Year (%) | | | 10 Year (%) | | | Since Inception (%) | | | Annualized | | | Risk Period (Year) | |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | | Sharpe (%) | | |
Large Cap Growth Portfolio | | | –2.12 | | | | 15.24 | | | | 11.36 | | | | 6.60 | | | | 9.27 | | | | 16.30 | | | | 0.40 | | | | 10 | |
Russell 1000 Growth Index | | | –5.05 | | | | 12.54 | | | | 10.95 | | | | 7.74 | | | | 8.36 | | | | 15.39 | | | | 0.48 | | | | 10 | |
Inception Date: June 26, 1992 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
17 | | The two dimensional analysis 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 returns and rankings of the Portfolio are for the Portfolio’s Class A shares. The performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio were provided by Broadridge. |
19 | | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s PG as the criteria for including/excluding a fund in/from a PU is different from that of an EU. |
20 | | The current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of each fund even if the 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 | | 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 fund’s return in excess of the riskless return by the fund’s standard deviation. A fund with a greater volatility would be viewed as more risky than a fund with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky fund. A fund with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a fund with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
25
| | |
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
CONCLUSION:
The Senior Officer observed that the Portfolio has a relatively high total expense ratio compared to the Portfolio’s Broadridge peers, and recommended that the Directors discuss with the Adviser possible actions to reduce the Portfolio’s total expense ratio. 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 2, 2016
26
VPS-LCG-0152-0616
JUN 06.30.16
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS
SERIES FUND, INC.
+ | | MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
A discussion of the Portfolio’s investment performance is not included in this report since the Portfolio only recently commenced operations on December 16, 2015. AllianceBernstein L.P. would like to thank you for your interest and investment in the Portfolio.
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abglobal.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited) | | AB 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 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 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2016 | | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2016 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 993.00 | | | $ | 1.88 | | | | 0.38 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,022.97 | | | $ | 1.91 | | | | 0.38 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 993.00 | | | $ | 3.12 | | | | 0.63 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,021.73 | | | $ | 3.17 | | | | 0.63 | % |
* | | 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
| | |
MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
STRATEGY BREAKDOWN* | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
STRATEGY | | CURRENT WEIGHTING | |
Long/Short Equity | | | 56.7 | % |
Special Situations | | | 23.3 | % |
Relative Value/Credit | | | 17.8 | % |
Global Macro | | | 1.8 | % |
Cash | | | 0.4 | % |
* | | All data are as of June 30, 2016. The Portfolio’s strategy breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total net assets and may vary over time. |
2
| | |
MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–100.2% | | | | | | | | |
FUNDS AND INVESTMENT TRUSTS–100.2%(a) | | | | | | | | |
AB Long/Short Multi-Manager Portfolio–Class Z | | | 14,745 | | | $ | 145,089 | |
AB Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Fund–Class Z | | | 50,403 | | | | 493,951 | |
AQR Long-Short Equity Fund–Class R6 | | | 4,085 | | | | 50,453 | |
DoubleLine Total Return Bond Fund–Class I | | | 9,422 | | | | 102,980 | |
Gotham Absolute Return Fund–Institutional Class | | | 8,032 | | | | 99,591 | |
Kellner Merger Fund–Institutional Class | | | 9,634 | | | | 98,844 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.2% (cost $1,007,937) | | | | | | | 990,908 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(0.2)% | | | | | | | (1,719 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | $ | 989,189 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(a) | | To obtain a copy of the Underlying Portfolios’ shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Additionally, shareholder reports for AB funds can be obtained by calling AB at (800) 227-4618. |
See notes to financial statements.
3
| | |
MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETS & LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $355,545) | | $ | 351,868 | |
Affiliated issuers (cost $652,392) | | | 639,040 | |
Cash | | | 139 | |
Receivable due from Adviser | | | 203,808 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 39,583 | |
Dividends receivable | | | 314 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 1,234,752 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Offering cost payable | | | 86,000 | |
Audit and tax fee payable | | | 67,231 | |
Custody fee payable | | | 42,680 | |
Printing fee payable | | | 23,644 | |
Legal fee payable | | | 17,227 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 38 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 13 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 8,730 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 245,563 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 989,189 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 100 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 999,884 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 4,703 | |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 1,531 | |
Net unrealized depreciation on investments | | | (17,029 | ) |
| | | | |
| | $ | 989,189 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
A | | $ | 979,310 | | | | 99,000 | | | $ | 9.89 | |
B | | $ | 9,879 | | | | 1,000 | | | $ | 9.88 | |
See notes to financial statements.
4
| | |
MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends—Income distributions from unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios | | $ | 1,821 | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 9,300 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 12 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 38 | |
Audit and tax | | | 47,702 | |
Amortization of offering expenses | | | 42,883 | |
Custodian | | | 39,365 | |
Printing | | | 16,935 | |
Legal | | | 15,901 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 7,656 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 992 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 180,784 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B) | | | (178,912 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 1,872 | |
| | | | |
Net investment loss | | | (51 | ) |
| | | | |
UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Affiliated Underlying Portfolios | | | (7,510 | ) |
Unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios | | | 1,192 | |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment transactions | | | (6,318 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (6,369 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
5
| | |
| | |
MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | December 16, 2015(a) to December 31, 2015 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | $ | (51 | ) | | $ | 4,738 | |
Net realized gain distributions from Underlying Portfolios | | | –0 | – | | | 129 | |
Net realized gain distributions from unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios | | | –0 | – | | | 1,402 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of affiliated Underlying Portfolios | | | (7,510 | ) | | | (5,842 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios | | | 1,192 | | | | (4,869 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net decrease in net assets from operations | | | (6,369 | ) | | | (4,442 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | –0 | – | | | 1,000,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | (6,369 | ) | | | 995,558 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 995,558 | | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $4,703 and $4,754, respectively) | | $ | 989,189 | | | $ | 995,558 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Commencement of operations. |
See notes to financial statements.
6
| | |
MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AB Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). AB Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio commenced operations on December 16, 2015. The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is non-diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers sixteen separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. As of June 30, 2016 AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) was the sole shareholder of each class of shares of the Portfolio. 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 Portfolio invests primarily in a combination of portfolios managed by the Adviser and by certain unaffiliated third parties (the “Underlying Portfolios”).
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the 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 (the “Board”).
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, the Adviser will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information
7
| | |
MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio 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 Portfolio may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Investments in Securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment Companies | | $ | 990,908 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 990,908 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total(a) | | $ | 990,908 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 990,908 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period. |
The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
8
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and a third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed 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 foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
4. 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.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current tax year and the prior tax year) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Income and capital gain distributions from the Underlying Portfolios, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Transactions in shares of the Underlying Portfolios are accounted for on the trade date. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis.
6. 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 proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
9
| | |
MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
8. Offering Expenses
Offering expenses of $86,000 were deferred and amortized on a straight line basis over a one year period starting from December 16, 2015 (commencement of operations).
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 1.90% 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 (excluding interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, expenses associated with securities sold short, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs) on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to 2.15% and 2.40% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B, respectively. Any fees waived and expenses borne by the Adviser are subject to repayment by the Portfolio until the end of the third fiscal year after the fiscal period in which the fee was waived or the expense was borne, provided that no repayments will be made that would cause the Portfolio’s total annual fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Caps. The Expense Caps may not be terminated by the Adviser before May 1, 2017. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, such reimbursement amounted to $160,987.
The Portfolio may invest in AB mutual funds managed by the Adviser. In addition to the Expense Caps and to the extent not effectively implemented as a result of the Expense Caps, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fees and/or bear Portfolio expenses through December 16, 2016 in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s share of all fees and expenses of any AB mutual funds in which the Portfolio invests, and to waive its management fees so that the effective management fee payable with respect to Portfolio assets invested in mutual funds that are not advised by the Adviser is 0.20% of daily average net assets. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, such waiver amounted to $17,925.
A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AB Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Fund | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Distributions | |
Market Value 12/31/15 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Realized Gain (Loss) (000) | | | Change in Unrealized Appr./(Depr.) (000) | | | Market Value 06/30/16 (000) | | | Income (000) | | | Realized Gains (000) | |
$ | 497 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | (3 | ) | | $ | 494 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AB Long/Short Multi-Manager Fund | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Distributions | |
Market Value 12/31/15 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Realized Gain (Loss) (000) | | | Change in Unrealized Appr./(Depr.) (000) | | | Market Value 06/30/16 (000) | | | Income (000) | | | Realized Gains (000) | |
$ | 149 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | (4 | ) | | $ | 145 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $469 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
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 .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board 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.
10
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or 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, 2016 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 1,857 | | | $ | –0 | – |
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 | | $ | 1,123 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (18,152 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | (17,029 | ) |
| | | | |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
2. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated 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 other 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 1,000,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SHARES | | | | | | AMOUNT | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | December 16, 2015(a) to December 31, 2015 | | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | December 16, 2015(a) to December 31, 2015 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | –0 | – | | | 99,000 | | | | | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 990,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | –0 | – | | | 99,000 | | | | | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 990,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | –0 | – | | | 1,000 | | | | | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 10,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | –0 | – | | | 1,000 | | | | | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 10,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Commencement of operations. |
NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Allocation and Management Risk—The Adviser will invest the assets of the Portfolio primarily by allocating Portfolio assets to the Underlying Funds. The success of the Portfolio depends, in part, upon the ability of the Underlying Funds to develop and implement Strategies to achieve the Portfolio’s investment objective. There is no assurance that the Adviser’s allocation
11
| | |
MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
decisions will result in the desired effects. Subjective decisions made by the Adviser (e.g., with respect to allocation among Strategies) and/or the Underlying Funds may cause the Portfolio to incur losses or to miss profit opportunities on which it might otherwise have capitalized. The success of the Portfolio’s investment program depends primarily on the trading and investing skills of the investment advisers to Underlying Funds rather than on the trading and investing skills of the Adviser itself. To the extent that the Adviser is unable to select, manage, allocate appropriate levels of capital to, and invest with Underlying Funds that, in the aggregate, are able to produce consistently positive returns for the Portfolio, the performance of the Portfolio may be impaired.
Some investment advisers to Underlying Portfolios have little experience managing registered investment companies, which, unlike the private investment funds these investment advisers have been managing, are subject to daily inflows and outflows of investor cash and are subject to certain legal and tax-related restrictions on their investments and operations. Subject to the overall supervision of the Portfolio’s investment program by the Adviser, each investment adviser to an Underlying Fund is responsible, with respect to the Underlying Fund, for compliance with the Underlying Fund’s investment strategies and applicable law.
Strategies implemented by the Underlying Funds may fail to produce the intended results. The success of a particular Underlying Fund is dependent on the expertise of its portfolio managers. Certain investment advisers to Underlying Funds may have only one or a limited number of key individuals responsible for managing the Portfolio’s assets. The loss of one or more key individuals from an investment adviser could have a materially adverse effect on the performance of the Underlying Fund.
Counterparty Risk—The Portfolio is expected to establish relationships with third parties to engage in derivative transactions and obtain prime and other brokerage services that permit the Portfolio to trade in any variety of markets or asset classes. If the Portfolio is unable to establish or maintain such relationships, such inability may limit the Portfolio’s transactions and trading activity, prevent it from trading at optimal rates and terms, and result in losses.
Some of the markets in which the Portfolio may effect transactions are not “exchange-based,” including “over-the-counter” or “interdealer” markets. The participants in these markets are typically not subject to the credit evaluation and regulatory oversight to which members of “exchange-based” markets are subject. This exposes the Portfolio to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions. Such “counterparty risk” is heightened for contracts with longer maturities where events may intervene to prevent settlement, or where the Portfolio has concentrated its transactions with a single or small group of counterparties. Furthermore, there is a risk that any of the Portfolio’s counterparties could become insolvent and/or the subject of insolvency proceedings. If one or more of the Portfolio’s counterparties were to become insolvent or the subject of insolvency proceedings, there exists the risk that the recovery of the Portfolio’s assets from the counterparty will be delayed or be of a value less than the value of the assets originally entrusted to the counterparty.
Hedging Transactions Risk—The Portfolio may invest in securities and utilize financial instruments to seek to hedge fluctuations in the values of the Portfolio’s positions. However, hedging transactions will typically limit the opportunity for gain if the value of such positions should increase, and may not work as intended and actually compound losses. It may not be possible to hedge against certain price fluctuations at a reasonable cost. The Portfolio generally is not required to enter into hedging transactions and may choose not to do so.
Short Sales Risk—The Portfolio may engage in short-selling, which involves the sale of a security that the Portfolio does not own in the hope of purchasing the same or equivalent security at a later date at a lower price. A short sale involves the risk of an increase in the market price of the security, and therefore the possibility of a theoretically unlimited loss. The Portfolio must borrow the security to initiate the short sale, and it may be difficult and costly to effect the purchase of the security in order to return it to the lender, particularly if the security is illiquid. The Portfolio may for a number of reasons be forced to unwind a short sale at a disadvantageous price.
Volatility Risk—The Portfolio will frequently be subject to substantial volatility, which could result from a number of causes. Furthermore, there is the risk that a disproportionate share of the Portfolio’s assets may be committed to one or more investment strategies or techniques, which would result in less diversification than would be suggested by the number of investment advisers to Underlying Portfolios being employed. The allocation of Portfolio assets to Underlying Funds in response to particular market conditions could increase volatility and potential for loss if such market conditions continue to worsen or react in a manner not anticipated by the Adviser.
12
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Portfolio Turnover Risk—Certain Underlying Funds may invest and trade securities on the basis of certain short-term market considerations. The resultant high portfolio turnover could potentially involve substantial brokerage commissions and fees.
Special Situations Investment Risk—Special situations investing requires an investment adviser to an Underlying Fund to make predictions about the likelihood that an event will occur and the impact such event will have on the value of a company’s securities. If the event fails to occur or it does not have the effect foreseen, losses can result.
Fixed-Income Securities Risk—The Portfolio may invest in debt or other fixed-income securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers. The value of fixed-income securities will change in response to fluctuations in interest rates and changes in market perception of the issuer’s creditworthiness or other factors. The Portfolio may invest to a substantial degree in debt securities rated below investment grade, otherwise known as high-yield securities or “junk bonds.” High-yield securities may rank junior to other outstanding securities and obligations of the issuer. Moreover, high-yield securities may not be protected by financial covenants or limitations on additional indebtedness. Companies that issue high-yield securities are often highly leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of financing. High-yield securities face ongoing uncertainties and exposure to adverse business, financial or economic conditions that could lead to the issuer’s inability to meet timely interest and principal payments.
Distressed Investments Risk—The Portfolio may invest in companies that are in poor financial condition, lack sufficient capital or that are involved in bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings. Securities and obligations of such distressed companies often trade at a discount to the expected enterprise value that could be achieved through a restructuring and an investor in such securities is exposed to risk that a restructuring will not occur, or will occur on unfavorable terms. Debt obligations of distressed companies are typically unrated, lower-rated or close to default. Securities of distressed companies are generally more likely to become worthless than securities of more financially stable companies.
Derivative Instruments Risk—The Portfolio may enter into options, futures contracts, forwards, swaps and other derivative instrument contracts. Derivative instruments may be subject to various types of risks, including market risk, liquidity risk, the risk of non-performance by the counterparty, including risks relating to the financial soundness and creditworthiness of the counterparty, legal risk and operations risk. The prices of derivative instruments can be highly volatile. Depending on the nature of the derivative, price movements may be influenced by interest rates, changing supply and demand relationships, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies of governments, and national and international political and economic events and policies.
Small Capitalization and Recently Organized Companies Risk—Portfolio assets may be exposed, long and short, to securities of small capitalization companies and recently organized companies. Historically, such securities have been more volatile in price than those of larger capitalized, more established companies. These companies may have limited product lines, distribution channels and financial and managerial resources. Further, there is often less publicly available information concerning such companies than for larger, more established businesses. The equity securities of small capitalization companies may be traded in volumes that are lower than are typical of larger company securities.
Non-U.S. Investments Risk—The Portfolio may invest in securities of non-U.S. companies and foreign countries. Investing in the securities of such companies and countries involves political and economic considerations, such as: the potential difficulty of repatriating funds, general social, political and economic instability and adverse diplomatic developments; the possibility of imposition of withholding or other taxes on income or capital gains; the small size of the securities markets in such countries and the low volume of trading, resulting in potential lack of liquidity and price volatility; fluctuations in the rate of exchange between currencies and costs associated with currency conversion; and certain government policies that may restrict the Portfolio’s investment opportunities. The economies of non-U.S. countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, currency depreciation, asset reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. In addition, accounting and financial reporting standards that prevail in non-U.S. countries generally are not equivalent to U.S. standards and, consequently, less information may be available to investors in companies located in non-U.S. countries than is available to investors in companies located in the United States.
Currency Risk—The Portfolio may invest a portion of its assets in instruments denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, the prices of which are determined with reference to currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. The Portfolio, however, generally values its securities and other assets in U.S. Dollars. To the extent unhedged, the value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate with currency exchange rates as well as with the price changes of the Portfolio’s investments. Thus, an increase in
13
| | |
MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
the value of the U.S. Dollar compared to the other currencies in which the Portfolio makes its investments will reduce the effect of increases and magnify the effect of decreases in the prices of the Portfolio’s securities in their local markets. The Portfolio may utilize financial instruments such as currency options and forward contracts to hedge currency fluctuations, but there can be no assurance that such hedging transactions (if implemented) will be effective.
Emerging Markets Risk—Investment in emerging market securities involves a greater degree of risk than investment in securities of issuers based in developed countries. Among other things, emerging market securities investments may carry the risks of less publicly available information, more volatile markets, less strict securities market regulation, less favorable tax provisions, and a greater likelihood of severe inflation, unstable currency, war and expropriation of personal property than investments in securities of issuers based in developed countries.
Undervalued Securities Risk—The Portfolio may make certain investments in securities that an investment adviser to an Underlying Fund believes to be undervalued. However, there are no assurances that the securities will in fact be undervalued. In addition, it may take a substantial period of time before the securities realize their anticipated value, and such securities may never appreciate to the level anticipated by the investment adviser.
Quantitative Investment Risk—Certain investment advisers to Underlying Funds may attempt to execute strategies for an Underlying Fund using proprietary quantitative models. Investments selected using these models may perform differently than expected as a result of the factors used in the models, the weight placed on each factor, changes from the factors’ historical trends, and technical issues in the construction and implementation of the models (including, for example, data problems and/or software issues). There is no guarantee that an investment adviser’s use of quantitative models will result in effective investment decisions for an Underlying Fund. The success of an investment adviser’s quantitative investment models is heavily dependent on the mathematical models used by the investment adviser. Models that have been formulated on the basis of past market data may not be predictive of future price movements. Models also may have hidden biases or exposure to broad structural or sentiment shifts. Furthermore, the effectiveness of such models tends to deteriorate over time as more traders seek to exploit the same market inefficiencies through the use of similar models.
Commodities-Related Investments Risk—To the extent the Portfolio invests in commodities or instruments whose performance is linked to the price of an underlying commodity or commodity index, the Portfolio will be subject to the risks of investing in commodities, including regulatory, economic and political developments, weather events and natural disasters and market disruptions. Commodities and commodity-linked investments may be less liquid than other investments.
Multi-Manager Risk—The multi-manager strategy employed by the Portfolio involves special risks, which include:
| • | | Offsetting positions. Investment advisers to Underlying Funds may make investment decisions that conflict with each other; for example, at any particular time, one investment adviser may be purchasing shares of an issuer whose shares are being sold by another investment adviser. Consequently, the Portfolio could indirectly incur transaction costs without accomplishing any net investment result. |
| • | | Proprietary investment strategy risk. Investment advisers to Underlying Funds may use proprietary or licensed investment strategies that are based on considerations and factors that are not fully disclosed to the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) or the Adviser. Moreover, these proprietary or licensed investment strategies, which may include quantitative mathematical models or systems, may be changed or refined over time. An investment adviser to an Underlying Fund (or the licensor of the strategies used by the investment adviser) may make certain changes to the strategies the investment adviser has previously used, may not use such strategies at all (or the investment adviser’s license may be revoked), and may use additional strategies, where such changes or discretionary decisions, and the reasons for such changes or decisions, are also not fully disclosed to the Board or the Adviser. These strategies may involve risks under some market conditions that are not anticipated by the Adviser or the Portfolio. |
Non-Diversification Risk—The Portfolio is a “non-diversified” investment company, which means that the Portfolio may invest a larger portion of its assets in a small number of issuers than a diversified investment company. This increases the risks of investing in the Portfolio because the performance of each security in which the Portfolio invests has a greater impact on the Portfolio’s performance. To the extent that the Portfolio invests a relatively high percentage of its assets in securities of a limited number of companies, the Portfolio may also be more susceptible than a diversified investment company to any single economic, political or regulatory occurrence.
14
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as forwards, futures, options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.
Liquidity Risk—Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to purchase or sell, possibly preventing the Portfolio from selling out of these illiquid securities at an advantageous price. Illiquid securities may also be difficult to value. Derivatives and securities involving substantial market and credit risk tend to involve greater liquidity risk.
Mortgage-Related Securities Risk—In the case of investments in mortgage-related securities, a loss could be incurred if the collateral backing these securities is insufficient.
Real Estate Risk Related Securities Risk—The Portfolio may invest in real estate related securities and may indirectly invest in real assets, such as real estate, natural resources and commodities, and infrastructure assets. Investing in real estate related securities includes, among others, the following risks: possible declines in the value of real estate; risks related to general and local economic conditions, including increases in the rate of inflation; possible lack of availability of mortgage funds; overbuilding; extended vacancies of properties; increases in competition, property taxes and operating expenses; changes in zoning laws; costs resulting from the clean-up of, and liability to third parties for damages resulting from, environmental problems; casualty or condemnation losses; uninsured damages from floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters; limitations on and variations in rents; and changes in interest rates. Investments in real assets involve a substantial degree of risk, including significant financial, operating and competitive risks. Investing in real estate investment trusts, or 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 often subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation.
Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk—As with other investments, investments in Underlying Funds, including exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, when the Portfolio acquires shares of Underlying Funds, Contractholders bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Portfolio (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the Underlying Funds.
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. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
NOTE G: Tax Information
As of December 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 4,754 | |
Undistributed capital gains | | | 1,531 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | (10,711 | ) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (4,426 | ) |
| | | | |
For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.
NOTE H: New Accounting Pronouncement
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2015-07 (the “ASU”) which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The ASU also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient but do not utilize that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
15
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MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE I: Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.
16
| | |
|
MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | December 16, 2015(a) to December 31, 2015 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $9.96 | | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (b)(c) | | | .00 | (d) | | | .05 | |
Net realized and unrealized loss on investment transactions | | | (.07 | ) | | | (.09 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net decrease in net asset value from operations | | | (.07 | ) | | | (.04 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $9.89 | | | | $9.96 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (e) | | | (.70 | )% | | | (.40 | )% |
| | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $979 | | | | $986 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (f)^ | | | .38 | % | | | .39 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (f)^ | | | 36.93 | % | | | 85.71 | % |
Net investment income (loss) (c)^ | | | (.01 | )% | | | 11.56 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % |
See footnote summary on page 18.
17
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MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | December 16, 2015(a) to December 31, 2015 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $9.95 | | | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) (b)(c) | | | (.01 | ) | | | .05 | |
Net realized and unrealized loss on investment transactions | | | (.06 | ) | | | (.10 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net decrease in net asset value from operations | | | (.07 | ) | | | (.05 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $9.88 | | | | $9.95 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (e) | | | (.70 | )% | | | (.50 | )% |
| | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $10 | | | | $10 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (f)^ | | | .63 | % | | | .64 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (f)^ | | | 37.17 | % | | | 85.78 | % |
Net investment income (loss) (c)^ | | | (.27 | )% | | | 11.32 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % |
(a) | | Commencement of operations. |
(b) | | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(c) | | Net of fees and expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(d) | | Amount is less than $.005. |
(e) | | Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions 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) | | Expense ratios do not include expenses of the Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests. For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and the period ended December 31, 2015 the estimated annualized blended expense ratios of Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests were 1.77% and 1.76%, respectively, for both Class A and Class B shares. |
See notes to financial statements.
18
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| | |
MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AB 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 AB Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio (“Alternative Strategies Portfolio” or 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 initial approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement.
The Portfolio’s investment objective is long term capital appreciation. The Adviser seeks to achieve its investment objective by allocating its assets among alternative or non-traditional investment strategies (“Alternative Strategies”). The Adviser will allocate the Portfolio’s assets principally among the following types of Alternative Strategies: Long/Short Equity, Special Situations, Credit and Global Macro. The Adviser seeks to gain exposure across various Alternative Strategies, but may focus the Portfolio’s investments in particular Alternative Strategies in order to take advantage of perceived investment opportunities or based on its current market outlook.
The Portfolio will initially be a fund-of-funds, investing in various “Underlying Funds:” AB Cap Fund, Inc.—Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Fund (“MMASF”), AB Cap Fund, Inc.—Long/Short Multi-Manager Portfolio (“LSMM”) and External Funds (funds not advised by the Adviser).3 Eventually, if the Portfolio’s assets grow as planned, the Adviser expects to retain unaffiliated sub-advisers (“Sub-Advisers”) to manage respective sleeves of the Portfolio. Set forth below is a brief description of each Alternative Strategy:
Long Short Equity: In a Long/Short Equity strategy, an Underlying Fund or Sub-Adviser generally will seek to buy certain securities in the expectation that they will increase in value and sell other securities short in the expectation that they will decrease in value.
Special Situations: Special Situations strategies seek to take advantage of information inefficiencies resulting from a particular corporate event and exploit differences between the market value and estimated actual value of a security or instrument that may not be related to a specific corporate event.
Credit: An Underlying Fund or Sub-Adviser that employs Credit Strategies generally invests in a variety of fixed income and other securities. This strategy also includes opportunistic trading and investing in securities of distressed companies and high yield. The Portfolio may invest in various Credit Strategies that involve taking a long or short position in different financial instruments.
Global Macro: Global Macro strategies aim to identify and exploit imbalances in global economies and asset classes. Through encompassing many approaches and styles, macro strategies are linked by the utilization of macroeconomic and technical factors, rather than “bottom-up” individual security analysis, as the primary basis for management.
Each Underlying Fund or Sub-Adviser may utilize derivatives, in the management of the fund or sleeve, which may create gross exposure exceeding the net assets of the Underlying Fund or sleeve.
The Adviser proposed the Bank of America/Merrill Lynch 3-Month T-Bill Index as the Portfolio’s benchmark. The Portfolio will have a secondary benchmark, the HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index. The Adviser expects Lipper to place the Portfolio in its Alternative Other category, and Morningstar to place it in its Multi-Alternative category.
1 | | The information in the fee evaluation was completed on January 22, 2015 and discussed with the Board of Directors on February 3-4, 2015. |
2 | | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AB.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | | The Adviser proposed an Acquired Fund Fee Waiver Agreement so that shareholders of the Portfolio will not have to bear the fund expenses of any affiliated underlying funds in which the Portfolio may invest. |
19
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MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:
| 1. | Management fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services; |
| 2. | Management 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. |
These factors, with the exception of the first factor, are generally referred to as the “Gartenberg factors,” which were articulated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1982. Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc., 694 F. 2d 923 (2d Cir. 1982). The first factor is an additional factor required to be considered by the Assurance of Discontinuance between the NYAG and the Adviser. On March 30, 2010, the Supreme Court held the Gartenberg decision was correct in its basic formulation of what Section 36(b) requires: to face liability under Section 36(b), “an investment adviser must charge a fee that is so disproportionately large that it bears no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and could not have been the product of arm’s length bargaining.” Jones v. Harris Associates L.P., 130 S. Ct. 1418 (2010). In the Jones decision, the Court stated the Gartenberg approach fully incorporates the correct understanding of fiduciary duty within the context of Section 36(b) and noted with approval that “Gartenberg insists that all relevant circumstances be taken into account” and “uses the range of fees that might result from arm’s-length bargaining as the benchmark for reviewing challenged fees.”4
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, NET ASSETS & EXPENSE RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement.
| | | | |
Portfolio | | Advisory Fee | |
Alternative Strategies Portfolio | | | 1.90 | % (flat fee) |
The Adviser proposed an Acquired Fund Fee Waiver Agreement, which provides for the Adviser to waive all fees and/or reimburse expenses for a one year period after shares of the Portfolio are offered to the public in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s share of all fees and expenses of other AB Funds in which the Portfolio may invest, including MMASF and LSMM, so shareholders of the Portfolio will not bear the expenses of affiliated Underlying Funds. Also, under the Fee Waiver Agreement, the Adviser will waive 1.70% of its 1.90% advisory fee on Portfolio assets invested in External Funds, retaining 0.20% for External fund selection and asset allocation.
The Portfolio‘s Expense Limitation Agreement calls for the Adviser to establish expense caps, set forth below, for a two year period after the date the date that shares of the Portfolio is first offered to the public.5 The Expense Limitation Agreement also provides a mechanism for reimbursing the Adviser for its expense cap subsidies. Under the Expense Limitation Agreement, the Adviser may be able to recoup all or a portion of the amounts waived or reimbursed until the end of three fiscal years after the fiscal period in which the amounts were waived or reimbursed to the extent that the reimbursements do not cause the expense ratios of the Portfolio’s share classes to exceed the expense caps. The Adviser will have the ability to recoup expenses during the three year fiscal period after an advisory fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement was made even if the Portfolio’s Expense Limitation Agreement terminates prior to the end of such three year fiscal period.
4 | | Jones v. Harris at 1427. |
5 | | Prior to discussions between the Board of Directors and the Adviser at the February 3-5, 2015 meetings, the period after shares of the Portfolio are first offered to the public, in which the Adviser will waive all or a portion of its advisory fees and/or reimburse the Portfolio for fund expenses exceeding the Portfolio’s expense caps under the original terms of the Expense Limitation Undertaking, was for one year. |
20
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Cap Pursuant to Expense Limitation Undertaking | | Estimated Acquired Funds Ratio | | | Projected Gross Expense Ratio6 | | Fiscal Year End |
Alternative Strategies Portfolio7 | | Class A 2.15% | | | 0.61% | | | 2.42% | | December 31 |
| | Class B 2.40% | | | 0.61% | | | 2.67% | | |
Under the terms of the Expense Limitation Agreement, the Portfolio’s expense cap for each of the Portfolio share classes would include the entire acquired funds ratio. The Expense Limitation Agreement excludes expenses associated with securities sold short, interest expenses, taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage commissions and other transaction costs.
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 to be 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 will be more costly than those for institutional assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies for providing such services. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Portfolio’s investors will be 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. 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.
The Investment Advisory Agreement for the Portfolio differs from other advisory fee agreements in place for other series of the Fund. The Investment Advisory Agreement for the Portfolio includes provisions addressing the possibility of the Adviser retaining Sub-Advisers for the Portfolio and specifying that the Adviser has an obligation to oversee the services provided by any Sub-adviser that is retained.8
Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different, the Supreme Court has indicated consideration should be given to the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a similar investment style as the Portfolio.9 However, the Adviser represented that there is no category in the Form ADV for institutional products that has a similar investment style as the Portfolio.
6 | | The Portfolio’s estimated gross expense ratios are based on an initial estimate of the Portfolio’s net assets at $300 million. |
7 | | Prior to discussions between the Board of Directors and the Adviser at the February 3-5, 2015 meetings, the Adviser proposed that the expense caps for the Portfolios’ Class A and Class B shares not include the estimated acquired funds ratio of 0.61%, so that the expense caps for the Portfolio were 1.54% and 1.79%, respectively for Class A and Class B shares. |
8 | | The Investment Advisory Agreement will require the Adviser to obtain Board approval before retaining any Sub-Adviser. |
9 | | The Supreme Court stated that “courts may give such comparisons the weight that they merit in light of the similarities and differences between the services that the clients in question require, but the courts must be wary of inapt comparisons.” Among the significant differences the Supreme Court noted that may exist between services provided to mutual funds and institutional accounts are “higher marketing costs.” Jones v. Harris at 1428. |
21
| | |
MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser manages MMASF, a retail mutual fund which has a similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the advisory fee schedule for MMASF and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of MMASF been applicable to the Portfolio based on an initial estimate of the Portfolio’s net asset at $300 million.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AB Fund | | Fee | | ABMF Effective Fee (%) | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee (%) | |
Alternative Strategies Portfolio | | MMASF | | 1.90% (flat fee) | | | 1.900 | | | | 1.900 | |
The Adviser manages AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund (the “MMA Fund”), a closed-end U.S. registered multi-manager fund of hedge funds. The MMA Fund has a somewhat similar investment style strategy as that contemplated for Alternative Strategies Portfolio. The MMA Fund allocates its assets among the following strategies: Long/Short Equity, Event Driven, Credit Distressed, Emerging Markets and Global Macro. The MMA Fund is offered and sold only to “accredited investors.” In addition, the MMA Fund invests in private investment vehicles (“hedge funds”) managed by entities unaffiliated with the Adviser. Set forth in the table below is the advisory fee charged to the MMA Fund:
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Fund | | | Fee |
Alternative Strategies Portfolio | | | MMA Fund | | | 1.50% of average daily net assets |
The Adviser has represented that it does not manage any sub-advisory relationship that has a substantially similar investment style as any of 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.10 Lipper’s analysis included the Portfolio’s contractual management fee11 estimated at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio to the median of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”).12
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 had an insufficient number of multi-managed Alternative Other (“ALT”) fund peers. Consequently, Lipper expanded the Portfolio’s EG to include peers that have a similar but not the same Lipper investment classification/objective. In this regard, the Portfolio’s EG was expanded to include Absolute Return (“ABR”) funds. Lipper does not have a separate category for multi-manager ALT funds. Accordingly, the EG that Lipper created for the Portfolio includes ALT and ABR funds that are not multi-managed. To show the impact caused by this difference, the tables below also include a contractual management fee and total expense ratio comparison between funds with multi-managers and funds with single-managers.
10 | | The Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since “these comparisons are problematic because these fees, like those challenged, may not be the product of the negotiations conducted at arm’s length.” Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
11 | | The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Portfolio, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that the Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group. |
12 | | 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. In addition, there are limitations in Lipper’s expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
22
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee13 | | | Lipper EG Median (%) | | | Lipper EG Rank | |
Alternative Strategies Portfolio (all funds)14,15 | | | 1.900 | | | | 1.900 | | | | 4/7 | |
only multi-managed funds | | | 1.900 | | | | 1.995 | | | | 1/4 | |
only single-managed funds | | | N/A | | | | 1.150 | | | | N/A | |
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 universe of those peers that had a similar but not the same Lipper investment classification/objective. A “normal” EU will include funds that have the same investment classification/objective as the subject Portfolio.16
It should be noted that Lipper compared the Portfolio to a number of non-Class A share peers, which may have a 12b-1 or non 12b-1 service fee. Since the Portfolio’s Class A shares do not have a 12b-1 or non 12b-1 service fee, the Senior Officer compared the Portfolio’s total expenses to that of its peers excluding 12b-1/non 12b-1 service fees. The total expense ratios for the Portfolio’s peers include any underlying expenses that the peers may have. In addition, the EU does not include funds with a 12b-1 or non 12b-1 service fee other than funds in the EG.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Total Expense Ratio (%)17 | | | Lipper EG Median (%) | | | Lipper EG Rank | | | Lipper EU Median (%) | | | Lipper EU Rank | |
Alternative Strategies Portfolio (all funds)18 | | | 2.150 | | | | 2.150 | | | | 4/7 | | | | 1.603 | | | | 8/12 | |
only multi-managed funds | | | 2.150 | | | | 2.291 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | |
only single-managed funds | | | N/A | | | | 1.203 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio’s contractual management fee is equal to the overall EG median, which includes multi-managed and single-managed funds, and is lower than the EG median for only multi-managed funds. The Portfolio’s total expense ratio is equal to the overall EG median and is lower than the EG median for only multi-managed funds.
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 has not yet commenced operations. Therefore, there is no historic profitability data with respect to the Adviser’s investment services to the Portfolio.
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
13 | | 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 for expense caps that would effectively reduce the actual management fee. |
14 | | The Portfolio’s EG includes, the Portfolio, four other ALT and two ABR funds. |
15 | | The contractual management fee shown for the Portfolio does not take into consideration any advisory fee waivers or expense reimbursements made by the Adviser in connection with plans by the Portfolio to invest in other AB Mutual Funds or other External Funds. |
16 | | 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. |
17 | | Projected total expense ratio information, based on an initial net asset estimate of $300 million, pertains to the Portfolio’s Class A shares. |
18 | | The Portfolio’s EU includes the Portfolio, EG and all other ALT and ABR. |
23
| | |
MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB 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. 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 will adopt 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, AB Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), an affiliate of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to 0.50% of each Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares.
Financial intermediaries, such as insurers, will market and sell shares of the Portfolio and will typically receive compensation from ABI, the Adviser and/or the Portfolio for selling shares of the Portfolio. These financial intermediaries will receive compensation in any or all of the following forms: 12b-1 fees, defrayal of costs for educational seminars and training, additional distribution support, and payments related to providing contract-holder record-keeping and/or administrative services. Payments related to providing contract-holder record keeping and/or administrative services will generally not exceed 0.35% of the average daily net assets of each Portfolio attributable to the firm over the year. With respect to the Fund, ABI paid approximately $600,000 in 2013 and expects to pay approximately $600,000 in 2014 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Fund is AB Investor Services (“ABIS”), an affiliate of the Adviser.19 The Fund pays ABIS a flat fee of $18,000 for each calendar year, which is allocated evenly among its separate Portfolios.
V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through pricing to scale, breakpoints, fee reductions/waivers and enhancement to services.
In May 2012, an independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors information on the Adviser’s firm-wide average costs from 2005 through 2011 and the potential economies of scale. The independent consultant noted that from 2005 through 2007 the Adviser experienced significant growth in assets under management (“AUM”). During this period, operating expenses increased, in part to keep up with growth, and in part reflecting market returns. However, from 2008 through the first quarter of 2009, AUM rapidly and significantly decreased due to declines in market value and client withdrawals. When AUM rapidly decreased, some operating expenses categories, including base compensation and office space, adjusted more slowly during this period, resulting in an increase in average costs. Since 2009, AUM have experienced less significant changes. The independent consultant noted that changes in operating expenses reflect changes in business composition and business practices in response to changes in financial markets. Finally, the independent consultant concluded that the increase in average cost and the decline in net operating margin across the Adviser since late 2008 are inconsistent with the view that there are currently reductions in average costs due to economies of scale that can be shared with the AB Mutual Funds managed by the Adviser through lower fees.
In February 2008, the independent consultant provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics.20,21 The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors.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
19 | | It should be noted that the insurance companies, linked to the variable products will provide additional shareholder services for the Portfolio, including record keeping, administration and customer service for contract holders. |
20 | | The Deli study, originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data and updated for the February 2008 Presentation, may be of diminished value due to the age of the data used in the presentation and the changes experienced in the industry since 2008. |
21 | | As mentioned previously, the Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since the fees may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length. See Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
22 | | The two dimensional analysis 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
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 also compared the advisory fees of the AB 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.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $474 billion as of December 31, 2014, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
Since the Portfolio has not yet commenced operations, the Portfolio has no performance history.
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. The Senior Officer recommended that the Directors discuss with the Adviser the Acquired Fund Fee Agreement, which the Adviser proposed for a one year period after shares are offered to the public in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s share of all fees and expenses of any AB Mutual Fund, in which the Portfolio may invest. This conclusion in respect of the Portfolio is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.
Dated: February 27, 2015
25
VPS-MMAS-0152-0616
JUN 06.30.16
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS
SERIES FUND, INC.
+ | | REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited) | | AB 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 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 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2016 | | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2016 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,138.80 | | | $ | 5.64 | | | | 1.06 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,019.59 | | | $ | 5.32 | | | | 1.06 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,136.80 | | | $ | 6.96 | | | | 1.31 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,018.35 | | | $ | 6.57 | | | | 1.31 | % |
* | | 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | | $ | 5,487,570 | | | | 9.7 | % |
Crown Castle International Corp. | | | 3,181,859 | | | | 5.6 | |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | | | 2,586,792 | | | | 4.6 | |
Boston Properties, Inc. | | | 2,159,071 | | | | 3.8 | |
American Tower Corp. | | | 2,089,288 | | | | 3.7 | |
Ventas, Inc. | | | 2,088,478 | | | | 3.7 | |
National Retail Properties, Inc. | | | 1,722,276 | | | | 3.0 | |
Welltower, Inc. | | | 1,460,255 | | | | 2.6 | |
Sun Communities, Inc. | | | 1,392,166 | | | | 2.4 | |
Regency Centers Corp. | | | 1,309,537 | | | | 2.3 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 23,477,292 | | | | 41.4 | % |
INDUSTRY BREAKDOWN†
June 30, 2016 (unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Diversified/Specialty | | $ | 11,789,518 | | | | 20.7 | % |
Multi-Family | | | 8,080,458 | | | | 14.2 | |
Regional Mall | | | 7,083,034 | | | | 12.5 | |
Office | | | 6,030,521 | | | | 10.6 | |
Health Care | | | 5,598,420 | | | | 9.8 | |
Shopping Center/Other Retail | | | 5,086,545 | | | | 9.0 | |
Self Storage | | | 3,714,642 | | | | 6.5 | |
Triple Net | | | 2,757,127 | | | | 4.9 | |
Industrial Warehouse Distribution | | | 2,382,578 | | | | 4.2 | |
Lodging | | | 2,111,194 | | | | 3.7 | |
Mortgage | | | 877,269 | | | | 1.5 | |
Student Housing | | | 574,905 | | | | 1.0 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 791,635 | | | | 1.4 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 56,877,846 | | | | 100.0 | % |
† | | The Portfolio’s industry breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. |
Please note: The industry classifications presented herein are based on the industry categorization methodology of the Adviser.
2
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–98.9% | |
| | | | | | | | |
EQUITY: OTHER–35.6% | | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED/SPECIALTY–20.8% | | | | | |
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. | | | 7,040 | | | $ | 728,781 | |
American Tower Corp. | | | 18,390 | | | | 2,089,288 | |
Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc. | | | 48,790 | | | | 670,375 | |
CBRE Group, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | 13,510 | | | | 357,745 | |
Colony Starwood Homes | | | 35,830 | | | | 1,089,948 | |
Crown Castle International Corp. | | | 31,370 | | | | 3,181,859 | |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.(b) | | | 3,420 | | | | 372,746 | |
Equinix, Inc. | | | 1,083 | | | | 419,911 | |
Gramercy Property Trust | | | 112,513 | | | | 1,037,370 | |
Spirit Realty Capital, Inc. | | | 52,580 | | | | 671,447 | |
STORE Capital Corp. | | | 39,730 | | | | 1,170,048 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 11,789,518 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–9.9% | |
Care Capital Properties, Inc. | | | 35,130 | | | | 920,757 | |
HCP, Inc. | | | 12,170 | | | | 430,575 | |
LTC Properties, Inc. | | | 13,500 | | | | 698,355 | |
Ventas, Inc. | | | 28,680 | | | | 2,088,478 | |
Welltower, Inc. | | | 19,171 | | | | 1,460,255 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 5,598,420 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TRIPLE NET–4.9% | |
National Retail Properties, Inc. | | | 33,300 | | | | 1,722,276 | |
Realty Income Corp. | | | 14,920 | | | | 1,034,851 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,757,127 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 20,145,065 | |
| | | | | | | | |
RESIDENTIAL–21.8% | |
MULTI-FAMILY–14.3% | |
Apartment Investment & Management Co.–Class A | | | 19,070 | | | | 842,131 | |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | | | 14,340 | | | | 2,586,792 | |
Camden Property Trust | | | 11,470 | | | | 1,014,177 | |
Equity Residential | | | 4,520 | | | | 311,338 | |
Independence Realty Trust, Inc. | | | 90,210 | | | | 737,918 | |
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | | | 11,240 | | | | 1,195,936 | |
Sun Communities, Inc. | | | 18,165 | | | | 1,392,166 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 8,080,458 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SELF STORAGE–6.5% | |
Extra Space Storage, Inc. | | | 13,900 | | | | 1,286,306 | |
National Storage Affiliates Trust | | | 32,032 | | | | 666,906 | |
Public Storage | | | 4,170 | | | | 1,065,810 | |
Sovran Self Storage, Inc. | | | 6,630 | | | | 695,620 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,714,642 | |
| | | | | | | | |
STUDENT HOUSING–1.0% | |
Education Realty Trust, Inc. | | | 12,460 | | | | 574,905 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 12,370,005 | |
| | | | | | | | |
RETAIL–21.5% | |
REGIONAL MALL–12.5% | |
General Growth Properties, Inc. | | | 14,260 | | | | 425,233 | |
Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust | | | 3,014 | | | | 64,651 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | | | 25,300 | | | $ | 5,487,570 | |
Taubman Centers, Inc. | | | 14,900 | | | | 1,105,580 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 7,083,034 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SHOPPING CENTER/OTHER RETAIL–9.0% | | | | | | | | |
DDR Corp. | | | 47,603 | | | | 863,519 | |
Kite Realty Group Trust | | | 44,476 | | | | 1,246,662 | |
Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust | | | 49,571 | | | | 972,087 | |
Regency Centers Corp. | | | 15,640 | | | | 1,309,537 | |
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. | | | 32,060 | | | | 694,740 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 5,086,545 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 12,169,579 | |
| | | | | | | | |
OFFICE–10.6% | |
OFFICE–10.6% | |
Boston Properties, Inc. | | | 16,369 | | | | 2,159,071 | |
Brandywine Realty Trust | | | 51,200 | | | | 860,160 | |
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.–Class A | | | 33,170 | | | | 629,898 | |
Equity Commonwealth(a) | | | 18,670 | | | | 543,857 | |
Highwoods Properties, Inc. | | | 21,680 | | | | 1,144,704 | |
Vornado Realty Trust | | | 6,920 | | | | 692,831 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 6,030,521 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–4.2% | |
INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION–4.2% | | | | | | | | |
DCT Industrial Trust, Inc. | | | 16,760 | | | | 805,150 | |
Granite Real Estate Investment Trust | | | 13,300 | | | | 401,660 | |
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. | | | 55,750 | | | | 1,175,768 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 2,382,578 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LODGING–3.7% | |
LODGING–3.7% | |
Chesapeake Lodging Trust | | | 12,310 | | | | 286,207 | |
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | | | 20,200 | | | | 530,250 | |
Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. | | | 72,020 | | | | 953,545 | |
Wyndham Worldwide Corp. | | | 4,790 | | | | 341,192 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 2,111,194 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MORTGAGE–1.5% | |
MORTGAGE–1.5% | |
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc.–Class A | | | 18,550 | | | | 513,278 | |
First American Financial Corp. | | | 9,050 | | | | 363,991 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 877,269 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $44,306,655) | | | | | | | 56,086,211 | |
| | | | | | | | |
3
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.4% | | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–1.4% | |
State Street Time Deposit 0.01%, 7/01/16 (cost $791,635) | | $ | 792 | | | $ | 791,635 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Shares | | | | |
Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned–100.3% (cost $45,098,290) | | | | | | | 56,877,846 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–0.7% | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–0.7% | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.25%(c)(d) (cost $377,910) | | | 377,910 | | | | 377,910 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–101.0% (cost $45,476,200) | | | | | | | 57,255,756 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(1.0)% | | | | | | | (585,640 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | $ | 56,670,116 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | | Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information. |
(c) | | Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end. |
(d) | | To obtain a copy of the fund’s financial statements, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618. |
See notes to financial statements.
4
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETS & LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | |
ASSETS | |
Investments in securities, at value | |
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $45,098,290) | | $ | 56,877,846 | (a) |
Affiliated issuers (cost $377,910—investment of cash collateral for securities loaned) | | | 377,910 | |
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $8,390) | | | 7,693 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 736,195 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 204,734 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 5,669 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 58,210,047 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 1,007,861 | |
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned | | | 377,910 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 39,244 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 24,215 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 11,524 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 3,285 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 112 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 75,780 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 1,539,931 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 56,670,116 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 5,471 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 39,928,005 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 1,837,370 | |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 3,120,389 | |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 11,778,881 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 56,670,116 | |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
A | | $ | 39,685,122 | | | | 3,836,712 | | | $ | 10.34 | |
B | | $ | 16,984,994 | | | | 1,633,930 | | | $ | 10.40 | |
(a) | | Includes securities on loan with a value of $372,746 (see Note E). |
See notes to financial statements.
5
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $4,400) | | $ | 1,074,871 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 468 | |
Interest | | | 30 | |
Securities lending income | | | 10,109 | |
| | | | |
| | | 1,085,478 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 138,525 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 18,075 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,406 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 568 | |
Custodian | | | 34,425 | |
Audit and tax | | | 25,654 | |
Administrative | | | 24,058 | |
Printing | | | 14,573 | |
Legal | | | 14,269 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 10,665 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 2,997 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 285,215 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note E) | | | (8 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 285,207 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 800,271 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 795,096 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (348 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | |
Investments | | | 5,269,557 | |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | (221 | ) |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 6,064,084 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 6,864,355 | |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
6
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| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | |
Net investment income | | $ | 800,271 | | | $ | 942,030 | |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 794,748 | | | | 2,414,445 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 5,269,336 | | | | (3,144,022 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 6,864,355 | | | | 212,453 | |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | |
Net investment income | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (575,020 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (180,481 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (3,107,964 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (1,148,829 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (52,125 | ) | | | 3,353,548 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | 6,812,230 | | | | (1,446,293 | ) |
NET ASSETS | |
Beginning of period | | | 49,857,886 | | | | 51,304,179 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $1,837,370 and $1,037,099, respectively) | | $ | 56,670,116 | | | $ | 49,857,886 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AB Real Estate Investment Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is total return from long-term growth of capital and income. 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 sixteen 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 (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the 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 (the “Board”).
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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 Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign
8
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Investments in Securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | |
Common Stocks(a) | | $ | 56,086,211 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 56,086,211 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | –0 | – | | | 791,635 | | | | –0 | – | | | 791,635 | |
Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund | | | 377,910 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 377,910 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 56,464,121 | | | | 791,635 | | | | –0 | – | | | 57,255,756 | |
Other Financial Instruments(b) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total(c) | | $ | 56,464,121 | | | $ | 791,635 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 57,255,756 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications. |
(b) | | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
(c) | | There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period. |
The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
9
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and a third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed 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 foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
4. 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.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
5. 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 the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
6. 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 proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the 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 investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $24,058.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $569 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $31,803, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
NOTE C: Distribution 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 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 or 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, 2016 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 18,474,961 | | | $ | 17,902,711 | |
U.S. government securities | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
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| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB 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 | | $ | 12,302,520 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (522,964 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 11,779,556 | |
| | | | |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
2. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated 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 other 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: Securities Lending
The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not have the right to vote on any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. Prior to June 24, 2016, such cash collateral received was invested in AB Exchange Reserves. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had securities on loan with a value of $372,746 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into AB Government Money Market Portfolio of $377,910. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $10,109, $452 and $16 from the borrowers, AB Exchange Reserves and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2016; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of management fee assessed by the AB Government Money Market Portfolio. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, such waiver amounted to $8. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower will fail to return the
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| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Exchange Reserves for the period January 1, 2016 to June 23, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value December 31, 2015 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Transfer to AB Government Money Market Portfolio (000) | | | Market Value June 23, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 0 | | | $ | 9,911 | | | $ | 9,546 | | | $ | 365 | | | $ | 0 | |
A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of the AB Government Money Market Portfolio for the period June 24, 2016 to June 30, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value June 24, 2016 (000) | | | Transfer from AB Exchange Reserves (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Market Value June 30, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 0 | | | $ | 365 | | | $ | 17 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 378 | |
NOTE F: 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
Class A | |
Shares sold | | | 175,430 | | | | 663,573 | | | | | | | $ | 1,657,952 | | | $ | 6,543,068 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends distributions | | | –0 | – | | | 413,818 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 3,682,984 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (300,556 | ) | | | (916,859 | ) | | | | | | | (2,803,051 | ) | | | (8,725,134 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (125,126 | ) | | | 160,532 | | | | | | | $ | (1,145,099 | ) | | $ | 1,500,918 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | |
Shares sold | | | 227,081 | | | | 343,421 | | | | | | | $ | 2,142,135 | | | $ | 3,315,902 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends distributions | | | –0 | – | | | 148,361 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 1,329,310 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (113,273 | ) | | | (294,532 | ) | | | | | | | (1,049,161 | ) | | | (2,792,582 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 113,808 | | | | 197,250 | | | | | | | $ | 1,092,974 | | | $ | 1,852,630 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE G: 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 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.
Real Estate Risk—The Portfolio’s investments in the real estate market have many of the same risks as direct ownership of real estate, including the risk that the value of real estate could decline due to a variety of factors that affect the real estate market generally. Investments in REITs, may have additional risks. REITs are dependent on the capability of their managers, may have limited diversification, and could be significantly affected by changes in taxes.
Prepayment Risk—The value of mortgage-related or asset-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. Early payments of principal on some of these securities may occur during periods of falling mortgage interest rates and expose the Portfolio to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. Early payments associated with these securities cause these securities to experience significantly greater price and yield volatility than is experienced by traditional fixed-income securities. During periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may
13
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
increase the effective life of mortgage-related securities, subjecting them to greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates. If the life of a mortgage-related security is inaccurately predicted, the Portfolio may not be able to realize the rate of return it expected.
Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.
Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as forwards, futures, options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce its returns.
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. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2016.
NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2016 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 958,181 | | | $ | 3,854,873 | |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 4,054,113 | | | | 10,004,890 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions paid | | $ | 5,012,294 | | | $ | 13,859,763 | |
| | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 1,398,347 | |
Undistributed capital gains | | | 1,966,091 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 6,507,847 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 9,872,285 | |
| | | | |
(a) | | The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the tax treatment of partnership investments. |
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| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.
NOTE J: New Accounting Pronouncement
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2015-07 (the “ASU”) which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The ASU also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient but do not utilize that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
NOTE K: Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.
15
| | |
|
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $9.08 | | | | $10.00 | | | | $11.18 | | | | $12.25 | | | | $11.58 | | | | $12.02 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | | .15 | (b) | | | .18 | | | | .14 | | | | .24 | | | | .18 | | | | .11 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 1.11 | | | | (.12 | ) | | | 2.39 | | | | .24 | | | | 2.21 | | | | 1.02 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | | 1.26 | | | | .06 | | | | 2.53 | | | | .48 | | | | 2.39 | | | | 1.13 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.15 | ) | | | (.37 | ) | | | (.20 | ) | | | (.15 | ) | | | (.18 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | –0 | – | | | (.83 | ) | | | (3.34 | ) | | | (1.35 | ) | | | (1.57 | ) | | | (1.39 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | (.98 | ) | | | (3.71 | ) | | | (1.55 | ) | | | (1.72 | ) | | | (1.57 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $10.34 | | | | $9.08 | | | | $10.00 | | | | $11.18 | | | | $12.25 | | | | $11.58 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | | 13.88 | % | | | .80 | % | | | 25.35 | % | | | 4.20 | % | | | 21.19 | % | | | 9.03 | %* |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $39,685 | | | | $35,970 | | | | $38,003 | | | | $31,576 | | | | $70,048 | | | | $63,093 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.06 | %^ | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.08 | % | | | .86 | % | | | .84 | % | | | .88 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.06 | %^ | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.08 | % | | | .86 | % | | | .84 | % | | | .88 | % |
Net investment income | | | 3.24 | %^(b) | | | 1.91 | % | | | 1.26 | % | | | 1.92 | % | | | 1.49 | % | | | .91 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 35 | % | | | 67 | % | | | 67 | % | | | 98 | % | | | 110 | % | | | 114 | % |
See footnote summary on page 17.
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| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $9.14 | | | | $10.05 | | | | $11.22 | | | | $12.28 | | | | $11.61 | | | | $12.05 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | | .14 | (b) | | | .16 | | | | .11 | | | | .27 | | | | .15 | | | | .08 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 1.12 | | | | (.11 | ) | | | 2.40 | | | | .18 | | | | 2.20 | | | | 1.02 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net asset value from operations | | | 1.26 | | | | .05 | | | | 2.51 | | | | .45 | | | | 2.35 | | | | 1.10 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.13 | ) | | | (.34 | ) | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.11 | ) | | | (.15 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | –0 | – | | | (.83 | ) | | | (3.34 | ) | | | (1.35 | ) | | | (1.57 | ) | | | (1.39 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | (.96 | ) | | | (3.68 | ) | | | (1.51 | ) | | | (1.68 | ) | | | (1.54 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $10.40 | | | | $9.14 | | | | $10.05 | | | | $11.22 | | | | $12.28 | | | | $11.61 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | | 13.68 | % | | | .66 | % | | | 24.96 | % | | | 3.97 | % | | | 20.83 | % | | | 8.75 | %* |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $16,985 | | | | $13,888 | | | | $13,301 | | | | $12,394 | | | | $13,568 | | | | $13,536 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.31 | %^ | | | 1.33 | % | | | 1.33 | % | | | 1.15 | % | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.13 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.31 | %^ | | | 1.33 | % | | | 1.33 | % | | | 1.15 | % | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.13 | % |
Net investment income | | | 3.03 | %^(b) | | | 1.67 | % | | | 1.03 | % | | | 2.13 | % | | | 1.19 | % | | | .64 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 35 | % | | | 67 | % | | | 67 | % | | | 98 | % | | | 110 | % | | | 114 | % |
(a) | | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | | Net of expenses waived and 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 (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions 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. |
* | | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the year ended December 31, 2011 by 0.06%, respectively. |
See notes to financial statements.
17
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Real Estate Investment Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 3-5, 2016 (the “Meeting”).
Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Company’s Senior Officer (who is also the Company’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Company’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they receive presentations from the Adviser on the investment results of the Fund and review extensive materials and information presented by the Adviser.
The directors also considered all other factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. In their deliberations, the directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided
The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.
Costs of Services Provided and Profitability
The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues, expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2014 and 2015 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.
18
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.
At the Meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 29, 2016 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) the period since inception. Based on their review, and their discussion with the Adviser of the reasons for the Fund’s underperformance in certain periods, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by Broadridge concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same Broadridge category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors considered the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate against a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.
The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for institutional clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Company’s Senior Officer and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s Broadridge category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of
19
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
20
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AB 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 AB Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AB 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. |
These factors, with the exception of the first factor, are generally referred to as the “Gartenberg factors,” which were articulated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1982. Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc., 694 F. 2d 923 (2d Cir. 1982). The first factor is an additional factor required to be considered by the AoD. On March 30, 2010, the Supreme Court held the Gartenberg decision was correct in its basic formulation of what Section 36(b) requires: to face liability under Section 36(b), “an investment adviser must charge a fee that is so disproportionately large that it bears no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and could not have been the product of arm’s length bargaining.” Jones v. Harris Associates L.P., 130 S. Ct. 1418 (2010). In the Jones decision, the Court stated the Gartenberg approach fully incorporates the correct understanding of fiduciary duty within the context of Section 36(b) and noted with approval that “Gartenberg insists that all relevant circumstances be taken into account” and “uses the range of fees that might result from arm’s-length bargaining as the benchmark for reviewing challenged fees.”3
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, NET ASSETS & EXPENSE RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 3/31/16 ($MIL) | |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio | | Value | | 0.55% on first $2.5 billion | | $ | 52.4 | |
| | | | 0.45% on next $2.5 billion | | | | |
| | | | 0.40% 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 $50,834 (0.100% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
1 | | The information in the fee summary was completed on April 21, 2016 and discussed with the Board of Directors on May 3-5, 2016. |
2 | | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AB.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | | Jones v. Harris at 1427. |
21
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 1.07% | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.33% | | |
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, the Adviser is reimbursed for providing some of these services. 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. 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, the Supreme Court has indicated consideration should be given to the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AB Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AB Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio versus the Portfolio’s advisory fee based on March 31, 2016 net assets:5
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 3/31/16 ($MIL) | | | AB Institutional Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio | | $ | 52.4 | | | U.S. REIT Schedule | | | 0.495 | % | | | 0.550 | % |
| | | | | | 0.55% on first $25m | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 0.45% on next $25m | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 0.40% the balance | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Minimum account size $25m | | | | | | | | |
4 | | The Supreme Court stated that “courts may give such comparisons the weight that they merit in light of the similarities and differences between the services that the clients in question require, but the courts must be wary of inapt comparisons.” Among the significant differences the Supreme Court noted that may exist between services provided to mutual funds and institutional accounts are “higher marketing costs.” Jones v. Harris at 1428. |
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. |
22
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages AB Global Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc. (“Global Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc.), a retail mutual fund, which has a similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of Global Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc. and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the retail mutual fund been applicable to the Portfolio:6
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AB Mutual Fund | | Fee Schedule | | ABMF Effective 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% | |
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 the Portfolio.
| | | | |
Fund | | Fee8 | |
Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio9 | | | | |
Class A | | | 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.
Broadridge, an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Portfolios with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services by other investment advisers.10,11 Broadridge’s analysis included each Portfolio’s contractual management fee, estimated at the approximate current asset level of the subject Portfolio, to the median of the Portfolio’s Broadridge Expense Group (“EG”) and the Portfolio’s contractual management fee ranking.12,13
6 | | The Portfolio’s investment guidelines are more restrictive than that of AB 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 AB 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. |
7 | | The retail 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 retail mutual fund. |
8 | | Class A shares of the funds are charged an “all-in” fee, which includes investment advisory services and distribution related services, unlike Class I shares, whose fee is for only investment advisory services. |
9 | | The investment guidelines of Real Estate Investment Portfolio 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. |
10 | | On June 5, 2015, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) acquired the Fiduciary Services and Competitive Intelligence unit, i.e., the group responsible for providing the Portfolio’s 15(c) report, from Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. The group that maintains Lipper’s expense and performance databases and investment classifications/objectives remains a part of Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. Accordingly, the Portfolio’s investment classification/objective continues to be determined by Lipper. |
11 | | The Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since “these comparisons are problematic because these fees, like those challenged, may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length.” Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
12 | | The contractual management fee is calculated by Broadridge 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. Broadridge’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 Broadridge peer group. |
13 | | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursement made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. |
23
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Broadridge describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Broadridge’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, operating structure, and expense attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee (%) | | | Broadridge EG Median (%) | | | Broadridge EG Rank | |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio | | | 0.550 | | | | 0.761 | | | | 2/10 | |
Broadridge also analyzed the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio in comparison to the Portfolio’s EG and Broadridge Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU 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.14
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)15 | | | Broadridge EG Median (%) | | | Broadridge EG Rank | | | Broadridge EU Median (%) | | | Broadridge EU Rank | |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio | | | 1.074 | | | | 0.917 | | | | 10/10 | | | | 0.848 | | | | 16/16 | |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a contractual 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.
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 2015, relative to 2014.
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”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, 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, 2015, ABI received $34,038 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the Adviser incurred distribution expenses in the amount of $68,158 in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. This expense amount incurred by ABI is partially offset by the 12b-1 fees paid by the Portfolio.
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
14 | | Except for asset (size) comparability, Broadridge uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
15 | | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
24
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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. With respect to the Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund not discussed in this summary, ABI paid approximately $400,000 in 2015 and expects to pay approximately $450,000 in 2016 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $1,262 from the Portfolio.16
The Portfolio did not effect brokerage transactions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) nor its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and pay commissions during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business conducted in the future 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 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 pricing to scale, breakpoints, fee reductions/waivers and enhancement to services.
In May 2012, an independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors information on the Adviser’s firm-wide average costs from 2005 through 2011 and the potential economies of scale. The independent consultant noted that from 2005 through 2007 the Adviser experienced significant growth in assets under management (“AUM”). During this period, operating expenses increased, in part to keep up with growth, and in part reflecting market returns. However, from 2008 through the first quarter of 2009, AUM rapidly and significantly decreased due to declines in market value and client withdrawals. When AUM rapidly decreased, some operating expenses categories, including base compensation and office space, adjusted more slowly during this period, resulting in an increase in average costs. Since 2009, AUM has experienced less significant changes. The independent consultant noted that changes in operating expenses reflect changes in business composition and business practices in response to changes in financial markets. Finally, the independent consultant concluded that the increase in average cost and the decline in net operating margin across the Adviser since late 2008 are inconsistent with the view that there are currently reductions in average costs due to economies of scale that can be shared with the AB Mutual Funds managed by the Adviser through lower fees.
In February 2008, the independent consultant provided the Board of Directors an update of Deli’s study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics.17,18 The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors.19 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 also compared the advisory fees of the AB 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.
16 | | The Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund paid ABIS a fee of $18,000 for each calendar year. |
17 | | The Deli study, originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data and updated for the February 2008 Presentation, may be of diminished value due to the age of the data used in the presentation and the changes experienced in the industry over the last four years. Source: Deli, Daniel N. “Mutual Fund Advisory Contracts: An Empirical Investigation.” Journal of Finance, 57(1): 109-133 (2002). |
18 | | As mentioned previously, the Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since the fees may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length. See Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
19 | | The two dimensional analysis 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
| | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB 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 $479 billion as of March 31, 2016, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information in the table below shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year net performance returns and rankings20 of the Portfolios relative to their Broadridge Performance Group (“PG”) and Broadridge Performance Universe (“PU”)21 for the period ended February 29, 2016.22
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio (%) | | | PG Median (%) | | | PU Median (%) | | | PG Rank | | | PU Rank | |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1 year | | | –3.78 | | | | –4.04 | | | | –4.35 | | | | 5/10 | | | | 6/18 | |
3 year | | | 6.69 | | | | 8.36 | | | | 8.10 | | | | 8/8 | | | | 16/16 | |
5 year | | | 9.52 | | | | 9.20 | | | | 9.05 | | | | 3/8 | | | | 4/16 | |
10 year | | | 6.49 | | | | 6.16 | | | | 6.27 | | | | 2/7 | | | | 4/15 | |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)23 versus its benchmarks. Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.24
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending February 29, 2016 Annualized Performance | |
| | 1 Year (%) | | | 3 Year (%) | | | 5 Year (%) | | | 10 Year (%) | | | Since Inception (%) | | | Annualized | | | Risk Period (Year) | |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | | Sharpe (%) | | |
Real Estate Investment Portfolio | | | –3.79 | | | | 6.69 | | | | 9.52 | | | | 6.49 | | | | 9.75 | | | | 24.18 | | | | 0.34 | | | | 10 | |
FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index25 | | | –4.04 | | | | 7.42 | | | | 9.14 | | | | 6.01 | | | | 9.39 | | | | 25.16 | | | | 0.32 | | | | 10 | |
S&P 500 Stock Index | | | –6.19 | | | | 10.75 | | | | 10.13 | | | | 6.44 | | | | 6.98 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 10 | |
Inception Date: January 9, 1997 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CONCLUSION:
The Senior Officer observed that the Portfolio had a relatively high total expense ratio compared to the Portfolio’s Broadridge peers, and recommended that the Directors discuss with the Adviser possible actions to reduce the Portfolio’s total expense ratio.
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 2, 2016
20 | | The performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio are for the Portfolio’s Class A shares. The performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio were provided by Broadridge. |
21 | | The Portfolio’s PG/PU are identical to the Portfolio’s EG/EU as the criteria for including/excluding a fund in a PG/PU is different from that of an EG/EU. |
22 | | Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of each fund even if the fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
23 | | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
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 fund’s return in excess of the riskless return by the fund’s standard deviation. A fund with a greater volatility would be viewed as more risky than a fund with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky fund. A fund with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a fund with a lower Sharpe Ratio. |
25 | | Benchmark since inception date is the nearest month end after the Portfolio’s inception date. |
26
VPS-REI-0152-0616
JUN 06.30.16
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.
+ | | SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited) | | AB 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 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 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2016 | | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2016 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 965.90 | | | $ | 7.33 | | | | 1.50 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,017.40 | | | $ | 7.52 | | | | 1.50 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 965.00 | | | $ | 8.55 | | | | 1.75 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,016.16 | | | $ | 8.77 | | | | 1.75 | % |
* | | 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc. | | $ | 690,619 | | | | 1.8 | % |
PolyOne Corp. | | | 676,679 | | | | 1.7 | |
Dycom Industries, Inc. | | | 670,776 | | | | 1.7 | |
Diamond Resorts International, Inc. | | | 669,906 | | | | 1.7 | |
Five Below, Inc. | | | 668,536 | | | | 1.7 | |
Nevro Corp. | | | 639,425 | | | | 1.6 | |
Align Technology, Inc. | | | 634,815 | | | | 1.6 | |
Planet Fitness, Inc. | | | 604,311 | | | | 1.5 | |
Guidewire Software, Inc. | | | 602,345 | | | | 1.5 | |
Ultimate Software Group, Inc. (The) | | | 583,555 | | | | 1.5 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 6,440,967 | | | | 16.3 | % |
SECTOR BREAKDOWN†
June 30, 2016 (unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Information Technology | | $ | 10,483,556 | | | | 26.8 | % |
Health Care | | | 8,753,818 | | | | 22.4 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 8,686,272 | | | | 22.2 | |
Industrials | | | 5,556,869 | | | | 14.2 | |
Financials | | | 2,317,217 | | | | 5.9 | |
Materials | | | 1,152,333 | | | | 3.0 | |
Energy | | | 875,205 | | | | 2.2 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 613,878 | | | | 1.6 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 652,177 | | | | 1.7 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 39,091,325 | | | | 100.0 | % |
† | | The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. |
Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.
2
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–97.3% | | | | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–26.5% | | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–1.2% | | | | | | | | |
Arista Networks, Inc.(a) | | | 3,010 | | | $ | 193,784 | |
Oclaro, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 58,020 | | | | 283,137 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 476,921 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–0.7% | | | | | | | | |
VeriFone Systems, Inc.(a) | | | 14,808 | | | | 274,540 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–3.1% | | | | | | | | |
Cimpress NV(a) | | | 5,756 | | | | 532,315 | |
CoStar Group, Inc.(a) | | | 2,060 | | | | 450,440 | |
Pandora Media, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 20,676 | | | | 257,416 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,240,171 | |
| | | | | | | | |
IT SERVICES–1.7% | | | | | | | | |
EPAM Systems, Inc.(a) | | | 7,240 | | | | 465,604 | |
Global Payments, Inc. | | | 2,675 | | | | 190,942 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 656,546 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–5.6% | | | | | | | | |
Cavium, Inc.(a) | | | 2,574 | | | | 99,357 | |
Mellanox Technologies Ltd.(a) | | | 8,223 | | | | 394,375 | |
Microsemi Corp.(a) | | | 16,600 | | | | 542,488 | |
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. | | | 6,691 | | | | 457,129 | |
Silicon Laboratories, Inc.(a) | | | 8,334 | | | | 406,199 | |
Synaptics, Inc.(a) | | | 5,691 | | | | 305,891 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,205,439 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SOFTWARE–14.2% | | | | | | | | |
Aspen Technology, Inc.(a) | | | 10,573 | | | | 425,457 | |
Atlassian Corp. PLC–Class A(a) | | | 13,325 | | | | 345,117 | |
Blackbaud, Inc. | | | 7,428 | | | | 504,361 | |
Fortinet, Inc.(a) | | | 8,620 | | | | 272,306 | |
Guidewire Software, Inc.(a) | | | 9,753 | | | | 602,345 | |
HubSpot, Inc.(a) | | | 10,640 | | | | 461,989 | |
Paylocity Holding Corp.(a)(b) | | | 10,688 | | | | 461,722 | |
Proofpoint, Inc.(a) | | | 8,460 | | | | 533,741 | |
Qlik Technologies, Inc.(a) | | | 15,370 | | | | 454,645 | |
RingCentral, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | 22,644 | | | | 446,540 | |
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a) | | | 14,192 | | | | 538,161 | |
Ultimate Software Group, Inc. (The)(a) | | | 2,775 | | | | 583,555 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 5,629,939 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 10,483,556 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–22.2% | | | | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–5.9% | | | | | | | | |
Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 9,395 | | | | 142,240 | |
Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc.(a) | | | 10,553 | | | | 114,184 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Alder Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 6,803 | | | $ | 169,871 | |
Amicus Therapeutics, Inc.(a) | | | 25,479 | | | | 139,115 | |
DBV Technologies SA (Sponsored ADR)(a) | | | 4,235 | | | | 138,146 | |
Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.(a) | | | 6,100 | | | | 277,245 | |
Otonomy, Inc.(a) | | | 9,246 | | | | 146,827 | |
Prothena Corp. PLC(a)(b) | | | 4,540 | | | | 158,718 | |
Radius Health, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 5,030 | | | | 184,853 | |
Sage Therapeutics, Inc.(a) | | | 5,346 | | | | 161,075 | |
Seres Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 5,660 | | | | 164,423 | |
TESARO, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 4,168 | | | | 350,320 | |
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc.(a) | | | 4,053 | | | | 198,232 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,345,249 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–7.7% | | | | | | | | |
Align Technology, Inc.(a) | | | 7,881 | | | | 634,815 | |
DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc. | | | 5,053 | | | | 313,488 | |
DexCom, Inc.(a) | | | 7,191 | | | | 570,462 | |
Glaukos Corp.(a) | | | 7,890 | | | | 230,072 | |
Nevro Corp.(a) | | | 8,669 | | | | 639,425 | |
Penumbra, Inc.(a) | | | 3,798 | | | | 225,981 | |
Zeltiq Aesthetics, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 16,030 | | | | 438,100 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,052,343 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–5.0% | | | | | | | | |
Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.(a) | | | 8,664 | | | | 479,986 | |
Amsurg Corp.(a) | | | 7,320 | | | | 567,593 | |
Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 11,787 | | | | 412,545 | |
Premier, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | 15,026 | | | | 491,350 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,951,474 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–1.1% | | | | | | | | |
ICON PLC(a) | | | 5,932 | | | | 415,299 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–2.5% | | | | | | | | |
Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 8,760 | | | | 154,176 | |
Akorn, Inc.(a) | | | 17,807 | | | | 507,233 | |
GW Pharmaceuticals PLC (ADR)(a)(b) | | | 1,658 | | | | 151,823 | |
Medicines Co. (The)(a) | | | 5,240 | | | | 176,221 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 989,453 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 8,753,818 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–22.0% | | | | | | | | |
DISTRIBUTORS–1.3% | | | | | | | | |
Pool Corp. | | | 5,397 | | | | 507,480 | |
| | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–3.1% | | | | | | | | |
2U, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 18,120 | | | | 532,909 | |
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.(a) | | | 10,415 | | | | 690,619 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,223,528 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–9.3% | | | | | | | | |
Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.(a) | | | 2,982 | | | | 414,349 | |
3
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.(a) | | | 11,517 | | | $ | 538,881 | |
Diamond Resorts International, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 22,360 | | | | 669,906 | |
Planet Fitness, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 32,008 | | | | 604,311 | |
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.–Class A | | | 12,410 | | | | 565,896 | |
Vail Resorts, Inc. | | | 3,680 | | | | 508,686 | |
Zoe’s Kitchen, Inc.(a) | | | 10,445 | | | | 378,840 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,680,869 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Tempur Sealy International, Inc.(a) | | | 6,257 | | | | 346,137 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MEDIA–2.3% | | | | | | | | |
IMAX Corp.(a) | | | 13,035 | | | | 384,272 | |
National CineMedia, Inc. | | | 34,030 | | | | 526,784 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 911,056 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–1.1% | | | | | | | | |
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.(a) | | | 16,852 | | | | 419,446 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–4.0% | | | | | | | | |
Five Below, Inc.(a) | | | 14,405 | | | | 668,536 | |
Lithia Motors, Inc.–Class A | | | 6,090 | | | | 432,816 | |
Tile Shop Holdings, Inc.(a) | | | 24,970 | | | | 496,404 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,597,756 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 8,686,272 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–14.1% | | | | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.3% | | | | | | | | |
Hexcel Corp. | | | 12,574 | | | | 523,581 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–1.7% | | | | | | | | |
Dycom Industries, Inc.(a) | | | 7,473 | | | | 670,776 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.5% | | | | | | | | |
Carlisle Cos., Inc. | | | 5,365 | | | | 566,973 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MACHINERY–5.7% | | | | | | | | |
Astec Industries, Inc. | | | 2,660 | | | | 149,359 | |
IDEX Corp. | | | 6,323 | | | | 519,118 | |
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. | | | 7,429 | | | | 438,905 | |
Middleby Corp. (The)(a) | | | 3,366 | | | | 387,932 | |
Nordson Corp. | | | 3,510 | | | | 293,471 | |
RBC Bearings, Inc.(a) | | | 6,381 | | | | 462,623 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,251,408 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MARINE–1.1% | | | | | | | | |
Kirby Corp.(a) | | | 7,098 | | | | 442,844 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ROAD & RAIL–1.0% | | | | | | | | |
Genesee & Wyoming, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | 6,924 | | | | 408,170 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–1.8% | | | | | | | | |
H&E Equipment Services, Inc. | | | 23,664 | | | | 450,326 | |
SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc.(a) | | | 7,143 | | | | 242,791 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 693,117 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 5,556,869 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–5.9% | | | | | | | | |
BANKS–4.5% | | | | | | | | |
PrivateBancorp, Inc. | | | 10,253 | | | $ | 451,440 | |
Signature Bank/New York NY(a) | | | 3,534 | | | | 441,467 | |
SVB Financial Group(a) | | | 4,721 | | | | 449,250 | |
Western Alliance Bancorp(a) | | | 13,452 | | | | 439,208 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,781,365 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL MARKETS–1.4% | | | | | | | | |
Houlihan Lokey, Inc. | | | 11,980 | | | | 267,992 | |
Stifel Financial Corp.(a) | | | 8,517 | | | | 267,860 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 535,852 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,317,217 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MATERIALS–2.9% | | | | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–1.7% | | | | | | | | |
PolyOne Corp. | | | 19,202 | | | | 676,679 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS–1.2% | | | | | | | | |
Summit Materials, Inc.–Class A(a) | | | 23,248 | | | | 475,654 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,152,333 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ENERGY–2.2% | | | | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–1.5% | | | | | | | | |
Dril-Quip, Inc.(a) | | | 4,777 | | | | 279,120 | |
Oil States International, Inc.(a) | | | 9,581 | | | | 315,024 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 594,144 | |
| | | | | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–0.7% | | | | | | | | |
Matador Resources Co.(a) | | | 14,195 | | | | 281,061 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 875,205 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–1.5% | | | | | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (The)(a) | | | 21,932 | | | | 350,912 | |
| | | | | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–0.6% | | | | | | | | |
Freshpet, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 28,185 | | | | 262,966 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 613,878 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $35,354,366) | | | | | | | 38,439,148 | |
| | | | | | | | |
4
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.7% | | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–1.7% | | | | | | | | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. 0.01%, 7/01/16 (cost $652,177) | | $ | 652 | | | $ | 652,177 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned–99.0% (cost $36,006,543) | | | | | | | 39,091,325 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–9.6% | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–9.6% | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.25%(c)(d) (cost $3,815,439) | | | 3,815,439 | | | $ | 3,815,439 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–108.6% (cost $39,821,982) | | | | | | | 42,906,764 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(8.6)% | | | | | | | (3,409,240 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | $ | 39,497,524 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | | Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information. |
(c) | | Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end. |
(d) | | To obtain a copy of the fund’s financial statements, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618. |
Glossary:
ADR—American Depositary Receipt
See notes to financial statements.
5
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETS & LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $36,006,543) | | $ | 39,091,325 | (a) |
Affiliated issuers (cost $3,815,439—investment of cash collateral for securities loaned) | | | 3,815,439 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 1,023,213 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 17,138 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 10,410 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 43,957,525 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned | | | 3,815,439 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 303,911 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 218,270 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 24,749 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 11,524 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 3,720 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 112 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 82,276 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 4,460,001 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 39,497,524 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 2,429 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 27,101,607 | |
Accumulated net investment loss | | | (194,022 | ) |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 9,502,728 | |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments | | | 3,084,782 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 39,497,524 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
A | | $ | 21,786,113 | | | | 1,303,286 | | | $ | 16.72 | |
B | | $ | 17,711,411 | | | | 1,126,166 | | | $ | 15.73 | |
(a) | | Includes securities on loan with a value of $3,873,583 (see Note E). |
| | See notes to financial statements. |
6
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | | $ | 79,993 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 9,427 | |
Interest | | | 31 | |
Securities lending income | | | 31,069 | |
| | | | |
| | | 120,520 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 146,369 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 21,686 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,378 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1,104 | |
Custodian | | | 52,713 | |
Administrative | | | 24,058 | |
Audit and tax | | | 19,321 | |
Printing | | | 19,139 | |
Legal | | | 14,938 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 10,665 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 2,413 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 313,784 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note E) | | | (113 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 313,671 | |
| | | | |
Net investment loss | | | (193,151 | ) |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized loss on investment transactions | | | (1,964,320 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | 393,391 | |
| | | | |
Net loss on investment transactions | | | (1,570,929 | ) |
| | | | |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | (1,764,080 | ) |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (193,151 | ) | | $ | (654,614 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | (1,964,320 | ) | | | 12,572,660 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | 393,391 | | | | (9,669,123 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | (1,764,080 | ) | | | 2,248,923 | |
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (4,652,679 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (4,645,523 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (3,628,854 | ) | | | (35,877,934 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (5,392,934 | ) | | | (42,927,213 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 44,890,458 | | | | 87,817,671 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including accumulated net investment loss of ($194,022) and ($871), respectively) | | $ | 39,497,524 | | | $ | 44,890,458 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB 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 sixteen 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.
Effective February 1, 2013, the Portfolio was closed to new investments except that Contractholders of variable products with investment options that included the Portfolio as of January 31, 2013, may continue to purchase shares of the Portfolio in accordance with the procedures for the purchase of shares in the prospectus of the separate account in which they invest, including through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions. Effective August 10, 2015, the Portfolio reopened to new investors.
The Portfolio may (i) make additional exceptions that, in the Adviser’s judgment, do not adversely affect the Adviser’s ability to manage the Portfolio; (ii) reject any investment or refuse any exception, including those detailed above, that the Adviser believes will adversely affect its ability to manage the Portfolio; and (iii) close and/or reopen the Portfolio to new or existing Contractholders at any time.
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the 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 (the “Board”).
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services,
9
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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 Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio 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 Portfolio may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Investments in Securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common Stocks(a) | | $ | 38,439,148 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 38,439,148 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | –0 | – | | | 652,177 | | | | –0 | – | | | 652,177 | |
Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund | | | 3,815,439 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 3,815,439 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 42,254,587 | | | | 652,177 | | | | –0 | – | | | 42,906,764 | |
Other Financial Instruments(b) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total(c) | | $ | 42,254,587 | | | $ | 652,177 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 42,906,764 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications. |
(b) | | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
(c) | | There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period. |
10
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and a third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed 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 foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
4. 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.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
5. 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 the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
11
| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
6. 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 proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the 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 investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $24,058.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $569 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $22,880, of which $4 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
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 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 or 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, 2016 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 11,377,470 | | | $ | 15,905,649 | |
U.S. government securities | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
12
| | |
| | AB 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 are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 5,205,730 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (2,120,948 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 3,084,782 | |
| | | | |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
2. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated 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 other 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: Securities Lending
The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not have the right to vote on any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. Prior to June 24, 2016, such cash collateral received was invested in AB Exchange Reserves. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had securities on loan with a value of $3,873,583 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into AB Government Money Market Portfolio of $3,815,439. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $31,069, $9,204 and $223 from the borrowers, AB Exchange Reserves and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2016; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of management fee assessed by the AB Government Money Market Portfolio. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, such waiver amounted to $113. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower will fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the
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SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
loaned securities. A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Exchange Reserves for the period January 1, 2016 to June 23, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value December 31, 2015 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Transfer to AB Government Money Market Portfolio (000) | | | Market Value June 23, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 6,123 | | | $ | 22,527 | | | $ | 23,332 | | | $ | 5,318 | | | $ | 0 | |
A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of the AB Government Money Market Portfolio for the period June 24, 2016 to June 30, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value June 24, 2016 (000) | | | Transfer from AB Exchange Reserves (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Market Value June 30, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 0 | | | $ | 5,318 | | | $ | 277 | | | $ | 1,780 | | | $ | 3,815 | |
NOTE F: 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 33,658 | | | | 109,537 | | | | | | | $ | 523,288 | | | $ | 2,314,166 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | –0 | – | | | 250,009 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 4,652,679 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (176,700 | ) | | | (251,352 | ) | | | | | | | (2,788,809 | ) | | | (5,082,439 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (143,042 | ) | | | 108,194 | | | | | | | $ | (2,265,521 | ) | | $ | 1,884,406 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 53,844 | | | | 89,296 | | | | | | | $ | 800,982 | | | $ | 1,771,592 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | –0 | – | | | 264,702 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 4,645,523 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (145,626 | ) | | | (2,124,812 | ) | | | | | | | (2,164,315 | ) | | | (44,179,455 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (91,782 | ) | | | (1,770,814 | ) | | | | | | $ | (1,363,333 | ) | | $ | (37,762,340 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.
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. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
14
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2016.
NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2016 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Net long-term capital gains | | $ | 9,298,202 | | | $ | 8,844,935 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions paid | | $ | 9,298,202 | | | $ | 8,844,935 | |
| | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed net capital gain | | $ | 12,365,956 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 1,791,613 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 14,157,569 | |
| | | | |
(a) | | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.
NOTE J: New Accounting Pronouncement
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2015-07 (the “ASU”) which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The ASU also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient but do not utilize that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
NOTE K: Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.
15
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| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $17.31 | | | | $20.97 | | | | $23.47 | | | | $18.96 | | | | $17.09 | | | | $16.36 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (a) | | | (.07 | )(b) | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.15 | ) | | | (.21 | ) | | | (.12 | ) | | | (.15 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | (.52 | ) | | | .18 | | | | (.30 | ) | | | 8.30 | | | | 2.69 | | | | .88 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | (.59 | ) | | | (.01 | ) | | | (.45 | ) | | | 8.09 | | | | 2.57 | | | | .73 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | –0 | – | | | (3.65 | ) | | | (2.05 | ) | | | (3.58 | ) | | | (.70 | ) | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $16.72 | | | | $17.31 | | | | $20.97 | | | | $23.47 | | | | $18.96 | | | | $17.09 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | | (3.41 | )%* | | | (1.25 | )%* | | | (1.81 | )%* | | | 45.66 | %* | | | 15.02 | % | | | 4.46 | %* |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $21,787 | | | | $25,033 | | | | $28,055 | | | | $33,510 | | | | $27,479 | | | | $29,369 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.50 | %^ | | | 1.31 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.17 | % | | | 1.18 | % | | | 1.18 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.50 | %^ | | | 1.31 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.17 | % | | | 1.18 | % | | | 1.18 | % |
Net investment loss | | | (.88 | )%^(b) | | | (.92 | )% | | | (.67 | )% | | | (.96 | )% | | | (.64 | )% | | | (.85 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 29 | % | | | 72 | % | | | 84 | % | | | 81 | % | | | 105 | % | | | 92 | % |
See footnote summary on page 17.
16
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $16.30 | | | | $20.00 | | | | $22.54 | | | | $18.36 | | | | $16.61 | | | | $15.94 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss (a) | | | (.08 | )(b) | | | (.22 | ) | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.25 | ) | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.19 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | (.49 | ) | | | .17 | | | | (.30 | ) | | | 8.01 | | | | 2.61 | | | | .86 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | (.57 | ) | | | (.05 | ) | | | (.49 | ) | | | 7.76 | | | | 2.45 | | | | .67 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | –0 | – | | | (3.65 | ) | | | (2.05 | ) | | | (3.58 | ) | | | (.70 | ) | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $15.73 | | | | $16.30 | | | | $20.00 | | | | $22.54 | | | | $18.36 | | | | $16.61 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | | (3.50 | )%* | | | (1.53 | )%* | | | (2.08 | )%* | | | 45.33 | %* | | | 14.73 | % | | | 4.20 | %* |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $17,711 | | | | $19,857 | | | | $59,763 | | | | $38,128 | | | | $26,450 | | | | $29,665 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.75 | %^ | | | 1.48 | % | | | 1.34 | % | | | 1.43 | % | | | 1.43 | % | | | 1.43 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.75 | %^ | | | 1.48 | % | | | 1.34 | % | | | 1.43 | % | | | 1.43 | % | | | 1.43 | % |
Net investment loss | | | (1.13 | )%^(b) | | | (1.10 | )% | | | (.89 | )% | | | (1.21 | )% | | | (.89 | )% | | | (1.11 | )% |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 29 | % | | | 72 | % | | | 84 | % | | | 81 | % | | | 105 | % | | | 92 | % |
(a) | | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | | Net of expenses waived and 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 (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions 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. |
* | | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2011 by 0.04%, 0.02%, 0.01%, 0.23% and 0.09%, respectively. |
See notes to financial statements.
17
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| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 3-5, 2016 (the “Meeting”).
Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Company’s Senior Officer (who is also the Company’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Company’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they receive presentations from the Adviser on the investment results of the Fund and review extensive materials and information presented by the Adviser.
The directors also considered all other factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. In their deliberations, the directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided
The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.
Costs of Services Provided and Profitability
The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues, expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2014 and 2015 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.
18
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.
At the Meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 29, 2016 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) the period since inception. Based on their review, and their discussion with the Adviser of the reasons for the Fund’s underperformance in certain periods, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by Broadridge concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same Broadridge category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors considered the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate against a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.
The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for institutional clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Company’s Senior Officer and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors noted that the Adviser advises another AB Fund with a substantially similar investment style for the same fee schedule as the Fund.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.
The directors noted that the Fund may invest in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), subject to the restrictions and limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as these may be varied as a result of exemptive orders issued by the SEC. The directors also noted that ETFs pay advisory fees pursuant to their advisory contracts, and that the Adviser had provided, and they had reviewed, information about the expense ratios of the relevant ETFs. The directors concluded, based on the Adviser’s explanation of how it may use ETFs when they are the most cost-effective way to obtain desired exposures for a fund or to temporarily “equitize” cash inflows pending purchases of underlying securities, that the advisory fee for the Fund would be paid for services that would be in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided under the advisory contracts of the ETFs.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s Broadridge category were
19
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SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
20
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| | |
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AB 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 AB Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AB 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. |
These factors, with the exception of the first factor, are generally referred to as the “Gartenberg factors,” which were articulated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1982. Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc., 694 F. 2d 923 (2d Cir. 1982). The first factor is an additional factor required to be considered by the AoD. On March 30, 2010, the Supreme Court held the Gartenberg decision was correct in its basic formulation of what Section 36(b) requires: to face liability under Section 36(b), “an investment adviser must charge a fee that is so disproportionately large that it bears no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and could not have been the product of arm’s length bargaining.”Jones v. Harris Associates L.P., 130 S. Ct. 1418 (2010). In the Jones decision, the Court stated the Gartenberg approach fully incorporates the correct understanding of fiduciary duty within the context of Section 36(b) and noted with approval that “Gartenberg insists that all relevant circumstances be taken into account” and “uses the range of fees that might result from arm’s-length bargaining as the benchmark for reviewing challenged fees.”3
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, NET ASSETS & EXPENSE RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets
3/31/16
($MIL) | |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | Growth | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion 0.65% on next $2.5 billion 0.60% on the balance | | $ | 39.7 | |
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 $50,834 (0.079% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
1 | | The information in the fee summary was completed on April 21, 2016 and discussed with the Board of Directors on May 3-5, 2016. |
2 | | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AB.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | | Jones v. Harris at 1427. |
21
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SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 1.31% | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.48% | | |
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, the Adviser is reimbursed for providing some of these services. 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. 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, the Supreme Court has indicated consideration should be given to the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In addition to the AB Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AB Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio based on March 31, 2016 net assets:5
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 3/31/16 ($MIL) | | AB Institutional Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | $39.7 | | U.S. Small Cap Growth Schedule 1.00% on first $50m 0.85% on the next $50m 0.75% on the balance Minimum account size $25m | | | 1.000 | % | | | 0.750 | % |
4 | | The Supreme Court stated that “courts may give such comparisons the weight that they merit in light of the similarities and differences between the services that the clients in question require, but the courts must be wary of inapt comparisons.” Among the significant differences the Supreme Court noted that may exist between services provided to mutual funds and institutional accounts are “higher marketing costs.” Jones v. Harris at 1428. |
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. |
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser also manages AB Cap Fund, Inc.—Small Cap Growth Portfolio (“Cap Fund, Inc.—Small Cap Growth Portfolio”), a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of Cap Fund, Inc.—Small Cap Growth Portfolio. Since the Portfolio has an identical fee schedule to Cap Fund, Inc.—Small Cap Growth Portfolio, the effective fee of the Portfolio is the same as that of Cap Fund, Inc.—Small Cap Growth Portfolio.6
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AB Mutual Fund | | Fee Schedule | | ABMF Effective Fee | |
Small-Cap Growth Portfolio | | 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 | % |
The Adviser provides sub-advisory services to certain other investment companies managed by other fund families. The Adviser charges the fees set forth below for the sub-advisory relationships that have a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio. Also shown are the Portfolio’s advisory fee and what would have been the effective advisory fees of the Portfolio had the fee schedules of the sub-advisory relationships been applicable to the Portfolio based on March 31, 2016 net assets.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Sub-Advised Fund | | Fee Schedule | | Effective Sub-Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Adv. Fee | |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | Client #17,8 | | 0.60% on first $1 billion 0.55% on next $500 million 0.50% on next $500 million 0.45% on next $500 million 0.40% on the balance | | | 0.600% | | | | 0.750% | |
| | | | |
| | Client #27 | | 0.55% of average daily net assets | | | 0.550% | | | | 0.750% | |
| | | | |
| | Client #3 | | 0.65% on 1st $25 million 0.60% on next $75 million 0.55% on the balance | | | 0.631% | | | | 0.750% | |
| | | | |
| | Client #4 | | 0.45% of average daily net assets | | | 0.450% | | | | 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 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.
While it appears that the sub-advisory relationships are paying a lower fee than the Portfolio, it is difficult to evaluate the relevance of such lower fees due to differences in terms of the services provided, risks involved and other competitive factors between the Portfolio and the sub-advisory relationships. There could be various business reasons why an investment adviser would be willing to provide a sub-advisory relationship investment related services at a different fee level than an investment company it is sponsoring where the investment adviser is providing all the services, not just investment management, generally required by a registered investment company.
6 | | The retail mutual fund was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG. As a result, the Portfolio has an identical advisory fee schedule as the retail mutual fund. |
7 | | The client is an affiliate of the Adviser. |
8 | | Assets are aggregated with other client portfolios for purposes of calculating the investment advisory fee. |
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SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), 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.9,10 Broadridge’s analysis included the comparison of the Portfolio’s contractual management fee, estimated at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio, to the median of the Portfolio’s Broadridge Expense Group (“EG”)11 and the Fund’s contractual management fee ranking.12
Broadridge describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Broadridge’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, Lipper investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee (%)13 | | | Broadridge
EG Median (%) | | | Broadridge EG Rank | |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | | 0.750 | | | | 0.862 | | | | 1/13 | |
Broadridge also compared the Portfolio’s total expense ratio to the medians of the Portfolio’s EG and Broadridge Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classifications/objective and load type as the subject Portfolio.14
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)15 | | | Broadridge EG Median (%) | | | Broadridge Group Rank | | | Broadridge EU Median (%) | | | Broadridge EU Rank | |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | | 1.310 | | | | 0.990 | | | | 13/13 | | | | 0.936 | | | | 34/34 | |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on contractual management fee basis than they do 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.
9 | | The Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since “these comparisons are problematic because these fees, like those challenged, may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length.” Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
10 | | On June 5, 2015, Broadridge acquired the Fiduciary Services and Competitive Intelligence unit, i.e., the group responsible for providing the Portfolio’s 15(c) reports, from Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. The group that maintains Lipper’s expense and performance databases and investment classification/objective remains a part of Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. Accordingly, the Portfolio’s investment classification/objective continued to be determined by Lipper. |
11 | | Broadridge 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. There are limitations to Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
12 | | The contractual management fee is calculated by Broadridge using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at the 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. Broadridge’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Broadridge peer group. |
13 | | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Portfolio to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. |
14 | | Except for asset (size) comparability, Broadridge uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
15 | | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
24
| | |
| | AB 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 2015, relative to 2014.
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”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, 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, 2015, ABI received $91,109 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the Adviser incurred distribution expenses in the amount of $203,086 in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. This expense amount incurred by ABI is partially offset by the 12b-1 fees paid by the Portfolio.
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. With respect to the Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund not discussed in this summary, ABI paid approximately $400,000 in 2015 and expects to pay approximately $450,000 in 2016 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $1,262 from the Portfolio.16
The Portfolio effected brokerage transactions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) and/or its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” and paid commissions 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. 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 pricing to scale, breakpoints, fee reductions/waivers and enhancement to services.
In May 2012, an independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors information on the Adviser’s firm-wide average costs from 2005 through 2011 and the potential economies of scale. The independent consultant noted that from 2005 through 2007 the Adviser experienced significant growth in assets under management (“AUM”). During this period, operating expenses increased, in part to keep up with growth, and in part reflecting market returns. However, from 2008 through the first quarter of 2009, AUM rapidly and significantly decreased due to declines in market value and client withdrawals. When AUM rapidly decreased, some operating expenses categories, including base
16 | | The Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund paid ABIS a fee of $18,000 in 2015. |
25
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SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
compensation and office space, adjusted more slowly during this period, resulting in an increase in average costs. Since 2009, AUM has experienced less significant changes. The independent consultant noted that changes in operating expenses reflect changes in business composition and business practices in response to changes in financial markets. Finally, the independent consultant concluded that the increase in average cost and the decline in net operating margin across the Adviser since late 2008 are inconsistent with the view that there are currently reductions in average costs due to economies of scale that can be shared with the AB Mutual Funds managed by the Adviser through lower fees.
In February 2008, the independent consultant provided the Board of Directors an update of Deli’s study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics.17,18 The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors.19 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 also compared the advisory fees of the AB 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.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $479 billion as of March 31, 2016, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information prepared by Broadridge shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio20 relative to its Broadridge Performance Group (“PG”) and Broadridge Performance Universe (“PU”)21 for the periods ended February 29, 2016.22
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio (%) | | | PG Median (%) | | | PU Median (%) | | | PG Rank | | | PU Rank | |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1 year | | | –19.21 | | | | –17.98 | | | | –15.74 | | | | 9/13 | | | | 30/39 | |
3 year | | | 4.60 | | | | 7.46 | | | | 6.50 | | | | 7/11 | | | | 25/36 | |
5 year | | | 6.28 | | | | 6.36 | | | | 6.63 | | | | 7/11 | | | | 19/34 | |
10 year | | | 5.86 | | | | 6.26 | | | | 5.86 | | | | 6/9 | | | | 16/31 | |
17 | | The Deli study, originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data and updated for the February 2008 Presentation, may be of diminished value due to the age of the data used in the presentation and the changes experienced in the industry over the last four years. Source: Deli, Daniel N. “Mutual Fund Advisory Contracts: An Empirical Investigation.” Journal of Finance, 57(1): 109-133 (2002). |
18 | | As mentioned previously, the Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since the fees may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length. See Jones V. Harris at 1429. |
19 | | The two dimensional analysis 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. |
20 | | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. The Portfolio’s performance returns shown were provided by Broadridge. |
21 | | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s respective EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s EU as the criteria for including/excluding a fund from a PU is somewhat different from that of an EU. |
22 | | 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
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)23 versus its benchmark.24 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.25
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending February 29, 2016 Annualized Performance | |
| | 1 Year (%) | | | 3 Year (%) | | | 5 Year (%) | | | 10 Year (%) | | | Since Inception (%) | | | Annualized | | | Risk Period (Year) | |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | | Sharpe (%) | | |
Small Cap Growth Portfolio | | | –19.22 | | | | 4.60 | | | | 6.28 | | | | 5.86 | | | | 5.32 | | | | 21.45 | | | | 0.32 | | | | 10 | |
Russell 2000 Growth Index | | | –16.65 | | | | 7.05 | | | | 6.90 | | | | 5.72 | | | | 5.66 | | | | 19.45 | | | | 0.37 | | | | 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. The Senior Officer noted that the Portfolio had a relatively high total expense ratio compared to its Broadridge peers, and recommended that the Directors consider discussing with the Adviser possible actions to reduce the Portfolio’s total expense ratio. 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 2, 2016
23 | | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
24 | | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through February 29, 2016. |
25 | | 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. The 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 viewed 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
VPS-SCG-0152-0616
JUN 06.30.16
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS
SERIES FUND, INC.
+ | | SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO |
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited) | | AB 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 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 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2016 | | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2016 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,054.40 | | | $ | 4.24 | | | | 0.83 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,020.74 | | | $ | 4.17 | | | | 0.83 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,053.10 | | | $ | 5.51 | | | | 1.08 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual 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
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS* | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Southwest Gas Corp. | | $ | 10,322,030 | | | | 1.8 | % |
Westar Energy, Inc. | | | 9,701,046 | | | | 1.6 | |
Gramercy Property Trust | | | 9,486,034 | | | | 1.6 | |
Gulfport Energy Corp. | | | 9,253,585 | | | | 1.6 | |
QEP Resources, Inc. | | | 9,246,583 | | | | 1.6 | |
Ingredion, Inc. | | | 9,092,864 | | | | 1.5 | |
Helmerich & Payne, Inc. | | | 8,906,137 | | | | 1.5 | |
NCR Corp. | | | 8,787,261 | | | | 1.5 | |
Oshkosh Corp. | | | 8,761,464 | | | | 1.5 | |
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. | | | 8,737,872 | | | | 1.5 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 92,294,876 | | | | 15.7 | % |
SECTOR BREAKDOWN†
June 30, 2016 (unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 129,653,565 | | | | 22.4 | % |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 109,478,549 | | | | 18.9 | |
Information Technology | | | 106,025,717 | | | | 18.3 | |
Industrials | | | 91,279,275 | | | | 15.8 | |
Energy | | | 47,104,101 | | | | 8.2 | |
Utilities | | | 28,683,903 | | | | 5.0 | |
Health Care | | | 26,814,181 | | | | 4.6 | |
Materials | | | 17,584,890 | | | | 3.0 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 9,092,864 | | | | 1.6 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 12,788,397 | | | | 2.2 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 578,505,442 | | | | 100.0 | % |
† | | The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. |
Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.
2
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–96.1% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–22.0% | | | | | | | | |
BANKS–9.0% | | | | | | | | |
Associated Banc-Corp. | | | 328,170 | | | $ | 5,628,115 | |
Comerica, Inc. | | | 185,020 | | | | 7,609,873 | |
First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. | | | 357,060 | | | | 3,477,764 | |
Fulton Financial Corp. | | | 407,060 | | | | 5,495,310 | |
Huntington Bancshares, Inc./OH | | | 864,000 | | | | 7,724,160 | |
Synovus Financial Corp. | | | 162,650 | | | | 4,715,224 | |
Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.(a) | | | 99,470 | | | | 4,651,217 | |
Webster Financial Corp. | | | 186,362 | | | | 6,326,990 | |
Zions Bancorporation | | | 299,900 | | | | 7,536,487 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 53,165,140 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER FINANCE–0.6% | | | | | | | | |
OneMain Holdings, Inc.(a) | | | 152,820 | | | | 3,487,352 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INSURANCE–7.1% | | | | | | | | |
American Financial Group, Inc./OH | | | 96,180 | | | | 7,110,587 | |
CNO Financial Group, Inc. | | | 228,440 | | | | 3,988,562 | |
First American Financial Corp. | | | 202,270 | | | | 8,135,300 | |
Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (The) | | | 82,020 | | | | 6,940,532 | |
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.–Class A | | | 74,840 | | | | 7,258,732 | |
Validus Holdings Ltd. | | | 176,922 | | | | 8,596,640 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 42,030,353 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITs)–4.0% | | | | | | | | |
DDR Corp. | | | 304,750 | | | | 5,528,165 | |
Gramercy Property Trust | | | 1,028,854 | | | | 9,486,034 | |
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | | | 80,270 | | | | 8,540,728 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 23,554,927 | |
| | | | | | | | |
THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–1.3% | | | | | | | | |
Essent Group Ltd.(a) | | | 340,018 | | | | 7,415,793 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 129,653,565 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–18.6% | | | | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–2.6% | | | | | | | | |
Dana Holding Corp. | | | 400,260 | | | | 4,226,746 | |
Lear Corp. | | | 55,910 | | | | 5,689,401 | |
Tenneco, Inc.(a) | | | 118,530 | | | | 5,524,683 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 15,440,830 | |
| | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–0.6% | | | | | | | | |
Sotheby’s(b) | | | 137,985 | | | | 3,780,789 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–2.2% | | | | | | | | |
Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. | | | 448,679 | | | | 8,017,894 | |
Brinker International, Inc. | | | 112,464 | | | | 5,120,486 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 13,138,380 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–3.2% | | | | | | | | |
Helen of Troy Ltd.(a) | | | 47,090 | | | $ | 4,842,736 | |
Meritage Homes Corp.(a) | | | 166,740 | | | | 6,259,420 | |
PulteGroup, Inc. | | | 379,560 | | | | 7,397,624 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 18,499,780 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INTERNET & CATALOG RETAIL–0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Shutterfly, Inc.(a) | | | 112,630 | | | | 5,249,684 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MEDIA–2.3% | | | | | | | | |
Regal Entertainment Group–Class A(b) | | | 330,850 | | | | 7,291,934 | |
Scholastic Corp. | | | 150,930 | | | | 5,978,337 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 13,270,271 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–1.2% | | | | | | | | |
Big Lots, Inc. | | | 143,170 | | | | 7,174,249 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–4.4% | | | | | | | | |
Caleres, Inc. | | | 218,770 | | | | 5,296,422 | |
Children’s Place, Inc. (The) | | | 106,529 | | | | 8,541,495 | |
Michaels Cos., Inc. (The)(a) | | | 254,040 | | | | 7,224,898 | |
Office Depot, Inc.(a) | | | 1,435,810 | | | | 4,752,531 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 25,815,346 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–1.2% | | | | | | | | |
Crocs, Inc.(a) | | | 630,250 | | | | 7,109,220 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 109,478,549 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–18.0% | | | | | | | | |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–3.0% | | | | | | | | |
Finisar Corp.(a) | | | 442,330 | | | | 7,745,198 | |
Infinera Corp.(a) | | | 332,920 | | | | 3,755,338 | |
Polycom, Inc.(a) | | | 528,180 | | | | 5,942,025 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 17,442,561 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–5.2% | | | | | | | | |
Anixter International, Inc.(a) | | | 135,550 | | | | 7,222,104 | |
CDW Corp./DE | | | 177,710 | | | | 7,122,617 | |
Keysight Technologies, Inc.(a) | | | 214,280 | | | | 6,233,405 | |
TTM Technologies, Inc.(a) | | | 507,579 | | | | 3,822,070 | |
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. | | | 516,600 | | | | 6,400,674 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 30,800,870 | |
| | | | | | | | |
IT SERVICES–3.5% | | | | | | | | |
Amdocs Ltd. | | | 135,630 | | | | 7,828,563 | |
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. | | | 294,800 | | | | 8,737,872 | |
Genpact Ltd.(a) | | | 139,740 | | | | 3,750,622 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 20,317,057 | |
| | | | | | | | |
3
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–3.6% | | | | | | | | |
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 550,350 | | | $ | 2,828,799 | |
Cypress Semiconductor Corp.(b) | | | 770,940 | | | | 8,133,417 | |
Lam Research Corp.(b) | | | 41,430 | | | | 3,482,606 | |
Qorvo, Inc.(a) | | | 126,180 | | | | 6,972,707 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 21,417,529 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SOFTWARE–1.2% | | | | | | | | |
Verint Systems, Inc.(a) | | | 219,150 | | | | 7,260,439 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–1.5% | | | | | | | | |
NCR Corp.(a) | | | 316,430 | | | | 8,787,261 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 106,025,717 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–15.5% | | | | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–2.0% | | | | | | | | |
B/E Aerospace, Inc. | | | 145,900 | | | | 6,736,933 | |
Esterline Technologies Corp.(a) | | | 81,610 | | | | 5,063,084 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 11,800,017 | |
| | | | | | | | |
AIRLINES–0.4% | | | | | | | | |
SkyWest, Inc. | | | 93,791 | | | | 2,481,710 | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–1.3% | | | | | | | | |
ABM Industries, Inc. | | | 206,370 | | | | 7,528,378 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–5.0% | | | | | | | | |
AECOM(a) | | | 254,355 | | | | 8,080,858 | |
EMCOR Group, Inc. | | | 127,740 | | | | 6,292,472 | |
Granite Construction, Inc. | | | 80,860 | | | | 3,683,173 | |
Quanta Services, Inc.(a) | | | 306,470 | | | | 7,085,587 | |
Tutor Perini Corp.(a) | | | 177,760 | | | | 4,186,248 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 29,328,338 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.7% | | | | | | | | |
Regal Beloit Corp. | | | 79,640 | | | | 4,384,182 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MACHINERY–2.5% | | | | | | | | |
ITT, Inc. | | | 185,360 | | | | 5,927,813 | |
Oshkosh Corp. | | | 183,640 | | | | 8,761,464 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 14,689,277 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ROAD & RAIL–1.5% | | | | | | | | |
Ryder System, Inc. | | | 72,620 | | | | 4,439,987 | |
Werner Enterprises, Inc. | | | 181,980 | | | | 4,180,080 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 8,620,067 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–2.1% | | | | | | | | |
MRC Global, Inc.(a) | | | 614,750 | | | | 8,735,598 | |
WESCO International, Inc.(a) | | | 72,086 | | | | 3,711,708 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 12,447,306 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 91,279,275 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
ENERGY–8.0% | | | | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–3.8% | | | | | | | | |
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.(b) | | | 132,670 | | | $ | 8,906,137 | |
Oil States International, Inc.(a) | | | 195,070 | | | | 6,413,901 | |
RPC, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 451,430 | | | | 7,010,708 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 22,330,746 | |
| | | | | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–4.2% | | | | | | | | |
Gulfport Energy Corp.(a) | | | 296,020 | | | | 9,253,585 | |
QEP Resources, Inc. | | | 524,480 | | | | 9,246,583 | |
Synergy Resources Corp.(a) | | | 941,920 | | | | 6,273,187 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 24,773,355 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 47,104,101 | |
| | | | | | | | |
UTILITIES–4.9% | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–3.1% | | | | | | | | |
PNM Resources, Inc. | | | 244,380 | | | | 8,660,827 | |
Westar Energy, Inc. | | | 172,955 | | | | 9,701,046 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 18,361,873 | |
| | | | | | | | |
GAS UTILITIES–1.8% | | | | | | | | |
Southwest Gas Corp. | | | 131,140 | | | | 10,322,030 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 28,683,903 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–4.6% | | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–3.4% | | | | | | | | |
LifePoint Health, Inc.(a) | | | 99,525 | | | | 6,505,949 | |
Molina Healthcare, Inc.(a) | | | 146,880 | | | | 7,329,312 | |
WellCare Health Plans, Inc.(a) | | | 55,070 | | | | 5,907,910 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 19,743,171 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–1.2% | | | | | | | | |
ICON PLC(a) | | | 101,000 | | | | 7,071,010 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 26,814,181 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MATERIALS–3.0% | | | | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–1.7% | | | | | | | | |
A. Schulman, Inc. | | | 72,936 | | | | 1,781,097 | |
Huntsman Corp. | | | 397,790 | | | | 5,350,276 | |
Ingevity Corp.(a) | | | 75,654 | | | | 2,575,262 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 9,706,635 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–1.3% | | | | | | | | |
Graphic Packaging Holding Co. | | | 628,250 | | | | 7,878,255 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 17,584,890 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–1.5% | | | | | | | | |
FOOD PRODUCTS–1.5% | | | | | | | | |
Ingredion, Inc. | | | 70,264 | | | | 9,092,864 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $503,444,951) | | | | | | | 565,717,045 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Amount (000) | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–2.2% | | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–2.2% | | | | | | | | |
State Street Time Deposit 0.01%, 7/01/16 (cost $12,788,397) | | $ | 12,788 | | | | 12,788,397 | |
| | | | | | | | |
4
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned–98.3% (cost $516,233,348) | | | | | | $ | 578,505,442 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–6.6% | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–6.6% | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.25%(c)(d) (cost $39,002,562) | | | 39,002,562 | | | | 39,002,562 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–104.9% (cost $555,235,910) | | | | | | | 617,508,004 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(4.9)% | | | | | | | (29,085,288 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | $ | 588,422,716 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | | Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information. |
(c) | | Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end. |
(d) | | To obtain a copy of the fund’s financial statements, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618. |
See notes to financial statements.
5
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF ASSETS & LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $516,233,348) | | $ | 578,505,442 | (a) |
Affiliated issuers (cost $39,002,562—investment of cash collateral for securities loaned) | | | 39,002,562 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 12,252,229 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 3,459,641 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 740,654 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 633,960,528 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned | | | 39,002,562 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 5,813,567 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 364,829 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 156,050 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 80,867 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 11,524 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 112 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 108,301 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 45,537,812 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 588,422,716 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 32,484 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 480,619,460 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 4,254,724 | |
Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 41,243,954 | |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments | | | 62,272,094 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 588,422,716 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
A | | $ | 197,206,792 | | | | 10,817,415 | | | $ | 18.23 | |
B | | $ | 391,215,924 | | | | 21,666,605 | | | $ | 18.06 | |
(a) | | Includes securities on loan with a value of $39,267,139 (see Note E). |
See notes to financial statements.
6
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | | $ | 4,220,026 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 42,947 | |
Interest | | | 569 | |
Securities lending income | | | 72,811 | |
| | | | |
| | | 4,336,353 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 2,113,770 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 470,366 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 1,195 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 2,399 | |
Custodian | | | 64,003 | |
Printing | | | 54,807 | |
Legal | | | 25,446 | |
Administrative | | | 24,058 | |
Audit and tax | | | 21,357 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 10,665 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 10,076 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 2,798,142 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note E) | | | (785 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 2,797,357 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 1,538,996 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 7,801,065 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | 20,130,814 | |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment transactions | | | 27,931,879 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 29,470,875 | |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 1,538,996 | | | $ | 2,465,450 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 7,801,065 | | | | 35,036,368 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | 20,130,814 | | | | (72,068,219 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | 29,470,875 | | | | (34,566,401 | ) |
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (1,618,764 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (2,200,891 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (32,902,934 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (67,713,766 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (19,310,967 | ) | | | 58,207,721 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | 10,159,908 | | | | (80,795,035 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 578,262,808 | | | | 659,057,843 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $4,254,724 and $2,715,728, respectively) | | $ | 588,422,716 | | | $ | 578,262,808 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
8
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AB Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB 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 sixteen 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 (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the 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 (the “Board”).
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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 Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign
9
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Investments in Securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common Stocks(a) | | $ | 565,717,045 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 565,717,045 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | –0 | – | | | 12,788,397 | | | | –0 | – | | | 12,788,397 | |
Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund | | | 39,002,562 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 39,002,562 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 604,719,607 | | | | 12,788,397 | | | | –0 | – | | | 617,508,004 | |
Other Financial Instruments(b) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total(c) | | $ | 604,719,607 | | | $ | 12,788,397 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 617,508,004 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications. |
(b) | | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
(c) | | There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period. |
The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
10
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and a third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed 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 foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
4. 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.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
5. 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 the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. 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 proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
11
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the 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 (the “Expense Caps”) to 1.20% and 1.45% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.
Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $24,058.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $569 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $372,691, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
NOTE C: Distribution 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 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 or 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, 2016 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 168,028,085 | | | $ | 197,436,895 | |
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 | | $ | 87,826,795 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (25,554,701 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 62,272,094 | |
| | | | |
12
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
2. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated 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 other 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: Securities Lending
The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not have the right to vote on any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. Prior to June 24, 2016, such cash collateral received was invested in AB Exchange Reserves. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had securities on loan with a value of $39,267,139 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into AB Government Money Market Portfolio of $39,002,562. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $72,811, $41,319 and $1,628 from the borrowers, AB Exchange Reserves and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2016; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of management fee assessed by the AB Government Money Market Portfolio. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, such waiver amounted to $785. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower will fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Exchange Reserves for the period January 1, 2016 to June 23, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value December 31, 2015 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Transfer to AB Government Money Market Portfolio (000) | | | Market Value June 23, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 29,810 | | | $ | 113,560 | | | $ | 105,314 | | | $ | 38,056 | | | $ | 0 | |
13
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Government Money Market Portfolio for the period June 24, 2016 to June 30, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value June 24, 2016 (000) | | | Transfer from AB Exchange Reserves (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Market Value June 30, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 0 | | | $ | 38,056 | | | $ | 4,322 | | | $ | 3,375 | | | $ | 39,003 | |
NOTE F: 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
Class A | |
Shares sold | | | 604,521 | | | | 1,054,614 | | | | | | | $ | 10,556,319 | | | $ | 21,464,138 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | 1,883,344 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 34,521,698 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (855,794 | ) | | | (1,512,726 | ) | | | | | | | (14,734,200 | ) | | | (30,568,014 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (251,273 | ) | | | 1,425,232 | | | | | | | $ | (4,177,881 | ) | | $ | 25,417,822 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | |
Shares sold | | | 1,222,270 | | | | 1,448,952 | | | | | | | $ | 21,300,628 | | | $ | 28,947,051 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | 3,843,577 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 69,914,657 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (2,118,241 | ) | | | (3,259,605 | ) | | | | | | | (36,433,714 | ) | | | (66,071,809 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (895,971 | ) | | | 2,032,924 | | | | | | | $ | (15,133,086 | ) | | $ | 32,789,899 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce its returns.
Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.
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. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2016.
14
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2016 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 9,743,708 | | | $ | 14,929,994 | |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 94,692,647 | | | | 64,204,538 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | $ | 104,436,355 | | | $ | 79,134,532 | |
| | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 3,679,130 | |
Undistributed net capital gain | | | 33,863,712 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 40,757,056 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 78,299,898 | |
| | | | |
(a) | | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.
NOTE J: New Accounting Pronouncement
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2015-07 (the “ASU”) which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The ASU also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient but do not utilize that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
NOTE K: Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.
15
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| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $17.29 | | | | $21.95 | | | | $22.89 | | | | $17.67 | | | | $15.46 | | | | $16.95 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | | .06 | (b) | | | .11 | | | | .17 | | | | .16 | | | | .13 | | | | .09 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | .88 | | | | (1.11 | ) | | | 1.82 | | | | 6.41 | | | | 2.72 | | | | (1.50 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .94 | | | | (1.00 | ) | | | 1.99 | | | | 6.57 | | | | 2.85 | | | | (1.41 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.17 | ) | | | (.17 | ) | | | (.13 | ) | | | (.10 | ) | | | (.08 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | –0 | – | | | (3.49 | ) | | | (2.76 | ) | | | (1.22 | ) | | | (.54 | ) | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | |
| –0
| –
| | | (3.66 | ) | | | (2.93 | ) | | | (1.35 | ) | | | (.64 | ) | | | (.08 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $18.23 | | | | $17.29 | | | | $21.95 | | | | $22.89 | | | | $17.67 | | | | $15.46 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | | 5.44 | % | | | (5.49 | )% | | | 9.20 | % | | | 38.06 | %* | | | 18.75 | % | | | (8.39 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $197,207 | | | | $191,388 | | | | $211,680 | | | | $217,146 | | | | $156,832 | | | | $151,754 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | .83 | %^ | | | .82 | % | | | .82 | % | | | .81 | % | | | .82 | % | | | .83 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | .83 | %^ | | | .82 | % | | | .82 | % | | | .81 | % | | | .82 | % | | | .83 | % |
Net investment income | | | .71 | %^(b) | | | .56 | % | | | .75 | % | | | .77 | % | | | .75 | % | | | .56 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 30 | % | | | 42 | % | | | 45 | % | | | 56 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 70 | % |
See footnote summary on page 17.
16
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $17.15 | | | | $21.79 | | | | $22.74 | | | | $17.58 | | | | $15.38 | | | | $16.87 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | | .04 | (b) | | | .06 | | | | .11 | | | | .11 | | | | .08 | | | | .05 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | .87 | | | | (1.09 | ) | | | 1.81 | | | | 6.36 | | | | 2.71 | | | | (1.50 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .91 | | | | (1.03 | ) | | | 1.92 | | | | 6.47 | | | | 2.79 | | | | (1.45 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.12 | ) | | | (.11 | ) | | | (.09 | ) | | | (.05 | ) | | | (.04 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | –0 | – | | | (3.49 | ) | | | (2.76 | ) | | | (1.22 | ) | | | (.54 | ) | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | –0 | – | | | (3.61 | ) | | | (2.87 | ) | | | (1.31 | ) | | | (.59 | ) | | | (.04 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $18.06 | | | | $17.15 | | | | $21.79 | | | | $22.74 | | | | $17.58 | | | | $15.38 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | | 5.31 | % | | | (5.69 | )% | | | 8.95 | % | | | 37.63 | %* | | | 18.47 | % | | | (8.62 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $391,216 | | | | $386,875 | | | | $447,378 | | | | $472,677 | | | | $347,784 | | | | $324,145 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.08 | %^ | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.06 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.08 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.08 | %^ | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.06 | % | | | 1.07 | % | | | 1.08 | % |
Net investment income | | | .46 | %^(b) | | | .31 | % | | | .49 | % | | | .51 | % | | | .51 | % | | | .31 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate. | | | 30 | % | | | 42 | % | | | 45 | % | | | 56 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 70 | % |
(a) | | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | | Net of expenses waived and 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 (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions 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. |
* | | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the year ended December 31, 2013 by 0.01%. |
See notes to financial statements.
17
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SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 3-5, 2016 (the “Meeting”).
Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Company’s Senior Officer (who is also the Company’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Company’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they receive presentations from the Adviser on the investment results of the Fund and review extensive materials and information presented by the Adviser.
The directors also considered all other factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. In their deliberations, the directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided
The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.
Costs of Services Provided and Profitability
The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues, expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2014 and 2015 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.
18
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.
At the Meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 29, 2016 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) the period since inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by Broadridge concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same Broadridge category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors considered the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate against a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.
The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for institutional clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Company’s Senior Officer and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors noted that the Adviser advises another AB Fund with a substantially similar investment style for the same fee schedule as the Fund.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted the effects of any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements as a result of an undertaking by the Adviser. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s Broadridge category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of
19
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
20
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| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AB 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 AB Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AB 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. |
These factors, with the exception of the first factor, are generally referred to as the “Gartenberg factors,” which were articulated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1982. Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc., 694 F. 2d 923 (2d Cir. 1982). The first factor is an additional factor required to be considered by the AoD. On March 30, 2010, the Supreme Court held the Gartenberg decision was correct in its basic formulation of what Section 36(b) requires: to face liability under Section 36(b), “an investment adviser must charge a fee that is so disproportionately large that it bears no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and could not have been the product of arm’s length bargaining.” Jones v. Harris Associates L.P., 130 S. Ct. 1418 (2010). In the Jones decision, the Court stated the Gartenberg approach fully incorporates the correct understanding of fiduciary duty within the context of Section 36(b) and noted with approval that “Gartenberg insists that all relevant circumstances be taken into account” and “uses the range of fees that might result from arm’s-length bargaining as the benchmark for reviewing challenged fees.”3
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, NET ASSETS & EXPENSE RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 3/31/16 ($MIL) |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | Specialty | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion
0.65% on next $2.5 billion 0.60% on the balance | | $591.5 |
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 $50,834 (0.008% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
1 | | The information in the fee summary was completed on April 21, 2016 and discussed with the Board of Directors on May 3-5, 2016. |
2 | | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AB.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | | Jones v. Harris at 1427. |
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SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser has agreed to waive that portion of its management fees and/or reimburse the Portfolio for that portion of its total operating expenses to the degree necessary to limit the Portfolio’s expense ratios to the amounts set forth below for the Portfolio’s fiscal year. The waiver is terminable by the Adviser upon at least 60 days’ notice prior to the Portfolio’s prospectus update. The Portfolio was operating below its expense caps during the most recently completed fiscal year; accordingly the expense limitation undertakings of the Portfolio were 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% | |
| 0.82%
|
| | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.45% | | | 1.07% | | | |
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, the Adviser is reimbursed for providing some of these services. 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. 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, the Supreme Court has indicated consideration should be given to the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In
4 | | The Supreme Court stated that “courts may give such comparisons the weight that they merit in light of the similarities and differences between the services that the clients in question require, but the courts must be wary of inapt comparisons.” Among the significant differences the Supreme Court noted that may exist between services provided to mutual funds and institutional accounts are “higher marketing costs.” Jones v. Harris at 1428. |
22
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
addition to the AB Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AB Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio based on March 31, 2016 net assets:5
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 3/31/16 ($MIL) | | | AB Institutional Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | | $591.5 | | | Small & Mid Cap Value Schedule | | | 0.584 | % | | | 0.750 | % |
| | | | | | 0.95% on first $25m | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 0.75% on the next $25m | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 0.65% on the next $50m | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 0.55% on the balance | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Minimum account size $25m | | | | | | | | |
The Adviser also manages AB Trust, Inc.—Discovery Value Fund (“Discovery Value Fund”), a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of Discovery Value Fund. Since the Portfolio’s fee schedule is identical as Discovery Value Fund, the effective fee of the Portfolio is the same as that of Discovery Value Fund.6
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AB Mutual Fund | | Fee Schedule | | ABMF Effective Fee | |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | Discovery Value Fund | | 0.75% on first $2.5 billion
0.65% on next $2.5 billion
0.60% on the balance | | | 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 the sub-advisory relationships that have a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio. Also shown are the Portfolio’s advisory fee and what would have been the effective advisory fees of the Portfolio had the fee schedules of the sub-advisory relationships been applicable to the Portfolio based on March 31, 2016 net assets.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | | | Fee Schedule | | Effective Sub-Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | Client #1 | | 0.50% on the first $250 million 0.45% on the balance | | | 0.471% | | | | 0.750% | |
| | | | |
| | Client #2 | | 0.95% on the first $10 million 0.75% on the next $40 million 0.65% on the next $50 million 0.55% on the balance | | | 0.579% | | | | 0.750% | |
| | | | |
| | Client #3 | | 0.61% on the first $150 million 0.50% on the balance | | | 0.528% | | | | 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 Portfolio by the Adviser.
While it appears that the sub-advisory relationships are paying a lower fee than the Portfolio, it is difficult to evaluate the relevance of such lower fees due to differences in terms of the services provided, risks involved and other competitive factors between the Portfolio and the sub-advisory relationships. There could be various business reasons why an investment adviser would be willing to provide a sub-advisory relationship investment related services at a different feel level than an investment company it is sponsoring where the investment adviser is providing all the services, not just investment management generally required by a registered investment company.
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 | | The retail 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 retail mutual fund. |
23
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), 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.7,8 Broadridge’s analysis included the comparison of the Portfolio’s contractual management fee, estimated at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio, to the median of the Portfolio’s Broadridge Expense Group (“EG”)9 and the Fund’s contractual management fee ranking.10
Broadridge describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Broadridge’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, Lipper investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee (%)11 | | | Broadridge EG Median (%) | | | Broadridge EG Rank | |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | | 0.750 | | | | 0.853 | | | | 3/10 | |
Broadridge also compared the Portfolio’s total expense ratio to the medians of the Portfolio’s EG and Broadridge Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classifications/objective and load type as the subject Portfolio.12
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)13 | | | Broadridge EG Median (%) | | | Broadridge Group Rank | | | Broadridge EU Median (%) | | | Broadridge EU Rank | |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | | 0.815 | | | | 0.917 | | | | 4/10 | | | | 0.929 | | | | 5/18 | |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a contractual management fee basis than 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.
7 | | The Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since “these comparisons are problematic because these fees, like those challenged, may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length.” Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
8 | | On June 5, 2015, Broadridge acquired the Fiduciary Services and Competitive Intelligence unit, i.e., the group responsible for providing the Portfolio’s 15(c) reports, from Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. The group that maintains Lipper’s expense and performance databases and investment classification/objective remains a part of Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. Accordingly, the Portfolio’s investment classification/objective continued to be determined by Lipper. |
9 | | Broadridge 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. There are limitations to Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
10 | | The contractual management fee is calculated by Broadridge using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at the 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. Broadridge’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Broadridge peer group. |
11 | | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. In addition, the contractual management fee does not reflect any advisory fee waiver or expense cap that would effectively reduce the actual management fee. |
12 | | Except for asset (size) comparability, Broadridge 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
| | |
| | AB 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 2015, relative to 2014.
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”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, 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, 2015, ABI received $1,065,897 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the Adviser incurred distribution expenses in the amount of $2,174,073 in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. This expense amount incurred by ABI is partially offset by the 12b-1 fees paid by the Portfolio.
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. With respect to the Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund not discussed in this summary, ABI paid approximately $400,000 in 2015 and expects to pay approximately $450,000 in 2016 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $1,262 from the Portfolio.14
The Portfolio did not effect brokerage transactions and pay commissions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) nor its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business conducted in the future 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 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 pricing to scale, breakpoints, fee reductions/waivers and enhancement to services.
In May 2012, an independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors information on the Adviser’s firm-wide average costs from 2005 through 2011 and the potential economies of scale. The independent consultant noted that from 2005 through 2007 the Adviser experienced significant growth in assets under management (“AUM”). During this period, operating expenses increased, in part to keep up with growth, and in part reflecting market returns. However, from 2008 through the first quarter of 2009, AUM rapidly and significantly decreased due to declines in
14 | | The Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund paid ABIS a fee of $18,000 in 2015. |
25
| | |
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
market value and client withdrawals. When AUM rapidly decreased, some operating expenses categories, including base compensation and office space, adjusted more slowly during this period, resulting in an increase in average costs. Since 2009, AUM has experienced less significant changes. The independent consultant noted that changes in operating expenses reflect changes in business composition and business practices in response to changes in financial markets. Finally, the independent consultant concluded that the increase in average cost and the decline in net operating margin across the Adviser since late 2008 are inconsistent with the view that there are currently reductions in average costs due to economies of scale that can be shared with the AB Mutual Funds managed by the Adviser through lower fees.
Previously in February 2008, the independent consultant provided the Board of Directors an update of Deli’s study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics.15,16 The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors.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 also compared the advisory fees of the AB 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.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $479 billion as of March 31, 2016, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information prepared by Broadridge shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio18 relative to its Broadridge Performance Group (“PG”) and Broadridge Performance Universe (“PU”)19 for the periods ended February 29, 2016.20
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio (%) | | | PG Median (%) | | | PU Median (%) | | | PG Rank | | | PU Rank | |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1 year | | | –11.70 | | | | –12.04 | | | | –11.83 | | | | 4/10 | | | | 10/22 | |
3 year | | | 7.55 | | | | 5.92 | | | | 5.81 | | | | 2/10 | | | | 4/21 | |
5 year | | | 6.92 | | | | 6.13 | | | | 6.09 | | | | 4/10 | | | | 7/20 | |
10 year | | | 6.69 | | | | 5.22 | | | | 5.22 | | | | 2/9 | | | | 3/13 | |
15 | | The Deli study, originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data and updated for the February 2008 Presentation, may be of diminished value due to the age of the data used in the presentation and the changes experienced in the industry over the last four years. Source: Deli, Daniel N. “Mutual Fund Advisory Contracts: An Empirical Investigation.” Journal of Finance, 57(1): 109-133 (2002). |
16 | | As mentioned previously, the Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since the fees may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length. See Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
17 | | The two dimensional analysis 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. The Portfolio’s performance returns shown were provided by Broadridge. |
19 | | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s respective EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s EU as the criteria for including/excluding a fund from a PU is somewhat different from that of an EU. |
20 | | Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the fund even if the fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
26
| | |
| | AB 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 benchmarks.22 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.23
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending February 29, 2016 Annualized Performance | |
| | 1 Year (%) | | | 3 Year (%) | | | 5 Year (%) | | | 10 Year (%) | | | Since Inception (%) | | | Annualized | | | Risk Period (Year) | |
| | | | | | Volatility (%) | | | Sharpe (%) | | |
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio | | | –11.70 | | | | 7.55 | | | | 6.92 | | | | 6.69 | | | | 9.41 | | | | 20.34 | | | | 0.36 | | | | 10 | |
Russell 2500 Value Index | | | –12.06 | | | | 5.69 | | | | 6.85 | | | | 5.26 | | | | 8.17 | | | | 18.48 | | | | 0.31 | | | | 10 | |
Russell 2500 Index | | | –13.30 | | | | 6.84 | | | | 7.34 | | | | 6.02 | | | | 7.56 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | |
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 2, 2016
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 February 29, 2016. |
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. The 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 viewed 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
VPS-SMCV-0152-0616
JUN 06.30.16
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS
SERIES FUND, INC.
Investment Products Offered
| Ø | | Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
| | |
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited) | | AB 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 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 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value January 1, 2016 | | | Ending Account Value June 30, 2016 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,009.20 | | | $ | 4.40 | | | | 0.88 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,020.49 | | | $ | 4.42 | | | | 0.88 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,007.90 | | | $ | 5.64 | | | | 1.13 | % |
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,019.24 | | | $ | 5.67 | | | | 1.13 | % |
* | | 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
COMPANY | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF NET ASSETS | |
Bank of America Corp. | | $ | 3,390,989 | | | | 4.2 | % |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | | 3,311,586 | | | | 4.2 | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | 2,726,627 | | | | 3.4 | |
Oracle Corp. | | | 2,644,037 | | | | 3.3 | |
American International Group, Inc. | | | 2,541,470 | | | | 3.2 | |
Aetna, Inc. | | | 2,524,305 | | | | 3.2 | |
L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. | | | 2,297,899 | | | | 2.9 | |
Allstate Corp. (The) | | | 2,286,875 | | | | 2.9 | |
Synchrony Financial | | | 2,161,465 | | | | 2.7 | |
Capital One Financial Corp. | | | 2,136,857 | | | | 2.7 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 26,022,110 | | | | 32.7 | % |
SECTOR BREAKDOWN†
June 30, 2016 (unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
SECTOR | | U.S. $ VALUE | | | PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS | |
Financials | | $ | 20,665,834 | | | | 25.6 | % |
Information Technology | | | 12,065,494 | | | | 15.0 | |
Energy | | | 10,042,336 | | | | 12.5 | |
Health Care | | | 7,695,480 | | | | 9.5 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 7,142,930 | | | | 8.9 | |
Industrials | | | 7,099,852 | | | | 8.8 | |
Utilities | | | 5,193,247 | | | | 6.4 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 4,392,670 | | | | 5.4 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 2,536,744 | | | | 3.1 | |
Materials | | | 1,978,000 | | | | 2.5 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 1,857,925 | | | | 2.3 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | $ | 80,670,512 | | | | 100.0 | % |
† | | The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. |
Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.
2
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS–98.9% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
FINANCIALS–25.9% | | | | | | | | |
BANKS–9.6% | | | | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. | | | 255,538 | | | $ | 3,390,989 | |
Citizens Financial Group, Inc. | | | 48,249 | | | | 964,015 | |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | | 69,968 | | | | 3,311,586 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 7,666,590 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER FINANCE–7.2% | | | | | | | | |
Capital One Financial Corp. | | | 33,646 | | | | 2,136,857 | |
Discover Financial Services | | | 15,079 | | | | 808,084 | |
OneMain Holdings, Inc.(a) | | | 27,880 | | | | 636,222 | |
Synchrony Financial(a) | | | 85,501 | | | | 2,161,465 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 5,742,628 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INSURANCE–9.1% | | | | | | | | |
Allstate Corp. (The) | | | 32,693 | | | | 2,286,875 | |
American International Group, Inc. | | | 48,052 | | | | 2,541,470 | |
First American Financial Corp. | | | 17,990 | | | | 723,558 | |
FNF Group | | | 45,459 | | | | 1,704,713 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 7,256,616 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 20,665,834 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–15.1% | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–1.0% | | | | | | | | |
Keysight Technologies, Inc.(a) | | | 28,979 | | | | 842,999 | |
| | | | | | | | |
IT SERVICES–1.4% | | | | | | | | |
Xerox Corp. | | | 116,444 | | | | 1,105,054 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–4.0% | | | | | | | | |
Applied Materials, Inc. | | | 50,451 | | | | 1,209,311 | |
Intel Corp. | | | 60,938 | | | | 1,998,766 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,208,077 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SOFTWARE–4.6% | | | | | | | | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | 19,476 | | | | 996,587 | |
Oracle Corp. | | | 64,599 | | | | 2,644,037 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,640,624 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–4.1% | | | | | | | | |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. | | | 84,664 | | | | 1,546,811 | |
HP, Inc. | | | 90,948 | | | | 1,141,397 | |
NCR Corp.(a) | | | 20,905 | | | | 580,532 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,268,740 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 12,065,494 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ENERGY–12.6% | | | | | | | | |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–4.1% | | | | | | | | |
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.(b) | | | 17,919 | | | | 1,202,902 | |
Schlumberger Ltd. | | | 25,628 | | | | 2,026,662 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,229,564 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–8.5% | | | | | | | | |
Devon Energy Corp. | | | 22,845 | | | $ | 828,131 | |
EOG Resources, Inc. | | | 19,566 | | | | 1,632,196 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | 20,363 | | | | 1,908,828 | |
Hess Corp. | | | 28,112 | | | | 1,689,531 | |
Valero Energy Corp. | | | 14,786 | | | | 754,086 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 6,812,772 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 10,042,336 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE–9.7% | | | | | | | | |
BIOTECHNOLOGY–1.2% | | | | | | | | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | 10,774 | | | | 898,767 | |
| | | | | | | | |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–5.1% | | | | | | | | |
Aetna, Inc. | | | 20,669 | | | | 2,524,305 | |
Anthem, Inc. | | | 4,432 | | | | 582,099 | |
Cigna Corp. | | | 4,180 | | | | 534,999 | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | 3,036 | | | | 428,683 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,070,086 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PHARMACEUTICALS–3.4% | | | | | | | | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | 77,439 | | | | 2,726,627 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 7,695,480 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–9.0% | | | | | | | | |
AUTO COMPONENTS–4.0% | | | | | | | | |
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The) | | | 28,429 | | | | 729,488 | |
Lear Corp. | | | 10,238 | | | | 1,041,819 | |
Magna International, Inc. (New York)–Class A | | | 40,890 | | | | 1,434,012 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,205,319 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MEDIA–2.0% | | | | | | | | |
Comcast Corp.–Class A | | | 23,859 | | | | 1,555,368 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MULTILINE RETAIL–2.5% | | | | | | | | |
Dollar General Corp. | | | 21,136 | | | | 1,986,784 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SPECIALTY RETAIL–0.5% | | | | | | | | |
Office Depot, Inc.(a) | | | 119,474 | | | | 395,459 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 7,142,930 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INDUSTRIALS–8.9% | | | | | | | | |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–4.1% | | | | | | | | |
B/E Aerospace, Inc. | | | 20,663 | | | | 954,114 | |
L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. | | | 15,665 | | | | 2,297,899 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,252,013 | |
| | | | | | | | |
AIRLINES–1.5% | | | | | | | | |
Delta Air Lines, Inc. | | | 34,017 | | | | 1,239,239 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–2.1% | | | | | | | | |
Eaton Corp. PLC | | | 27,907 | | | | 1,666,885 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MACHINERY–1.2% | | | | | | | | |
ITT, Inc. | | | 29,447 | | | | 941,715 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 7,099,852 | |
| | | | | | | | |
3
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
PORTFOLIOOF INVESTMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
UTILITIES–6.5% | | | | | | | | |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES–5.0% | | | | | | | | |
American Electric Power Co., Inc. | | | 19,788 | | | $ | 1,386,941 | |
Edison International | | | 23,146 | | | | 1,797,750 | |
PPL Corp. | | | 20,577 | | | | 776,782 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 3,961,473 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MULTI-UTILITIES–1.5% | | | | | | | | |
NiSource, Inc. | | | 46,447 | | | | 1,231,774 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 5,193,247 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–5.5% | | | | | | | | |
DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–3.2% | | | | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | | 40,413 | | | | 1,746,246 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 14,264 | | | | 796,502 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 2,542,748 | |
| | | | | | | | |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.3% | | | | | | | | |
T-Mobile US, Inc.(a) | | | 42,753 | | | | 1,849,922 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 4,392,670 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CONSUMER STAPLES–3.2% | | | | | | | | |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–0.8% | | | | | | | | |
Kroger Co. (The) | | | 16,978 | | | | 624,621 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOBACCO–2.4% | | | | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | | 27,728 | | | | 1,912,123 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 2,536,744 | |
| | | | | | | | |
MATERIALS–2.5% | | | | | | | | |
CHEMICALS–2.5% | | | | | | | | |
CF Industries Holdings, Inc. | | | 46,564 | | | | 1,122,193 | |
Dow Chemical Co. (The) | | | 17,216 | | | | 855,807 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 1,978,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $72,736,880) | | | | | | | 78,812,587 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Principal Amount (000) | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–2.4% | | | | | | | | |
TIME DEPOSIT–2.4% | | | | | | | | |
State Street Time Deposit 0.01%, 7/01/16 (cost $1,857,925) | | $ | 1,858 | | | $ | 1,857,925 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned–101.3% (cost $74,594,805) | | | | | | | 80,670,512 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Shares | | | | |
INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–1.5% | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES–1.5% | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.25%(c)(d) (cost $1,214,012) | | | 1,214,012 | | | | 1,214,012 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS–102.8% (cost $75,808,817) | | | | | | | 81,884,524 | |
Other assets less liabilities–(2.8)% | | | | | | | (2,196,428 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS–100.0% | | | | | | $ | 79,688,096 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(a) | | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | | Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information. |
(c) | | Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end. |
(d) | | To obtain a copy of the fund’s financial statements, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618. |
See notes to financial statements.
4
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF ASSETS & LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
ASSETS | |
Investments in securities, at value | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $74,594,805) | | $ | 80,670,512 | (a) |
Affiliated issuers (cost $1,214,012—investment of cash collateral for securities loaned) | | | 1,214,012 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 197,306 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 104,439 | |
Receivable for capital stock sold | | | 6,177 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 82,192,446 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | |
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned | | | 1,214,012 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 1,108,607 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 36,434 | |
Payable for capital stock redeemed | | | 34,169 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 16,284 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 11,524 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 108 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 83,212 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 2,504,350 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 79,688,096 | |
| | | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | | |
Capital stock, at par | | $ | 5,645 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 84,050,234 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | 1,641,542 | |
Accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (12,085,032 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments | | | 6,075,707 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 79,688,096 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
A | | $ | 1,519,976 | | | | 106,736 | | | $ | 14.24 | |
B | | $ | 78,168,120 | | | | 5,538,402 | | | $ | 14.11 | |
(a) | | Includes securities on loan with a value of $1,202,902 (see Note E). |
See notes to financial statements.
5
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | |
Dividends | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $3,322) | | $ | 938,914 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 1,418 | |
Interest | | | 12 | |
Securities lending income | | | 5,639 | |
| | | | |
| | | 945,983 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 222,676 | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 99,560 | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 38 | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 2,241 | |
Custodian | | | 36,235 | |
Administrative | | | 24,058 | |
Printing | | | 21,876 | |
Audit and tax | | | 19,321 | |
Legal | | | 15,420 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 10,665 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 3,150 | |
| | | | |
Total expenses | | | 455,240 | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note E) | | | (26 | ) |
| | | | |
Net expenses | | | 455,214 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income | | | 490,769 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS | | | | |
Net realized loss on investment transactions | | | (1,035,779 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | 1,061,841 | |
| | | | |
Net gain on investment transactions | | | 26,062 | |
| | | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 516,831 | |
| | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
6
| | |
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
STATEMENTOF CHANGESIN NET ASSETS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 490,769 | | | $ | 1,152,200 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (1,035,779 | ) | | | 13,865,442 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | 1,061,841 | | | | (21,949,500 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | 516,831 | | | | (6,931,858 | ) |
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | –0 | – | | | (37,660 | ) |
Class B | | | –0 | – | | | (1,820,494 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (7,265,983 | ) | | | (18,965,534 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (6,749,152 | ) | | | (27,755,546 | ) |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 86,437,248 | | | | 114,192,794 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $1,641,542 and $1,150,773, respectively) | | $ | 79,688,096 | | | $ | 86,437,248 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
7
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies
The AB Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB 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 sixteen 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 (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the 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 (the “Board”).
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g. last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value. 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 Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign
8
| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
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 Portfolio may frequently value many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Investments in Securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common Stocks(a) | | $ | 78,812,587 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 78,812,587 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | –0 | – | | | 1,857,925 | | | | –0 | – | | | 1,857,925 | |
Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund | | | 1,214,012 | | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | 1,214,012 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 80,026,599 | | | | 1,857,925 | | | | –0 | – | | | 81,884,524 | |
Other Financial Instruments(b) | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total(c) | | $ | 80,026,599 | | | $ | 1,857,925 | | | $ | –0 | – | | $ | 81,884,524 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | | See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications. |
(b) | | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument. |
(c) | | There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period. |
The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.
9
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and a third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.
In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed 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 foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
4. 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.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.
5. 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 the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
10
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| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
6. 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 proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.
NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the 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 (the “Expense Caps”) to 1.20% and 1.45% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.
Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $24,058.
The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $569 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016 amounted to $46,849, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.
NOTE C: Distribution 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 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 or 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, 2016 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 29,220,990 | | | $ | 36,784,830 | |
U.S. government securities | | | –0 | – | | | –0 | – |
11
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VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB 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 are as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 9,199,767 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (3,124,060 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 6,075,707 | |
| | | | |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
2. Currency Transactions
The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated 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 other 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: Securities Lending
The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not have the right to vote on any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. Prior to June 24, 2016, such cash collateral received was invested in AB Exchange Reserves. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2016, the Portfolio had securities on loan with a value of $1,202,902 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into AB Government Money Market Portfolio of $1,214,012. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $5,639, $1,364 and $54 from the borrowers, AB Exchange Reserves and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2016; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of management fee assessed by the AB Government Money Market Portfolio. For the year ended June 30, 2016, such waiver amounted to $26. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower will fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. A sum-
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| | |
| | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
mary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of AB Exchange Reserves for the period January 1, 2016 to June 23, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value December 31, 2015 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Transfer to AB Government Money Market Portfolio (000) | | | Market Value June 23, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 1,078 | | | $ | 9,904 | | | $ | 9,714 | | | $ | 1,268 | | | $ | 0 | |
A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in shares of the AB Government Money Market Portfolio for the period June 24, 2016 to June 30, 2016 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value June 24, 2016 (000) | | | Transfer from AB Exchange Reserves (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Market Value June 30, 2016 (000) | |
$ | 0 | | | $ | 1,268 | | | $ | 67 | | | $ | 121 | | | $ | 1,214 | |
NOTE F: 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, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | | | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, 2015 | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 19,568 | | | | 2,688 | | | | | | | $ | 268,965 | | | $ | 40,938 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | –0 | – | | | 2,493 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 37,660 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (10,193 | ) | | | (40,110 | ) | | | | | | | (139,597 | ) | | | (608,137 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 9,375 | | | | (34,929 | ) | | | | | | $ | 129,368 | | | $ | (529,539 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 113,452 | | | | 265,248 | | | | | | | $ | 1,538,329 | | | $ | 3,935,955 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | –0 | – | | | 121,285 | | | | | | | | –0 | – | | | 1,820,494 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (652,211 | ) | | | (1,605,506 | ) | | | | | | | (8,933,680 | ) | | | (24,192,444 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (538,759 | ) | | | (1,218,973 | ) | | | | | | $ | (7,395,351 | ) | | $ | (18,435,995 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce its returns.
Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.
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. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in
13
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VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2016.
NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2016 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 1,858,154 | | | $ | 1,940,204 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions paid | | $ | 1,858,154 | | | $ | 1,940,204 | |
| | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 1,150,773 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (10,388,103 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 4,352,716 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (4,884,614 | ) |
| | | | |
(a) | | On December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $9,396,855. During the fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized $15,199,277 of capital loss carryforwards to offset current year net realized gains. At December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had a post- October short-term capital loss deferral of $991,248, which is deemed to arise on January 1, 2016. |
(b) | | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an indefinite period. These post-December 22, 2010 capital losses must be utilized prior to the earlier capital losses, which are subject to expiration. Post-December 22, 2010 capital loss carryforwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered short-term as under previous regulation. As of December 31, 2015, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $9,396,855 which will expire in 2017.
NOTE J: New Accounting Pronouncement
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2015-07 (the “ASU”) which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The ASU also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient but do not utilize that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.
NOTE K: Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.
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VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS A | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $14.11 | | | | $15.50 | | | | $14.22 | | | | $10.63 | | | | $9.37 | | | | $9.84 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | | .10 | (b) | | | .21 | | | | .26 | | | | .19 | | | | .20 | | | | .17 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | .03 | | | | (1.26 | ) | | | 1.31 | | | | 3.70 | | | | 1.26 | | | | (.50 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .13 | | | | (1.05 | ) | | | 1.57 | | | | 3.89 | | | | 1.46 | | | | (.33 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.34 | ) | | | (.29 | ) | | | (.30 | ) | | | (.20 | ) | | | (.14 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $14.24 | | | | $14.11 | | | | $15.50 | | | | $14.22 | | | | $10.63 | | | | $9.37 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | | .92 | %* | | | (6.95 | )%* | | | 11.10 | %* | | | 36.85 | %* | | | 15.73 | % | | | (3.50 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $1,520 | | | | $1,373 | | | | $2,050 | | | | $2,205 | | | | $1,533 | | | | $1,517 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | .88 | %^ | | | .81 | % | | | .79 | % | | | .73 | % | | | .72 | % | | | .71 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | .88 | %^ | | | .81 | % | | | .79 | % | | | .73 | % | | | .72 | % | | | .71 | % |
Net investment income | | | 1.46 | %(b)^ | | | 1.38 | % | | | 1.74 | % | | | 1.51 | % | | | 1.98 | % | | | 1.78 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 36 | % | | | 83 | % | | | 42 | % | | | 44 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 62 | % |
See footnote summary on page 16.
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VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | CLASS B | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) | | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $14.00 | | | | $15.37 | | | | $14.10 | | | | $10.54 | | | | $9.28 | | | | $9.75 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (a) | | | .08 | (b) | | | .17 | | | | .22 | | | | .16 | | | | .17 | | | | .15 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | .03 | | | | (1.25 | ) | | | 1.29 | | | | 3.66 | | | | 1.26 | | | | (.50 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .11 | | | | (1.08 | ) | | | 1.51 | | | | 3.82 | | | | 1.43 | | | | (.35 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | –0 | – | | | (.29 | ) | | | (.24 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.17 | ) | | | (.12 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $14.11 | | | | $14.00 | | | | $15.37 | | | | $14.10 | | | | $10.54 | | | | $9.28 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value (c) | | | .79 | %* | | | (7.17 | )%* | | | 10.77 | %* | | | 36.49 | %* | | | 15.54 | % | | | (3.78 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $78,168 | | | | $85,064 | | | | $112,143 | | | | $132,271 | | | | $157,920 | | | | $175,183 | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.13 | %^ | | | 1.06 | % | | | 1.04 | % | | | .98 | % | | | .97 | % | | | .96 | % |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.13 | %^ | | | 1.06 | % | | | 1.04 | % | | | .98 | % | | | .97 | % | | | .96 | % |
Net investment income | | | 1.21 | %(b)^ | | | 1.14 | % | | | 1.51 | % | | | 1.28 | % | | | 1.72 | % | | | 1.51 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 36 | % | | | 83 | % | | | 42 | % | | | 44 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 62 | % |
(a) | | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | | Net of expenses waived and 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 (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions 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. |
* | | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 by 0, 0.17%, 0.04% and 0.07, respectively. |
See notes to financial statements.
16
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VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Value Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 3-5, 2016 (the “Meeting”).
Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Company’s Senior Officer (who is also the Company’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Company’s Senior Officer.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they receive presentations from the Adviser on the investment results of the Fund and review extensive materials and information presented by the Adviser.
The directors also considered all other factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. In their deliberations, the directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided
The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.
Costs of Services Provided and Profitability
The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues, expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2014 and 2015 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors.
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CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.
Investment Results
In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.
At the Meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 29, 2016 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) the period since inception. Based on their review, and their discussion with the Adviser of the reasons for the Fund’s underperformance in certain periods, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by Broadridge concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same Broadridge category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors considered the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate against a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.
The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for institutional clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Company’s Senior Officer and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors noted that the Adviser advises another AB Fund with a substantially similar investment style for the same fee schedule as the Fund.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.
The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by Broadridge. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted the effects of any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements as a result of an undertaking by the Adviser. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s Broadridge category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.
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Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.
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VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | AB 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 AB Variable Products Series Fund (the “Fund”), in respect of AB 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. |
These factors, with the exception of the first factor, are generally referred to as the “Gartenberg factors,” which were articulated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1982. Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc., 694 F. 2d 923 (2d Cir. 1982). The first factor is an additional factor required to be considered by the AoD. On March 30, 2010, the Supreme Court held the Gartenberg decision was correct in its basic formulation of what Section 36(b) requires: to face liability under Section 36(b), “an investment adviser must charge a fee that is so disproportionately large that it bears no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and could not have been the product of arm’s length bargaining.”Jones v. Harris Associates L.P., 130 S. Ct. 1418 (2010). In the Jones decision, the Court stated the Gartenberg approach fully incorporates the correct understanding of fiduciary duty within the context of Section 36(b) and noted with approval that “Gartenberg insists that all relevant circumstances be taken into account” and “uses the range of fees that might result from arm’s-length bargaining as the benchmark for reviewing challenged fees.”3
PORTFOLIO ADVISORY FEES, NET ASSETS & EXPENSE RATIOS
The Adviser proposed that the Portfolio pays the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.
| | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Category | | Advisory Fee Based on % of Average Daily Net Assets | | Net Assets 03/31/16 ($MIL) |
Value Portfolio | | Value | | 0.55% on first $2.5 billion 0.45% on next $2.5 billion 0.40% on the balance | | $84.3 |
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 $50,834 (0.050% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets) for such services.
1 | | The information in the fee summary was completed on April 21, 2016 and discussed with the Board of Directors on May 3-5, 2016. |
2 | | Future references to the Fund and the Portfolio do not include “AB.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratio rankings refer to the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
3 | | Jones v. Harris at 1427. |
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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 upon at least 60 days’ notice prior to the Portfolio’s prospectus update. The Portfolio was operating below its expense caps for the most recent fiscal year; accordingly the expense limitation undertakings of the Portfolio were 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 |
Value Portfolio | | Class A 1.20% | | | 0.81% | | | December 31 |
| | Class B 1.45% | | | 1.06% | | | |
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, the Adviser is reimbursed for providing some of these services. 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. 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, the Supreme Court has indicated consideration should be given to the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts that have a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio.4 In
4 | | The Supreme Court stated that “courts may give such comparisons the weight that they merit in light of the similarities and differences between the services that the clients in question require, but the courts must be wary of inapt comparisons.” Among the significant differences the Supreme Court noted that may exist between services provided to mutual funds and institutional accounts are “higher marketing costs.” Jones v. Harris at 1428. |
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SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
addition to the AB Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the AB Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Portfolio based on March 31, 2016 net assets:5
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Net Assets 3/31/16 ($MIL) | | AB Institutional Fee Schedule | | Effective AB Inst. Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Value Portfolio | | $84.3 | | U.S. Diversified Value | | | 0.504 | % | | | 0.550 | % |
| | | | 0.65% on 1st $25 million | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 0.50% on next $25 million | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 0.40% on next $50 million | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 0.30% on next $100 million | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 0.25% on the balance | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Minimum account size: $25m | | | | | | | | |
The Adviser also manages AB Trust, Inc.—Value Fund (“Value Fund”), a retail mutual fund, which has a substantially similar investment style as the Portfolio. Set forth below is the fee schedule of Value Fund. Since the Portfolio’s fee schedule is identical as Value Fund, the effective fee of the Portfolio is the same as that of Value Fund.6
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | AB Mutual Fund | | Fee Schedule | | ABMF Effective Fee | |
Value Portfolio | | Value Fund | | 0.55% on first $2.5 billion | | | 0.550 | % |
| | | | 0.45% on next $2.5 billion | | | | |
| | | | 0.40% on the balance | | | | |
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 sub-advisory relationships that have a somewhat similar investment style as the Portfolio. Also shown are the Portfolio’s advisory fee and what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Portfolio had the fee schedule of the sub-advisory relationship been applicable to the Portfolio based on March 31, 2016 net assets.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | | | Fee Schedule | | Effective Sub-Adv. Fee | | | Portfolio Advisory Fee | |
Value Portfolio | | Client # 17,8 | | 0.49% on the first $100 million 0.30% on the next $100 million 0.25% on the balance | | | 0.490% | | | | 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 Portfolio by the Adviser. In addition, to the extent that the sub-advisory relationship is with an affiliate of the Adviser, the fee schedule may not reflect arm’s length bargaining or negotiations.
While it appears that the sub-advisory relationship is paying a lower fee than the Portfolio, it is difficult to evaluate the relevance of such lower fees due to differences in terms of the services provided, risks involved and other competitive factors between the Portfolio and the sub-advisory relationship. There could be various business reasons why an investment adviser would be willing to provide a sub-advisory relationship investment related services at a different fee level than an investment company it is sponsoring where the investment adviser is providing all the services, not just investment management, generally required by a registered investment company.
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 | | The retail mutual fund was also affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYA. As a result, the Portfolio has the same breakpoints in its advisory fee schedule as the retail mutual fund. |
7 | | The client is an affiliate of the Adviser. |
8 | | Assets are aggregated with other client portfolios for purposes of calculating the advisory fee. |
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II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), 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.9,10 Broadridge’s analysis included the comparison of the Portfolio’s contractual management fee, estimated at the approximate current asset level of the Portfolio, to the median of the Portfolio’s Broadridge Expense Group (“EG”)11 and the Fund’s contractual management fee ranking.12
Broadridge describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Broadridge’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, Lipper investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, expense components and attributes. An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Contractual Management Fee (%)13 | | | Broadridge EG Median (%) | | | Broadridge EG Rank | |
Value Portfolio | | | 0.550 | | | | 0.748 | | | | 1/10 | |
Broadridge also compared the Portfolio’s total expense ratio to the medians of the Portfolio’s EG and Broadridge Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classifications/objective and load type as the subject Portfolio.14
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio | | Expense Ratio (%)15 | | | Broadridge EG Median (%) | | | Broadridge Group Rank | | | Broadridge EU Median (%) | | | Broadridge EU Rank | |
Value Portfolio | | | 0.811 | | | | 0.803 | | | | 6/10 | | | | 0.750 | | | | 26/33 | |
Based on this analysis, the Portfolio has a more favorable ranking on a contractual management fee basis than 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.
9 | | The Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since “these comparisons are problematic because these fees, like those challenged, may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length.” Jones v. Harris at 1429. |
10 | | On June 5, 2015, Broadridge acquired the Fiduciary Services and Competitive Intelligence unit, i.e., the group responsible for providing the Portfolio’s 15(c) reports, from Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. The group that maintains Lipper’s expense and performance databases and investment classification/objective remains a part of Thomson Reuters’ Lipper division. Accordingly, the Portfolio’s investment classification/objective continued to be determined by Lipper. |
11 | | Broadridge 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. There are limitations to Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently. |
12 | | The contractual management fee is calculated by Broadridge using the Portfolio’s contractual management fee rate at the 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. Broadridge’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” would mean that Portfolio had the lowest effective fee rate in the Broadridge peer group. |
13 | | The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services. In addition, the contractual management fee does not reflect any advisory fee waiver or expense cap that would effectively reduce the actual management fee. |
14 | | Except for asset (size) comparability, Broadridge uses the same criteria for selecting an EG when selecting an EU. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund. |
15 | | Most recently completed fiscal year end Class A total expense ratio. |
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SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB 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 decreased during calendar year 2015, relative to 2014.
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”), the Portfolio’s distributor and an affiliate of the Adviser, 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, 2015, ABI received $248,265 in Rule 12b-1 fees.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the Adviser incurred distribution expenses in the amount of $516,623 in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. This expense amount incurred by ABI is partially offset by the 12b-1 fees paid by the Portfolio.
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. With respect to the Fund, which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund not discussed in this summary, ABI paid approximately $400,000 in 2015 and expects to pay approximately $450,000 in 2016 for educational support and distribution assistance (revenue sharing payments).
The transfer agent of the Portfolio is AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”). During the most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received a fee of $1,262 from the Portfolio.16
The Portfolio did not effect brokerage transactions and pay commissions through the Adviser’s affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (“SCB & Co.”) nor its U.K. affiliate, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCB Ltd.”), collectively “SCB,” during the Portfolio’s most recently completed fiscal year. The Adviser represented that SCB’s profitability from business conducted in the future 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 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 pricing to scale, breakpoints, fee reductions/waivers and enhancement to services.
In May 2012, an independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors information on the Adviser’s firm-wide average costs from 2005 through 2011 and the potential economies of scale. The independent consultant noted that from 2005 through 2007 the Adviser experienced significant growth in assets under management (“AUM”). During this period, operating expenses increased, in part to keep up with growth, and in part reflecting market returns. However, from 2008 through the first quarter of 2009, AUM rapidly and significantly decreased due to declines in
16 | | The Fund (which includes the Portfolio and other Portfolios of the Fund) paid ABIS a fee of $18,000 in 2015. |
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market value and client withdrawals. When AUM rapidly decreased, some operating expenses categories, including base compensation and office space, adjusted more slowly during this period, resulting in an increase in average costs. Since 2009, AUM has experienced less significant changes. The independent consultant noted that changes in operating expenses reflect changes in business composition and business practices in response to changes in financial markets. Finally, the independent consultant concluded that the increase in average cost and the decline in net operating margin across the Adviser since late 2008 are inconsistent with the view that there are currently reductions in average costs due to economies of scale that can be shared with the AB Mutual Funds managed by the Adviser through lower fees.
Previously in February 2008, the independent consultant provided the Board of Directors an update of Deli’s study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics.17,18 The independent consultant first reiterated the results of his previous two dimensional comparison analysis (fund size and family size) with the Board of Directors.19 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 also compared the advisory fees of the AB 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.
VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
With assets under management of approximately $479 billion as of March 31, 2016, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Portfolio.
The information prepared by Broadridge shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance returns and rankings of the Portfolio20 relative to its Broadridge Performance Group (“PG”) and Broadridge Performance Universe (“PU”)21 for the periods ended February 29, 2016.22
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio (%) | | | PG Median (%) | | | PU Median (%) | | | PG Rank | | | PU Rank | |
Value Portfolio | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
1 year | | | –12.85 | | | | –11.50 | | | | –11.14 | | | | 7/10 | | | | 33/49 | |
3 year | | | 7.35 | | | | 7.23 | | | | 7.48 | | | | 3/10 | | | | 27/47 | |
5 year | | | 6.94 | | | | 6.82 | | | | 7.56 | | | | 4/9 | | | | 29/42 | |
10 year | | | 2.95 | | | | 4.56 | | | | 4.99 | | | | 7/8 | | | | 32/33 | |
17 | | The Deli study, originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data and updated for the February 2008 Presentation, may be of diminished value due to the age of the data used in the presentation and the changes experienced in the industry over the last four years. Source: Deli, Daniel N. “Mutual Fund Advisory Contracts: An Empirical Investigation.”Journal of Finance, 57(1): 109-133 (2002). |
18 | | As mentioned previously, the Supreme Court cautioned against accepting mutual fund fee comparisons without careful scrutiny since the fees may not be the product of negotiations conducted at arm’s length. See Jones V. Harris at 1429. |
19 | | The two dimensional analysis 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. |
20 | | The performance rankings are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. The Portfolio’s performance returns shown were provided by Broadridge. |
21 | | The Portfolio’s PG is identical to the Portfolio’s respective EG. The Portfolio’s PU is not identical to the Portfolio’s EU as the criteria for including/excluding a fund from a PU is somewhat different from that of an EU. |
22 | | Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the fund even if the fund had a different investment classification/objective at a different point in time. |
25
| | |
VALUE PORTFOLIO | | |
SENIOR OFFICER FEE EVALUATION | | |
(continued) | | AB Variable Products Series Fund |
Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Portfolio (in bold)23 versus its benchmark.24 Portfolio and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.25
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Periods Ending February 29, 2016 Annualized Performance | |
| | 1 Year (%) | | | 3 Year (%) | | | 5 Year (%) | | | 10 Year (%) | | | Since Inception (%) | | | Annualized | | | Risk Period (Year) | |
| | | | | | | Volatility (%) | | | Sharpe (%) | | |
Value Portfolio | | | –12.85 | | | | 7.35 | | | | 6.94 | | | | 2.95 | | | | 6.45 | | | | 16.90 | | | | 0.19 | | | | 10 | |
Russell 1000 Value Index | | | –9.41 | | | | 8.27 | | | | 8.81 | | | | 5.13 | | | | 8.44 | | | | 15.91 | | | | 0.32 | | | | 10 | |
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 2, 2016
23 | | The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Portfolio. |
24 | | The Adviser provided Portfolio and benchmark performance return information for periods through February 29, 2016. |
25 | | 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. The 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 viewed 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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VPS-VAL-0152-0616
Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.
ITEM 3. | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. |
Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.
ITEM 4. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. |
Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.
ITEM 5. | AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. |
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 6. | SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS. |
Please see Schedule of Investments contained in the Report to Shareholders included under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 10. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. |
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Fund’s Board of Directors since the Fund last provided disclosure in response to this item.
ITEM 11. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
(a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-2(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) are effective at the reasonable assurance level based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this document.
(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
The following exhibits are attached to this Form N-CSR:
| | |
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): AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
| | |
By: | | /s/ Robert M. Keith |
| | Robert M. Keith |
| | President |
Date: August 15, 2016
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| | |
By: | | /s/ Robert M. Keith |
| | Robert M. Keith |
| | President |
Date: August 15, 2016
| | |
By: | | /s/ Joseph J. Mantineo |
| | Joseph J. Mantineo |
| | Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer |
Date: August 15, 2016